Lyn Cote's Blog, page 73

Lyn Interviews Best-Selling Author Lois Richer

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing a long time friend, Author Lois Richer. She’s just as much fun as she appears in her photo with a puckish sense of humor, generous spirit and a zest of life. Lois is also offering a giveaway today. Here’s Lois:

1. Tell a little about your life and your writing life.

Well, my writing life is my real life. I’ve been writing about 17 years, mostly for Love Inspired but also for Tyndale and a couple of other Christian publishing houses. My goal is to show in each story the practical applications of what I am learning/have learned about the way God works. I have a husband and two grown sons and we travel quite a bit, but wherever we go, my laptop goes along because you never know when inspiration will strike!

2-Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.

It may sound odd, but with each story, I find myself writing what I am currently learning. For instance, my dad died this past September and the story I’m working on now has a hero who has lost his father. Totally God-incidence, by the way. So as I’m learning to deal with my loss, I’m gaining new understanding of how God consoles and also shows His ways. As I write the stories I feel compelled to ‘practice what I preach’. As the characters must grow in their spiritual faith, so must I.

3-In what ways does your heroine show strength? And where does she draw this strength?

My heroines may feel like dummies, or weak or ineffectual, but they never, never show it. They are always women who have chosen a goal that they are determined to achieve. I hope they show their strengths by moving past their fears and stretching themselves to reach for that goal.

4-Share one fun fact about your life or books.

The covers. With Love Inspired you can give suggestions but you never know what you’ll get. I had one story about twins and the cover turned out to be a shot of a mom and dad with twin girls. To my amazement I received a letter from a woman telling me her daughters had modeled for the cover. Out of curiosity she read my book. She was moved to find the story paralleled her own and wrote that she’d rebuilt her faith because of it. That was a very fun time.

To Purchase, click here. Yuletide Proposal (Love Inspired)

Blurb:

Helping children in her hometown is a dream fulfilled for single mother Brianna Benson. But being back in Hope, New Mexico, isn’t easy for the medical clinic’s new child psychologist. Ten years ago, the night before her wedding, Brianna discovered that her fiancé, Zac Ender, betrayed her—and she left town in tears. Now a school administrator, Zac is asking for her help with kids at risk—such as her own troubled son. But how can she work with the man who broke her heart? As Christmas approaches, the gift of reunited love is waiting to be unwrapped

Thanks, Lois, for sharing so candidly with us.

Questions: Have any of you ever read a Lois Richer romance? OR

Do you have any words of comfort or wisdom about grieving you’d like to share?

Leave a comment and be entered in the drawing for Yuletide Proposal!--Lyn

Why Blog? Book Giveaways–Yea or Nay? Need Opinions!

The week of November 30th was the third anniversary of beginning this blog.

Before that week, I took about two years coming up with a different idea for a blog, more than the usual “I’m a writer. Let’s talk about books” theme.  I wanted something that would have a different tone and purpose.

This blog isn’t about me–I hope you’ve noticed.

Occasionally I will post something about one of my books, but primarily this blog is devoted to stories of strong women.

Each of the authors (and readers in May) who guest here not only tell us about their latest book, but they also share a revealing insight into their lives as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. I love hearing the stories from my guest authors.

BUT I ALSO ENJOY HEARING FROM YOU, THE READERS!

For so many years, I would write my books alone in my office and they would go out into the world and I never got to interact with people who read them. This blog is one of the ways I can overcome that former separation.

Many blogs insist that guests give away a book. I permit giveaways but I don’t ask for them or insist on them. Lately I’ve had many authors offer them and I’ve noticed that this may have had a negative effect on the unselfish sharing of ideas and opinions that usually takes place here.

Perhaps it’s just my perception, but over time the leaving comments on here on posts that don’t offer a giveaway have dropped off precipitiously.

So I’m trying to decide. Should I continue letting authors give away a book when they guest or not?

I don’t want this blog to be JUST about entering drawings for books.

It’s about so much more.

I blog to give authors and readers a chance to talk about their lives as strong women and share the stories of strong women they have known.

So should I stop allowing giveaways in 2014? Or limit them?

I don’t want this blog to be about getting but about giving and sharing and uplifting. What do you think? Book Giveaways–Yea or Nay?–Lyn

BTW,  Maria and Tabitha won copies of Marta Perry’s Amish book and Katie J won Carrie Turansky Christmas Love Inspired!

 

Amish Author Marta Perry & Home By Dark

My guest today is my dear friend Marta Perry, who writes such great Amish stories, many with suspense. Her upcoming new release Home by Dark combines both. She is offering two copies of this book for two people who leave comments. Here’s Marta:

“Perhaps you know a woman like the one I’m thinking of…a woman who stays in the background, seldom drawing attention to herself, but performing quiet acts of love and grace toward others. I’m not going to mention her name, because she wouldn’t like that, but when I think of the Christian woman I want to be, I think of her.

Every church has one, I think. She’s the person who’s often found in the kitchen, doing the dishes after a church supper. She’s the one who knows all the children of the church by name. She takes the time to clip out newspaper articles about their triumphs, sending them to the child with a note of congratulations. She never lets a birthday go by without a greeting and never fails to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those she knows. But she is at her best in times of trouble. Those who are struggling with illness or grief are inevitably cheered by a simple note or card from her, often containing a passage of scripture or a small cross, and always the words, I’m praying for you.

We often celebrate, and rightly so, the public triumphs of women. The election of a woman to high office makes all of us proud. The achievement of a female scientist or astronaut gives young girls someone to emulate, and that’s as it should be. Still, I fear that sometimes we are in danger of ignoring the simple human gifts of kindness and generosity performed by the women like my friend. Not that she minds that, not at all. She wouldn’t want to be in the spotlight. But I wouldn’t want to be without the love she brings to my world.

To Purchase, click here. Home by Dark (Hqn)

The protagonist of my latest book, Home By Dark, is a woman of quiet strength. Born Amish, Rachel has lived in the English world for a number of years before she comes home to the small village where she was raised, looking for a refuge for herself and her young daughter. But she finds that safety and security can’t be taken for granted no matter where she lives, and she must call upon her courage and strength to protect her younger brother, her child, and herself from a danger that threatens all of them.

Home By Dark will be available from HQN Books on December 18th, and I’ll be happy to send copies to two people who comment on this question:”–Marta

If you had a fabulous gift to give, who would you give it to? And what would the fabulous gift be? Marta, thanks for being my guest.–Lyn

Author Carrie Turanksy & The Young Single Mom She Most Admires

My guest today is Author Carrie Turansky (shown here with her daughter). She is offering a book giveaway and tells us about a young woman that she admires. Here’s Carrie:

One strong, young woman that I deeply admire is Katie Davis, who lives in Uganda and has opened her heart and home to adopt fourteen daughters. With her deep love for God and her commitment to care for the least of these, some people think of her as a modern day Mother Theresa. I was deeply touched when read her book, Kisses from Katie. I have given copies to several friends who were also impressed by Katie’s commitment to love and serve the people of Uganda.

Katie didn’t grow up with the idea of traveling to Africa and adopting so many children. She is a beautiful, talented girl from Tennessee who was raised in a loving family. She was senior class president and homecoming queen at her high school. As she thought about going off to college another dream formed in her heart, and she visited Uganda for the first time in December of 2006 when she was 18 years old. The culture and people immediately captivated her, and she made the decision to leave her life in the US behind and move to Uganda.

To learn more about Katie’s amazing story pick up a copy of her book, Kisses From Katie, or visit her blog:

Lyn Interviews Debut Love Inspired Author Virginia Carmichael

My guest today is a debut author–brand spanking new and squeaky clean, Virginia Carmichael. I interviewed her so that both you and I can get to know her. VIRGINIA IS OFFERING A BOOK GIVEAWAY so be sure to leave a comment. Here’s Virginia.

1- Tell us a little about your writing and your real life.

I was born in Colorado but raised in Oregon. I spent some time in France, California, and South Carolina while in high school. I went to the University of Oregon and have dual degrees in theoretical linguistics and religious studies. I came back to my home town for ‘just a little while’ and met my husband here. We have six young kids, who are homeschooled and fairly lovely when they’ve had enough sleep. Which isn’t often enough.

I got an idea for a book in 2009, sort of a clean ‘Bridget Jones Diary’ set in academia. I still love that book but it probably won’t ever find a home.

I sat down and started writing. And then when I thought it was good enough, I entered contests, realized it wasn’t very good and started over. Then I entered more contests and got a critique. Then I read a lot of books on craft and chose some things to work on, until I thought it was better. I wish I could say I never queried during that time, but I always thought I was a great author, when actually, I probably shouldn’t have been allowed to e-mail any agent on this planet until 2011. Maybe not even then.

2-Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.

Oh, boy. Probably every day! I was raised with pretty much whatever I wanted, and as the youngest, I just assumed the world was my oyster. College went great, after college was great, working was great… and then when I had kids I suddenly realized I had to make a choice between being the center of the universe or putting God there, instead. It’s a daily battle.

3-In what ways does your heroine show strength? And where does she draw this strength?

My heroine is the classic worldly woman who has been deceived by the world’s idea of success. She draws closer to Jesus when she realizes how very lovely she is. He gives her the strength to step out of her comfort zone (board meetings, business deals, heading a giant company) and offer to give whatever the shelter needs. Which is sometimes filing or even helping out with the little kids.  It sounds easy, but for her, it’s not. In Him, our weakness is strength, and through her willingness to serve, she makes lifetime friendships and falls in love.

4-Share one fun fact about your life or books.

Um. Well, I watch a lot of kid movies and this book is based on a very famous Pixar movie. J I’ll let you figure out which one.

Virginia said:.” It sounds easy, but for her, it’s not. In Him, our weakness is strength, and through her willingness to serve, she makes lifetime friendships and falls in love.”

This sounds really close to what Veronica talked about on Monday.

To enter drawing, leave a comment.

Question: What weakness became your strength? For you or someone you know.–Lyn

To Purchase, click here.

Season of Joy (Love Inspired)

Blurb:

As the holiday season approaches, wealthy CEO Calista Sheffield wants to give instead of receive. So she volunteers at a downtown Denver shelter, never expecting that her own scarred heart will be filled with hope and healing. The mission’s director, handsome Grant Monohan, has devoted his life to helping those in need. But his harrowing past—and what he sees every day—makes him wary of Calista. Unless she shares her painful history, he’ll never believe they can have a future. But a future with Grant at the shelter is the only Christmas gift Calista truly wants.

British Mystery Author Veronica Heley & A Modern Ruth

I’m delighted to welcome British mystery author Veronica Helely who is going to tell us the story of a modern Ruth and share about her latest mystery. Here’s Veronica:

“Hard times in a northern country meant that a new family moved down to live in Ruth’s village and began to learn the language and the local customs. The young people were only too pleased to help the two young men in the family – within the limits of what was right and proper, of course. The newcomers soon found work and in due course Ruth and one of her friends were delighted to be chosen as the young men’s wives.

An added bonus was that their new mother-in-law was the most delightful company. She brought with her much native wisdom and folk lore from her  homeland and the love of her caring God shone through in all her dealings. Soon, no doubt, Ruth and her friend would have children, and the family would be properly absorbed into the village.

Month after month passed and Ruth was distressed to find she still had not conceived. At first she feared her husband might reject her as barren and return her to her family, but as the years went by and neither she nor her friend became pregnant, they lost hope that they would ever have children.

Tragedy struck after ten years. First their father-in-law died, and then his two sons. Their mother-in-law was distraught. Bereft of husband and sons, she decided to return to her own village. Ruth and her sister-in-law both wanted to go with her, but in the end it was only Ruth who made the journey. And there in Bethlehem she found a new life, a second husband and bore a son – a grandson at last for Naomi.

Being unable to conceive can be a great sorrow for a woman. Nowadays some are helped with medical techniques, but some have to accept that they will never bear a child. My mystery heroine Ellie Quicke had a series of miscarriages after the birth of her daughter Diana. These sapped her strength at the time but gave her an understanding of sorrow, and an empathy with those who suffer. Perhaps she would never have gone out of her way to help youngsters in trouble, if it had not been for the miscarriages which had seemed so devastating at the time.

To purchase, click here. Murder in Mind (Ellie Quicke Mysteries)

MURDER IN MIND finds her reaching out to rescue two young members of a family at risk, not to mention taking in the difficult son of a single parent family. I dread to think what would have happened to all three, if she had not made her heart large enough to take them in. What she learned through her own losses helped to make her the strong, sympathetic woman we know and love.

A touching connection between the past and present, Veronica. And it’s so true–our most trying experiences form us into the people we are–for better or worse. Some use their sad experiences to tear down others while many use them to help and encourage others. James says in his book, “Count it all joy when you fall into all kinds of trials.” (Lyn’s paraphrase) I haven’t gotten as far as counting it as a joy, but I can see how God has used my hardest times for my good and for the good of others. Do any of you want to relate what trials have helped you help others?–:Lyn

Only Four Days Left to Enter GoodReads Giveaway of Their Frontier Family

.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;
font-style: normal; background: white; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget img { padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget a { padding: 0 !important; margin: 0; color: #660; text-decoration: none; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget a:visted { color: #660; text-decoration: none; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget a:hover { color: #660; text-decoration: underline !important; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; }
.goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: block; width: 150px; margin: 10px auto 0 !important; padding: 0px 5px !important;
text-align: center; line-height: 1.8em; color: #222; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;
border: 1px solid #6A6454; -moz-border-radius: 5px; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; font-family:arial,verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;
background-image:url(http://www.goodreads.com/images/layou... background-repeat: repeat-x; background-color:#BBB596;
outline: 0; white-space: nowrap;
}
.goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { background-image:url(http://www.goodreads.com/images/layou...
color: black; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;
}

Author Renee Andrews & Giving a Gift No One Else Could

My guest today is Author Renee Andrews and she is going to tell us how she gave a gift no one else could. She’s also offering an autographed copy of Love Reunited and an autographed copy of Guideposts’ Mornings With Jesus 2013 to one commenter. So don’t forget to leave a comment! Here’s Renee:

In May 2010, I met a 24-year-old young man named Matt who had been on dialysis for 4 years.  He reminded me of my boys.  Matt had recently married and wanted to start a full life with his new bride, but the dialysis was gradually failing.  On the day I met him, I told my husband that I felt in my heart that I might be a match.  My husband said that no one in Matt’s family had matched.  The doctors anticipated he had 5-10 years to live if a match wasn’t found. 

I couldn’t get Matt off my heart or my desire to try and help.  I honestly believe God gave me that knowledge, whispering to my heart that I could help and that I should act on that desire.  Without telling Matt, I called the hospital the next day and asked if I could be tested.  They said it’d be a long shot but said I could come in for the first test.  They called the next week and let me know the first test matched. 

I went through two more months of testing, each test showing a match, before my husband and I invited Matt and Brittany to dinner to tell them what I was doing.  I’ll never forget telling them, seeing their tears and knowing that God wasn’t finished yet.  Sure enough, Matt and I both went through the remaining two months of tests and then on November 11, 2010, I donated a kidney that matched, according to the doctors, “better than a sibling.”  The odds were against us matching, but with God, all things are possible, and that match was all God. 

Now, it took more courage than I’d have thought I had for me to have the surgery that gave Matt the chance at a full life.  And I wouldn’t have had it on my own, but with God, I felt strong, able and blessed to have the opportunity.

To purchase, click here. Love Reunited (Love Inspired)

In my book Love Reunited, Georgiana Sanders was raised as the golden girl of Claremont, Alabama.  Homecoming queen and small town beauty, she is as stunning inside as out, and is loved by everyone.  She marries the star quarterback, moves to Tampa and begins what the town sees as a perfect marriage.  But when an accident takes her sight and Pete sees her as less than perfect, he becomes verbally abusive and then ultimately leaves his wife.  Georgiana returns to her hometown with their daughter Abi.  There, with the help of her family, the community, and her childhood friend Landon Cutter, she lets God speak to her heart again, telling her He loves her and that He will be with her always.  With God and with Landon, Georgiana finds the strength to truly live again…and love again. 

Author Annie Jones Tells How She ONCE MORE Found Joy in Writing

Today’s guest is one of my FUN friends. Author Annie Jones has a fun outlook and a sassy charm I find invigorating. If you haven’t visited her zany VINTAGE blog,

Author Christine Johnson & Quiet Strength

My guest today Author Christine Johnson is one of the newer voices to write for Love Inspired Historicals. She’s offering a giveaway of her latest book. Here’s Christine:

“I’m thrilled to join you here today. Do you know someone with quiet strength? I’m not talking about the boastful or physical kind, but about the sort of strength that often goes unnoticed. It’s sometimes called inner strength, the thing we call upon when the going gets tough.

 Mrs. Simmons in my Pearlman series has that quality. She tragically lost her husband years before and, with two children to raise, has to clean houses and take in mending to make ends meet. That kind of fortitude generates the wisdom to see the big picture.

 I’ve been blessed with some wonderful role models of quiet strength. One of them was my grandmother. When her husband joined the war effort in WWII, she had to raise four children with few resources. She wasn’t alone. Many wives faced that same struggle…and still do. It can’t be easy. I salute those military spouses that hold together the family while their husband or wife is overseas.

 My grandmother’s door and arms were always open. Many boarders drifted in and out of their house through the years. I remember them like colorful pages in a picture book. She always made people feel special. Together with my grandfather she helped impoverished children in Mexico get an education.

 But her most courageous battle was with Alzheimer’s disease. It runs in the family, and as the youngest she watched older sisters fall victim to this terrible illness. The prospect of it must have terrified her. You see, she was a prolific letter and journal writer. Her journals from the 1920s have inspired my stories. Alzheimer’s disease steals both the mind and the victim’s dignity. Like her sisters, she could not evade it, and ever so slowly it took away the grandmother I knew. Our visits to the nursing home left me anguished, and many nights I dreamt that my grandmother was her old self again. But those were only dreams. Toward the end, she could no longer speak, but she still sang. The words were garbled and the tune difficult to make out. Hours later, I finally realized that her last song was “Jesus Loves Me.” Even during the ravages of disease, she knew her strength lay with Him.

 In my books, Mrs. Simmons faces many trials. Through every one, she abides in quiet, unbreakable strength, for she knows that Jesus is by her side. My grandmother is just one of the Lord’s witnesses in my life. Who in your life has shown quiet strength?

To purchase, click here. Legacy of Love (Love Inspired Historical)

 Today I’ll be giving away a copy of my book, Legacy of Love, in which Mrs. Simmons’ restless, imaginative daughter, Anna, aspires to become an Egyptologist and discover lost tombs, like the newly-discovered tomb of King Tutankhamun. With no funds for such an adventure, it’ll take the wisdom of quiet strength to show Anna that sometimes the greatest treasure can be found right at home.”–Christine

Christine, Thanks so much for being my guest and sharing about your grandmother. What a woman. To be entered into the drawing, please answer Christine’s question:

Who in your life has shown quiet strength?