Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 15

Reader Spotlight on Sarah!

Today we’re applauding avid reader and generous reviewer Sarah Ruut! Sarah’s been on my booster team since my first release and has graciously stuck with me through all my books. To say Thank You barely expresses my gratitude. Sarah is a cheerleader, reviewer, interviewer for many other authors as well. We’re all very grateful for her support and encouragement!

Thank you, Sarah!

Sarah’s Favorite Things

Type of Book – Christian fiction; I like to read a variety of genres.

Book – Really?! Okay, for right now, I’d have to say The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof. It’s amazing!

Author – How long do you have? I’m afraid to start listing because I know I’d leave some out… Besides Joanne Bischof (and Brenda Anderson, of course!), Sarah Sundin, Vannetta Chapman, Melanie Dickerson, Varina Denman, Jennifer Rodewald, Margaret Brownley… There are SO many great authors!

Movie – I’ll have to stick with Ever After.

Entrée – I have a recipe for an awesome veggie lasagna. It takes a long time to prep, but it’s so good!

Dessert – Cinnamon rolls! Yum!

Chocolate – It’s okay, but I’d prefer cinnamon.

Restaurant – Mom’s kitchen? It’s really hard for me to eat out (allergies).

Beverage – Currently, black tea with raw honey.

Season – In the north, spring. In the south, fall (because, tornadoes…).

Animal – Cats.

Type of Music – Praise and worship.

Song – That’s almost as hard as choosing a favorite book. There are so many good ones! Let’s go with Words by Hawk Nelson.

Musician – Here we go again… LOL Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Hawk Nelson, Danny Gokey…

Bible Verse – Right now, Colossians 2:2 “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”

Color – Finally an easy one!

January Updates …

January Updates …

Capturing Beauty proofs

We had a crazy-busy holiday season in our household with all our kids home and multiple family celebrations, not to mention doing the final preparations for my next release, Capturing Beauty. But along with that busyness came changes and other news, so let me catch you up on a few items.

Capturing Beauty is on schedule, slated for release on February 7, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Kindle version is currently up for pre-order at a special pre-order price of $2.99. On release day that price will go up to $5.99, so order your copy now at Amazon. I received my paperback proofs on Monday, so now I’m slowly reading the entire book out loud, and my proofreaders are tackling the book, highlighter and Post-it tabs in hand.

Planting Hope, book three in the Where the Heart Is series will not release in May as originally scheduled. While I worked on the book, I had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. /what that was finally dawned on me last week. Unfortunately, that plot point affected about 2/3 of the story so I’m undertaking a massive re-write. Rather than try to rush the book and put out a sub-par product, I’ve decided to put off publication until fall, probably September, but I’m going to wait and see how the re-write progresses before committing to a date. I’ll keep you posted on my website. That said, my designer is working on the cover as I write, so I’ll be doing a cover reveal very soon.

I recently had the privilege of having Publisher’s Weekly review my debut novel, Chain of Mercy. While the review wasn’t the glowing one I hoped for, it’s still an honor to be chosen for a review. You can find the review here: Chain of Mercy review on Publisher’s Weekly.

The post January Updates … appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

2016 Favorite Reads

2016 Favorite Reads

I’m always surprised when I look at my Goodreads bookshelf for a year and see such a variety of favorites, especially when I prefer contemporary drama. Goes to show that a good book transcends genre. Not all the books listed below were published in 2016, but as that’s when I read them, they make my list.

In order of date read, here are my favorite reads from 2016:

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

Evie’s first meeting with Jack had not gone well. The second didn’t seem to be going much better. They were from two different worlds. But now…like it or not…they were sharing the same world. Was this church big enough for the two of them? Or was that close-knit space just what was needed for hearts to mend?

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow (released in 2015, read in 2016)

As head of a small Georgia law practice, Corbin Gage is slowly drinking himself into the grave—but his adult children, also lawyers, are excelling. When Corbin agrees to represent three boys who’ve contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to a chemical spill, everybody’s reputation is at stake. The whole family rallies—but is it a hopeless cause?

Assault on Saint Agnes by Joseph Courtemanche

When terrorists assault Saint Agnes Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, they expect to find a congregation of lambs: they get Bobby Kurtz instead. An unrepentant Cold Warrior, Kurtz destroys the terror cell with violent finality. Against his will, Kurtz is pulled back into the life he left behind decades before. He reluctantly picks up the burden of hunting the terrorists in our midst. He risks his life, and his marriage, in a single-minded pursuit of victory over evil. Working with a shadowy government agency, Kurtz uses all of his skills and experience to foil a plan that would plunge the Twin Cities back into the Stone Age. The final battle rages across the plains during a Christmas Eve blizzard in a story that will leave the reader pleading for more of Kurtz and his team of experts.

Kill Devil by Mike Dellosso

Jed Patrick and his family got new identities and relocated.  Just when he thinks they are safe, his wife and daughter are threatened by trained men of an agency.  Should he keep his family at his side to keep them safe?  Should he eliminate the Centralia Project?

What Matters Most by Kellie Coates Gilbert

In order to take care of her sick mother, Leta Breckenridge lands a high paying job at a public relations firm. She learns that the research she has been collecting will be used againsst Nathan Emerson her new love interest. Nathan feels she holds the key to his heart. How can she tell him the truth?

Beast by Chawna Schroeder

I am Beast. I serve the master.

For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master’s dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day becoming her master’s favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire.

When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners.

They are so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she?

For anyone who has found a monster within, Beast is a tale of truth and transformation.

The Survivor by Vince Flynn & Kyle Mills (released in 2015, read in 2016)

When Joe “Rick” Rickman, a former golden boy of the CIA, steals a massive amount of the Agency’s most classified documents in an elaborately masterminded betrayal of his country, CIA director Irene Kennedy has no choice but to send her most dangerous weapon after him: elite covert operative Mitch Rapp.

Rapp quickly dispatches the traitor, but Rickman proves to be a deadly threat to America even from beyond the grave. Eliminating Rickman didn’t solve all of the CIA’s problems—in fact, mysterious tip-offs are appearing all over the world, linking to the potentially devastating data that Rickman managed to store somewhere only he knew.

It’s a deadly race to the finish as both the Pakistanis and the Americans search desperately for Rickman’s accomplices, and for the confidential documents they are slowly leaking to the world. To save his country from being held hostage to a country set on becoming the world’s newest nuclear superpower, Mitch Rapp must outrun, outthink, and outgun his deadliest enemies yet.

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet–freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice. As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl–boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Escaping a cruel employer, English governess Eleanor Morgan must settle for the only reputable option available to her in the colonies—marriage to a stranger. Meanwhile, woodsman Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor who’s determined to find a mother for his daughter. But no upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer. Will Eleanor be the exception?

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese

Rayne Shelby’s family owns Shelby Lodge, a forty three room redwood estate that looks like an illustration out of a fairy tale book. It is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. She would like to manage the lodge. When she makes a mistake that puts her future at risk, she asked her neighbor Levi Harding for help. He is the apprentice of the man that owns Winslow’s Orchard and Farm. The two families have been feuding for years. Wild fires threaten their town and livelihood. Can these two work together to end the feud before they lose everything?

What are your Favorite Reads from 2016?

The post 2016 Favorite Reads appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Reader Spotlight on Wendy!

Today we applaud avid reader and author supporter, Wendy Huddler! Thank you, Wendy, for all you’ve done to encourage authors!!!

Wendy’s Favorite Things

Type of Book – I enjoy a mystery with a touch of romance that is in present time.

Book – I would have to say the Bible is my absolutely favorite book.

Author – For years Karen Kingsbury was my favorite.  But now I am finding so many new ones.

Movie –  Dirty Dancing has been my favorite for years.  There are several scenes I do not really appreciate but I love the dancing.

Entrée – Steak, always steak.  Rare

Dessert – I would have to say a big dish of chocolate marshmallow ice cream.  Hard to find.

Chocolate – Lindt balls are wonderful!

Restaurant – The Catfish Place in St. Cloud, FL

Beverage – I love a good iced coffee.

Season – Winter would be my favorite season because we are snowbirds and I spend my winter in Florida

Animal –  Cats are my animal of choice.

Type of Music – Southern Gospel

Song – Shouting Time by the Hoppers

Musician – Was Anthony Berger

Bible Verse – Isaiah  40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Color – Blue

Item to Collect – I collect yarn and fabric for my hobby

Hobby – Sewing, Crocheting and knitting

Flower – daisy

Holiday – Christmas

Vacation Location – Orlando FL

Add your own – Also love traveling.

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Spotlight on Laura Frantz

Back in 2009 I picked up a book by a then debut author, The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz. As I typically gravitate toward contemporary works, I’m not certain what first drew me to the book, but I do know that once I read those first sentences, I was forever hooked as a Laura Frantz fan. Besides telling a compelling story with multi-faceted characters, besides creating vivid settings that place the reader right in the midst of the story, Laura’s prose is some of the most exquisite in Christian fiction. Every sentence, every word is carefully chosen so that once strung together, the story reads like a symphonic masterpiece.

It’s been over a year since Laura’s last book came out, and like so many of her readers, I’ve been going through withdrawal. But that will end later today when the mail carrier delivers my copy of A Moonbow Night. (At least that’s when Amazon tracking tells me it will be delivered …) I can’t wait to immerse myself in this new story!

To pique your interest, here’s the back cover blurb:

From the beloved author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little comes a new Kentucky novel…

On the vast, uncharted Kentucky frontier of the 1770s, Temperance Tucker has learned to be fleet of foot, accurate with her rifle, and silent about the past. But her family secrets complicate her growing attraction to a handsome Virginia land surveyor with a harsh history of his own. Will the hurts and hardships of the past prevent them from a fulfilling future?

Laura is so much more than a weaver of beautiful tales, she’s also a tremendous supporter of fellow writers. From my very first release, Laura has supported and encouraged my writing, and even penned a cherished endorsement for Hungry for Home, my Coming Home Series finale.

So naturally, I’m thrilled to have Laura stop by the blog today to answer a few questions.

Laura, thank you for visiting today! And congratulations on your new book baby! What do you hope your readers take away from A Moonbow Night?

This is my most historical novel to date and showcases Kentucky’s very turbulent frontier history. It’s far more a historical than a romance. I think Publishers Weekly said it best: “. . . the story rewards patience, unfolding with precision and action, showcasing the triumph of the human heart and spirit in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.”

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Sadly enough, the villain! Said villain’s grumbling, comfort-seeking, self-serving spirit are all too relatable in my fleshly nature. I won’t tell you just who the villain is. I hope you read and find out. He inspires me to change with the Lord’s gracious, ongoing help.

What’s on your reading list right now?

I’m slowly making my way through Michael Phillip’s new Secrets of the Shetlands series beginning with The Inheritance.  I read a few chapters at bedtime and am really savoring the story. It’s one of wonderful depth and has a heroic Scottish laird, to boot. Since Phillips edited the books of my literary hero, George MacDonald, making them more accessible to today’s readers, he’s my hero, too.

And the most important question: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or no chocolate?

Milk! But beloved author friend, the amazing Tamera Leigh, makes the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted using dark!

About Laura ~

Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Connect with Laura ~

Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Purchase Laura’s books ~

A Moonbow Night | The Mistress of Tall Acre

Love’s Reckoning | Love’s Awakening | Love’s Fortune

The Colonel’s Lady | Courting Morrow Little | The Frontiersman’s Daughter

The post Spotlight on Laura Frantz appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

January 2017 New Releases

 January 2017 New Releases for ACFW Authors

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley by Valerie Comer, Mary Jane Hathaway, Elizabeth Maddrey, Danica Favorite, Lee Tobin McClain and Annalisa Daughety — Is love possible for a makeshift mom and a handsome widower? What about a bed and breakfast owner and the farmer next door? A curvy jilted bride and a mysterious, handsome chef? Then there’s the real estate consultant and the grandson of her elderly client; a high-powered lawyer and a woman farmer, and a formerly engaged couple. Can love make a difference in their lives? Exploring food, friends, and family in Arcadia Valley, each of these novellas kicks off a three-book series, intertwined with the works of the other authors. This collection is only the beginning of your adventure! (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Restoring Love by Jennifer Slattery — Mitch, a contractor and house-flipper, is restoring a beautiful old house in an idyllic Midwestern neighborhood. Angela, a woman filled with regrets and recently transplanted to his area, is anything but idyllic. As Mitch struggles to keep his business afloat, and Angela works to correct the mistakes of her past, these two unlikely friends discover they have something unexpected in common–a young mom fighting to give her children a better life after her husband’s incarceration. While both Mitch and Angela are drawn to help this young mother survive, they also find themselves drawn to each other. Will a lifetime of regrets hold them back from redemption and true love? (Contemporary Romance from New Hope Publishers)

Historical Mystery:

Murder on the Moor by Julianna Deering — Drew and Madeline Farthering visit the Yorkshire moor to catch a killer and solve a mystery that involves an old feud, a new rivalry and a huge, spectral hound that may or may not be a harbinger of death. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])

Historical Romance:

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander — A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to get an audition at the newly-formed Nashville Philharmonic. But the conductor–determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music–bows to public opinion. Women are “far too fragile and frail” for the rigors of an orchestra, he says, and Rebekah’s hopes are swiftly dashed. Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville’s new orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse–and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head–he must finish composing his symphony before the new opera hall opens. But far more pressing, he must finish it for his dying father, who inspired his love of music. Then Tate’s ailment worsens. Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how do you win back a woman’s trust when you’ve robbed her of her dream? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

The American Heiress Brides Collection by Lisa Carter, Mary Eileen Davis, Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Lisa Karon Richardson, Lynette Sowell and Kimberley Woodhouse — Meet nine young women in America between 1880 and 1911 who have been blessed by fortunes made in gold, silver, industry, ranching, and banking. But when it comes to love, each woman struggles to find true love within a society where “first comes money, second comes marriage.” What kind of man can they trust with their greatest treasure—their hearts? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Two Suitors for Anna by Molly Jebber — In 1903 Ohio, a young Amish woman must choose between the life she has long planned for with her beloved Noah Schwartz, and a new, very different future… But Noah has a surprise for Anna: once they’re married, he wants them to travel and live in other communities. Anna, who loves her home and her job at the quilt shop, is distraught when he takes her hesitation as rejection—and leaves. Daniel Bontrager’s arrival adds to Anna’s confusion. Since taking over his late brother’s farm, the handsome roofer has offered friendship and gentle attentions. Yet the pull of first love is strong and deep, especially when Noah returns. Through each revelation, Anna must search her faith for guidance, knowing she is choosing not just a husband, but a life to nurture and to share… (Historical Romance from Kensington)

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas by Erica Vetsch — Journey to Fort Bliss, Texas, where a battle of emotions versus ideals is about to be waged. When a high-steppin’ eastern fashion artist, Priscilla Hutchens, swoops down on the fort to gain custody of her twin niece and nephew she is met with resistance by their uncle, post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, who thinks he knows what is best for them. Who will win the battle? Or will a truce be called for the sake of love and family? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Dead Run by Jodie Bailey — Kristin James’s morning run turns deadly when she’s attacked by a stranger who’s after something her deceased soldier brother stole overseas. Her neighbor Sergeant First Class Lucas Murphy steps in to help her and won’t let her brush the attack under the rug. He’ll do everything he can to keep Kristin alive, but he can’t tell her that he’s under orders to investigate her link to her brother’s misdeeds. Kristin has no idea what the bad guy is after and doesn’t want to believe that her brother wasn’t on the straight and narrow. But as evidence against him piles up, can they catch the criminals without becoming the next casualties? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley — It’s been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn’t actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, the person who confessed to the crime is Will’s cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in one week–including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker])

Undercover Protector by Elizabeth Goddard — Undercover at a tiger sanctuary, Special Agent Grayson Wilde is convinced the owner’s involved in a wildlife trafficking ring–until someone tries to kill her. Gemma’s determined to rebuild the tiger oasis she lost when her family died, but someone wants her out of the way, and she’s starting to wonder if her parents’ and uncle’s deaths were really accidental. Grayson says he’ll do anything to protect Gemma, but she can’t shake the feeling that her alluring new volunteer might not be all that he seems. With a vicious criminal closing in, though, she has to trust Grayson…because she won’t survive without him. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Buried Memories by Carol J. Post — A soldier hero suffering from PTSD and a young woman struggling to overcome a traumatic childhood fight for their lives and find healing together. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Still Life by Dani Pettrey — Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Supernatural Thriller:

Fatal Accusation by Rachel Dylan — Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life in Windy Ridge will get back to normal after a hard-fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up. An embezzling scandal rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high-profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case she is called to defend. The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness. (Supernatural Thriller, Independently Published)

The post January 2017 New Releases appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Reader Spotlight on Michelle!

Today I’m applauding reader and aspiring author, Michelle Kaderly Welsh! I had the pleasure of *meeting* Michelle back when Chain of Mercy debuted, and she’s been a book booster ever since then. Thank you, Michelle, for all you’ve done to support authors!!!

About Michelle ~

Michelle Kaderly Welsh is a busy home schooling mom of five by day and an aspiring author by night. She is a former newspaper assistant editor, columnist, and correspondent, and marketing coordinator.  You may learn more about her at www.michellekaderlywelsh.com or follow her on Twitter.

Michelle’s Favorite Things

Type of Book

This is a hard one to pin point as I love a variety of fiction including MG, YA, women’s, and historical.

Book

It is hard for me to pick a favorite. Among those that stand out are Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn’s Song of Acadia Series, Lynn Austin’s Refiner’s Fire Series, Karen Kingsbury’s The Chance and Unlocked (two that I recently read), Connilyn Cossette’s Counted with the Stars, Cathy Gohlke’s Saving Amelie and Secrets She Kept, and several of Elizabeth George Speare’s novels. I love Burton Cole’s Bash Series and really enjoyed Amy Clipston’s YA, Roadside Assistance and Destination Unknown. Any book that makes me forget the present and immerses me into the fictional world that makes me laugh and cry is one that I love. I have a list of ACFW authors’ books and recommendations from people’s blogs, including Brenda’s, that I want to read because they sound interesting. My list will likely include some of those someday. I, of course, also enjoy Brenda’s books.

Movie

Oh, I don’t know how to pick just one favorite. Among my favorites are A Walk in the Clouds, Ultimate Gift, Ever After, Letters to Juliet, Evan Almighty. . .

Entrée

I love my sister’s chicken roll ups. Yum.  I’m also a big fan of meatloaf! LOL I like to cook at home.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Praying you will have a joyful Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior!

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Meet the Heroine from Biloxi Blue! + Giveaway

*** Book Giveaway ***

See Contest Details Below

Back when I was becoming serious about writing, I joined American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and was assigned to an amazing critique group that included author Jerri Ledford. Jerri helped me so much with those early stories, making me a much better writer. So I’m thrilled to welcome Jerri back to the blog today along with Kate Giveans, the heroine from Jerri’s new book baby, Biloxi Blue!

But before I introduce Kate, here’s the back cover blurb from Biloxi Blue ~

Kate Giveans returns to work after being shot to a new murder case and a hot new partner – Caleb Castille. Jack Roe has been promoted and he’s working an internal case he can’t share with Kate. Now, Kate and Caleb are trying to catch a murderer, but someone in the department is interfering with the investigation. Suspects keep turning up dead. And someone is stalking Kate. Can she catch the murderer before her stalker catches her? What secrets is Jack keeping? And is Caleb really who he appears to be?

Now let’s chat with Kate ~

Kate, I understand you’ve just returned to work after being shot. How frightening! Is it too much to ask that you share a little about the experience?

Of course not. I can understand how people would be curios. To be honest, it happened so fast I barely remember it. One minute Jack – Jack was my partner then – and I were walking across a church parking lot and the next, I was on the ground.  I didn’t even realize what had happened. I knew we were in danger and my instincts kicked in.

Oh my. That sounds so scary. But you’re okay now?

(Small laugh.) I’m fine. I had 12 weeks off work, but I’m almost good as new.

You mentioned Jack – that’s Jack Roe, right? He’s your partner.

Yes, it’s Jack Roe. But he’s not my partner anymore. He’s the Chief now.

And you and Jack have a relationship?

(She’s picking at her nails.) It’s complicated. That’s all I want to say about that right now.

Okay. Well, how about your new partner? I hear that Caleb Castille is a fill-the-doorway kind of man. How’s that relationship going.

Caleb’s a big guy. He’s got broad shoulders. And he’s a decent partner, but I admit, I didn’t want another partner. After Jack got promoted, I really just wanted to work on my own. I was surprised when they put Caleb with me.

You didn’t want a new partner? Does that affect the way you and Caleb work together?

I guess it did at first, but we’re good now. We get along well. He seems trustworthy, but the relationship is new, so I guess we’ll see where it goes.

That sounds promising.

Hmmm…

Okay, let’s change direction a little. I know you’ve had some difficulty with relationships in the Biloxi PD. Because of the death of your past partner. Are you still struggling to fit in?

I am. I just don’t know if I’ll ever gain these people’s trust. Every time I think I’ve proven myself and that things will change, they don’t. I don’t know. I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I’m just not cut out for this line of work.

Really? Have you considered leaving homicide? Leaving the policework?

I have.

And?

And I don’t know. I don’t know what I would do. I don’t know if this is what I even want to do.  I guess at some point I’ll have to figure that out. Since Jack was promoted, things have changed. And not for the better. So, I have some decisions to make.

Sounds intriguing. One more question. Where do you think you’ll be a year from now?

(Kate laughs.) If only I could see the future! I suppose the best way to answer that is to share a lesson that I’ve recently learned. Before you can move into the future, you have to let go of the past.

Meaning?

I think that’s all I have to say.  Read the story. Then you’ll understand.

Intrigued? Then purchase Biloxi Blue here: http://amzn.to/2gXYmyP

About Jerri Ledford ~

Growing up a military brat meant Jerri Ledford traveled a lot – and read a lot. It was only natural that her love of reading would eventually turn into a love of writing. From the first play that she wrote for neighborhood kids while her family was stationed on the military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to her career writing fiction and non-fiction, Jerri has always had a love affair with words.

These days, Jerri spends much of her time as a Content Project Manager and fiction writer, but when she’s not pounding away at the keyboard, she loves to hang out with her her partner, her grown children, and Sampson – the 80 lb. Bull Mastiff rescue she fell in love with.

Connect with Jerri ~

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Website | Email

Purchase Jerri’s Fiction ~

Biloxi Blue | Biloxi Sunrise | A Biloxi Christmas

Giveaway Details ~

Jerri has graciously offered to give away one signed paperback copy and one ebook copy of  Biloxi Blue! To enter, answer the following question in the comment section below:

How would you feel about working alongside someone with whom you had a relationship?

Contest ends Monday, January 2, 2016 at midnight. Winner will be posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2016.

The post Meet the Heroine from Biloxi Blue! + Giveaway appeared first on Brenda Anderson Books.

Reader Spotlight on Ann!

Welcome back to the Reader Spotlight! This week I’m applauding Ann Ellison who has been a book cheerleader for more authors than I can name! Thank You, Ann, for all you’ve done to support authors!

Ann’s Favorite Things ~

Type of Book:  WWII Historical fiction, Christian romance and suspense and Amish fiction

Book: One that had really left an impression with me was For Such a Time by Kate Breslin – It is the story of Esther set in Nazi Germany

Author: Too many to list

Movie: My Fair Lady

Entrée: Fried shrimp

Dessert: Chocolate cream pie

Chocolate: Anything chocolate works

Restaurant: Towne Crier – a local restaurant

Beverage: Iced tea, coffee with Thin Mint Creamer, and peppermint hot tea

Season: Spring

Animal: Cats – I have two

Type of Music: Christian – gospel and contemporary

Song: “How Great Thou Art”

Musician: Chris Tomlin

Bible Verse: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Color: Blue

Item to Collect: Magnets  and Santa Clauses

Hobby: Reading

Flower: Roses

Holiday: Thanksgiving

Vacation Location: Toss up between Portland, Oregon and New York

About Ann ~ I am semi-retired and work in my church office part time.  It is the church I grew up in and the first job I had in high school was helping in the church office so I have come full circle.  I am also assistant pianist for our church.

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