Sherry Kyle's Blog, page 4

Think About Such Things

Happy New Year!

 

Do you make resolutions or do you pick a word for the year?

 

I picked the word FOCUS. Why? Because I want to . . .

adjust my vision to see clearly

 

This year I want to be in the moment and be grateful, even for the little things—like this mug.

 

This cup makes me think of—

1. My husband, who makes fresh coffee every morning.

2. Coffee with almond vanilla creamer! Yum.

3. Friends. This mug was given as a gift.

4. Vacation. I dream of going to Hawaii, and dreams are good.

 

Philippians 4:8-9 says,

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

 

I’d love to hear your resolution or word for the year. Make 2015 a good one!

 

Featured Book: Like There’s No Tomorrow

From the back cover:

What if loving means letting go?

Scottish widower Ian MacLean is plagued by a mischievous grannie, bitter regrets, and an ache for something he’ll never have again. His only hope for freedom is to bring his grannie’s sister home from America. But first, he’ll have to convince her young companion, Emily Chapman, to let the woman go.

Emily devotes herself to foster youth and her beloved Aunt Grace. Caring for others quiets a secret fear she keeps close to her heart. But when Ian appears, wanting to whisk Grace off to Scotland, everything Emily holds dear is at risk.

Like There’s No Tomorrow is an amusing yet heart-tugging love story about two kind, single caretakers, two quirky, old sisters bent on reuniting, and too many agendas. It’s a tale of family, fiery furnaces, faith, and the gift of each new day.

 

An interview with author Camille Eide:

Finish this sentence. Inspirational fiction is . . . a high calling. I believe each of us have a unique call from God that determines how subtle or overt the thread of faith will be in our work, and to what end, and I think there are as many callings as there are writers. Your love of story is a precious gift from the Lord, given out of his good pleasure for a unique purpose that only you can fulfill.

One thing I personally feel called to do with inspirational fiction is just that: to inspire. I don’t mean to be simplistic, but what inspirational fiction is to me is fiction that is not just entertaining (which it must be first) and “clean” (free of unwanted violence and sex), but is also faith-inspiring. I hope that readers will come away from my books encouraged in their faith in some way.

 

What’s one of your favorite scenes in Like There’s No Tomorrow?

Aw, I only get one? J Of course kissing scenes are fun in a romance, and there’s a real doozy in this book, but one scene that stands out to me is one in which Ian’s sister corners Emily and has a very frank talk with her. It’s unexpected and seems unfair—at first. But she has some interesting points. I don’t know that I’d have the nerve to say the things Claire says to the kind-hearted Emily, so I suspect that as a writer, I’m secretly in awe of her. In fact, I believe she would be a little intimidating to meet.

 

Are you anything like Emily Chapman, your main character? If you could cast her in a movie, whom would you choose?

Oh dear. I may have a few of Emily’s weaknesses and I’m pretty sure I don’t have her selflessness—which takes a strength people don’t always fully appreciate. As far as casting an actress for Emily, I can picture Kate Mara or Evangeline Lilly playing her.

 

Describe Ian MacLean. What actor would you hire to play him?

Ian MacLean is a good but troubled man who has resigned himself to spend the rest of his life a loner. He takes responsibility for a cantankerous old woman and he claims he has no idea why he does it, but his sense of duty and honor are an intrinsic part of who he is. As far as casting, since he’s Scottish, I can see Gerard Butler playing him, or perhaps Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond from ABC’s Lost.)

 

What do you want your readers to take away from this novel?

Hope, a reminder that we are not alone and don’t have to face life’s trials alone. The joy of falling in love and seeing committed love that goes far beyond attraction. A renewed sense of God’s love and presence.

 

Do you have another novel in the works? Tell us about it.

I have a second novel coming out with Ashberry Lane next spring (April 2015) called Sandcastles in Snow. It’s a love story and relational drama about Susan Quinn, the woman who runs Juniper Ranch Group Home (where Emily works in LTNT) and the kids she loves with a fierce motherly love, yet who has a hard time giving herself over to that love. As a former foster and group home child, she’s been deeply wounded by abandonment and won’t let herself hope in love. Yet . . . when she’s forced to hire a big, kind handyman, who works his way into the hearts of not only her dysfunctional kids but her own, she’s forced to face the longings of her heart. When she finally allows herself to hear God’s voice, He whispers that she has built walls around her heart, but it is not a home, only walls. It’s a story about the kind of surrender that brings hope and love in spite of disappointment and pain.

I have a third novel set in 1953 about an ex-Hollywood heartthrob of the Golden Age who is now born-again and hires a lovely WW2 widow to write his memoir. It’s sort of a twist on the old cliché – in this case, the Bad Boy reforms the Good Girl. It’s called The Memoir of Johnny Devine and I hope to see it slated for publication soon. J

 

For fun, what do you like to snack on while you write?

You may have heard I am a fan of peanut M&Ms. They aren’t around much, for obvious reasons. I am a snacker-creator though, and often make a little trail mix of peanuts, raisins, and chocolate chips to keep handy while I write. J

About the author:

Camille Eide writes about love, faith, and family. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grammy, church office manager, bass guitarist, and a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, and Peanut M&Ms

You can learn more about Camille and her books at: www.camilleeide.com

 

Camille is offering a copy of Like There’s No Tomorrow in either print (US only) or ebook to one of you. Please answer this question in the comment box along with your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner.

 

Camille’s Question: What country outside your homeland have you visited and what did you like about it? And if you have not, what country would you like to visit and why?

 

 

Do You Live a Charmed Life?

You live a charmed life.

I couldn’t deny the statement on my Facebook wall. A day earlier I had posted a photo of an ocean scene taken from one of my recent walks. (Maybe the woman needed a vacation.) But was her statement true? Did I live a charmed life?

 

Yes, I believe it’s true!

 

The other day I was overwhelmed, almost to tears, with how much God has blessed me. I have a wonderful husband, great kids, a comfortable home, and published books to my credit. But is everything in my life perfect? No, not by a long shot!

 

I take medication.

I don’t always workout.

I get overwhelmed.

 

My husband and I have struggled financially over the years, and my family has had its share of death, hurts, and disappointments.

 

But true thankfulness is separate from circumstances.

 

Look at the Apostle Paul. He was imprisoned in Rome and yet he wrote, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20, NIV).

 

Thanksgiving is an everyday choice, not a once-a-year holiday.

 

Choosing to be grateful brings true joy despite difficult situations. Why, a spirit of gratitude can change our hearts from bitterness to true contentment.

 

There are verses all throughout the Bible that remind us to be thankful. Such as:

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30


“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:2


“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4

 

Being thankful is part of a Christian’s life and an act of worship. What specific things should we be thankful for?

Material blessings. God has given us everything regardless of whether we have a lot or a little.
Family and friends. No relationship is flawless and every relationship takes work. Thank God for the people He has placed in your life.
Your journey. We all have trials and tribulations in this life. Thank God that He will always be by your side. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Jesus Christ. He died and rose again so that we can spend eternity with Him. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV).
God’s power. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He is at work in us! Praise God.

 

Yes, I lead a charmed life, because I have a personal relationship with Jesus. Do you?

 

Every day is a day for thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

Monterey Retreat with Books & Such

On Wednesday I returned home from a three-day retreat at the beautiful Monterey Hotel Plaza and Spa hosted by Books & Such Literary Management. The hotel is located right on the bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s stunning! Besides delicious meals and wonderful conversation, we had workshops in the morning and free time every afternoon. On Monday evening six authors and our agent, Rachel Kent, went out to dinner at the Cannary Row Brewing Company. We shared fries, stories, and a lot of laughs! Tuesday evening all the agents and authors had our traditional bocce ball competition. I was geared up for a long tournament, but unfortunately my team got out first round. There are some fierce players!

Another fun retreat sharing a room with Karen O’Connor.

Another highlight of the retreat was swapping twelve of our own books for twelve from different authors. Here is the list of books I grabbed.

 

Ten novels:

 

Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman

Lost & Found by Gayle Roper

Love Comes Home by Ann H. Gabhart

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith

Somebody Like You by Beth K Vogt

The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

The Quilted Heart: Three Novellas in One by Mona Hodgson

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

Wonderful Lonesome by Olivia Newport

 

And two nonfiction titles:

 

Mom Seeks God by Julia Roller

Spirit Hunger by Gari Meacham

 

I can’t wait to dig in! I have no idea which book I’ll read first, but I’m excited to have so many options. Have you read any of these books?

 

I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great organization. Thank you, Books & Such, for a wonderful retreat!

 

 

Featured book: Rush of Heaven

From the back cover:

 

“Ema, give me your hand.” These were the words Jesus spoke to Ema on Christmas Eve–the night He straightened her crooked foot, hand, neck, and spine, and restored her mobility.

Easter weekend, eighteen years earlier, an ordinary workday turned into a nightmare when Ema McKinley passed out and was left hanging upside down in the storage room.

Rather than improving, Ema’s body became progressively bent and disfigured. Doctors diagnosed Ema with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), an extremely painful trauma-induced disease which led to Ema’s hand and foot deformities, painful sores, insomnia, gastrological distress, curvature of the neck and spine, heart and lung failure, and permanent confinement to a wheelchair.

Once an athletic, powerhouse woman with multiple jobs and volunteer positions, Ema became a modern-day Job who lost everything except her faith and desire to trust God more fully. Ema wrestled with pain, anger, and unforgiveness, but now takes the reader on a healing miracle encounter of Biblical proportions.

Rush of Heaven will ignite readers’ passion for Jesus and help them walk hand-in-hand with Him through life’s darkness. It will open hearts to embrace the impossible.

“Jesus gave me this miracle for you too!” — Ema McKinley

 

An interview with author Cheryl Ricker:

 

Finish this sentence. Collaborative writing is . . .

 

…a partnership of mutual trust and respect. The writer asks questions, questions, and more questions, then writes the book.

 

What’s your favorite scene in Rush of Heaven?

 

That’s a tough one because I love all the scenes, I really do. But I’ll tell you my husband’s favorite scene. I think I like it best because it made him cry the most. (And I love making my husband cry.)

 

We both love when Ema surprises her sons and grandsons after her miracle healing on Christmas Eve.

 

Since she had been crooked and confined to a wheelchair before she had grandchildren, they’d never seen her any other way. Then, all of sudden, they’re shocked out of their minds to see her standing in front of them upright. She then wrapped them in one of those full-fledged frontal grandma hugs for the very first time. Definitely a grab-your-tissues moment. Yes, I thrive on turning people into emotional wrecks.

 

 

Are you anything like Ema McKinley? Was it difficult to get inside her head and write her story?

 

Ema and I have quite a few similarities. We both like to write poetry, we’re both passionate about Jesus and hearing the voice of God, we both volunteered and/or worked at the March of Dimes and Salvation Army, we’ve both worked with handicapped people, and we both love ice cream.

 

Ema is the same age as my mother, and her two kids are the same age as my brother and I. I’m the oldest, and Ema’s oldest son has two sons that are the same age as my two sons.

 

So yeah, we have some pretty cool similarities. Even so, Ema and I are very different in the way we think, act, and speak.

 

I wouldn’t say it was “difficult” to get in her mind. I just needed to “learn” her mind—like the way an actor learns her character. You study your character so you can step inside. You dive deep and drive her out. It’s wild! It’s art!

 

It got to the point where I could switch into my Ema character whenever I sat down to write. I’ve always liked acting; and to me, writing is like acting on paper. By the time I finished, Ema said, “It’s like we’re one voice.” As she read my words, she couldn’t even tell us apart. Mission accomplished.

 

 

What do you want your readers to take away from this book?

 

Everything the Holy Spirit wants to speak to them.

 

Ok, I want readers to learn that God is right there in the midst of their problems. He wants them to take hold of his hand and trust him with every single thing that concerns them.

 

I want readers to know that you can’t put God in a box. He can do anything, and of course, he still heals today. He never changes.

 

Do you have another book in the works? Tell us about it.

 

Yes, I’m pleased to say I do. It’s another true miracle story. This time it’s about an amazing little boy who gets caught up into heaven multiple times and teaches us multiple mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, God-loving things about life.

 

For fun, what do you like to snack on while you write?

 

Cheese, turkey burgers, and chocolate, but not all at once.

 

 

About author Cheryl Ricker:

 

You can learn more about Cheryl and her books at:

http://www.cherylricker.com

 

 

Thank you, Cheryl, for stopping by.

 

Cheryl is offering a copy of Rush of Heaven to one of you. Please answer the following question in the comment box along with your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner. You can purchase the book here.

 

Cheryl asks: What’s your narrative non-fiction book? Your favorite true story?

 

Featured Book: Holiday Proposal

From the back cover:

Holly Miller is Steering Clear Of Mistletoe

 

Just out of nursing school, Holly can’t risk any distractions. She knows a slipup could cost a life. Like the mistake she made years ago that still plagues her conscience. When she runs into old high school friend Matthew Cook, she hesitates to let romance into her life. Even if the handsome baker is as delectable as his fabulous pastries.

******************************

“His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

~ Psalm 100:5

  *******************************

 She didn’t notice him back in high school, but things have sure changed. Now that Matthew has Holly’s attention, maybe the holiday season is the perfect itme for him to show her that she deserves to have it all—work, family, friends and a love that lasts a lifetime.

 

An interview with author Kimberly Rose Johnson:

 

Finish this sentence. Inspirational fiction is . . .

Fiction that comes from a Christian worldview. I find it impossible to leave the Lord out of my books.

 

What’s your favorite scene in A Holiday Proposal?

That is a tough question. I really enjoyed this book, so several are jumping out at me, but one in particular warms my heart. Holly reaches out to a woman who is down and out traveling through town. It has nothing to do with the romance aspect of the story, but I think it’s special.

 

Are you anything like Holly Miller, your main character? If you could cast her in a movie, whom would you choose?

I think the only thing Holly and I have in common is low blood sugar. I’ve experienced first hand the things Holly went through when her blood sugar drops.

I’m not familiar with this actress, but when I ran a search for red headed actresses this lady popped up—Bridget Regan. I think she really looks like I imagine Holly.

 

Describe Matthew Cook. What actor would you hire to play him?

Matthew is a hard working guy, who loves his family. Every time I’m asked whom I would cast to play him I come up with someone different. I generally don’t choose actors or actresses to represent my characters in my head as I write, but I’m starting to now because of this exact question. LOL I now on occasion write an actors name into the book, just so I don’t have this problem when I do blog interview. J I’ll go with Chris Hemsworth this time.

 

 

What do you want your readers to take away from this novel?

I think we all face challenges in life whether relational, financial or job related and through it all we can turn to the Lord to help us. He may put a strategic person in our path to help us figure out something, or He may use us to bless another person or…. I don’t want to put limits on God. J In A Holiday Proposal, we see Elsa and Holly help one another with difficulties they each face and it’s all because Holly had the courage to reach out to a lonely traveler.

 

Do you have another novel in the works? Tell us about it.

My next novel to release is the last book in the series, A Match for Meghan, which will be available in January. I LOVED writing this story. Meghan cracks me up. She was a very fun character to write. She’s imperfect in so many ways, yet completely loveable. Here’s the back cover blurb.

MEGHAN BLACK HAS FINALLY MET HER MATCH 

The veterinary assistant never backs down from a dare…and what greater challenge than finding die-hard bachelor Ben Young his ideal mate? But what’s an incurable cupid to do when the handsome vet turns the tables and asks her out?

Ben is perfectly content with his single life. And he figures there’s only one way to get the petite dynamo to quit her matchmaking—date her himself! But his plan backfires when he realizes that Meghan could be The One. Can he convince a woman who believes in happy endings for everyone but herself that he’s her Mr. Right?

 

For fun, what do you like to snack on while you write?

I like cookies. For a short time I actually kept a cookie container on my desk. I decided that was a bad idea and no longer have it there. J

 

About the author:

Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and is a graduate of Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two teenage sons and their yellow lab. Kimberly is an avid reader, and her favorite genres are romance and romantic suspense. She enjoys playing the piano, long walks with her husband, dark chocolate and coffee with friends. She loves hearing from her fans.

 

You can learn more about Kimberly and her books at:

http://www.kimberlyrjohnson.com

 

Thank you, Kimberly, for stopping by.

 

Thanks for having me, Sherry. This was fun.

 

Kimberly is offering a copy of A Holiday Proposal to one of you. Please answer her question in the comment box along with your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner. US mailing addresses only please. I will notify the winner on October 23rd, so you have a week to enter! Tell your friends. The more the merrier!

 

 

Kimberly asks: Have you read any of my books? If so which one was your favorite? Or, what is your favorite Holiday tradition.

 

 

 

Press Release & Watercolor Dreams Giveaway

Watercolor  Dreams Release Week and Book Giveaway!

 

FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE

 

Take a risk and follow your dreams.

Stepping out in faith to pursue one’s passion takes tremendous courage.

 

 

Santa Cruz: Life frequently doesn’t go our way. Maybe your parents have been overprotective or have planned your life. Perhaps you’ve been betrayed or abandoned by loved ones and now you have a hard time trusting and giving your heart. Maybe you’ve left your home and everything you know in order to use your talents and chase your dreams.

 

In her first historical romance, titled Watercolor Dreams (HopeSprings Books/ October 7, 2014/ ISBN 978- 1938708435/ $14.99), Sherry Kyle introduces readers to two characters in the artist community of 1910 who are forced to confront their inability to accept God’s perfect plan for their lives.

 

While reading Watercolor Dreams, the reader will learn that when you aren’t afraid to take a risk and follow your passions, God will use your gifts to His glory in surprising and unexpected ways.

 

Watercolor Dreams was inspired by Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Our timing is different than God’s timing, but He will bless us when we seek Him. The answer may be different than what we hoped or imagined—but always better. Every one of us has had heartache and loss in our lives, but when we are “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,” (Ephesians 4:32) then our hearts will be ready and open to love again.

 

Sherry Kyle is the author of two contemporary novels, Delivered with Love and The Heart Stone. Kyle also writes books for 8-12 year old girls, including the award-winning title The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style, as well as The Girl’s Guide to Your Dream Room. Kyle has a degree in Communications and a minor in Bible from Biola University, and lives in Central California with her husband and four children.

 

Media: Sherry Kyle is available for interviews to promote the release of Watercolor Dreams. To request a review copy, schedule an interview, or for more information, please contact Sherry Kyle here.

 

Readers: To enter the book giveaway, please leave a comment below describing a painting in your home and what you love about it. Also, please leave your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. US and Canada only please. I’ll announce the winner on my blog on Friday, October 10. 

 

 

Featured Guest: Allison Flexer

And the winner of Where Treetops Glisten by Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer is:

Heather S

Congratulations, Heather!

And now our featured guest . . .

Allison K. Flexer is an author, speaker, and blogger who is passionate about communicating the love of God to others. Her first book, Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman (Beacon Hill Press), tells the story of her single journey and gives practical steps for letting go of the lies that destroy the joy and confidence of unmarried women. Allison was also a contributing writer for Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for the Single Woman. You can connect with Allison on her website at www.allisonflexer.com or on Twitter: @allisonkflex.

All about Redemption

 by Allison Flexer

 

“When is it going to be my turn?” I had just found out my former boyfriend was dating someone else. “But we just broke up a few months ago,” I whined to my mom. “He’s moved on, and that was my last chance. I’m almost thirty-five now, and it’s too late to start over again. I’ll be single forever!”

 

Even though that scene happened quite a few years ago, I vividly remember that conversation in the kitchen with my mother. Most of my friends were already married, and I had just received two more bridal shower invitations in the mail that week. I believed I had squandered my last change for marriage and felt rather hopeless.

 

It’s tempting to lose hope when faced with unmet desires and seemingly unanswered prayers. Waiting on God is difficult, but it always has a purpose. Years of waiting on a spouse taught me to rely on God. My faith is stronger because my desires weren’t immediately fulfilled.

 

We serve a God who is all about redemption. He sent Jesus to save us from our sins, but he keeps redeeming us. God has a plan for our lives that is greater than we can imagine. He sees the whole picture while we only see a small part.

 

One of my favorite quotes is by Leslie Haskin. In her book, God Has Not Forgotten About You: …and He Cares More than You Can Imagine, she writes, “You are today who you are because of every person, every experience, and every thought God has allowed and connected to bring about His redemption plan in your life.”

 

Thankfully, God answered my prayers in a big way. I finally had my turn to fall in love and get married. Looking back, I do see pieces of the redemption plan God worked in my life. I needed that time of singleness to grow closer to him. I had to learn to love and value myself before sharing my life with a husband. God’s timing is always perfect. He’s never in a hurry, even though sometimes we want him to be!

 

Whether you’re single or married, remember that God loves to redeem the broken pieces of our lives. He is our Healer, the one who turns ashes into beauty. Know that God is enough for any situation and he longs to pour out his love on you today. He’s all about redemption.

 

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who

forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems

your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

(Psalm 103:2-4, NIV)

 

 

Giveaway:

Beacon Hill Press is giving away 10 copies of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman on GoodReads. Here’s the link to enter:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/108019-truth-lies-and-the-single-woman-dispelling-10-common-myths

 

 

 

Sherry here: Thank you, Allison, for joining us today! Beacon Hill Press graciously sent me a copy of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman and I highly recommend it! There are so many truths in the book that are relevant for all women. I’m going to give my copy to my college-aged daughter and suggest she share it with her friends.

Questions for discussion: Are you married or single? If you’re married, how old were you when you met your spouse? If you’re single, how do you focus on God during the waiting time?

 

 

Featured Book: Where Treetops Glisten

And the winner of Ane Mulligan’s book, Chapel Springs Revival is:

Deanna S

Congratulations, Deanna!

And now, our featured book . . .

 

Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II

 

From the back cover: 

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime. Siblings forging new paths and finding love  in Where Treetops Glisten, three stories  filled with the wonder of Christmas. 

     Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

     In Cara Putnam’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

     Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theatre in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no long the bully she once knew?

     In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meridith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

     The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for the future?

About the authors: 

Cara Putman is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. Connect with her on her website, CaraPutman.com.

Sarah Sundin is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels. Find out more on her website, SarahSundin.com.

Tricia Goyer is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. Learn more about Tricia and her books on her website, TriciaGoyer.com.

Book Giveaway! Cara Putman has offered to give a copy if more than ten people participate. Answer this question in the comment section along with your e-mail address in case you win: How do you simplify Christmas?

NEXT WEEK’S GUEST: Allison Flexer, author of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman, guest posts October 2nd. Mark your calendars!

Featured Book: Chapel Springs Revival

And the winner of The Heart Stone Trivia Game is:

Karen O’Connor

Congratulations, Karen!

You win a small bag of sea glass from The Capitola Art and Wine Festival

And now, our featured book . . .

From the back cover:

With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire and Patsy. It’s impossible not to, what with Claire’s zany antics and Patsy’s self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds. Chapel Springs has grown dilapidated and the tourist trade has slackened. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to revitalize the town. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

 

With their personal lives in as much disarray as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs —and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.

 

An interview with Claire:

I’ve heard you are the one who spearheaded the reviving of Chapel Springs. Is that true?

Are you from the mayor’s office? If you are, it wasn’t my fault. Whatever it was. Felix Riley takes credit for everything that works and blames me if anything goes wrong.

Really? Did anything go wrong?

Of course not—unless you count the incident at Georgia Tech with the monkey.

Moving right along, I’ve heard of your Great Aunt Lola’s theatrical career. What was it like growing up with her?

I adored her. Patsy and I both did. The old gal would give us her cast-off gowns to play dress-up. But she retired from the screen when she was seventy-five, I think. She wanted to leave her fans wanting more. She was quite the flamboyant character. She tried to teach Patsy and me to flirt, but it didn’t take when we were eight years old. She died a couple of years later.

She had a bit of a racy past didn’t she?

You bet your booty patooty. Aunt Lola never took second place to anyone or anything. She lived the high life, all right. Presidents and princes wined and dined her, while all I got was a TV tray in front of a ball game. I miss her and her stories, not to mention her advice.

Great Aunt Lola knew men, that’s for sure. What with having seven husbands, she might have been able to tell me how to get my Joel to pay me more attention. Right. Like that would happen. I’d have to turn into a high definition television set or a fishing reel to get some attention paid to me.

I’ve heard that you…well aren’t the best cook in Chapel Springs. Any truth to that rumor?

Okay, I admit I failed home economics—twice. My culinary expertise maxed out at Jell-O jigglers. And coffee. I make a mean pot of coffee. Unfortunately, that lack got me into trouble with my firstborn’s future mother-in-law. But the woman coerced me.

How so? You’re no shy violet from what I’ve heard?

Who’ve you been talking to?

Let’s see, first there was Faye, oh and Gloria, then Bev and—

Uh-uh, that dog won’t hunt. They gossip. Besides, if you’d heard my son’s future mother-in-law talk, why she’s wound tighter than an eight-day clock. The woman never takes a breath. She could talk the hind legs off a donkey. It wasn’t until after she’d hung up that I heard the end of that particular conversation.

So, what did you do?

Oh, no you don’t. You’ll have to read the book like everyone else to find out.

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, bestselling novelist Ane Mulligan has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that’s a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction. She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. President of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and two dogs of Biblical proportion. You can find Ane on her Southern-fried Fiction website, Google+, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Sherry here: Isn’t Ane a hoot? I really enjoyed her interview with her character Claire. So fun! 

 

Ane is offering a copy of Chapel Springs Revival to one of you. Please answer the following question in the comment section along with your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner.

 ANE’S QUESTION: What would Claire have to do to get some attention?

 

FUTURE GUEST: Allison Flexer, author of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman, guest posts October 2nd. Mark your calendars!