Marian Merritt, April Releases, and Free Books!

When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Lightning on a Quiet Night, by Donn Taylor, is:

mauback55@ . . .

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

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

And now let's revisit with novelist Marian Merritt, author of The Vigil (Harbourlight Books, February 2015).

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meets the Mountains, grew from both loves. She is the author of Deep Freeze Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, and Southern Fried Christmas.

Marian is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and an accounting certificate from the University of South Alabama. This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.

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

--I rode my own Harley Motorcycle for several years – a 2004 Road King Classic. Now I ride on back of Hubby’s Motorcyle.

--I love to cook.

--I’m gluten intolerant but discovered that I could eat gluten products while in Italy without ill effects.

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

Cheryl Broussard made two vows: She'd never fall for an abusive man, and she'd never return to her Louisiana hometown. But she's learned all too well the lesson of never-say-never. Now, back in Bijou Bayou after fleeing from an abusive boyfriend, Cheryl finds work as a hospice nurse.

While reading a dying patient's Korean War love letters, family secrets shatter Cheryl's beliefs about her family and herself and shed light on the reason she fled her hometown.

When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?

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

Cheryl Broussard is not perfect. She makes mistakes, assumptions, and judgments. Yet she is compassionate. She also learns that God hasn’t given up on her despite her mistakes. I believe readers will be able to relate to her.

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

Cheryl Broussard by: Anne Hathaway




Vivian Broussard by: Meryl Streep




Beau Battice by: Channing Tatum




Carlton Perilouix by: Robert Duvall







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

The resentment Cheryl harbored against her mother was based on a lie. This was revealed as the story unfolded.

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

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate. I loved the characters in the story. They were well developed and real. I also loved that it was not a “preachy” story.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on my next Christmas story set in Cavazzale, Italy. True to my tagline, the story has a Louisiana/Colorado connection.

I’m editing a Women’s Fiction: The Moon Has No Light (Summer 2015 release). Two mothers. One son. Twenty years later. Can the adopted son of one woman be the abducted son of another?

I’m also writing another Women’s Fiction set in Tuscany, Italy and Mandeville, Louisiana. A story of love lost and found.

Where else can readers find you online?

I love to connect on my Facebook author page.

Also, love having readers join my Reader’s Group.

www.marianmerritt.com

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





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

When reading a book, if the setting is a place you’ve never been before, after reading the book, do you feel like you’ve been there? Does it make you want to learn more about the place/region? What settings are your favorites?

Thanks, Marian, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Marian has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, April 20. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Marian's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

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

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

As you scroll down to the bottom of today's post to answer Marian's question, take a look at the terrific Inspirational fiction being released this month!

Amish Romance:

The Postcard by Laura V. Hilton -- David Lapp moves to Jamesport for a fresh start after surviving a "code blue" when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident. His new call to the ministry is complicated by his lingering mobility problems, the Amish church, and a postcard friendship with Jamesport local Rachel Miller. (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)

Contemporary Romance:

Pesto and Potholes by Susan M. Baganz -- Renata Blake trades her abusive past for a new home and church family in Milwaukee, not expecting her attraction to handsome chef and Packer fanatic, Antonio DeLuca. Tony has been burned by love and is too busy to let a woman in his life again. With God's help, and the support of a faith community, will Tony and Renata learn to love again? (Contemporary Romance from Inspired [Prism Book Group])

Together With You by Victoria Bylin -- An agnostic, Dr. Ryan Tremaine loses his heart to his children's god-fearing nanny in this modern twist on The Sound of Music. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Coast Guard Courtship by Lisa Carter -- Coast Guard Officer Braeden Scott's wants freedom and adventure, not assignment to a tiny Virginia coastal village-until a feisty redhead puts charm back into small-town life. Amelia Duer is all about home and hearth and caring for her nephew. As Braeden spends more time with her and the boy, his hopes for a family begin to resurface. Could Amelia be the anchor this charming Coastie needs to stop wandering and create a home for good? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Pinky Promise by Valerie Comer -- Kelly Bryant's young daughter wants a daddy and sets her sights on her new best friend's single father. The man may be charming, sweet, and a believer, but Kelly is embarrassed. She extracts a pinky promise from her six-year-old to stop proposing to men on her behalf. Ian Tomlinson isn't looking for a wife but does need care for his daughter during spring break the week after his move to Riverbend. He hates to ask Kelly - and plant ideas in the girls' minds - but he's rather low on options. How can two single parents fall in love for real with a pair of mini-matchmakers pushing from both sides - pinky promises or not? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Like a Love Song by Camille Eide -- Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she's worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she'd ever turn to-a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Island Refuge by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- A five star chef running from a broken engagement takes a job as a cook and housekeeper at a B&B on a small island off the coast of Washington state. There she meet's Dr. Nick Jackson, the new owner of the Wildflower B&B. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook, INC.)

Dating the Best Man by Gail Sattler -- Cory Bellanger wants to be more than just a friend to his best friend's sister, Daphne Carruthers, but first he needs to come to terms with her painful past and earn her trust. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

From the Start by Melissa Tagg -- Kate Walker's love life may have left her brokenhearted, but it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump sends her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley. There she meets recently injured, and permanently sidelined, NFL quarterback Colton Greene, who is hiding out from the media. When an unexpected project gives Kate and Colton a chance to jumpstart their new lives, will they follow through? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Reclaiming the Cowboy's Heart by Rose Ross Zediker -- Donna crosses paths with her former fiancé, Jamie Martin, at Cheyenne Frontier Days, unprepared for the feelings that still endure after twenty years. As a former party boy, Jamie's newfound faith could pave the way for a second chance at his first love...if Donna can find it in her heart to forgive him for almost destroying her family business so long ago.

General Fiction:

Memory Box Secrets (Coming Home Volume 2) by Brenda S. Anderson -- Years after being abandoned by her parents, a successful sales executive receives a call from her father that he wants back in her life. (General Fiction, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

The Lady and the Mountain Doctor by Misty M. Beller -- When a hunting accident dashes a mountain woman's hopes of ever becoming a genteel lady, can God use the new doctor to heal her wounded heart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Oregon Trail Romance Collection by Amanda Cabot, Melanie Dobson, Pam Hillman, Myra Johnson, Amy Lillard, DiAnn Mills, Anna Schmidt, Ann Shorey, and Jennifer Uhlarik -- Nine romantic adventures take readers along for a ride on the Oregon Trail. Enjoy the trip through a fascinating part of history through the eyes of remarkably strong characters, who stop at famous landmarks along the way. Watch as their faith is strengthened and as love is born despite unique circumstances. Discover where the journey ends for each of nine couples. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

With This Kiss Historical Collection by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, Cara Lynn James, and Julie Lessman -- Five multi-published, award-winning and best-selling Christian authors transport you to yesteryear, when times were tough and love was far more simple...in some ways! (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Doctor's Undoing by Allie Pleiter -- During WWI, serious, dedicated doctor Daniel Parker finds his life and his Parker Home for Orphans turned upside down by the vibrant, optimistic nurse Ida Lee Landway. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Creole Princess (Gulf Coast Chronicles) by Beth White -- During the American Revolution, Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British officer in command of Mobile, Alabama. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie--and save Lyse's family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Buried Secrets (A Men of Valor Novel) by Irene Hannon -- Former Chicago homicide detective Lisa Grant takes a job as a small-town police chief, wanting a kinder, gentler life. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew taxes her department's resources. Enter backup, Detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL. As they work together to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Royal Rescue by Tammy Johnson -- Hidden away for fourteen years, Thea James was presumed dead by most-killed in the fire that burned the royal palace. Thea's new bodyguard, Ronin Parrish, knows she's the only one who can clear his father of the king's murder-and so does the killer. To a commoner like Ronin, the strong, beautiful princess can never be more than a mission, a race to restore Thea's throne...before the murderer ends her reign forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Presumed Guilty by Dana R. Lynn -- Melanie Swanson lost her friends, her fiancé and her freedom when she was found guilty of a crime she didn't commit and spent four years in prison. Police lieutenant Jace Tucker still believes Melanie is guilty-until she is repeatedly attacked and the people around her are picked off one by one. Melanie's memories may help solve the crime she witnessed rather than caused-but proving her innocence could cost her life. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Duty Bound Guardian (Capitol K-9 Unit) by Terri Reed -- Art curator Lana Gomez's life in on the line, and K-9 Officer Adam and his partner, Ace, must stop the assassin. As the danger escalates, Lana and Adam grow closer...but will they survive? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction:

Heir of Hope (Follower of the Word series, Book 3) by Morgan L. Busse -- When the great city of Thyra falls, Rowen Mar, the last Truthsayer, is taken before the Shadonae. But the Shadonae are not who she thought they were, and now they want to claim her as their own. Caleb Tala, former assassin and prince, is now an exiled Guardian of mankind. He wanders the desert in search of his true identity. Rowen and Caleb must find their way through the shadows or the human race will be no more. (Speculative Fiction from Enclave Publishing)

Happy reading!