Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 31

Library Book Shelfies

On my visit to the library yesterday, I picked up four very awesome books that just happened to be written by three of my friends plus myself.

Stranded by Don & Stephanie Prichard
Shattered Image by Stacy Monson
As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad
and Memory Box Secrets by me!

No surprise, the books wanted to take a shelfie or two. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!)

Here’s a little library book spine poetry:

Of course, you can’t have a shelfie without someone photobombing:

And here’s a fuzzy phone pic from the library shelf where all four books were stacked together.

–This is also an encouragement to readers to request your favorite books and authors at your local library. As you can see, it works!–

And Thank You to the Anoka County Library system for honoring my book requests! Minnesota does have The Best libraries!

 

The Winner of WAIT FOR ME is …

*** Maxie Anderson ***

Congratulations, Maxie, on winning the Kindle version of Jo Huddleston‘s new release, Wait for Me! I’m certain you’ll enjoy Jo’s story!

Winner chosen via Random.org.

 

Memory Box Secrets, Kindle Version, Now Corrected!

After three weeks of wrangling with Amazon, they finally have the correct version of Memory Box Secrets on Kindle. Yeah! So if you’ve been holding off on purchasing it, I now give you my blessing. If you purchased Memory Box Secrets before the fix, it will either automatically update on your Kindle (as mine did), or you should have received a notice from Amazon informing you of the change. I believe you would download the update on your Kindle page.

Purchase at Amazon | B&N | BAM

And with the correction, I figured it was time to throw together another short book trailer. It still needs a bit of tweaking, but for now it works. Enjoy!

Memory Box Secrets

Get to Know Author Jo Huddleston

*** Book Giveaway ***

See below for contest rules

I’m very happy to welcome author Jo Huddleston to my blog today. Jo was gracious enough to welcome me to her blog back on June of 2014 following the release of Chain of Mercy, and I’m very happy to return the favor with Jo’s newest release, Wait for Me.

Thank you for visiting with me today, Jo! Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?

I like to laugh with people but not at people. The beach is my favorite vacation spot. I don’t like to see or hear about people or animals being abused. I’m a spectator fan of several sports, my favorite being tennis. I don’t like being in the dark and am fearful of snakes! I live with my husband in the U.S. Southeast, close to our two grown children and our grandchildren.

Congratulations on your new release, Wait for Me! How exciting! Can you tell us about this story? What inspired it?

When I wrote my latest novel, Wait for Me, I had been to a real coal community one time. One memorable time. I went home from college with a girlfriend for a weekend. Her home was in the coal mining region in southern West Virginia. We had arrived at my friend’s home after dark and I did not see any part of the coal community until the next day. My friend took me to the company store. When we left the store and stood on the porch, I saw the coal mine’s tipple. An imposing structure towering above all else around it. The memory of that tipple engrained itself deep within my mind. When I began writing for publication, I always had a desire to write about a coal camp’s tipple. My first published novels, the Caney Creek Series, were set in the southern Appalachians of East Tennessee. I decided my second fiction series would be set in the coal mining region of West Virginia.

Could you tell us about your journey to publication?

As many writers, the dream of writing a novel has always been with me but I began by writing for periodicals. I’ve had more than 200 articles, devotions, and short stories published in over fifty Christian and secular periodicals. I’ve traditionally published three devotional-type nonfiction books. Then I had a health problem that prevented me from writing anything at all. For seven years I was unable to write either with paper and pen or with the computer. After those seven years, I traditionally published my first novel trilogy, The Caney Creek Series. After those years of inactivity I found I was a more patient and God-grounded person. I have now finished book #1 in the West Virginia Mountains Series—Wait for Me.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the second book in the West Virginia Mountains Series. No title yet—I usually get my titles from a scene or chapter in the book.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. And, of course, reading—I mostly read historicals and mysteries. I love to read cozy mysteries, but I’m unable to write them.

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

No chocolate—doctor’s orders. I know, what a sacrifice. I do sneak a few bites of chocolate now and then and when I do it’s milk chocolate.

About Jo Huddleston~

Jo Huddleston is a multi-published author of books, articles, and short stories. Her debut novels in the Caney Creek Series and her latest book, Wait for Me, are sweet Southern romances. She is a member of ACFW, the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and holds a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Jo lives in the U.S. Southeast with her husband, near their two grown children and four grandchildren. Visit Jo at www.johuddleston.com.

About Wait for Me~

Can Julie, an only child raised with privilege and groomed for high society, and Robby, a coal miner’s son, escape the binds of their socioeconomic backgrounds? Set in a coal mining community in West Virginia in the 1950s, can their love survive their cultural boundaries?

This is a tragically beautiful love story of a simple yet deep love between two soul mates, Robby and Julie. The American South’s rigid caste system and her mother demand that Julie chooses to marry an ambitious young man from a prominent and suitable family. Julie counters her mother’s stringent social rules with deception and secrets in order to keep Robby in her life. Can the couple break the shackles of polite society and spend their lives together? Will Julie’s mother ever accept Robby?

Get in touch with Jo~

Website | Blog | Lifelines Blog | Facebook | Goodreads

Purchase Wait for Me~

Amazon

>>>Book Giveaway<<<

Jo has graciously offered to give away one Kindle ebook copy of Wait for Me. To enter, leave a comment below.

This contest ends Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Monday, May 18, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

Book Review: Shattered Image by Stacy Monson

A few weeks back you had the opportunity to meet author Stacy Monson and her hero from her debut novel, Peter Theisen. Now finally, here’s my official review of Shattered Image. (Which you can purchase at Amazon, B&N, & BAM)

She’s forced from the spotlight.

He can’t wait to jump in.

SHATTERED IMAGE by Stacy Monson is one of the best books I’ve read all year. Using snappy prose, Stacy has penned a story that grabs you at the very first sentence and doesn’t let go until the last. I really liked that the romance between Kiera and Peter grew organically, and didn’t happen at first sight or first touch. And it was so much fun watching the two fall in love! You really want things to work out for them. But huge obstacles are thrown in their paths as he goes off on his music tour, believing he can have it all, while she stays behind to care for her ailing father, wishing Peter was there with her, knowing that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, praying it doesn’t change him. But it can’t help but change him and her.

Peter and Kiera are lifelike and multi-dimensional characters. I especially like Peter whose bashfulness is adorable. He’s cute, but has no clue, and he’s always stumbling over his words (which Kiera loves). Yet, he’s confident in his musical ability. Whereas Kiera knows she’s beautiful, but she wishes people would see beyond her face and fame to the person and the heart inside (as Peter does). She wants to spread that word to teens through her One of Me program, a program I’d love to see in our schools and churches.

(Also, as a Minnesotan, it was fun seeing our lovely state through a different set of eyes.)

Stacy puts the reader through a gamut of emotions from laughing to crying to wanting to knock some sense into the characters. You care about them that much. She lifts the façade of fame and physical beauty, unveiling the truth. We are so much more than what others see on the outside.

Purchase Shattered Image

Amazon | B&N | BAM

About Stacy Monson~

Stacy Monson writes stories that show an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Her current release, Shattered Image, is the first book in the Chain of Lakes series. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she is the current secretary and past president of MN-NICE, as well as the area coordinator for Minnesota. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, mom to two amazing kids and two wonderful in-law kids, and a very proud grandma. You can learn more about Stacy and her books at www.stacymonson.com.

Get in touch with Stacy~

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram: Stacy_Monson

About Shattered Image~

Kiera Simmons’ career as a high-profile fashion model ends abruptly when a failed relationship nearly lands her in jail. Now she forges a quiet life helping teens understand their eternal value in a world saturated with the distorted messages of society.

Peter Theisen is on the fast track to everything the celebrity life promises, with every step of his meteoric rise in the music world orchestrated by his ambitious manager.

Their sweet, unexpected romance is threatened by her past and his future, a life-changing diagnosis, and financial devastation. As they struggle to find their way back to each other, and to the One who matters most, the allure of wealth and fame may jeopardize everything.

As Love Blooms Visits Como Park Conservatory

As my good friend Lorna Seilstad‘s latest release takes place at the Como Park Conservatory (a beautiful St. Paul landmark) I had to bring As Love Blooms along with me for a day of photobombing. You can see several of the pics at Inkspirational Messages:

http://inkspirationalmessages.com/as-love-blooms-at-como-park-conservatory/

Lorna’s also offering a book giveaway to one lucky commenter at the Inksper blog, so click on over to enter.

 

Pieces of Granite Mother’s Day Sale!

Amazon | B&N

With Mother’s Day approaching, I can’t think of a better gift than a book about a mom, so it’s a perfect time for a sale.

Pieces of Granite (Coming Home series prequel) is about a strong mom (Debbie Verhoeven), one who’s independent and self-sufficient. But when Debbie’s faced with the news that her unborn baby has Down syndrome and her husband begins to pull away and her brothers refuse to get along, that strength gets stretched to the breaking point.

How many moms haven’t felt that way at times? I know I have.

Too often in our world today moms are told we can be everything and have it all. We can be superwomen! But that’s a lie. Women have to learn that it’s okay not to be strong all the time, and that we won’t be good at everything. We just have to be who God created us to be. Nothing more. Nothing less.

And yes, God certainly does give us more than we can handle–on our own. Often it takes us reaching that breaking point before we realize we need to surrender and let God carry our load for us. That’s the very lesson Debbie has to learn in Pieces of Granite.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

Novel Anticipation – May 2015

Along with May flowers comes a beautiful bouquet of books–sorry, I couldn’t resist.

And the Winner of Shattered Image is …

*** Melanie Backus ***

Congratulations, Melanie! I know you’ll love SHATTERED IMAGE by Stacy Monson! It’s a fabulous read!

Contest from this blog post: http://brendaandersonbooks.com/2015/04/28/get-to-know-peter-from-stacy-monsons-shattered-image/.
Winner chosen via random.org

Meet Debut Author, Stacy Monson!

This past Tuesday, you got to meet Peter Theisen (the hero from Stacy Monson‘s debut release SHATTERED IMAGE) in a fun character interview found >here

I met Stacy about five years ago when she headed up the formation of MN NICE, the Minnesota chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Since then, Stacy has become a critique partner, mentor, and friend. I’ve been very blessed to have her in my life. And now you have the chance to get to know Stacy better too.

[Oh, and don’t forget, Stacy is giving away a copy of Shattered Image. To enter, head on over to her character interview >here< and ask her hero, Peter, a question in the comments]

Good morning, Stacy! Thank you so much for visiting my blog today! Could you tell my readers about your journey to publication?

Wow – where to start? I have been writing stories and creating characters for as long as I can remember. A friend and I would “design” houses for our 26 kids (the Duggars had nothing on us!). We loved coming up with names, figuring out where all those kids would sleep, etc.

In high school, I had an ongoing story that a group of friends would read and then give ideas as to where the story should go next. It was fun to have their input. Once I graduated from college, got married and started a family, my writing mainly went by the wayside, although there were times I would work on a story just so I could get it out of my head! I even submitted it, which was pretty brave of me back then. I don’t know why it didn’t get snapped right up!

About seven years ago, I had an epiphany while watching an Oprah show on mid-life “opportunities” and realized it was time to get serious about writing. I signed up for a novel writing course through The Loft, made my very first writing friend (Ann Page), and the journey was on.

I joined several national writing organizations, met tons of great people, and learned so much about the craft of writing (which I continue to learn). I was part of starting the first ACFW chapter in Minnesota – MN-NICE, joined a few critique groups, and started a writing group through my church. Along the way I watched many, many friends sign contracts and get published. I was thrilled for them, and wondered when it would be my turn. I signed with a lovely agent and worked with her for two years. A year or so later I signed a contract with a publisher who had started up a fiction line. Unfortunately that didn’t last and I was back to wondering if I would ever get published, or if my journey was more about encouraging others on their journey to publication. Those were some really hard times, long nights, prayers of confusion. But even through those difficult moments, I couldn’t stay away from writing for long.

In the summer of 2014 I went to a writing retreat in Montana with a few friends where I learned about indie publishing. I had never, EVER been interested in self-publishing, but so much has changed in the publishing world that it didn’t seem so self-serving anymore. I dug in to learn, was mentored by wonderful, patient people (like Brenda Anderson!!) and released the first book in my first series. What a thrill to see my story finally in print!

Yes it is a thrill! And Congratulations!!! Can you tell us about Shattered Image? What inspired this book?

Shattered Image is about people finding out who they are in God’s eyes, and why that matters more than what society says they should be. Kiera is a former fashion model determined to stay out of the spotlight forever. Peter is an up-and-coming pop singer who’s equally determined to find fame and fortune under the spotlight. What they learn together, through various trials, missteps, and personal issues, is that the spotlight doesn’t matter unless it’s God’s spotlight. But it’s a lesson they both have to learn the hard way.

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

Chocolate. Period. I am definitely a chocoholic but I don’t need that fancy stuff. I’m happy with simple chocolate in any form – milk, dark, or white.

About Stacy Monson~

Stacy Monson writes stories that show an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Her current release, Shattered Image, is the first book in the Chain of Lakes series. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she is the current secretary and past president of MN-NICE, as well as the area coordinator for Minnesota. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, mom to two amazing kids and two wonderful in-law kids, and a very proud grandma. You can learn more about Stacy and her books at www.stacymonson.com.

Get in touch with Stacy~

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram: Stacy_Monson

About Shattered Image~

Kiera Simmons’ career as a high-profile fashion model ends abruptly when a failed relationship nearly lands her in jail. Now she forges a quiet life helping teens understand their eternal value in a world saturated with the distorted messages of society.

Peter Theisen is on the fast track to everything the celebrity life promises, with every step of his meteoric rise in the music world orchestrated by his ambitious manager.

Their sweet, unexpected romance is threatened by her past and his future, a life-changing diagnosis, and financial devastation. As they struggle to find their way back to each other, and to the One who matters most, the allure of wealth and fame may jeopardize everything.

Purchase Shattered Image~

Amazon | B&N