Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and Courting Miss Amsel

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

KIM VOGEL SAWYER is the author of seventeen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Carol Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

COURTING MISS AMSEL
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Readers, buy your copy of Courting Miss Amsel today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

As a former school teacher, I've always thought it would be fun to feature a schoolmarm in one of my stories. A snippet from an article about women's suffrage--it mentioned that if Nebraska had approved the right-to-vote amendment, it would have been the first state in the U.S. to give voting rights to women--planted a seed, and Edythe Amsel was born. Edythe is a very progressive schoolmarm for 1882, and Walnut Hill, Nebraska, will never be the same once she sweeps through.

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

I had a lot of fun incorporating some of my own teaching methods (tweaked, of course, for a different century) into the story. Like Edythe, I wanted my students to expand their thinking--to grow personally as well as academically. I hate to confess, but I also share a tendency toward stubbornness with Miss Amsel. lol Of all the heroines I've written, I probably related most closely to Edythe because of the teaching aspect and some of her personal traits (stubborn, independent, wanting to make a difference...). But she's a lot spunkier than I ever thought about being! I'm not one to instigate or stand up very well against conflict.

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

Hm, Joel is such a steadfast, dependable fellow, he would probably be something that can stand alone and still blend well with others. So I'd say vanilla with real vanilla beans for an added burst of flavor. As for Edythe, since she has a penchant for "standing out," she'd be a much more exotic flavor...cinnamon with dark chocolate chips.

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

When the story originally formed in my mind, I expected a theme about being true to one's convictions to be the underlying take-away. But as I got to know Edythe better, I realized she had a real problem with letting go of control and leaning into someone else's strength. This impacted her earthly relationships, but also interfered with developing a trust in her heavenly Father. Edythe had as much growing to do as some of the children under her tutelage. Thankfully, God is a patient teacher. :)

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

The most difficult parts concerned the historical aspects--making sure the details were right for that part of the country in that time period. Farming methods have changed greatly in the last 100 years! I scoured every resource I could find, and an 1882 Farmers' Almanac proved the most helpful. As for my favorite parts...any of the classroom scenes. Writing about Edythe relating to her students brought back so many pleasant memories of my own teaching days.

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

The next release is titled A Whisper of Peace, set in Alaska (near Denali) at the turn of the century. I'm not sure of the release date (spring or fall?), but it will definitely be out in 2011. I'm very excited about this story--it features an Athabascan Indian heroine and a pair of missionaries, and was inspired by my visit to Alaska in 2008. It is different from my others historical stories (not a prairie in sight!), but I hope my readers will enjoy getting to know Lizzie, Vivian, and Clay.

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Thank you, Kim, 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 Courting Miss Amsel. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school, and why?

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.

Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and Katy's New World

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM SAWYER is a bestselling, award-winning author who wears many hats besides “writer.” As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim’s passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God’s capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s novels.

KATY'S NEW WORLD
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katy Lambright is given the opportunity to attend a secular high school outside her Mennonite community, she is ecstatic. But as Katy begins to adjust to life outside her community and begins to make decisions for herself, her relationships with her family and lifelong friends become strained. Can Katy balance her new world with the Old Order?

Readers, buy your copy of Katy's New World today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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

In my "former life," I was a teacher. I'm also a mom of three daughters. So I have a desire to be an encouragement to young people. There's an incredible pull for teens to be accepted by their peers, yet acceptance sometimes involves compromising principles. I truly hope these stories will give young readers the courage to hold tight to their convictions regardless of what the "crowd" tells them to do.

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

Like Katy, I grew up Mennonite. I had a fascination with words and writing--had to write out my thoughts or I feared I'd explode. Unlike Katy, I have never lived on a farm, and I had the privilege of two parents. I was painfully shy as a kid--Katy has a lot more spunk than I possessed at that age.

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

I think Katy would be something unique, like Creme Broulee. She stands out in her Mennonite community because of her desire to continue her education; she stands out in the secular high school because of her Mennonite dress. So she'd have to be something outside of the norm, flavor-wise.

4. Are there any themes in Katy's New World that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Obviously, I hope readers recognize the importance of holding tight to Christian convictions. Some things that emerged effortlessly was the importance of family relationships as well as reaching others with the gospel. I can't say any more than that without giving things away. :)

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

Well, it has been a while since I was a 16-year-old girl! (lol) Sliding into the teenage mindset proved more challenging than I had anticipated. I loved the scenes between Katy and her father, as well as the scene with Katy and her grandmother. I enjoyed replaying some tender moments with my own dad and step-grandma as I wrote the story.

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

I'll have two releases in June--the second book in the Katy Lambright series, titled Katy's Debate, and an historical, A Hopeful Heart, which features women from the east attending a herdsman school in Kansas to learn the skills needed to survive as western ranchers' wives. I hope readers will look for both stories.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Katy's New World.

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 Kim Vogel Sawyer and A Promise for Spring

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM VOGEL SAWYER is the bestselling, award-winning author of 12 novels including Waiting for Summer's Return. Her compelling stories always provide not only entertainment, but also life-lessons her readers can use on their Christian walk. She is active in her church where she teaches adult Sunday school and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, Kim relishes time with her husband, daughters, and six grandchildren.

You can visit her blog at http://writespassage.blogspot.com/.

A PROMISE FOR SPRING
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he boarded a ship for America. Though Geoffrey planned to send for her within a few months, five long years have slipped by. And now Emmaline barely remembers her fiance.

Having Emmaline finally living on the sheep ranch he's built on the north fork of the Solomon River is a dream come true for Geoffrey. But his beloved is not the free-spirited girl he remembers. In fact, she wishes to get out of Kansas as quickly as possible!

Begging Emmaline to give prairie life a try, Geoffrey offers a compromise: If she promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country.

Can anything convince a well-bred Englishwoman to become a "wildflower bride"?

Buy Your Copy of A Promise for Spring today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

A friend of mine and I took a research trip across Kansas in 2003 to investigate an historical ranch (the Cottonwood Ranch, now a museum) near the town of Studley. I was a part of a novella group, and I wanted my hero to work on a sheep ranch. Well, after exploring the ranch, I knew the story forming in my head was much bigger than a novella, but not until the novella set was declined did I allow the story seed to blossom because I wasn't sure I'd be able to pursue it. It was a pleasure to bring Emmaline and Geoffrey to life.

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

Hm...dare I admit that I have a tendency toward stubborness? lol As much as one tries to avoid it, our own experiences and tendencies creep into the characters' lives. :o) I also hope the growth displayed--the learning to lean on God instead of depending on one's own strength and understanding--is something found in my life.

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

Well, Emmaline would probably be vanilla. She is soooo proper and unobtrusive. Geoffrey, on the other hand, would be something bold and daring, like chocolate-pistachio-jalapeno. (Are you starting to see a bit of conflict between these two? lol)

4. Are there any themes in A Promise for Spring that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Truthfully, Emmaline and Geoffrey's struggle in this story to trust God to provide during difficult times could probably be reflective of the majority of the population right now! I wanted to develop a theme of "peace amidst the storm" because I needed the reminder in my life. I hope it provides some peace and comfort to my readers.

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

Favorite parts...probably Emmaline's moments of rebellion. I'm not sure what that says about me! But to see her breaking free of her restraints and realizing she had a voice and could use it were very liberating for her (although a tad startling for Geoffrey!). I also loved all the scenes with Miss Tildy--that lady really grew on me. We could all use a "Tildy" in our lives. Most difficult are always the scenes from the hero's POV. Thinking like a "man" doesn't come easily. :)

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

Next up is a very special story to me--titled Fields of Grace, it chronicles a Mennonite family leaving Russia and journeying to America to establish a farm in "the land of Freedoms." They bring the Turkey Red Wheat that turned Kansas into America's breadbasket. It is a story straight from my own family history, and I hope readers will embrace Lillian and her family as they struggle with maintaining the faith of their fathers in this new country.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of A Promise for Spring.

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 US/Canada residents only.

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Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and My Heart Remembers

For those waiting to hear the winners of the past few spotlights, I'll have them all announced later today. Working under a book deadline, I got a mite bit backed up and behind in getting out those announcements. Thanks for your patience. Be sure to check the last 6 spotlights to see if you've won. And if you haven't entered, you still have time today.

Now, for this spotlight, I have the pleasure of sharing with you a dear friend who has been an encouragement and inspiration to me for many years. She has overcome quite a lot in her career and become a featured author on endcaps and spotlighted shelves in bookstores nationwide. I just know you're going to love Kim as much as I do.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Vogel Sawyer has dreamed of being an author since her earliest memories. Seeing her books in print is sometimes still too good to be true. In addition to her writing ministry, Kim travels to women's groups to share her testimony of God's miraculous hand of healing in her life--both physically and emotionally. She sees a correlation between the writing of a good story and God's good plan for every life, and she hopes her stories encourage readers to seek God's will in their own personal lives.

MY HEART REMEMBERS
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House Publishers

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

United by blood, divided by time, will three orphan train siblings ever find one another again? Orphaned in a tenement fire, three Irish-immigrant children are sent to Missouri to be adopted. Despite eight-year-old Maelle's desperate attempts to keep her siblings together, each child is taken by a different family. Yet Maelle vows that she will never stop searching for her brother and sister...and that they will be together one day in the future. Seventeen years later, Maelle is still searching. But the years have washed away her hope... and her memories. What are Mattie and Molly doing now? Where has life taken them? Will she ever see her brother and sister again?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is a new book separate from your previous series books, and one that's already been named a CBD best-seller as well as a Crossings Book Club selection. I LOVE the cover and the premise. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story was inspired by my dear stepgrandmother, who rode an orphan train to a new family when she was very young. Her search for "family" is represented through the characters of Maelle, Mattie, and Molly.

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

Maelle is much gutsier than I have ever been (lol), but we do have one thing in common--we both had a childhood scar to overcome before we could find peace in adulthood. God has a way of bringing healing when we trust Him. I admire Maelle's perseverance in the face of hopelessness, as well as her courage. She was something of a maverick, and she made it work.

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

I believe there is a universal desire to belong...somewhere. Kids who don't feel loved and accepted at home try to find a place of belonging in gangs or cults or other inappropriate settings. There is one place each of us can belong, and that is in God's family. I hope that theme comes through. The theme that slipped in as I wrote is that God has plans for us, and when we seek His leading, "all things work together for good." That was a great reminder for me. :)

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

This was the hardest book I've written to date. Trying to make each character strong enough to stand out, and weaving their storylines...overlapping but not crossing...was quite a challenge! Some of my favorite parts included Petey, the little street urchin (but I'm such a softie when it comes to kids...). I can't say my other favorite parts without giving key elements of the story away! LOL!

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

I'm delighted that in August, readers will get to revisit the community of Gaeddert from my first Bethany House historical, Waiting for Summer's Return. The sequel to Summer's story, titled Where the Heart Leads, features a grown-up Thomas Ollenburger who has a college diploma in hand...but isn't sure how God wants him to use it. I had such fun going back to Gaeddert and peeking in at Peter, Summer, and Thomas again.

Thanks muchly for the opportunity to visit with you, Tiff!

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Thank *you*, Kim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of My Heart Remembers.

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 U.S. residents only.

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