Trish Perry's Blog, page 35

Misty Beller and Free Books!

When a southern belle is forced onto a rough Texas cattle ranch, love is the last thing she expects to find.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The Deliverer, by Sharon Hinck, is:

cdwilliams54105@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Misty Beller, author of the Inspirational Historical Romance, The Rancher Takes a Cook (Prism Book Group, June 2015).

Misty M. Beller was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you. 

-- I was a music major my first year in college: Sacred Music, Piano Concentration.

-- I graduated from high school when I was 15.

-- I trained horses and riders professionally for a couple of years.

Sounds as if you were quite a go-getter, to have graduated at 15!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Rancher Takes a Cook.

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch.

Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

When danger escalates in the form of a band of cattle thieves with deadly intent, can Anna learn to release control to God’s capable hands…and those of the blue-eyed cowboy who’s stolen her heart?

What is it about Anna and Jacob that will make your readers care about them?

Anna's lost so much—both parents, her home, and all of life as she knew it. The only tangible thing she has left is her younger brother Edward. And she's fiercely determined to protect him.

Love for the ranch and the life Jacob was raised in drives him. He's worked hard to keep women out of his life, because of the distraction they caused. The land, the animals, his ranch hands—they all needed him to stay focused. When his father brings Anna onto the ranch as the cook, he's pretty frustrated and keeps his distance.

As he gets to know Anna, though, he realizes that she's not a distraction, but actually a helpmate. She has the same dreams and goals he has, and together, life is so much sweeter.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

What a great question! I guess I’d say Anne Hathaway for the Anna’s role (with lighter hair color).




For Jacob? It would be hard to match his crystal blue eyes, but maybe Ian Somerhalder?




Share with us one line or passage from your novel that gives us a good feel for its tone.

He shot her a scowl. “Even if you can’t shoot a gun, you should at least carry it.” 

Her back stiffened. “Of course I can shoot a gun.” 

He ignored the look of indignation she shot him. “Then you’d better start carrying one. I’ll ride back with you as far as the herd.” Without looking at her, he turned Marshall and started in the direction of the cattle.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I’m almost finished reading the last book of Dee Henderson’s The O’Malley Series, The Rescuer . I’ve loved it! Just the right mix of action, suspense, and certainly romance. And I love how she weaves in faith so naturally.

What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up final edits of The Lady and the Mountain Fire, and have plotting the next book in the Mountain Dreams Series. I think it will be titled The Lady and the Mountain Promise. Exciting!

Where else can readers find you online?

You can find me on my website, reader blog, marketing blog for authors, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons and links:









Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What’s your favorite era to read? Contemporary? Civil War? Biblical days?

Thanks, Misty, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel.

Readers, Misty has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, July 6. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Misty's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Sharon Hinck and Free Books!

A lost songkeeper must lead her people to a long awaited Deliverer.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Night Watch, by Linda Hall, is:

tumcsec@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Sharon Hinck, author of the Inspirational fantasy novel, The Deliverer (Enclave Publishing, July, 2015).

Award-winning author Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary women on extraordinary faith journeys. She has been honored with a Christy finalist medal, and three Carol awards for her previous books. Information about her novels as well as her devotional writing can be found at her sharonhinck.com website

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

--I’m a terrible scuba diver.

--I danced en pointe the day before my first child was born.

--Other than secret agent, my alternate career ambition is to be a midwife.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Deliverer.

Eager to serve the One, a young songkeeper travels to the dark and foreign nation of Hazor, but her confusing, rough-edged companion has lost his Restorer gifts. As danger rises against them both, she loses her freedom, her memories, and her hope. Now even the very music of her soul is threatened.

In our world, Susan Mitchell no longer feels at home in the carpool lane. Burdened by the unhealed scars from her trips through the portal, she fights to suppress her worry about her son, who remains out of contact in Lyric. But when a mysterious message hints Jake is in danger, she and her husband are swept away—to the place they least expect.

Clan rebellions. Lost Restorers. Has the One turned away, or will the face of the Deliverer bring light to the darkness?

Book four of The Sword of Lyric series.

What is it about Linette that will make your readers care about her?

Linette is a young woman with an earnest passion to serve the One, a painful loss to overcome, and a growing attraction to the most unlikely man.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Maybe Kate Hudson for Linette,





and Colin Farrell for Kieran.



Share with us one line or paragraph from your novel that gives us a good feel for its tone.

“A good songkeeper would have the perfect encouragement to offer, but I couldn’t dredge up a single useful word. I looked up at the dark gates of Sidian. Beyond them, we had been challenging generations of darkness in a frightening culture. Well, frightening to me. Fear wasn’t part of Kieran’s vocabulary. But the dangers were growing.”

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Undercurrent by Michelle Gripe – because she writes with rich texture and immerses the reader in a different culture and time.

What are you working on now?

A romantic suspense novel set in the theatre world.

Where else can readers find you online?

My online home: www.sharonhinck.com

The book can be purchased following button:















Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What is one novel you’ve read that deepened your faith life?

Thanks, Sharon, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. 

Readers, Sharon has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 29. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Sharon's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Linda Hall and Free Books!

For yacht delivery captain Em Ridge, having the Coast Guard in her face after a billionaire's daughter goes missing is not the best way to start the boat delivery of a lifetime.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The Postcard, by Laura Hilton, is:

estack2003@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Linda Hall, author of the mainstream mystery novel, Night Watch.

Award-winning author Linda Hall has written twenty mystery novels plus many short stories. She has written for Multnomah Publishing, WaterBrook Press, Random House, and Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. She’s now on her own as an author/publisher, and loves the freedom and control this brings. Most of her novels have something to do with the sea.

When she's not writing, Linda and her husband Rik enjoy sailing the coast of Maine aboard their 34' sailboat aptly named - Mystery

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

— I have taken many boating and navigation courses and have achieved the level of Senior Navigator, which means that theoretically I know how to use a sextant.

— I have dual citizenship. I am both Canadian and American, which means I carry two passports and can vote in two country’s elections.

— I have seven grandchildren, one granddaughter and six grandsons, two of which are twins.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Night Watch.

Captain Emmeline Ridge has always been more comfortable at the helm of a boat than on dry land. Her younger twin sisters and her parents have never quite understood Em’s passion for the open water and she has spent most of her life feeling estranged from the otherwise close-knit family.

In Night Watch, Emmeline is thrilled to have just landed her first job since getting her recreational boat captain’s license. She will be delivering the 52’ luxury sailboat Blue Peace from New Brunswick, Canada to Bermuda and then on down to the Bahamas.

There is a small catch, however. Roy Patterson, the boat’s billionaire owner has decided that his 23-year-old daughter, Katherine (Kricket) must join her and the crew Em has chosen for their voyage. Roy feels that his rebellious daughter needs a bit of an outward-bound experience.

Halfway to the Bahamas, Kricket drowns after falling overboard and Em and the crew make a direct line for the nearest harbor, Portland, Maine.

When the Pattersons come aboard the boat and identify the dead girl as not being their daughter, Em and Portland police detective Ben Dunlinson are thrown into the mystery, which also includes Em’s late husband Jesse who died eighteen months before the book begins. Was his death an accident as everyone claimed, or something more?

Wow, that's an intriguing storyline, Linda! I love it.

What is it about Emmeline Ridge that will make your readers care about her?

She is confident and brave yet vulnerable and someone who has experienced a lot of sadness in her life.

Share with us one line or paragraph from your novel that gives us a good feel for its tone.

This is the first couple of paragraphs:

I was in the middle of a Jesse dream when Kricket disappeared. It was the best Jesse dream I’d had in a long time, and I wanted to stay in that place forever.

We were sailing. We always sail, the two of us, in Jesse dreams. We were out in the middle of the bay on my old wooden catboat, the one I had before I knew Jesse, before he was such a part of my life. I sold that boat years ago to someone who trailered it to Lake Ontario. But dreams are like that, full of curiosities and strange chronologies, yet somehow making full sense at the time.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Right now I’m just about finished reading Whirlwind by Rick Mofina, who is one of my favorite mystery authors. His mysteries are so complex, his characters so rich and the story line and the suspense so satisfying.

What are you working on now?

The Bitter End, Book #2 in the Em Ridge sailing mysteries.

Where else can readers find you online?

Website: writerhall.com
Facebook
Twitter: @writerhall
Goodreads

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons and links:












Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What is your favorite time of the day to read?

Thanks, Linda, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. 

Readers, Linda has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 22. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Linda's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Laura Hilton and Free Books!

Sometimes the courage to face your greatest fears comes only when you’ve run out of ways to escape.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, by Melanie Dobson, is:

happygrammaof3@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Laura Hilton, author of the contemporary Amish romance, The Postcard (Whitaker House, April 2015).

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schooler. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse in September 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- My favorite season is Winter. I love snow.

-- I don’t like it hot. Either food wise or temperature wise.

-- One of my favorite flowers are jonquils.

It's funny that you're a fan of winter and you live in Arkansas! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Postcard.

David Lapp (from Promised to Another) survived a "code blue" when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world.

Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he's developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds temporary work in the area teaching school, and also makes fishing flies and weaves baskets. He sells his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area.

Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Mark Graber, but wonders if there's more to life. When she sees David's name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he's in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community.

David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he's called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot.

Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?

What is it about David that will make your readers care about him?

David is real. He’s hurting, but he has hopes and dreams that keep getting crushed.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead role?

From years gone by, a young Patrick Swayze, maybe.





Share with us one line or paragraph from your novel that gives us a good feel for its tone.

She was right in front of him. In touching distance, if he leaned forward. So close…

And yet so far away.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley.

What are you working on now?

I just signed a contract for three more Amish romances and I’m working on the first book in that series.

Where else can readers find you online?

Visit my blogs: lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com and lauravhilton.blogspot.com
twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook
Pinterest

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons and links:





Deeper Shopping


Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

In the book, Rachel wants to travel. If money weren’t an issue, where would you want to travel too?

Thanks, Laura, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. 

Readers, Laura has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 15. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Laura's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Melanie Dobson, June Releases, and Free Books!

Heather Toulson returns to her parent’s cottage in England to find answers to secrets that have haunted her family for fifty years.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Whenever You Come Around, by Robin Lee Hatcher, is:

christianbookreviewer@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Melanie Dobson, author of the "time-slip," historic-romance-suspense novel, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor (Howard Books, June 2015).

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of fourteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor and Chateau of Secrets. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010.

Melanie has loved writing fiction since childhood, but it was a long journey to publication. After seven years of writing and rewriting fiction, her first novel (Together for Good) was published in 2006.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with work, the Dobson family has finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or teaching at George Fox University, she loves to explore ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dance, pick blueberries, and read stories with her kids.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

--I love exploring abandoned houses and old cemeteries.

--I think Settlers of Catan is the best board game ever!

--Before we adopted our girls, my husband and I spent a month backpacking through seven countries in Europe.

Great research for your novels! Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor.

This novel is about the secrets that haunt the ancient garden below Ladenbrooke Manor. More than forty years ago, Oliver Croft’s body was found in the shadows of this garden. While the English villagers have whispered for decades about what happened, no one knows for certain who killed the son of the respected Lord and Lady Croft.

When Heather Toulson returns to her parent’s cottage beside Ladenbrooke, she begins to uncover the story of a young woman who loved Oliver. And the truth about the families who tried but failed to keep Oliver and Libby apart.

What is it about Libby that will make your readers care about her?

Libby is a troubled young woman who loves to paint butterflies. Libby has a form of autism before people know much about it, and her parents love and fight for her even when they don’t understand what’s wrong. Libby grows up to be a beautiful artist with a secret that’s haunted her most of her life.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Maggie Doyle (Libby’s mom) would be played by Jessica Raine.





Walter Doyle (Libby’s dad) would be played by Matthew Goode.



Libby would be played by Molly Quinn.





Heather Toulson would be played by Jennifer Aniston.





Christopher Westcott would be played by John Cusack.





Share with us one line or paragraph from your novel that gives us a good feel for its tone.

From Libby’s Book of Butterflies

Autumn Dancer flutters among the flowers, chasing the last rays of sunlight until her haven is swallowed up by the night. Her sisters are asleep now, hidden under the fronds, but she doesn’t care. She dances alone in the twilight, embracing the warmth of the golden hour, her wings sweeping past silky petals of the late summer blooms. In the safe cocoon of her garden, she dares believe that no harm will ever enter the gates. This is her world of beauty and peace, of sweet nectar and life, completely unspoiled by the footsteps of danger or the silent mockery of time.

Sad foreshadowing in that.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I love old houses and unraveling family secrets in a novel. Sandra Byrd does an excellent job with both of these in Mist of Midnight . A beautifully written, haunting story.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on another time-slip novel set in England, and I’m in the midst of editing a magical middle grade series that I wrote with my girls.

How fun to be able to work with your girls!

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.melaniedobson.com or my author page on Facebook

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:






Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Do you prefer reading a book set in the United States or a European location?

Thanks, Melanie, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Melanie has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 8. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Melanie's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

As you scroll to the end of this post to leave your answer to Melanie's question, take a look at some of the fantastic Inspirational fiction being released this month!

Contemporary Romance:

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt -- A couple who eloped during spring break during their senior year of high school -- and then divorced -- have to decide whether they should take a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

A Pinch of Promise by Elizabeth Maddrey -- To escape a painful negative image created by her father, physical therapist Rebecca Fischer has constructed an identity completely separate from her past. Helping Ben Taylor, her long lost love, to rehabilitate his knee threatens to shatter her intricate illusions. As Ben digs to uncover the truth of who she is, Rebecca must decide if she will trust any man with her wounded heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Rodeo Reunion by Shannon Taylor Vannatter -- Slade Walker, the bronc riding rodeo chaplain breaks all of widowed Raquel's rules-find a father for her son with a safe occupation, who's home every night. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Cozy Mystery:

Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman -- Amber Bowman, manager of The Amish Artisan Village in Middlebury, Indiana, and her young Amish friend Hanna Troyer must find a killer in order to clear an employee's name. The only clues they have are cryptic poems and pies from the "Poison Poet"-an individual who has been sending notes containing bad poetry to warn of poisoned baked goods. (Cozy Mystery from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

General Fiction:

Two Roads Home: A Chicory Inn Novel, Book 2 by Deborah Raney -- Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before an innocent flirtation and trumped-up charges of harassment crumble it all beneath them? (General Fiction from Abingdon Press)

Historical Romance:

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett - In 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes, a young widow joins her brother in his cancer research, but Ruby Marshall doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but when his friend's widowed sister arrives to help research, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is challenged when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. When time is short, is love still worth the risk? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

Love's Rescue: A Novel (Keys of Promise) by Christine Johnson -- When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Family of Her Dreams by Keli Gwyn -- A headstrong housekeeper who longs for a family of her own must convince a withdrawn widower she's the right person to care for his children-and help him learn to live again. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired

[Harlequin]) A Flying Affair by Carla Stewart -- Daredevil Mittie Humphreys navigates her heart as well as the skies in this beguiling adventure of grit and determination during the rollicking Roaring Twenties. (Historical Romance from Faith Words [Hachette])

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley -- Pinkerton operative Maggie Michaels travels to Arizona Territory as an undercover mail-order bride to track down the notorious Whistle-Stop Bandit. If she doesn't prove the suspect guilty before the wedding-she could end up as his wife! (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Now and Forever by Mary Connealy -- An accident in the wilderness results in a Matthew Tucker, a solitary mountain man, finding himself hitched to a Shannon Wilde, a woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for. Someone clearly wants to drive Shannon off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) by Tamera Alexander -- A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever. (Historical Romance from Zondervan)

Romantic Suspense:

Permanent Vacancy by Katy Lee -- When Gretchen Bauer begins to renovate an old Victorian house with the help of a home improvement TV show, "accidents" start to happen. Could it be a harmful ploy to boost ratings? With many neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of likely suspects. Should she trust the TV show host, handsome Irishman Colm McCrae? She must if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction:

Stealthy Steps by Vikki Kestell -- My name is Gemma Keyes. Other than my name, I am utterly forgettable-so those who never paid much attention to me in the first place aren't likely to notice that I've disappeared. Vanished. Oh, it's much more complicated than that. (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

Supernatural Thriller:

The Tuning Station by Chris A Crawford -- Atheist Ted Duncan finds himself face-to-face with a copy of himself from a parallel universe; his counterpart, however, is Christian. The pair are given controls to the Tuning Station, a machine that allows them to observe their pasts, and assigned a deceptively simple task: discover the exact moment their lives diverged. Ted believed that it was inevitable he'd leave faith and family behind. But his twin stands as a denial. What single event could have changed everything he knows to be true? (Supernatural Thriller, Independently Published)

Happy reading!

Robin Lee Hatcher and Free Books!

Charity Anderson is forced by circumstances to return to her hometown, and she is about to learn the truth of the adage, "You are only as sick as your secrets." Buck Malone may just be the man to help her heal from those old hurts.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Second Chance Hero, by Winnie Griggs, is:

heidivargas@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Robin Lee Hatcher, author of Whenever You Come Around (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, May 2015).

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both RWA and ACFW, Robin has authored over 70 books.

She and her husband make their home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family, her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat).

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- My dad died when I was an infant, but if he'd lived, I probably would have been raised on his sheep ranch in the mountains of Idaho rather than in the city.

-- I used to paint a lot, using acrylics and India ink.

-- I like to knit in the winter, but once the weather gets warm, I put away the yarn.

You certainly have tapped into several different creative processes, Robin! How lovely to have succeeded so well with your storytelling gift.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Whenever You Come Around.

Will writing a romance help this author find a real-life hero? Charity Anderson turned her back on Kings Meadow years ago, with good reason, and has avoided visits to her hometown whenever possible. But with her house in Boise damaged by floodwaters and a book deadline bearing down, staying in her parents’ empty home seems her only option. However, being in Kings Meadow dredges up a painful secret, and old fears threaten to overwhelm her.

Charity's former high school classmate Buck Malone never left town, instead sacrificing his dreams to take care of his family. Now he enjoys an uncomplicated life as a wilderness guide and confirmed bachelor. The last thing on his mind is settling down.

When Charity’s dog causes an accident that leaves Buck with a broken ankle and wrist at the start of prime tourist season, Charity has little choice but to render aid while he recuperates. Soon Buck becomes the inspiration for Charity’s hero, both on the page and off. Can he also help her face and overcome her fears so they might find their own happily ever after?

What is it about your lead characters that will make your readers care about them?

Charity has been deeply wounded, and readers will want to see the healing of those old hurts so that she can be truly free. As for Buck, he's got a big heart and is a true cowboy. What's not to love about him?

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Charity would be played by Cameron Diaz.





Buck would be played by Ryan Reynolds.





Share with us one hard, cold fact about writing and one warm, fuzzy one.

Hard, cold fact: Writing never gets easier.

Warm, fuzzy fact: Readers make it all worthwhile.

Amen to both of those!

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The writing is exquisite and the story haunting.

I just came back from a trip, and I saw a number of people with that novel at the airport. 

What are you working on now?

I am currently in the revision/editing stage of the third novel in the Kings Meadow Romance series. Keeper of the Stars will release in January 2016.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.robinleehatcher.com
Facebook
Links to Google+, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube can be found on my website.

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:





Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

You are being sent to a deserted island. You can take one book. Do you reach for an old, well-loved favorite on your keeper shelf or do you reach for the novel everyone is raving about that you haven't had a chance to read yet?

Thanks, Robin, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Robin has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 1. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Robin's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Winnie Griggs and Free Books!

When an ex-con falls for a timid widow can he convince her he’s a changed man?

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Falcon, by Ronie Kendig, is:

momrain@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Winnie Griggs, author of Second Chance Hero (Love Inspired Historical, May 2015).

Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She’s published over a dozen books with Love Inspired and is contracted to do three more in the next year. In 2013 the first book in her Texas Grooms series, Handpicked Husband, garnered a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award.

Winnie grew up in south Louisiana in an area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. She and her siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. Once she ‘grew up’ she began capturing those wonderful adventures in the pages of her notebooks.

Nowadays, Winnie feels blessed to be able to share her stories with readers through her books. She loves to hear from readers.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I was born on a Friday the 13th.

-- I once had a pet squirrel.

-- I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (yes, I am a math nerd).

I'm always impressed with people who are strong in both hemispheres of their brain, as you clearly are. That's really a blessing.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Second Chance Hero.

To help his dying sister, Nate Cooper once broke the law and paid a heavy price for his actions. Now the ex-con turned saddler hopes for a quiet life and new beginning in Turnabout, Texas. Being declared a hero for saving a child’s life, however, leaves Nate feeling like a fraud.

Since the violent death of her husband, single mom Verity Leggett has attempted to lead a safe life, avoiding danger and excitement at all costs. And her daughter's handsome rescuer Mr. Cooper seems like a perfectly responsible man, one she can finally rely on.

When his secrets come to light, however, will Verity be able to get over his past and see Nate for the caring man he's become?

What is it about Nate that will make your readers care about him?

Nate has done some bad things in his past, but his reasons were noble. And he paid for his crimes with more than prison time. He really does want to build a new life for himself and try to leave his past behind. I hope readers will fall in love with this honorable-at-heart hero.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Nate Cooper would be played by Christian Kane




and Verity Leggett would be played by Joanna Kelly.



Share with us one hard, cold fact about writing and one warm, fuzzy one.

Cold Hard Fact – It does NOT get easier over time.

Warm, Fuzzy Fact – It is totally worth all the blood, sweat and tears when you get a gushing or heartfelt reader letter that lets you know you touched a heart in some way.

Amen to that.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I’m waaaaay behind on my reading but I absolutely loved Renee Ryan’s The Outlaw's Redemption – it had such genuine, heartfelt emotion on the page that it pulled me in and made me FEEL!

Renee visited this blog last year and talked about that book! Here's the link, in case you're interested, readers: Renee Ryan 

What are you working on now, Winnie?

I’ve just written the opening scene of the eighth book in my Texas Grooms series. This one will feature the town’s dressmaker, Hazel Anderson, and the town’s sheriff, Ward Gleason. I’ve been leading up to this one for a few books now so I’m planning to have fun with it!

Where else can readers find you online?

Facebook
My website: www.winniegriggs.com
Pinterest
Goodreads

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:




Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

When you read books in a series do you prefer that they be tightly connected so that you should read them in order, or loosely connected so that they can be read in any order?

Thanks, Winnie, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Winnie has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 25. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Winnie's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Ronie Kendig and Free Books!

Raptor has been hit hard—Falcon is ready to even the score!

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Can't Buy Me Love, by Beth K. Vogt, is:

dkstevensne@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Ronie Kendig, author of Falcon (Shiloh Run Press, May 2015).

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married her own hunky hero, who’s an Army veteran. Her life is never dull in a family with four children and a Maltese Menace named Helo.

Ronie has a degree in Psychology, speaks to various groups, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and mentors new writers.

Rapid-Fire Fiction, her brand, is exemplified through her novels: Dead Reckoning, the Discarded Heroes military series, which includes acclaimed novels Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane, Firethorn, and Trinity: Military War Dog.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I’m in Taekwondo and absolutely love it! Ten more months to black belt!

-- I crochet to relax.

-- I have more family in Ireland than here in the States.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Falcon.

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands.

Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

What is it about Falcon Russo that will make your readers care about him?

Most everyone can relate to situations or events in our lives where we have trouble forgiving ourselves for what we’ve done or said, and that’s one of the demons tormenting Salvatore “Falcon” Russo. It’s easier for him to hit problems and missions hard, attacking them until they’re dead or done, but forgiving himself…he doesn’t even want to think about it.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Well, I think I’m going to cheat. The only hero I’d want for my character is the Marine hero who posed on the cover, Gabriel Martinez. He’s a Purple Heart Recipient and completely embodies my hero, Salvatore.

Great looking guy, too. I love that you do that with your book covers.

Share with us one hard, cold fact about writing and one warm, fuzzy one.

Cold, hard fact: it’s HARD/EXHAUSTING/INVASIVE (mushing them together makes them “one,” right?)

Warm, fuzzy fact: Writing—we get to do what Jesus did—tell stories for the Kingdom!

I totally agree on all counts. 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I’m not done yet, but I am currently reading and highly recommend Joel Rosenberg’s The Third Target because of its relevancy to today’s turbulent world. Not only is it a great fiction read, but Rosenberg clearly has his finger on the pulse of today’s world and politics.

I still remember going to church with Joel before he started publishing, years ago. Terrific guy, and super smart. What foresight he has.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a new series that is still CLASSIFIED. I could die or you could get killed if I told you too much, but suffice it to say that there will be more Rapid-Fire Fiction suspense coming to readers!! On top of that, I’m also preparing for the release of my first fantasy novel, Embers, this October. It’ll have the same Ronie trademark of fast pacing and even some military elements.

As a romance writer, I'm so impressed that you're able to write military fiction and keep it changing from book to book. I'm sure readers will be eager to see how your style translates into fantasy.

Where else can readers find you online?

Website: www.roniekendig.com
Blog: www.roniekendig.com/blog
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter: @roniekendig
Pinterest

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:




Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Since there is such a strong theme of forgiveness in Falcon, especially forgiving ourselves, I would like to know—is there a time in your life where you forgave, despite circumstances, and saw God heal a situation or wound?

Thanks, Ronie, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Ronie has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Sunday, May 17. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Ronie's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

Beth Vogt, May Releases, and Free Books!

What is the real cost of love?

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of A Stranger's Secret, by Laurie Alice Eakes, is:

shona.catto@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Beth K. Vogt, author of Can’t Buy Me Love (Howard Books, May 2015).

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014.

In 2015, Beth is introducing her destination wedding series with an e-novella, Can’t Buy Me Love, in May, which will be followed up by a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, in June.

Her e-novella, A November Bride, was part of the Year of Wedding Series by Zondervan. Beth enjoys writing contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.

Beth is also part of the leadership team for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I started out as a nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction.

-- I met my husband in a karate studio when he knocked me down … we like to tell people he “swept me off my feet.”

-- Thanks to my husband being in the military, I lived in Turkey for two years.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Can't Buy Me Love.

Can’t Buy Me Love launches my destination wedding series with an ultimate uptown wedding and has a Pinterest angle.

Bellamy, the heroine, grew up in a large, boisterous family. The Hillmans may not have had it all, but Bellamy learned how to stretch a dollar and make it look like she did. Now she’s marrying Reid Stanton, the man of her dreams.

While planning their one-of-a-kind Manhattan destination wedding, Bellamy gets caught up in all things Pinterest. It starts out simply enough with a “Save the Date Destination Wedding” board. Then it’s the “Destination Wedding Dresses” and “Invitations” boards. As her ideas multiply, so does the cost of the wedding.

Before she realizes it, all her creative planning has decimated the budget. Can Bellamy make things right, or will the cost of the ultimate wedding be losing the man she loves?

What is it about Bellamy that will make your readers care about her?

Bellamy is a true-to-life bride to be – she has her insecurities and yet she discovers her strengths in Can’t Buy Me Love.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

For Bellamy: Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones (but with black hair),




and for Reid: Oliver Jackson-Cohen, a movie actor I found on imdb.com, which is a great resource for writers.






Share with us one hard, cold fact about writing and one warm, fuzzy one.

Hard, cold fact about writing: There are plenty of people out there willing to tell you exactly what they think of your writing – and not all of it will be complimentary.

Warm, fuzzy fact about writing: There are those moments when you’ve been writing, writing, writing and nothing seems to be working and then you hit the mark and remember “This … this is why I write! Because God did give me some measure of talent to do this!”

I find the anonymity of the Internet brings out the "courage" in many people who have complaints about one's writing, that's for sure. 

And I totally agree with you on the power of those moments when you hit the mark. Gems.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

My friend, Pepper Basham, has a debut novel coming out in May: The Thornbearer . I’ve read it through various stages of being written and rewritten and I am so excited to see it become a “real book.” Pepper pours both her creativity and her faith into her novels.

A few years ago I was at an ACFW conference with a writer friend. For one of our meals we sat at a table with Pepper. My friend had served as a judge in a contest Pepper entered, and she raved to me about this new up-and-coming author's excellent talent. It looks like others agree!

What are you working on now?

I am working on Almost Like Being in Love, the third book in my destination wedding series. It asks the question: How does trying to live up to other people’s expectations change us?

Where else can readers find you online?

My blog, In Others’ Words, is all about quotes, and is embedded in my website.

I am also part of My Book Therapy, author Susan May Warren’s writing community – a great place to learn about the writing craft.

And I blog over at The Grove, a wonderful website “where story finds a home,” created with seven other authors.

The book can be purchased via the following buttons:






Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

I’m still trying to decide the location for the destination wedding in my last e-novella. Where would you suggest my imaginary characters get married? (It has to be somewhere in the U.S.)

Thanks, Beth, for visiting with us and telling us about your novella. Readers, Beth has offered to give an e-copy of her novella to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 11. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Beth's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.

As you scroll to the end of the post to leave your answer to Beth's question, take a look at some of the excellent Inspirational fiction releasing this month!

Contemporary Romance:

Seaside Proposal by Narelle Atkins -- Billie Radcliffe is only staying in the close-knit beach community until she finds the man who is the key to her rejection-riddled history. Her growing relationship with good-looking banker and youth leader Zach Montford could crumble when her deepest secret is revealed. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Bachelor to the Rescue by Lorraine Beatty -- He made her a widow. Now she and her little girls need his help. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot -- Marisa St. George has lost her dream job and come home to manage the struggling Rainbow's End resort in the small Texas town where she grew up. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But is he really who she thinks he is? (Contemporary Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Summer Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection by Debra Clopton, Marybeth Whalen and Beth Wiseman -- A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen: Wynne Hardy says "yes" to the perfect man on a reality TV show, then her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life. A July Bride by Beth Wiseman: Brendan Myers left Alyssa Pennington at the altar. Winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. An August Bride by Debra Clopton: Cousin to the bride, Kelsey Wilcox meets groomsman Brent Corbin at a Texas beach wedding. Brent is determined to change the pretty bistro owner's mind about cowboys. (Contemporary Romance from Zondervan)

Whenever You Come Around (A King's Meadow Romance) by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Best-selling author Charity Anderson returns home to King's Meadow to defeat a bad case of writer's block. Then her dog causes an accident where longtime crush Buck Malone breaks his wrist and ankle. Charity finds herself caring for the handsome wilderness guide, since this calamity will keep him off the trail for weeks during prime tourist-season. Buck finds himself hoping to change this city girl's mind about small town living. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Safe in the Fireman's Arms by Tina Radcliffe -- Neither Maggie Jones nor widowed fire chief Jake MacLaughlin are interested in finding love. When they team up as a fake couple to avoid potential dates, sparks kindle and they might just find trouble in Paradise, Colorado. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Doctor's Second Chance by Missy Tippens -- When a bachelor's wayward cousin leaves him with her baby to raise, he's forced to seek help from the one woman he can't trust, the town's new pediatrician. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Can't Buy Me Love by Beth K. Vogt -- A bride-to-be discovers the true cost of love as she plans her uptown destination wedding using Pinterest. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade -- A scarred Texas marine and his vivacious childhood best friend find love and healing while training thoroughbred horses. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

General Fiction:

As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti -- Can a marriage survive when separated by hundred of miles and impenetrable prison walls? (General Fiction from Abingdon Press)

Historical Romance:

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection by Amanda Barratt, Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Connie Stevens, Erica Vetsch, Gina Welborn, Kathleen Y'Barbo, and Jennifer Uhlarik - Nine historical romance novellas where love comes to the most eligible bachelor in town. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Love by Design (The Dressmaker's Daughters #3) by Christine Johnson -- Jen Fox won't let anyone keep her from joining the first flight expedition to the North Pole. Even if the person trying to take her seat is the dashing, world-famous stunt pilot Dan Wagner. Their strictly business relationship hits turbulence when both begin to wish for something more personal. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas -- When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips's college studies, he consoles himself with his fiddle and the family farm. His grandmother's helper, Margaret Hoffman, is always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems she doesn't care about his troubles. But Margaret has her own problems. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as they face potential loss and find healing in the most surprising places. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

Medical Suspense:

Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry -- It began with Dr. Mark Baker facing a gunman who had nothing to lose, and it could end with him behind bars. (Medical Suspense from Abingdon Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Falcon by Ronie Kendig -- When a deadly bombing separates Staff Sergeant Brian "Hawk" Bledsoe, from his team, he must make a choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm. (Romantic Suspense from Barbour Publishing)

Young Adult:

See No Evil (Rustic Knoll Bible Camp Book 3) by Mary L. Hamilton -- Blindness didn't keep Steven Miller from getting sucked into pornography, and with Dad's death compounding his guilt, can he atone for his sin by keeping his friend from traveling the same path? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)

Happy reading!

Laurie Alice Eakes and Free Books!

As a grieving young widow, Morwenna wants only a quiet life for herself and her son. Until a man washes ashore, entangling her in a web of mystery that could threaten all she holds dear.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The Vigil, by Marian Merritt, is:

linderellar@ . . .

and the winner of the signed copy of Triple Threat, by Harry Wegley, is:

mauback55@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Laurie Alice Eakes, author of A Stranger’s Secret (Zondervan/Harper Collins Publishing, April 2015).

“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic Times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes.

Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University contributing to her career path. Now she has nearly two dozen books in print.

After enough moves in the past five years to make U-Haul’s stock rise, she now lives in Houston, Texas, where she and her husband are exploring their new neighborhood. Although they haven’t been blessed with children--yet--they have sundry lovable dogs and cats. If the carpet is relatively free of animal fur, then she is either frustrated with the current manuscript, or brainstorming another, the only two times she genuinely enjoys housework.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I once rode on an elephant.

-- I am so claustrophobic that I get sick to my stomach just reading about characters being tied and/or locked in a small space.

-- I am such a crazy cat lady, I once had a cat I told to go bring the dog home—and she did. (I lived on a mountain)

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Stranger's Secret.

Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penvenan indulged in her fair share of dalliances in her youth, but now that she's the widowed mother to the heir of the Penvenan title, she's desperate to polish her reputation. When she's accused of deliberately luring ships to crash on the rocks to steal the cargo, Morwenna begins an investigation to uncover the real culprits and stumbles across an unconscious man lying in the sea's foam—a man wearing a medallion with the Trelawny crest around his neck.

The medallion is a mystery to David Chastain, a boat builder from Somerset. On a quest to discover the mystery surrounding his father, all David knows is that his father was found dead in Cornwall with the medallion in his possession after lying and stealing his family's money. And he knows the widow who rescued him is impossibly beautiful—and likely the siren who caused the shipwreck in the first place—as well as the hand behind whoever is trying to murder David.

As Morwenna nurses David back to health and tries to learn how he landed on her beach, suspicion and pride keep their growing attraction at bay. But can they join together to save Morwenna's name and estate and David’s life—and acknowledge the love they are both trying to deny?

What is it about Morwenna that will make your readers care about her?

Morwenna is a single mom, widowed through tragic circumstances, who is determined to regain her son’s inheritance by her own wits and skill. She has too much pride for her own good, and a whole lot of anger and guilt—some of it justified. In other words, she has feelings most of us have experienced at least one time in our lives. She wants to prove she’s a different person than she was in the past.

Most of us authors have experienced this: what unplanned facet of a story or character developed during your writing of a novel?

Morwenna—pronounced like More-wenna—was quite well developed in my head because of her role in A Lady’s Honor. But David wasn’t so clear to me. What I realized about him was his strength. Not just physical. He’s a boat builder after all, so that’s a given, but his strength of character and self-confidence even as a lowly artisan in the home of very wealthy gentry in nineteenth century England, where class mattered a whole lot.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

The Ransom by Marylu Tyndale. It’s a continuation of her original pirate series, which makes it worth reading all on its own, and, being indy, gives her a lot of freedom to write her heart into the story, with the maturity of her craft all her previous books has brought her. Then the story is just wonderful, sensitive, swashbuckling intrigue. Who can resist a dauntless heroine, a pirate, and orphans?

What are you working on now?

I just finished my first contemporary novel. The Mountain Midwife is a spinoff of my historical midwife series. The heroine, Ashley, is a descendant of Griff and Esther in Choices of the Heart. She’s a certified nurse-midwife with a thriving practice in the Appalachian mountains, but thinks she needs more, like a medical degree, to be fully useful. And yet she is tied to the people and the land and the interpersonal relationships being a midwife engenders. Then a male shows up needing information her position as a midwife can provide about someone local and things begin to happen. I can talk all day about The Mountain Midwife, so will stop there.

Where else can readers find you online?

On Twitter. My handle is @LaurieAEakes
On Facebook under Laurie Alice Eakes
My web site: www.lauriealiceeakes.com

The book can be purchased via the following buttons:







Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Do you like to try new authors, or do you prefer your old favorites?

Thanks, Laurie Alice, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Laurie Alice has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 4. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Laurie Alice's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.