Guest Blogger Ava Pennington and One Year Alone with God

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

AVA PENNINGTON  is a writer, Bible teacher, and speaker. She is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God, endorsed by Kay Arthur. She is co-author of Faith Basics for Kids, including Will I See You Today? and the award-winning Do You Love Me More? Ava has also written for numerous magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, and contributed to more than twenty anthologies, including sixteen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Visit her website: www.AvaWrites.com.

ONE YEAR ALONE WITH GOD: 366 Devotions on the Names of God
by Ava Pennington
Published by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the daily devotional One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God, author Ava Pennington examines the biblical names of God through 366 daily readings and helps readers discover what those names mean for their own faith.

Readers will learn how a particular name of God provides insight into his character, how those attributes affect them individually, and how they should relate to others. Pennington examines each of God’s names for three days, applying these three perspectives to our lives.

Each devotion looks at a particular name of God and includes a passage of Scripture, questions for reflection, and a prayer.

One year from now, will you be able to say that you know God better than you did before? Revitalize your devotional life with an intimate journey through the names of God.

The next 366 days will pass quickly—make each one count!

Readers, buy your copy of One Year Alone with God today! Also available at Barnes & Noble and Christianbook.com

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Wooed to the Dark Side?

I write non-fiction. All sorts of non-fiction, including devotions, personal stories, Bible studies, humor, editorials, and teaching pieces, to name just a few genres. I’ve published a devotional endorsed by Kay Arthur—One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God and co-authored two picture books—Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?

But I don’t write fiction.

Oh, I’ve tried my hand at it a few times. I wrote a novel seven years ago. Finished it, actually. But I promise you, I will never show it to another person. My dear hubby has instructions to burn it in the event of my demise. Still, it was a terrific (maybe terrifying is more accurate) exercise in learning how much I didn’t know about writing fiction.

I did start writing another novel a few years later. Didn’t get very far before I put it away. I wasn't ready. There was still so much I needed to learn.

A friend suggested I join American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I hesitated. After all, ACFW is for novelists, and I write non-fiction. Even if I did want to write a novel someday, I wasn’t ready to be wooed to the dark side just yet. I was doing quite well…or so I thought. Besides, how could learning to write better fiction help a non-fiction writer?

How could it not?

Whether the skill set involved voice, POV, plot, structure, dialogue, or character development, my non-fiction writing benefitted as I studied the craft. My articles are tighter. Descriptions are more vibrant. Teaching is clearer. Creative non-fiction short pieces are more animated, demonstrated by publication in more than twenty anthologies.

My fiction abilities are also improving. I wrote a short story published last year in Christian Fiction Online Magazine (have you CFOMed yet?). Of course, the more I learn, the more I learn how much I need to learn.

My first love is non-fiction. Writing One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God wasn’t work, it was (cliché alert!) a labor of love. Spending time with the Lord, searching for the right words to describe His character and His ways, and experiencing the joy of sharing what He has been teaching me about Himself was an experience like none other. I hope you’ll find it a blessing in your own relationship with Him.

Still, that unfinished novel has been calling my name.

I may yet be wooed to the dark side. :)

* * * * *

Thank you, Ava, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: In what way are you stepping outside your comfort zone?

This week, there is no giveaway. But please do interact with our author, Ava, and thank her for taking the time to visit. As much as readers enjoy getting to know authors, we authors love to hear from readers too!

Spotlight on Sarah Sundin and A Memory Between Us

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the random question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and tennis, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school. She belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers and Christian Authors Network. She is the author of the Wings of Glory series—A Distant Melody (Revell, March 2010), A Memory Between Us (September 2010), and Blue Skies Tomorrow (August 2011).

A MEMORY BETWEEN US
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Baker/Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man. As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways? From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book stands alone.

Readers, buy your copy of A MEMORY BETWEEN US today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

My first novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a standalone, but while doing research, I became enamored with the Eighth Air Force during World War II and wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a trilogy, with each book focusing on one brother. About this time, the character of Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me—what if a poor girl made a bad decision in order to feed her family? What kind of girl would make such a decision? What would she be like when she grew up? I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack—and sparks flew!

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

That’s hard to tease out. Like my heroine, Ruth, I’ve also dealt with shame (although for different reasons), so I was able to follow her on that journey. In general, I try to think like my characters do, so a bit of me goes into each one. I may never have experienced what my characters go through, but I know what it’s like to feel rejected, joyful, angry, terrified, ashamed, or content. However, I’m careful not to make my characters just like me. How boring would that be?

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Maj. Jack Novak would be coffee ice cream—he’s energizing and dynamic. Lt Ruth Doherty would be deep-fried ice cream—a hard shell on the outside, soft and melty on the inside.

4. Are there any themes in A Memory Between Us that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I didn’t write with a theme in mind, but the themes developed from the characters and story. I had named my heroine Ruth because it’s a great period name and one I’ve always loved. Then I re-read the book of Ruth in the Bible and was struck by some inadvertent parallels between the women—which I then chose to develop (isn’t God fun?). I also discovered my theme verse when Boaz praises Ruth for coming to trust under the Lord’s wings. I think I jumped up and down and screeched. I realized both Jack and Ruth needed to learn to trust—and the “wings” reference was perfect for a book about a pilot.

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

The most difficult scene to write was near the end when Ruth had to face her great ordeal. The poor thing had been through so much in the story, and I found myself wanting to back off and resolve the scene early. But I couldn’t. I had to keep pushing the scene and pushing Ruth to the brink, because I knew only when she faced her darkest moment would she see the truth she needed. Argh. I think the Lord must have similar feelings when we go through trials. He knows the lessons we’ll learn, which is why He lets us stay there, but it must grieve Him.

I had many favorite parts. So much of this story wrote itself. Any time I put Jack and Ruth in the same room, the banter flew. I just transcribed their dialogue. It was a lot fun.

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

The third book in the Wings of Glory series, Blue Skies Tomorrow, comes out August 2011.

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

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

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Memory Between Us. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Your turn—what flavor ice cream would you be? Or a chicken-out question—what’s your favorite flavor?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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

Blog Tour - Sarah Sundin and A Distant Melody

Today, I'm pleased to feature another one of my web site clients on my blog today. I'm joining with many others this week on a week-long blog tour spotlighting Sarah Sundin's debut novel, A Distant Melody.

First, the standard details...then my review and author interview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN’s first novel, A Distant Melody, released in March 2010 by Revell. She lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies.

A DISTANT MELODY
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lt. Walter Novak flies a B-17 bomber in battles over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, while Allie Miller serves in the Red Cross against the wishes of her wealthy parents and controlling fiancé in California. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and begin a correspondence. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

Readers, buy your copy of A Distant Melody today!

MY REVIEW

Hmm, where should I begin? As an author who has written more than one wartime romance, the premise for this debut novel by Sundin grabbed me from the start. There's just something about love that blossoms in spite of such tragedy that gives you a sense of hope and inspiration. And just like I included letters exchanged between the key couples, Sundin does the same. The language and the sentiment evident in Allie and Walt's letters are perfect for the time period.

The proof of Sundin's extensive research of B-17's and wartime pilots is clear. She takes you back 70 years and dumps you in the middle of the heartache, the action, the excitement and the suspense of WWII, expertly guiding you along the journey with the vivid characters she's created. Allie's story with her family tears at your heart, but the love and friendship she develops with Walt help heal those wounds.

If you're a fan of wartime romances, grab yourself a copy today, sit back and prepare for an adventurous flight back in time--you'll be glad you did!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story came out of a “what if” question in a contemporary novel I wrote (very badly). What if a man and woman met at an event, truly clicked, and parted before exchanging contact info? Wouldn’t it be romantic if he went through great effort to track her down? Obviously it wouldn’t work in a contemporary setting—he’d “Google” her—but it made a sweet premise for a historical. My husband and I watched a History Channel special on the US Eighth Air Force based in England which flew over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, and I had my link. My great-uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot with the Eighth, so I had access to family stories plus his personal letters. My research fascinated me so much, the story expanded to become a trilogy, with each book focusing on one of three brothers.

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

My experiences only come into play in a general way. For example, like Allie, I was shy and had low self-esteem when I was younger, but unlike Allie, I had accepting parents and a supportive church family, and I was never as socially isolated as she. But I was able to use the feelings of awkwardness and rejection, and build on that.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Allie would describe herself as plain vanilla. She’s quiet, shy, and considers herself plain-looking. However, I think she’s one of those really good vanillas with bits of vanilla bean. She has a big heart and wants to serve God. I love how she grows over the course of the year into a strong and confident young woman.

4. Are there any themes in A Distant Melody that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme that arose is summed up in 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Both Walt and Allie are willing to make sacrifices to please God, but they tend to choose sacrifices according to their own purposes rather than the Lord’s. They each have to learn to obey. Other themes that arose include the importance of honesty and the counter-cultural notion that beauty is not required for someone to be worthy of love.

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

For me, the hardest part to write is always the first chapter—you have to do so much in so few pages. One scene that was emotionally difficult to write was late in the book when Walt receives some bad news similar to bad news I once received. My first draft of that chapter was short and flat. I realized I didn’t want to delve into his emotions, but I had to—for Walt’s sake and for the story—and for myself. My favorite part to write was the rowboat scene when Walt and Allie were sharing some fun banter and having a deep connection. Plus there was humor. I love writing humor. Oh, and Walt surprised me! He plucked a cattail and began poking Allie. I didn’t plan for him to do that. I told him to behave himself and act like a gentleman. He refused. So I left it in.

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

The second book in the Wings of Glory series, A Memory Between Us, releases September 2010: Maj. Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets Lt. Ruth Doherty, a striking nurse with a shameful secret. While Jack leads his squadron in the most savage air battles of the war, Ruth trains to become a flight nurse to better support her orphaned siblings. Can they confront their deepest sins, face their greatest fears, and learn to trust and to love?

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Distant Melody.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

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

** Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Spotlight on Amanda Cabot and Scattered Petals

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

AMANDA CABOT has always been a dreamer, and so it’s no coincidence that her first books for the CBA market are called Texas Dreams. Set in the Hill Country beginning in 1856, these deeply emotional historical romances showcase God’s love as well as that between a man and a woman. The first in the trilogy, Paper Roses, is in its second printing, and Scattered Petals was a March 1 release.

A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. She’s delighted to now be a full-time writer living in Cheyenne, WY with her high school sweetheart/ husband of many years.

SCATTERED PETALS
by Amanda Cabot
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes. When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.

Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals, weaves a tale of drama, love and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.

Readers, buy your copy of Scattered Petals today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I knew I wanted Zach, who was introduced in Paper Roses, to have his own story, so I asked myself who would be the perfect woman for him. The answer came as a bit of a surprise. Who would have thought that a quintessential Texas cowboy like Zach would need a sophisticated East Coast lady? And who would have thought that Priscilla’s craving for adventure would bring her first tragedy, then healing and happiness?

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

Fortunately, I’ve never endured the tragedies that marked both Priscilla and Zach’s lives, so it’s safe to say that my own experiences played little or no part in developing their stories. However, like most authors, I know that part of me creeps into each book. While my characters are never based on real people (including myself), my heroes and heroines frequently embody my personal values. Because I believe in justice and happy endings, readers will find that my protagonists do, too. They’ll also find the recurring theme of the healing power of love, since that’s something I believe in. As for my villains, they tend to be the antithesis of the heroes and heroines, and I’d certainly like to think they’re not based on me.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Zach would be fudge mocha, a strong flavor with unexpected undertones. As for Priscilla, she’s strawberry sorbet – light, sweet but with a flavor you don’t soon forget.

4. Are there any themes in Scattered Petals that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

All of my books seem to have an underlying theme of the healing power of love. I don’t always have that in mind when I begin the book, but since I believe in love (and justice, but that’s another story), there’s usually at least a hint of healing. Scattered Petals, however, was designed as a healing story. Priscilla, who’s been attacked by a bandit, needs to heal both physically and emotionally, while Zach’s healing is internal.

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

The first scene was an extremely difficult one for me to write. It was also a critical one, since it forms the foundation for my heroine’s journey to love and healing, and so – as painful as it was to research and ultimately write – I did it. That scene and the rest of the first chapter are available as an excerpt on my web site.

This is the second book in the series, and for me it was great fun to return to Ladreville, the fictional town I’d created in Paper Roses. I had gotten to know – and love – the people of Ladreville (most of them, that is), and so it was a pleasure to watch the next chapter of their lives unfold. For me, writing the second and third books in a series is a bit like returning to a dear friend’s home – more comfortable the second time around. (Oh, dear, that sounds like a line from a song, doesn’t it?) Anyway, I hope my readers feel the same way and that they enjoy this second Texas Dreams adventure.

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

The third of the Texas Dreams books, Tomorrow’s Garden, is due out next March. It continues the story of Ladreville and its inhabitants. Readers will recognize the hero, who’s introduced in Scattered Petals, but the heroine is new to the town. Here’s the two sentence blurb I wrote for my publisher.

Though Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville’s schoolteacher is just what she needs – an opportunity to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a bright tomorrow – she hasn’t counted on the presence of all too handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood, a man who’s trying to forget his own past. And then there’s her rejected suitor.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Scattered Petals.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Blog Tour & Review - Dan Walsh and The Unfinished Gift

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAN WALSH is the senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, a church he helped found 23 years ago. He is the author of The Unfinished Gift and lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area.

THE UNFINISHED GIFT
by Dan Walsh
Published by Baker/Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather’s attic–the one he is forbidden to touch.

Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts–a young boy’s prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Readers, buy your copy of The Unfinished Gift today!

MY REVIEW

This book is a keeper to be read again and again. It should be right at the top of favorite Christmas reads. If you love nostalgic stories, heartwarming family interactions, memorable characters and a message that rings true, straight to the heart, you won't want to miss this book. But make sure you have your tissues handy. The emotions in this book will resonate with even the toughest of readers.

You experience a rollercoaster of emotions and are taken on a ride through a time in our country when war was tearing the USA and many other nations apart. From Patrick to Mrs. Fortini, from Ian to the crochety old Grandpa and the entire ensemble of characters in between...everyone in this story leaves a mark on you as you read, and you pull for each and every one of them in turn. You won't want to put this book down!

Thanks so much to Donna Hausler at Revell for my copy...which I'm giving away in a drawing to those who leave a comment on this post.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. You've penned an amazing story of redemption, forgiveness, and healing within a single family. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Every Christmas my wife and I love watching those classic stories on TV, the ones that really grab your heart (like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol"). For several years after watching them, I'd have this strong desire to write a story like that, one that at least had the potential to affect others the way these stories affect me.The Unfinished Gift actually came to me just after Christmas in 1998 over two or three days. I saw the ending of the book first, like a scene from a movie playing in my thoughts. Over the next two days, different parts of the story kept dropping into my head. I kept stopping and writing them down. In a few days, the whole story was there, from beginning to end, like a detailed synopsis. From there I sat down and started writing the book. Though many more details emerged as I wrote the book, as far as the story itself, what you see in the book is exactly what came during that burst of inspiration back in '98.

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

I'm sure at some level, I'm drawing from life experiences when I write, but as best as I can tell (and my wife of 33 years agrees), all the characters in The Unfinished Gift are who they are without any help from me. Ian Collins looks like my grandfather, but my grandfather was a wonderful man, and I adored him. Both my Mom and grandmother had the strong affectionate traits of Mrs. Fortini, but they were both shy, timid types. One parallel that might be in play is the idea of family members becoming so offended with each other that they shun each other for years (like Ian did with his son). My mother told me of feuds like this that existed in her family (back in the 40's and 50's), where some became bitter and didn't speak again for the rest of their lives, wouldn't even attend the funeral.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Fair to say, I've never thought of people as ice cream flavors. Let's see, Ian as ice cream. Do they make a black licorice flavor? The thought of that is revolting, so that might be a good pick. For little Patrick, perhaps mint chocolate chip (without the green food coloring). One of my favorite flavors. Got an Irish feel to it, light, bright and refreshing.

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

I can think of one...I wanted to indirectly encourage Moms, who often work so tirelessly and sacrificially, serving in obscurity, pouring their lives and hearts into their kids, wondering if it's enough, wondering how they'll do when these young ones are thrust out into the harsh world beyond their reach. Patrick demonstrates that God sees it all and is able to make it enough. Elizabeth's influence lives on in Patrick's heart and God's sovereign, providential care insures that all these significant obstacles will work together for good.

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

I cried numerous times while writing the book. Sometimes I'd see the scene as if I were right there in the room watching events unfold, and I'd have to stop, regain my composure and keep writing. It only got worse as the story unfolded. But I knew where it was all going, and I cried all the more when we got there. Then I cried almost as much during the many rewrites and then again when I read the book, as a book, when the publisher sent it to me back in August. I don't deliberately set out to write tear-jerkers, but I've decided it's okay to cry at the right times, about the right things. I want to feel whatever you're supposed to feel whenever the love of God breaks through, whenever I see or read things that affect my heart in a good way.

As far as favorite scenes? There's this one scene early on in the book when little Patrick is crouching in this cold, dark bedroom of his grandfather's house, terrified of the dark, of being alone, of all the uncertainty before him. He sees moonlight slipping through the blinds and turns to God in this wonderful childlike way. The way he talks to God and the things he says...no matter how many times I've read that scene, it still gets me.

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

My next book is called The Homecoming, the sequel to The Unfinished Gift. It will be released on June 1st. If I say too much about it now, I'll give away the ending of the first book. After the holiday season is over, I can probably speak more freely about it. I can say this, when I completed The Unfinished Gift, I hadn't planned on a sequel. But virtually everyone who read it--my wife, my test readers, my agent and my editor--all said something like this at the end: "Now in the future, this is going to happen, right?" They all suggested the same thing, something I had already begun thinking about. I can give you this clue, the sequel includes a powerful love story (one I believe Jane Austen fans will appreciate, even though it's written in the 1940's).

You can see the cover for The Homecoming on my blog (http://danwalshbooks.blogspot.com). It's even available for pre-order on Amazon. But be aware of a spoiler alert, if you go on Amazon. The intro blurb for the 2nd book gives away the ending of the 1st book.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of The Unfinished Gift.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

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

Spotlight on Maggie Brendan and The Jewel of His Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MAGGIE BRENDAN is a member of the American Christian Writers (ACW) and the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She was a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award.

Maggie can be found on her blog, http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com and is a resident blogger on http://bustlesandspurs.blogspot.com. Her first book, No Place For a Lady, the first book in the Heart of the West series, was released in January 2009 and received a 4.5 star review from Romantic Times. The Jewel of His Heart, book 2, will be released October of 2009, and received a 4 star review from Romantic Times. A Love of Her Own is scheduled for release in June 2010.

She has begun writing another historical series called The Blue Willow Brides. Maggie is also quoted in, Word Weavers, The Successful Writer’s Critique Groups, that was released in June 2008. She has led a writer’s critique group for the last six years. A TV film version of No Place for a Lady is currently in development for possible movie production.

She recently spoke at a Regional Church Bookstores and Libraries conference in Marietta about The Value of Christian Fiction. She has participated in two of LifeWay Christian Store’s Annual Fiction Event Day.

Maggie is married with two grown children and four grandchildren. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, singing, painting, scrapbooking and being with her family. She lives in Marietta, GA.

THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART
by Maggie Brendan
Published by Baker/Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Romance readers have taken to Maggie Brendan's softer romantic style that perfectly captures life on the American frontier, introducing them to rugged, independent souls and their inner spiritual struggles, and the quest for love that makes for a satisfying read every time. Set in 1890s Montana, The Jewel of His Heart finds Juliana drawn to a handsome, gentle sheepherder--but sparks fly when he considers mining, the occupation that lured her father away from his family. Both Josh and Juliana must make a choice--the world's riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.

Readers, buy your copy of The Jewel of His Heart today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The idea for this story came about after my brother, Jess McCreede (Jerry O’Neal) died, suddenly. He was a western writer and was Deputy Superintendent of Glacier National Park. About six months after he died, I attended the ACFW Denver conference and then traveled on to Montana to see his writing cabin. After exploring the historic nearby towns, I kept seeing Yogo sapphires in many of the shops windows. My husband bought me a pretty Yogo ring. Later I saw the book about the history of the Yogo and thought it’d be fun to create a story around the time of their discovery.

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

Josh’s sense of adventure would be one thing that we have in common. I enjoy traveling to other places and learning new things, which is what my hero does. I consider writing an adventure because it’s like sticking your neck out there and hoping that someone will love your stories. But Josh tends to think he knows what others are thinking about him, and I try to be just the opposite. Until the book was finished and my critique partner pointed it out to me, I didn’t realize that Juliana’s life of growing up without her father may have mirrored mine. However, Juliana is a lot more cautious than I am. I tend to be too trusting in most cases.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Josh would be vanilla since I see him as calm, loyal and steady. Juliana might be butter pecan since her life has been filled with a lot of hard spots to deal with.

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

I’d say the theme is finding out what is more desirable?—the love for the jewels of this world and what they can buy or finding the more eternal jewel—the true value of a woman’s love.

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

That would be the really big conflicts between the hero and heroine. I want to make them as genuine as possible to reflect real life. My favorite without a doubt is describing the outdoors. I love nature and being outside and learning the landscape of the different states is so enjoyable to me.

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

My next book is A Love of Her Own, the last in Heart of the West series and will be released June, 2010. It’s the story of April McBride, Josh’s sister, who travels to Montana to visit him. She’s used to having the world revolve around her with little regard to others. In Montana she finds more than she bargained for in the form of a contrary cowpoke named Wes, who’s a bit rough around the edges. When their paths cross, they mix like water and oil. It’s a face-paced story and character growth for both of them.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Jewel of His Heart.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

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

Spotlight on Janice Thompson and Fools Rush In

Two favorite authors in the same week? How'd I get so lucky? :) Today's spotlight author is not only a favorite but a great friend as well. She's been a wonderful mentor, encourager and given me great support in my career. It's my privilege to introduce her to you today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JANICE THOMPSON is an award-winning author who also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over fifty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

FOOLS RUSH IN
by Janice Thompson
Published by Baker/Revell Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ever wonder how Italian sounds with a Southern drawl?

Bella Rossi's life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella quickly books a Boot-Scootin' wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she doesn't know a thing about country music. Where will she find a deejay on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his George Strait? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Fun, fresh, and full of surprises, this flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex highlights the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Endorsements

"I fell in love with the Rossi clan, who feel as passionately about their pizza as Texans do about chili. Add a hunky cowboy with a slow Southern drawl, and you've got a recipe for one terrific story."--Virginia Smith, author, Stuck in the Middle

"A charming tale about stumbling upon love and finding a bit of your true self along life's journey. This fun read makes you grateful for the truly important things in life."--Megan DiMaria, author, Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands

MY REVIEW

Fools Rush In is a combination of My Big Fat Greek Wedding meeting a hilarious group of Italian Texans. Like the tagline says above. Ever wondered what a southern accent sounds like in Italian? :)

This book has it all -- a pizza-making uncle with ties to the mob, a woman who shouts in Italian while shaking a broomstick at unruly children, more cowboy boots than you could ever need, and a wedding planner with a penchant for misunderstandings.

And this is only book 1! If the rest of the books in this series prove to be as hilarious as the first, this series will find a favorite spot on my bookshelf. I know for a fact that the author is a previous wedding coordinator, and from the stories she's told, I'm sure some of them will end up in her books.

Readers, buy your copy of Fools Rush In today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

In the spring of 2007, I settled into bed with my laptop. . .not an unusual occurrence. I didn’t have a story in mind. In fact, I was on vacation at the time and wasn’t even thinking about writing. However, the moment I saw that empty white screen, I felt like typing. Don’t ask me why, but the words, “If Uncle Lazarro hadn’t left the mob, I probably wouldn’t have a story to tell” shot out of my fingertips. I stared at the screen, more than a little curious. Who was Uncle Lazarro, and why was he in the mob? Worse still, why was he bothering me in the middle of my vacation?

Those who know me know I’m a plotter. I usually plot out an entire story before writing a word. So, for this very “calculating” author to stare at those “inspired” words and not have a clue where she was going with them was unusual, to say the least. Terrifying, even. A normal person would have closed the laptop and rolled over, forgetting about the whole thing. But an inspired person? Well, an inspired person (a.k.a. writer) has no choice but to keep going, even when all of the signs point at impending doom. Or a really funny story.

I stared at the words awhile longer, this time praying for wisdom from on high. Was I really supposed to take these cryptic words and shape them into a story? If so, what would come next? I drew in a deep breath and waited. Moments later, my fingers started flying. Wonder of wonders! I typed blindly, without thinking. A couple of paragraphs later, I had all of my questions about Uncle Lazarro answered and found myself laughing hysterically as I typed. (By the way, this is how a comedy writer knows her words are not her own. Who among us is really that funny?)

About an hour later, I had written the entire prologue to the book that would become FOOLS RUSH IN. I’d not only introduced Uncle Laz, but the entire Rossi family. Best of all, I had a wacky new heroine, Bella, to wrap the story around. When I signed off of the computer that night, I had the strongest sense she would lead me through the rest of the tale.

Thank goodness, I was right. Bella Rossi—a quirky Italian wedding planner from Galveston Island—had quite a story to tell. And thankfully, she chose me to share it with. Through Bella, I learned that cultures can clash, families can squabble, chaos can reign, and weddings can rule the day. . .but in the end, true love always wins out.

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

Usually my own experiences play a huge role in my stories, but not this one. Bella and I don’t have much in common. She’s thin, young and gorgeous and I’m. . .well, I’m not. :) Her wacky Italian family is light-years away from my own, too. These things came from my somewhat overactive imagination! The only things about Bella’s story that ring true to my own life are the setting (Galveston Island, near my home in the Houston area) and the sequined church ladies. (Long story there. I don’t think your readers have the time or the energy for it.) As far as the role my own life experiences played in creating Bella, I would have to confess that I do have some of the same insecurities. I take on big challenges (much like she does in taking over the wedding facility), only to wonder later if I’ve bit off more than I can chew! Still, the Lord always manages to come through, in spite of my stumbles and bumbles!

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Bella would be Rocky Road, no doubt about it. She’s got a lot of “stuff” in her life, and the path isn’t always smooth. But, oh! Talk about delicious, especially once D.J. (her love interest) enters the scene!

4. Are there any themes in Fools Rush In that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Fools Rush In has a wonderful family theme. The Rossi family is loud, fun and in your face. But they’re a terrific bunch. I hope that readers see a bit of their own family members in these quirky characters. As for themes that developed as the story progressed, I would have to say that “coincidences” (or “God incidences”) played a major role in the progression of the story. We often look at things as coincidence (or happenstance) when, in reality, God is giving up opportunities to try new things and meet new people.

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

I honestly can’t think of one part of the book that was difficult to write. I did spend an extra amount of time tweaking the prologue because I wanted it to be just right, especially Uncle Laz’s Damascus Road experience. One of my favorite sections to write is also found in the prologue:

How my uncle settled on Galveston Island is another story altogether, one that involves the untimely passing of my beloved Aunt Bianca, may she rest in peace. Upon her deathbed, she mumbled these strange and startling words: “Toss my ashes into the Gulf of Mexico.” At least we think she said the Gulf of Mexico. My mother insists she must’ve meant Galva Messio’s, her favorite shoe store. Then again, my mom is always looking for an excuse to shop.

Regardless, the entire Rossi clan ended up in Texas, a far cry from Atlantic City, not just in miles, but in personality. Transplanting the whole group of us—three adults and five children—was no small feat. And the little things nearly proved to be our undoing. For example, I spent the better part of my elementary years figuring out how to transition from “you guys” to “y’all,” something I thought would never come naturally. Now, I can “y’all” with the best of ‘em.

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

The second book in the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series is titled SWINGING ON A STAR and it releases in December. Here’s the synopsis:

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. She's got the perfect guy, she's running a successful business, and she's about to plan her most ambitious wedding yet, a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's just one hitch. The best man just happens to be Brock Benson, Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at the Rossi house to avoid the paparazzi?

With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her star-struck sister, her feuding aunt and uncle, and a trio of large, sequined church ladies with even bigger personalities, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs. This hilarious romantic comedy is sure to delight both fans and new readers alike.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Fools Rush In.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

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

Book Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LAURA FRANTZ -- I was born and raised in Kentucky and my love of history goes deep - way back to the 18th-century when my family first came into the Bluegrass State. It will always be home to me, even though I now live with my husband, Randy, and my sons, Wyatt and Paul, in the misty woods of northwest Washington. I go back as often as I can to visit family and all the old haunts that I love.

I grew up playing on the original site of Fort Boonesborough and swimming in the Kentucky River and climbing the Pinnacle near Berea and watching the great outdoor dramas of the early settlers. Often my cousins and brother and I would play in my Granny's attic and dress up in the pioneer costumes she made us and pretend to be Daniel Boone, Rebecca, Jemima, or the Shawnee.

As I grew up I began to write stories and they were always historical, filled with the lore I had heard or read about. It's no accident that my first book (which is actually my fifth book - the others were practice!) is about those first Kentucky pioneers.

I feel blessed beyond measure to write books. My prayer is that you are doubly blessed reading them.

Note: Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE FRONTIERSMAN'S DAUGHTER
by Laura Frantz
Published by Baker/Revell Publishing

Lovely but tough as nails, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's former captivity with the Shawnee Indians, as well as the secret sins of her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded.

Though she faces the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, and the affection of a Shawnee warrior, Lael draws strength from the rugged land she calls home, and from Ma Horn, a distant relative who shows her the healing ways of herbs and roots found in the hills.

But the arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself--and the power of grace and redemption. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.

Laura Frantz's debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.

MY REVIEW

Many of my readers know I have a definite love and passion for the Colonial era of the United States. My first 3 books were set in that time period, amidst the birth of a new nation and the strength of the colonists who made that nation a reality.

Laura Frantz captures the essence of that period with painstaking accuracy. The characters are well developed and believable, each with a rather distinct voice. A treasure trove of historical tidbits and details are interwoven in a way that doesn't take the reader out of the story, but in fact plunges you deeper into the world of the characters.

But what I loved the most was the fact that this author didn't shy away from the harsh realities of living on the frontier. She didn't dwell on the horrific aspects either, but showcased them in a way that painted a clear picture of the struggle, yet left you filling in the blanks for the rest.

This is not a cookie-cutter portrayal of the colonial frontier. Men and women alike will find themselves immersed in this story in different ways, but both can find enjoyment.

Kudos to Laura Frantz on her debut novel! Quite a success!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Frontiersman's Daughter, go HERE

Buy Your Copy of The Frontiersman's Daughter today!

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of The Frontiersman's Daughter.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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.

Spotlight on Ann Shorey and The Edge of Light

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANN SHOREY has been writing for over fifteen years. She's been published in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series, and had one of her stories included in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann has also written articles for various local and regional publications. After completing a narrative family history in 1998, she realized she had uncovered a treasure trove of inspiration, and turned to fiction as a way to put that inspiration to good use.

Ann teaches classes on historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. She works in Sutherlin, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, Richard. The Edge of Light is her first novel.

Ann may be contacted through her website at http://www.annshorey.com/.

She is currently running a contest through Valentine's Day (February 14th): Contact me through my website and answer this question: "Parts of The Edge of Light are true, but most is fiction. Name a scene you think might really have happened." I'll let you know whether you guessed correctly. Either way, your name will be entered in the drawing for a copy of the book plus a $10 Starbucks gift certificate.

THE EDGE OF LIGHT
by Ann Shorey
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Edge of Light is Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove series.

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children. When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she know she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.

Buy Your Copy of The Edge of Light today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I wrote a family history based on ancestor's memoirs dating back to pre-Revolutionary times and continuing through the Oregon Trail years. All the memoirs were written by men, which got me to wondering what the women's lives were like. My novel, and the ones to follow, are inspired by my female ancestors. This is loosely based on the life of one of my great-great aunts.

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

I was able to use my experiences of hunting and camping in a canvas field tent to draw on in imagining some of Molly McGarvie's experiences. The personality traits in my characters are theirs. I'm nowhere near as spunky as Molly is, nor am I as cranky as Aunt Ruby, I hope.

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

Molly would be Rocky Road. She has soft spots for her children, but if you bite too deep she's as firm as frozen almonds.

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

I hope the reader sees that God gives to us exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. When He gives us a word, we need to hold fast to His promises. That theme developed as I wrote--I didn't have a specific theme when I started.

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

I don't want to be a spoiler here. There is a scene in Chapter 7 involving one of her children that was terribly intense to write. My favorite, again not to be a spoiler, was the ending. I loved it.

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

The next book in the series, tentatively entitled Toward the Sunrise, is due out in January 2010. The story focuses on Molly McGarvie's brother and his wife, Matthew and Ellie Craig. Matthew is the pastor of the church in Beldon Grove. When a stranger comes to their community he turns the townspeople against Matthew. What happens to them next is the storyline.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Edge of Light.

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). 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 anyone worldwide.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Virginia Smith and Stuck in the Middle

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stuck in the Middle
Revell (February 1, 2008)
by Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker with the release of her first novel Just As I Am. Since then she has contracted eight novels and published numerous articles and short stories. She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007) and her newest release, Stuck in the Middle (Revell, February 2008), book 1 in the Sister-to-Sister Series.

Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines. An energetic speaker, she loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”Virginia is a speaker, and an avid Scuba diver. She and her husband Ted, divide their times between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for diving trips to the Caribbean!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement-or romance.

That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to catch his eye and get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut and into the life she's been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

"A gentle story of one young woman's season of growth, deftly blending the tangle of family relationships with gifts of whimsey and revelation. A joy to read." ~SHARON HINCK, author of Renovating Becky Miller and Symphony of Secrets

"Virginia Smith has created a charming and humerous novel that celebrates small-town life, generations of women caring for each other, and the value of finding a deeper, more active faith." ~SHARON DUNN, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries

CONTEST INFORMATION

My publisher and I are conducting a contest to promote Stuck in the Middle. I'm giving away a $500 shopping spree on March 31st. All you have to do is subscribe to my bi-monthly eNewsletter to be entered into the drawing. And if you refer someone, you can get more entries. Just tell that person to state your name as the referral when they subscribe. Details are here: www.virginiasmith.org/contest.html

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is book 1 in your new Sister-to-Sister series. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The initial thread of inspiration for Stuck in the Middle came during a family gathering at my mom's house. My sisters and I are very close, but they have so much in common with each other that I sometimes feel left out. They have children the same age, while I had mine ten years before. They're both very much into dramatic arts – they're actresses, directors, and choreographers – while I have never set foot on a stage. They're both really bubbly and outgoing and energetic. I'm by far the quietest person in my family (which some find hard to believe!) So during this gathering, my sisters were holding court in their usual energetic, boisterous way, and I found myself sinking quietly into the background, just watching. I know they love me as deeply as I love them, every bit as much as they love each other. It's just a difference in our personalities, but at times I feel a little left out.

So I decided to translate those feelings into a story. But I wanted to reflect all my feelings about my sisters – the deep love we have for each other, the sense of belonging, the certainty of acceptance no matter what. All those things come from sharing a lifetime of struggles and joys and tears and laughter. My relationship with my sisters is one of the most precious blessings God has given me. They've been with me through. . . well, everything! I wanted to write a book that reflects how important sisters can be to each other.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Allie and Tori and Joan? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

The main points of this book all come from my own experiences. Joan and her sisters are twenty-something adults who are experiencing the ripple effect of their parents' divorce when they were young. My parents divorced when I was nine years old, and I have struggled to overcome the effects of that divorce as I tried to establish lasting relationships as an adult. In Stuck in the Middle, Joan's father deserted after the divorce was final, so she's also trying to work through the impact of those feelings of desertion. Though I still did have contact with my father after my parents' divorce, it was sporadic, and I felt emotionally deserted.

But as you are well aware, fiction takes on a life of its own. I became a Christian when I was twelve, but Joan never had a real relationship with her heavenly Father – which, of course, is an important part of the book! Plus, Joan isn't close to her mother, while my mom and I are extremely close. Joan falls for a gorgeous doctor, which I've never done. And I have never in my life paid $250 for a pair of jeans!

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

The major theme in Stuck in the Middle is God's desire to be a real Father to us. He's not just 'out there' somewhere, loving us from afar. He's right here with us every single moment of every day, loving us intimately and intensely.

The thing that developed as I wrote isn't a theme per se, but it supported the central theme. God will go to great lengths to prove His love for us, even miraculous lengths. One of my favorite scenes is when God sends a very powerful and clear message to Joan through her sister Tori in a simple action. I get chills every time I read that part!

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

The most difficult part for me was the medical detail I needed to include to make the hero believable. Ken is an emergency room doctor, and I don't know the first thing about ER treatment! But thank goodness for ACFW, where I found help from Ronda Wells M.D. and Crystal Laine Miller. They served as my subject matter experts for medical treatments, and also for the process of becoming a doctor.

My favorite part was a scene that takes place in a contemporary mega-church. Joan has been raised in a conservative, ritualistic church and ventures into a worship service like she's never seen before. I had a terrific time writing her reactions to the service. Like when she thinks, "If anybody does anything weird, like drop to the floor and roll, I'm outta here!" She had no idea what to expect, and thought somebody might even pull out a box of snakes or something. It made me laugh out loud as I wrote. And then, a missionary lady stands up in the service and talks about God's miracles on the mission field, and I got goose bumps right along with Joan. When I do readings from this book, that's the part I read. I just love it!

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

The next Sister-to-Sister book, Age before Beauty, comes out in February of 2009. But I have two being released before then. Sincerely, Mayla is the sequel to my debut novel, Just As I Am, and follows my wacky heroine as she faces some unpleasant facts about her family and herself. Namely, that being a control freak is an inherited trait. It's an edgy book, which is appropriate since Mayla is such an edgy character, and since her friends are pretty 'out there.' This book answers the question so many readers have e-mailed and written to ask me: "What happens between Mayla and Pastor Paul?" The wait to find out is over – Sincerely, Mayla comes out in March.

And A Taste of Murder is a romantic suspense novel being released in October from Steeple Hill. In that one, a classical violinist goes to a barbeque festival in Kentucky, and when she checks into the hotel she finds a body in her bathtub covered in barbeque sauce. (Yes, I did say it's suspense, but I had to put something wacky in there, too!) This is the first of a 3-book series, so I'm excited about it.

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog! I really appreciate the opportunity!

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Thank YOU, Ginny, for the bonus interview and the spotlight. :)

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of this book. 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 'email follow-up comments' box when you leave a comment and fill in your email address there if it isn't already showing. 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 Julie Lessman and A Passion Most Pure

*** Don't forget to read about Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Wednesday's spotlight. No comments yet. Wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a FREE book. :) Read below today's spotlight. ***

Today, I have the privilege of introducing a brand new author to you. She has a great story to tell and a fantastic book to share. As a new author myself with a book releasing in February, I'm honored to have Julie with us today.

Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write "Mainstream Inspirational," reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God's precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. Her first book, A Passion Most Pure, was released January 2008. Visit her Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/.


A PASSION MOST PURE
by Julie Lessman
Published by Baker Publishing Group, Revell

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page. Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first novel. Congratulations! And what a cover! Already the buzz is zipping around the Internet and publicity airwaves. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Initially my inspiration was Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, because from the moment I read Gone With the Wind, I was hooked on romance. So much so, that I immediately set out to write (along with thousands of other love-struck young girls, I'm sure), what I hoped would be "the great American novel." Obviously my dreams of grandeur didn't go anywhere (grin), but I did write 150 single-spaced pages of a story that is actually the basis for my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you look at it!), almost forty years passed before God breathed new life into that early attempt and inspired me to finish my childhood novel of passion—only this time the "passion" would be for Him!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Faith and Collin? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

With the heroine, Faith O'Connor, quite a bit. We both have hot tempers and get our "Irish" up more than we should. Also, you might say that Faith is my spiritual self. She has an intimate relationship with God—she talks and prays to Him as naturally as if He is her best friend, but she gets angry with Him too. I like to say that she (and I) are emotionally engaged with the God of the Universe—we laugh with Him, tear up at His goodness to us, and worship Him with all of our hearts. As a matter of fact, Faith and I are so much alike in the spiritual aspect, that a good friend once told me that reading A Passion Most Pure was "like going to lunch with me." I hope that's a good thing!

As far as the hero goes, Collin McGuire is shaped and molded by his anger toward God, much like I was before I came to the Lord. His bitterness changes him from a loving, caring human being into a womanizer who has a grudge against religion and morality, not unlike me as a wild child of the 70's. But God gripped my heart, just as He does Collin, in a way that changed both of our lives forever. Yeah, God!

As far as traits that were theirs alone, I can't really think of any. Mmm...apparently I'm writing about myself in these books … :)

3. What themes exist in A Passion Most Pure that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Well, the most important theme I want readers to see is how natural and fulfilling an intimate relationship with God can and should be. Like breathing. He should be a first resort, not a last one, and a best friend as well as Lord of your life. That's how He is to Faith and to me, and eventually to Collin as well.

The main theme of the book is based on the original title, which was A Chasing After the Wind, from Ecclesiastes 2:26. For me, "wind" is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the book, Faith is "chasing after the wind," that is, the Holy Spirit or God's leading in her life. Collin, too, is "chasing after the wind," but in his case, it is the wind of futility, chasing after his will (sin) rather than God's, which according to Solomon, is "meaningless" and nothing more than "a chasing after the wind."

The most powerful theme of the book, in my opinion, is the message of Deuteronomy 30—the choice between life and death, blessing and curse. Simple application of God's Word—choosing to do things His way rather than our own. Whether it's praying for someone who just cut you off on the road rather than flipping them off, or choosing to remain silent when a morsel of gossip is salivating in your mouth, a decision awaits each of us every minute of every day. But, oh my, the benefits attached to our obedience are PHENOMENAL!! Blessings will overtake you, which is a lesson my heroine in A Passion Most Pure learns, and eventually each of the sisters in the series as well.

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

Well, there weren't any "difficult" parts to write in this one (now book 3, A Passion Denied is another story altogether, but I digress), but there were parts that were easier and more fun to write, such as love scenes—my all-time favorite!! I like tension, lots and LOTS of romantic tension, so when I write those scenes, my keyboard is smoking because my fingers fly. In fact, one of my friends wanted to know why I couldn't just write a nice, "sweet" love scene. Duh, because I would fall asleep! :) Even my husband noticed the fast and furious pace of my love scenes—he said he would be meandering along in a nice, easy passage and then, bam! A love scene would hit, and before he knew it, he was 20 pages down the road! :)

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

Book 2, A Passion Redeemed, will be released in September 2008 (in time for the ACFW book signing at Mall of America, I hope!). Book 2 is Charity's story, a woman who puts her faith in her beauty rather than in God. It is a story of redemption and faith rising from the ashes of temptation, desire and shame. Here is a brief description:

Depth of beauty...shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a cantankerous Irishman who has stolen her heart. But although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. She burned him once; he won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants—one way or another.

Thank you, Tiff, for having me as your guest—it's been fun!

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Thanks, Julie, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of A Passion Most Pure. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com) 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.