Carolyn Astfalk's Blog, page 35

Years passed early in my marriage during which I thought I had no time to read. In retrospect, I find that laughable. Yes, I worked full-time and had a home and husband, but I had no children. I was busy, I’m sure, but I couldn’t find any time to read beyond work-required periodicals. Really?

When I quit working outside of the home in 2005, I went on a reading binge and never looked back. Here’s how I manage to read more than ever:

My Kindle. I can easily prop it on a window ledge or pillow or tote it inside my purse. It enables me to read easily at home or on the go. I’ve read while nursing babies, doing dishes, or folding laundry.
While my kids go to sleep. Our kids have always wanted someone to lie down with them while they fall asleep. I’ve done that for more than a decade. But not until we acquired a good book light and a backlit Kindle have I been able to use that quiet time to sneak in some reading. I can lie alongside the little ones in the dark and keep from falling asleep myself by doing a little reading.
Taking advantage of idle time. Okay, I don’t really have much idle time, but now and then I do, and I use it to read. Take for instance these past two weeks. Three of my kids have swimming lessons at two separate times. If I made multiple runs to the pool, leaving 1-2 kids in the teenager’s care, it meant I had about 40 minutes in which to read while they swam. Parents were not permitted in the pool area until the last five minutes of lessons, so what else could I do but read?
Audiobooks on trips. I rarely, rarely have extended time alone in the car, but when I do, I listen to an audiobook.
Instead of watching TV. Truth be told, I generally prefer a book to a TV show or movie. So, while my husband and son are watching Agents of Shield, The Flash, or Arrow after the little kids have gone to bed, I often sit nearby, reading. Sometimes I even read while I’m watching TV if it’s not something that requires my full-attention. I’m not sure if I’d recommend that distracted habit, but it’s what I do.

I find that we make time to do the things that are important to us one way or another. Reading is one of my great pleasures, and therefore I make the time. Some days it just doesn’t happen as other things take a higher priority, but usually, where there’s a will there’s a way.

How do you make time to read?

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I’ve concentrated on creating intriguing mysteries that encourage teens to grow in their faith.

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Published on June 23, 2017 05:30

June 19, 2017

Interview with YA Author Leslea Wahl

Unlike many YA books written for adults, yours seem to be truly aimed at teens. While neither The Perfect Blindside nor An Unexpected Role take on big, controversial issues, they focus on natural concerns and problems that are, in fact, important to teens, both personally and spiritually. What inspires you to write for teens?

[image error]My oldest child was always an avid reader, and when he was in middle school he began searching for YA books. It was difficult to find fun, adventurous books that he wanted to read that also reflected the values we were trying to instill in him. So many YA books contained things that weren’t appropriate. I kept wondering why someone didn’t write adventurous books for teens with good messages. At the time, I didn’t know God would call me for this task! But shortly after, the idea for The Perfect Blindside just popped into my head. Since then I’ve concentrated on creating intriguing mysteries that can also encourage teens to grow in their faith through their underlying messages. Although I do have to say that even though my books are about teens I have a lot of adults that have been enjoying them as well.

Sports play a role in both of your novels – snowboarding in The Perfect Blindside and baseball in An Unexpected Role. Why those sports and how does the their inclusion shape your stories?

As I stated, The Perfect Blindside story just came to me, so I honestly don’t know why Jake is a snowboarder except that I’ve always been fascinated by the sacrifice and dedication of Olympic athletes and of course watching the snowboarders on the halfpipe! I’m a Colorado native and grew up skiing but had never snowboarded so had to do some research on that topic. As for the baseball references, both my sons played baseball and I’ve always loved watching the sport, so that seemed like a natural fit for An Unexpected Role. I’ve been surprised how many readers have commented on how they loved the baseball scenes. I think including sports in books can not only interest boys but tells a lot about the characters and adds an element of excitement to the novels.

Both of your books are a blend of mystery, suspense, and romance. What genres – or blended genre – do you most enjoy reading?

[image error]I’m glad you noticed this unique blend. I sometimes refer to it as my potpourri style – mixing elements of mystery, adventure, humor, faith, and a touch of romance to create books that can appeal to a wide range of readers. Mysteries have always been my favorite but I do love when authors combine multiple genres. For me it makes for a fun, engaging story.

When did you start writing fiction and how were you called to it?

Ever since I can remember, I always had stories swirling through my head. As a child, I loved creating made-up worlds and situations. I did enjoy writing, but I didn’t really pursue it. However, when I look back to the jobs I had after college, I always was drawn to projects that involved writing. After I began having children, I would tell them stories and created learning experiences with them as they got older. My first thoughts of being an author revolved around those projects, trying to publish picture books and workbooks. But when the YA story idea came to me, I felt God was calling me to write for teens, which created my passion for YA novels.

What are you working on next?

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Leslea Wahl

I have a few projects in the works. My newest adventurous mystery, Where You Lead, will be coming out next spring. The spark for this novel actually came to me nearly twenty-five years ago. I had a fleeting thought that I felt would make a great beginning to a book but since I wasn’t a writer back then, never pursued it. But after I published The Perfect Blindside, I kept pondering the idea and wondering how it could be made to fit a YA novel. Eventually inspiration hit, and the story about recognizing a call from God came together.

I’ve also recently finished the sequel to The Perfect Blindside. Revisiting those characters was so much fun, I hadn’t realized how much I had missed them! I’m hoping it will also be released sometime in 2018.

Website: www.LesleaWahl.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LesleaWahlbooks
Twitter: LesleaWahl
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14178590.Leslea_Wahl

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Enter to win a copy of The Liberty Series by @LindenTheresa for #IndependenceDay #giveaway #dystopian

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Published on June 19, 2017 02:30

June 15, 2017

Summer Giveaway: The Liberty Trilogy by Theresa Linden

As Independence Day grows near, it’s natural to turn our thoughts to our nation’s freedoms, which we hold dear. I can’t think of a better time to read Theresa Linden’s Liberty Series, which focuses on the values we Americans cherish.

The final book in the series, Fight for Liberty, will be featured on Erin McCole Cupp’s Sabbath Rest Book Talk July 9, 2017, as we discuss the month’s theme: revolution!

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About the Series:

A young woman named Liberty lives in a dystopian society where the earth has been elevated above man and the government controls everything. Moving from one trial to another—escapes, imprisonment, secret missions, rescues, 3D games—this action-packed trilogy follows Liberty to her final sacrifice as she learns that true freedom is within, cannot be taken away, and is worth fighting for.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends:

12:00AM July 9, 2017.

Winner will be announced live at the end of Sabbath Rest Book Talk, July 9, 2017 and later posted on Theresa Linden’s website.

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Book trailer:

Books in the Liberty Series are available in paperback and as Kindle and Nook eBooks (other eBook options at Smashwords):

Chasing Liberty on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.

Testing Liberty on and at Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.

Fight for Liberty on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.

Author bio:
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Theresa Linden

Raised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed a strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the dystopian Chasing Liberty trilogy. Her other published works include award-winning Roland West, Loner, first in a series of Catholic teen fiction, Life-Changing Love, and Battle for His Soul. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild, she balances her time between family, homeschooling, and writing.

Visit Theresa on Facebook, her blog Things Visible & Invisible, or on her website. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The post Summer Giveaway: The Liberty Trilogy by Theresa Linden appeared first on Carolyn Astfalk, Author.

Becoming who God intends…involves relinquishing the need to know all the answers. @JeanEwing07

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Published on June 15, 2017 05:30

June 12, 2017

Overcoming Worry and Relinquishing the Need to Know

By Guest Blogger Jeannie Ewing

It could be any day now, I tell myself as I huff and puff my way to the midwife’s exam room. Everything seems different, new, and I can’t seem to determine whether or not all of these changes are good. I pat my expanding belly and offer our daughter in utero a wry smile. “I can’t wait to meet you, Veronica,” I tenderly whisper to her, even as the fear sweeps over my heart.

The what ifs aren’t just nervous jitters. Well, maybe some of them are. My what ifs involve reliving the very dramatic and in some ways traumatic birthing experience I had with our soon-to-be middle daughter, Sarah. I went from a joyful anticipation in early labor to complete, drop-dead terror as my doctor announced a necessary c-section was in order.

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Photo by Olsztyn Poland, unsplash.com

I cannot allow myself to go there again: What if Veronica has a rare disease like Sarah does? What if we are surprised with some diagnosis at birth? What if my VBAC doesn’t work? What if I have no postpartum help with three kiddos? How will my other two girls respond when I can’t keenly respond to them while I’m in that postpartum, no-sleep haze?

These and other questions flood my mind, and it’s as if the cloud of doom has darkened my heart and my ability to simply appreciate the here-and-now. It’s always been my struggle: being attentive to the present moment rather than caught up in some world of possibility. I guess my innate temperament has manifested its primary weakness again: fear.

I know that God is working through the waiting in my life and all the change therein: moving back to my hometown and reconnecting with high school friends; welcoming a new baby daughter in the midst of this new move; trying to rediscover myself as wife, mother, and possibly writer all over again.

But it’s the starting over that gets me every time. I cannot plan for this. I cannot foresee all of the initial conversations with strangers who may become friends over time. I cannot imagine how long I will dwell in the midst of such a forsaken limbo, the space that seems to linger neither here nor there.

For me, life as a wife and mother involves constant dying to self, constant rearranging of my plans, incessant uprooting of what is comfortable and familiar. There is always change emerging as my daughters move from one phase of development to another, as I navigate where my husband and I are in our marriage, as I ascertain how and when to share our journey with others through my writing without it becoming all-consuming.

As I shared my emotional rollercoaster ride with our new pastor last weekend, he responded, “It’s none of your business what God is doing with your life right now.” And he is right. As much as it stung to hear those words, I knew they were spoken out of genuine truth and charity. I think part of becoming who God intends for us to be involves relinquishing the need to know all the answers to our life’s questions while we are on the journey. It means I need to lean into the heart of God evermore, understanding that mysteries sometimes prevail, and I may feel lost in the midst of it all for a time.

But I have to be okay with the process, the entire messy process. I learned that when Sarah was born. There’s never another chance for me to relive today, to revisit what was said or done or left unsaid or undone. So the focus, for me, and the challenge, is to stop prying into the details of what God is doing in me and through our family. It’s none of my business, so I’ll try to discover the gift of now, those hidden treasures that God often whispers to me through ordinary moments. If I worry too much about the what ifs, I may miss them altogether.

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Jeannie Ewing

Jeannie Ewing believes the world focuses too much on superficial happiness and then crumbles when sorrow strikes. Because life is about more than what makes us feel fuzzy inside, she writes about the hidden value of suffering and even discovering joy in the midst of grief. Jeannie shares her heart as a mom of two girls with special needs in Navigating Deep Waters: Meditations for Caregivers and is the author of From Grief to Grace: The Journey from Tragedy to Triumph. Jeannie was featured on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition and dozens of other radio shows and podcasts.

Links:

Website: http://fromgrief2grace.com/

Facebook – Love Alone Creates: https://www.facebook.com/lovealonecreates

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/fromgrief2grace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanEwing07

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116821023017176676067

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannieewing/

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Published on June 12, 2017 02:30

June 7, 2017

An Open Book

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Welcome to the June 2017 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com!

My family is in a bit of a reading slump. Blame it on the busyness of May: baseball, softball, Boy Scouts, field trips, graduations, and so on and so forth. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? When I asked my husband what he’s been reading, his pathetic response was, “Reading is hopeless.” As you can see, life is taking a toll on our reading time.

[image error]Despite the craziness and a long-lingering case of laryngitis, I’ve been plowing through my reading list. This week, I’m reading two selections for Erin McCole Cupp‘s Sabbath Rest Book Talk. Each month, Erin hosts me and Rebecca Willen as we talk about books pertaining to a pre-selected theme. June’s theme is suffering, and, as always, we’ll be discussing a children’s book, a Young Adult selection, and an adult novel. I’m currently reading A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, which was recently made into a major motion picture (which I have not seen). I’m barely into it, but I’m glad that I borrowed the hardcover from the library rather than reading it on a device so that I can enjoy the illustrations by Jim Kay. I also know this story of a child’s grief is a tear-jerker, so I’m going in prepared, tissues at the ready.

[image error]Once I finish A Monster Calls, it’s on to The Moveigoer by Walker Percy (a National Book Award winner). I’m thrilled with this selection since Percy has long been on my to-be -read list yet I’ve never managed to read one his books. The description says, “ Wry and wrenching, rich in irony and romance, The Moviegoer is a genuine American classic. ” I can’t wait to dig into this one, which I’m reading on a new-to-me app, Hoopla.

[image error]My son exceeded his eighth grade 30-Book Challenge by completing War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. When I think War Horse, I can only recall watching the movie in the hospital on an iPad mini with my husband while I was in labor with our youngest son. So, yeah, I don’t really recall much about the story.

[image error]My newly-minted grade school graduate is also finally reading our Christmas gift to him, Assassin’s Creed: A Walk Through History (1189-1868). He’s not allowed to play the game, but he’s watched his dad play through some scenes. I think the historic aspects of these games can be a great tool for teaching history. He confessed he’s learned more about the Third Crusade from this book than he learned in class.

[image error]After completing the entire Little House on the Prairies series, my daughter returned to Trixie Belden. She’s reading the sixth book in the series, Mystery in Arizona, by Julie Campbell. (She’s slumping a bit in the reading department lately too.) I get regular updates on Trixie’s friends, including the number of millionaire pals she has. Must be nice.

[image error]My youngest children are still enjoying books they selected at the library’s story time. My son picked out one of the most beautiful animal books I’ve seen: Chameleons (Amazing Animals) by Valerie Bodden. Based on the stunning, detailed photographs and accompanying text in this book, I’m eager to see other books in the Amazing Animal Series.

[image error]We’re also reading My Mama Says There Aren’t Any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things by Judith Viorst. My goodness, that’s a long title! It’s a cute story of a very fallible momma’s reassurances that there are no zombies, ghosts, vampires, etc. How can a kid trust a woman who makes so many mistakes, like bringing home the wrong ice cream flavor or telling a kid to wear his rain boots when it doesn’t rain? Well, sometimes those mommas get things right too.

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Want more details on An Open Book? You can also sign up for An Open Book reminder email, which goes out one week before the link-up. No blog? That’s okay. Just tell us what you’re reading in the comment box.

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Contrary to the song, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” doesn’t seem like good advice even with cowbell.

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Published on June 07, 2017 02:30

June 5, 2017

Don’t Fear the Reaper May Not Be the Best Advice

I’ve never chosen one word for the year as seems to be the fashion lately. If you’re not familiar with the concept, you simply scrap the lists of resolutions and focus your efforts on one word. For example, “joy,” “courage,” “mindful,” or “simplify.” Had I chosen a word for the year, I think it would’ve been “reap.”

In my 21st year of marriage, 15th year of motherhood, and the 20th year in this house, for some reason, I feel like I’m doing a lot of reaping. And contrary to the old Blue Oyster Cult classic, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” doesn’t seem like such good advice whether you add more cowbell or not.

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I don’t mean fear as in cowering in a corner, quaking in my proverbial boots. I don’t mean fear as in lost sleep and useless worry. I mean fear as in fear of the Lord – having a reverential respect for something.

I remarked yesterday that the house we’ve lived in for 19 years looks more like we moved in last week. (Reaping the harvest of years of neglect and poor decision-making.) The number on the scale shows I weigh more than I ever have before. (Reaping the harvest of years in which I failed to make time for exercise and eating healthy.) The too regular, too frequent arguments with my husband. (Reaping the harvest of more than a decade of averaging 1-2 date nights a year and not carving out time together at home.)

There are more that I’ll spare you. And there are some good harvests too. Watching my children grow into responsible, kind individuals. (Reaping the harvest of long years of guidance and discipline.) Completing novels that at least some people enjoy reading. (Reaping the harvest of countless hours of writing, learning, editing, and slogging away.) Eliminating most debt. (Reaping the harvest of financial discipline.)

Of course, not everything follows a simple reap/sow equation. You can sow a perfect row, and weeds may still creep in. You can neglect the garden, and still reap the bounty. But for the most part, the two will correlate.

And so it is with life. With our souls. With our loved ones. I could take a lot more care in what I’m sowing. Because the long days pass quickly. Months fly by. The years multiply. And I may wish I’d had a little more fear. Sowed a little more carefully. And been more satisfied with the harvest.

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Hop aboard for the Summer Blogapalooza & summer books series! #summerreads

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Published on June 05, 2017 10:42

June 1, 2017

Great Summer Guest Blogapalooza 2017

I’m eager to share this blogging space with a bevy of talented writers once again this summer! I’ll still be blogging at least once a week, mostly as part of regularly-scheduled link-ups as well as my Relevant Fiction Reviews and author interviews. But, the rest? The rest will be covered by the lovely women listed below. In the process, I may just gain several extra hours to enjoy with my children, doing summery stuff together.

After checking out the summer lineup, please keep scrolling for some other exciting summer series going on this year!

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June 12

June 26

July 3

July 10

July 24

July 31

Olivia Folmar Ard

August 7

Theresa Linden

August 14

Billie Jauss

[image error]The Teaching Virtues Through Fiction Series, hosted by T. M. Gaouette, will examine virtues as exemplified in fiction, particularly among T.M. Gauoette’s titles for teens. To have each new post delivered to your inbox, simply subscribe to her blog.

[image error]The Summer & Books Series, hosted by Theresa Linden, will feature each of the books pictured one day during June. If your teen or tween is crying “I’m bored,” this summer, here is where to turn (after having them do a chore or two). You can also find more about these books at CatholicTeenBooks.com. To have each new post delivered to your inbox, simply subscribe to Theresa Linden’s blog.

[image error]Sabbath Rest Book Talk, hosted by Erin McCole Cupp, also continues throughout summer. Watch live or catch it later on YouTube as Erin and her guests discuss books relating to a central theme.

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Published on June 01, 2017 10:36

May 24, 2017

#WorthRevisit: O Sanctissima, Memories of May

[image error]I’m linking up with Theology is a Verb and Reconciled to You for #WorthRevisit Wednesday Linkup.

This remains one of my most-shared posts, on a subject I return to in my thoughts and memories each May.

My memories of May are bound to May altars and crownings. In the small Catholic grade school I attended, the May crowning was not an annual event as it is in my children’s school. Instead of a solemn celebration in which several students are chosen to place a lovely, silk flower crown on the large statue’s head, our small celebrations were held daily throughout May, with crowning duties rotating from one student to another. I anticipated my turn with a mixture of eagerness and dread.

Photo by Michael Astfalk.

I envisioned creating a sweet-smelling floral array befitting the animated Eve-like figure in the Clairol Herbal Essence commercials of the late 1970s. Birds, attracted to its natural beauty, would descend from the heavens, twittering and plucking blossoms from my handmade crown fit for the Queen of Heaven.

At the least, I hoped to create something that rivaled the professional-looking crowns created by my peers (or their mothers): blossoming lilacs delicately interwoven with wildflowers held together with sturdy floral wire.

Tears were shed as I cobbled together short-stemmed wild violets and floppy peonies. Stems and wilted leaves lay strewn across our kitchen table as I wrestled my pathetic, twisted blooms into a piece of tin foil for safekeeping on the trip to school.

Despite being crown-challenged (diadem dumb?), my devotion to Jesus’s mother flourished as a child. A small, stone grotto sat behind the convent adjacent to my grade school. My friends and I often paid a quick visit to the grotto after lunch, before joining our other friends at recess. The words of every Marian hymn I knew where committed to memory.

My family didn’t recite the Rosary together, but my mother said it privately, if infrequently, and I managed to develop at least some appreciation for the prayer. A small statue of Mary resided (and still rests) on the nightstand next to my mother’s bed. She encouraged me to place flowers there in spring and summer.

What I lacked in crown-ability, I made up for with bouquets. I collected dozens of violets from the grassy hill in our yard and placed them in a shot glass (oh, the piety) in front of the statue.

I’m grateful for the simple but consistent models of devotion to Mary that were shared by my mother and the Sisters of Charity at our school. It’s my childlike to devotion to Mary that has sustained decades, allowing me to return like an affection-starved child to her bosom, seeking her intercession again and again. Like a true, but sometimes neglected friend, she is there when I need her, ready to pick up where we left off.

In the summer of 2002, my husband and I visited my home parish in Pittsburgh. The then-pastor of the parish had arranged for an after-Mass viewing of a traveling image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. My husband and I had been trying to conceive a child without success for about six months. While I was not aware of any medical impediment to conceiving and it had not been all that long, I was dogged by the feeling that a long and heart-wrenching period of infertility lay ahead. It seemed an ever-present specter among couples I knew, and I feared, with a certain amount of superstition, that it would be our cross as well.

Mary sees beyond my wilted crown, my distracted prayer, and my spells of silence.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

As I knelt before the image of Our Lady, I prayed with as much earnest concentration as I could muster that we would be blessed with a child. I heard, not with my ears, but with my heart:

By this time next year, you will have a child.

Our oldest son was conceived that September and born the following May. For someone whose spiritual life has been and is drier than the Sahara, it was a unique experience. One that reminded me of the constancy of a mother’s love, despite the shortcomings of her child.

Like the limp dandelions and odd wildflowers presented to me by my own children, I like to think that the Mother of God sees beyond my wilted crown, my distracted prayer, and my spells of silence. That while she, like I, may discard those humble gifts when little eyes are averted, she treasures the love with which they were gathered. That she waits, modeling the gentleness and humility I lack, always ready to welcome me back onto her lap, always nudging me closer to her Son.

Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe courtesy of Restored Traditions.

Did you participate in May crownings as a child?

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Published on May 24, 2017 07:45

A Summer to Remember Black Horse Campground Mystery Blog Tour

The Black Horse Campground Mystery series by Amy M. Bennett has served as my introduction to cozy mysteries! I’ll admit to being a book (or two) behind in the series (darn you, to-be-read pile!), but I’m eager to get caught up so that I can enjoy A Summer to Remember.

I love the campground setting, which lends itself to a cast of quirky characters, incorporating both locals and more transient types. The main characters are well-drawn, and discovering who they are is half the fun. The other half is trying to out-solve the sleuths by guessing whodunit before them.

If you haven’t visited the Black Horse Campground yet, now’s the time! These five volumes are perfect summertime reading. In fact, I foresee kicking back at a campsite on a warm summer evening to read them.

If you haven’t visited the Black Horse Campground yet, now’s the time! #cozymystery

About the Book:

It’s been a memorable year at the Black Horse Campground. But someone wants certain things forgotten . . .

After Bonney Police detective J.D. Wilder wraps up three cold-case murders, believing that the murderer was his former partner, he tries to focus on his personal life in his new hometown and his budding relationship with Corrie Black, owner of the Black Horse Campground.

When he receives information that proves his former partner wasn’t the murderer, the case is reopened with the knowledge and urgency that the killer is poised to strike again. But who held a grudge against the three cold-case victims . . . and who is that person’s next target? With the help of Bonney County Sheriff Rick Sutton, J.D. probes the memories of several Bonney residents who knew the victims and begins to make connections.

Then another death occurs and while J.D. and Rick are investigating, Corrie is attacked. The attacker and the cold-case murderer could be the same person, but Corrie’s condition is critical and she’s lost her memories of the entire previous year… including the identity of her attacker and even having met J.D. Will she survive long enough to remember what happened? Or will she end up as a memory and the murderer gets away once again?

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Author Interview:

Five books into the series, have your characters surprised you in taking any unexpected turns or are Corrie, Rick, and J.D. on a path you set out for them from the beginning?

I’ve always considered myself a “pantser” rather than a “plotter” when it comes to my books. I always have the end in sight, much like someone who plans a trip to a certain location, but I take a road trip to get there rather than a plane because I’d like to see what there is along the way and perhaps incorporate it. As you know, experiences can change people and my characters are no different. Even if the changes are subtle, even if the path is heading in the general direction, I see that Corrie, Rick, and J.D. are taking turns I didn’t expect. That might not be evident yet, but I know my characters will end up doing things that surprise a lot of readers . . . and the writer!

What is it about murder mysteries that have such eternal appeal and draw such devoted followers?

I think it’s the natural human desire to seek justice for wrongdoings. The news is filled with real-life stories of injustices, including murder, that go unpunished and we humans, naturally, feel outraged and helpless when this happens. Rarely does this happen in fiction. Three hundred pages and the heroes find the villain and bring him to justice and the reader feels a sense of closure and satisfaction… something they hardly ever get from the news.

About the Author, Amy M. Bennett:

[image error]I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, so that automatically makes me a native Texan . . . but then I’ve spent most of my life in New Mexico, so I can claim dual citizenship!

End of the Road is the first book in the Black Horse Campground series. The Black Horse and Bonney County exist in my imagination, for the most part, but visit the Ruidoso/Lincoln County region of New Mexico and you’ll see how I happened to find it! As for Corrie Black and her friends, I hope you enjoy reading about their adventures as much as I enjoyed writing about them . . . and I hope there are many more to come!

When I’m not writing, I’m a cake decorator at Walmart in Alamogordo, NM; slinging vino at Noisy Water Winery in mid-town Ruidoso; and being a wife to Paul (since 1988) and mom to Paul Michael (since 1994) as well as enjoying life in general in Bent, NM.

Links:

Website: https://www.amymbennettbooks.com

Blog: http://amymbennettbooks.blogspot.com

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Published on May 24, 2017 02:30

May 22, 2017

Becky Wade True to You Blog Tour

by Becky Wade, author at Litfuse Publicity

I’m happy to host the blog tour for Becky Wade’s latest book:
True to You: A Bradford Sisters Romance

About the Book:

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

My Review:

True to You solidified Becky Wade’s spot as my favorite contemporary Christian romance author. There’s so much to love about this unlikely pairing of former Navy SEAL John Lawson and bookish Nora Bradford.

To her credit, Becky Wade takes two wealthy, extremely accomplished individuals, reveals their flaws, and makes them sympathetic and relatable. And then she makes them smart and straightforward, avoiding cheap tactics such as cliched misunderstandings and instead demonstrating how people with real character behave, in spite of their fears and insecurities.

Despite a scene or two that had me near tears, the novel includes levity, delivered mainly by Nora’s internal thoughts and her cantankerous grandmother. From wry one-liners like, “She valued proper nomenclature,” to ridiculous dialogue like, “Gotta love cabbage,” there is plenty to make you smile.

There is wisdom, too, about the beauty of life in all its imperfection, living in the here and now, and discovering the truth of our identities and our self-worth.

If you enjoyed the prequel novella Then Came You, you’ll be pleased to know True to You includes more of the epistolary style with each chapter, including text messages and beautifully-written, heart-warming personal letters.

The writing is smooth and crisp, and the book hard to put down. “Sweet and clean” best describes the romance, but with enough physical attraction to keep things real. And, to my surprise, a dramatic twist added an unexpected complication and depth to the story. (Can’t say any more. Sorry.)

The stage has been set for Nora’s sisters’ romances with each of the heroes enjoying minor roles in True to You. (One you may recognize from the Porter Family series.) I’m looking forward to revisiting John and Nora as their romance progresses and they continue to work through the coming challenges they’ll face. (Look at me, talking about them like they’re real people! That’s what a good book will do.)

Interview:

True to You is the first book in a brand new series. What inspired you to write about three sisters?

I’m the eldest of three sisters! I love having sisters. We did our share of fighting when we were growing up, but we’ve been a huge source of friendship, trust, comfort, and support to each other ever since we hit adulthood. We can talk for hours. We look alike. We all share the same sense of humor. My fondness for my sisters and for the bonds of sisterhood inspired me to pen a series based on sisters.

True to You tells the story of a brainy genealogist and a Medal of Honor-winning Navy SEAL. Is this a case of “opposites attract”?

It absolutely is. The heroine of True to You, Nora Bradford, is bookish and history-loving and fearful of love. The hero, John Lawson, is athletic and practical and confident. I had great fun pairing the two of them together. Their banter was a delight to write. And it was intriguing for me as an author to peel back the surface of their personalities to discover why the hearts beneath were perfectly matched.

What impact do you hope that True to You will have on readers?

Because I write romances, I always hope that readers will close the final page of my books with a happy sigh and a smile. In this particular case, the theme of True to You is truth. I’m praying the Lord will use this story to remind readers of the fact that their true identity is, was, and always will be, in Him.

How would you describe your writing style?

Romantic, humorous, heartwarming. I’m interested in writing about imperfect, flawed people who are nonetheless loved by a perfect God. Thus, my books all have a strong faith storyline. I strive to write authentically. I like to laugh. I delight in writing about modern-day people and places. At least one of my two main characters is always ‘larger than life’ in some way. And my books are very romance heavy. My readers can count on a hunky hero who’s going to fall madly in love with the heroine.

What are you working on next?

I’m finishing book #2 in the Bradford Sisters Romance series. Eldest sister Willow Bradford and NFL quarterback Corbin Stewart are the heroine and hero of the second novel. Corbin’s confident and charming and funny, which makes him a lot of fun to write!

Contest:

Celebrate the launch of Becky Wade’s new series by entering to win a fabulous prize pack and $100 cash card!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of True to You
A $100 Visa cash card
A prize pack hand-picked by Becky

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 30.

The winner will be announced May 31 on the Litfuse blog.

About the Author:

[image error]Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website: www.beckywade.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter

Blog: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/blog/

**I received an advance, complimentary copy of True to You.**

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