Guest Blogger Liz Johnson and A Promise to Protect

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIZ JOHNSON graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations and works as an editorial and marketing manager at a Christian publisher. She is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Promise to Protect is her fourth novel with Love Inspired Suspense. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com, Twitter @LizJohnsonBooks, or Facebook.

A PROMISE TO PROTECT
by Liz Johnson
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive.

Readers, buy your copy of A Promise to Protect today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Characters in the Flesh by Liz Johnson

There I was, minding my own business, running—well, actually, strolling—on the treadmill at the Y when I glanced at the teenage kid running on the treadmill next to mine. I gasped. My toe caught on the track. And I nearly flew backward. A firm grip on the handrails was the only thing that kept me upright.

What surprised me so much that I nearly biffed on the treadmill in front of a room of would-be-athletes?

I’d just laid eyes on the character from the book I was reading. There, right next to me, was twelve-year-old Morris from Allison Pittman’s Stealing Home. An African-American baseball prodigy from 1905—albeit in modern gym attire and sneakers—was pumping his arms and legs like he’d just leaped from the pages of the book I was reading into my world.

Running into characters in real life. It’s a hazard fiction readers—and writers—take.

For writers, sometimes that real face to go along with a name comes before the character isn’t much more than a name. That is not how it was for me with Matt Waterstone, the hero in my newest book, A Promise to Protect. Matt had a name and an occupation. He’s a U.S. Navy SEAL. He even had a best friend—Tristan. But I couldn’t find a face for him.

I’m often guilty of making a SEAL in my mind look more Rambo than regular guy. More Stallone than standard. But the truth is that most SEALs fall into a “normal” appearance. They have to be able to blend into a crowd, have to be able to move without notice. Their training, strength, and endurance set SEALs apart. But you might not be able to pick those traits out just by looking at them.

So when I set out to find a face for my hero, Matt, I looked for someone who could blend in and yet still stand out. He needed unique features, and more importantly the attitude and assurance of a SEAL. That’s when I found Matt Wertz—an indie musician with curly, light brown hair, a slim, powerful build and eyes that convey just enough personality for my own Matt.

I’ve seen Matt Wertz perform live, and while he’s a wonderful artist, sometimes he grins and moves the very opposite of any SEAL I’ve ever imagined, all gangly limbs and adorable dance moves. But sometimes—every now and then—he smiles that lopsided smirk and he transforms into the Matt of my book, into my Matt.

It’s the risk of loving fiction. Seeing a character in person. It’s also one of the great rewards. For me, it adds another—a special—dimension to a story that I clearly loved so much.

Reader Question: Have you ever seen a character in the flesh? Who was it, and what did you do? Here’s hoping you managed to stay on your feet better than I did when I saw Morris on the treadmill.

* * * * *

Thank you, Liz, for sharing with us today.

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

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

Welcome Margaret Daley and Protecting Her Own

This week, we have another Margaret in the spotlight. :) She has sold 75 books so far and keeps on writing!

Please interact with our guest authors by answering the question they provide. Your response will also enter you in the drawing for a free book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARGARET DALEY is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the ACFW Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold seventy-five books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2200 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

PROTECTING HER OWN
by Margaret Daley
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nothing short of her dad's stroke could bring professional bodyguard Cara Madison back to Virginia. But her homecoming turns explosive with a pipe-bomb package addressed to her father. Cara knows two things for sure. First, someone's after either her father or her…or both. And second, this job is too big to handle on her own. Unexpected help comes from agent Connor Fitzgerald. Years ago she'd walked away from him…and love. Now, despite their unresolved feelings, they must join forces—and settle their scarred past—to survive.

Readers, buy your copy of Protecting Her Own (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense) today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Falling in Love Without Falling in Bed
By Margaret Daley

The Five Love Languages
from Gary Chapman

When two people are in a relationship, it is important for each one of them to demonstrate in some way the importance of the other in his/her life. The problem often arises in a relationship when these two people don’t speak the same love language. They don’t speak to the other’s deepest emotional need (a need that has been shaped by their childhood). We want to be loved by the other and valued as worth loving by that person. So how you express your love is important in a relationship. You may be saying, “I love you,” to your significant other, but he isn’t hearing it because he doesn’t speak your language.

These are the five love language:

1) Words of Affirmation-Some people need to hear the words from their loved one to believe they are loved. They need verbal compliments and praises.

2) Receiving Gifts-To others the receiving of a gift from their loved one tells them they are loved by that person. The gifts don’t necessarily have to be expensive. The thought behind the gift is what is most important. It tells the person he was thinking about her. In a time of turmoil the gift of your presence can be what is valued the most.

3) Acts of Service-There are some who need love expressed through doing something for them. It could be something like doing the dishes or taking out the trash. It is important the act of service is given freely, not demanded.

4) Quality Time-Another love language is spending quality time with your loved one. I don’t just mean being with him. I mean really talking and listening to him. You must be totally focused on him to the exclusion of everything else. Within this are also quality activities. When doing things together, one should want to do the activity and the other has agreed. You are showing your love by doing the activity together.

5) Physical Touch-A touch on his arm as you walk by, holding hands on a couch, or a back rub when he is tense can be to some an expression of love. There are many levels of physical touch and not all have to be intimate to show you love someone.

With your characters determine which love language he/she speak and use that in your story to show love as well as to keep a distance between two people.

* * * * *

Thank you, Margaret, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: Which love language are you? Why do you say that?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

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

Welcome Liz Johnson and A Travel-Filled Life

Please interact with our guest authors by answering the question they provide. Your response will also enter you in the drawing for a free book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIZ JOHNSON grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Her first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, released in 2009. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

CODE OF JUSTICE
by Liz Johnson
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Follow the drugs."

Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he's the one who can help Heather find the person responsible…once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy's love.

Readers, buy your copy of Code of Justice today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

For Me a Fiction-filled Life is a Travel-filled Life...
by Liz Johnson

Traveling is one of my favorite parts about being a writer. I’m a big fan of visiting the cities where I set my stories—whether the town is real or fictional. My first book, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, was set in a small town in Oregon called Evergreen. While it was definitely fictional, I drew on my experiences living in another small town in central Oregon. And Crescent City, Colorado, from my second novel was based on Flagstaff, Arizona, where I went to college.

But writing my most recent romantic suspense, Code of Justice, was a test of my memory. Set in Portland, a city I visited only once nearly four years ago, this story takes place among the lush trees and verdant parks that stuck in my mind. I tried to include things like the rain and the humidity of the coast. But I admit that I had to look up more than one map of the city to figure out major thoroughfares and the location of the Portland FBI office. As I wrote my first three books, I discovered that visits and maps are essential to adding details to the story, but I hadn’t yet realized what travel could mean to the basic development of a story idea.

Then I saw a map of historical places in a little town called Franklin, Tennessee. About a twenty mile trip from my current home, Franklin is home to some amazing pieces of history, including Carnton, a plantation that served as a field hospital following the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.

As I explored the history just down the road, my mind exploded with story ideas, which grew exponentially when I visited the white columns and sweeping veranda of the nearly 200-year-old home. Those story ideas blossomed into the synopsis for a novella that will release as part of a Christmas collection from Barbour in September.

On my second visit to Carnton, I nearly missed the tour of the house, as I was so caught up with the view from the front walkway, over the same fields that my characters walked. It’s amazing how location can inspire stories.

To date my favorite story-inspiring trip has been one that my mom and I took last fall to Prince Edward Island. It started as a promise to my mom that I would take her to Anne’s Land when I sold my first book. No one told me I wouldn’t make any money on my first book. So just after my second book released, we set off for the Gentle Island.

I went with the hope of exploring the island setting of Anne of Green Gables and instead discovered a book I didn’t even know I had always wanted to write. I just couldn’t stop thinking about the rolling green hills, red beaches, and clapping waves of PEI, and from that grew a story that I love. Now I just have to find a publisher who loves it as much as I do.

Traveling to new and historic places inspires me and brings to life stories and characters that would have remained hidden. Do you have a favorite travel destination? What types of places do you like to explore? Where do you go to find inspiration and discover new story ideas?

Leave a comment by the end of day on Sunday answering one or more of these questions for a random chance to win a copy of my latest release, Code of Justice.

* * * * *

Thank you, Liz, for sharing with us today.

Guest Questions: Do you have a favorite travel destination? What types of places do you like to explore? Where do you go to find inspiration and discover new story ideas?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to one of the questions for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book above. If you do not answer a question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

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

Spotlight on Liz Johnson and Vanishing Act

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

LIZ JOHNSON grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

VANISHING ACT
by Liz Johnson
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley-and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father's shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side-right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he’s wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

Readers, buy your copy of Vanishing Act today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was really excited to write this story as it features one of the minor characters from my first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. I was so excited to tell Nate's story.

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

As I wrote the book, I realized I was dealing with a lot of fear in my own life, and that wound up as one of the strongest themes in the book--giving fear over to God and trusting that he's in control. But there's certainly a lot of original traits that belong only my characters. For example, Nate loves his coffee, and I'm not a coffee drinker at all. And Nora/Danielle has technical skills that I can only dream of.

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

If Nate were an ice cream, he'd be a Starbucks coffee flavor.

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

As I mentioned, dealing with and facing fear is certainly a big theme throughout the book. I was surprised to see how much Nora's love for her friends was a big part of overcoming her fears at the beginning of the book. Nate's big fear in the book deals with the sins of his father and grandfather, and Nora's fear also comes from what happened when she left her father bleeding in an alley. Those family ties and the sins of fathers came out of the characters and really weren't planned.

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

By far the hardest part for me to write was a fight between Nora/Danielle and Nate. I hated having to write her heartbreak and that he was the one breaking her heart. Fights are the worst for me! My favorite part to write is always the ending. I love a happy ending.

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

The next book is tentatively titled Code of Justice, and is due out in March 2011. Another familiar character, FBI Special Agent Heather Sloan, tracks down the people behind a drug ring that brought down a helicopter--one her Heather and her sister were both riding in. Heather's sister Kit was killed in the crash, so Heather teams up with a local Sheriff's Deputy to solve the crime and begin to heal Heather's heart.

* * * * *

Thank you, Liz, 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 Vanishing Act. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Which of the themes in Vanishing Act (fear or sins of the family) do you most relate to 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 Margaret Daley and Christmas Peril

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARGARET DALEY is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Holt Medallion, Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines. She has sold sixty-six books to date.

Margaret is currently the Volunteer Officer for ACFW. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She served as vice-president for two years in WIN-ACFW and is still on its board as an advisor. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired last year, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community.

You can visit her web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com and read excerpts from her books and learn about the ones recently released and soon to be released.

CHRISTMAS PERIL
by Margaret Daley & Debby Giusti
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas Peril
December 2009 (anthology-2 in 1)

Christmas bells ring with danger in these suspenseful holiday stories

Merry Mayhem by Margaret Daley

When single mom Annie Coleman unexpectedly arrives in Christmas, Oklahoma, police chief Caleb Jackson suspects she's hiding secrets. He'll be watching her closely. And his protection is just what Annie and her daughter need, as danger has followed them to their new home.

Yule Die by Debby Giusti

It's hardly a happy holiday for medical researcher Callie Evans…until she discovers her ailing patient is her long-lost brother. And he's being watched by undercover police officer Joe Petrecelli. When the trio is abducted by a cadre of bad guys, Joe and Callie will have to fight to keep her brother—and themselves—alive.

Readers, buy your copy of Merry Mayhem today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

My editor wanted me to write a Love Inspired Suspense novella with a Christmas theme. I came up with the town of Christmas, OK as the location of the story during December. I figured with a town called that a Christmas theme would come naturally. It did.

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

There’s a little of me in a lot of my characters, but there is a lot that isn’t me. If I made everyone like me, all my characters would sound alike. Often my characters’ back story is very different from mine. And a character trait is molded from a person’s background. Who we are today is because of our past.

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

Annie would be plain vanilla. Up until she receives a call from her ex-boyfriend, her life was pretty dull, uneventful. Then everything changed with the call.

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

Trust was a big theme in my story—trust in the Lord, trust in others, especially the heroine for the hero.

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

Weaving suspense, faith and a romance through a story that is only 30,000 words. That’s hard to do. My favorite part was coming up with Annie’s story. I love to plot and this was a challenge but fun.

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

Cowboy Protector is the third book in the Love Inspired Suspense continuity series in 2010 called Protecting the Witness. My book comes out in March.

Will she ever be safe? Two years ago, Hannah Williams left the Witness Protection program and she’s been running ever since. To stay ahead of the mob, she changes her name and location constantly. So when she takes a job caring for a Montana rancher’s sick daughter, she expects to leave soon. But little Misty Taylor tugs at Hannah’s heartstrings and so does her handsome father. Hannah knows Austin Taylor suspects she’s keeping secrets. But how can she tell him the truth without endangering the pair she’s come to love?

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Christmas Peril, the anthology with Margaret's novella in it.

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 Ramona Richards and Field of Danger

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RAMONA RICHARDS, an award-winning editor, speaker, and author, started writing as a child and sold her first story in her 20s. After 25 years as an editor, she returned to writing fiction, and her first three Steeple Hill novels, including The Taking of Carly Bradford, received 4 ½ stars from Romantic Times magazine. Ramona is a member of the Romance Writers of America and The American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her daughter Rachel near Nashville, and she occasionally escapes by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.

She can also be found online here:
http://www.facebook.com/ramona.richards
http://www.twitter.com/RamonaRichards

FIELD OF DANGER
by Ramona Richards
Published by Steeple Hill / Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Who killed my father?”

Eyewitness to a murder, April Presley wants to answer the deputy sheriff’s harrowing question. But she can’t. She barely caught a glimpse of the crime through the deep Tennessee cornfield, and cannot recall anything to help the investigation. Or can she? Daniel Rivers is certain that April remembers more of his father’s death than she realizes. And the killer agrees.

In the race to uncover April’s missing memory before the killer finds her, Daniel is the only one she can trust to keep her safe. Yet will he stay by her side when the shocking truth is unveiled?

Readers, buy your copy of Field of Danger today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I can’t talk too much about the inspiration or I’ll give away the ending! Let’s say that it’s inspired by a few stories that come out of the farm country of a real small town in Tennessee. The cottage my heroine calls home is based on the homeplace of my real-life friend (and my daughter’s nurse) Phyllis. The book is also dedicated to her.

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

In this case, my hero and heroine, Daniel and April, have more in common with people I know than anything I’ve experienced personally. Daniel was influenced by a number of men I admire, whereas the inspiration for April came from several women I know who have survived some pretty rough times and not only thrived but soared in the love and success that came from their struggles. They are truly examples of how God can turn almost anything to good.

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

April – definitely strawberry. April is a “garden girl.” She’s turned the yard of her cottage into a glorious array of blooms and colorful plants. She has that down-home sweetness, and her home-based business (organic jams and preserves) would add to that. I could even see her letting wild strawberries replace grass in her yard.

Daniel – probably mint chocolate chip. He’s sweet, but has a quiet, steady strength and an exotic bit of sharpness to him.

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

That perseverance is the key to surviving the hard times. April and Daniel really don’t know who to trust and whether she’ll ever remember enough details of the crime she witnessed to help solve it, but they simply never stop trying. The theme that surprised me concerned family legacies – what qualities in ourselves do we pass down to our children and those around us. What do they see in us that we’ll remember forever.

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

My favorite part is an exchange April and Daniel have when they are looking at his father’s photo albums. It’s one of the few quiet moments in the book, when they have a real chance to share with each other. They are both still grieving, and they begin to turn toward each other for the first time.

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

House of Secrets comes out next summer. It’s set in the same county as Field of Danger, but is centered on the sheriff from Field of Danger (Ray Taylor) and April’s sister, June. Ray discovers June standing over the body of their pastor, and at first thinks she may be guilty of murder. Innocent or guilty, June quickly realizes that the secret to the murder is hidden somewhere inside her former home – a secret the killer will do anything to keep concealed.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Field of Danger.

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 Jenness Walker and Double Take

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNESS WALKER fell in love with books before she could even read them. Growing up, she read while she walked in line, ate lunch, played the clarinet, showered and brushed her teeth. Unfortunately she still hasn’t figured out how to clean the house with a book in hand. Blessed with a vivid imagination—sometimes too vivid—Jenness loves to create her own stories as well. Her writing journey has spanned over twenty years so far, from the contest she lost in first grade to the creative writing correspondence course she took through high school and the first novel she penned in college. Now Jenness lives in Florida with her beloved Web site–designer husband and almost-equally-beloved laptop.

DOUBLE TAKE
by Jenness Walker
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cole Leighton can barely believe his eyes. A woman on his bus has just been abducted—in an exact reflection of a scene from the bestselling novel he's reading. Someone is bringing the book to life…and isn't above forcing an innocent woman to follow the story to its tragic end. Using the novel as his playbook, Cole catches up with the beautiful victim—but rescuing Kenzie Jacobs doesn't keep her safe for long. The killer is writing his own ending, and none of the twists and turns lead to happily ever after.

Readers, buy your copy of Double Take today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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

I’m not really sure what inspired it. I’d just read an interview about a book cover model and thought it was pretty interesting. Then I was mulling a couple plots that had been done before and I was trying to come up with something that combined elements of the two. The result was Double Take although it really doesn’t have anything to do with the ideas I’d been brainstorming in the first place. :)

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

Usually my friends and family can pick out bits and pieces of me (or even them) in my characters. This time, not so much. Kenzie is afraid of storms. I love them. Kenzie knows how to whittle. I would slice off my finger if I tried, so I just watched a few tutorials on YouTube. Cole can draw…well, I tried at one point in my life.

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

Kenzie would be cake batter flavored, because deep inside her is a child who grew up too fast, so sometimes she just needs to lick the spatula and reclaim a bit of her innocence. :)

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

I hope readers see that no matter who they are, God loves them. And no matter what they’ve done, His grace can wash them clean. I didn’t necessarily sit down and plan to work specific lessons into the story, but these just sort of flowed out of what the hero and heroine were struggling with internally.

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

Honestly, I had a hard time with the kissing scenes, even though they were very brief. Lol. It’s hard to be original and not lame. I’m not into the whole birds singing or violins playing bit. My favorite part to write was probably the pseudo-Psycho scene. You know how misery loves company? Well, Kenzie was my company to bestow one of my childhood fears upon. :)

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

I don’t have a second contract yet, but I’m reworking my first novel to send to Steeple Hill. It’s about a man who’s lost everything, the woman who tries to bring him back to life, and the killer who wants to destroy them both.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Double Take.

Jenness is also giving away a free book to the first person who emails her a picture of her book on a store shelf. As in...you see it there, not plant it there. :) You can learn more about that on her website by clicking on the contests link.

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 Lynette Eason and A Silent Fury

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LYNETTE EASON grew up in Greenville, SC and currently resides in Spartanburg, SC with her husband and two children. Lynette loves chocolate, writing conferences, going on new adventures with her family, and of course, reading. She considers her writing a ministry and believes God changes lives through the printed word. When she’s not writing, she’s a karate mom, Spartanburg Youth Theatre mom, and chauffer for her two kids.

Lynette is often online and loves to talk writing with anyone who’s interested. You can contact her through her website at www.lynetteeason.com or email her at lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com. She gives God the glory for her giving her the talent and desire to spin stories that bring readers to the edge of their seat, but most importantly, to the throne of Christ.

A SILENT FURY
by Lynette Eason
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

One Dead. One Taken. Tragedy strikes Palmetto Deaf School—twice. With one student murdered and another missing, it's up to homicide detective Catelyn Clark to find the killer—and probable kidnapper—fast. She'll even work with her ex-boyfriend, FBI agent Joseph Santino, to solve the case…while keeping her distance. Relationships between cops never work; her parents taught her that. They also taught her that the only one she can rely on is herself. But when the killer starts targeting Catelyn, it's only by opening her heart to faith—and love—that she can finally bring the silent fury to an end.

Readers, buy your copy of A Silent Fury today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I used to work at the Deaf school here in my hometown of Spartanburg, SC. The first book in the series, A SILENT TERROR was bases VERY loosely on my experience teaching and this second story stemmed from a combination of things. Rumors of gangs in our town and a series of robberies that took place a couple of years ago in a neighbourhood across town from where I live. I simply combined all that and let my imagination have free reign. :)

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

Well, obviously, I put a lot of my teaching experience into the stories that have teachers and being around deaf people and having some close deaf friends influenced my characters greatly.

Traits that are theirs and theirs alone? I think Marianna’s insistence that she doesn’t want a cochlear implant. I understand her situation and the way she feels about that, but if I ever experienced deafness to the point that one might help me, I would probably consider it. Most people deaf from birth won’t even think about it. Notice I said, MOST, not all.

3. Are there any themes in A Silent Fury that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed

Acceptance. Forgiveness is a big one. Self discovery.

Not overt? That sometimes we can accept God’s love and forgiveness, but we have a hard time forgiving ourselves of things we consider “unforgivable”. That forgiving others is necessary for spiritual growth.

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

The hardest thing to write was Catelyn’s parents. They didn’t get along, deliberately antagonized each other and basically created an atmosphere of tension that my heroine was desperate to escape. My parents were nothing like hers in the story so it took some work imagining all of the things she may have gone through as a child, a teenager looking to be loved, etc.

Your favorite - As always, the happy ending.

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

After A SILENT FURY, book 3 will be out in November. It’s called A SILENT PURSUIT and features characters from the first two books, Gina Santino is on the run from a killer that seems to know her every move. The only man who can help her is one she considers a traitor to his Ranger Unit. Sparks fly as they dodge bullets and the bad guys and soon they realize that all is not as it seems. Also, in February 2010, Steeple Hill is releasing an anthology called MY DEADLY VALENTINE. I wrote one of the two books in it. Mine is called DARK OBSESSION and Valerie Hansen wrote the other, DANGEROUS ADMIRER. Then in April, 2010, my first REVELL book, TOO CLOSE TO HOME comes out. It is book 1 in the WOMEN OF JUSTICE series and I’m REALLY excited about that.

6. Is there anything additional you'd like to share with my readers?

Thank you so much for allowing me to be here. I appreciate it! You can purchase my books through any online retailer, in fact here at this blog is a great place to check out the books you might be interested in buying, but I really encourage you to support your local Christian Bookstore.

Again, thanks for having me, Tiff, you rock!

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

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

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 Liz Johnson and The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, LIZ JOHNSON set out to work in the Christian publishing industry, which was her lifelong dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-being an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she wrote articles for several magazines and worked as a freelance editorial consultant.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel.

THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN
by Liz Johnson
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie…but finds himself falling in love.

Readers, buy your copy of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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

It’s hard for me to pin down one specific inspiration for this book. There are a lot of little ones. I think that a big part of developing Kenzie’s story was where I was at in my own life. I had just made two major moves in the span of six months, and I was 1100 miles from my family. I felt like the only one I could lean on was God, so reliance on Him became one of the key themes of Kenzie’s story. I also had a friend from high school who made some really poor choices and ended up in prison for five years. His sister asked me to write to him, and I did. For five years we wrote back and forth, and his letters made me wonder if there was anything that would cause someone to willingly go to prison. It all just developed from there.

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

Well, my characters wouldn’t be mine if they didn’t have reflections of me and my experiences tucked in there. My relationship with Jesus Christ is really important to me, so it’s essential that my faith is reflected in their lives. A lot of times the spiritual lessons that I’m learning end up being core themes in my WIP. On a more individual basis, I’ve noticed that certain characters have picked up some of my bad habits—Kenzie Thorn has a terrible habit of putting her foot in her mouth, which I’m completely guilty of. Sometimes I give my characters traits that may be similar to my own struggles but aren’t exact. While writing my second manuscript, I realized that I have a terrible habit of shopping any time I’m feeling stressed and worried, and I saw that my hero had his own comfort activity in drinking coffee, which I really hate. That's definitely his alone.

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

Kenzie would definitely be a peppermint ice cream. She's both sweet and spicy--as Myles always says she is.

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

As I was writing this, God was busy teaching me about relying on Him, so that's definitely one of the biggest themes in the book. I hope readers will see that God can be relied on in every situation. He cares for those who hope is in Him. Less planned themes include how men will fail us, but God is constant and the need for forgiveness.

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

The first couple chapters were definitely the hardest to write. I always find the first bit tough, as I'm still trying to figure out where the characters are going. But once I got rolling, my favorite part of to write was the chase scene through the forest. Myles is chasing after Kenzie, and it's high intensity. I love writing the heart-pounding moments.

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

My next book isn't under contract yet, but I've just completed my second novel, a follow up to Kenzie and Myles's story. I'm eagerly waiting to hear from my editor about it. It's the story of Myles's boss, Special Agent in Charge Nate Andersen, and the girl he's trying to find. It's a fun romp through fictional Crescent City, Colorado.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn.

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 anyone worldwide.

Spotlight on Virginia Smith and A Taste of Murder

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 ten novels and published numerous articles and short stories. She writes novels about women with a little bit of sass and a whole lot of heart, including Sincerely, Mayla, Stuck in the Middle, and her newest release, A Taste of Murder. 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."

A TASTE OF MURDER
by Virginia Smith
Published by Steeple Hill / Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

When classical music lover Jasmine Delaney accepts a gig to play her violin in a small town, she arrives in time to join in the festivities of the local Bar-B-Q Festival. But when she checks into the hotel, Jazzy is in for a few unpleasant surprises--like a body in the bathtub covered in barbeque sauce. Not even the soothing strains of Mozart can still her jangled nerves--especially when it seems the killer is intent on making her the next victim!

Buy Your Copy of A Taste of Murder Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Almost twenty years ago my husband and I first attended the annual International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky, and we've returned as often as our schedules allowed. I love the smells, the tastes, the wonderful small-town atmosphere. When it was time to pitch a new book, I knew it was the perfect setting for a murder mystery.

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

The main character is probably the least like me of any I've written so far. That's what made her so much fun to write. Jazzy is a clean freak, and is constantly worrying about the germ potential of anything she touches. I firmly believe in the 5-second rule, as long as whatever drops to the ground isn't sticky and dirt-covered when I pick it up. Jazzy has a severe case of stage fright, whereas I am completely at home in front of a crowd. But she does have a few of my qualities, like her ultra-stubborn independence that gets her into trouble. And she overcomes her stage fright by applying a rule I learned when I first started singing in public – close your eyes and focus on performing for an audience of One.

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

If you let Jazzy choose, she'd definitely be Vanilla. She likes things clean and fresh and uncluttered, so anything mixed in with the Vanilla would drive her nuts. Sprinkles? She'd go crazy trying to 'clean' them off. But she'd be double-churned, extra creamy, delicious Vanilla, because there's nothing plain about her.

4. What themes exist in A Taste of Murder that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme is a subtle one. Sometimes God's plans for us are different than our plans for ourselves, and they can take us by surprise. But when we pry our stubborn fingers loose from the future we had planned for ourselves, He can delight us with something far, far better than we ever imagined. That theme developed as the story progressed, because it grew organically from Jazzy's character.

The Bible verse quoted in the front of the book relates to Jazzy's music -- "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 92:1, NIV) That was the verse I had in mind when I started writing, and it is appropriate because it relates to Jazzy overcoming her stage fright by dedicating her music to praising God instead of performing for the people in front of her.

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

The hardest part of writing this story actually took place before the real writing started. I wrote the proposal, which included the first three chapters and a synopsis. Then I got the contract, and started working on the plot outline. (Yes, I outline my mysteries – not so much my contemporary novels, though.) The main plot was spelled out in the synopsis, of course, but I had to come up with enough sub-plots to fill out a full novel. I don't want to give anything away, but to put it in vague terms, I really struggled to come up with a plausible motive for one of the suspects. I couldn't think of any reason Jazzy and Derrick would suspect this person of murder. But eventually, I uncovered this person’s true motive, and it worked. What a relief!

My favorite parts to write were the scenes where Jazzy interacts with Old Sue. My father had a smelly old bird dog years ago named Old Sue, and she was the model for the dog in this story. There's no delicate way to put this – that dog stank. But she had a great personality and a heart of gold, and she was super smart. When I thought about super-clean-freak Jazzy having to pet smelly Old Sue, it made me laugh every time.

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

My next book will be out in February 2009. Age before Beauty is the second book in the Sister-to-Sister Series. (Book one was Stuck in the Middle.) Here's the blurb:

Desperate to stay home with her new baby, Allie Harrod launches a new career. Sure, she dropped out of Girl Scouts because she was lousy at cookie sales, but makeup is different, right? She'll do anything to make enough money to cover her share of the household bills, but how can she focus on her business when her list of problems is growing? None of her pre-baby clothes fit, her checking account is dwindling, and her mother-in-law has decided to move in! To top it off, her husband's attractive coworker suddenly needs his help every weekend. Middle sister Joan insists that God has the answers to all her problems, but Allie isn't so sure. Can she really trust him?

I also have two more romantic suspense novels coming out next year, sequels to A Taste of Murder. In April 2009 Murder at Eagle Summit will be released, which takes place in Park City, Utah, my first novel that isn't set in my home state of Kentucky. And following that in June 2009 comes Scent of Murder, which is set in an artist colony in the Blue Hills of Indiana. I'm super excited about both of these. Each one is more suspenseful than the last!

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

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

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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Spotlight on Ramona Richards and Face of Deceit

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RAMONA RICHARDS has been spinning tales since she was a kid, and she started getting paid for it when she was 18. The author of 5 books and numerous magazine articles, she has won awards for fiction and nonfiction, including first place in the 2008 From the Heart Romance Writers Best Proposal Contest (the Lories). A frequent conference speaker, Ramona loves working with other writers and speaking to women's groups. As an editor, she has worked on staff with a number of publishers and is now an editor with Thomas Nelson Publishers. She has also freelanced for more than 20 magazine and book publishers.

Her first Love Inspired Suspense book, A Murder Among Friends, received 4 ½ stars from Romantic Times magazine, and The Face of Deceit was an Romantic Times Top Pick for September 2008, also receiving 4 ½ stars. Her next book, The Taking of Carly Bradford, releases in May 2009.

Ramona lives with her daughter near Nashville, Tennessee, in a cottage swamped with far too many books, DVDs and CDs. She escapes occasionally to go hiking, scuba diving, or singing in her church choir.

FACE OF DECEIT
by Ramona Richards
Published by Steeple Hill / Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her parents were killed as she looked on, but artist Karen O'Neill has suppressed that childhood horror. Now, years later, someone is destroying her famous "face" vases. Art expert Mason DuBroc suspects that the creepy face Karen molds points toward murder. Karen must know something she shouldn’t. Something a crazed killer will do anything to keep buried . . . with Karen.

Buy Your Copy of Face of Deceit Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The idea came while I was shopping in a local gift shop that has its own pottery studio attached. I saw a plaque with the raised image of a face on it, and I asked the potter whose face it was. Her response, "No one in particular," left me wondering. By the time I got home, I had the basic plot about a potter who witnessed a murder as a child, and as an adult, the face of the killer begins appearing in her art. That's how my heroine's "face vases" were born.

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

If my characters were all based on me, my readers would get bored quickly! :) Most of my characters are based on a combination of people I know or observed, their experiences, tidbits I've learned from books, and some of my own background. In THE FACE OF DECEIT, for instance, Mason's first time on the wheel mirrors my first time with one, but he lost his parents when he was a teen. My parents celebrated their 48th anniversary.

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

Mocha. She loves her Kona coffee and has a deep spirit and rich faith. She's had a very "rocky road" in her life, but she’s a survivor, and she inspires Mason.

4. What themes exist in Face of Deceit that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

That home is less about a house or a town than the people around you who do love and support you. In the end, I hope they see, as Karen does, that building a life is more about making wise choices and relying on God to work in your life than what happened to you in the past.

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

I LOVE writing the ending, of finally bringing all the pieces together. The hardest part for me to write comes near the end, when Karen and Mason think they've lost each other. I cried every time I had to work on it.

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

THE TAKING OF CARLY BRADFORD releases in May 2009. It's about Dee, who is slowly recovering from a devastating loss when she becomes involved in a child abduction case. It's the last book in my Jackson's Retreat series, set in New Hampshire, and finally gives the local police chief (who has been in all three books) a chance at romance.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Face of Deceit.

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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