Delia Latham's Blog, page 12
December 20, 2016
Christmas Extravaganza: Christmas 'Couragement
About Christmas 'Couragement
Liam once approved of helping others, but not anymore. He lost his mother due to a crazed street person, and he's hardened his heart. Now a successful photographer, he’s returned to set up shop in his hometown—directly across the courtyard from his sister’s best friend.
Zoe runs an outreach center and encourages the homeless and needy, especially at Christmas. Nursing a soft spot for Liam that started as a girlhood crush, she sets out to help him by creating her unique brand of encouragement cards. Her hope is to reignite the fire and love for Christmas and God, which Liam once had.
The cards and ornaments countdown to Christmas, but what if Liam doesn’t want to be one of Zoe’s projects? What happens when her crush grows into something more? What if they both receive more than expected?
About LoRee Peery
Inspirational romance author LoRee Peery strives to remember the Lord’s redeeming grace each day when she surveys her sense of place in Him and where He has placed her. Often that gift comes from nature, when the call of a cardinal draws her to look for the distinctive flash of crimson (especially against a backdrop of snow). A meadowlark’s melody always transports her to the farm where she grew up. She clings to I John 5:4 and prays her blended family and dozen grandchildren see that faith. Her Frivolities Series and other publications are available at:
Pelican Book Group Amazon author pageWebsite TwitterFacebook
Review
Love, love, love this beautiful, sweet story of reunion, forgiveness, and compassion. Zoe is a wonderfully captivating heroine with a heart for the hurting, and a reason to be eternally grateful for God's grace. Liam is the quintessential strong, uncompromising gentleman who finds it hard to look past a person's station in life to the heart and soul—the story—beneath. These two characters seem, at first glance, to be polar opposites, and completely incompatible, despite their shared childhoods. But, much like the grimy, downtrodden men and women who sleep in alleyways and cardboard boxes, they each have a story beneath the story...and God is the Master Planner who makes parallel pathways meet and converge to become one. Christmas 'Couragement is a bright spot of cheer for any time of year. Without question, my favorite LoRee Peery work to date.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write Christmas ‘Couragement?
I noted several ideas or concepts that kind of piled on top of each other. The renovation, or I should say the expansion of downtown Lincoln’s historic Haymarket area incorporating the old railyard to the west, is impressive beyond words. Thus, the setting.
Like Zoe in the story, I cannot pass a red kettle without putting in something, even if I’m down to a quarter of change in my wallet. My heart always goes out to the homeless. I’d like to say I pray for the individual whenever I see a man loitering on a corner, but I don’t. “He,” or the homeless in general, comes to mind later.
Christmas is an emotional time for most of us, no matter where we are in life. Each and every one of us needs encouragement. In the years preceding so much of my life in front of a computer screen, I tried to send encouraging cards through the mail as often as I could.Reunion stories are the ones I connect with the most, especially as God pulls two hurting people together through reconciliation. The title was one of the first things that came to me, based on an encouraging email message sent by Nicola Martinez, Pelican Book Group’s editor-in-chief.
What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?
There is no elaborated answer when it comes to housekeeping and me. I don’t like to dust because country dirt is pervasive and returns three hours after a surface gleams. I most enjoy the fragrance of fresh laundry.
Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.
First John 5:4-5: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (NASB)
Whatever, used in the text, equals whomever to me. I am born again because I recognized my sinfulness, placed my faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and asked Him into my life.
Overcomer is an awesome word to me that says so much more than survivor. Without details, I’ll say I’ve overcome several knocks in life that have strengthened my faith and made me a stronger woman. No grandiose accomplishment is to be placed on my shoulders. I pray each day that what I do and say is for His glory.
Victory resonates with me because the literal meaning of the root of my name is a crown of laurel leaves. The character quality is victorious spirit.
Liam once approved of helping others, but not anymore. He lost his mother due to a crazed street person, and he's hardened his heart. Now a successful photographer, he’s returned to set up shop in his hometown—directly across the courtyard from his sister’s best friend.Zoe runs an outreach center and encourages the homeless and needy, especially at Christmas. Nursing a soft spot for Liam that started as a girlhood crush, she sets out to help him by creating her unique brand of encouragement cards. Her hope is to reignite the fire and love for Christmas and God, which Liam once had.
The cards and ornaments countdown to Christmas, but what if Liam doesn’t want to be one of Zoe’s projects? What happens when her crush grows into something more? What if they both receive more than expected?
About LoRee Peery
Inspirational romance author LoRee Peery strives to remember the Lord’s redeeming grace each day when she surveys her sense of place in Him and where He has placed her. Often that gift comes from nature, when the call of a cardinal draws her to look for the distinctive flash of crimson (especially against a backdrop of snow). A meadowlark’s melody always transports her to the farm where she grew up. She clings to I John 5:4 and prays her blended family and dozen grandchildren see that faith. Her Frivolities Series and other publications are available at:Pelican Book Group Amazon author pageWebsite TwitterFacebook
Review
Love, love, love this beautiful, sweet story of reunion, forgiveness, and compassion. Zoe is a wonderfully captivating heroine with a heart for the hurting, and a reason to be eternally grateful for God's grace. Liam is the quintessential strong, uncompromising gentleman who finds it hard to look past a person's station in life to the heart and soul—the story—beneath. These two characters seem, at first glance, to be polar opposites, and completely incompatible, despite their shared childhoods. But, much like the grimy, downtrodden men and women who sleep in alleyways and cardboard boxes, they each have a story beneath the story...and God is the Master Planner who makes parallel pathways meet and converge to become one. Christmas 'Couragement is a bright spot of cheer for any time of year. Without question, my favorite LoRee Peery work to date.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write Christmas ‘Couragement?
I noted several ideas or concepts that kind of piled on top of each other. The renovation, or I should say the expansion of downtown Lincoln’s historic Haymarket area incorporating the old railyard to the west, is impressive beyond words. Thus, the setting.
Like Zoe in the story, I cannot pass a red kettle without putting in something, even if I’m down to a quarter of change in my wallet. My heart always goes out to the homeless. I’d like to say I pray for the individual whenever I see a man loitering on a corner, but I don’t. “He,” or the homeless in general, comes to mind later.
Christmas is an emotional time for most of us, no matter where we are in life. Each and every one of us needs encouragement. In the years preceding so much of my life in front of a computer screen, I tried to send encouraging cards through the mail as often as I could.Reunion stories are the ones I connect with the most, especially as God pulls two hurting people together through reconciliation. The title was one of the first things that came to me, based on an encouraging email message sent by Nicola Martinez, Pelican Book Group’s editor-in-chief.
What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?
There is no elaborated answer when it comes to housekeeping and me. I don’t like to dust because country dirt is pervasive and returns three hours after a surface gleams. I most enjoy the fragrance of fresh laundry.
Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.
First John 5:4-5: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (NASB)
Whatever, used in the text, equals whomever to me. I am born again because I recognized my sinfulness, placed my faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and asked Him into my life.
Overcomer is an awesome word to me that says so much more than survivor. Without details, I’ll say I’ve overcome several knocks in life that have strengthened my faith and made me a stronger woman. No grandiose accomplishment is to be placed on my shoulders. I pray each day that what I do and say is for His glory.
Victory resonates with me because the literal meaning of the root of my name is a crown of laurel leaves. The character quality is victorious spirit.
December 16, 2016
Author Barbara M. Britton: TV interview
It's common knowledge that authors find their muse in many different places, but one author found her muse while teaching Sunday school.
Author Barbara M. Britton recently was featured on the Books of the Month TV program. Today we host the episode, now available online, on demand, courtesy of Preach the Word Worldwide TV Network. Learn how teaching Sunday school to children helped to spur Barbara's story ideas for her now-popular Biblical fiction series "Tribes of Israel."
(If you can't see the video, click here to visit the Preach the Word Worldwide Network TV station page.)
Purchase Providence: Hannah's Journey today
Pre-order Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey
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Christmas Extravaganza: Bella Natale!: A Florentine Christmas Romance
by Marianne Evans
When the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true…
Ashley Coratini is bucking her family, and the odds, by embracing the chance to pursue a dream. During a three-week trip to Florence, Italy, she’s determined to immerse herself in the world of art and to explore the gifts God has given her.
Widower Luca DeRosa owns and operates a premiere art gallery at the heart of Florence. He’s just over a year away from turning forty, but doesn’t mind the milestone. He enjoys a life spent raising his five-year-old son and scouting artistic talent. When he comes upon Ashley, he’s captivated by her artistic skills and fluid grace, and he sees to it that Ashley’s dreams take off at high velocity.
But as love blooms, questions mount. Will Ashley embrace her gifts and a life in Italy that’s worlds different than the one waiting at home in America? Can Luca trust his heart and instincts enough to embrace the love of a vibrant young woman whose spirit speaks to him so deeply?
What comes next when the dreams they dare to dream really might come true…?
About Marianne Evans
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.
Purchase: ePub/Mobi/Adobe Kindle
Connect with Marianne:
WebsiteBlog
FacebookTwitter
Review
A young woman, alone in Italy. An older man, suave and charismatic, with promises that seem too good to be true. All the earmarks of danger…and all the expectation and excitement of love and a beautiful future.
Charcoal artist Ashley Coratini made a promise to her beloved grandmother. That’s why, despite a myriad of questions, doubts and uncertainties, she makes a gigantic leap of faith and hope when a handsome stranger offers to take her and her drawings of the city of Florence to a level of success she’s only ever dreamed of achieving. Those dreams were part of the promise she made to her grandmother. She has this one chance to make them a reality.
The lightning-quick sweep of feelings between the hero and heroine in this novella is lovely—and exciting—as are the glimpses of Florence the author shares in vivid, beautifully portrayed detail. Bella Natale is a sweet, heart-stopping romance with additional touches of beauty provided by the historic and picturesque setting. Florence is as much a character as are the people who make up the “cast.”
Marianne Evans loses none of her signature style of smooth writing full of deep emotion and vivid personality, woven throughout with subtle strokes of incredible spiritual wisdom. Bella Natale may well be my favorite of this author’s works to date.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write BELLA NATALE?
I wrote Bella Natale following a trip my DH and I took to Italy. We began our voyage in Rome, which took my breath away. After that, we headed north, to Florence. We intended to take a day-trip to Venice via train the following morning, but once we hit Florence, we literally looked at each other and without even speaking a word, we knew we were going to stay put in Florence and savor. It’s ancient, and gorgeous, and compact enough for wonderful walks and eating, and meandering along the Arno River, or going still before dazzling window displays, or listening to church bells sing out at noon across the city. The history is so rich and so ever-present that you can’t help but stop every few feet and absorb. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I wanted to commemorate a slice of that journey for readers.
What smell do you love most, and why?
It’s a dead-heat tie between two: Freshly-buttered, stove-top prepared popcorn and the aroma of my family recipe onion bread baking in the oven. Both are heavenly!
Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?
A good number of my books center on the theme of redemption, and the return of the prodigal. I haven’t done so by design—it’s all God’s handiwork, which means there must be a reason for it! I do love a good reclamation story, don’t you?
When the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true…Ashley Coratini is bucking her family, and the odds, by embracing the chance to pursue a dream. During a three-week trip to Florence, Italy, she’s determined to immerse herself in the world of art and to explore the gifts God has given her.
Widower Luca DeRosa owns and operates a premiere art gallery at the heart of Florence. He’s just over a year away from turning forty, but doesn’t mind the milestone. He enjoys a life spent raising his five-year-old son and scouting artistic talent. When he comes upon Ashley, he’s captivated by her artistic skills and fluid grace, and he sees to it that Ashley’s dreams take off at high velocity.
But as love blooms, questions mount. Will Ashley embrace her gifts and a life in Italy that’s worlds different than the one waiting at home in America? Can Luca trust his heart and instincts enough to embrace the love of a vibrant young woman whose spirit speaks to him so deeply?
What comes next when the dreams they dare to dream really might come true…?
About Marianne Evans
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.
Purchase: ePub/Mobi/Adobe Kindle
Connect with Marianne:
WebsiteBlog
FacebookTwitter
Review
A young woman, alone in Italy. An older man, suave and charismatic, with promises that seem too good to be true. All the earmarks of danger…and all the expectation and excitement of love and a beautiful future.
Charcoal artist Ashley Coratini made a promise to her beloved grandmother. That’s why, despite a myriad of questions, doubts and uncertainties, she makes a gigantic leap of faith and hope when a handsome stranger offers to take her and her drawings of the city of Florence to a level of success she’s only ever dreamed of achieving. Those dreams were part of the promise she made to her grandmother. She has this one chance to make them a reality.
The lightning-quick sweep of feelings between the hero and heroine in this novella is lovely—and exciting—as are the glimpses of Florence the author shares in vivid, beautifully portrayed detail. Bella Natale is a sweet, heart-stopping romance with additional touches of beauty provided by the historic and picturesque setting. Florence is as much a character as are the people who make up the “cast.”
Marianne Evans loses none of her signature style of smooth writing full of deep emotion and vivid personality, woven throughout with subtle strokes of incredible spiritual wisdom. Bella Natale may well be my favorite of this author’s works to date.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write BELLA NATALE?
I wrote Bella Natale following a trip my DH and I took to Italy. We began our voyage in Rome, which took my breath away. After that, we headed north, to Florence. We intended to take a day-trip to Venice via train the following morning, but once we hit Florence, we literally looked at each other and without even speaking a word, we knew we were going to stay put in Florence and savor. It’s ancient, and gorgeous, and compact enough for wonderful walks and eating, and meandering along the Arno River, or going still before dazzling window displays, or listening to church bells sing out at noon across the city. The history is so rich and so ever-present that you can’t help but stop every few feet and absorb. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I wanted to commemorate a slice of that journey for readers.
What smell do you love most, and why?
It’s a dead-heat tie between two: Freshly-buttered, stove-top prepared popcorn and the aroma of my family recipe onion bread baking in the oven. Both are heavenly!
Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?
A good number of my books center on the theme of redemption, and the return of the prodigal. I haven’t done so by design—it’s all God’s handiwork, which means there must be a reason for it! I do love a good reclamation story, don’t you?
December 15, 2016
Christmas Extravaganza: The First Noelle
Noelle Joy stopped celebrating Christmas ten years ago, when Trevor Holden skipped out on their long-planned Christmas Eve wedding. He destroyed her trust in men, crushed her belief in God, and left her cynical about love. Gone is the bright, cheery spirit of the girl she thinks of now as “the first Noelle.” Stronger and savvier, the new Noelle would never be found waiting at the altar for a groom who didn’t show.When a famous-but-mysterious architect commissions her to decorate his mansion for a holiday event, Noelle finally returns to her hometown. Even as she finds an unexpected peace in facing ghosts from the past, her fiercely private client disturbs her. Michael Holliday is kind and considerate, but far too handsome…and hauntingly familiar.
Holliday didn’t choose Noelle to make his home a Christmas wonderland by accident. She’s the only one who can do the job he has in mind—and once she’s in his mansion, he never wants to let her go. But he’s hiding a secret that could destroy any chance of a relationship with the beautiful decorator.
A false persona. A shattering secret. Can love break down these insurmountable walls?
Purchase Delia Latham's books
About Delia Latham
DELIA LATHAM is a born-and-bred California gal, raised in a place called Weedpatch and currently living in East Texas with her husband, Johnny. She enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She has a "thing" for Dr. Pepper, and loves to hear from her readers. Contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia@delialatham.net. Find her also at the following online locations:
Chirp & Chatter (Blog)FacebookTwitterAmazon Author Page
Review
( Note: Since I don't review my own books, I'm including a commercial review.)
Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
The First Noelle: A Second-Chance Christmas Romance (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) by Delia Latham is a well written and gripping Christmas romance filled with surprises. Noelle Joy still suffers the effects of a broken promise and a broken heart. Ten years earlier she was left waiting in the bridal dressing room at the almost Christmas Eve wedding to the love of her life, Trevor. Now, Noelle cannot trust any romantic relationship; she avoids all things Christmas and she has ceased talking to God. All of this is about to change when Michael Holliday, a presumed stranger, hires Noelle to decorate his house - for Christmas. As they begin to connect on an emotional level, Noelle pulls back at first. Is it safe to trust Michael? Should Noelle risk her heart again? As Michael's mysterious past comes to light, more than love is at risk.
As with all of Delia Latham's novels, you will be entertained, touched, and never disappointed with The First Noelle. The well developed and multi-faceted characters come alive and the story draws you into its emotional, sometimes playful, compelling situations. Delia Latham is a gifted storyteller with descriptive writing that allows you to both see and feel her characters and what is happening to them and around them. The First Noelle is a tender story that could easily become a Christmas classic. This is Christian romance at its very best. The First Noelle: A Second-Chance Christmas Romance (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) would make a great holiday movie. My one complaint about Delia Latham's books is that they are tremendously difficult to put down. I am a fan!
Excerpt
She fed Holliday’s address information into the built-in GPS. The route took her a good distance further up the mountain and miles off the main route. Noelle hadn’t known the beautiful, secluded area existed, despite having lived so close for the first twenty-two years of her life. She pulled to a stop at a pair of imposing gates fronted by a guard shack. To her surprise, her heart pounded with expectation. Her mind wouldn’t be quiet either, tossing out a horde of unanswered questions.
Was Holliday an older man, or young for his accomplishments? Was he handsome? Maybe he was hideous, like the fairy tale beast, and that’s why he maintained such a fiercely private existence. Was he kind, as seemed to be indicated by the media-inspired title? Or was that all hype? Perhaps the whole Phantom Philanthropist thing was a ruse to hide his real personality, which might be anything from a mouse to a monster.A man’s voice crackled across the air. “Identification, please.”Holliday should be expecting her. Why all the cloak-and-dagger?Well, his house, his rules. She dug out her driver’s license and the guard took it, his alert gaze darting back and forth, side to side, as if expecting an attack. Noelle bit back a giggle when he broke from his fastidious survey of the surrounding countryside to peruse her license, seemingly line by line. What did he expect to find there?At last, he returned the license and gave a single, terse nod. “When I open the gates, follow the drive and park by the front steps. A valet will take your car.”Sure enough, a uniformed valet met her at the base of a series of steps leading to massive oak doors that would have served well in any medieval castle. The man actually smiled as he took her keys. Having passed the intense scrutiny of the portly guard, it seemed she’d earned a bit more friendliness.“Mr. Holliday will meet you at the door, Miss Joy.”Potted plants lined each side of the wide steps—gorgeous bursts of azalea, bonsai-shaped miniature wisteria, hoya, plumeria, fuchsia, and a number of plants Noelle didn’t recognize and was almost certain shouldn’t survive the cold of the Northern California mountains. Holliday must have a sizeable greenhouse.The door opened as she reached the top step. A man stepped outside, but seemed reluctant to venture beyond the shade of the overhang. He towered well over Noelle’s five feet, nine inches. Muscles strained at the cloth of his sleeves and across his chest.“Good afternoon, Miss Joy.”Something caught in Noelle’s heart, and she swallowed repeatedly. Had she heard that voice before? Why did it make her want to cry…or maybe scream and throw rocks through the beautiful stained glass windows that fronted the huge estate?She allowed her gaze to travel beyond the broad chest to a firm, square chin, and upward. Nicely shaped lips curved into a smile that seemed a little shaky around the edges and revealed perfect white teeth. A straight nose, not too long or too short. High cheekbones.For some reason, she avoided his eyes, instead moving on to take in soft, slightly longish, golden-brown hair with a smidgen of gray at the temples.“Miss Joy?” A hint of concern tinged the oddly familiar voice.Noelle swallowed again and forced her cowardly gaze to his, only to be caught in a dizzying vortex of confusion and familiarity.I know this man. I’ve met him before. Where?She stood up straighter, hiked her chin, and mentally donned the ice cloak that had stood her in good stead over the course of her career. Holliday wasn’t the only one with a media-dubbed moniker. She had one of her own, and the Ice Princess of Design wouldn’t be put off by a furrowed brow and a tense expression.“Mr. Holliday. I’d like to get started right away, if you don’t mind.”Forced to meet his gaze—his eyes were hazel, but somehow she’d known they would be—she saw a flicker of something that made her breath a little shallow. She was off her game, simply because those eyes held a strange familiarity that had to be imagined. “Of course. Come in, please.”
Christmas Fiction: The Christmas Wish
by Lucy Naylor KubashIn “Home for Christmas,” Bonnie and Charlie married after a whirlwind affair, but it all ended when Bonnie left with no explanation. Now she’s back and Charlie wants answers, about what happened to them and why she left, but especially about the three children she has in tow. Can they all really make it home for Christmas?
As an empty nester, Caroline is feeling lonely this Christmas. When she meets the new veterinarian in town, Joshua Kendall, and his two children, she’s more than happy to invite them to her library for a holiday program. Joshua’s children seem to have little interest in celebrating, but Caroline is determined to put smiles on their little faces, and to make Joshua find joy in life again in, “The Bells of Christmas.”
Brant and Hope found love the second time around, but now their farm is struggling and it’s taking a toll on their relationship. Hope’s daughter has asked for one thing for Christmas, but Brant is certain it’s something they can’t afford. There is a new baby on the way, and he’s worried about more than just the farm. Will they find a way to rekindle their love and still make “The Christmas Wish” come true?
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About Lucy
Lucy Naylor Kubash is the author of numerous short stories, a contemporary western romance novel, and a nonfiction column, The Pet Corner, that she's been writing for over fourteen years. Lucy is a longtime member of Romance Writers of America and Mid-Michigan Romance Writers. She resides in Michigan, where she grew up, not far from Lake Michigan. She and her husband have been married over 40 years and have two grown children. They currently live with a Pomeranian named Foofoo and two cats, Zombie and Sammie Sandwich. Learn more about the author at her website: www.lucynaylorkubash.com Excerpt
Charlie O’Neill stepped back to survey the Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. The pungent pine scent almost overcame the small of burnt cookies.The tree leaned drunkenly to the right. Heck, he didn’t know the first thing about decorating a Christmas tree. His sister had done it while she lived here, but Cady had remarried late last summer.Sometimes it was tough living in the old ranch house alone. For a moment he thought about what it might have been like had his brief marriage worked out. There might have been a baby on the way by now, somebody to make noise in this empty house. What’s over’s over. It was just that sometimes he still had a hard time dealing with it.Charlie hung a few strands of tinsel on the tree, then gave up. He’d go into town tonight, stop at the Hitching Post, have a beer. It was better than knocking around this place by himself. He’d just plunked on his hat and shrugged into his coat when the phone rang. The voice he heard when he answered it rocked Charlie down to his scuffed up boots.“Charlie? It’s me.”It took him a second. “Bonnie?”On the other end, Bonnie clutched the dying cell phone and quelled her own nerves as the deep voice she remembered so well vibrated against her hand. Please don’t hang up.“Yeah.” She sucked in her breath sharply and let it go. “I’m sorry to bother you, but…I need your help. “She expected to hear him click off but he didn’t.“Where are you?” His voice was curt.“In Red Springs. My car broke down. I need a place to stay while it’s getting fixed. I’m sorry, Charlie, I know you must hate me, but I’ve got no place else to turn.” She hated begging like this, but she had to do it for the kids’ sake.Charlie clenched his jaw. The day he’d come home and found Bonnie gone flashed clear in his mind. He’d been devastated, and even a year and a half later, the pain wasn’t gone. But the soft voice he heard sounded desperate. He was probably a fool…“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” was all he said.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write these stories?
I love the Christmas season and Christmas stories. In writing these stories, I wanted to show how people, who have been through some tough times, learn to find joy and love again in this season of hope. In each story a character must give of them self to earn another’s trust and love.
What scent do you love most?
I have two and I can’t choose one over the other. I love everything lavender, because it helps clear my mind and refreshes my senses. It’s also very soothing and has so many relaxing qualities about it. I love to grow lavender and use it in my house. But I also love the scent of wild sage, because it takes me back to the places I’ve visited out west. Whenever we travel in the western states, I always bring back a little bunch of sage, to remind me of those places I love.
Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read?
I believe you can pray anywhere, and I do, but I’ve always found the shower to be a place of privacy and quiet time! But if I really need to have some time to meditate, I like to go for a walk with my dog and let nature help open my mind to whatever I need to hear from God.
December 13, 2016
God is Love: A Prelude to Christmas: Delia's story "The First N...
I was a no-show on Alexis Goring's blog earlier this month. A mix-up of my own, and absolutely no fault anywhere else. Alexis did a tremendous job of interviewing me, and laid out a beautiful post. The giveaway is over (sorry...my bad!), but I'd love it if you'd pop on over and check out her lovely post anyway - you might learn something new about me, or about my Christmas novella, The First Noelle! :)
http://ow.ly/7lS23076AdG
http://ow.ly/7lS23076AdG
Christmas Extravaganza: The Mayweather Christmas Quest
by Dana Pratola
The forecast is for snow—but she's dreaming of more than a white Christmas. Olympia Mayweather is sure there's only one way to find a husband - through a family tradition that says she must kiss the man of her dreams in a Christmas snow. When a reporter comes to interview her for the local paper, she's afraid he's going to make a mockery of her, ruining her chance for a Christmas love. David Santina isn't sure a magical kiss will make Olympia a bride. But spending time with the charming woman and getting to know her just might make David believe in fairy tales. He'll protect her from a tabloid story, but who is going to keep him from completing The Mayweather Christmas Quest?
ePub/Mobi/Adobe Kindle
About Dana Pratola
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.
Purchase Dana's books
Review
Fun, fun, fun! In The Mayweather Christmas Quest, legend and tradition join forces to create a sweet, unforgettable romance that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
Newspaper Journalist David Della Santina just wants a good story. Olympia Mayweather wants a husband. David, gentleman that he is, might even be willing to oblige the lady…but first he has to steer her clear of other snooping news hounds and find a way to fit into the Mayweather family’s chilly idea of romance.
I’ve never read a disappointing book by this author, and The Mayweather Christmas Quest stays true to Pratola’s pattern of writing outside the expected literary lines. It’s not your run-of-the-mill Christian romance. Even as part of a family tradition built around unlikely legend, the concept of a woman actively searching for a husband is unusual, and makes for an interesting detour off the genre’s beaten path.
Good writing. Good story. Good use of holiday reading time!
Mini-interview
What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?
Olympia is a realist, but wants to believe that magical things still happen in this world. Part of me never grew up (thankfully) and I get absorbed in the "holiday magic." I think she wishes she could be me ;)
What makes you laugh out loud?
My dog, Maggie. When she wags her tail, it brushes her back and she usually turns around to see who touched her. Apparently she's not expecting it to sneak up behind her, so we call it the sneaky tail. Even now I'm laughing.
Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?
I usually go to my office and when I want to pray, I cover myself in my tallit. I stand still, walk around, or sometimes just sit on the floor. Under there, is my own persona prayer closet, just me and God.
The forecast is for snow—but she's dreaming of more than a white Christmas. Olympia Mayweather is sure there's only one way to find a husband - through a family tradition that says she must kiss the man of her dreams in a Christmas snow. When a reporter comes to interview her for the local paper, she's afraid he's going to make a mockery of her, ruining her chance for a Christmas love. David Santina isn't sure a magical kiss will make Olympia a bride. But spending time with the charming woman and getting to know her just might make David believe in fairy tales. He'll protect her from a tabloid story, but who is going to keep him from completing The Mayweather Christmas Quest?
ePub/Mobi/Adobe Kindle
About Dana PratolaGod 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.
Purchase Dana's books
Review
Fun, fun, fun! In The Mayweather Christmas Quest, legend and tradition join forces to create a sweet, unforgettable romance that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
Newspaper Journalist David Della Santina just wants a good story. Olympia Mayweather wants a husband. David, gentleman that he is, might even be willing to oblige the lady…but first he has to steer her clear of other snooping news hounds and find a way to fit into the Mayweather family’s chilly idea of romance.
I’ve never read a disappointing book by this author, and The Mayweather Christmas Quest stays true to Pratola’s pattern of writing outside the expected literary lines. It’s not your run-of-the-mill Christian romance. Even as part of a family tradition built around unlikely legend, the concept of a woman actively searching for a husband is unusual, and makes for an interesting detour off the genre’s beaten path.
Good writing. Good story. Good use of holiday reading time!
Mini-interview
What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?
Olympia is a realist, but wants to believe that magical things still happen in this world. Part of me never grew up (thankfully) and I get absorbed in the "holiday magic." I think she wishes she could be me ;)
What makes you laugh out loud?
My dog, Maggie. When she wags her tail, it brushes her back and she usually turns around to see who touched her. Apparently she's not expecting it to sneak up behind her, so we call it the sneaky tail. Even now I'm laughing.
Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?
I usually go to my office and when I want to pray, I cover myself in my tallit. I stand still, walk around, or sometimes just sit on the floor. Under there, is my own persona prayer closet, just me and God.
December 10, 2016
COTT: October November Clash Champion!
Congratulations to Kara Isaac, with
Can't Help Falling
Buy on AmazonBuy on Barnes and Noble
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.
Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.
What Voters Had to Say:
These authors are all a blessing! Please keep writing...You encourage us all!
The cover alone makes me want to read the book, which sounds like a wonderful read. :)
Loved Can't Help Falling. More please! :)
Keep writing, Kara! Love your books!
Kara Isaac, I have just discovered your books and love them. Keep it up!
I loved Kara Isaac's first book, Close to You, so am really looking forward to reading Can't Help Falling. I enjoy her style of writing. I recommended Close to You to my book club, so hopefully we'll be reading and discussing it sometime in 2017.
I have read, and enjoyed, Can't Help Falling. As far as the covers, I have to vote for this one because what little you see of the guy's face, it looks like my son!!
I won Kara Isaac's Can't Help Falling on a Facebook giveaway and was wonderfully surprised at how much I loved this book! The cover is amazing and it really catches the eye!
Kara has a zany unique writing style that combines substance with heartfelt laughter.
I'm not familiar with some of these authors but really like some of them! Keep up the good work!
Kara Isaac, you have such a gift bringing comedy, romance, and meaning to your stories. I love them!!
Wish I could have picked two books here, because Can't Help Falling caught me just by the description. I'll be looking for this one!
About the Author:Kara Isaac lives in Wellington, New Zealand. When she's not working her day job as a public servant, chasing around a ninja preschooler and his feisty toddler sister, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. Her debut romantic comedy, Close To You, released April 2016. Her sophomore novel, Can't Help Falling, releases in October 2016 and is an RT Reviews Top Pick. She loves to connect with readers on GoodReads, Twitter, Facebook and through her website.
December 8, 2016
Blog Tour: Keri's Christmas Wish
Can Keri get past her angst over Christ’s birth and enjoy the Christmas season?
For as long as she can remember, Keri Jackson has despised the hype and commercialism around Christmas so much she seldom enjoys the holiday. Will she get her wish and be free of the angst to truly enjoy Christmas this year?
A devout Christian at heart, Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor and Energy Medicine Practitioner has studied all of the world’s religions and homeopathic healing modalities. But when a rare bacterial infection threatens the life of the woman he loves, will all of his faith and training be for naught?
Find out in Keri’s Christmas Wish
About Pamela S. Thibodeaux
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
Links:Website address BlogFacebookTwitter @psthib PinterestAmazon Author PageBookBub
Excerpt
She awoke in another dimension. Keri had no idea if she was in Heaven, but neither did she fear Hell. Her surroundings were reminiscent of a dense forest at dusk. Shadows danced against a sunset where brilliant colors bled from the sky. A light shone in the distance but as she moved toward it, Keri felt as though she plowed through molasses. Unease pricked her skin. The sound of water drew her deeper into the woods until she stood at the base of a vast waterfall and rapids so swift she dared not attempt to cross the river.
The light grew stronger, brighter. Beckoning.
I need to get to the light.
Review
Disclaimer: NOT your typical Christmas novella. In Keri's Christmas Wish, the author weaves a tale of spiritual confusion, discovery, healing, and even adventure. The latter, while now and then a tad confusing due to special circumstances withing the story line, somehow manages to culminate into perfect sense and even a light, sweet romance. Keri's journey to understanding Christmas is guaranteed to be one you won't find in most holiday novellas. Thibodeaux takes modern psychology, holistic medicine, religious questions, and spirituality to a whole new level. While admittedly not my usual "cup of Christmas tea," I enjoyed this short walk outside the ordinary. If you're looking for something a little meatier than the typical silver bells and snow globes, with an exciting story within the story, Keri's Christmas Wish may be just what the Christian psychologist ordered.
Mini-interview
What inspired you to write your newest release Keri’s Christmas Wish?
Answer: When I look back on the beginning I can honestly say Keri’s Christmas Wish was totally inspired by God. I’d finished a short story and sent the collection off to my editor when a vision of a young woman scrolling through her newsfeed came to mind with the words: Bah Humbug…. The entire story evolved from that one image and I completed the manuscript within a very short time. Since this was the first, original fiction story I’ve written in its entirety since 2009 I’m very excited to see it come to fruition.
What is the message you hope to get across in this story?
That regardless of where you are in your faith journey God and His angels are always there to guide and guard and that He loves you in spite of your doubt and fears.
Question: What is your goal or mission as a writer?
A committed Christian, I firmly believe in God and His promises. God is very real to me. I believe that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them and I do my best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with Him. The deepest desire of my heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust, and forgiveness to a hurting world. My hope is that all of my stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and - in some way - bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.
Be sure to visit the other stops on the blog tour, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. Pamela's gifting 5 E-copies & 5 Print copies of Keri’s Christmas Wish!
Dec 3rd – Saturday Spotlight on Pamela’s personal blogDec 4th – Patty Gordon/Patricia Kiyono BlogDec 5th - Linda Rondeau BlogDec 6th - Clare Revell BlogDec 7th – Diana Rubino BlogDec 8th – Tina Gayle Blog Dec 9th – Linda Carroll-Bradd BlogDec 10th – Marilyn Leach BlogDec 11th – Robin Bayne BlogDec 12th – Raquel Byrne BlogDec 13th – Cami Checketts BlogDec 14th – Linda McLaughlin BlogDec 15th – Diane Burton BlogDec 16th – Maureen Bonatch BlogDec 17th – Alicia Dean BlogDec 18th – Jody Day BlogDec 19th – Marian Merritt BlogDec 20th – Kim Headlee Blog
Dec 21st - Patricia Preston Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you enjoy Keri’s Christmas Wish check out Pam’s other books, all of which are on sale through Jan 3rd @ Amazon; B&N; and Smashwords!
December 7, 2016
Christmas Extravaganza: Radio Wave Romance
by Katie Clark
Hit radio show host Annalise Waters is challenged on-air when one of her listeners, social studies teacher Christopher Sanders, accuses her of being cold-hearted toward the needs of the local children’s hospital. Afraid of public backlash, the station arranges a fundraiser for the hospital, with Annalise at the head. But it’s a fundraiser that drags up painful memories from Annalise’s past.
Christopher hadn’t intended to be hustled into a fundraiser—he’d only wanted to make a point. But as he spends more time with Annalise, and realizes his mistaken judgment, he can’t deny the growing feelings for this woman who is anything but cold-hearted. Will she ever forgive his on-air accusations and see the depth of his true feelings?
Purchase:Amazon Barnes and Noble Books A Million
About Katie
KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes sweet Christian romance for adults, as well as exciting speculative fiction for Christian teens. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Review:
Love is definitely in the air in this fun romance with a serious sub-story.
A high school teacher. A talk show host. A teenager with cancer. A public challenge that becomes an entire Christmas-season fundraising event. In the midst of all the funds and festivities, the educator and the local celebrity find themselves learning a few lessons on life...and love. I enjoyed watching Annalise and Chris discover surprising truths about themselves even as they fell hopelessly in love—despite their best efforts to sabotage God’s plan.
A charming, well-written story with an underlying call to action on the cancer awareness-and-support front. The author packed a hefty chunk of emotion into an entertaining and nicely developed novella. This one made me smile even as it tugged on the ol’ heartstrings. Kudos to Katie!
Mini-interview:
What inspired you to write RADIO WAVE ROMANCE?
The initial idea came when my husband made an off-handed comment about something totally unrelated. He said, “That sounds more like a Christmas disaster!” The idea stuck in my head…a Christmas disaster? Characters and circumstances took shape from there, but the idea sat dormant for a few months still. Finally, after getting a rejection on a different manuscript, I decided it was time to move on with something new. So, I began writing Radio Wave Romance.
What makes you laugh out loud?
The unexpected. I loved things that are unexpectedly funny. Humor that catches you completely off guard. Other “funnies” might make me smile, but if you want to get me to laugh out loud, you had better surprise me!
Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?
I do. I can’t help but do it, even when I try not to. Maybe that sounds odd, but it’s true I’ve tried writing books without an overt Christian message. It always come out, though. I guess I just don’t see how to separate the emotional journey from the spiritual journey! My Christian faith is a tightknit part of my being.
Hit radio show host Annalise Waters is challenged on-air when one of her listeners, social studies teacher Christopher Sanders, accuses her of being cold-hearted toward the needs of the local children’s hospital. Afraid of public backlash, the station arranges a fundraiser for the hospital, with Annalise at the head. But it’s a fundraiser that drags up painful memories from Annalise’s past.Christopher hadn’t intended to be hustled into a fundraiser—he’d only wanted to make a point. But as he spends more time with Annalise, and realizes his mistaken judgment, he can’t deny the growing feelings for this woman who is anything but cold-hearted. Will she ever forgive his on-air accusations and see the depth of his true feelings?
Purchase:Amazon Barnes and Noble Books A Million
About Katie
KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes sweet Christian romance for adults, as well as exciting speculative fiction for Christian teens. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.Review:
Love is definitely in the air in this fun romance with a serious sub-story.
A high school teacher. A talk show host. A teenager with cancer. A public challenge that becomes an entire Christmas-season fundraising event. In the midst of all the funds and festivities, the educator and the local celebrity find themselves learning a few lessons on life...and love. I enjoyed watching Annalise and Chris discover surprising truths about themselves even as they fell hopelessly in love—despite their best efforts to sabotage God’s plan.
A charming, well-written story with an underlying call to action on the cancer awareness-and-support front. The author packed a hefty chunk of emotion into an entertaining and nicely developed novella. This one made me smile even as it tugged on the ol’ heartstrings. Kudos to Katie!
Mini-interview:
What inspired you to write RADIO WAVE ROMANCE?
The initial idea came when my husband made an off-handed comment about something totally unrelated. He said, “That sounds more like a Christmas disaster!” The idea stuck in my head…a Christmas disaster? Characters and circumstances took shape from there, but the idea sat dormant for a few months still. Finally, after getting a rejection on a different manuscript, I decided it was time to move on with something new. So, I began writing Radio Wave Romance.
What makes you laugh out loud?
The unexpected. I loved things that are unexpectedly funny. Humor that catches you completely off guard. Other “funnies” might make me smile, but if you want to get me to laugh out loud, you had better surprise me!
Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?
I do. I can’t help but do it, even when I try not to. Maybe that sounds odd, but it’s true I’ve tried writing books without an overt Christian message. It always come out, though. I guess I just don’t see how to separate the emotional journey from the spiritual journey! My Christian faith is a tightknit part of my being.
