CFBA Presents S. Dionne Moore and Promise Brides

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Promise Brides Barbour Books (November 1, 2011) by S. Dionne Moore
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

S. Dionne Moore resides in South Central PA with her family. She is a weekly contributor to The Borrowed Book where she posts tips on the writing life, recipes, and teaches on various writing-related subjects. In addition to writing cozy mysteries, she pens historical romances that bring strong focus to locales within her region of Pennsylvania as a way of indulging her passion for history. In Fall of 2011 her first of three romances set in Wyoming, A Sheepherder's Song, will release.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love is the same, no matter when, no matter where—it never comes without sacrifice. Theodore risks capture for Ellie, but will their hope for a future together be defeated? Can Marylu trust Chester, or is she asking for another broken heart? Will Alaina and Jack find common ground, or will flood waters destroy any possible future? Enjoy three romances from the historic state of Pennsylvania.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise Brides, go HERE.

MY REVIEW

When I first met Sandra, we were both involved in the local ACFW chapter zone of the Mid-Atlantic states. Or, we might have first met at an ACFW conference. I'm not sure. Wherever it was, it didn't take long for us to form a fast friendship, full of laughter, fun stories, and camaraderie you don't find unless you share it with other writers. Our shared passion for history is another tying link. Since my first series was set in historical Delaware, a neighbor to Pennsylvania (and once 3 colonies belonging to that state), I knew I had to get this book.

And Sandra Moore does an amazing job with the historical detail of all 3 books in this collection. I was swept away by the Johnstown Flood story of Alaina and Jack, intrigued by the escape from slavery story of Marylu and Chester, and tugged into the north/south struggle of the war story of Ellie and Theodore. Each one brought unique facets of the history of Pennsylvania to light, and I read the book in 3 short sittings.

The characters all came to life and brought their unique backstory to the pages. If you're looking for some easy reading with some sweet, yet dedicated, love stories, plus a fun history lesson without feeling like you're in school, check out this book. You won't regret it.

*** I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for this review. No compensation was given or received.

Spotlight on S. Dionne Moore and Polly Dent Loses Grip

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. DIONNE MOORE is a mother and writer whose newest passion for Artisan Breadmaking is causing things to truly expand in her life, which makes it a good thing that she is also an avid-walker and gardener. She resides in the great state of PA, and welcomes you to visit her Website, www.sdionnemoore.com, where she is posting new recipes, and Podcasts on writing, on an almost daily basis. Plus there's always a contest running for a chance to win free books and, if you're really lucky, great footcare products. Now what else would you expect from an author whose first book was titled, Murder on the Ol' Bunions?

POLLY DENT LOSES GRIP
by S. Dionne Moore
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

While helping her mother-in-law move into Bridgeton Towers Assisted Living & Nursing, LaTisha Barnhart's nose smells trouble simmering. The residents' gossip is revealing all kinds of motives for murder. Gertrude Herrman is out looking for love in the form of Thomas Philcher (or is it love of his fat wallet instead?), and Polly's fall eliminates Gertrude's competition once and for all. Otis Payne, the venerable director of Bridgeton Towers, is over a barrel when his wife demands cash--or else she'll carry on without him. Mitzi Mullins's penchant for rhyme puts her in direct line as perpetrator of the crime, and Sue Mie's mistake seals Polly's fate.

Can LaTisha stay on her achin' feet, and one step ahead of the villain, long enough to solve yet another crime?

Buy Your Copy of Polly Dent Loses Grip today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Polly Dent Loses Grip has a more serious vein than Murder on the Ol' Bunions because I wanted to show the progression of aging. LaTisha gets sick, but even though she must deal with the effects of her aging body, she doesn't lose her sense of humor!

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

I watched my father's struggle with high blood pressure and diabetes, and now I watch my mother's journey down that same path. Both of these experiences shaped the idea for LaTisha's physical struggles in Polly Dent Loses Grip. But unlike my experience, LaTisha's spirit rises to meet the challenge and she shakes off the gloom that could easily overcome her. She chooses to shake off her doldrums and put her nose to the mystery at hand, while continuing the never-ending job of keeping Hardy in line/

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

LaTisha would be Cappuccino Crunch (Hershey Ice Cream flavor) and Hardy would be Deep Dish Apple Pie (Hershey Ice Cream flavor). Double yum! And they would definitely share their scoops with each other.

4. Are there any themes in Polly Dent Loses Grip that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

The main thrust of the entire LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series is never to lose your sense of humor. We follow LaTisha through Empty Nest Syndrome (book 1) to helping her aging MIL while battling her own sickness (book 2) to LaTisha reinventing herself and her way of life (at 60, no less!) in book 3. No matter what you face, live, love, and laugh. These three things are accomplished by keeping your faith in a firm grip and remembering that it is a natural extension of who you are, not a mask you put on for special occasions.

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

My favorite part of writing any story is watching the characters develop. I enjoy writing deep characters and bringing out aspects of their personalities in unique ways.

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

Your Goose Is Cooked is the final book in the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series and is due to release with the first two books as a compilation in the Fall of 2010. LaTisha and Hardy are back in Maple Gap and cooking up a storm at their new restaurant, Your Goose Is Cooked, when their deaf chef overhears a plot for murder that just might fricassee the mayor's plans for re-election.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Polly Dent Loses Grip.

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 S. Dionne Moore and Murder on the Ol' Bunions

I'm thrilled to introduce to you a great new author who actually sold her book a full year before I did, but due to publisher delays, the book club released occurred one year later. Despite the frustration for her, I'm thrilled because it means our first books released at the same time.

And now, here's Sandra:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free super mom, able to leap piles of homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.

MURDER ON THE OL' BUNIONS
by S. Dionne Moore
Published by Heartsong Presents Mysteries

Join the Club Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first novel with the newly released Heartsong Presents Mystery Club. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

So many things, really. My love of laughter--too many people take life and themselves too seriously--; an agent's comment that she enjoyed my strong, mature women characters; a passion for good mystery; and, not least of all, knowing the Barbour was getting ready to release a new mystery line. I decided to combine a mature woman heroine with a sidekick husband who complements her perfectly, set them in a small town, and have her stumble upon the body of her former employer. The fact that LaTisha Barnhart is an African American is extra fun! By the way, LaTisha is modeled after one of my dear friends, attitude and all!

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

As I'm sure you can imagine, there is a little of me in all of my characters. LaTisha and Hardy enjoy a deep respect for each other that belies their humorous, and often times blunt, interactions with each other, reminiscent of my husband and I. Marion Peters is the woman you love to hate. We all have some of those in our lives. But most of my characters have traits of people I know and love.

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

Don't take yourself too seriously. Love and laugh. Showing a couple with deep respect for each other, who could also have a lot of fun together was really important to me. So many couples never connect on a level where they learn to respect and trust each other, and it sets them up for a rough time in their marriage.

I also wanted to show life after children. As a mother, it's so easy to become entangled in the accomplishments of your children, that you lose yourself. Though LaTisha misses her children, she must learn to fill the void.

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

My fav parts to write are the fun scenes between LaTisha and Hardy. They are so real to me. So quirky and fun, and so aware of each other on so many levels. My least favorite part of writing is editing. Ugh!

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

Polly Dent Loses Grip is the second book in the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series. Polly Dent Loses Grip on the treadmill and takes a fatal spill that's ruled an accident. Helping her mother-in-law move into Bridgeton Towers Assisted Living, LaTisha picks up on the residents' gossip that reveals all kinds of motives for murder. Gertrude Herrman is out looking for love in the form of Thomas Philcher's fat wallet, and Polly's fall eliminates her competition once and for all. Otis Payne, the venerable director of Bridgeton Towers, is over a barrel when his wife demands cash or she'll carry on without him. Mitzi Mullins' penchant for rhyme puts her in direct line as perpetrator of the crime, and and Sue Mie's mistake seals Polly's fate.

It releases in March of 2009. Join the book club and make sure you don't miss a single cozy mystery!

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Murder on the Ol' Bunion.

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

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

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

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