K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 28

Vannetta Chapman's "A Home for Lydia"

Title: A Home for Lydia
Publisher: Harvest House

Cover blurb:A bend in the road can be daunting ... or the beginning of everything.A Home for Lydia, the second book in a new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, centers again on the Plain community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.
Aaron Troyer simply wants to farm like his father and grandfather before him. But instead he finds himself overseeing the family’s small group of guest cabins nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek. That also means he must work with the cabins’ housekeeper, Lydia Fisher.
Lydia is the most outspoken Amish woman Aaron has ever met, and she has strong opinions about how the guest cabins are to be run. She also desperately needs this job. Though sparks fly between boss and employee at first, when the cabins are robbed, nothing is more important to Aaron than making sure Lydia is safe.
Together they work to make the vacation property profitable, but can they find out the identity of the culprit before more damage is done? And is Lydia’s dream of a home of her own more than just a wish and a prayer?
1) How did this story come to you? 
I visited the Amish communities in SW Wisconsin, spoke with Amish families there and generally got a sense for the area.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. 
This is the 2nd in the series (Book 1 was A Promise for Miriam). I wanted to write romance and was already published in the Amish genre. I submitted to HH and was thrilled when they picked me up.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.I play the piano/keyboard.I don't eat white foods.I recently broke my left foot! (healing well though)
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?I'm working on the first book in my Middlebury, Indiana series. This is a cozy mystery and will be a lot of fun.
5) Parting comments? Thank you all for your interest in Amish fiction!
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com blog -- http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks twitter -- @VannettaChapman                              pinterest -- pinterest.com/vannettachapman 

Register to win Vannetta Chapman's "A Home for Lydia"

We're happy to have Vannetta Chapman with us today talking about her book, "A Home for Lydia." To register to win a copy, leave Vannetta 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 Vannetta and her book, read on!

Title: A Home for Lydia
Publisher: Harvest House

Cover blurb:A bend in the road can be daunting ... or the beginning of everything.A Home for Lydia, the second book in a new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, centers again on the Plain community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.
Aaron Troyer simply wants to farm like his father and grandfather before him. But instead he finds himself overseeing the family’s small group of guest cabins nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek. That also means he must work with the cabins’ housekeeper, Lydia Fisher.
Lydia is the most outspoken Amish woman Aaron has ever met, and she has strong opinions about how the guest cabins are to be run. She also desperately needs this job. Though sparks fly between boss and employee at first, when the cabins are robbed, nothing is more important to Aaron than making sure Lydia is safe.
Together they work to make the vacation property profitable, but can they find out the identity of the culprit before more damage is done? And is Lydia’s dream of a home of her own more than just a wish and a prayer?
1) How did this story come to you? 
I visited the Amish communities in SW Wisconsin, spoke with Amish families there and generally got a sense for the area.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. 
This is the 2nd in the series (Book 1 was A Promise for Miriam). I wanted to write romance and was already published in the Amish genre. I submitted to HH and was thrilled when they picked me up.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.I play the piano/keyboard.I don't eat white foods.I recently broke my left foot! (healing well though)
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?I'm working on the first book in my Middlebury, Indiana series. This is a cozy mystery and will be a lot of fun.
5) Parting comments? Thank you all for your interest in Amish fiction!
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com blog -- http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks twitter -- @VannettaChapman                              pinterest -- pinterest.com/vannettachapman 

Tanya Eavenson's "Unconditional"

My debut novel Unconditional is dear to my heart because God placed it there. Statistics show Christian and non-Christian marriages are failing at the same rate. I believe in marriage there needs to be an unconditional love as God shows and displays in our lives. He also tells us to love our enemies as ourselves, so what is that saying for our marriages today? We need to show a love that isn’t possible from us alone, but a love that comes from God who ordained marriage to last.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we fight for our marriages and follow after Christ, He will be the One to grow in us an unconditional love for our spouses.

I grew up in a family were divorce is common, like most people today, with the idea once you “fall” out of love, and you can’t get along anymore, it’s time to get a divorce. It was almost engraved in me witnessing everyone in my family get divorced one time or many times. I, too, almost went down that route with divorce papers in hand. I told myself many things at the time, but the truth. I was focused on our failures, not the hope that with God, all things are possible. The question was, were we willing to save our marriage at all costs? Would we fight for each other, whether we felt like it or not?

The story opens in a situation some married couples might find themselves in, losing a child, being in a loveless marriage, hurt by feelings of abandonment, adultery. To fight for the marriage at any cost or give up. In my story, as in real life, there is a choice.

Here is the blurb and the intro to Unconditional. I hope if you purchase this novel it will speak to your heart, or maybe to someone you know.

He will fight for her at any cost…

Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?

Chapter One
Elizabeth pushed herself up from the bed. Her gaze swept the dark room and fixed on the hall nightlight. Her hand grazed over her husband’s shoulder when a thought gripped her. Katherine. The baby monitor stood silent. Darkness shrouded the red and green lights that indicated movement.

Her chest tightened. She hurled the covers away and leapt to the floor. Panic made her clumsy as she rushed to her daughter’s room. She lunged over the crib. No sound. No movement. Not even a stirring of air from her tiny nostrils.

“Katherine!” Elizabeth snatched her daughter from the mattress. The infant drew a heavy breath as her eyes flung wide open.

Lord, what’s happening?

Elizabeth’s bare feet pounded the cold tile as she ran back to her husband. “Chris, wake up! Katherine quit breathing again!”

Chris rubbed his eyes and scowled. “What is it?”

“We need to take Katherine to the hospital. She stopped breathing.”

He studied their child. “She seems to be breathing now. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure.”

“She’s fine.” Chris fell back against the pillow.

“Please—”

“We don’t have the money to take her to the hospital when there’s nothing wrong with her.”

“But there is. She stopped breathing.”

He sat back up. “You’ve been worried about her since before she was born. You’re all worked up because she hasn’t rolled over yet. The doctor said that’s normal for being early.”

She’s called a preemie. She glared into his eyes. “If you were home more often you’d know she’s not fine.”

“I’m home, Elizabeth, and she’s fine.”

Heat flushed her cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I’m scared. Can’t you see that? I need you to pray for our daughter. I need you to hold me and tell me everything will be all right.”

“Look, she’s sleeping.” His voice softened as his hand ran down her thigh. “Come to bed.”

“How can you care so little? I’m worried about our baby.”

Chris’s hand dropped to the sheets. “Shut the door when you leave.” He turned away from her.

Elizabeth stood for a moment unable to speak. With their baby in her arms, she slowly closed the door behind her and sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying. If tears came, it would be for her daughter, not for the stranger in her bed.

Endorsements:
"Unconditional is a powerfully-gripping story of deep heartache laced with fears, yet even through the sorrow, Tanya Eavenson reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love."
~ Alice J. Wisler, author of "Still Life in Shadows" and other novels

"Not your typical amnesia story, Unconditional tells a tale of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. Eavenson drags her characters through the fire, then reveals God’s power through their broken lives. The writing is stellar; the emotion, raw and palpable; the cast, impeccably crafted. This author is one to be watched!"
~ April W Gardner, award-winning author

"Unconditional explores the struggles that married couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing."
~ Laura V. Hilton, Healing Love (Whitaker House)

"Unconditional is a beautiful story of God's never-ending love. Throughout its pages, Tanya Eavenson evokes a myriad of emotions in her readers, from deep despair to heartfelt praise. The characters gripped my heart, showing me the reality of man's sin but also the depth of God's grace. Unconditional is a well-written, heart-stirring novel written by a talented new author."
~ Jennifer Slattery, Novel Reviews

Register to win Tanya Eavenson's "Unconditional"

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

We're happy to have Tanya Eavenson with us today talking about her book, "Unconditional." To register to win a copy, leave Tanya 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 Tanya and her book, read on!

My debut novel Unconditional is dear to my heart because God placed it there. Statistics show Christian and non-Christian marriages are failing at the same rate. I believe in marriage there needs to be an unconditional love as God shows and displays in our lives. He also tells us to love our enemies as ourselves, so what is that saying for our marriages today? We need to show a love that isn’t possible from us alone, but a love that comes from God who ordained marriage to last.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we fight for our marriages and follow after Christ, He will be the One to grow in us an unconditional love for our spouses.

I grew up in a family were divorce is common, like most people today, with the idea once you “fall” out of love, and you can’t get along anymore, it’s time to get a divorce. It was almost engraved in me witnessing everyone in my family get divorced one time or many times. I, too, almost went down that route with divorce papers in hand. I told myself many things at the time, but the truth. I was focused on our failures, not the hope that with God, all things are possible. The question was, were we willing to save our marriage at all costs? Would we fight for each other, whether we felt like it or not?

The story opens in a situation some married couples might find themselves in, losing a child, being in a loveless marriage, hurt by feelings of abandonment, adultery. To fight for the marriage at any cost or give up. In my story, as in real life, there is a choice.

Here is the blurb and the intro to Unconditional. I hope if you purchase this novel it will speak to your heart, or maybe to someone you know.

He will fight for her at any cost…

Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?

Chapter One
Elizabeth pushed herself up from the bed. Her gaze swept the dark room and fixed on the hall nightlight. Her hand grazed over her husband’s shoulder when a thought gripped her. Katherine. The baby monitor stood silent. Darkness shrouded the red and green lights that indicated movement.

Her chest tightened. She hurled the covers away and leapt to the floor. Panic made her clumsy as she rushed to her daughter’s room. She lunged over the crib. No sound. No movement. Not even a stirring of air from her tiny nostrils.

“Katherine!” Elizabeth snatched her daughter from the mattress. The infant drew a heavy breath as her eyes flung wide open.

Lord, what’s happening?

Elizabeth’s bare feet pounded the cold tile as she ran back to her husband. “Chris, wake up! Katherine quit breathing again!”

Chris rubbed his eyes and scowled. “What is it?”

“We need to take Katherine to the hospital. She stopped breathing.”

He studied their child. “She seems to be breathing now. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure.”

“She’s fine.” Chris fell back against the pillow.

“Please—”

“We don’t have the money to take her to the hospital when there’s nothing wrong with her.”

“But there is. She stopped breathing.”

He sat back up. “You’ve been worried about her since before she was born. You’re all worked up because she hasn’t rolled over yet. The doctor said that’s normal for being early.”

She’s called a preemie. She glared into his eyes. “If you were home more often you’d know she’s not fine.”

“I’m home, Elizabeth, and she’s fine.”

Heat flushed her cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I’m scared. Can’t you see that? I need you to pray for our daughter. I need you to hold me and tell me everything will be all right.”

“Look, she’s sleeping.” His voice softened as his hand ran down her thigh. “Come to bed.”

“How can you care so little? I’m worried about our baby.”

Chris’s hand dropped to the sheets. “Shut the door when you leave.” He turned away from her.

Elizabeth stood for a moment unable to speak. With their baby in her arms, she slowly closed the door behind her and sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying. If tears came, it would be for her daughter, not for the stranger in her bed.

Endorsements:
"Unconditional is a powerfully-gripping story of deep heartache laced with fears, yet even through the sorrow, Tanya Eavenson reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love."
~ Alice J. Wisler, author of "Still Life in Shadows" and other novels

"Not your typical amnesia story, Unconditional tells a tale of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. Eavenson drags her characters through the fire, then reveals God’s power through their broken lives. The writing is stellar; the emotion, raw and palpable; the cast, impeccably crafted. This author is one to be watched!"
~ April W Gardner, award-winning author

"Unconditional explores the struggles that married couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing."
~ Laura V. Hilton, Healing Love (Whitaker House)

"Unconditional is a beautiful story of God's never-ending love. Throughout its pages, Tanya Eavenson evokes a myriad of emotions in her readers, from deep despair to heartfelt praise. The characters gripped my heart, showing me the reality of man's sin but also the depth of God's grace. Unconditional is a well-written, heart-stirring novel written by a talented new author."
~ Jennifer Slattery, Novel Reviews

Nelson Dooley's "Catherine's Pursuit"

Title: Catherine’s Pursuit
Publisher: Realms, the fiction imprint of Charisma Media

Cover blurb: The search for her sisters will become a spiritual journey for the entire family.

Raised by her father, Catherine McKenna has never lacked for anything, surrounded by people to take care of her every need. On her eighteenth birthday she discovers that not only did her mother die when she was born, but she has two identical sisters. Although her father vowed not to look for his daughters, Catherine made no such promise. Setting out on her own with one clue and her maid in tow, she's determined to find her sisters.

Collin Elliott has seen better days. After losing his ship to a violent and unexpected storm, he is trying to recover--physically and emotionally. When Angus McKenna sends him to find, follow, and protect his daughter, he wants nothing more than to finish his task and return home. Can he help her find her sisters?

And will the discoveries they make along the way teach them both what's most important in life?

1) How did this story come to you?
The McKenna’s Daughters series percolated in my brain for several years before my agent sold it. Identical triplets, born on a wagon train and separated at birth when their mother dies, presented all kinds of possibilities. They are raised in different kinds of families. Catherine’s Pursuit is book three in the series.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The story first came to me when Tracie Peterson, who was the Heartsong Present acquisition editor for already published Heartsong authors. This was when Heartsong started doing the three book states series. She was really interested in it, but the editors changed, and the next one didn’t buy it.

Then my agent and I decided I should expand the stories to longer novels, because it was hard to include all I wanted to in the Heartsong length. At the time Realms bought the series another editor was also interested in it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I like to try different kinds of things to eat. I love turtle and froglegs, but don’t like alligator as much.
I started first grade when I was 5 years old, so I was always the youngest person in each class.
One summer, I attended two colleges at the same time.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m writing a new series called Love’s Road Home, and there’s a major publishing company interested in it, but they can’t contract it right away. And I’ve been offered a exciting writing gig that can fill part of the time till then, but I can’t announce what it is until I sign the contract.

5) Parting comments?
I love my readers, and welcome new ones. Readers keep me writing books. I like for them to connect to me. There are lots of places they can find me.

9) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com
Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley
Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_Dooley
Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley
Blogs where I’m a part: http://justthewritecharisma.blogspot.... and http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

Register to win Lena Nelson Dooley's "Catherine's Pursuit"

We're happy to have Lena Nelson Dooley with us today talking about her book, "Catherine's Pursuit." To register to win a copy, leave Lena 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 Lena and her book, read on!

Title: Catherine’s Pursuit
Publisher: Realms, the fiction imprint of Charisma Media

Cover blurb: The search for her sisters will become a spiritual journey for the entire family.

Raised by her father, Catherine McKenna has never lacked for anything, surrounded by people to take care of her every need. On her eighteenth birthday she discovers that not only did her mother die when she was born, but she has two identical sisters. Although her father vowed not to look for his daughters, Catherine made no such promise. Setting out on her own with one clue and her maid in tow, she's determined to find her sisters.

Collin Elliott has seen better days. After losing his ship to a violent and unexpected storm, he is trying to recover--physically and emotionally. When Angus McKenna sends him to find, follow, and protect his daughter, he wants nothing more than to finish his task and return home. Can he help her find her sisters?

And will the discoveries they make along the way teach them both what's most important in life?

1) How did this story come to you?
The McKenna’s Daughters series percolated in my brain for several years before my agent sold it. Identical triplets, born on a wagon train and separated at birth when their mother dies, presented all kinds of possibilities. They are raised in different kinds of families. Catherine’s Pursuit is book three in the series.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The story first came to me when Tracie Peterson, who was the Heartsong Present acquisition editor for already published Heartsong authors. This was when Heartsong started doing the three book states series. She was really interested in it, but the editors changed, and the next one didn’t buy it.

Then my agent and I decided I should expand the stories to longer novels, because it was hard to include all I wanted to in the Heartsong length. At the time Realms bought the series another editor was also interested in it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I like to try different kinds of things to eat. I love turtle and froglegs, but don’t like alligator as much.
I started first grade when I was 5 years old, so I was always the youngest person in each class.
One summer, I attended two colleges at the same time.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m writing a new series called Love’s Road Home, and there’s a major publishing company interested in it, but they can’t contract it right away. And I’ve been offered a exciting writing gig that can fill part of the time till then, but I can’t announce what it is until I sign the contract.

5) Parting comments?
I love my readers, and welcome new ones. Readers keep me writing books. I like for them to connect to me. There are lots of places they can find me.

9) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com
Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley
Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_Dooley
Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley
Blogs where I’m a part: http://justthewritecharisma.blogspot.... and http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

Donna Crow's "A Tincture Of Murder" and scroll to the next post for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and download of Something Beautiful

Title: A TINCTURE OF MURDER, A Lord Danvers Victorian True-Crime Mystery
Publisher: Greenbrier Books

Cover blurb: William Dove, the notorious “Leeds Poisoner” is on trial for murdering his wife, so he can’t be poisoning the fallen women at the Magdalen Asylum run by Danvers’ young priest brother. But who is? Is another madman stalking the streets of York? And what is causing the foul stench at the orphans’ school?

Lady Antonia is at her most superb in this intricate tale that weaves fact and fiction to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

1) How did this story come to you?
All of my Lord Danvers stories have an historical crime with a fictional one woven around it, so I must start with the true crime. I found my Tincture of Murder story when my research turned up the case of the poisoner William Dove in mid-Victorian York— one of my all-time favorite cities. And then I got a bonus when I found another true crime that is truly more bizarre than anything Charles Dickens wrote.

My additional inspiration was the opportunity to tell the story of the work of the Victorian slum priests who defied the strictures of society to build beautiful churches in the midst of the worst slums in order to bring beauty and a concept of heaven into poor people’s lives. And then, (gasp!) they dared to start asylums to care for fallen women and starving orphans. One of the major reasons I write history is because I believe the work of people like this shouldn’t be forgotten.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This was one of those delightful, all-too-rare times in my career when my publisher came to me for a book. When the first three titles in the Lord Danvers series: A Most Inconvenient Death, Grave Matters and To Dust You Shall Return proved to be popular with readers Ron Benrey at Greenbrier Books asked me for another in the series. I was only too happy to comply!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Because I am known for my love of English history and giving tea parties, people are surprised to learn that I was a terrible tomboy. As an only child I was my father’s son and grew up riding horses, hunting and fishing with Daddy. When I wasn’t doing girlie things with my mother, that is. I can hope that people might be surprised to learn that I’m compulsive about time and am always worried I’m not accomplishing enough fast enough— but I have a suspicion my friends might rather suspect that already.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing A Jane Austen Encounter, Book 3 in my Elizabeth and Richard Romantic Suspense Series. Elizabeth and Richard are on sabbatical in England visiting all the places Jane Austen lived. It’s an idyllic adventure— until the dead bodies start turning up.

Next thing out will be An Unholy Communion, Book 3 in my Monastery Murders. It will be released March 22 as part of Lion Hudson’s all-new Lion Fiction Line. I’m really excited to be part of this new venture.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share with your readers, K Dawn. I am so grateful to be working in such a wonderful field with such great people. Every day I tell the Lord “Thank you for letting me do what I’m doing!”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
To read more about all of my books and see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/  
I would love to have you follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

Register to win Donna Crow's "A Tincture Of Murder" and scroll to the next post for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and download of Something Beautiful

After reading this post and leaving a comment for your chance to win a PDF of Donna Crowe's "A Tincture of Murder," please scroll down and register to win a $25 Amazon gift card and download of my newest release, Something Beautiful.

We're happy to have Donna Crow with us today talking about her book, "A Tincture of Murder." To register to win a PDF copy, leave Donna 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 Donna and her book, read on!

Title: A TINCTURE OF MURDER, A Lord Danvers Victorian True-Crime Mystery
Publisher: Greenbrier Books

Cover blurb: William Dove, the notorious “Leeds Poisoner” is on trial for murdering his wife, so he can’t be poisoning the fallen women at the Magdalen Asylum run by Danvers’ young priest brother. But who is? Is another madman stalking the streets of York? And what is causing the foul stench at the orphans’ school?

Lady Antonia is at her most superb in this intricate tale that weaves fact and fiction to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

1) How did this story come to you?
All of my Lord Danvers stories have an historical crime with a fictional one woven around it, so I must start with the true crime. I found my Tincture of Murder story when my research turned up the case of the poisoner William Dove in mid-Victorian York— one of my all-time favorite cities. And then I got a bonus when I found another true crime that is truly more bizarre than anything Charles Dickens wrote.

My additional inspiration was the opportunity to tell the story of the work of the Victorian slum priests who defied the strictures of society to build beautiful churches in the midst of the worst slums in order to bring beauty and a concept of heaven into poor people’s lives. And then, (gasp!) they dared to start asylums to care for fallen women and starving orphans. One of the major reasons I write history is because I believe the work of people like this shouldn’t be forgotten.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This was one of those delightful, all-too-rare times in my career when my publisher came to me for a book. When the first three titles in the Lord Danvers series: A Most Inconvenient Death, Grave Matters and To Dust You Shall Return proved to be popular with readers Ron Benrey at Greenbrier Books asked me for another in the series. I was only too happy to comply!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Because I am known for my love of English history and giving tea parties, people are surprised to learn that I was a terrible tomboy. As an only child I was my father’s son and grew up riding horses, hunting and fishing with Daddy. When I wasn’t doing girlie things with my mother, that is. I can hope that people might be surprised to learn that I’m compulsive about time and am always worried I’m not accomplishing enough fast enough— but I have a suspicion my friends might rather suspect that already.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing A Jane Austen Encounter, Book 3 in my Elizabeth and Richard Romantic Suspense Series. Elizabeth and Richard are on sabbatical in England visiting all the places Jane Austen lived. It’s an idyllic adventure— until the dead bodies start turning up.

Next thing out will be An Unholy Communion, Book 3 in my Monastery Murders. It will be released March 22 as part of Lion Hudson’s all-new Lion Fiction Line. I’m really excited to be part of this new venture.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share with your readers, K Dawn. I am so grateful to be working in such a wonderful field with such great people. Every day I tell the Lord “Thank you for letting me do what I’m doing!”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
To read more about all of my books and see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/  
I would love to have you follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

"Something Beautiful"

Something Beautiful
Lauren Milton has always followed the rules, but when she meets Antony Marcos, she discovers just how much fun it is to do her own thing. When Antony, the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, professes his love for her, her life is complete. He's her soul mate, but when she finds that he's harboring secrets, can she forgive him?

Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him?

Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
EXCERPT

He placed his hand in the small of my back, steering me around a puddle of saltwater, and I shivered even though the night air was warm. I closed my eyes. I must be dreaming. I couldn't possibly be walking down the beach with Antony Marcos.

I didn't want the moment to end, the night to end. Something deep inside of him communicated with something deep inside of me, leaving me with a feeling of safety and love that I hadn't felt in a long time. I savored the moment, taking in the moon, the stars, and the cool feel of the wet sand beneath my feet.

A woman in a dark sweat suit jogged by, her German shepherd close at her side. A toddler squealed in delight somewhere close by, but as far as I was concerned, we were the only two people in the universe.

I turned my attention back to the hunk beside me. I loved everything about Antony. I was falling fast and terrified of the damage he could do to my heart.

He paused and looked out over the water. "I love it here. I'm just so at peace near the ocean."

He pulled me into his arms, and a shiver of delight surged through me. Our eyes locked, and I wondered if he'd read my mind and somehow knew I'd give everything I owned for just one kiss. He paused as if uncertain.

I was lost in the moment. I wasn't sure how to encourage him to kiss me without seeming easy. He didn't move, merely stood there, his body rigid against mine.

When he finally moved, it wasn't as I'd planned. Antony's lips kissed my forehead and my cheeks, still denying me what I longed for, which was a kiss passionate enough to take my breath away.

I threw caution to the wind. Reaching up, I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled his head down. Once our lips met, Antony quickly took the lead. I melted into him, our heartbeats blending as his lips whispered across mine in a dance as old as eternity.

He pulled away first, leaving me breathless, but longing for more.

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Something Beautiful
Lauren Milton has always followed the rules, but when she meets Antony Marcos, she discovers just how much fun it is to do her own thing. When Antony, the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, professes his love for her, her life is complete. He's her soul mate, but when she finds that he's harboring secrets, can she forgive him?

Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him?

Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
EXCERPT

He placed his hand in the small of my back, steering me around a puddle of saltwater, and I shivered even though the night air was warm. I closed my eyes. I must be dreaming. I couldn't possibly be walking down the beach with Antony Marcos.

I didn't want the moment to end, the night to end. Something deep inside of him communicated with something deep inside of me, leaving me with a feeling of safety and love that I hadn't felt in a long time. I savored the moment, taking in the moon, the stars, and the cool feel of the wet sand beneath my feet.

A woman in a dark sweat suit jogged by, her German shepherd close at her side. A toddler squealed in delight somewhere close by, but as far as I was concerned, we were the only two people in the universe.

I turned my attention back to the hunk beside me. I loved everything about Antony. I was falling fast and terrified of the damage he could do to my heart.

He paused and looked out over the water. "I love it here. I'm just so at peace near the ocean."

He pulled me into his arms, and a shiver of delight surged through me. Our eyes locked, and I wondered if he'd read my mind and somehow knew I'd give everything I owned for just one kiss. He paused as if uncertain.

I was lost in the moment. I wasn't sure how to encourage him to kiss me without seeming easy. He didn't move, merely stood there, his body rigid against mine.

When he finally moved, it wasn't as I'd planned. Antony's lips kissed my forehead and my cheeks, still denying me what I longed for, which was a kiss passionate enough to take my breath away.

I threw caution to the wind. Reaching up, I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled his head down. Once our lips met, Antony quickly took the lead. I melted into him, our heartbeats blending as his lips whispered across mine in a dance as old as eternity.

He pulled away first, leaving me breathless, but longing for more.