Judy Miller and Free Books!

In the clay-rich hills of the newly founded state of West Virginia, two families are drawn together as they attempt to rebuild their lives and restore a brickmaking business that ties them together.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Becoming Bea, by Leslie Gould, is:

cfernstaedt@ . . .

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 novelist Judy Miller, author of The Brickmaker’s Bride (Bethany House Publishers, October 2014).

Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka, and in her spare time enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write fulltime —a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing from the Lord.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. Her love of history and her desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus are reflected in all of her books.

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

--I was born on January 29th which is Kansas Day, the state I’ve made my home for too many years to count.

--I keep Amazon in business purchasing non-fiction history books—and lots of fiction, too!

--At one time I thought I’d enjoy operating a catering business. Whatever was I thinking?

Yeah, that business is crazy busy, Judy!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Brickmaker's Bride.

Ewan McKay has immigrated to West Virginia with his aunt and uncle, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial help. Uncle Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it's Ewan's job to get the company up and running again.

After they begin operation, Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he quickly feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Resolving that he'll make the brickworks enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Ireland, Ewan pours all his energy into the new job.

When Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work is put in jeopardy. As his hopes for the future crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. Can she help him save the brickworks, and will Ewan finally get a shot at winning her heart?

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

Ewan McKay is a Scots-Irishman who is kind and generous, a young man who believes in keeping his word and doing what is right. He loves the Lord and strives to find good in others. Ewan has a deep love of family and has no fear of commitment or hard work.

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

Hugh Jackman




and Jennifer Lawrence.




What story from recent news do you think would make a good basis for a novel?

There is a trial where a father of two sons, who were pushing the family truck when it ran out of gas, were run over by a drunk driver. The father of the two boys is accused of shooting the drunk driver. Although the father denies shooting the drunk driver, he was charged and is standing trial. I can see so many opportunities to reveal God’s love and mercy throughout a story based on circumstances such as these.

Yes! I saw that story. You're right, Judy, that would make a compelling novel.

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

I love historical fiction so the last novel I read is Longbourn . I loved the rich details the author, Jo Baker, provides in her storytelling. This is not a CBA book so there are portions that might offend some readers.

What are you working on now?

I am finishing The Potter’s Lady, the second book in my Refined by Love series. This story will follow, Rose McKay, one of Ewan McKay’s sisters, as the family moves to Grafton, West Virginia.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.judithmccoymiller.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?

There are a few novels I’ve read, that I will never forget—either because of the story, or the rich details. What is a work of fiction (or two) that you’ve read and will never forget?

Thanks, Judy, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Judy has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Thursday, October 23. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Judy'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 Elizabeth Ludwig, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a free 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.