K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 27

Dora Hiers' "Journey's Embrace"

Meet Sage Michaelson

Sage Michaelson here, a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Witness Protection Program. Although lately it feels more like a Criminal Protection Program, especially after losing my spleen on the job.
When my best friend Steven texted, “Delaney in trouble. Can you keep an eye on her while I’m on my honeymoon?” I chucked the hospital gown and split for Journey Creek. We grew up in the same orphanage—Steven, his sister, and I—so that makes us practically brother and sister. How could I say no?
Besides, I needed time to recover and reevaluate. And a little distance from my ex-fiancé couldn’t hurt. Jennifer always said I was married to my job. Guess she found a man who wasn’t because she wears a ring on her finger again. I’m OK with it. Sure, I gave her a ring and a commitment. But not my heart. How could I? The people I love always end up dead. I’m on my own. Best just to keep it that way.
What trouble was Dane in this time? That’s what we used to call Delaney. Growing up, she’d had long muscular legs. Cute, but in an awkward, gangly Great Dane sort of way. And always in trouble or causing trouble. I gather from Steven’s text that hadn’t changed.
I hadn’t seen the Dane in a few years, so it kinda threw me to see her waltzing away from the wedding reception in a silky turquoise gown, the kind of dress that forces a man to take a second look. Steven sure wouldn’t appreciate the thoughts that flitted through my head about his sister. To be truthful, I’d feel much better if she changed into her customary basketball shorts or work scrubs. Then I wouldn’t notice how she’d grown from the Dane into beautiful, vivacious Delaney. A woman who embraces passion and life with enthusiasm. A woman who puts others first, on the job and with the orphanage kids.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to ditch the doctor. All this ibuprofen seems to be messing with my head.
Steven only said that someone ransacked Delaney’s house. He didn’t warn me that a man had it out for her. Delaney insists God will protect her, but I’m not buying it. He didn’t protect my parents and sister from the car accident that killed them, or keep my granny from suffering a fatal heart attack on an airplane.
No, I can’t leave her to fend for herself. I promised Steven I would look out for her. But, somewhere along the way, protecting Delaney became less about my promise to Steven and more about my love for her…and God.
Meet Delaney Hunt
Just wait until my brother gets back from his honeymoon!
What was Steven thinking texting Sage Michaelson to keep an eye on me? Sure, I get that Steven’s worried about me after my home invasion, but now I need a Deputy U.S. Marshal looking over my shoulder? Sage just lost his spleen. He should be recovering in the hospital, not trailing after me or chasing innocent trick-or-treaters off my doorstep.
It’s not that I mind Sage being around. I’ve loved him since he showed up at Quiver Full Orphanage, always the protector, even at thirteen. But, he turned eighteen and left for the big city without a backward glance. Not at me, anyway. He kept in touch with Steven, but I haven’t heard from him since his engagement.
It’s not like he would ever love me in a non-sisterly way. When the doctor mentioned we sounded like we were married, Sage shuddered. I’m not beautiful, but sheesh! Did the man have to shudder?
And Sage could never accept my job, or even tolerate it. He suffers from a powerful fear of flying and heights. I guess I would, too, if I saw my granny suffer a heart attack and die on a plane like he did. But, I’m a flight medic. My dream job, flying all over the world helping people. It would take more than his declaration of love for me to give it up.
Besides, Sage may be scared of flying, but I’m more than a little afraid of love. Of what love means to a person, or what it doesn’t. Take my mother, for example. She didn’t have enough love to go around, not enough to give up the drugs and one-night stands. But that doesn’t stop me from praying that Sage would love…ah well, it’s best not go there.
It’s not as if I don’t have a full and satisfying life. I do. Between mentoring the kids at Quiver Full, raising money to build another orphanage cottage, working on a recycling committee, and my job, I couldn’t ask for more. Well, I suppose I could. Like figuring out who this prankster is and why he’s targeting me…

Register to win Dora Hiers' "Journey's Embrace"

We're happy to have Dora Hiers with us today talking about her book, "Journey's Embrace." To register to win a copy, leave Dora a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Dora and her book, read on!

Meet Sage Michaelson

Sage Michaelson here, a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Witness Protection Program. Although lately it feels more like a Criminal Protection Program, especially after losing my spleen on the job.
When my best friend Steven texted, “Delaney in trouble. Can you keep an eye on her while I’m on my honeymoon?” I chucked the hospital gown and split for Journey Creek. We grew up in the same orphanage—Steven, his sister, and I—so that makes us practically brother and sister. How could I say no?
Besides, I needed time to recover and reevaluate. And a little distance from my ex-fiancé couldn’t hurt. Jennifer always said I was married to my job. Guess she found a man who wasn’t because she wears a ring on her finger again. I’m OK with it. Sure, I gave her a ring and a commitment. But not my heart. How could I? The people I love always end up dead. I’m on my own. Best just to keep it that way.
What trouble was Dane in this time? That’s what we used to call Delaney. Growing up, she’d had long muscular legs. Cute, but in an awkward, gangly Great Dane sort of way. And always in trouble or causing trouble. I gather from Steven’s text that hadn’t changed.
I hadn’t seen the Dane in a few years, so it kinda threw me to see her waltzing away from the wedding reception in a silky turquoise gown, the kind of dress that forces a man to take a second look. Steven sure wouldn’t appreciate the thoughts that flitted through my head about his sister. To be truthful, I’d feel much better if she changed into her customary basketball shorts or work scrubs. Then I wouldn’t notice how she’d grown from the Dane into beautiful, vivacious Delaney. A woman who embraces passion and life with enthusiasm. A woman who puts others first, on the job and with the orphanage kids.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to ditch the doctor. All this ibuprofen seems to be messing with my head.
Steven only said that someone ransacked Delaney’s house. He didn’t warn me that a man had it out for her. Delaney insists God will protect her, but I’m not buying it. He didn’t protect my parents and sister from the car accident that killed them, or keep my granny from suffering a fatal heart attack on an airplane.
No, I can’t leave her to fend for herself. I promised Steven I would look out for her. But, somewhere along the way, protecting Delaney became less about my promise to Steven and more about my love for her…and God.
Meet Delaney Hunt
Just wait until my brother gets back from his honeymoon!
What was Steven thinking texting Sage Michaelson to keep an eye on me? Sure, I get that Steven’s worried about me after my home invasion, but now I need a Deputy U.S. Marshal looking over my shoulder? Sage just lost his spleen. He should be recovering in the hospital, not trailing after me or chasing innocent trick-or-treaters off my doorstep.
It’s not that I mind Sage being around. I’ve loved him since he showed up at Quiver Full Orphanage, always the protector, even at thirteen. But, he turned eighteen and left for the big city without a backward glance. Not at me, anyway. He kept in touch with Steven, but I haven’t heard from him since his engagement.
It’s not like he would ever love me in a non-sisterly way. When the doctor mentioned we sounded like we were married, Sage shuddered. I’m not beautiful, but sheesh! Did the man have to shudder?
And Sage could never accept my job, or even tolerate it. He suffers from a powerful fear of flying and heights. I guess I would, too, if I saw my granny suffer a heart attack and die on a plane like he did. But, I’m a flight medic. My dream job, flying all over the world helping people. It would take more than his declaration of love for me to give it up.
Besides, Sage may be scared of flying, but I’m more than a little afraid of love. Of what love means to a person, or what it doesn’t. Take my mother, for example. She didn’t have enough love to go around, not enough to give up the drugs and one-night stands. But that doesn’t stop me from praying that Sage would love…ah well, it’s best not go there.
It’s not as if I don’t have a full and satisfying life. I do. Between mentoring the kids at Quiver Full, raising money to build another orphanage cottage, working on a recycling committee, and my job, I couldn’t ask for more. Well, I suppose I could. Like figuring out who this prankster is and why he’s targeting me…

Becky Lyles' "Winds of Wyoming"

“Winds of Wyoming,” my first novel, debuted on January 2, 2012. From that moment on, I promised readers a sequel would soon follow. After all, I’d learned much about writing fiction while penning the first book, and I knew what would happen in the next phase of my heroine’s life. All I had to do was input those events into my computer. Surely, I could crank out the second novel in a matter of months.

As you may guess, I discovered that writing the sequel, “Winds of Freedom,” was just as hard as writing the first book. Others may hop on the fiction train and never fall off, never falter in their production. But my struggle to get the story out of my head and into a form others could comprehend tossed me from the fiction train onto a hay wagon pulled by a donkey that took three steps backward for every step forward.

Okay, so I admit I’m the donkey. Several factors played into my fiction-challenged head while writing and rewriting “Winds of Freedom.” 1) I’m still learning. Though some may be naturals at writing fiction, I have to work at it and constantly educate myself on the subject. 2) I created a vague outline for the sequel—but details were sketchy. Many authors thrive with that method, yet I can see how much easier the process would have been if I’d thought through specifics in advance. 3) My editor’s comments threw me into a tailspin. After years of writing for the nonfiction market, I thought I had fairly thick writer’s skin; however, his observations were blunt, and I couldn’t see how to incorporate his suggestions into the story without starting over.

In addition to developing thick skin, writers must also employ perseverance. I eventually plowed through the editor’s comments and suggestions, reworked or deleted several scenes, filled in missing details and added a couple scenes. Thanks to the editing process, the story is much, much stronger.

Currently, “Winds of Freedom” is in the hands of a half-dozen wonderful proofreaders. After I receive their suggestions and make appropriate changes, the story will finally be on its way to the publisher. The hay wagon is almost there. I can see the hitching post on the horizon!

Rebecca Carey Lyles is a freelance writer and editor whose articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. In addition to her novels, she’s also written two nonfiction books, “It’s a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships” and "On a Wing and a Prayer: Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry." She and her husband, Steve, live in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

Website: http://www.beckylyles.com
Email: beckylyles@beckylyles.com
Facebook: Rebecca Carey Lyles
Twitter: @BeckyLyles
Blog: widgetwords.wordpress.com

“Winds of Wyoming” – Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will trail as close as a shadow and imprison her once again.

Register to win Becky Lyles' "Winds of Wyoming"

We're happy to have Becky Lyles with us today talking about her book, "Winds of Wymong." To register to win a copy, leave Becky a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Becky and her book, read on!


“Winds of Wyoming,” my first novel, debuted on January 2, 2012. From that moment on, I promised readers a sequel would soon follow. After all, I’d learned much about writing fiction while penning the first book, and I knew what would happen in the next phase of my heroine’s life. All I had to do was input those events into my computer. Surely, I could crank out the second novel in a matter of months.

As you may guess, I discovered that writing the sequel, “Winds of Freedom,” was just as hard as writing the first book. Others may hop on the fiction train and never fall off, never falter in their production. But my struggle to get the story out of my head and into a form others could comprehend tossed me from the fiction train onto a hay wagon pulled by a donkey that took three steps backward for every step forward.

Okay, so I admit I’m the donkey. Several factors played into my fiction-challenged head while writing and rewriting “Winds of Freedom.” 1) I’m still learning. Though some may be naturals at writing fiction, I have to work at it and constantly educate myself on the subject. 2) I created a vague outline for the sequel—but details were sketchy. Many authors thrive with that method, yet I can see how much easier the process would have been if I’d thought through specifics in advance. 3) My editor’s comments threw me into a tailspin. After years of writing for the nonfiction market, I thought I had fairly thick writer’s skin; however, his observations were blunt, and I couldn’t see how to incorporate his suggestions into the story without starting over.

In addition to developing thick skin, writers must also employ perseverance. I eventually plowed through the editor’s comments and suggestions, reworked or deleted several scenes, filled in missing details and added a couple scenes. Thanks to the editing process, the story is much, much stronger.

Currently, “Winds of Freedom” is in the hands of a half-dozen wonderful proofreaders. After I receive their suggestions and make appropriate changes, the story will finally be on its way to the publisher. The hay wagon is almost there. I can see the hitching post on the horizon!

Rebecca Carey Lyles is a freelance writer and editor whose articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. In addition to her novels, she’s also written two nonfiction books, “It’s a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships” and "On a Wing and a Prayer: Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry." She and her husband, Steve, live in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

Website: http://www.beckylyles.com
Email: beckylyles@beckylyles.com
Facebook: Rebecca Carey Lyles
Twitter: @BeckyLyles
Blog: widgetwords.wordpress.com

“Winds of Wyoming” – Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will trail as close as a shadow and imprison her once again.

Sharon Dow's "Satan's Throne"

Title: Pergamum: Satan’s ThronePublisher:Deep River Books, a Christian Publishing company in Oregon.

Cover blurb: After Antipas (first book) is martyred at the altar to Zeus for his outspoken convictions on Christ, the remaining Christians in Pergamum must flee for their lives. With the Roman emperor’s grip tightening, evil forces behind the scenes aim to root out the growing followers of The Way and destroy the church. Marcus and Paulus, brothers of the martyred Antipas, have chosen different paths. Marcus, a brute temple guard, remains loyal to Zeus, who many attest is the one true god of Pergamum. Paulus follows in Antipas’ footsteps as one who fearlessly proclaims the Gospel. Enraged, Marcus disowns his brother and swears him as enemy. A battle for the fate of Pergamum is inevitable. In this sequel to the heart-pounding Antipas: Martyr, Sharon Dow continues the vibrant story of persecuted Christians banding together within the sinister walls of Pergamum, the very lair of Satan’s throne. Who will be saved and who will choose the easy way out? Amid the rubble, will the new Christians emerge victorious, with their faith strong and vital?

1) How did this story come to you? 
When I completed the manuscript for Antipas: Martyr, I was so attached to the characters that I wanted to know what happened to them. Thus was born Pergamum: Satan’s Throne, the sequel.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. 
I entered the manuscript in the Deep River Books 2012 writing contest. It received an award of merit and I was offered a contract. I accepted!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers. 
1. I love politics and follow the American elections as well as the Canadian ones. I’ve always had a secret desire to be involved. 
2. I have also had the desire to spend a year above the Arctic Circle to experience total light and total darkness. I almost went there to teach when I graduated. 
3. I would love to have tea with the Queen!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you? 
I am currently working on another Biblical novel titled, Huldah: Prophetess. Huldah was the prophetess who identified the scriptures found in the temple when Josiah was King. It is approximately 80% complete.

5) Parting comments? 
I hope to write and publish at least 10 books. I have the ideas and titles for them and a little written for each one.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? 
I have a website http://www.sharondow.ca.  I am also on facebook.

Register to win Sharon Dow's "Satan's Throne"

We're happy to have Sharon Dow with us today talking about her book, "Satan's Throne." To register to win a copy, leave Sharon a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Sharon and her book, read on!

Title: Pergamum: Satan’s ThronePublisher:Deep River Books, a Christian Publishing company in Oregon.

Cover blurb: After Antipas (first book) is martyred at the altar to Zeus for his outspoken convictions on Christ, the remaining Christians in Pergamum must flee for their lives. With the Roman emperor’s grip tightening, evil forces behind the scenes aim to root out the growing followers of The Way and destroy the church. Marcus and Paulus, brothers of the martyred Antipas, have chosen different paths. Marcus, a brute temple guard, remains loyal to Zeus, who many attest is the one true god of Pergamum. Paulus follows in Antipas’ footsteps as one who fearlessly proclaims the Gospel. Enraged, Marcus disowns his brother and swears him as enemy. A battle for the fate of Pergamum is inevitable. In this sequel to the heart-pounding Antipas: Martyr, Sharon Dow continues the vibrant story of persecuted Christians banding together within the sinister walls of Pergamum, the very lair of Satan’s throne. Who will be saved and who will choose the easy way out? Amid the rubble, will the new Christians emerge victorious, with their faith strong and vital?

1) How did this story come to you? 
When I completed the manuscript for Antipas: Martyr, I was so attached to the characters that I wanted to know what happened to them. Thus was born Pergamum: Satan’s Throne, the sequel.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. 
I entered the manuscript in the Deep River Books 2012 writing contest. It received an award of merit and I was offered a contract. I accepted!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers. 
1. I love politics and follow the American elections as well as the Canadian ones. I’ve always had a secret desire to be involved. 
2. I have also had the desire to spend a year above the Arctic Circle to experience total light and total darkness. I almost went there to teach when I graduated. 
3. I would love to have tea with the Queen!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you? 
I am currently working on another Biblical novel titled, Huldah: Prophetess. Huldah was the prophetess who identified the scriptures found in the temple when Josiah was King. It is approximately 80% complete.

5) Parting comments? 
I hope to write and publish at least 10 books. I have the ideas and titles for them and a little written for each one.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? 
I have a website http://www.sharondow.ca.  I am also on facebook.

Lisa Lickel's "Meow Mayhem"

Title: Meow Mayhem
      Publisher: Whimsical Publications
Cover blurb:  After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat,an Egyptian Mau named Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the
urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner.

Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man
whose physical wounds are the only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True
and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and coffee shop in Apple
Grove.

When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy’s
criminology professor mom and True believe there’s something rotten in Apple Grove.
Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town from further Mayhem?
1) How did this story come to you? 
I was reporting for my community’s town government on the changing nature of downtowns and the loss of business, so the germ of the story began there. When I learned that a nearby city had tunnels along the river connecting stores that were built a hundred years ago, I knew I had to use the information somewhere. A story about creating hypo-allergenic cats, a love of history and my neighbor who uses a live answering service: put all this together and out pops a story.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.I wrote this story as an experiment in first person; I’d never done that before, so it was quite a challenge. I have new respect for method actors, and those who generally write in first person. I wanted to try a full-length mystery since I’d been writing lighter romantic cozies for a book club, so went ahead and wrote Meow Mayhem on spec, but ran into some bad timing as I was between agents and mysteries weren’t doing quite so well for a couple of years. But then I tried Whimsical Publications after checking with another acquaintance who writes for them, and had the book accepted. There’s always much rejoicing when a manuscript is accepted.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.I have absolutely no sense of direction. I love science fiction.I visited the Soviet Union for a college seminar.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?Always working on something – I have an agent passing around what I feel is my most compelling story so far about a terminally ill woman caught up in an unethical stem cell trial; I am working on a new manuscript about a couple caught up in a murder scheme that is only the tip of the iceberg of intrigue.
5) Parting comments? 
Thanks for having me here today. Mysteries are fun, and I’d love to hear about yours, or your favorites, and what you like about them.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet? 
All of my social networking can be accessed from my web site: http://www.lisalickel.com 

Register to win Lisa Licke's "Meow Mayhem"

We're happy to have Lisa Lickel with us today talking about her book, "Meow Mayhem." To register to win a copy, leave Lisa a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Lisa and her book, read on!

Title: Meow MayhemPublisher: Whimsical Publications
Cover blurb:  After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat,an Egyptian Mau named Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the
urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner.

Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man
whose physical wounds are the only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True
and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and coffee shop in Apple
Grove.

When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy’s
criminology professor mom and True believe there’s something rotten in Apple Grove.
Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town from further Mayhem?
1) How did this story come to you? 
I was reporting for my community’s town government on the changing nature of downtowns and the loss of business, so the germ of the story began there. When I learned that a nearby city had tunnels along the river connecting stores that were built a hundred years ago, I knew I had to use the information somewhere. A story about creating hypo-allergenic cats, a love of history and my neighbor who uses a live answering service: put all this together and out pops a story.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.I wrote this story as an experiment in first person; I’d never done that before, so it was quite a challenge. I have new respect for method actors, and those who generally write in first person. I wanted to try a full-length mystery since I’d been writing lighter romantic cozies for a book club, so went ahead and wrote Meow Mayhem on spec, but ran into some bad timing as I was between agents and mysteries weren’t doing quite so well for a couple of years. But then I tried Whimsical Publications after checking with another acquaintance who writes for them, and had the book accepted. There’s always much rejoicing when a manuscript is accepted.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.I have absolutely no sense of direction. I love science fiction.I visited the Soviet Union for a college seminar.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?Always working on something – I have an agent passing around what I feel is my most compelling story so far about a terminally ill woman caught up in an unethical stem cell trial; I am working on a new manuscript about a couple caught up in a murder scheme that is only the tip of the iceberg of intrigue.
5) Parting comments? 
Thanks for having me here today. Mysteries are fun, and I’d love to hear about yours, or your favorites, and what you like about them.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet? 
All of my social networking can be accessed from my web site: http://www.lisalickel.com 

Jeanette Windle's "Congo Dawn"

CONGO DAWN BLOG INTERVIEW Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
As daughter of missionary parents, I grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. I married another missionary kid, and we have been in full-time international ministry ever since. Currently based in Lancaster, PA, I've lived to date in six countries and traveled in more than thirty on five continents. Those experiences have birthed 16 international intrigue titles, including bestselling Tyndale House Publishers release Veiled Freedom, a 2010 Christian Book Award and Christy Award finalist and sequel Freedom's Stand, a 2012 Christian Book Award and Carol Award finalist and 2011 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year finalist.
Tell us about the featured book?
If absolute power breeds absolute corruption, what happens when a multinational corporation with unlimited funds hires on a private military company with unbridled power? Especially in a Congolese rainforest where governmental accountability is only too cheaply for sale and the ultimate 'conflict mineral' is up for grabs?Set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's war-torn eastern Ituri rainforest zone, Congo Dawn confronts former Marine lieutenant Robin Duncan with just that question. A veteran in handling corruption and conspiracy, Robin has never had any trouble  discerning good guys from bad. But as her private security team tries to track down an insurgent killer, Robin faces a man who broke her trust years ago and discovers that gray areas extend deeper into the jungle than she anticipated.As a vicious global conspiracy emerges, run by brutal men who don’t leave witnesses alive, Robin must decide if there is anyone left she can trust. And where is God in the suffering and injustice? How is it followers of Yesu (Jesus) caught in the crossfire can still rejoice when everything they hold dear is ripped away? READ EXCERPT
What inspired your interest in writing Congo Dawn?
Growing up in the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, I was captivated by missionary biographies from its second-largest African counterpart, the Congo. Among them the story of Dr. Helen Roseveare, who helped establish several mission hospitals and medical training centers in the Ituri rainforest despite violence and unrest of impending Congolese independence, herself held captive for five months during the 1964 Simba rebellion. The largest of those centers Nyankunde was in turned razed in 2002 during the continuing conflict that has taken more than five million Congolese lives in the last decade. Today's fighting is greatly aggravated by the value and pursuit of conflict minerals in that zone.  As always, it has been the mission pilots, medical personnel both expatriate and Congolese, and other followers of Yesu, Jesus Christ, who have been first back into the conflict zones well ahead of United Nations, embassy, local law enforcement or any other humanitarian and corporate interests. Their courage in shining bright the light of Yesu's love in one of the planet's darkest corners gave voice to this story.
How did you come up with the concept for Congo Dawn?
For the story's actual suspense thread, I've had personal opportunity to witness what a multinational corporation is capable of in dark corners of the Third World when no one is watching (an experience in itself too unbelievable to write up as fiction). In Africa as elsewhere, both the protective and striking arm of such corporations has historically been hired foreign mercenaries. But today's private military corporations are vastly different, possessing more fire power than the average country. What struck me was the lack of any accountability to outside oversight beyond some paid-off local warlord. So what happens when a multinational corporation with unlimited funds hires on a private military company with unbridled power in a Congolese rainforest where the ultimate 'conflict mineral' is up for grabs? Coming up with one very plausible possibility birthed Congo Dawn.On a deeper spiritual level, Congo Dawn addresses the age-old question of how a world filled with such darkness, injustice and pain can possibly be the creation of a God of love. How can followers of Yesu [Jesus]  in the bleakness of an Ituri rainforest conflict zone or any other dark corner of this planet take seriously a Scriptural mandate to rejoice in their suffering [James 1:2; I Peter 4:13]? What value beyond our own comprehension might human suffering possibly hold that a loving Creator God permits it to continue?
What message would you like your readers to take from Congo Dawn?
The same simple, yet profound realization to which Congo Dawn's main protagonists are ultimately drawn. The coexistence of a loving Creator with human suffering is no oxymoron, but a divine paradox those refined in the fires of adversity are best equipped to understand. The smallest flames of love and faith shine most brightly against the darkest night. Our heavenly Father really does know what He's doing, and His ultimate plans for our lives and all His creation will not be thwarted.
How can a reader connect with you on the Internet?
Yes, I would like to invite any reader interested in knowing more about Congo Dawn, my other titles, or my own life journey to visit me at my website (www.jeanettewindle.com) and personal blog, From the Eye of the Storm (http://jeanettewindle.blogspot.com/) or contact me directly at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. I would also be delighted to participate with your local book club or discussion group through Skype video or on-line chat conference (or in person if I am in the vicinity).

Register to win Jeanette Windle's "Congo Dawn"

We have two book giveways this week. Please be sure to register to win both by leaving a comment for Jeanette and then scrolling down and leaving Vannetta a comment.

We're happy to have Jeanette Windle with us today talking about her book, "Congo Dawn." To register to win a copy, leave Jeanette a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Jeanette and her book, read on!


CONGO DAWN BLOG INTERVIEW Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
As daughter of missionary parents, I grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. I married another missionary kid, and we have been in full-time international ministry ever since. Currently based in Lancaster, PA, I've lived to date in six countries and traveled in more than thirty on five continents. Those experiences have birthed 16 international intrigue titles, including bestselling Tyndale House Publishers release Veiled Freedom, a 2010 Christian Book Award and Christy Award finalist and sequel Freedom's Stand, a 2012 Christian Book Award and Carol Award finalist and 2011 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year finalist.
Tell us about the featured book?
If absolute power breeds absolute corruption, what happens when a multinational corporation with unlimited funds hires on a private military company with unbridled power? Especially in a Congolese rainforest where governmental accountability is only too cheaply for sale and the ultimate 'conflict mineral' is up for grabs?Set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's war-torn eastern Ituri rainforest zone, Congo Dawn confronts former Marine lieutenant Robin Duncan with just that question. A veteran in handling corruption and conspiracy, Robin has never had any trouble  discerning good guys from bad. But as her private security team tries to track down an insurgent killer, Robin faces a man who broke her trust years ago and discovers that gray areas extend deeper into the jungle than she anticipated.As a vicious global conspiracy emerges, run by brutal men who don’t leave witnesses alive, Robin must decide if there is anyone left she can trust. And where is God in the suffering and injustice? How is it followers of Yesu (Jesus) caught in the crossfire can still rejoice when everything they hold dear is ripped away? READ EXCERPT
What inspired your interest in writing Congo Dawn?
Growing up in the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, I was captivated by missionary biographies from its second-largest African counterpart, the Congo. Among them the story of Dr. Helen Roseveare, who helped establish several mission hospitals and medical training centers in the Ituri rainforest despite violence and unrest of impending Congolese independence, herself held captive for five months during the 1964 Simba rebellion. The largest of those centers Nyankunde was in turned razed in 2002 during the continuing conflict that has taken more than five million Congolese lives in the last decade. Today's fighting is greatly aggravated by the value and pursuit of conflict minerals in that zone.  As always, it has been the mission pilots, medical personnel both expatriate and Congolese, and other followers of Yesu, Jesus Christ, who have been first back into the conflict zones well ahead of United Nations, embassy, local law enforcement or any other humanitarian and corporate interests. Their courage in shining bright the light of Yesu's love in one of the planet's darkest corners gave voice to this story.
How did you come up with the concept for Congo Dawn?
For the story's actual suspense thread, I've had personal opportunity to witness what a multinational corporation is capable of in dark corners of the Third World when no one is watching (an experience in itself too unbelievable to write up as fiction). In Africa as elsewhere, both the protective and striking arm of such corporations has historically been hired foreign mercenaries. But today's private military corporations are vastly different, possessing more fire power than the average country. What struck me was the lack of any accountability to outside oversight beyond some paid-off local warlord. So what happens when a multinational corporation with unlimited funds hires on a private military company with unbridled power in a Congolese rainforest where the ultimate 'conflict mineral' is up for grabs? Coming up with one very plausible possibility birthed Congo Dawn.On a deeper spiritual level, Congo Dawn addresses the age-old question of how a world filled with such darkness, injustice and pain can possibly be the creation of a God of love. How can followers of Yesu [Jesus]  in the bleakness of an Ituri rainforest conflict zone or any other dark corner of this planet take seriously a Scriptural mandate to rejoice in their suffering [James 1:2; I Peter 4:13]? What value beyond our own comprehension might human suffering possibly hold that a loving Creator God permits it to continue?
What message would you like your readers to take from Congo Dawn?
The same simple, yet profound realization to which Congo Dawn's main protagonists are ultimately drawn. The coexistence of a loving Creator with human suffering is no oxymoron, but a divine paradox those refined in the fires of adversity are best equipped to understand. The smallest flames of love and faith shine most brightly against the darkest night. Our heavenly Father really does know what He's doing, and His ultimate plans for our lives and all His creation will not be thwarted.
How can a reader connect with you on the Internet?
Yes, I would like to invite any reader interested in knowing more about Congo Dawn, my other titles, or my own life journey to visit me at my website (www.jeanettewindle.com) and personal blog, From the Eye of the Storm (http://jeanettewindle.blogspot.com/) or contact me directly at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. I would also be delighted to participate with your local book club or discussion group through Skype video or on-line chat conference (or in person if I am in the vicinity).