Trish Perry's Blog, page 43

Hannah Alexander and Free Books!

When Dr. Joy Gilbert rejects the advances of her employer he fires her, forcing her to return to another state to seek employment with her former fiancé, unaware that his teenaged daughter has hitched a ride in the back of Joy’s car.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Wynn in the Willows, by Robin Shope, is:

texaggs2000@ . . .

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 Hannah Alexander, author of Hallowed Halls (H.A. Publishing under the imprint of Jerry Jenkins Select, May 2014).

Hannah Alexander’s works include 28 published novels, two of which are being released back-to-back, one in May and one in June. They are, respectively, Hallowed Halls and Collateral Damage.

Hannah has won multiple awards, including the Christy, three Holt Medallions, the Reader’s Choice, and has been named as one of top five Christian novelists of the year by Library Journal.

Her books always include romance, some sort of medical drama, suspense, small-town charm, and often animals and teenagers of the loveable variety. She always prefers happy endings, both in her reading and her writing, but she was often praised by one of her editors for finding the most interesting ways to kill a victim…so beware.

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

--After being a dog lover all my life, I am now a cat person. Go figure!

--I have been known to “recognize” a character from one of my books while walking down the street. Freaky.

--This novel is my first self-published novel, but I’m not working on it alone. The other novelists also publishing under the imprint of Jerry Jenkins Select are Angela Hunt, Brandilyn Collins, Bill Myers and Sammy Tippit.

I'd be very interested (as many of my writing readers would, I'm sure) to hear how the affiliation with Jerry Jenkins works out!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Hallowed Halls.

Dr. Joy Gilbert has discovered she hates working in a busy practice in a crowded big city, after being raised by her single mother in the small town of Juliet. She left last year, broken-hearted, after her fiancé, Zack, ended their engagement without explanation. Now that she’s back, she needs a job, and as director of the emergency department in Juliet, Zack needs help, so he hires her.

What Joy did not expect was for Tressa, the teenaged daughter of her angry former employer, to sneak into the back of her car and hitch a ride over the state line. While Zack and Joy are working through a tangle of past anger and hurt feelings, Joy must work things out with Tressa’s divorced parents while staying in the home of her mother, who takes in stray animals—she has 27 cats, a miniature horse, three dogs, a goat…need I go on?

When Tressa begins to have increasingly dangerous blackouts, just like her brother before he died, Joy and Zack must try to put their differences aside and figure out what’s happening with Tressa before she loses her life, as well.

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

Joy Gilbert is passionate about caring for her patients, and one of the reasons she was fired by her employer, besides her resistance to his physical charms, was her tendency to take on pro bono cases—treating patients without charging them when they can’t afford to pay. Like her mother, she takes in the unwanted, the lost, the hurting.

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

I believe I would like to cast Criminal Minds’ Spencer Reid, genius extraordinaire, as Zack, though I’d have to fix his hair to fit the part. Zack is a genius.



If you’ve ever watched NCIS and seen Ziva David in action, I think you would see some of the fire and passion I see in Joy Gilbert, though Joy has a more tender touch.

What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

I used to attend brainstorming retreats at least once or twice a year in the early years of publication, but I’ve found in the past few years that I have my own story to tell, and others can confuse me. Even my husband, who works with me on the stories, can’t see my vision when I first see my story, so I have to go it alone.

I have to say I identify with that, Hannah. My right hemisphere seems to be a loner, too. But when brainstorming has happened rather casually, it's helped a bit.

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

I’m presently reading Insight by Deborah Raney, and I feel as if I’m reading it for the second time because I was with a brainstorming team when she developed that novel. It has an excellent flow and a beautiful love story, but she does what a great novelist is supposed to do, and makes her characters suffer.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the sequel to Hallowed Halls, tentatively titled Divine Appointment, about a therapist who arrives in Juliet in a fugue state, and is forced to unravel the mystery of why she is there.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.HannahAlexander.com.

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




CBD.com


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

What situations in your life have made you depend more fully on God’s provision?

Thanks, Hannah, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Hannah has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Thursday, June 12. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Hannah'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.

Be sure to check out my interviews with Liz Tolsma and Sandra Orchard, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

Liz Tolsma, June Releases, and Free Books!

One woman must hold onto hope and love despite all odds in a war torn country.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Raptor 6, by Ronie Kendig, is:

montanamade@ . . .

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 Liz Tolsma, author of Daisies are Forever (Thomas Nelson, May 2014).

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs.

Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013.

When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.

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

-- I talk to myself, especially when I’m stressed. I try not to, but I find myself doing it all the time.

-- I don’t eat anything green. Well, except for mint chip ice cream.

-- I’m terrified of heights. Not scared – terrified.

Joining you in the talking-to-one's-self camp, Liz. It helps me stay organized when stress threatens!

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

Gisela Cramer is an ordinary woman thrust into a role she didn’t ask for or want. She needs to overcome her fear and lead her little band to safety. We all face fears in our lives and are put into situations that require courage we didn’t know we had.

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

For Gisela Cramer, that would be Zooey Deschanel.





Mitch Edwards would have to be played by a young Tom Cruise.


What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

I do a lot of reading and research on WWII, especially on little-known stories. I’m always looking, always reading. Then I take a piece here and there, put it together, put my own twist on it and I have a story.

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

Cara Putman’s Shadowed by Grace . It’s a fantastic WWII novel about another little-know part of the war. It’s brilliantly written and very well researched.

What are you working on now?

I’m editing my 3rd WWII book, Remember the Lilies, set in the Philippines during the war, about Americans detained in an internment camp for over three years. I’m also starting work on another book set in Czechoslovakia during the war.

Where else can readers find you online?

You can visit my blog at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com and follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma).I am also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

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




CBD.com


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

What appeals to you most about WWII fiction?

Thanks, Liz, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Liz has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 9. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Liz'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.

Be sure to check out my interviews with Robin Shope and Sandra Orchard, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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 down to leave your answer to Liz's question, take a look at the inspiring fiction being released this month!

All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner -- Ivy Darling can't have children of her own, and her husband Nick's resentment is forcing them apart. And while Ivy has the support and love of her large, close-knit family, Nick's family has never welcomed her into the fold. When the three children next door are abandoned by their mother, Ivy and Nick take them in for the night. One night becomes several, and suddenly Ivy and Nick find themselves foster parents to the only African-American kids in the town of Copper Cove, Maine. As Ivy grows more attached to the children, Nick refuses to accept their eclectic household as a permanent family. Just as Ivy begins to question whether or not she wants to save her emotionally empty marriage, Nick begins to discover how much Ivy and the children mean to him. But is his change of heart too little, too late? (Contemporary Fiction from Tyndale House)

A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert -- Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living. (Contemporary Fiction from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

The Cat Lady's Secret by Linda W. Yezak -- Emily Taylor loves to help people, loves to ease their burdens and make their dreams come true. But when a conman ruins her reputation, she discovers that helping others is safer and easier from behind the scenes. When one of Emily's gifts captures the attention of an avid journalist, her identity as the town's anonymous benefactor-and her renewed relationship with her high school sweetheart-are threatened. As her private life begins to unravel, she realizes the one hope for regaining control lies behind prison walls. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Harbourlight Books[Pelican])

Contemporary Romance:

A Romance Rekindled by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Susan Hill can't forget how Blake Mitchell jilted her and left their hometown without an explanation. But when he returns to Leavenworth, the ruggedly handsome writer evokes conflicting emotions, especially when Susan meets the child she assumes is his daughter. Since his parents' deaths six years ago, Blake's been raising his little sister on his own. But he's never forgotten the woman he left behind. Now, he can't undo the past, but maybe he can change the future...if he can convince Susan to give him one more chance. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Lakeside Sweethearts by Lisa Jordan -- Agnes Kingsley can hardly bear to walk past the house she lived in as a married woman. It's full of bad memories she's never shared-not even with her best friend, Ian James. But now Ian wants her help to restore that old home for a community project. Agnes knows it's for a good cause, but as their work brings them even closer together, she's afraid to trust-in herself or in the feelings she's secretly harbored for her childhood friend. Yet as they chip away at the house, walls come down around both their hearts...uncovering a foundation to last a lifetime. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Their Unexpected Love by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Widowed contractor Logan Burkett knows exactly what troublemaking teens need: discipline. A former rabble-rouser, Logan had his life turned around by firm guidance and hard work. But try telling that to Pippa Gallagher. The softhearted event planner runs a skate park ministry for troubled teens and thinks a place to be themselves is the answer. As he and Pippa work together renovating the space, they seem to disagree about everything. But when disaster strikes, Logan finds himself feeling very protective of the beautiful planner and surprised to discover they share one very special thing in common...love. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inpspired [Harlequin])

Historical Fiction:

The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart -- Nell Marchwold is fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. When Nell's fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stutter she's had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon. But it seems Nell's gift won't be hidden by Oscar's efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is. (Historical General Fiction from Faith Words [Hachette])

Historical Romance:

Four Weddings & a Kiss by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher -- In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they've seen God bring together. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection by Lynn A. Coleman, Susan Page Davis, Mary Davis, Paige Winship Dooly and Cathy Marie Hake -- Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance. In Key West a couple collides over a child's welfare. In Washington, a captain's wife guards a secret. In Maine, a castaway returns from the dead. In Georgia, a woman dares to man a lighthouse alone. In Virginia, a wounded soldier recoups at a seaside cottage. Watch as God works through their challenges to bring them safely to a harbor of love. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy -- Tina Cahill, newly arrived from the East, is determined to get the saloon in Broken Wheel, Texas, closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention. Vince Yates earned the nickname "Invincible Vince" because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn't know he had, show up in Broken Wheel without warning. Vince has a lot of people to take care of, and Tina doesn't approve of how he's handling any of them. But with almost all the other men in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with feisty Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Truth Be Told by Carol Cox When Amelia Wagner takes over her father's newspaper in 1893 Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have serious consequences. Her father's revealing articles about the Great Western Investment Company have caught the attention of the wrong people, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements. Determined to find out the real story, Amelia begins her own investigation. She's joined by Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her. What they uncover stuns them both--and has far-reaching implications for not only Ben and Amelia but all of Granite Springs. Can they reveal the truth before the enemy finds a way to silence them for good? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino -- Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still grieves the loss of his beloved wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the New World. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Ozark Reunion by Helen Gray -- In the aftermath of the Great Depression, it's time for Riley to start over. And the first step is winning the trust of his Missouri hometown. But it isn't easy for a man with a troubled past. Especially when his first love, Jolene Delaney, seems to believe that the new rumors about him are true. After Riley broke her heart, Jolene threw herself into teaching school and caring for her father and little sister. But she knows something is missing from her life. Especially when she comes face-to-face with Riley again. Can he convince Jolene that he's truly a changed man? Or will he succumb to old temptations and destroy her faith in him once again? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer -- Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping. Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans. After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world. Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Women's Fiction:

Yankee In Atlanta by Jocelyn Green -- When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who enlists with the Rebel army. Though starvation rules, and Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta, rages, she will not run again. Will honor dictate that Caitlin and Noah follow the rules, or love demand that they break them? (Historical Women's Fiction from River North [Moody Publishers])

Mystery:

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard -- Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation-and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world-and her budding romance with Tom-begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom? (Mystery from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Moon over Maalaea Bay by H. L. Wegley -- They expected the honeymoon of their dreams. What they got was a nightmare wrapped in revenge and kidnapping. (Romantic Suspense from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Suspense:

Sky Zone by Creston Mapes -- Jack Crittendon is expecting a mindless night on the job at Festival Arena, but when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack is thrust into a life-or-death battle to save himself-and the lives of thousands of innocent people. (Suspense from David C. Cook)

Happy reading!

Sandra Orchard and Free Books!

Caught passing counterfeit bills, Kate Adams races to expose the true counterfeiter before unwitting suspects pay with their lives, but the truth could endanger her most of all.

Today we're talking with novelist Sandra Orchard, author of Blind Trust (Revell, June 2014).

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada.

Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at her site (link below).

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

-- I have two adorable grandchildren. ☺

-- I’m a regular handyman, uh, woman around the house. Well, I used to be before I started writing!

-- I taught high school Math (not English!) for two years before staying home to raise and home educate my children, and Math is still my favorite subject.

You look far too young for grandchildren, Sandra! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Blind Trust.

Booklist provided a perfect summary in their recent review:

The second of Christian romantic-suspense author Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets novels, Blind Trust finds Kate Adams still reeling from her friend’s murder as she attempts to get her life back in order. 

However, what begins as a seemingly small-time counterfeit operation soon spirals into something much bigger, with Kate at the center. 

Detective Tom Parker has his eye on Kate, and not because she’s a suspect. His feelings for her continue to grow, as does his desire to protect her, but Kate’s determination to get to the truth on her own means that Tom is often getting her out of trouble, rather than keeping her from it. When the action shifts from mere counterfeiting to poisoning, theft, and decades-old secrets, Kate insists on researching her way to the facts. 

Orchard infuses romance with suspense and keeps the excitement coming page after page. Readers will love the ever-deepening mystery as Kate extends her investigation and finds herself and her long-dead father tangled up in an international corporate conspiracy. Will Kate be able to clear her father’s name, and stay safe?

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

Kate is a loyal friend who is not afraid to risk her own well being to ensure that others are not wrongfully accused. She is also an herbal researcher, who shares a number of intriguing insights into herb uses, which readers seem to enjoy.

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

Dylan McDermott




and Amy Adams.




Many readers enjoy seasonally set novels. They read beach novels in the summer and Christmas novels in December. If you’ve written such seasonally-set novels, what are they? Or if you were asked to write such a novel, what season would you choose, and why?

This series is set in the summer, which is when it releases. Last Christmas, I wrote a Christmas novella, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers, set in Niagara. And this November, I have a Christmas-themed novel releasing from Love Inspired Suspense called Identity Withheld.

I’d love to write more Christmas novels. The season is so rich with themes and suspense possibilities. If anyone would like to subscribe to my newsletter to read A Christmas Carriage Ride or…Something, they can do so at: http://bit.ly/OrchardNews

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

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer. I actually had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book. I don’t read a lot of historical romance, but I am a huge fan of Karen’s books and always look for the next one. She creates such fun, feisty heroines, and a heart-stirring romance.

What are you working on now?

I am finishing a yet-to-be-titled Love Inspired Suspense, in which an insidious stalker plans to ruin the reputation, career and possibly life of the paramedic heroine, Sherri Steele, who was first introduced in Perilous Waters (April 2014), and who will also appear in my November release. I have had so much fun with this series featuring the Steeles, a large, close-knit, extended family full of sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and paramedics.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.SandraOrchard.com
Facebook
On Goodreads

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




CBD.com


Also, for a brief time, Revell is offering e-book versions of Blind Trust and Deadly Devotion at lowered prices:

Blind Trust from 6/1-7/14 for $6.99 in ebook only.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blind-Trust-Por... Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Blind-Trust-Port... EPub: http://www.christianbook.com/blind-tr... http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blind... https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/blin...
Deadly Devotion from 6/1-6/7 for $2.99 in ebook only.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Devotion... Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Deadly-Devotion-... http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadl... http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/book... EPub: http://www.christianbook.com/deadly-d...
They should be available on most major ebook platforms; Kindle, Nook, CBD and ibookstore. Outside the US may vary.

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

The mystery in this story was inspired by a counterfeit $5 bill that turned up in the offering at my neighbor’s Ladies’ Missionary Meeting. Have you ever spotted a counterfeit bill? Do you think you could?

Thanks, Sandra, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Sandra has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, June 9. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Sandra'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.

Be sure to check out my interview with Robin Shope, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

Robin Shope and Free Books!

A haunting story of forgiveness, science, murder, and other matters of living.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Somebody Like You, by Beth Vogt, is:

von1janet@ . . .

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 Shope, author of Wynn in the Willows (Harbourlight Books, May 2014).

Born in Wisconsin, Robin was raised in Chicago, attending the prestigious Latin School of Chicago. Summers were always spent on the lake in Delavan, Wisconsin until her family moved there when Robin turned thirteen. She graduated from UW Whitewater, majoring in Special Ed and Creative Writing, minoring in Theater.

For several years Robin travelled overseas as a missionary and then assisted in pastoring a small country church. Later, she moved to Texas to teach near Dallas, Texas.

Wynn in the Willows is her tenth book.

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

-- When I was little, I wanted to be a missionary or a movie star when I grew up.

-- When I grew up I was a missionary and then helped pastor a small country church (still waiting to be a movie star).

--I rescue dogs.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Wynn in the Willows.

Wynn Baxter returns to Willow Island to study rare plant life and welcomes the opportunity to investigate the mysterious circumstances of her father’s death.

But the truth gets complicated as twenty year-old memories begin to surface. What Wynn learns will shake her emotional foundation. Hoping to glean information only leads her down a shadowy path implicating her own flesh and blood.

A haunting story of forgiveness, science, murder, and other matters of living.

To date, Wynn in the Willows is one of my favorite books. Writing this, I felt myself growing into a new level of character development. I hope you fall in love with the women of Willow Island. Not only is it a mystery but it’s also a matchless love story.

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

Wynn is a biologist who cares about the environment. She digs for the truth no matter where it leads her. Although she is strong willed, she has a soft and tender heart. She wants to be loved but is afraid of loving.

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

Emma Stone




and Daniel Craig.




What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

When there are specifics I need to learn about the setting, I speak with experts on the subject. Example: I didn’t know a lot about Lake Michigan and the type of boats so I contacted a mariner from the area.

Google is always a big help but I verify all information.

My writing partners are invaluable to run ideas past. Sometimes a sentence sounds insane to me. I incorporate their help.

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

I am presently reading The Wild Girl by Jim Fergus. The setting is the early 1900s when Native Americans still roamed the plains. It’s an adult book with an adventurous theme. A young man in college loses both parents and instead of going to college, he uses the money to head west and help rescue a three year old boy who was kidnapped. Along the way, he uses his photograph skills. He also meets many characters as well as learning valuable lessons of living.

What are you working on now?

I am working on several mystery books as well as writing book 2 of Wynn in the Willows series.

Where else can readers find you online?

write2robinshope.blogspot.com

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




CBD.com


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

Do you keep a daily journal? Why?

Thanks, Robin, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Robin has offered to give a free Kindle copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Thursday, June 5. 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.

Be sure to check out my interview with Ronie Kendig, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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!

His mission, his team—until terrorists use a missionary teacher’s life to try to destroy both.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Spirit Bridge, by James L. Rubart, is:

johudd@ . . .

and the winner of the signed copy of Hidden Faces, by Golden Keyes Parsons, is:

KellysShining@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing addresses, and we'll get your books 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 Ronie Kendig, author of Raptor 6 (Barbour, May 2014).

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with four children, a Maltese Menace, and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia.

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

-- I collect Audrey Hepburn dolls (okay, well, pretty much anything Audrey Hepburn).

-- I crochet.

-- This past February, I adopted a retired military working dog.

And it was fun watching that adventure chronicled on Facebook!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Raptor 6.

His mission; his team. Those elements are the laser-like focus of Captain Dean Watters. So when a threat is launched against both of them, Dean’s Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop the hackers coming after the military’s super-secure computer isn’t an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hacker’s deadly game.

When Zahrah is captured, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the box around his heart. A move that might come at the highest cost.

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

Dean is a very intense, focused soldier. His commitment is to his team and his mission. But Dean’s also broken, and very much aching (though he doesn’t quite realize it) for some normalcy in his life, and I think that’s something we can all relate to.

What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

My stories are generally borne out of some innocuous form of inspiration—a “what if” while watching a movie; a longing for a twist on a character; a comment by a customer in line at Starbucks.

But the brainstorming I keep pretty close to home because of the type of story I write—there aren’t many people who “get” military fiction or the demands it places on the author. There are elements I simply cannot put in my stories because of the fallout or how it might make look our military heroes look. I’m very careful about that.

If I get stuck in brainstorming, I’ll generally go to my husband, who has a very creative mind himself, though he isn’t compelled to write the way I am. We have the hopes of writing a series together. In fact, he came to me with a general plot just recently.

Hmm, maybe we're hearing about the Thoenes of inspirational military fiction...

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

The last book I read that I would recommend is Lisa Bergren’s Remnants . Lisa is a brilliant author, and I love her stories. Remnants is a YA dystopian with a clear Biblical parallel.

What are you working on now?

I just finished a massive serialization project with my publisher called Operation Zulu: Redemption, and now I’m plunging headlong into the final book of the Quiet Professionals series, Falcon (May 2015). Hawk, book 2, will release November 2014.

Where else can readers find you online?

I can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook, Twitter (@roniekendig), Goodreads, and Pinterest!

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




CBD.com


Finally, what question do you have for my readers?

We all have a hero in our lives, and I have a few in my life—Mrs. Warnes, one of our Taekwondo instructors; my father-in-law, Loren Kendig; and my husband. I would love to know who your hero is in your life (not in history).

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 Monday, May 26. 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.

Be sure to check out my interview with Beth Vogt, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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 and Free Books!

Can a young widow fall in love with her husband’s reflection?

Today we're talking with novelist Beth Vogt, author of Somebody Like You (Howard Books, May 2014).

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.”

A novelist with Howard Books, her contemporary romance novel, Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012, followed by Catch a Falling Star (2013), You Made Me Love You (2014) – an eShort novella – and Somebody Like You (2014). She is also part of the Year of Wedding Series by Harper Collins, writing the A November Bride novella (2014).

Beth enjoys writing contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.

She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, who’s just entered the teen years.

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

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

-- I have a twin sister. We’re fraternal twins, not identical.

-- I’m craft-challenged.

That's definitely a "meet cute" story about you and your husband!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Somebody Like You.

Haley’s three-year marriage to Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he’s killed in Afghanistan. Her attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military make an unimaginable mistake when they told her Sam was killed?

Too late to make things right with his estranged twin brother, Stephen discovers Sam never told Haley about him. As Haley and Stephen navigate their fragile relation­ship, they are inexorably drawn to each other. How can they honor the memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could drive them apart?

Wow, that concept has terrific tension, Beth!

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

Stephen Ames is trying to find his brother Sam again. He sees Sam every time he looks in the mirror – and yet the distance between them is impassable. Stephen is a man with regrets, trying to right a wrong that is not all his fault.

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

As an author, I always have someone in mind for my main characters, but I also want to leave room for my readers to imagine the characters too. But to answer your question, when I envision Stephen and Sam Ames, I see Ben Affleck (isn’t that wonderful? Double Ben Afflecks!).


And for Haley Ames, the heroine, I see Uma Thurman.



I like that you're a twin and you're writing about twins. And yes, we can never have too many handsome young men like Ben. 

What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

Brainstorming is such a vital part of the writing process for me. I am blessed to have author Rachel Hauck on speed dial, Skype, Face Time – you name it, I know how to reach her! She’s a tremendous brainstormer! I also love talking story with my husband, who helps me nail down the male perspectives for my books.

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

I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Kristy Cambron’s The Butterfly and the Violin, which releases in July. Kristy did a wonderful job weaving together both a historical and a contemporary storyline.

What are you working on now?

I’m fast-drafting a contemporary romance that wrestles with the question What if you discover that what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice?

Where else can readers find you online?

My website, www.bethvogt.com, which hosts my blog, In Others’ Words. It’s all about quotes. My Author Facebook page. Twitter: @bethvogt and Pinterest

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

I’m curious if any of your readers are twins – or associated with the military in any way, since both topics are integral to Somebody Like You.

Thanks, Beth, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Beth has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Thursday, May 22. 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.

Be sure to check out my interviews with James Rubart and Golden Keyes Parsons, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

Golden Keyes Parsons and Free Books!

Four nameless women in the Gospels encounter Jesus, and their lives are radically changed.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Wishing on Buttercups, by Miralee Ferrell, is:

followsjc@ . . .

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 Golden Keyes Parsons, author of Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels (WhiteFire Publishing, April 2014).

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series (Thomas Nelson Publishing) chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her fourth novel, His Steadfast Love, is a Civil War novel set in Texas. Her latest release is a compilation of biblical fiction novellas, Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels.

Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

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

-- I am legally blind in my left eye.

-- I was a major tomboy growing up.

-- I am a classically trained pianist, and wish I’d had the privilege of playing in an orchestra.

A tomboy pianist. I like that.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Hidden Faces.

In the Gospels we find Jesus ministering life and healing to various women who have remained obscure and nameless for two thousand years. However, the life-changing encounters between Jesus Christ and the adulterous woman, the woman at the well, the woman who anointed Jesus’s feet, and the woman with the issue of blood contain timeless truths and offer eternal hope for women today who may feel obscure and nameless as well.

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

Since this is a compilation, there are four lead characters, so that presents a somewhat of a challenge to answer your question. ☺ However the one thread that runs through the stories of the four women in Hidden Faces is the fact that although they were nameless, anonymous, their stories of how Jesus met their needs are some of the most beloved accounts in the Gospels. Each one of them had flaws common to all of us—sickness, poor choices, victims of life’s circumstances, even immorality.

But when they brought those needs to Jesus, He gave their lives meaning: forgiveness for the adulterous woman who made poor choices; acceptance for the woman at the well who had lived a lifetime of rejection; approval for the woman who crossed cultural lines to worship Jesus and anoint Him; and healing for the woman with the issue of blood.

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

I‘ve heard authors say they hate this question, but I love thinking about this. I suppose it’s because I am a visual learner. So thank you for asking.

I loved what Jim Caveziel did with role of Jesus in The Passion of Christ, so I would pick him to play Jesus.




To play, Anna, the adulterous woman, I think I would pick Scarlett Johansson. My Anna is young, and being a betrothed virgin, I picture an innocence about her. To me Scarlett Johansson has that unique combination of sultry and innocence, which she played so well in The Girl With The Pearl Earring.


For Marah, the woman at the well, who had to be older since she’d had five husbands, I’d like to see someone like Sigorney Weaver



or Susan Sarandon.



Julia Roberts would be perfect as Tirzah, the woman who anointed Jesus’s feet.



And Sandra Bullock as Zahavah, the woman with the issue of blood. (By the way, Zahavah in Hebrew is my own name, Golden.) ☺



What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

I ask all the “What if…” questions I can think of, usually to my husband. I brainstorm with my critique group and beta reader. And I read other historical fiction authors, and watch movies. I get a ton of ideas from movies.

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

I am just now reading Diana Galbadon’s Outlander series. So many people have remarked that I write much like her, and our youngest daughter is such a fan and had urged me for years to read it, that I finally relented. I’m flattered that the comparison has been made of my writing to hers.

I would recommend the series because Galbadon creates such vivid characters. I really care about Claire and Jamie and want to know what’s going to happen to them.

And it’s a time travel, which I always find intriguing—trying to make sense out of something that makes no sense!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a Christmas story that is not your usual “feel good” holiday story. It has a bit of intrigue and mystery, but a good ending. It’s almost finished and hopefully my agent can start shopping it soon.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.goldenkeyesparsons.com. Please visit. It’s new, and we’ve been working really hard to get it up and running. I’d love your comments.
Facebook
Twitter

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?

I’m really interested in what your readers consider makes Christian fiction Christian. What do they want in Christian fiction that they don’t find in the general market? Do they read only Christian fiction, or do they read general market as well?

Thanks for the opportunity to be with you, Trish. Blessings!

Thank you, Golden, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Golden has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 19. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Golden'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.

Be sure to check out my interviews with James Rubart and Katy Lee, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

James Rubart and Free Books!

Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart's Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.

Today we're talking with James L. Rubart, author of Spirit Bridge (Thomas Nelson, May 2014).

James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of Rooms, Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm.

(I love that.)

In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and two sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman.

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

-- I’ve almost drowned, twice.

-- I’ve stared in a TV commercial.

-- The pinky finger on my right hand won’t straighten out.

I'm so impressed about the water skiing, considering your propensity for near-death experiences in the water.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Spirit Bridge.

The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling forth the Spirit Bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he's just set it loose.

The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon's alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there's Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn't know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on.

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

In my Well Spring series (of which Spirit Bridge is the last book) I have four main characters and I think people will care about them because they’re ordinary people drawn into extraordinary circumstances by the Holy Spirit:

• Reece Roth walked powerfully in the things of the Spirit years ago, but was taken out when his wife and daughter were killed. Now he’s stepped back in the arena to guide and train the other three of the prophecy, but it’s forced him to face his greatest failure in the process.

• Dana Raine is the General Manager of a Seattle radio station and is a born leader, but her fear of abandonment, as well as being thrust back into relationship with the man who broke her heart threatens to cripple her God-given destiny.

• Marcus Amber is a brilliant physics professor at the University of Washington who has had to face his deepest regret and overcome it, because if he doesn’t, he and the other warriors will be destroyed.

• Brandon Scott is multi-milling selling singer and song writer but still struggles with his worth. And when his career starts to slip away he has to make the choice to save himself, or allow his dream to die, bringing astounding freedom to the other warriors.

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

I’d have Harrison Ford play Reece Roth





Dana would be played by Rachel McAdams





Marcus would be played by Mark Ruffalo






And Brandon Scott would be played by Chris Evans





What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

For the three Well Spring series, I had more help brainstorming than I’ve had for any of my previous novels. For Spirit Bridge, I brainstormed extensively with a Mastermind group I’m part of that’s made up of novelists, non-fiction authors, and marketing folks. I also got help from my great friend Allen Arnold, and my former agent, Lee Hough. (Lee passed away in August of 2013.)

Yes, what a great loss that was.

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

I re-read a favorite novel of mine recently, called Arena by Karen Hancock. I don’t typically re-read novels, so that shows how much I liked it. It’s not for everyone, but if you liked Pilgrims Progress, and the movie The Matrix, I think you’ll like this novel. It’s an allegory which I think is brilliant in it’s depiction of the Christian life.

I remember that book. I loved it! You describe it well.

What are you working on now?

I just turned in the rough draft of my seventh novel to my publisher. It’s a stand-alone that I’m really excited about. And I’m working on a screenplay of one of my novels. Very fun.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website: www.jameslrubart.com
e-mail: james@jameslrubart.com
Facebook
Twitter: @jameslrubart

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




CBD.com


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

You’re sent to a desert island alone. You’ll be there for one year before coming back home. You get to take one book, one movie, and one CD. What would you take? (Sorry, your book can’t be the Bible.)

Thanks so much for having me!

Thank you, Jim, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, James has offered to give a signed copy of his book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 19. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Jim'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.

Be sure to check out my interviews with Miralee Ferrell and Katy Lee, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

Katy Lee and Free Books!

Old skeletal remains unearthed on the island are digging up more than trouble. They’re digging up danger.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of A Sky without Stars, by Linda S. Clare, is:

beautifulmomentsofjoyandpeace@ . . .

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 Katy Lee, author of Grave Danger (Harlequin, Love Inspired Suspense, May 2014).

As an inspirational romantic-suspense author, Katy Lee writes higher-purpose stories in high-speed worlds. Through her writing, ministry work, and teaching, Katy dedicates her life to sharing tales of love-- from the “greatest love story ever told’, to the sweet romantic tales of falling in love.

Katy and her husband are lifelong New Englanders, and have been known to travel far and wide on a whim with their three adventuresome children.

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

-- I love to knit.

-- I am afraid of swings.

-- I love chocolate mint anything…especially Thin Mints and chocolate mint tea.

Love the swing phobia! Rather unusual.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Grave Danger.

When skeletal remains are found on a small Maine island, forensic anthropologist Lydia Muir is sent to investigate. It's Lydia's job to determine whether the homicide happened long ago—or more recently.

Island sheriff Wesley Grant seems sure the murder didn't happen on his watch. But when Lydia uncovers the victim's identity, someone goes to great lengths to get Lydia off the island. Wes vows to protect her, but is the handsome lawman holding something back?

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

Lydia Muir is a brilliant forensic anthropologist. She’s endearing and maybe even a little nerdy. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about writing her story because I was never very good in science, but she surprised me and taught me that her brilliance is made up of more than book-learning.

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

Jennifer Gardner




and Bradley Cooper






What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

I brainstorm while reading and researching. A lot of magazines and online articles usually.

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

Forever Her Hero by Belle Calhoune. Belle’s book really focuses on the many levels of love. There’s more than romantic love.

What are you working on now?

A fourth book in the Stepping Stones Island series. The third will release in September! (Sunken Treasure. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what that’s about.)

Where else can readers find you online?

www.KatyLeeBooks.com is the best place to go. You will find Twitter and Facebook links there. Let’s connect!

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




CBD.com


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

Have you ever taken something on that you were unsure of your capabilities to do it justice?

Thanks, Katy, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Katy has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 12. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Katy'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.

Be sure to check out my interview with Miralee Ferrell, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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.

Miralee Ferrell, May Releases, and Free Books!

Quiet, shy Beth Roberts has dreams bigger than anyone can imagine. But will the secrets of her past keep her from having the courage to fulfill them?

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Branding the Wrangler's Heart, by Davalynn Spencer, is:

jelder1959@ . . .

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 Miralee Ferrell, author of Wishing on Buttercups (David C Cook, February 2014).

Miralee Ferrell and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in the Columbia River Gorge in Washington State. They have two grown children and recently their son and his wife presented them with a beautiful new granddaughter.

Miralee loves interacting with people, ministering at her church, (she is a certified Lay Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors, riding her horse with her daughter, and playing with her dogs. She speaks at various women’s functions and has taught at writers’ conferences.

Miralee, an award-winning author of Western fiction, has been writing since 2005, and her first book was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had nine books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical fiction, with five more under contract. Her newest release, Wishing on Buttercups, is the second in a four book series set in Baker City, Oregon, 1880s.

Miralee recently started a newsletter, and you can sign up for it on her blog.

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

-- I worked part time in our sawmill that we owned and operated for 14 years, pulling green chain, stoking the boiler, sorting lumber, driving a fork lift and taking care of sales.

-- We owned and raised a cougar kitten (not taken out of the wild).

-- I worked in sales for most of my adult life before starting to write, and won an award with a Fortune 500 Company for top sales in my region.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Wishing on Buttercups.

Late August, 1880

Only a handful of people in Baker City, Oregon, know Beth Roberts, so she shouldn’t fear discovery. Yet she lives with the growing realization that one day someone will unravel the threads of her past . . . and also the secrets of her budding profession. To make things worse, another boarder at the Jacobs’ boarding house is writing a novel that might reveal far more about her than she’s comfortable with. He claims he’s only being friendly, but she’s suspicious. Back in Topeka, Kansas, she’d been so certain she’d found a man who would love and accept her without conditions. Never would she make that mistake again.

Jeffery Tucker, a twenty-six-year-old writer who has left his wealthy family to pursue his dream of becoming a published novelist, has kept his own secrets since arriving in the West. He knows he doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs, but finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her. Yet Beth thwarts his interest at every turn.

As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees in her mind and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare she risk her heart again?

And just so readers know, the next book in the series, Forget Me Not, is also available now!



Back to Wishing on Buttercups: what is it about Beth that will make your readers care about her?

Beth has worked most of her life to overcome huge challenges, both physical, spiritual and relational. She’s quiet and a bit shy, but she’s a fighter at heart—she’s fighting to discover secrets about her past that have remained covered since she was found abandoned on the Oregon Trail at the age of four, and she’s fighting to find love and purpose for her future.

What kind of brainstorming do you do for your stories, and whose help do you incorporate?

I’ve discovered that online or email brainstorming doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried it with my critique group (three other multi-published authors), and I still tend to hit a brick wall. Thankfully, all three of them, as well as a couple of other author friends, have allowed me to call to talk through issues and questions. That has always broken things loose for me—I’m more of a verbal person than visual, I suppose, and out loud brainstorming is a huge blessing to me.

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

I love historical romance, but right now I’m in my fantasy phase…I love Young Adult and even juvenile fantasy. I just finished book one and two of The Beyonders, by Brandon Mull. I don’t have time to sit and read a book, so I check out audio books from my library and listen while I do housework, yard work, or drive. I had listened to another series of his called Fablehaven and enjoyed the storyline, but this newer series is geared for older teens rather than middle grades, so it held my attention a bit more. I enjoy escaping into a world that doesn’t exist and having fun adventures along with the characters.

What are you working on now?

Last night I finished writing book two in my four-book series of middle-grade girls’ horse novels, Silver Spurs, which will release next year. I still have the editing to do before I turn it in, and at the same time, I’m working on another historical romance series that’s set in the Old West.

Where else can readers find you online?

Web site: www.miraleeferrell.com
Blog: www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com
Facebook


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



CBD.com


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

I’ve heard from some sources that Old West romances or ‘Westerns’ are losing their appeal to readers. Do you agree, or not, and why?

Thanks, Miralee, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Miralee has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, May 12. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Miralee'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.

Be sure to check out my interview with Linda Clare, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of the book.

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 bottom of this post to leave your comment, take a look at some of the great Inspirational fiction releasing this month!

Contemporary Romance:

One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong -- Sarah Cooley's ex-fiancé wanted to change everything about her. She has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it stays the same. Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. He's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his new restaurant. As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

The Nurse's Perfect Match by Narelle Atkins -- After her marriage ends in tragedy, nurse Amy Wilkins returns to Snowgum Creek to rebuild her life. There she meets widower Ben Morton, who's not looking for romance, though his young children are eager for Amy's attention. She's given up on her dream of being a mother, but can't ignore how she's drawn to Ben's little ones, and to their handsome farmer dad. As love kindles between Ben and Amy, she worries how she'll ever measure up to the wife he lost. And Ben is concerned about how Amy ever truly fit into life on the farm. They could be the answer to each other's prayers—if the secret Amy is keeping doesn't tear them apart. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon -- Claire Summers is a single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is an executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman and is used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn't asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an older neighbor. As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire's will become--nor how one little girl's kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Tumbleweed Weddings by Donna Reimel Robinson -- Watch as true love triples in tiny Ft. Lob, Wyoming, where three siblings each find love unexpectedly. Callie Brandt thinks she's destined to be a spinster librarian. . .until a gorgeous newcomer arrives in town. Tonya Brandt is so self-absorbed, she just might miss out on true love. . .until a secret admirer helps her see that true beauty is much more than skin deep. Derek Brandt sees no good reason to disrupt his life with a wife right now. . .until he realizes the best girl for him might not wait around forever. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell -- Amish widower Jacob Miller is Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers after being struck by a car. Jacob grows increasingly wary of his unfamiliar surroundings-including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett. Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret-that she was once Amish. When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she wonders if they can help her find her mother's family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures? (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press)

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg -- After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally returned to Whisper Shore. He's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer contingent on his pulling off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events... If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has an appointment with a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot. The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys don't get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to help with the Festival if he'll help with inn repairs. Their simple trade becomes much more involved when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade -- After a whirlwind romance deposits them at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, Ty Porter and Cecilia Park wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood. Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had. How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Young Adult Speculative Fiction:

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard -- Merlin, tired of hiding and running from his enemies, wants nothing more than to spend his days with his family and train Arthur for his rightful place as king. But when Arthur goes missing, a desperate Merlin must abandon all other quests to find him before a shadowy pursuer catches Arthur first. Having almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain's warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxenow hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west. At the same time, Morgana brings Merlin's deepest fear to life and sets a horde of werewolves loose to destroy Britain. Will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive-without unleashing an even greater evil? (Fantasy from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Historical:

Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn't old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ's love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs? (Historical from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])

Historical Romance:

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett -- While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best. As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Silver Matlock is a Colorado beauty in search of revenge against the man who stranded her at the altar and fled with the remnant of her family's fortune. Jared Newman, rugged as the West itself, is relentless in his pursuit of lawless men---but unable to escape his own tragic past. Hardened by his life as a bounty hunter, he must learn to forgive before he loses his soul. Joining forces, the two set out in search of Silver's betrayer. The handsome but embittered Jared finds himself powerfully drawn to the beautiful woman whose drive for justice equals his own. But lack of honesty keeps Silver and Jared from fully trusting each other, even as a shocking revelation intensifies their pursuit of the cunning---and deadly---quarry. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad -- After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman. When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Branding the Wrangler's Heart by Davalynn Spencer -- Whitaker Hutton always gets his way. When cattle go missing from the Bar-HB Ranch, the tenacious foreman will stop at nothing to find them. But his boss's granddaughter, Olivia Hartman, is more than Whit bargained for. Once the victim of Whit's childhood pranks, Livvy has grown into a feisty beauty. Livvy can't forget the way Whit used to tease her. Even worse, he doesn't think she's capable of helping in the roundup. She could stay mad at him forever-if he wouldn't act all sweet toward her. But when he literally rides to her rescue, Livvy starts to wonder whether her old enemy might turn out to be much more than a friend. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary Women's Fiction:

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti -- After years of running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new job caring for the ailing mother of intriguing but caregiver-challenged young businessman, Isaac Hughes. Just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all hope for love. Even if she could clear her name, her estranged father now calls for her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past? (Contemporary from Abingdon Press)

General Fiction:

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson -- Giséle Duchant guards a secret that could cost her life. Tunnels snake through the hill under her family's medieval chateau in Normandy. When German soldiers take over the family's chateau, Giséle is forced to host them-while harboring resistance fighters right below their feet. Taking in a Jewish friend's baby, she convinces the Nazis that it is her child, ultimately risking everything for the future of the child. When the German officers begin to suspect her deception, an unlikely hero rescues both her and the child. Seventy years later, Chloe Sauver, Giséle's granddaughter, arrives in Normandy. After calling off her engagement with a political candidate, Chloe pays a visit to the chateau to escape publicity and work with a documentary filmmaker, Riley, who has uncovered a fascinating story about Jews serving in Hitler's army. Riley wants to research Chloe's family history and the lives that were saved in the tunnels under their house in Normandy. Chloe is floored-her family isn't Jewish, for one thing, and she doesn't know anything about tunnels or the history of the house. But as she begins to explore the dark and winding passageways beneath the chateau, nothing can prepare her for the shock of what she and Riley discover… (Contemporary from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Medical Thriller:

Third Trimester by Dianna T. Benson -- Paramedic Jodi Duncan recognizes the work of a serial killer before the Myrtle Beach Detective Nate Quigley even suspects a connection between the deaths of two pregnant women. After digging deep into the separate investigations, Nate finds no evidence to support a serial killer theory, and he warns Jodi to back off police business, which only fuels her passion for the cases. When a third pregnant woman is murdered, Nate works to link the deaths in order to unmask and stop the serial murderer, a disturbed man who fixates on Jodi since he discovered her obsession with ending his rampage. (Medical Suspense from Ellechor Publishing House, LLC)

Supernatural Thriller:

Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart -- The Warriors Riding, Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus, have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. The warlord demon Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. Now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge. But Zennon holds a hidden strategy that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he's just set it loose. (Supernatural Thriller from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Romantic Suspense:

Bodyguard Reunion by Margaret Daley -- Reunions can be deadly. Teaming up with an old flame is not what bodyguard Chloe Howard would call a smart move. Nine years ago Chloe and T. J. Davenport worked on a case together, fell in love, then went their separate ways. Now she's reunited with the fearless bodyguard to protect a controversial couple on a book tour through Texas. The reunion reminds Chloe of dreams best forgotten. She knows she has to keep her emotions in check so their clients' protection remains their top priority. Protection that is the only thing keeping them from falling prey to a stalker's deadly schemes. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig -- Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when these two things are threatened by hackers, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop the hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military's secure computers and networks isn't an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, endangering the US national security, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart-a move that might come at the highest cost. (Romantic Suspense from Barbour Publishing)

Grave Danger by Katy Lee -- When skeletal remains are found on a small Maine island, forensic anthropologist Lydia Muir is sent to investigate the time of death. Island sheriff Wesley Grant seems sure the murder didn't happen on his watch. But when Lydia uncovers the victim's identity, someone goes to great lengths to get Lydia off the island. Wes vows to protect her, but is the handsome lawman holding something back? To help catch a killer, she'll have to trust him-or become the next victim. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Trail of Secrets by Sandra Robbins -- "CALL SETH." After a brutal attack, that's all that Callie Lattimer's uncle Dan, a former police officer, can say. Callie knows that Memphis cop Seth Dawtry will help, even if it means working with the woman who rejected him. The attack seems tied to a decades-old unsolved murder Dan could never let go. Now it's up to Seth and Callie to follow the clues. But as they uncover answers, they discover the real threat is closer than they ever thought possible. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Children's/Middle Grade:

Samantha Sanderson: At the Movies by Robin Caroll -- Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she's always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material. When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story. The movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam's police-officer father is heading the investigation, and Sam can't resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla's techno-genius. But when Sam's theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble---and danger! (Children's/Middle Grade Fiction from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Samantha Sanderson: On the Scene by Robin Caroll -- What if getting to the bottom of a mystery means learning how to love your enemy? As Samantha and the rest of the middle schoolers prepare for the upcoming Spring Fest, 'mean girl' Nikki faces the reality that her parents are getting divorced. Samantha has a hard time sympathizing---Nikki has never been very nice to anyone, let alone Samantha. But when Nikki becomes victim of a string of attacks, Sam takes it upon herself and uses her super sleuth abilities to get to the bottom of the bullying. After all, articles on bullying are just what the school paper needs instead of all that silly fluff like popularity tips. Samantha enlists the help of her tech-savvy BFF, Makayla, but while the two track down clues, they leave a trail of trouble behind---and may even be directly responsible for the break-in of their very own school's computer lab! (Children's/Middle Grade Fiction from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Happy reading!