Linda Shenton Matchett's Blog, page 50
March 3, 2021
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Rose Spiller and Chris Paxson
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Rose Spiller and Chris Paxson!
Linda: Welcome back! It’s been about eight months since your book No Half Truths Allowed was published. Can you tell us a bit about the road to publication and how has the book changed things for you?
ROSE & CHRIS: Thanks so much for having us, Linda! We are honored to be on your site! It’s always a little embarrassing when we get asked about the road to publication, because honestly, it was an incredibly easy road, and we know that is not the norm. No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message was born out of a Bible Study we wrote for a church we were attending and teaching a women’s Bible Study class at. Coming from years at a PCA church, we were surprised when we arrived at this church how little people really knew their Bible, including the complete Gospel message. We had been teaching ladies’ Bible Studies for about 15 years at that time and had a passion to teach these wonderful ladies. LM: Research is an important part of the writing process. What sort of research did you do for No Half Truths Allowed? Did you unearth anything that was totally unexpected that you knew you had to include?
ROSE & CHRIS: When we decided to start writing our own Bible Studies, we knew we wanted to further feed our education, so we enrolled in Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary’s Dimensions of the Faith Program. We graduated in 14 months and continue our seminary education by taking online classes from Reformed Theological Seminary and through Biblical Training’s Institute Program. We also read and study many commentaries from Solid Biblical Theologians and listen to an insane amount of sermons from Reformed Pastors. I don’t know if we unearthed anything new, but while researching and writing this book, the absolute sovereignty of God over salvation and over everything hit us hard. It’s one of those Truths that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And that is what we wanted our readers to come away with when reading our book. When it comes to our salvation, we bring nothing to the table but our sin and our need to be saved. When we get that, everything else seems to fall into place. LM: You have an upcoming publication Bible in Six. Can you tell us a bit about that?
ROSE & CHRIS: Actually, our publisher recently suggested changing the name of The Bible in Six.
They thought the title did not convey what the book was actually about, so we collaborated and came up with, “The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.” And that’s pretty much what the book is about. We have divided all 66 books of the Bible into six parts – The Foundation, The Law, The Kings, The Prophets, The Gospels, and The Epistles. We give an overview of each of the books of the Bible, flesh out some of the more complicated passages, and show how, ultimately, everything in the entire Bible points to Jesus. The goal of this book is to arm people with the basic understanding of each of the books of the Bible, and help them to see that the Bible is one continuous story. Our prayer is that this gives people confidence and makes them hungry to dive into God’s Word for themselves. For the more seasoned Christian, it is a help with some of the complex passages and with doctrine.
LM: You also co-host a podcast, and are co-founder of the Proverbs 9:10 Ministries. How do you balance your writing with your other responsibilities?
ROSE & CHRIS: We do co-host the podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, which has weekly 20 – 30 minute episodes. Honestly, it is crazy! We each spend about 30 + hours a week between our ministry, podcast, research, classes, social media, and trying to get our 3rd book completed. We work as much and as often as we can, but we both know that we have other responsibilities that need our attention – namely, our husbands, children, parents, and grandchildren. So we work whenever we can, but understand that at any time, our time may be hijacked. Haha! Thankfully, God works it all out, and we always somehow get what we need done when we need to get it done.
LM: What has been the most challenging part of the road to publication for you? What advice do you have for fledgling writers?
ROSE & CHRIS: First, we want to encourage writers, keep plugging away. If your passion is writing, then write! If you are writing solo, get someone very competent to read through your manuscript with you before you submit it anywhere. Make sure it is formatted to the correct publisher standards, and make sure your book is good – fluent and easy to understand with proper grammar and sentence structure. Some publishers won’t even look at a manuscript that is not formatted properly. And almost as important, understand that writing your book is the easy part! Once you are accepted by a publisher, or begin self-publishing, understand there is hard work ahead. There are 2,700 books published every day. You need to get your book out there in front of people. There are a lot of different strategies to do that, but they all require a lot of time and a lot of work.
LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
ROSE & CHRIS: This is easy! We both wish we were more technologically savvy! Everything new thing we do – social media sites, our podcast, videos, live events, our website, and other things, all come with a huge learning curve for us. We are in our 50’s, so we are right in between the younger, tech pro, generation, and the older, tech-challenged generation. We are amazed at what God has enabled us to learn and accomplish so far, but we have a long, long way to go!! LM: What is your next project?
ROSE & CHRIS: Definitely, continuing in our classes and studying. We are currently working on our 3rd book, on the Book of Revelation. We are hoping that as things open us, we can go back to speaking and teaching at women’s events. But, as always, everything is prefaced by God willing; and if God has other plans, we will go with them. Our goal is always to serve and glorify God however He deems us to.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
ROSE & CHRIS: www.proverbs910ministries.com
BOOK BLURB: The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Have you ever wanted to read the Bible, but found it intimidating? Have you ever read parts or all of it, but have come away more confused than ever? Does it seem like there are contradictions in the Bible? Why is there an Old Testament and New Testament? Does the Old Testament even matter to Christians today? How do the sixty-six books of the Bible fit together? Is there an overarching theme? If you have asked yourself any or of these questions, or others, you are not alone! The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation divides the entire Bible chronologically into six easy-to-read sections. It provides a basic understanding of Scripture as a complete story that links all the various books together. It gives an overview of each book, touching on highlights and some of the amazing and significant events in each, without getting bogged down in the more difficult sections. There is no substitute for the actual Bible! It is not only fascinating, it is the life-giving, life-saving, life-transforming Word of God! The Bible Blueprint is not a replacement for the Bible, but it will whet your appetite to dig deep into God’s Book for yourself while giving you the confidence to do so!
Linda: Welcome back! It’s been about eight months since your book No Half Truths Allowed was published. Can you tell us a bit about the road to publication and how has the book changed things for you? ROSE & CHRIS: Thanks so much for having us, Linda! We are honored to be on your site! It’s always a little embarrassing when we get asked about the road to publication, because honestly, it was an incredibly easy road, and we know that is not the norm. No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message was born out of a Bible Study we wrote for a church we were attending and teaching a women’s Bible Study class at. Coming from years at a PCA church, we were surprised when we arrived at this church how little people really knew their Bible, including the complete Gospel message. We had been teaching ladies’ Bible Studies for about 15 years at that time and had a passion to teach these wonderful ladies. LM: Research is an important part of the writing process. What sort of research did you do for No Half Truths Allowed? Did you unearth anything that was totally unexpected that you knew you had to include?
ROSE & CHRIS: When we decided to start writing our own Bible Studies, we knew we wanted to further feed our education, so we enrolled in Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary’s Dimensions of the Faith Program. We graduated in 14 months and continue our seminary education by taking online classes from Reformed Theological Seminary and through Biblical Training’s Institute Program. We also read and study many commentaries from Solid Biblical Theologians and listen to an insane amount of sermons from Reformed Pastors. I don’t know if we unearthed anything new, but while researching and writing this book, the absolute sovereignty of God over salvation and over everything hit us hard. It’s one of those Truths that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And that is what we wanted our readers to come away with when reading our book. When it comes to our salvation, we bring nothing to the table but our sin and our need to be saved. When we get that, everything else seems to fall into place. LM: You have an upcoming publication Bible in Six. Can you tell us a bit about that?
ROSE & CHRIS: Actually, our publisher recently suggested changing the name of The Bible in Six.
They thought the title did not convey what the book was actually about, so we collaborated and came up with, “The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.” And that’s pretty much what the book is about. We have divided all 66 books of the Bible into six parts – The Foundation, The Law, The Kings, The Prophets, The Gospels, and The Epistles. We give an overview of each of the books of the Bible, flesh out some of the more complicated passages, and show how, ultimately, everything in the entire Bible points to Jesus. The goal of this book is to arm people with the basic understanding of each of the books of the Bible, and help them to see that the Bible is one continuous story. Our prayer is that this gives people confidence and makes them hungry to dive into God’s Word for themselves. For the more seasoned Christian, it is a help with some of the complex passages and with doctrine. LM: You also co-host a podcast, and are co-founder of the Proverbs 9:10 Ministries. How do you balance your writing with your other responsibilities?
ROSE & CHRIS: We do co-host the podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, which has weekly 20 – 30 minute episodes. Honestly, it is crazy! We each spend about 30 + hours a week between our ministry, podcast, research, classes, social media, and trying to get our 3rd book completed. We work as much and as often as we can, but we both know that we have other responsibilities that need our attention – namely, our husbands, children, parents, and grandchildren. So we work whenever we can, but understand that at any time, our time may be hijacked. Haha! Thankfully, God works it all out, and we always somehow get what we need done when we need to get it done.
LM: What has been the most challenging part of the road to publication for you? What advice do you have for fledgling writers?
ROSE & CHRIS: First, we want to encourage writers, keep plugging away. If your passion is writing, then write! If you are writing solo, get someone very competent to read through your manuscript with you before you submit it anywhere. Make sure it is formatted to the correct publisher standards, and make sure your book is good – fluent and easy to understand with proper grammar and sentence structure. Some publishers won’t even look at a manuscript that is not formatted properly. And almost as important, understand that writing your book is the easy part! Once you are accepted by a publisher, or begin self-publishing, understand there is hard work ahead. There are 2,700 books published every day. You need to get your book out there in front of people. There are a lot of different strategies to do that, but they all require a lot of time and a lot of work.
LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
ROSE & CHRIS: This is easy! We both wish we were more technologically savvy! Everything new thing we do – social media sites, our podcast, videos, live events, our website, and other things, all come with a huge learning curve for us. We are in our 50’s, so we are right in between the younger, tech pro, generation, and the older, tech-challenged generation. We are amazed at what God has enabled us to learn and accomplish so far, but we have a long, long way to go!! LM: What is your next project? ROSE & CHRIS: Definitely, continuing in our classes and studying. We are currently working on our 3rd book, on the Book of Revelation. We are hoping that as things open us, we can go back to speaking and teaching at women’s events. But, as always, everything is prefaced by God willing; and if God has other plans, we will go with them. Our goal is always to serve and glorify God however He deems us to.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
ROSE & CHRIS: www.proverbs910ministries.com
BOOK BLURB: The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Have you ever wanted to read the Bible, but found it intimidating? Have you ever read parts or all of it, but have come away more confused than ever? Does it seem like there are contradictions in the Bible? Why is there an Old Testament and New Testament? Does the Old Testament even matter to Christians today? How do the sixty-six books of the Bible fit together? Is there an overarching theme? If you have asked yourself any or of these questions, or others, you are not alone! The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation divides the entire Bible chronologically into six easy-to-read sections. It provides a basic understanding of Scripture as a complete story that links all the various books together. It gives an overview of each book, touching on highlights and some of the amazing and significant events in each, without getting bogged down in the more difficult sections. There is no substitute for the actual Bible! It is not only fascinating, it is the life-giving, life-saving, life-transforming Word of God! The Bible Blueprint is not a replacement for the Bible, but it will whet your appetite to dig deep into God’s Book for yourself while giving you the confidence to do so!
February 28, 2021
Mystery Monday: Meet Philo Vance
Mystery Monday: Philo Vance
“Philo Vance Needs a kick in the pance.”
So wrote comic poet Ogden Nash about the wildly popular fictional detective created by S.S. Van Dine, the pseudonym for Willard Huntington Wright. Wright was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but his parents soon moved to Santa Monica, California where his father purchased a hotel. His brother Stanton Macdonald-Wright was one of the first American abstract artists and co-founded the school of modern art known as Synchromism. At the age of 21, Wright secured a job at the Los Angeles Times as literary editor where he gained a reputation for scathing book reviews and irreverent opinions. He was particularly critical about romance and detective fiction. After being fired for “intentionally provoking the paper’s middle-class readership with his interest in unconventional and often sexually explicit fiction,” with help from friend H.L. Mencken, Wright found a job as editor with the New York literary magazine The Smart Set. The mid-1920s found Wright bedridden for two years as the result of a nervous breakdown. Ironically, he devoured mystery fiction (after having derided it years earlier) and found it entertaining and intriguing. In fact, after his recovery he would write an essay that explored the history, traditions, and conventions of detective fiction as an art form. Having exhausted the market of reading material, he decided to try his hand at writing in the genre. Embarrassed at turning from what he termed “intellectual fiction” to mass market fiction, Wright created the pen name S.S. Van Dine. In the books, Van Dine, referred to as Van acts as narrator much like Sherlock Holmes’s Dr. Watson. Described in the first publication, The Benson Murder Case, Philo is “what many would call a
dilettante, but the designation does him an injustice. He was a man of unusual culture and brilliance. An aristocrat by birth and instinct...in his manner there was an indefinable contempt for inferiority of all kinds.” A cynic, Vance was flippant rather than bitter, interested in human reactions, almost as a scientist. A Renaissance man, he had courses in the history of religions, the Greek classics, biology, civics, political economy, philosophy, anthropology, literature, psychology, and modern and ancient languages. The book goes on to describe Vance’s physical features: “He was unusually good-looking, although his mouth was ascetic and cruel...a slightly derisive hauteur in the lift of his eyebrows. His forehead was full and sloping...his cold grey eyes were widely spaced. His nose was straight and slender, and his chin narrow but prominent, with an unusually deep cleft.”
A dozen Philo Vance novels were published between 1926 and 1939, with nearly all of them made into films with ten different actors taking the lead role. William Powell appeared in four of the movies; the other actors only once or twice. Vance also appeared on radio between 1945 and 1950 with Jose Ferrer, John Emery, and Jackson Beck each taking a series. Interestingly, in 1974, an Italian mini-series came out featuring Giorgio Albertazzi in the lead role. With scripts very close to the novels, the episodes were based on the first three books. Wright died April 11, 1939 at the age of 50, leaving behind a novelette that was published posthumously as The Winter Murder Case. Wright’s portrait, painted by his brother, hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Are you familiar with Philo Vance? _______________________
Murder at Madison Square Garden:
The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare. Photojournalist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer’s career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn’t commit? Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can’t ignore the feeling he’s supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart? Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3aZgZOD
“Philo Vance Needs a kick in the pance.”
So wrote comic poet Ogden Nash about the wildly popular fictional detective created by S.S. Van Dine, the pseudonym for Willard Huntington Wright. Wright was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but his parents soon moved to Santa Monica, California where his father purchased a hotel. His brother Stanton Macdonald-Wright was one of the first American abstract artists and co-founded the school of modern art known as Synchromism. At the age of 21, Wright secured a job at the Los Angeles Times as literary editor where he gained a reputation for scathing book reviews and irreverent opinions. He was particularly critical about romance and detective fiction. After being fired for “intentionally provoking the paper’s middle-class readership with his interest in unconventional and often sexually explicit fiction,” with help from friend H.L. Mencken, Wright found a job as editor with the New York literary magazine The Smart Set. The mid-1920s found Wright bedridden for two years as the result of a nervous breakdown. Ironically, he devoured mystery fiction (after having derided it years earlier) and found it entertaining and intriguing. In fact, after his recovery he would write an essay that explored the history, traditions, and conventions of detective fiction as an art form. Having exhausted the market of reading material, he decided to try his hand at writing in the genre. Embarrassed at turning from what he termed “intellectual fiction” to mass market fiction, Wright created the pen name S.S. Van Dine. In the books, Van Dine, referred to as Van acts as narrator much like Sherlock Holmes’s Dr. Watson. Described in the first publication, The Benson Murder Case, Philo is “what many would call a
dilettante, but the designation does him an injustice. He was a man of unusual culture and brilliance. An aristocrat by birth and instinct...in his manner there was an indefinable contempt for inferiority of all kinds.” A cynic, Vance was flippant rather than bitter, interested in human reactions, almost as a scientist. A Renaissance man, he had courses in the history of religions, the Greek classics, biology, civics, political economy, philosophy, anthropology, literature, psychology, and modern and ancient languages. The book goes on to describe Vance’s physical features: “He was unusually good-looking, although his mouth was ascetic and cruel...a slightly derisive hauteur in the lift of his eyebrows. His forehead was full and sloping...his cold grey eyes were widely spaced. His nose was straight and slender, and his chin narrow but prominent, with an unusually deep cleft.” 
A dozen Philo Vance novels were published between 1926 and 1939, with nearly all of them made into films with ten different actors taking the lead role. William Powell appeared in four of the movies; the other actors only once or twice. Vance also appeared on radio between 1945 and 1950 with Jose Ferrer, John Emery, and Jackson Beck each taking a series. Interestingly, in 1974, an Italian mini-series came out featuring Giorgio Albertazzi in the lead role. With scripts very close to the novels, the episodes were based on the first three books. Wright died April 11, 1939 at the age of 50, leaving behind a novelette that was published posthumously as The Winter Murder Case. Wright’s portrait, painted by his brother, hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Are you familiar with Philo Vance? _______________________ Murder at Madison Square Garden:
The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare. Photojournalist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer’s career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn’t commit? Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can’t ignore the feeling he’s supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart? Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3aZgZOD
February 24, 2021
Talkshow Thursday: Meet Jamie Adams
Talkshow Thursday: Meet Jamie Adams
Linda: Welcome and thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most recent release Cold Creek Mountain. The premise sounds intriguing. What was your inspiration for the story?
Jamie: I think it’s interesting that opposites attract. My husband and I are like night and day and very happy. This story is not based on us in any way, but I wanted to create two characters that were as different as I could imagine and see how they got along.
LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life, perhaps even yourself?
Jamie: My characters are nothing like me. They often have character traits I admire in others, but I’ve never based one on someone I know. Once I start writing their personalities seem to come out on their own. I’m often surprised by what I learn about them.
LM: Research is an important part of writing, especially historic fiction. What sort of research did you do for Cold Creek Mountain? Was there any sort of “aha” tidbit you found that you knew needed to be included?
Jamie: Research is an added bonus to writing historical fiction. I could easily get lost ‘exploring’ the
era. I didn’t have any ‘aha’ moment in this story. Most of my research was making sure plant food sources were accurate to the season since my characters spend a majority of the trip living off the land. If I ever end up stranded in the Colorado mountains in early fall, I’ve got an idea on how to forage food. LM: What is your writing process? (e.g., Do you come up with the plotline first? Characters? Do you outline the entire story before beginning or just sit down and start)
Jamie: My stories are character-driven. Once I get a good idea of who they are and where they come from, I start to plot as I’m writing. It’s not the best way but plotting first stifles my writing process.
LM: In addition to being a writer, you also teach ESL to kids in China (remotely, of course!) How did that come about, and how do you juggle your multiple responsibilities?
Jamie: I enjoy teaching English as a second language to children. It’s amazing how fast they can learn new language skills when they are young. I homeschooled my children and when they graduated, I had time on my hands. One day I saw an ad on Facebook for ESL teachers. I’m glad I did. The hours are crazy because of the time difference but it’s an extremely rewarding job. I get up at 3 or 4 am each morning and work until 9 then I nap until noon. It’s not something I could have done when I had young children at home. LM: What is your idea of the perfect vacation?
Jamie: A private beach somewhere warm with my family. We went to Gulf Shores one year in September during the off season. It was still hot and there were very few other people. Some of my favorite family memories are from that vacation. LM: What is your next project?
Jamie: I just finished a book set in the Ozarks. A small-town sheriff meets his match when a wagon load of women comes to town in need of shelter. I enjoy writing strong female characters and this story has some secondary characters who are amazing. The heroine has a secret that keeps her and the sheriff apart until he wins her trust. LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Jamie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieLAdamsauthorpage Website: https://jamieadamsauthor.com/
About Cold Creek Mountain:
Lilly Fletcher's last duty to her recently deceased employer is to deliver his orphaned grandchildren from Omaha, Nebraska to their uncle on Cold Creek Mountain. The final step of the journey requires securing a guide, which is not an easy task for a governess who prides herself on being independent.
Ex-scout Hayden Dawson has been grieving the tragic loss of his family for several years. When he's asked to take a fancy governess from the city along with her wards up the mountain, he refuses at first because he has a ranch to run. However, outnumbered by his foreman and his meddling childhood teacher, he's coerced out of retirement for one last trip.
When the ride up Cold Creek Mountain doesn't go as planned, can these two wounded hearts work together to protect the children? Can Lilly find the strength to leave her wards behind or does God have a better path for her future?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3cSqWPg
Linda: Welcome and thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most recent release Cold Creek Mountain. The premise sounds intriguing. What was your inspiration for the story? Jamie: I think it’s interesting that opposites attract. My husband and I are like night and day and very happy. This story is not based on us in any way, but I wanted to create two characters that were as different as I could imagine and see how they got along.
LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life, perhaps even yourself?
Jamie: My characters are nothing like me. They often have character traits I admire in others, but I’ve never based one on someone I know. Once I start writing their personalities seem to come out on their own. I’m often surprised by what I learn about them.
LM: Research is an important part of writing, especially historic fiction. What sort of research did you do for Cold Creek Mountain? Was there any sort of “aha” tidbit you found that you knew needed to be included?
Jamie: Research is an added bonus to writing historical fiction. I could easily get lost ‘exploring’ the
era. I didn’t have any ‘aha’ moment in this story. Most of my research was making sure plant food sources were accurate to the season since my characters spend a majority of the trip living off the land. If I ever end up stranded in the Colorado mountains in early fall, I’ve got an idea on how to forage food. LM: What is your writing process? (e.g., Do you come up with the plotline first? Characters? Do you outline the entire story before beginning or just sit down and start) Jamie: My stories are character-driven. Once I get a good idea of who they are and where they come from, I start to plot as I’m writing. It’s not the best way but plotting first stifles my writing process.
LM: In addition to being a writer, you also teach ESL to kids in China (remotely, of course!) How did that come about, and how do you juggle your multiple responsibilities?
Jamie: I enjoy teaching English as a second language to children. It’s amazing how fast they can learn new language skills when they are young. I homeschooled my children and when they graduated, I had time on my hands. One day I saw an ad on Facebook for ESL teachers. I’m glad I did. The hours are crazy because of the time difference but it’s an extremely rewarding job. I get up at 3 or 4 am each morning and work until 9 then I nap until noon. It’s not something I could have done when I had young children at home. LM: What is your idea of the perfect vacation?
Jamie: A private beach somewhere warm with my family. We went to Gulf Shores one year in September during the off season. It was still hot and there were very few other people. Some of my favorite family memories are from that vacation. LM: What is your next project?
Jamie: I just finished a book set in the Ozarks. A small-town sheriff meets his match when a wagon load of women comes to town in need of shelter. I enjoy writing strong female characters and this story has some secondary characters who are amazing. The heroine has a secret that keeps her and the sheriff apart until he wins her trust. LM: Where can folks find you on the web? Jamie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieLAdamsauthorpage Website: https://jamieadamsauthor.com/
About Cold Creek Mountain:
Lilly Fletcher's last duty to her recently deceased employer is to deliver his orphaned grandchildren from Omaha, Nebraska to their uncle on Cold Creek Mountain. The final step of the journey requires securing a guide, which is not an easy task for a governess who prides herself on being independent.Ex-scout Hayden Dawson has been grieving the tragic loss of his family for several years. When he's asked to take a fancy governess from the city along with her wards up the mountain, he refuses at first because he has a ranch to run. However, outnumbered by his foreman and his meddling childhood teacher, he's coerced out of retirement for one last trip.
When the ride up Cold Creek Mountain doesn't go as planned, can these two wounded hearts work together to protect the children? Can Lilly find the strength to leave her wards behind or does God have a better path for her future?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3cSqWPg
February 17, 2021
Talkshow Thursday: Meet Pat Nichols
Talkshow Thursday: Meet Pat Nichols
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your latest release, Starstruck in Willow Falls. Where did you get the inspiration for the story? Did you set out to write a series or was that unexpected?
Pat: Two years into my writing journey an idea emerged and took root—a series following the lives of three women, strangers brought together by a tragedy and a long-held secret. Raised in Willow Falls—a North Georgia town on the brink of failure—Emily yearns to write a novel about the town’s unique history to attract visitors. Sadie returns to Willow Falls after serving a thirty-year prison term for killing the town hero. Rachel, raised in Atlanta, abandons her dream to act to live the life her father chose for her. The settings in The Secret of Willow Inn, book one in the series, are divided between Atlanta and Willow Falls. The fictional town plays an integral role in the stories as the quirky, opinionated residents invest time and resources to transform their community into a tourist attraction. In Trouble in Willow Falls Rachel, Emily, and Sadie struggle to overcome challenges threatening to undermine residents’ efforts. When planning Starstruck in Willow Falls, my publisher and I brainstormed ideas on how to disrupt the small town’s new normal. The result? An invading Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars. LM: The age old question for writers: are you a plotter or a pantster?
Pat: In essence I’m a plotter with panster tendencies. I begin each manuscript by creating an excel spreadsheet separated into beginning, middle and end. Each section has four columns—word count, POV character, setting, and action. The panster part happens when the characters take me in different directions, which happens often. The spreadsheet makes it easy to move scenes around to accommodate the changes. LM: Research is an important part of writing a book. How did you go about researching Starstruck in Willow Falls, and did you unearth a particular fun fact you knew you had to include in the story? Pat: Research began with two memories, the first from a trip years ago. My husband and I happened
upon the filming of a street scene featuring Henry Winkler dashing to a phonebooth. That short segment took hours to set up, including wetting the street for effect. The second memory from the eighties when I spent three of my twenty-seven-year corporate career as one of five regional public relations managers. One summer we were filmed in New York City for an internal publicity story. The remainder of my research was online to learn about filming equipment and processes. The fun fact was explaining a dolly track to a curious senior citizen. LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are any based on people you know or yourself?
Pat: While the characters in the Willow Falls series are straight from my imagination, they are composites of real people. For example, my mother was an only child who longed for a sister. Emily, Rachel, and Sadie are only children. Snippets from my own experiences seem to find their way into the stories. Emily flavors her coffee with vanilla creamer and honey. I use the creamer and our daughter the honey. One of Rachel’s favorite meals? Rack of lamb. Mine too, although I’ve only indulged in restaurants. Maybe one day I’ll summon the courage to prepare it at home. And then again, maybe not.
LM: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Pat: Developing each chapter to build on the last and lead to the next. While some authors prepare a complete rough draft before editing, I prefer to edit as I write. Although that process doesn’t eliminate the need for an in depth edit before submission, it helps me identify plot holes as the characters take on a life of their own.
LM: What do you do to prepare for writing (e.g. listen to music, set up in a certain location, etc.)?
Pat: My husband and I normally awake at 5:30. Following morning devotions, I settle on a recliner in our living room, with my computer on a lap desk. My goal? Write 1000 words a day. Some days I finish by noon. By mid-afternoon, my brain and fingers call it quits. I record the day’s word count and reward myself with a square of dark chocolate. LM: What is your next project? Pat: After submitting a proposal for a stand-alone novel inspired by a young woman who drifted in and out of our lives for years, I began outlining another manuscript. The sixth since 2014, but not the last.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Pat:
Website/Blog: https://patnicholsauthor.blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.nichols.52459 Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatNichols16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patnicholsauthor/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/patnicholsauthor/ Goodreads: Goodreads DashboardBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/pat-nichols
About Starstruck in Willow Falls:
Two women whose dreams are about to come true find themselves in a town turned upside down.
As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.
Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, the manager of the town’s new winery, Rachel questions if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.
Rachel’s twin sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q8GW2L4
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your latest release, Starstruck in Willow Falls. Where did you get the inspiration for the story? Did you set out to write a series or was that unexpected? Pat: Two years into my writing journey an idea emerged and took root—a series following the lives of three women, strangers brought together by a tragedy and a long-held secret. Raised in Willow Falls—a North Georgia town on the brink of failure—Emily yearns to write a novel about the town’s unique history to attract visitors. Sadie returns to Willow Falls after serving a thirty-year prison term for killing the town hero. Rachel, raised in Atlanta, abandons her dream to act to live the life her father chose for her. The settings in The Secret of Willow Inn, book one in the series, are divided between Atlanta and Willow Falls. The fictional town plays an integral role in the stories as the quirky, opinionated residents invest time and resources to transform their community into a tourist attraction. In Trouble in Willow Falls Rachel, Emily, and Sadie struggle to overcome challenges threatening to undermine residents’ efforts. When planning Starstruck in Willow Falls, my publisher and I brainstormed ideas on how to disrupt the small town’s new normal. The result? An invading Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars. LM: The age old question for writers: are you a plotter or a pantster?
Pat: In essence I’m a plotter with panster tendencies. I begin each manuscript by creating an excel spreadsheet separated into beginning, middle and end. Each section has four columns—word count, POV character, setting, and action. The panster part happens when the characters take me in different directions, which happens often. The spreadsheet makes it easy to move scenes around to accommodate the changes. LM: Research is an important part of writing a book. How did you go about researching Starstruck in Willow Falls, and did you unearth a particular fun fact you knew you had to include in the story? Pat: Research began with two memories, the first from a trip years ago. My husband and I happened
upon the filming of a street scene featuring Henry Winkler dashing to a phonebooth. That short segment took hours to set up, including wetting the street for effect. The second memory from the eighties when I spent three of my twenty-seven-year corporate career as one of five regional public relations managers. One summer we were filmed in New York City for an internal publicity story. The remainder of my research was online to learn about filming equipment and processes. The fun fact was explaining a dolly track to a curious senior citizen. LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are any based on people you know or yourself? Pat: While the characters in the Willow Falls series are straight from my imagination, they are composites of real people. For example, my mother was an only child who longed for a sister. Emily, Rachel, and Sadie are only children. Snippets from my own experiences seem to find their way into the stories. Emily flavors her coffee with vanilla creamer and honey. I use the creamer and our daughter the honey. One of Rachel’s favorite meals? Rack of lamb. Mine too, although I’ve only indulged in restaurants. Maybe one day I’ll summon the courage to prepare it at home. And then again, maybe not.
LM: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Pat: Developing each chapter to build on the last and lead to the next. While some authors prepare a complete rough draft before editing, I prefer to edit as I write. Although that process doesn’t eliminate the need for an in depth edit before submission, it helps me identify plot holes as the characters take on a life of their own.
LM: What do you do to prepare for writing (e.g. listen to music, set up in a certain location, etc.)?
Pat: My husband and I normally awake at 5:30. Following morning devotions, I settle on a recliner in our living room, with my computer on a lap desk. My goal? Write 1000 words a day. Some days I finish by noon. By mid-afternoon, my brain and fingers call it quits. I record the day’s word count and reward myself with a square of dark chocolate. LM: What is your next project? Pat: After submitting a proposal for a stand-alone novel inspired by a young woman who drifted in and out of our lives for years, I began outlining another manuscript. The sixth since 2014, but not the last. LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Pat:
Website/Blog: https://patnicholsauthor.blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.nichols.52459 Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatNichols16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patnicholsauthor/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/patnicholsauthor/ Goodreads: Goodreads DashboardBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/pat-nichols
About Starstruck in Willow Falls:
Two women whose dreams are about to come true find themselves in a town turned upside down. As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.
Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, the manager of the town’s new winery, Rachel questions if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.
Rachel’s twin sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q8GW2L4
February 10, 2021
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Gail Kittleson
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Gail Kittleson
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. You’ve published a memoir, several WWII novels, two non-fiction books about WWII, and most recently, co-authored a biography. Your upcoming release is a “pioneer story.” Can you tell us a bit about the book and what drew you to writing about this time period? Gail: About twelve years ago, I experienced some dangerous consequences from chronic sinus infections every winter in Iowa. After trying many solutions, our local doctor suggested, “You have one alternative left—try altitude.” So while my husband was deployed to Iraq, I did, and discovered that the altitude of the Arizona
mountains brought relief. That’s a complicated beginning to what motivated me to write about a young woman named Abby. She traveled from Missouri to Arizona Territory’s Mogollon Rim Country 170 years ago. This is still rugged hardscrabble terrain settled by equally rugged folk. The Civil War era, when great population shifts took place, seemed the ideal backdrop for the story that developed. LM: Research is an important part of writing, especially historical fiction. How did you go about your research, and was your process different from that of your other books? Did you find a particularly intriguing fact you included in your story?
Gail: This research seemed more difficult. I’m not sure why, because I used many of the same methods…visiting local museums, interviewing descendants of early pioneers, reading texts about life in the mid-1800’s, and studying Civil War battles that would fit into the plot. Maybe it’s that I had a better understanding of the timeline for World War II than for this one.
LM: How different do you find the people of the “pioneer era” to those of the World War II era? The same?
Gail: Such a good question. My heroine suffers almost unbearable loss at a young age, and reacts much as a young woman might have during World War II. Grief affects people throughout the ages, but now we have support groups, counselors, etc. My WWII characters did not enjoy these resources, and the losses that were thrown at them had to mount up. But back in the 1860’s, even fewer helps were available in Abby’s isolated situation. Men and women also respond differently to grief and loss, and unresolved grief can multiply the consequences we suffer. I think Abby’s sex, the suddenness of her bereavement, and the difficulty of resolution make her story unique. At that time, many chose the option of “going west” and starting over. But what a host of dangers they faced! LM: Your story is set in Arizona. Did you choose that location for a specific reason? Have you had the opportunity to visit the area where you set your story? Gail: Yes, this is where I spend time in the winters. Meeting one of the men who helped excavate this area solidified the setting, because he said that the workers found a Native American grindstone right under the spot where our house is built. (Of course, they made off with it, but sometimes we still find pottery shards in our front yard.)
LM: How did you go about creating your main characters? (e.g., do you determine their names first? Occupation? Etc.)
Gail: The name usually occurs to me first. Their occupation develops as I study the time and locale. LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Gail: I’d like to be able to dance really well. Love watching people who waltz so beautifully and
jitterbug, etc.
LM: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer to fledgling writers?
Gail: Determination is a key element in this career. As Churchill said, “Never give up.” LM: What is your next project?
Gail: Hmm…I’ll probably take another look at a WWII novella I wrote last year, and a short story, both WWII, and each with a Christmas theme. LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Gail:
Facebook: http://www.gailkittleson.com/ www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthorAmazon: http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson Twitter: www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson Instagram: @gailkittlesonauthor
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. You’ve published a memoir, several WWII novels, two non-fiction books about WWII, and most recently, co-authored a biography. Your upcoming release is a “pioneer story.” Can you tell us a bit about the book and what drew you to writing about this time period? Gail: About twelve years ago, I experienced some dangerous consequences from chronic sinus infections every winter in Iowa. After trying many solutions, our local doctor suggested, “You have one alternative left—try altitude.” So while my husband was deployed to Iraq, I did, and discovered that the altitude of the Arizona
mountains brought relief. That’s a complicated beginning to what motivated me to write about a young woman named Abby. She traveled from Missouri to Arizona Territory’s Mogollon Rim Country 170 years ago. This is still rugged hardscrabble terrain settled by equally rugged folk. The Civil War era, when great population shifts took place, seemed the ideal backdrop for the story that developed. LM: Research is an important part of writing, especially historical fiction. How did you go about your research, and was your process different from that of your other books? Did you find a particularly intriguing fact you included in your story? Gail: This research seemed more difficult. I’m not sure why, because I used many of the same methods…visiting local museums, interviewing descendants of early pioneers, reading texts about life in the mid-1800’s, and studying Civil War battles that would fit into the plot. Maybe it’s that I had a better understanding of the timeline for World War II than for this one.
LM: How different do you find the people of the “pioneer era” to those of the World War II era? The same?
Gail: Such a good question. My heroine suffers almost unbearable loss at a young age, and reacts much as a young woman might have during World War II. Grief affects people throughout the ages, but now we have support groups, counselors, etc. My WWII characters did not enjoy these resources, and the losses that were thrown at them had to mount up. But back in the 1860’s, even fewer helps were available in Abby’s isolated situation. Men and women also respond differently to grief and loss, and unresolved grief can multiply the consequences we suffer. I think Abby’s sex, the suddenness of her bereavement, and the difficulty of resolution make her story unique. At that time, many chose the option of “going west” and starting over. But what a host of dangers they faced! LM: Your story is set in Arizona. Did you choose that location for a specific reason? Have you had the opportunity to visit the area where you set your story? Gail: Yes, this is where I spend time in the winters. Meeting one of the men who helped excavate this area solidified the setting, because he said that the workers found a Native American grindstone right under the spot where our house is built. (Of course, they made off with it, but sometimes we still find pottery shards in our front yard.) LM: How did you go about creating your main characters? (e.g., do you determine their names first? Occupation? Etc.)
Gail: The name usually occurs to me first. Their occupation develops as I study the time and locale. LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Gail: I’d like to be able to dance really well. Love watching people who waltz so beautifully and
jitterbug, etc. LM: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer to fledgling writers?
Gail: Determination is a key element in this career. As Churchill said, “Never give up.” LM: What is your next project?
Gail: Hmm…I’ll probably take another look at a WWII novella I wrote last year, and a short story, both WWII, and each with a Christmas theme. LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Gail:
Facebook: http://www.gailkittleson.com/ www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthorAmazon: http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson Twitter: www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson Instagram: @gailkittlesonauthor
February 9, 2021
Release Day: Vanessa's Replacement Valentine
Release Day: Vanessa's Replacement Valentine
I'm excited to announce today's release: Vanessa's Replacement Valentine. Part of the Brides of Pelican Rapids series, this story was particularly interesting to research and write. The male protagonist is of Norwegian descent, and I enjoyed learning about this group of people who emigrated to the U.S. for religious motives, to escape poverty, and to seek employment in the more industrialized America. There are currently more than 4.5 million Norwegian-Americans, the tenth-largest European ancestry group in the U.S. I hope you enjoy Vanessa's and Miles's story.
Vanessa's Replacement Valentine is available for purchase or Kindle Unlimited. Grab your copy today.
Amazon
February 7, 2021
Mystery Monday: 1940s Detectives: Sam Spade
Mystery Monday: 1940s Detectives: Sam Spade
Despite being a character in only five books (one novel and four short stories), Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade is one of the most well-known detectives from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Diametrically opposed to Hammett’s nameless The Continental Op, Spade is a mixture of previously written detectives. According to Hammett: “Spade has no origin. He is a dream man in the sense that he is what most of the private detectives I worked with would like to have been and in their cockier moments thought they approached. For you private detective does not—or did not ten years ago when he was my colleague—want to be an erudite solver of riddles in the Sherlock Holmes manner; he wants to be a hard and shifty fellow, able to take care of himself in any situation, able to get the best of anybody he comes in contact with, whether criminal, innocent by-stander, or client.”
Spade made his debut the serialized The Maltese Falcon that appeared in Black Mask in 1929. A year later, the segments were collected and formed into a novel that became an instant bestseller. As a result of the book’s success, Hammett hammered out three subsequent short stores. Most scholars consider the stories weak in comparison to the Falcon, but even Hammett’s poorest writings are worth reading. Three films were made between 1931 and 1941, with Humphrey Bogart’s 1941 version the most well-known and most popular. Interestingly, Bogart’s slight frame, dark features, and serious depictioncontrasted with the novel’s version of a blond, well-built, and mischievous character, but his portrayal is considered the best.
Edward G. Robinson played Spade in a 1943 Lux Radio Theatre production and by Bogart in a 1943 Screen Guild Theater production and a 1946 Academy Award Theater production. From 1946-1951 The Adventures of Sam Spade featured Howard Duff, then later Steve Dunne. Hammett’s name was removed from the series in the late 1940s because of being investigated for involvement with the Communist Party. Spade even made it into the comics when The Maltese Falcon was presented in comic book form in 1946. Rodlow Williard did the adaptation which is considered to be well-done and faithful to both the book and the film. Do you prefer the novel or the film version of The Maltese Falcon?
______________________
About Under Cover:
In the year since arriving in London, journalist Ruth Brown has put a face on the war for her readers at home in the U.S. Thus far, juggling her career and her relationship with Detective Inspector Trevor Gelson hasn't proven too challenging. The war gets personal for Ruth when her friend Amelia is murdered, and Trevor is assigned to the case. Life gets even more unsettling when clues indicate her best friend, Varis, is passing secrets to the enemy. Convinced Varis is innocent, Ruth must find the real traitor as the clock ticks down toward Operation Husky-the Allied invasion of Sicily. Circumstantial evidence leads Trevor to suspect her of having a part in Amelia's death, and Ruth must choose between her heart and her duty.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2Lr1HbF
Despite being a character in only five books (one novel and four short stories), Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade is one of the most well-known detectives from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Diametrically opposed to Hammett’s nameless The Continental Op, Spade is a mixture of previously written detectives. According to Hammett: “Spade has no origin. He is a dream man in the sense that he is what most of the private detectives I worked with would like to have been and in their cockier moments thought they approached. For you private detective does not—or did not ten years ago when he was my colleague—want to be an erudite solver of riddles in the Sherlock Holmes manner; he wants to be a hard and shifty fellow, able to take care of himself in any situation, able to get the best of anybody he comes in contact with, whether criminal, innocent by-stander, or client.”
Spade made his debut the serialized The Maltese Falcon that appeared in Black Mask in 1929. A year later, the segments were collected and formed into a novel that became an instant bestseller. As a result of the book’s success, Hammett hammered out three subsequent short stores. Most scholars consider the stories weak in comparison to the Falcon, but even Hammett’s poorest writings are worth reading. Three films were made between 1931 and 1941, with Humphrey Bogart’s 1941 version the most well-known and most popular. Interestingly, Bogart’s slight frame, dark features, and serious depictioncontrasted with the novel’s version of a blond, well-built, and mischievous character, but his portrayal is considered the best.
Edward G. Robinson played Spade in a 1943 Lux Radio Theatre production and by Bogart in a 1943 Screen Guild Theater production and a 1946 Academy Award Theater production. From 1946-1951 The Adventures of Sam Spade featured Howard Duff, then later Steve Dunne. Hammett’s name was removed from the series in the late 1940s because of being investigated for involvement with the Communist Party. Spade even made it into the comics when The Maltese Falcon was presented in comic book form in 1946. Rodlow Williard did the adaptation which is considered to be well-done and faithful to both the book and the film. Do you prefer the novel or the film version of The Maltese Falcon? ______________________
About Under Cover:
In the year since arriving in London, journalist Ruth Brown has put a face on the war for her readers at home in the U.S. Thus far, juggling her career and her relationship with Detective Inspector Trevor Gelson hasn't proven too challenging. The war gets personal for Ruth when her friend Amelia is murdered, and Trevor is assigned to the case. Life gets even more unsettling when clues indicate her best friend, Varis, is passing secrets to the enemy. Convinced Varis is innocent, Ruth must find the real traitor as the clock ticks down toward Operation Husky-the Allied invasion of Sicily. Circumstantial evidence leads Trevor to suspect her of having a part in Amelia's death, and Ruth must choose between her heart and her duty. Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2Lr1HbF
February 4, 2021
Fiction Friday: New Releases for February!
February 2021 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Historical Romance:
The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron -- From fashion to desperation and haute couture to the perils of humanity, The Paris Dressmaker weaves a story of two worlds colliding years apart—where satin and lace stand between life and death in the brutal underbelly of a war-torn world. (Historical Romance from Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
A Change of Scenery by Davalyn Spencer -- A motorcar accident on a rainy Chicago night steals Ella Canaday’s fiancé as well as her ability to ride. Clinging to the remnants of her independence, she cuts her hair and her ties with her wealthy father and takes a train west as the seamstress with a moving-picture company. Colorado offers the change of scenery she needs. But she doesn’t expect the bold cowboy who challenges her to reclaim both the loves she thought she’d lost forever. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing)
[image error] A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel -- All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland. (Historical Romance from Revell)
Book Title by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Engaged to be married as part of a plan to regain the wealth her family lost during the War Between the States, Vanessa Randolph finds her fiancé in the arms of another woman weeks before the wedding. Money holds no allure for her, so rather than allow her parents to set her up with another rich bachelor she decides to become a mail-order bride. Life in Green Bay, Wisconsin seems to hold all the pieces of a fresh start until she discovers her prospective groom was a Union spy and targeted her parents during one of his investigations. Is her heart safe with any man? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin -- Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country—or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she’ll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home. (Historical Romance from Revell)
Contemporary:
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli -- Two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and another in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and search for a place to belong. (General Contemporary from Tyndall House)
Mystery:
Death and a Crocodile by Lisa E. Betz -- Sensible women don’t investigate murders, but Livia Aemilia might not have a choice. Rome, 46 AD. When Livia’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, she sets out to find the killer before her innocent brother is convicted of murder. She may be an amateur when it comes to hunting dangerous criminals, but she’s determined, intelligent, and not afraid to break a convention or two in pursuit of the truth. (Historical Mystery from Crosslink)
Thriller/Romance/Suspense:
Tides of Duplicity by Robin Patchen -- Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey went to Belize on a case, bringing his teenage sister Shelby along with him. They have no good reason to leave the resort and hurry back to the harsh New England winter. They lost their parents, he lost his job as a cop, and they both need time to heal. Besides, when Fitz meets and spends time with the beautiful and charming Tabitha Eaton, he falls hard. But minutes after Tabby’s flight leaves, Fitz is summoned by a mobster who believes Tabby broke into the hotel safe the night before and made off with half a million dollars’ worth of jewels. The clock is ticking as Fitz scrambles to recover the jewels. If he succeeds, it’ll cost the woman he’s come to care for. If he fails, it’ll cost his sister’s life. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published)
Glimmer in the Darkness by Robin Patchen -- Cassidy Leblanc worked hard to shake off her tragic childhood. As a foster child with a mother in prison for murder, she was an outcast in her small New Hampshire town until she met James. But she and James’s sister, whom she was babysitting, were kidnapped. She escaped, but Hallie didn’t survive, and everybody assumed Cassidy killed her. Like mother, like daughter, after all. With public opinion and the authorities united against her, young Cassidy fled. Now, a decade later, another little girl has been kidnapped, and Cassidy may be the only person who can find her. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published )
[image error] Obsession by Patricia Bradley -- Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense from Revell)
Ben in Charge by Luana Ehrlich -- Operation Concerned Citizen will be Ben’s first assignment as the primary officer in charge of a mission. When Titus learns it’s a simple mission with a clear objective but requires a complicated plan, he questions whether Ben will be able to handle it. When he discovers there are underlying circumstances, he questions whether he’ll be able to let Ben handle it. When the simple mission proves difficult, Titus discovers he’s not the man he thought he was, and he’s not the man he wants to be. He’s a man learning to live out his faith while living in the shadows, and sometimes those shadows aren’t shadows at all. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published)
Amish Romance:
The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler -- Janna and Luke, a widower struggling to balance business and family responsibilities, reacquaint as Janna assists his grandmother and cares for his son. Her self-protective independence and his conservative principles put them at odds, but the difficulties they face draw them closer. When long-lost friendship rekindles into unexpected love, will either be willing to make changes so they can be together? (Romance: Amish from Avodah Books)
Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:
[image error] Bridges by Deborah Raney -- Facing an empty nest for the first time since the death of her husband, Dan, three years ago, Tess Everett immerses herself in volunteer work for the Winterset public parks, home of the famous covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa. But when former resident J.W. McRae shows up at one of the bridges with paintbrushes and easel, sparks fly—because J.W. was once married to Tess’s late friend Char. Worse, J.W. was a deadbeat dad to Char’s son, Wynn—then a college student—who Tess and Dan took under their wings after his mom's death. (Women’s Fiction/Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Writing Home by Amy Anguish, As they grow closer through their written words, the miles between them seem to grow wider. Can love cross the distance and bring them home? (Contemporary Romance)
The Rancher’s Legacy by Susan Page Davis, Matt Anderson’s father and their neighbor devise a plan: Have their children marry and merge the two ranches. The only problem is, Rachel Maxwell has stated emphatically that will never happen. (Historical Romance)
A Heart’s Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley, Is a marriage of convenience the answer to their needs? (Historical Romance)
Daisy’s Deception by Hallee Bridgement, She soon finds herself in a full-blown relationship with hearts on the line. She can’t keep her secret much longer. Daisy has a decision to make. (Contemporary Romance),
A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek by Carol McClain, Two women. Two problems. Each holds the key to the other's freedom. (Contemporary )
The Amish Baker’s Rival by Marie E. Bast, Amish baker Mary Brenneman is furious when handsome Englischer Noah Miller opens up a bakery right across from hers. Now she must win a local baking contest just to stay in business—and beat know—it—all Noah. But somewhere along the way, Noah and Mary's kitchen wars are quickly warming into something more. (Contemporary Romance/Amish )
Rekindled from Ashes by Cindy M. Amos, Based on the true story of the Starbuck fire of 2017 that ravaged western Kansas–and area ranchers who demonstrated vulnerable resiliency in its aftermath. Strength for the day…with eyes on the Almighty. (Contemporary Romance)
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Historical Romance:
The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron -- From fashion to desperation and haute couture to the perils of humanity, The Paris Dressmaker weaves a story of two worlds colliding years apart—where satin and lace stand between life and death in the brutal underbelly of a war-torn world. (Historical Romance from Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
A Change of Scenery by Davalyn Spencer -- A motorcar accident on a rainy Chicago night steals Ella Canaday’s fiancé as well as her ability to ride. Clinging to the remnants of her independence, she cuts her hair and her ties with her wealthy father and takes a train west as the seamstress with a moving-picture company. Colorado offers the change of scenery she needs. But she doesn’t expect the bold cowboy who challenges her to reclaim both the loves she thought she’d lost forever. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing) [image error] A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel -- All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland. (Historical Romance from Revell)
Book Title by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Engaged to be married as part of a plan to regain the wealth her family lost during the War Between the States, Vanessa Randolph finds her fiancé in the arms of another woman weeks before the wedding. Money holds no allure for her, so rather than allow her parents to set her up with another rich bachelor she decides to become a mail-order bride. Life in Green Bay, Wisconsin seems to hold all the pieces of a fresh start until she discovers her prospective groom was a Union spy and targeted her parents during one of his investigations. Is her heart safe with any man? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin -- Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country—or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she’ll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home. (Historical Romance from Revell) Contemporary:
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli -- Two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and another in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and search for a place to belong. (General Contemporary from Tyndall House) Mystery:
Death and a Crocodile by Lisa E. Betz -- Sensible women don’t investigate murders, but Livia Aemilia might not have a choice. Rome, 46 AD. When Livia’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, she sets out to find the killer before her innocent brother is convicted of murder. She may be an amateur when it comes to hunting dangerous criminals, but she’s determined, intelligent, and not afraid to break a convention or two in pursuit of the truth. (Historical Mystery from Crosslink) Thriller/Romance/Suspense:
Tides of Duplicity by Robin Patchen -- Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey went to Belize on a case, bringing his teenage sister Shelby along with him. They have no good reason to leave the resort and hurry back to the harsh New England winter. They lost their parents, he lost his job as a cop, and they both need time to heal. Besides, when Fitz meets and spends time with the beautiful and charming Tabitha Eaton, he falls hard. But minutes after Tabby’s flight leaves, Fitz is summoned by a mobster who believes Tabby broke into the hotel safe the night before and made off with half a million dollars’ worth of jewels. The clock is ticking as Fitz scrambles to recover the jewels. If he succeeds, it’ll cost the woman he’s come to care for. If he fails, it’ll cost his sister’s life. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published)
Glimmer in the Darkness by Robin Patchen -- Cassidy Leblanc worked hard to shake off her tragic childhood. As a foster child with a mother in prison for murder, she was an outcast in her small New Hampshire town until she met James. But she and James’s sister, whom she was babysitting, were kidnapped. She escaped, but Hallie didn’t survive, and everybody assumed Cassidy killed her. Like mother, like daughter, after all. With public opinion and the authorities united against her, young Cassidy fled. Now, a decade later, another little girl has been kidnapped, and Cassidy may be the only person who can find her. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published ) [image error] Obsession by Patricia Bradley -- Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense from Revell)
Ben in Charge by Luana Ehrlich -- Operation Concerned Citizen will be Ben’s first assignment as the primary officer in charge of a mission. When Titus learns it’s a simple mission with a clear objective but requires a complicated plan, he questions whether Ben will be able to handle it. When he discovers there are underlying circumstances, he questions whether he’ll be able to let Ben handle it. When the simple mission proves difficult, Titus discovers he’s not the man he thought he was, and he’s not the man he wants to be. He’s a man learning to live out his faith while living in the shadows, and sometimes those shadows aren’t shadows at all. (Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Independently Published) Amish Romance:
The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler -- Janna and Luke, a widower struggling to balance business and family responsibilities, reacquaint as Janna assists his grandmother and cares for his son. Her self-protective independence and his conservative principles put them at odds, but the difficulties they face draw them closer. When long-lost friendship rekindles into unexpected love, will either be willing to make changes so they can be together? (Romance: Amish from Avodah Books) Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:
[image error] Bridges by Deborah Raney -- Facing an empty nest for the first time since the death of her husband, Dan, three years ago, Tess Everett immerses herself in volunteer work for the Winterset public parks, home of the famous covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa. But when former resident J.W. McRae shows up at one of the bridges with paintbrushes and easel, sparks fly—because J.W. was once married to Tess’s late friend Char. Worse, J.W. was a deadbeat dad to Char’s son, Wynn—then a college student—who Tess and Dan took under their wings after his mom's death. (Women’s Fiction/Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Writing Home by Amy Anguish, As they grow closer through their written words, the miles between them seem to grow wider. Can love cross the distance and bring them home? (Contemporary Romance)
The Rancher’s Legacy by Susan Page Davis, Matt Anderson’s father and their neighbor devise a plan: Have their children marry and merge the two ranches. The only problem is, Rachel Maxwell has stated emphatically that will never happen. (Historical Romance)
A Heart’s Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley, Is a marriage of convenience the answer to their needs? (Historical Romance)
Daisy’s Deception by Hallee Bridgement, She soon finds herself in a full-blown relationship with hearts on the line. She can’t keep her secret much longer. Daisy has a decision to make. (Contemporary Romance),
A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek by Carol McClain, Two women. Two problems. Each holds the key to the other's freedom. (Contemporary )
The Amish Baker’s Rival by Marie E. Bast, Amish baker Mary Brenneman is furious when handsome Englischer Noah Miller opens up a bakery right across from hers. Now she must win a local baking contest just to stay in business—and beat know—it—all Noah. But somewhere along the way, Noah and Mary's kitchen wars are quickly warming into something more. (Contemporary Romance/Amish )
Rekindled from Ashes by Cindy M. Amos, Based on the true story of the Starbuck fire of 2017 that ravaged western Kansas–and area ranchers who demonstrated vulnerable resiliency in its aftermath. Strength for the day…with eyes on the Almighty. (Contemporary Romance)
January 31, 2021
Mystery Monday: 1940s Mysteries - Bulldog Drummond
Mystery Monday: Bulldog Drummond
In a continuation of looking at 1940s mystery films, today’s post is about Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a fictional character who reached his heyday between 1935 and 1939 when twelve movies were produced. (Read the first post about Charlie Chan) Drummond was created by H.C. McNeile, a British soldier who served in the trenches during World War I. Because serving officers of the military were not allowed to publish under their own names, he used the pseudonym Sapper, based on a nickname of his corps, the Royal Engineers. The character first appeared as a policeman in The Strand Magazine, but the story did not meet with much success, so McNeile reworked him into a “gentleman adventurer.” A Great War veteran who is fed up with his sedate lifestyle, he puts out an advertisement indicating he’s “looking for excitement.”
His experiences during the war give him abilities that later show up during his escapades such as
stealth (“he could move over ground without a single blade of grass rustling”) and the ability to incapacitate others (“he could kill a man with his bare hands in a second”). Additionally, he is well trained in jujutsu, boxing, and marksmanship. He is physically fit and described as having a high degree of common sense, often allowing him to best his opponents, even though of higher intelligence. His hobbies include poker and cricket. Quite wealthy, Drummond is a member of the fictional Junior Sports Club (a gentleman’s club) and owns a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley. He is often joined during his adventures by his former Army mates. Drummond was so popular that he became the model for later literary heroes such as W.E. Johns’ Biggles and Sydney Horler’s Tiger Standish. In an interview, Ian Fleming claimed that James Bond was “Sapper from the waist up and Mickey Spillane below,” indicating his belief that Drummond was autobiographical at some level. The plotlines are either directly about the war or include people whose lives have been impacted by it. At the end of the first book, Drummond marries his client Phyllis Benton, and she becomes an integral part of several subsequent books. She is often kidnapped by her husband’s enemies. McNiele achieved great success with the ten Drummond stories he wrote before his death in 1937, selling nearly 400,000 copies. (Seven more stories were completed later by McNiele’s friend Gerard Fairlie).
In 1921, McNiele and Gerald du Maurier (father of author Daphne du Maurier) adapted the first novel, Bulldog Drummond to the stage where it ran for 428 performances. Between 1922 and 1969, Drummond would appear in twenty-four films portrayed by more than a dozen actors, including Ronald Colman, Ray Milland, and Walter Pigeon. “The Bulldog Drummond Radio Series”: ran from 1941 to 1949, and a thirty-minute episode of “Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Presents” featured Drummond in a 1956 television episode. More than eighty years after he came into existence, Drummond appeared in two graphic novels by William Messner-Loebs. Have you heard of Bulldog?
__________________
About Under Ground
It’s been six months since Ruth Brown followed clues to England and discovered the identity of her sister’s killer. War continues to rage as Ruth reports on food shortages, the black market, evacuation of London’s children, and the bravery of the British people. When a bombing raid destroys her home and unearths a twenty-year-old skeleton in the cellar, her reporter’s senses tingle in anticipation of solving another mystery. Unfortunately, the by-the-book detective inspector assigned to the case is not interested in her theories. As Ruth investigates the case on her own, she butts heads with the handsome policeman. Will she get to the bottom of the story before the killer strikes again?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2L132pc
In a continuation of looking at 1940s mystery films, today’s post is about Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a fictional character who reached his heyday between 1935 and 1939 when twelve movies were produced. (Read the first post about Charlie Chan) Drummond was created by H.C. McNeile, a British soldier who served in the trenches during World War I. Because serving officers of the military were not allowed to publish under their own names, he used the pseudonym Sapper, based on a nickname of his corps, the Royal Engineers. The character first appeared as a policeman in The Strand Magazine, but the story did not meet with much success, so McNeile reworked him into a “gentleman adventurer.” A Great War veteran who is fed up with his sedate lifestyle, he puts out an advertisement indicating he’s “looking for excitement.” His experiences during the war give him abilities that later show up during his escapades such as
stealth (“he could move over ground without a single blade of grass rustling”) and the ability to incapacitate others (“he could kill a man with his bare hands in a second”). Additionally, he is well trained in jujutsu, boxing, and marksmanship. He is physically fit and described as having a high degree of common sense, often allowing him to best his opponents, even though of higher intelligence. His hobbies include poker and cricket. Quite wealthy, Drummond is a member of the fictional Junior Sports Club (a gentleman’s club) and owns a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley. He is often joined during his adventures by his former Army mates. Drummond was so popular that he became the model for later literary heroes such as W.E. Johns’ Biggles and Sydney Horler’s Tiger Standish. In an interview, Ian Fleming claimed that James Bond was “Sapper from the waist up and Mickey Spillane below,” indicating his belief that Drummond was autobiographical at some level. The plotlines are either directly about the war or include people whose lives have been impacted by it. At the end of the first book, Drummond marries his client Phyllis Benton, and she becomes an integral part of several subsequent books. She is often kidnapped by her husband’s enemies. McNiele achieved great success with the ten Drummond stories he wrote before his death in 1937, selling nearly 400,000 copies. (Seven more stories were completed later by McNiele’s friend Gerard Fairlie).
In 1921, McNiele and Gerald du Maurier (father of author Daphne du Maurier) adapted the first novel, Bulldog Drummond to the stage where it ran for 428 performances. Between 1922 and 1969, Drummond would appear in twenty-four films portrayed by more than a dozen actors, including Ronald Colman, Ray Milland, and Walter Pigeon. “The Bulldog Drummond Radio Series”: ran from 1941 to 1949, and a thirty-minute episode of “Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Presents” featured Drummond in a 1956 television episode. More than eighty years after he came into existence, Drummond appeared in two graphic novels by William Messner-Loebs. Have you heard of Bulldog?__________________
About Under Ground
It’s been six months since Ruth Brown followed clues to England and discovered the identity of her sister’s killer. War continues to rage as Ruth reports on food shortages, the black market, evacuation of London’s children, and the bravery of the British people. When a bombing raid destroys her home and unearths a twenty-year-old skeleton in the cellar, her reporter’s senses tingle in anticipation of solving another mystery. Unfortunately, the by-the-book detective inspector assigned to the case is not interested in her theories. As Ruth investigates the case on her own, she butts heads with the handsome policeman. Will she get to the bottom of the story before the killer strikes again? Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2L132pc
January 27, 2021
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sherrinda Ketchersid!
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sherrinda Ketchersid!
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on the release of your novel, His to Keep, a medieval romance. What was your inspiration for the plot? Sherrinda: I fell in love with Ian, the head guardsman in Lord of Her Heart, my first book, and knew he needed his own forever love. I wanted to have a feisty heroine, so when I read about a lady of a castle commanding her guards and defending the castle while her husband was away, I knew I found something I could use. It is the inspiration for the first scene in the book. LM: What is it about the medieval time period that draws you to the era? Sherrinda: I’ve loved the medieval era ever since I was a little girl and my dad read us kids fairytales. He’s an artist and would draw us coloring pages filled with knights and fair ladies. It’s always been a wonderful era to me (I confess to glossing over the more yucky parts.). LM: The opening scene in the book is based on a real event. How did you find out about the event and why did you decide to include it in the story?
Sherrinda: Originally, I had Ian and his comrade stealing into the castle by digging through some loose
stones in the castle wall. That wasn’t believable, so I started researching ways castles had been overtaken in the past. When I read about a castle in France being taken by two men crawling up the garderobe chute, I knew I had found the solution to Ian being able to gain the castle. Granted, it’s not all that great that he is covered in … muck … when he up close to the heroine, but it does make for some good conflict and banter between Ian and Claire. LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do? Sherrinda: I wish I knew how to dance! I would love to let loose and have fun at weddings but am too scared to get on the dance floor. LM: What advice do you have for fledgling writers?
Sherrinda: Read a lot and write a lot. I learn so much by reading good books. I also wish I had been more disciplined in my writing earlier, because I would have more books under my belt. I think it was Mary Connealy who had written ten books before she published, and she was able to sell much of her earlier written books.
LM: Here are some quickies:
Sherrinda:Favorite season: Fall Favorite movie: Return to Me (sigh) Favorite Bible verse: Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
LM: What is your next project?
Sherrinda: Fiona, Ian McGowan’s sister, makes an appearance in His to Keep, and I felt like she needed to find someone to build a home with. She has stayed with Ian and Claire after they married, but it was hard for her to watch their happiness and their growing family. She decides to join a convent back in her home country, Scotland, but on the way, she is taken by a handsome Highlander who thinks she is a member of a feuding clan and wants to use her to get what he wants. LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Sherrinda:
Website: http://www.sherrinda.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrindaKetchersidAuthor/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sherrinda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrinda Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sherrinda/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19022507.Sherrinda_Ketchersid Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sherrinda-ketchersid Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sherrinda-Ketchersid/e/B07Q5Y8QHF/ Newsletter Sign-up, plus a free novelette: https://www.subscribepage.com/z2m6x3
About His to Keep:
He’s fighting for his inheritance—she’s marrying her sworn enemy. When Ian McGowan attempts to claim Whitfield Castle as his rightful inheritance, he finds himself barred by a tempestuous lass who is entailed to be the bride of the castle’s new owner. Claire Beaumont, the orphaned ward of Whitfield, has good reason to hate Scots, and she is not about to let a Scot enter her beloved home. But when the handsome knight steals into the castle and proves his claim on the land, she must face her ultimate nightmare—marriage to her sworn enemy—in order to save those she cares about most. Restoring the failing Whitfield Castle while wooing his defiant intended proves more challenging than Ian anticipated. His struggles reach a crisis when his nemesis arrives at the castle, and he must overcome his past demons to prove his worth. He must fight for what is his to keep—and it could well cost him his heart. Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08M4BS32V
