As We Forgive and giveaway -- interview with June Foster

ANSWER JUNE'S QUESTION TO BE ENTERED IN THE GIVEAWAY, INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION.

Title: AS WE FORGIVE
Author: June Foster
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
September 2012
ASIN: B0094HQDI8
Genre: Inspirational/women's fiction


Tim Garrett wants to serve God as a pastoral counselor, but first he must prove to the staff and elders at Bellewood Fellowship he can handle the job he was hired to do -- work with the senior high youth.

Roxanne Ratner doesn't trust men. She believes they’ll only hurt her like her father did. She fills the empty place in her heart with shopping for designer clothes. Though the perky young hairstylist is attracted to Tim, she plans to keep her distance from the youth pastor.

Despite Tim’s efforts to prove himself as a youth pastor, it seems no one is on his side. The teens hate him. The board wanted to hire someone else. And Tim worries he'll lose his job, ruining his dreams of being a counselor. With his life falling apart, what will it take for him to see God's plans? And will Roxanne be able to move past the abandonment of her father to find love?

AS WE FORGIVE is the first book I've read by Ms. Foster, and it was in the rough form as she was a member of my critique group. It is also the second book in her Bellewood series. AS WE FORGIVE stands alone, but readers will want to read the first book, Give Us This Day to find out the beginnings of Tim's story.

June's characters are realistic, facing true to life struggles and temptations. She doesn't sugar-coat the bad stuff. My heart went out to Tim as he struggled in the impossible situation he found himself in through no fault of his own, and wanted him to find his way out of the pit. If you are looking for a realistic, and well-written story, then be sure to pick up AS WE FORGIVE. The third book, Deliver Us, will release in April 2013. File Size: 335 KB. 197 pages. $5.99

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Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian inspirational romance with an emphasis on the struggles that all humans must deal with. However, my characters find victory in their lives through the power of God and His word. I hope to encourage readers who may find similar issues in their lives. So far, my novels have touched on the issues of obesity, anger, abortion, cults, self image, addictions, and homosexuality. In every case, the hero or heroine adopts a Christian worldview in finding freedom.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I thought and thought and can't think of one particular day. But several days come to mind. When my husband gave his life to the Lord, when I found out I was to be a published author - particularly when I discovered my book Ryan's Father is going to be published by WhiteFire Publishing.

How has being published changed your life?

I never would have believed three years ago I'd be a published author. In fact, I didn't think I'd be writing and spending hours on the computer every day. After all I was a happy, retired teacher. I thought I'd be playing bridge with my friends, sightseeing with my husband as we travel in our RV, scrapbooking, and all the things retired people do. But I was wrong. When the Lord put the desire in my heart to write, He gave me a great love for it. I can't wait to get to my computer each morning. I treasure every moments I spend composing the stories God put in my heart.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished The Awakening by JoAnn Durgin. I'm starting Mama's Bible by Mildred Colvin.

What is your current work in progress?

I'm finishing my edits for The Way Home which I hope to pitch at the ACFW conference. After that, I'm starting a new novel, a bi-racial romance. (I know, not too many of those around.)

What would be your dream vacation?

I'd love to go to Israel.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

So far my books, with the exception of The Way Home, take place in the Seattle area where I lived for 10 years. I hadn't read too many books set in the Pacific Northwest and I dearly love the area, so I figured my characters should live there though the cost of living is pretty high. Now if you won't think I'm crazy, I'll tell you how I chose the setting for The Way Home. I looked at the US map. I really thought the Lord had a location in mind, but I wasn't sure where it was. I pointed and my finger landed on Chico, California. I'm not sure if that was me or maybe God directing me, but anyway, that's how it happened.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I think I'd like to spend the evening with Gail Gaymer Martin. Her book, Writing the Christian Romance helped me so much when I first started. And of course I love her inspirational romances.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

My great-grandfather was a catholic priest, (think about that one), I never had an interest in writing as a youth or young adult – not until I was in my sixties, and I am homeless. (Really)

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to scrapbook and make cards. Now I have very little time for anything else but writing and editing my stories and marketing. Many days I literally spend 12 hours a day on the computer.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it

I have a few writing issues that drive me crazy. My characters speak to each other in dialogue that sounds like two PHD's talking when sometimes they're not even college graduates. Stiff language. I tend to be redundant as well and don't give the reader enough credit. I think many writers struggle with trying to explain too much. RUE. Resist the urge to explain. Say that 10 times, June. My critique partners are so good at pointing out these things. I can't thank them enough.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Oh, write, write, and write some more. Read all the "how to" books you can get your hands on, and don't get discouraged - no matter what. Most importantly, trust the Lord and pray.


Tell us about the book.

As We Forgive is book two in my Bellewood Series which just released September 1. Tim Garrett helped Jess Colton back to health in Give Us This Day but now can't control his world which is toppling down on his head. If Tim can't conquer his volatile anger, he could lose it all - his job as a youth pastor and the woman he loves, hairstylist Roxanne Ratner. Roxanne doesn't trust Tim any more than she could trust her father who abandoned her at age ten. Now she must gain control of her shopaholic tendencies before she can reach her goal of owning her own salon.


What do you want readers to take away from the book?

Tim learned anger from his father. Roxanne compensated for the loss of her father at the young age of 10 by filling the void in her life with shopping. I’d like readers to experience my characters’ issues and come away with hope – God can bring us out of the messes we make of our lives allowing us to live victoriously.

What one question would you like us to ask your readers?

In a Christian novel, do you enjoy reading about characters who allow God to touch their lives in bringing healing? Is it easy to identify with them sometimes?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.
A gift card from Amazon for a Kindle version of the first two books in the Bellewood series – Give Us This Day and As We Forgive.

Leave a comment on this review for a chance to be entered into the As We Forgive Blog Tour Giveaway. Our prize pack includes two sets of handmade cards (one monogrammed, one miscellaneous cards) A San Juan Island Pendant, and a Amazon Gift Certificate for $10.00. Visit June's Blog (http://junefoster.blogspot.com) for more chances to enter during the tour September 17th thru October 15th. Deadline to Enter will be October 18th. The winner will be announced on October 20th.