Linda Brooks Davis's Blog, page 18
May 2, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Penny Haavig
Welcome, Everyone!
Penny Haavig is our guest author this week. I haven’t met Penny in person. But after visiting with her via this interview, I want to move next door! What a friend, wife, mother, and grandma she must be!
Penny’s first novel—Laugh, Clown, Laugh—is coming out soon. So you’re the first to be introduced to her and her novel. Penny’s roots extend to Queens and Long Island, New York. And her historical novel, Laugh, Clown, Laugh, is set in Brooklyn against a backdrop of vaudeville. How intriguing is that?
Now, gather ’round as Penny shares a bit about herself, her life journey, and how Laugh, Clown, Laugh was birthed. Also, she’s offering a special giveaway. So, check it out below.
Penny Haavig’s Roots
First, I was born and raised in New York with roots in Queens and Miller Place, Long Island. However, I spent most of my life in upstate New York, an hour from the beautiful Adirondacks mountains.
Our house in Miller Place was situated on a cliff that overlooked the picturesque Long Island Sound. Even now, I can remember running down the cliff to the beach where my Dad taught me how to swim. To say the least, it was daunting to dodge the horseshoe crabs and jellyfish, but once I got the hang of it, I loved it.
A Love of Horses
Because my dad was an equestrian, his love for horses fell on me when I was three years old. A pony man visited Richmond Hill, where I spent the first five years of my life. My first pony ride was on a black and white pony. The Christmas after, Dad surprised me with a black and white handmade rocking horse. My love of horses stuck for decades. Who would have known, that after all these years, I would be the proud owner of a black and white Pinto/Arabian horse. My mother would say to my dad, “She’ll grow out of this, Henry.” I guess not.
Penny’s Bitter and Sweet
I am a retired pre-school teacher and was blessed to own a day care center for over ten years.
I met my first husband Guy in 1969, and we had two beautiful daughters, Tiffany and Tonia. Everything was going fine until sudden tragedy struck our family. My husband died of a heart attack at the age of 54. We were married thirty years. My life started to unravel, but God kept me together. (Click to Tweet!) My girls were still in their teens, so it was very hard for them.
Because Guy knew the Lord as his Savior, I know he is rejoicing with the saints for eternity and I will see him again when I get to Heaven. Praise God for the gift of eternal life in Jesus.
God’s Intervention
However, God intervened a year later and brought Tom, a handsome Norwegian, into my life. Because he had the bigger business and family, I sold everything in New York and moved to Minnesota. While both girls were on their own, leaving them was bittersweet. Although the miles still separate us, I know God protects them. And now, we’re a blended family with seven children and 13 grandchildren.
Penny Haavig’s Life of Faith
I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord at age 13. Now we’re members of Alexandria Covenant Church, a great gospel preaching church where I have taught pre-school Sunday school and VBS.
At present, I’m a part-time clown with the alias, DancingDot. In addition, I started the SONSHINE Club, a children’s ministry at our church for kids, ages 5-12. We go out into local nursing homes and present the love of Jesus via games, readers theater and music.
Also, I was Children’s Theater Director at Central Square Cultural Center for the past five years.
Penny Haavig’s Writing Journey
Berto: LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGHMy first novel, Laugh, Clown, Laugh, is five years in the making. My mother and grandmother suffered with mental issues, but the facade of vaudeville and theater covered up their bewildered hearts. (Click to Tweet!) Consequently, they both had nervous breakdowns, and their stories inspired me to write this book.
Violet: LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGHIn addition, I met many amazing authors along the way, including Susie May Warren who was the first one to encourage me at a writer’s workshop and retreat. And I pitched to agents at two conferences, but to no avail. Also, I had the book professionally edited twice and revised and revised. Is it ready now? By the grace of God, it is!!
While I wasn’t as persistent as fellow authors and there were many set-backs, every time I was ready to throw in the towel, God said, “What are you doing?” Because God would NOT let me give up, countless prayers, tears, several edits and revision, and perseverance have carried me through. As a result, I’m self-publishing this book, which will be in my hands soon.
The Band: LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGHWhat’s Up With Penny Haavig Post-Laugh?
In conclusion, I’ve completed the rough draft of the sequel to Laugh, Oddballs Matter, which is based on my mother’s story after she came to know the Lord. Next, a third book in the series will be based on my life. While emotional and mental issues can rob a person of their identity (Click to Tweet!), I pray my books will help someone who is hurting on the inside. (Click to Tweet!)
How can you find Penny Haavig
Penny’s Giveaway
Because I’m looking for folks to join my Amazing Dream Team, the first five to sign up via email at pnhaavig@wisper-wireless.com will receive a complimentary paperback book when released.
~ ~ ~
Dear Lord ~ First, You created a perfect world and gave Your creation the freedom to choose good or evil. Because humankind chose to disobey, ushering in imperfection and a fallen world, we suffer in myriad ways, not the least of which is mental illness. However, Your plan to bring us back into a state of perfection through Jesus Christ is marvelous. As a result, your daughter, Penny Haavig, is using the imperfection of her family’s past to create stories to help readers who are hurting inside. Bless each word she writes for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Penny Haavig appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
April 25, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Wendy H. Jones
Welcome, Everyone!
This week we’re hopping a plane to Scotland, lads and lassies! Author Wendy H. Jones, who writes crime novels and Young Adult Mysteries set in Dundee, Scotland, is perched in the pilot’s seat.
How cool is that?
Wendy’s offering a wonderful giveaway—a signed print copy of her crime novel, Killer’s Countdown—to someone in the world who joins the conversation.
Be sure to comment below.
Wendy H. Jones Before Writing
I was born in Dundee, Scotland but have lived all over the world. When I was 18 I joined the Royal Navy as a student nurse and ended up in the British Army as a nursing officer. I retired as a Major, a rank I hold to this day. It is the first rank you keep until the day you die. It seriously impresses the kids and teens when I go into schools. I then worked in Academia and was published in Academic textbooks and journals.
How Writing Began for Wendy H. Jones
I started writing about 6 years ago after a long period of illness. Spending months in hospital focuses the mind and gets you thinking about what is important. I worked long hours, and although I enjoyed my work, I knew it was time for a change so I moved back to Scotland with the idea of retiring. As you can see the early retirement aspect didn’t go well.
A Debut for Wendy H. Jones
My first book, Killer’s Countdown, developed from a conversation with some old friends. (Click to Tweet!) It sparked off the idea for a crime book. Please don’t panic I wasn’t up for killing off any of my friends. No real people are harmed in the writing of my books, tempting though that may be at times. I wrote the bulk of it during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and then completed it and did some editing. The initial response from beta readers was encouraging so I had the book professionally edited. I did send it to a few publishers who either turned it down outright or said it didn’t fit with their portfolio.
Weird and Wonderful Deaths a la Wendy H. Jones
After advice given at a Writers Conference in Stirling, I decided to publish the book independently. I hired Cathy Helms a fabulous cover designer from the USA who got the cover and the branding spot on. I was blown away by her talent and vision. Killers’ Countdown is the first in a series about DI Shona McKenzie, Scotland’s go-to girl for weird and wonderful deaths. In this she finds herself in a heart stopping chase for a killer murdering young women. (Click to Tweet!)
After an amazing launch at Waterstones Bookshop in Dundee, I was both stunned and thrilled to see how well the book did and the response. For a debut author this was exciting stuff. Since then I have published 6 books in this, The DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries series. Killer’s Crew, the fifth book in the series won the Books Go Social Book of the Year Award 2017. (Click to Tweet!)
What’s Up With Wendy H. Jones Now?
I have been fortunate to have had a number of public speaking engagements both nationally and internationally. At one of these a publisher approached me and asked if I had an idea for a Young Adult series. I did and pitched it to her. This led to a contract for an initial three books in the Fergus and Flora Mysteries. The Dagger’s Curse, the first book in the series, was a finalist in The Woman Alive Magazine Readers Choice Award 2017. (Click to Tweet!)
What’s Ahead for Wendy H. Jones
Since then I have been asked to write a series of picture books based on the true story of a baby Buffalo who went missing in Scotland for two weeks. This is a new venture for me, and one which I am very much enjoying. I have to say it is easier to write an eighty-thousand-word novel than a 32-page picture book. It is much more fun though. (Click to Tweet!)
I am about to bring out the first book in a new series called Cass Claymore Investigates. Cass is a redheaded, motorbike riding, ex-ballerina who inherits a private investigation agency. This is humorous crime in the style of Janet Evanovich.
Wendy’s Involvements
It’s been a glorious journey so far. Four weeks ago, I was elected as the President of The Scottish Association of Writers. Currently I serve on the committee of the Society of Authors in Scotland and also the committee of the Association of Christian Writers. I consider it an honour to represent writers in Scotland and Christian writers in the UK, and I am proud to be a part of Scotland’s long literary heritage. (Click to Tweet!)
Insight from Wendy H. Jones
I thank him for the way in which he has shaped not only my writing life, but my life. My church is extremely supportive of what I do and have been there for me at every turn. (Click to Tweet!) Although my books are not overtly Christian they are written following Christian principles and suitable for a crossover market.
A Giveaway From Wendy
I am doing a giveaway just for this blog. I will send one signed copy of Killer’s Countdown anywhere in the world.
How to Find Wendy H. Jones and Her Books
Amazon Author Page (Universal link for all countries)
Dear Lord, we declare You are holy. We find You along the shores and in the valleys. On the highest peaks of mountaintops and in the deepest trenches of the seas. You make Your abode in humble cottages and elaborate palaces. From the Americas to the United Kingdom, from Europe to Australia, Africa, and the Orient. The Earth is Your footstool. You have no need of language; yet You speak all languages at once. Your every word is flawless. Thank You for bringing Wendy along your appointed path to a place where she is now providing enjoyment to readers everywhere. Bless the work of her hands.
~ For Jesus’ sake
The post Let’s Chat! Author Wendy H. Jones appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
April 18, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Catherine Brakefield
Welcome, Everyone!
Catherine Brakefield is our honored guest this week. Catherine writes faith-based historical romances. Also, she’s written short stories and pictorial histories of the area around Lapeer, Michigan. How interesting is that?
**Join our circle by commenting below, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for Catherine’s Destiny’s Whirlwind.**
Catherine Brakefield’s Background
The eldest of five siblings, I grew up in a little Cape Cod home on an acre of land on the outskirts of Hazel Park. My parents brought to their humble abode a three-gated saddlebred mare named Black Magic. She began my love for horses.
Love of Reading
My love for reading came during my puberty years. I grew up with limited technical apparatuses: black and white television sets, no computers, no internet, and, would you believe—no cell phones. If I wanted three dimensional characters, I read a book. The rhyming sonnet of words and flowing musical notes of the written language captivated me. My imagination knew no boundaries.
Love of Written Word
Although love for reading was instantaneous, my love affair with the written word arrived later in life. In college I focused on business, minoring in journalism. I acquired a secretarial job and worked my way up the corporate ladder to purchasing director.
Meanwhile, I wrote stories.
God’s Guiding Hand
First, when I was pregnant with my first child in 1976, I wrote a poem that won a contest. My prize was attending Decision School of Christian Writers at the Billy Graham headquarters, which at the time was in Minnesota.
Then, two months after my daughter’s birth, my grandmother came to live with us. So writing detoured into the inner recesses of my file cabinet. Bottles, diapers, and doctor visits replaced it. Little did I know I was enrolled in God’s School of Christian Learning. The inspiration for my present Destiny series evolved from the twelve years Gran lived with us.
Catherine Brakefield’s Author Debut
When I left my job to be a stay-at-home mom and my grandmother came to live with me, the idea for a faith-based historical romance formed. After my grandmother’s death, I sat down and put my thoughts and love for words on paper. A traditional publishing house published The Wind of Destiny in 2005.
While freelancing for a local newspaper, the idea of 
writing a history about the region materialized. So I wrote two pictorial histories for Arcadia Publishing: Images of America, The Lapeer Area, and Images of America, Eastern Lapeer Area.
Insight from Catherine
Rejection letters have discouraging effects! I needed sound advice. So I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I presently serve as the president of our local Great Lakes Chapter (GLC). I continued to write my inspirational historical romances while I gleaned more information on how to create a winning proposal, synopsis, and how to talk to agents and publishers. My efforts paid off. At a HACWN conference I met my publisher, CrossRiver Media Group, and acquired Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency as my agent.
What’s Up With Catherine Brakefield Now?
Presently, I am writing my dream of over a decade, the Destiny series:
Destiny Series
Swept into Destiny, the first book of a four-book series, released in 2017. It takes place in Tennessee, during the Antebellum Era. Maggie Gatlan secretly educates the slaves at Spirit Wind Manor. She meets Ben McConnell, an Irish immigrant who was hired to dredge out their snake-infested swampland. Civil War erupts, and Maggie must choose. Conscience and consequence—did she care more for Ben or for her beloved South?
Destiny’s Whirlwind, Destiny series, Book 2, released on 
April 17. Collina McConnell promises her dying father to uphold the Shushan legacy of their Kentucky estate. Rough Rider Franklin Long becomes her gallant ally. Then a vindictive lawyer places the family into peril. Esther 8:6 holds new insight for her: “How can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people?” Had her father known this would happen? Had Franklin survived San Juan Hill, and would he return in time?
Wilted Dandelions
CrossRiver Media Group published Wilted Dandelions 
in 2015. The story unfolds during the Second Great Awakening in 1837. High-spirited Rachael Rothburn doesn’t need a husband. She wants to travel out west as a missionary to Native Americans. Jonathan Wheaton desires the same. So they agree on a marriage of convenience. In the process of co-existing, they discover God doesn’t create coincidences—He designs possibilities.
How to Find Catherine
Go to my web page, you will find my book signings and my e-mail: www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com 
Visit www.CrossRiverMedia.com , Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, or Christianbook.com to purchase books.
Blog
Website
Facebook
Giveaway
I’m excited about sharing my newest book with you and will supply a copy of Destiny’s Whirlwind. I hope you will check out Swept into Destiny! You will not be disappointed.
Lord of Heaven and Earth, we worship You alone. As readers and writers, we acknowledge You as the Word who was from the beginning. Catherine served her beloved grandmother and devoted herself to her children while You worked out Your chosen plan for her to write. Bless each word she writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake ~
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Catherine Brakefield appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
April 11, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Tearra Rhodes
Welcome, Readers and Tearra Rhodes!
We’re welcoming Christian fiction author Tearra Rhodes to our chat circle this week. Tearra is my first author interviewee from Buffalo, New York, so this is a unique treat!
**See Tearra’s giveaway details below.**
“Life” for Tearra Rhodes
I was born, raised, and still reside in Buffalo, NY. I grew up in a big, loving, church going family. We’re still very close knit even though 
everyone is older now. I have one sister, whom everyone says is my twin. (Click to Tweet!) Although I don’t think we look alike, who am I to correct a stranger who begs to differ?
I attended private school my entire academic career—Lutheran (Pre-k thru 8thgrade), Catholic (9thgrade thru college graduation). Attending these schools helped to strengthen my own faith and learn and appreciate the faith of others. (Click to Tweet!)
In my personal life, I shop, eat, and watch TV/movies—all a good way to unwind. Because I enjoy being of service I have always worked in the customer service field in my regular “9 to 5,” the homeowners insurance industry.
A Debut for Tearra Rhodes
My first, and currently only, published work is the Christian suspense novella, He Said His Name Was Micah, The Micah Series #1. (Click to Tweet!) It started as a flash fiction story and took over five years to finesse into a publishable work. It took so long because I am a huge procrastinator. I can only write when I “feel it,” and I work a regular day job full-time.
When I was tentatively ready to publish, I decided to go through a hybrid publishing company. $2,500 later—nothing. The company had taken my money (along with a lot of other writers) and closed its doors without any warning.
A Learning Experience
I was a bit discouraged and annoyed at having been duped out of $2,500, but I prayed, wrote it off as a bad investment, and decided to self-publish. It all worked out, and I am so grateful for the end product. Effective marketing through building a social media brand has been particularly challenging because I work full-time and feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I keep a smile because I know everything will work out!
What’s Up With Tearra Rhodes Now?
I am into flash fiction now and am currently working on a series of 55 55-word stories all about city living. And 100 100-word stories based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. There aren’t a lot of, if any, collections of stories like this from a Christian perspective. I’m not sure why not, so my thought was why don’t I try my hand at it? And so I am. I feel that this is why God gave me a creative mind.
I am also working on Book #2 in the Micah Series. Here’s the opening sentence:
How to Connect with Tearra Rhodes
Universal Book Link for Nook, Apple iBook & Kobo
Tearra Rhodes Offers a Giveaway
I‘m happy to offer a digital copy of He Said His Name Was Micah.
~ ~ ~
Lord Jesus, Your Presence makes all the difference in our lives. Where can we go but to You? We praise You for standing beside us when life is as beautiful as we expect and when it turns as dark as a pit. You are using Tearra to spread Your message of hope to a hopeless world. Please bless each word she writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
The post Let’s Chat! Author Tearra Rhodes appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
April 4, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Jaycee Weaver
Welcome to Let’s Chat, Everyone!
This week we encircle author Jaycee Weaver who writes Christian contemporary romance novels. She and her husband live in Albuquerque and have three daughters and a crazy shih-tzu.
A substitute teacher, PTA board member, and most other jobs your average WAHM home CEO does, Jaycee might have a few too many shows waiting in her Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon queues. And she tries to make time for the gym. She considers herself a recovering perfectionist and sometimes hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action, being open, honest, and real and letting God be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
You’ll find Jaycee totally delightful, so join in the conversation. She’s offering a giveaway, so be sure to check it out below. (And she’s a doll, to boot!)
Accepting our invitation to this chat party and contributing to the conversation encourages both Jaycee and me. So thank you ahead of time!
“Life” for Jaycee Weaver
Brindle (AKA Anxiety Banisher)Originally born in Henderson, NV, I’ve lived in Albuquerque, NM since I was 14. I met my wonderful husband while attending UNM (Go Lobos!) and we now have three daughters, a shih-tzu named Oscar, and a dwarf lop named Brindle.
First, writers were readers.When I’m not writing, I have more hobbies than any ten people I know put together (Click to Tweet!) and that’s only a mild exaggeration. I especially love floral and landscape photography, singing, reading (way, way too much), cooking and baking fresh, whole foods from scratch, crafting of all kinds, and basically anything having to do with my kids. I’ve always been a bit of an entrepreneur and have worked from home doing one thing or another for the past thirteen years or so.
Jaycee Weaver’s Debut Experience
What Could Be is my first full length novel and the first in the Everyday Love Series. (Click to Tweet!) It originally released last October, but this March I revised it completely and released the second edition. In between, I wrote my second book in the series, Whatever Comes Our Way, and I’ve grown and changed so much in figuring out my style that I felt it was important to revisit that first manuscript.
The debut experience was a lot of fun, and a ton of learning. I’m still new at it all but the independent Christian fiction writing community is absolutely incredible. I’ve been so blessed getting to know other Christian authors in the past year and seeing the way they uplift one another is encouraging beyond words.
Insight From Jaycee Weaver
I’ve prayed over my writing from the very beginning, and while I would like to make this a real thing, my vision is more aligned with telling the stories He places in my heart. (Click to Tweet!) Marketing comes secondary. If I’m never an award-winning best-seller, I’ll live. But if I hear testimonies on how the Lord spoke to someone through my books? That’s everything, and it’s already happened a couple of times!
One reader was going through a particularly overwhelming time and she spoke of how God showed her the need to slow down and take in the beauty of the world around her. She also felt the Lord convicting her of her need, like my main character, Brynn, to plan everything to the letter and control her circumstances. Reading Brynn’s journey encouraged her to try harder to stay in the present—enjoy the potential of what could be instead of constantly forcing things into her idea of what should be. It was such a blessing!
Jaycee Weaver Today
Currently, I’m editing my second book, Whatever Comes Our Way, and plan to release it in mid-April. (Click to Tweet!) I had major surgery recently and recovery is a little slower than I’d hoped, so I may have to delay it a bit. I’m also working on a novella that I plan to offer free to newsletter subscribers soon!
While writing the follow up book in my Everyday Love series, the Lord spoke to my heart about body image issues and trusting Him no matter the circumstances. (Click to Tweet!) Gina is a very complex character and it’s so strange feeling like I’ve gotten to know a dear friend while writing her.
As for the novella, I’m using a working title No Longer Adrift. I woke in the middle of the night with a fully developed introduction. And a whole list of traits about a woman who’s been widowed and is tired of treading water in her life. She’s ready to move forward but doesn’t quite know where to begin. (Click to Tweet!)
How to Find Jaycee Weaver
What Could Be is available on Amazon in eBook and paperback! (Click to Tweet!)
You can find more information on my books on my website www.jayceeweaver.com. (Click to Tweet!)
I absolutely love getting to know fellow readers. Stay in touch with me on my Facebook fan page, Twitter @weaverjaycee, Pinterest, Goodreads. And Amazon Author Central. (Click to Tweet!)
Join my Facebook street team, The Jaycee League. And sign up for my mailing list. (Click to Tweet!)
Jaycee Weaver Offers a Giveaway!
I love doing a giveaway of What Could Be in paperback or e-book version, winner’s choice.
~ ~ ~
Dear Lord and Father, we come to You as Your children praising You as the Great Author of Eternal Life, the Storyteller Above All Storytellers. We’re humbled that You would use us to tell Your story. Jaycee is listening for Your direction.
Please bless each word she writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Jaycee Weaver appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
March 28, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Dawn Kinzer
Welcome, Readers and author Dawn Kinzer!
This week I hand the reins to historical romance author Dawn Kinzer. (Click to Tweet!) Dawn penned The Daughters of Riverton series—Sarah’s Smile, Hope’s Design, and Rebecca’s Song which releases May 25. Dawn’s characters come alive as they yearn for purpose, strive for dreams, and learn to trust God when all around them is falling apart.
**Dawn offers a giveaway to anyone who signs up for her newsletter. Check it out below.**
What does author Dawn Kinzer expect to find when she opens a novel’s cover?
As an author, I hope you’ll be immersed in my story, transported to another time, and consider the characters as friends. I want my Christian fiction to encourage and inspire readers. (Click to Tweet!)
Writers often use personal experiences to plot stories or develop characters. I’m no exception. My historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, includes conflicts and struggles that reflect parts of my own journey.
Daughters of Riverton Series
In Book 1, Sarah’s Smile, my heroine yearns for purpose. Several people deal with forgiveness. Characters in Hope’s Design, Book 2, strive to accomplish their dreams.
The third book, Rebecca’s Song, the most difficult to write, releases on May 25.
You see, Rebecca plays an important role in Book 1. Each novel in the series can be read as stand-alones. However, I realized readers who witnessed Rebecca’s slow change in Hope’s Design would enjoy her as the heroine in her own story as the series closes.
Rebecca’s Song by Dawn Kinzer
Like the other books, Rebecca’s Song transpires in a small country town in Wisconsin called Riverton. (Click to Tweet!) My own hometown and the people who lived there in the early 1900s inspired the setting.
Rebecca Hoyt, the local schoolteacher, has grown up in Riverton. Because she’s not able to conceive and have children of her own, the students have become her family. But, a newcomer—a rebellious child—could cost her the job she loves.
Our hero, Detective Jesse Rand, prides himself in protecting the people who ride the railroads. But, when his own sister and brother-in-law are killed by train robbers, the detective blames himself. Yet, another duty calls—he must venture to Riverton where his niece and nephews were left with Rebecca, his sister’s closest friend. 
Although he promised to raise his sister’s children if anything happened to her and her husband, Jesse is also determined to find his sister’s killers. Rebecca helps care for the children, but she also fears getting too close to them—or their handsome uncle. She knows the day will come when he’ll take them back to Chicago.
With one challenge after another, how are Rebecca and Jesse supposed to believe that all things will work out? (Click to Tweet!) How can they trust that God knows what’s best? Will he deliver it into their hands when everything around them seems to be falling apart?
Inspiration from author Dawn Kinzer
Perhaps like Rebecca, you’ve been devastated by infertility. Maybe you’ve dealt with unfair judgement or practices in the workplace. Whether or not we’ve faced Rebecca’s and Jesse’s same problems, most of us question God’s presence—or his love for us—when life has been a bit unkind.
My husband and I are very open about our personal journeys. Both divorced, we met when our two oldest daughters were graduating from high school. I’d told God I would never marry again unless I was convinced he wanted it. Six months after meeting Sonny, he proposed, and there was no doubt that I heard God’s voice telling me to say “yes.” (Click to Tweet!)
Eighteen months later we married. All four daughters participated in the wedding, a joyous occasion. Although thrilled to begin our lives together, we didn’t experience our happily-ever-after.
Two months later, my nineteen-year-old stepdaughter died in a car accident. Nine months after her death, while we were still grieving, my husband was laid off from work, along with thousands of other employees. Two years of unemployment passed, and the same company called him back to work. I believed all would be well. But, after four months, he confessed to being a closet alcoholic. He admitted himself into a thirty-day treatment facility and has been sober for thirteen years.
When does Dawn Kinzer often find God working on her behalf?
During the first three years of marriage, I raised my hands to the heavens, questioning God. Why had he put me in a relationship that would bring so much hardship? Believing God knew what was best kept me going in the turmoil. Good would eventually come out of all that pain.
And I was right. Blessings fill my life. I enjoy a wonderful marriage with a true partner. God brought us through trials with renewed strength—as individuals and as a couple. I hope my stories encourage readers to believe God can and will bring them through their own difficult times.
Connecting with editor, blogger, author Dawn Kinzer
Dawn Kinzer is a freelance editor, and her own work has appeared in devotionals and magazines. She co-hosts and writes for the blog Seriously Write. Her personal blog, The Garden of Dreams, encourages women to find purpose and pursue dreams in different seasons of life. (Click to Tweet!)
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Connect with Dawn and her work at these online sites: Author Website, Dawn’s Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
**Sign up on Dawn’s website to receive her newsletter, and you’ll receive Dawn’s short story, Maggie’s Miracle (PDF format) as a gift.**
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Dawn Kinzer appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
March 21, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Carolyn Miller
Welcome, Everyone!
Welcome, Carolyn Miller, our guest author this week. Carolyn writes inspirational Regency romance novels that are completely beautiful. The covers will take your breath away!
Grab a cup o’ whatever suits you and gather ’round. Carolyn is offering Winning Miss Winthrop (either ebook or paperback) to someone who joins our chat. Can’t beat that, ya’ll!
Carolyn Miller: Life Before Writing
I’m an Aussie who grew up in a Christian family in a small town southwest of Sydney, New South Wales. I’ve always enjoyed reading (it probably helped that my mum was a high school librarian!) and enjoyed school, especially English and Music. After completing a Bachelor of Arts and then a teaching degree at Wollongong University I started my first job as an English teacher at a Christian school. I married my best friend that first year of teaching (what a big year that was!) and worked as a teacher for four years whilst serving in our local church.
My husband was asked to pastor a small church, so I left teaching and assisted in this. Over the ten years we saw many lives touched and God’s miraculous provision in the form of healings, breakthroughs, and a wonderful church building. We were also extremely blessed to welcome four gorgeous kidlets into our lives.
Carolyn Miller Begins to Write
However, this time of ministry took a toll, especially for my bi-vocational husband, who still had to work long hours to support our growing family. Eventually we needed to resign, which led to a hard few years. We still loved God, still went to church every week, but it was tough. During this time I began to write as a way to deal with some of the emotions I was experiencing. Writing became a form of therapy for me. (Click to Tweet!)
Eventually my husband began budding and grafting work for different orchards and large scale horticultural companies, and I returned to teaching, this time at our local public high school, while writing down these stories I kept dreaming.
Carolyn Miller’s Debut Experience
After writing my first story, I had no idea what to do next – or even if it was any good. So I entered online writing contests, a great place to get unbiased feedback (and develop a thick skin). After some time I started to final, which was encouraging. Maybe this writing thing will work after all! Then I wondered if it might lead to something more substantial. But the only way this little Australian could get a foot in the door of US publishers was to win a contest, and maybe get the notice of an editor or agent.
Subsequently, I made contest finals often but never won. So I eventually said to God, “I’ll enter this last one, but if I don’t win, I’ll take it as a sign you want me to focus in something else.”
That last contest was the American Christian Fiction Writers ‘First Impressions’ contest – which I won for my category (Romantic Suspense). I finaled in the ACFW Genesis Contest, which led to notice from agent Tamela Hancock Murray, who agreed to represent me.
A Genre for Carolyn Miller
Then I had to decide what genre to write. Since I’ve always enjoyed Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I decided to focus on Regency, a historical period usually set in England from 1811-1820. (Click to Tweet!) A story I’d written called The Elusive Miss Ellison was picked up by Kregel Publications, which became a series of three. I wrote The Captivating Lady Charlotte and The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey in 2016 during the days when I wasn’t teaching at the high school.
February 2017 saw the release of Miss Ellison, then later Lady Charlotte and Miss DeLancey in June and October respectively. This meant last year was a crazy time as I learned to juggle social media, marketing, writing more novels, and solo parenting as my husband worked interstate and overseas. But God’s grace sustained me. Thank You, God!
What’s up With Carolyn Miller Now?
Today we are healthy, happy, and worshipping in a different church. Three children are enrolled in our local public high school and one in our public primary school. My husband works away for a great part of the year. This means I make the most of my child-free hours and write!
Having Kregel Publications has been wonderful for me (their first Aussie author)(Click to Tweet!) I have since signed two (!) more 3-book series contracts. My next Regency romance, Winning Miss Winthrop, releases March 27. It is the first in my new Regency Brides: The Promise of Hope series. I’m so excited about this book as it’s set in the beautiful English city of Bath (Click to Tweet!). I was blessed to see Bath in 2015 whilst visiting my sister who was living in the UK. The next in the series, Miss Serena’s Secret, releases July 24, and the third The Making of Mrs. Hale releases November 27.
Bath, EnglandCurrently, I’m juggling various rounds of edits on these stories. I’m also writing and polishing the stories for my new series, Regency Brides: The Daughters of Aynsley. I love the way these characters weave in and out of each other’s lives. (Click to Tweet!) Their stories continue, even as each novel focuses on a new hero and heroine’s journey to faith, hope and love.
God Is Good
I’m constantly surprised by God’s enabling of things this little Aussie from a little Aussie town could never have dreamed. Currently my first series is available in paperback, e-book, hardcover, audiobook. There are plans to have German and Dutch translations of Miss Ellison. What can I say except God is good? (Click to Tweet!)
How to Find Carolyn and Her Books
Social media:
www.facebook.com/CarolynMillerAuthor/
Purchases:
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Dear Lord, we bow before You in worship, thanking You for the countless ways in which You make our paths straight. Your provision is boundless, your love unending. And Your grace unspeakable. Thank You for blessing readers with Carolyn Miller and her beautiful stories. We pray You’ll bless every single word she writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Carolyn Miller appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
March 14, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Andrea Boyd
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Andrea Boyd!
Andrea BoydThis week the guest-of-honor spot in our chat circle is reserved for Andrea Boyd, who writes fantasy and contemporary romance novels.
**Join the chat below and you may win an ebook copy of Andrea’s contemporary romance novel, Irresistibly Yours.** (Click to Tweet!)
“Real Life” for Andrea Boyd
Unfortunately, I was told at an early age that because of medical reasons, I wouldn’t have children. But God had other plans and blessed me with three.
Consequently, my sole focus before becoming a writer was to raise those three blessings. Then, like most empty-nesters, after the last one moved out of my house I wondered what would be next for me. That’s when God called me to write. (Click to Tweet!)
Andrea Boyd’s Debut Experience
With traditional publishing, it takes a long time from the moment your book is ready until it makes it to print. I was in my late forties when I finished my first book. Securing Aisling. Time seems to run out faster at this age.
After praying about it, I decided to publish the book myself. Indie publishing has its own set woes, but it is also very satisfying.
What’s up with Andrea Boyd at Present
Besides Securing Aisling, the Kingdoms of Kearnley series includes Healing Gilvary and Restoring Dermot. (Click to Tweet!)
Also I have two contemporary romance series going on.
Sweet Tea Holiday Collection
In addition, I have one book in the Sweet Tea Holiday Collection so far. Heart’s Desire focuses on New Year’s Eve, and I am working on a Christmas story to go next in the series.
Walden Beach Series
I just released the first book in the Walden Beach series. Irresistibly Yours is about Vivian Emerson, a woman who has suffered through one bad marriage and has no desire to try again. Then Bo Manning sweeps in with intensions of changing her mind.
The second book in that series is also in the works.
How to Find Andrea Boyd
Giveaway by Andrea Boyd
Finally, one eBook copy of Irresistibly Yours goes to someone who joins the chat by commenting below.
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Dear Lord, we acknowledge You as the eternal Creator of everything—including the family. Against all odds, You blessed Andrea with three children, and she responded by gratefully devoting her life to them. Now You’re blessing her with a writing career. We pray You’ll expand Andrea’s territory by blessing each word she writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake ~
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Andrea Boyd appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
March 7, 2018
Let’s Chat! Author Laurie Lucking
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Laurie Lucking!
This week we venture into fantasy land with author Laurie Lucking, who writes young adult Christian fantasy with a strong thread of fairy-tale romance. How intriguing!
Gather ’round as Laurie tells us about herself and her books.
**Laurie’s offering a giveaway, so be sure to comment below to be entered in drawing.**
Laurie Lucking Before Writing
My family moved four times by the time I turned four, but my parents have been in the same home in Wisconsin ever since! I’ve always loved reading and dreaming up stories, but I struggled with creative writing in grade school so I assumed writing wasn’t for me.
I studied English and economics at St. Olaf College (and got to sing in one of their amazing choirs!) and then went on to law school at the University of Minnesota.
My husband and I met through a church group while I was in law school and got married just two weeks after my graduation! I practiced law for several years but left my job to become a stay-at-home mom when my oldest son was born.
The days home with my newborn were precious but long, and I needed a creative outlet. Writing a book entered my mind, and I couldn’t shake it. Once I finally summoned the courage to get started, I was completely hooked! (Click to Tweet!)
My husband and I continue to live in Minnesota with our two young sons, and I spend my breaks from playing superheroes and driving wind-up cars writing young adult Christian fantasy with a strong thread of fairy tale romance.
Laurie Lucking’s Debut
My debut novel, Common, just released on February 14th! It took me years to finish the manuscript, and so many roadblocks came up along the way I sometimes wondered if I’d ever complete it. Even once I had a full draft, the editing process was long and painful since I’m still learning so much about pacing and story structure. But I just couldn’t give up on this Cinderella-type romance between a quiet servant girl and her handsome prince. (Click to Tweet!)
After bolstering the sagging middle, tightening up my prose, and deepening my characters, I submitted my story to an editor I’d met at a writing conference. I cried so hard when she said she wanted to publish my book that my poor husband couldn’t figure out if I was calling with good news or bad news! Holding the beautiful proof copies was a dream come true, and it’s been thrilling (and a bit scary!) to see my books arriving in the hands of so many readers!
What’s Up With Laurie Lucking Now?
Common is the first book in my Tales of the Mystics, which will be a series of companion novels. The next two books are in the works—one is halfway done, the other 
only a rough outline so far.
Also, I enjoy writing short stories, and my Peter Pan-inspired story, “Threshold,” will be published in late March in an anthology titled Mythical Doorways put together by the Fellowship of Fantasy. Also, I love to draw inspiration from fairy tales and other classic stories, so I hope to add many more titles in the future! (Click to Tweet!)
Giveaway Offer From Laurie Lucking
I would love to give away a digital copy of 
Common! One of the major themes in the book is that even the most ordinary-seeming person is anything but common, and we are all capable of doing extraordinary things. So to enter, comment and tell us something that makes you UNcommon!
How to Find Laurie Lucking and her Books
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Lord, You use Your children in myriad ways. The path you set before Laurie has taken unexpected turns, but we see Your handprint along the way. How UNcommon for a young attorney to walk away from her career to rear her children. And now to write stories that take readers into fantasy lands where they discover You!
Please bless each word Laurie writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake ~
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Laurie Lucking appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
February 28, 2018
Let’s Chat! Caryl McAdoo
Welcome, Readers!
Do I ever have a treat for you this week! The fabulous Caryl McAdoo is guest blogging. I met Caryl at an ACFW conference a few years ago and knew at that moment I would never forget her. And love her, too.
I‘m tickled pink to hand the reins to this beautiful, blessed and highly favored author, woman of God, and inspirer extraordinaire!
**Check for Caryl’s giveaway below 
