Delia Latham's Blog, page 11

Guest Post: Middle School Ain't Easy!

by Victoria Kimble


I’m going to tell you a secret: Middle school is hard for pretty much everyone. Of course, we as adults know that. But for some reason, those kids in the throes of middle school don’t know that. All they can see from their lens are the smiles and wardrobe successes and random good hair/skin days, and they are sure that they are the only one who is coming up short. Comforting words from adults really aren’t that comforting either. At least they won’t be, for another five or ten years.
When I was in middle school, my friends lived on the pages of books. It was not the coolest thing in the world, but it was true. Those friends weren’t scary because I didn’t have to actually talk to them, but they let me into their lives as they lived out their story. They gave me courage and showed me things about life that I was curious about. They even modeled attitudes and actions that I would take and use in my real life as time passed. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to create those kinds of characters for kids. Characters that will be friends to them, showing them that someone else is feeling what they are about growing up.
My girls are 8, 6 and 4, and clearly, they haven’t reached that magical time fraught with angst. But my heart is already tender toward them and that time. I desperately want to reach them where they are when they get there, but I’m aware that as their mother they might not hear the words I want to say. So I write stories. Stories that maybe they’ll read one day, and when they do a shred of light will pierce their heart and they’ll know that I do understand. But if not them, then maybe other girls.
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I’m so pleased to introduce Summer McKidd and her friends in Soprano Trouble. Summer McKidd is a bright, compassionate 7th grader. She has a good group of friends, which can be a hard feat for someone in junior high. She and her friends love to sing in their choir at school, and this is where her trouble begins. At the fall concert, her friends drag her into a mean prank and Summer is soon sentenced to nursery duty at church. When she walks into the nursery, she sees that the victim of their prank is also a volunteer. Summer begins a friendship with this girl but soon sees that she will have to choose between her group of friends and her new friend. Can Summer do what is right and keep her friends?
Soprano Trouble is the first book in The Choir Girls series, and is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, and TouchPoint Press. The remaining books, Alto Secrets, Harmony Blues and Solo Disaster will be released in 2017.

Victoria is a wife, a mom to three girls, a full-fledged homebody, a so-so housekeeper, a mediocre musician and has dreamed of writing her whole life. She lives at the foot of the Rockies in Littleton, Colorado and she will never take that for granted. She loves French fries, superhero TV shows and movies, and cats. She could probably love the beach if she ever spent any time there.
Order Links:
Amazon (Paperback)Amazon (Kindle) Publisher-direct

Author Interview: Lena Nelson Dooley

Great news, friends! Lena will give away an electronic copy of A HEART'S GIFT. Be sure to leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing.



Lena, it's a pleasure to welcome you to Chirp 'N Chatter. Congratulations on your new release! What inspired you to write A Heart’s Gift?
I’ve always loved second-chance-at-love stories, because they take what has been hurt or broken and make something new out of the situation. I really didn’t realize what I was getting into with this one. It had been percolating in my mind and heart for several years. Then while I was writing it, God kept giving me new inspiration that took the story directions I never planned for it. But all these things only made the story better. He even turned the story into a suspense during the last part of the book.
I love second-chance romance stories too. Aside from the romance, what spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?
For some reason many of my books have the theme of truly trusting God, and this one is no exception. And often my books are about forgiveness, often unmerited forgiveness. Another spiritual theme. But there is a totally unexpected spiritual truth woven into this one. I don’t want to give it away, but God revealed a truth to the hero that was very important.
That's exciting! Something to watch for... :) Let's talk about you just a little. I wonder...what makes you laugh out loud?
The antics of my great grandsons. They are 9, 3, and almost 2. And they are a hoot, especially the 3 year old. The 9 year old is becoming very sensitive to the needs of his great grandparents. All three are joys of my heart.
God certainly provides a blessing in our grands, doesn't He? What book are you currently reading?
I have a 3-book series by Sandra D. Bricker that I hadn’t read because of my busy writing year in 2016. I finished reading On a Ring and a Prayer yesterday and started Be My Valentino. Sandra had a unique voice in her writing that made us laugh and then took us deep into the characters. She went home to be with the Lord late last year. I’ll miss her a lot.
I haven't read any of Sandra's work, but now I'll want to look into that. It sounds like she left quite a legacy.
Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?
I don’t as much insert a spiritual theme in my books as they grow out of the story. I won’t write a story that doesn’t point the way to the Lord, so as the stories progress, the spiritual theme of the book evolves. I am usually several chapters into the book before I begin to discern that theme.
Your process sounds much like my own. Please share your conversion experience, if you’re comfortable doing so.
My mother died when I was 7 years old. I’d been raised in the church, so God and Jesus were often spoken about in our home. During the summer soon a few months after my mother’s death, our little country church had a revival. My older brother walked the aisle on Wednesday night and gave his heart to the Lord. On Saturday night, I told my daddy that I wanted to as well. In those days, people often thought that young children couldn’t understand what that meant. My father remarried the next year. Once again, I asked if I could walk the aisle and accept Jesus. My stepmother, who was a wonderful woman, told me I was too young to understand. I promised myself then and there that I would never tell a child that. Soon after, they realized that I really did understand. Of course, not everything. But I was allowed to give all that I knew of myself to all I know of Jesus and ask Him to live in my heart.
Well, I'm so glad you were finally allowed to walk that aisle! I also received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the age of 7, and have always considered it a scary thing to keep a child from making that decision when he or she wants to do so. I understand the parents' concern, but Jesus did say, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me." Your decision to live for God has blessed a lot of people through the years.
About A HEART'S GIFT:
Because of an earlier betrayal, Franklin vows never to open his heart to another woman. But he desires an heir. When Lorinda is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she will never allow a man to control her again. But how can she provide for her infant son? Marriage seems like the perfect arrangement until two people from Franklin's past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? And how will this affect the way they feel about each other?

About the author:
Award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 875,000 copies of her books sold. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW - DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

She has been on the ECPA and CBA Bestseller lists, Publisher’s Weeklybestseller list, and several Amazon Bestseller lists as well as a reviewers Top Ten Books of 2011.
Her awards include: Will Rogers Medallion Awards, the Selah Award, Reader’s Choice book award, a Reader’s Choice blog award. She has finaled in the Can Golden Scroll Award, and finaled three times in for the Carol Award.
In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She hosts “The Lena Nelson Dooley Show” on the Along Came a Writer blog radio network.
Lena has an active web presence on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linkedin and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books.
Website               BlogPinterest             FacebookTwitter                Official Fan PageGoodreads          Christianbook.com             InstagramPinterest            Amazon Author PageBlogtalk Radio, The Lena Nelson Dooley Show 

Guest Post: Ane Mulligan

I'm delighted to welcome Author Ane Mulligan back to Chirp 'N Chatter! I know you'll enjoy Ane's wonderful post, and...she'll be giving away an electronic copy of WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS! Be sure to leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing.
Everyone Wants to Belong

Every time I passed a mirror, I would look to see if I could catch a glimpse of someone I looked like. You see I was adopted as an infant. Now before y'all get the wrong idea, I had a wonderful childhood in a loving family. I always knew I was adopted. I felt special and loved. I never lacked for love, but when I started school, I met my first set of twins. They were in my class and the two people who looked exactly alike fascinated me. That's when I realized I didn't look like anyone.My lineage is Irish and a pinch of French. My adoptive dad was Scandinavian and mama was German and Scottish. I began to watch sisters who looked alike, a daughter who looked like her mother. And I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. That is when it started; my obsession with looking at people to see if I could find someone I looked like. When I turned fifty, I would look in the mirror and wonder if I looked like my mother or father. Was I a combination of both or a replica of one? I didn't have my biological mother or a sister to ask about the changes that happen to women. I would stare into the mirror and ask whose nose is this? Whose ears? Whose hands?Then in 2009, I found my birth sisters. The whole story is on my website under Adoption. I finally had my answer. I was a replica of my mother – nearly an exact one. I have sisters who look just like me. I have the Mullvain hands. I watched my sisters' mannerisms and realized they were the same as mine!When my youngest sister, Cindy, and her husband came to see us, I don't remember what I did, but her husband, John, turned to her and said, "She is soyour sister." Sweeter words were never heard. And for once, I felt like I truly belonged.I knew if I felt like this, other people—other women—did too. Being a novelist, the natural progression was to write a story about an adoptee who looks nothing like her loving family. I decided to give her a profession that might help her find her birth mother, and it was one with which I had experience. I made her a lobbyist for a pro family group.My heroine had to learn that God had placed her where He wanted her. There is a Scripture I love, Psalm 27: 10 "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close." NLT For me, the story is a tribute to my adoptive parents. And it also is a tribute to how God is trustworthy with our dreams. I had to give Him my dream of finding my birth sisters, and He was faithful with it. In His time, he brought me great joy by fulfilling my dream. I didn't just get a sister, but five of them.
About WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS: Her dream job has a Catch 22—and time's running out Rookie lobbyist Sienna O'Shea is determined to make a name for herself in New York's capitol city and use that influence to gain easier access to her birth records. For years she's searched for her birth mother, but when she's handed her first assignment—to lobby support for the permanent sealing of all adoption records—her worlds collide. Swept up into the intrigue of backroom politics, falling in love was not on Sienna's agenda, but the candidate for Lt. Governor runs a formidable campaign to make her his first lady. When an investigative reporter discovers foreign money infiltrating political campaigns, the trail leads to Sienna's inner circle.
Ane Mulligan writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. An award-winning and multi-published novelist and playwright, Ane is the creative director and CEO of Players Guild@Sugar Hill, a community theater and a contributor to Novel Rocket. She resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a dog of Biblical proportion. You can find Ane on her website at www.anemulligan.com or her Amazon author page.

Guest Post: Dana Pratola

God's Version of SuccessHe found it both perverse and interesting that the children of parents with impossible expectations were often indistinguishable from those whose parents had no expectations at all. (The Covering)We’ve all told our children, “You can be anything you want to be.” I know I have. Sounds positive. Right? We’ve certainly meant it that way. But broadening opportunities for some, simply based on their financial status (whether it be high or low) or ethnicity, and trophies for all participants whether they come in first or last, have introduced a definite problem among today’s youth. “Expectation of success.”The emphasis on education is so strong that kids—and that’s what they are—dive into debt with college loans, when the odds of them finding employment in their chosen field, are narrowing by the day. If they’re following their passions I say, go for it, more power to them. But more often than not, they are following a path laid out for them by parents or society.The drive to succeed becomes habit, and the expectation of success, a devastating blow for those who miss the mark. They can often end up as unproductive—at least in their own eyes—as those who were never encouraged and pushed.Having a job that pays the bills and allows a little left over is now depressing because it’s not THE job, that gives them 4 weeks paid vacation and a summer home. And because of unrealistic expectations, many would rather not try at all, or choose other avenues to attain their version of success, from gambling to get rich quick schemes.Let me say here, I am not endorsing living a life of mediocrity. As Christians, we should all strive for excellence. However, when the striving becomes our primary function, and perfection our single goal, there’s a problem. It’s far too easy to lock our focus on the unattainable and miss everything in between.I hear this frustration every day when people say, “Why pray for that? It’s not going to change anything,” or “I’m one person. My $10 isn’t going to matter.” It’s that all or nothing mentality issued by the world (the devil), designed to make people give up if they don’t see dramatic results right away. But this isn’t how the Kingdom of God works.Just as Jesus came to earth as a baby, starting small and working His way up, as it were, so do our ministries, our outreaches, even our prayers. Some of us know this frustration, and when we find ourselves there, it helps to be reminded that God’s version of success looks nothing like what we’ve been taught. Not only is success God’s idea to begin with, but He knows what we need to attain it, and what it should look like. Philippians 1:6: … who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT) I believe that ultimately, success is fulfilled destiny, which varies greatly from person to person. Entering into heaven, God is not going to say, “well done, top-selling regional sales manager,” but rather, He’s going to identify us by what we’ve done for Him, even if we never see first-hand, the impact we’ve had on someone’s life. He sees the mark we are to hit, that is the success we should strive for. So rest, knowing that He is continuing the work in us. And with that in mind, I wish you all Much Success,
About THE COVERING: What do a woman of faith and a heathen biker have in common? The devil, of course. Tessa is moved to intercede for a man she's never met. When they do meet, she's stunned. Gunnar is gorgeous, charismatic, and driven. He's also hostile, self-destructive, and an unbeliever... and she's drawn to him like no other. The temptation she feels is as dangerous as it is alluring. She wants to stay away, but God has other plans. He reveals the devil's intent to destroy Gunnar, and commissions Tessa to keep him covered in prayer. Can she rely on God to keep her from falling... in love, and into temptation? Or will the devil claim them both?

Purchase THE COVERING

About the Author:God gave me a passion to write Christian Romance. These books don’t contain explicit sex scenes, but my characters have real desires, struggles and choices to make. A lot of the time they make the wrong ones. No subject is prohibited, but good always triumphs and God is glorified.In my personal life, He has also blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic children, all of whom are destined to make wide, colorful splashes in this world. We share our New Jersey home with three dogs. I have no hobbies to speak of, unless you include writing. I don’t. 

Review: Spring Raine

Reviews are starting to come in for my novel, SPRING RAINE (Book 1, Paradise Pines). I'm so excited about this one, from Readers' Favorite! (Release date for Spring Raine is Feb. 24th.)


Spring Raine by Delia Latham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reviewed By Deborah Stone for Readers’ Favorite

Spring Raine (Paradise Pines Series) by Delia Latham is a powerful Christian romance that delivers a whole lot more than romance; it offers wisdom and encouragement throughout. The growing affection between Raine and Declan is touching and tender and is a well designed plot that weaves God's love and truth throughout each situation. Raine is the adult child of controlling parents who have a "plan" for her life. Before she begins the career and life that her parents have chosen for her, Raine treats herself to a three-month vacation at Paradise Pines. A time to relax and enjoy life before she settles into her hectic, all consuming career. Raine finds herself surrounded by nature, peace and unconditional love - all new and inviting.

As Raine enjoys the freedom to make her own choices, she begins to discover who she is and what she wants. A romance with Declan Keller seems like a waste of time since she is only here for the season, but God may have something else in mind. Raine develops friendships with people she has met and she has found a new relationship with God, a personal and real relationship that she never knew could exist. As many curious things happen around her, almost supernatural things, and her eyes are opened to new possibilities, Raine gains a new perspective and now she must make some hard choices.

Delia Latham tells a tender and endearing love story, but this book is so much more than romance. Delia Latham's characters are complex, multi-dimensional and well developed. Raine comes to Paradise Pines to relax and finds a whole different way of life. She finds freedom within herself and with her God. Delia Latham has a gift of descriptive writing that sets you right in the middle of what is happening and makes you feel as if you are a part of it all. "There is no place more joyful or peaceful than where our heavenly Father is, and no arms more loving or tender than His." As the reader experiences the beauty and wonder of the story, you cannot help but be both blessed and moved. Delia Latham has a way of entertaining, teaching and blessing you all at the same time.

Behind the Scenes of Shoba Sadler's CHILD OF DUST

Today we'll sit down to chat with Shoba Sadler, author of the contemporary title Child of Dust. Shoba will take us behind the scenes of her unique new novel and give us a glimpse into her writing.


Shoba, why did you choose to write this type of novel?

Social status and cultural barriers makes for great conflict. Child of Dust is like a modern-day classic of Romeo and Juliet only instead of opposing families, these lovers, Kim and Bryan have cultural and social barriers to contend with.


Kim, the rich and spoilt socialite who loses her money is taken under the wing of her reluctant chauffeur, Bryan, who has his own struggles to deal with. They find love under the most unexpected circumstances.


Can you tell us why you started with an Asian setting for your first two novels?

I was founder of Agape Christian magazine in Malaysia. I also freelanced for the leading English, secular newspaper in Malaysia, The Star. My feature stories forThe Star were several page write-ups with gorgeous photos. Many of my stories were selected by the features editor to be cover stories as well.

As I interviewed people all over the world for Agape, I saw God moving powerfully in Asia and yet there were so few stories coming from there especially in the Christian romance genre.

In Asia, Christianity is seen very much as a Western culture. Yet so many Asians have had powerful encounters with Jesus Christ. Then there is the struggle to validate their faith in the midst of culture, tradition, loss of identity, social stigma and so on.

There alone you have so much material for backdrop, tension, drama, conflict and final resolution.

An example of what I mean can be seen in my short story Finding Enlightenmentthat was awarded second place at faithwriters.com. It can be read here:http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level3-previous.php?id=54362


Talk a little about your unique setting.When I read novels I am drawn to the backdrop and setting. A great description of the setting subtly woven into the story is what makes the difference between being a narrator who takes a person on a journey through his "telling" and a facilitator who steps out of the way altogether to allow the reader to explore the journey on his own. The writer should aim to be the facilitator and not the narrator.

There is nothing like a great setting to make the reader feel like they are there with the characters. It is like the difference between watching a 2D and 3D movie.

Unfortunately, many formulaic romance novels that are churned out in quick production-line succession fails to capture this allure of setting because it takes research and time. It is also not easy to write setting discreetly in the background and that is the only way to write it. Otherwise it will seem like reading lecture notes instead of a story.

I read one review of a multi-cultural romance set in an Asian country where the reviewer said she felt like she was reading a tour company's brochure and that is the wrong emotion to invoke.

So another reason I wrote Child of Dust was to give romance readers a chance to explore unique settings and backdrops not normally experienced by a reader in the current trend of romance novels available out there.


We'd love to hear a little about the historical background for your novel. Will you talk about that?

The main character, Bryan, Kim's chauffeur has been deeply affected by the Vietnam war in the sense that he is the illegitimate child of an American GI and a Vietnamese woman. This historical background sets a different dimension to the story and adds intrigue and authenticity.


Who would you say is the audience for this novel?

Child of Dust is an appealing read for anyone. As I have also written for the secular press, I am able to write in a manner that appeals to all walks of life both Christian and non-Christian. I have had non-Christians tell me they were so engrossed in the story that they didn't not notice the message of the gospel woven into the story. Yet that message is undoubtedly there.

I am an inspirational writer and everyone loves a good inspirational story just as they love watching a Hallmark movie.


What readers have to say about the novel:

"Make sure when getting ready to read Child of Dust that you don't have anything else planned for the day, you won't be able to put this book down. I could go on and on about this book. Highly and strongly recommend it. Is it possible to give a book 10 stars?" --- Debra Dunson, reviewer at The Edgier Christian Fiction Fan

"I found the writing of this story to be close to excellent.... I found this book to be one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. It was interesting, the story kept moving along, and I learned a lot as I read this story. I found myself intrigued with the constant difficulties faced by the protagonists – and their stories were presented so much more like real life stories than any other book I have read in a long, long time." --- Marina, Community Writer, California

"This novel has a consistent rhythm, adding surprise after surprise, twisting our emotions at each new difficulty Kim faces. I couldn't put this book down, waiting to see if any or all the ends would be tired up. I would actually like to see the novel transcend into a movie. An amazing read." --- Brices Mice Christian Book Reviews


About Child of Dust: 

Beautiful but spoilt Vietnamese socialite, Cao Kim Lye, learns of her parents shocking death from the dashing Amerasian family chauffeur, Bryan Nguyen.

Kim steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi. She finds herself living under the roof of a shop cum living quarters with Bryan and his adoptive family.

Ever conscious of the privileged class, Kim struggles against the emotional ties she forms towards Bryan, the reluctant saviour, who considers her an unnecessary hitch to his already complicated life.

He still bears the scars of abandonment by his mother and his American GI father when U.S. troops pulled out of Vietnam.

Eventually Bryan and Kim's powerful attraction to each other begins to break down the wall between them.



About the author: 

Shoba Sadler has been a journalist for 20 years and founder of Agape magazine in Malaysia. She is a versatile inspirational author that likes to write in multiple genres. She has pioneered a new genre in Christian multi-cultural writing with her novel Child of Dust and her many award-winning short stories can be read here http://shobasadler.com/?page_id=250

Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for cooking with farm fresh produce. She lives a healthy lifestyle on a farm with her husband, Kevin, a talented musician, who also loves to surf and ski. They grow their own vegetables and fruits and share their home with a multitude of animals and wildlife. They are passionate about buying directly from local farmers who practice organic farming.

Christmas Extravaganza: A Semi-Precious Christmas

by Jan Elder

On a bright, crisp December morning, jewelry store manager, Peridot Keaton-Jones, arrives at work expecting to find her beloved uncle, Marty. Instead, she’s greeted by the muzzle of a gun pressed to her temple. When thugs assault her, threaten her life, and steal thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, Peri can only pray her uncle is late for the first time in his life. 

Christopher Lane is a TV news cameraman in the right place at the right time. He witnesses the heist, calls the police, and offers help when Peri needs it most. She can't deny her attraction, but is he really her hero, or is he just after a story? And with Christmas right around the corner, can Peri and Chris avert a holiday disaster?
Purchase Jan's books

About Jan Elder
Jan Elder is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.
Happily married for thirteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Review
My first-ever Jan Elder book…and it was well worth the read.First, there’s Peridot Keaton-Jones. Peri’s not your everyday romantic heroine with silly dreams of matrimony and over-sized stars in her eyes. She’s a sensible, down-to-earth, responsible young woman who manages her aging uncle’s jewelry store during the day and goes home to her two cats at night. Neither is Christopher Lane the typical knock-your-socks-off knight in shining armor. He’s a television news cameraman with an adorable little girl and unpleasant memories of a failed marriage. But when Peri’s life is in danger after she interrupts a heist on the jewelry store, Chris happens along—adorable little girl in tow—at just the right time to become a hero.And that’s just the appetizer. It’s followed by an entrée of fun romance with a side of danger, and culminates with a sweet helping of happy-ever-after.I like Jan Elder’s writing style, and especially enjoyed her portrayal of the heroine as an up-front, no-nonsense, WYSIWIG kind of gal. Christopher is the perfect foil to the heroine’s somewhat eccentric personality. Overall, a well-written, beautifully executed tale. The tantalizing taste of danger in the sub-story adds just the right amount of “extra.” A Semi-Precious Christmas is the perfect reason to steal away for an hour or so during the hustle and bustle of the holidays and treat yourself to a little Christmas romance.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write A Semi-Precious Christmas?
A few years ago, the jewelry store right up the road from my husband and I was robbed. The saleswoman we know best (yes, my husband is a sweetheart!) was threatened by the criminal. When she was relating the story of how the thug had pointed a gun at her face—half scaring her to death—I could see the residual fear in her eyes and feel her trembling angst down to my tippy toes. I got to thinking how I would feel and react if I were in the same situation. I put myself in my friend’s shoes and tried to relive the moment. And thus, a story was born!

What makes you laugh out loud?
I have two cats that make me crack up on a regular basis. They are both very “dog-like” and every night they “perform” in order to remind us that dinner time is right around the corner. Jamie (chubby black and white tuxedo, age nine) chatters up a storm and cocks her head winningly (at least in her estimation.) She’s even been known to bat her eyelashes. If that doesn’t work, she lands in your lap—surprise!
Shu-Shu (skinny tortoiseshell, age 14) is a little subtler with her efforts to win us over. She has a favorite toy she will drop at our feet. Then she will fall over on her side, ker-plunk (she also plops down when you say “bang” and rolls over on command.) Who could resist their antics?
Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special? Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books?
When I started to write a few years back, I wanted whatever I came up with to be worth reading. It had to have a Christian message of some kind, subtle or broad, whatever the book required. It’s who I am, it’s what I know, but more importantly, there really is a reason I write. Psalm 9 has always meant a great deal to me, and now the first two verses hold a brand-new meaning.
I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I’m writing the book on your wonders.
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I’m singing your song, High God.
In A Semi-Precious Christmas, I wanted to show God’s perfect timing running throughout the book. Have you ever noticed that God shows up just when you need Him, and it’s often in the shape of a person? In the novella, He sent my hero, Chris, to help someone who desperately needed help. The Lord used officers, doctors, friends, a child, and even an unwilling accomplice to be His hands and His feet. God can take something terrible and turn it into something good.
But since I also write romance, the inevitable eligible guy and my heroine, Peridot, the single jewelry store manager, needed to find each other. They worked through their respective baggage together and in the end, it was their trust in God that saves the day.  

Christmas Extravaganza: A Christmas Promise

by Tamera Kraft



A Moravian Holiday Story, Circa 1773
During colonial times, John and Anna settle in an Ohio village to become Moravian missionaries to the Lenape. When John is called away to help at another settlement two days before Christmas, he promises he’ll be back by Christmas Day.
When he doesn’t show up, Anna works hard to not fear the worst while she provides her children with a traditional Moravian Christmas.
Through it all, she discovers a Christmas promise that will give her the peace she craves.
Available at these online stores:
AMAZON (Only $0.99)     PELICAN BOOK GROUP    CHRISTIANBOOK     BARNES AND NOBLE

About Tamera Lynn Kraft Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures and writes Christian historical fiction set in America because there are so many adventures in American history. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and was a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest. Her novellas Resurrection of Hope and A Christmas Promise are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.Tamera is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has curriculum published and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.
You can contact Tamera online at these sites.
Word SharpenersBlog     Facebook     Twitter

Review
Colonial America. Christian missionaries to the Lenape Indians, John and Anna live in dangerous times and, by way of their ministry, insert themselves into dangerous situations.
Anna once lived for the opportunity to serve God, to take His word to others. But now that she has three little girls to care for—and has lost a child—her faith is sorely tried. She’s no longer sure it’s worth the risk. John tries to protect her by keeping much of the danger from her, but his lies only increase Anna’s lack of faith and trust.
While John is off on yet another dangerous mission, Anna tries to bring the spirit of Christmas into their home with her daughters. At the same time, she struggles to maintain faith—in God and in her husband.
I enjoyed A CHRISTMAS PROMISE. It’s definitely a different kind of Christmas story, one that holds a message of trust and faith for every reader. Well written and researched, Kraft brings a special treat for history lovers during the holiday season. Recommended.


Mini-interview
What inspired you to write A Christmas Promise?
I was considering writing a historical novella set at Christmas time in Ohio. I started researching and came across the Moravians who settled the first Ohio village in Schoenbrunn Village. The more I studied them, the more fascinating they became. The Moravians came to Ohio as missionaries to evangelize the Natives. I also found many of our American Christmas traditions date back to the Moravians.
What smell do you love most, and why?
I love the smell of Christmas: cookies baking, nutmeg, and evergreen. Whenever I smell these, I know Christmas is just around the corner.
Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.
There are two verses that I call life verses. The first reminds me of God's promise to me. The second is my commitment to God.
The first is Isaiah 43:1-2. It reminds me that no matter what trial I am going through, I belong to God, and He will be with me.
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
The second life verse became my life verse when I was saved. It was the passage the youth pastor preached on. I decided then to become a living sacrifice to God. It is Romans 12:1-2.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

TWO Amazon Giveaways!

I have ongoing giveaways of ebooks on Amazon...but they end tomorrow, so don't dilly-dally! Here are the links. Enter now for a chance to win!

And...have a Merry Christmas! :)

Bells on Her Toes












 Do You See What I See?

Christmas Extravaganza: Gumbo Weather

by Marian P. Merritt

Colorado sports reporter, Noel Winters heads to Louisiana after finding love letters in her deceased mother’s belongings. When her car breaks down near Bijou Bayou, a handsome, struggling pitcher and part-time mechanic comes to her rescue by fixing her car, and offering to help her find her father. Only problem? As her alias, Micki Barrett, Noel wrote an article criticizing Justin Gravois's big league debut. Now she’s fallen for him, can she ever find the courage to tell him the truth? Justin Gravois, professional pitcher, wanted to make his uncle proud. When he finally got his shot, his dream turned into a nightmare. It didn’t help that sports reporter, Micki Barrett, wrote such terrible things about him. Now, Justin wants to forget about the past and move forward to next season. When he falls in love with Noel he wonders if she’s an answer to his prayer.
About Marian Merritt Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meets the Mountains, grew from both loves. This Louisiana native writes her Christmas romances and Southern women’s fiction with a Louisiana/Colorado connection from the Texas home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.
Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, TwitterMarian P. Merritt's Readers Group
Purchase Marian’s books

Review
Welcome to Bijou Bayou…a place where everyone knows everyone else, and they all love one another like family—but then, many of them actually are.
Noel Winters isn’t too sure what she’s gotten herself into when she first arrives—in someone else’s car, at someone else’s home, hoping to meet a man who may or may not be her father. In the next few days, Noel will experience soul-deep hurt and disappointment, but she’ll also be welcomed into family and friendship unlike anything she’s ever known. Love will come calling, and Noel will face the terrifying prospect of watching that love die on the vine.
I very much enjoyed this heart-warming Christmas tale. It’s full of angst and regret, but also overflowing with faith, hope and love. The author did not trade quality for quantity, but instead, found a way to pack a well-told and wonderfully delivered story into fewer pages. Made me want to drop in at Bijou Bayou, knock on Miss Vivian’s door, and beg a bowl of gumbo—no matter the weather.

Mini-interview
Which character in your new release did you most enjoy writing? Why?
The hero, Justin's uncle—Nonc AL was my favorite to write. He said very little but was the voice of reason throughout the book. He was also the type of uncle we'd all love to have.
What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?
I hate mopping the floors. Urgghhh. It takes such a long time and the results are so short-lived.
Marian's "hideaway" There's really no task I love, but I don't mind folding laundry. It's something I can do while watching a movie or show.
Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?
I have a wingback chair in a small living area next to my dining room. It faces the front yard and I love sitting there to do my Bible studies. It's a place that puts my heart in the right place to visit with my Lord, Jesus.