Interview with Theresa Lynn Hall

Today we welcome Theresa Lynn Hall.  Glad to have you, Theresa. Can you tell us when you realized you wanted to be an author? 

I think when I was in the sixth grade is when I started to realize how much fun writing is. I was an avid reader and would spend my summers visiting the library and reading suspense novels. By the time I was thirteen, I realized I wanted to write a book someday. The day finally came when I was a stay-at-home mom to my two sons. I’ve been writing ever since.

Who are your favorite authors in your genre? Lisa Harris, Katy Lee, Marta Perry. 

Where did you get your inspiration for your characters? It’s hard to say where I get my inspiration from because it comes from many places. I think my characters are a mix of myself and a lot of people I know, or have come into contact with. I try to give my characters problems that most of us can relate to in some way or another.

Which character was your favorite to write? My favorite character was Braden. For the most part, he has it all together. He’s strong, confident and knows what he wants. He has his hang-ups but he’s a rock in some pretty tough situations.

Which was the hardest character to write? Lexi was the hardest to write. She’s been through a lot and realizes she’s on the verge of losing everything. She has to make some tough decisions if she wants to find happiness.

Share your bio and links for social media and to buy:

Bio:

As a native Texan, Theresa loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values.  She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog. She also loves to hear from readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and can be found at www.theresalynnhall.com and @theresalynnhall. 

Personal links:

http://www.facebook.com/theresalynnhall

http://www.twitter.com/theresalynnhall

http://www.pinterest.com/theresalynnhall

http://www.instagram.com/theresalynnhall

Buy links:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

Kobo.com

Private Investigator, Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.

Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.

I will post an excerpt from this book tomorrow.

Finding Gobi: Young Reader's Edition: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey

 

Paperback, ebook, audiobook, audio CD 

August 29, 2017

by Aaron Rosenberg (Adapter), Dion Leonard

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• ISBN-13: 978-0718075316

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of an 80-mile race and Dion’s struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey is the incredible true story of Dion Leonard, an athlete who was befriended by a stray dog while running an ultramarathon through the Gobi Desert. Named for the desert in which he found her, Gobi became Dion’s closest companion for 77 miles of the 155-mile race across China. The scrappy little pup ran mile after mile alongside Dion, through treacherous conditions and across raging rivers. He let her sleep in his tent and share his food, and eventually, his focus shifted from winning to the newfound friendship he and Gobi shared.

They crossed the finish line together—not first, but together—and Dion decided to bring Gobi home to Scotland. Just before they were about to leave, however, Gobi disappeared, setting off a worldwide search for the stray. In a town of more than 3 million people, the search seemed hopeless, but this tale of friendship will surprise and delight you as you find out what happens!

Join the almost too-good-to-be-true story of hope, friendship, and beating incredible odds in Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard. 

My thoughts: (Review by Jenna)  FINDING GOBI is a seriously good book. I have no idea when the last time I sat down and read an entire book in one day. The story about Gobi and how she attached herself to Dion is amazing. At first, he didn't like her all that much then she started to grow on him and by the end of the race he started to make preparations to take her home to Scotland. And from China that is like a LOT of red tape. While they were trying to prepare to cut through all that red tape, she ran off. 

When the book got to this place, I started to worry that the family she was staying with in China was abusive because she had to have a hip replacement and had a scar on her forehead and when he first found her she was wary of people coming to the door. Especially certain people who caused her to bark and go crazy. Mainly the people she was staying with. Like she was afraid of them.  She allowed Dion's best friend to come, she liked him. 

I really enjoyed this story and I hated to put it down. I will definitely read it again.  I really like that it was a real story.  It is also available in a children's book for 'read to me' children or a book for adults with more detail. You won't want to miss this one. Great read! 

I was provide a free copy. All opinions are my own. 

Book Spotlight: Dynamo

Dynamo 

Paperback, ebook

April 1, 2014

by Eleanor Gustafson 

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Whitaker House 
• ISBN-13: 978-1629110066

Jeth Cavanaugh is searching for a new life along one of Pennsylvania's mountain ridges when he stumbles upon a stable of show jumpers owned by Rob and Katie Chilton. Throw in a volatile gaited stallion named Dynamo, and Jeth will do anything to work there. He earns his living by training and showing Rob's jumpers, but Dynamo is his primary passion.

Everything changes when God enters his life—in the unconventional form of a hard slap by an old girlfriend—and ignites a new, greater passion within him. But along with fervor comes fear at the undeniable evidence of God's hand on his life. Inexplicable events, both good and bad, make him moan plaintively, "Why does God do this to me? I get the feeling I'm being set up for something."

He is, indeed. Jeth's life is anything but predictable, much like the God he serves. The real Dynamo and his ultimate trainer emerge out of an excruciating mix of disaster and brokenness, which are never beyond the reach of redemption.

This story is God in your face: Who is He, really? What does He ask of us?

About the Author
Ellie Gustafson began thinking up stories at a young age but did not begin writing and publishing until 1978. A graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, she has been actively involved in church life as a minister’s wife, teacher, musician, writer, and encourager. Additional experiences include gardening, house construction, tree farming, mouse control, and parenting—all of which have helped bring color and humor to her fiction. One of her major writing goals has been to make scriptural principles understandable and relevant for today’s readers through the undeniable power of story. 

The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David grew out of her fascination with the biblical story of David. 
Dynamo builds off her lifelong love of horses.

Clean Getaway by Christy Barritt

Clean Getaway 

Squeaky Clean #13 

Paperback, ebook 

July 17, 2017

by Christy Barritt 

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• ISBN-13: 978-1973720720

Gabby St. Claire Thomas has been given the opportunity of a lifetime: heading up a privately funded Cold Case Squad and handpicking the team members. Persnickety Evie Manson and nerdy Sherman Gilbert join forces with Gabby to bring justice and solace to families who still want answers. 

On their first case, the Squad discovers that the murders of Ron and Margie Simmons are more than cold—they’re frozen solid. The couple’s anniversary celebration ended as a double homicide, and ten years later their daughter still longs for answers. But who would kill the loving couple? What kind of secrets hid beneath their cheery, All-American exteriors? 

With every new lead, someone tries to sabotage their investigation . . . but the team might just end up being their own worst enemies. As a deadline presses in, can Gabby and her Squad bring the heat? Or will this cold-case killer make a clean getaway?

My thoughts:  CLEAN GETAWAY is book 13 in Ms. Barritt's popular Squeaky Clean Mysteries, but book 1 in the Cold Case Squad part of it.. Needless to say that except for Gabby's husband and circle of friends and coworkers this book stands alone. 

Written in first person, the reader is in Gabby's head and knows all her thoughts and suspicions. This can be good as the attacks toward Gabby and her coworker Evie start almost immediately. It definitely keeps the reader reading. 

I did guess part of who-dun-it right away when the person was introduced in the story, but only because I know the genre and the formula. I did have to keep reading to find out why, and then of course, I discovered much more to the case than I initially thought. Ms. Barritt is a master at keeping the reader guessing and with her wacky sense of humor, this book is read with a smile and many chuckles. 

If you like cozy mysteries, then don't miss CLEAN GETAWAY by Christy Barritt.  You'll stay up all night reading this page turner. 

I was given a free copy. All opinions are my own. 

Tangled Webs

Tangled Webs: A Novel 

Men of Valor #3

Paperback, ebook, audiobook, hardcover 

October 4, 2016

by Irene Hannon

• Series: Men of Valor (Book 3)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Reprint edition 
• ISBN-13: 978-0800724542

Three-Time RITA Award Winner Delivers Another Heart-Stopping Thriller

Finn has packed away his combat instincts--but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . . 

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

My thoughts: TANGLED WEBS is the third book in Ms. Hannon's Men of Valor series, but it easily stands alone.  Fans will want to read Thin Ice and Buried Secrets so they don't miss a minute of the suspenseful series. 

TANGLED WEBS is different than the usual run-of-the-mill suspense formula in that you knew who-dun-it and you know why, but you don't know how it will all play out.  I had to keep reading to see if Finn and Dana would put the pieces together and solve it and how. 

The story was a calm, quiet suspense. There were only a couple attacks, but it was more messing with the mind. I sympathized with the characters--all of them. I loved the waitress at the restaurant who saw it all...

If you haven't read TANGLED WEBS grab your copy now. 

I got a copy free. All opinions are my own. 

Web of Deceit

An Agents Under Fire Novel #1

Paperback, ebook, audiobook

March 5, 2015

by Susan Sleeman

·                                 Paperback: 258 pages

·                                 Publisher: Bell Bridge Books 

·                                 ISBN-13: 978-1611944686

Will he help find her sister's killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?

When Fbi Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper-the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the Fbi-Kait doesn't question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.

Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life. 

As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line-including the relationship he's developed with Kait-to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move, and he won't stop until he's exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights to raise his daughter

AGENTS UNDER FIRE

Meet the Agents Under Fire - Kaitlyn Knight, Nina Brandt, and Becca Lange

Book 1 - Web of Deceit featuring Kait Knight - March 5 - 2015

Book 2 - Web of Shadows featuring Nina Brandt - February - 2016

Book 3 - Web of Secrets featuring Becca Lange - May  - 2016

My thoughts:  WEB OF DECEIT is the first book in Ms. Sleeman's Agents Under 

Fire series. I read Web of  Secrets first and I'm happy to announce these books 

stand alone.  

These are not technically Christian books. There are no mentions of God, church

or prayer (and honestly I have no idea  how these agents and officers survived 

their horrific jobs without God.) However, they are clean, and while there might be

mentions of passion, or desire, or longing, there is no acting on it. 

I liked Kait and I loved Sam. Lily was a nice addition. And Lily's dad is the stuff 

nightmares are made of. Seriously.  The man had to have been out of his mind 

to do what he did.  

I learned a lot about computer hacking that I didn't know, and I wanted Kait 

and Sam to find the man before someone else died. 

For more conservative readers, there is a couple instances of "soft swear words", 

and several instances of drinking alcoholic beverages. 

If you like romantic suspense, you will love Susan Sleeman--and this series is 

very suspenseful.  Don't miss WEB OF DECEIT or any of the other books in this 

series.

I was given a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 

Book Spotlight: Ransom in Rio by Theresa Lynn Hall

Private Investigator, Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.

Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.

As a native Texan, Theresa loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog. She also loves to hear from readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and can be found at www.theresalynnhall.com and @theresalynnhall.

Personal links

www.facebook.com/theresalynnhall

www.twitter.com/theresalynnhall

www.pinterest.com/theresalynnhall

www.theresalynnhall.com

www.instagram.com/theresalynnhall

Buy Links

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

Book Spotlight: A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, Montana

A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, Montana 

Brides & Weddings

Paperback, hardcover

January 1, 2012

by Murray Pura

Series: Brides & Weddings

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books
• ISBN-13: 978-1616265335

Join the chase as an unlikely foursome, threatened by a ruthless gang of ne'er-do-wells, strives to reach safety. Montana ranchers Zephaniah Parker and Charlotte Spence are determined to get two Amish children, who witnessed their family's massacre, back home to relatives in Pennsylvania. Will they succumb to the plans of blood-thirsty outlaws or reach Bird-in-Hand alive? 

Along the treacherous trek, Charlotte and Zephaniah's friendship blossoms into love. Will wedding bells soon chime, or will Charlotte's startling admission forever silence potential peals? How will God redeem outlaws and law-abiding citizens in this epic Old West adventure?

Hearts of Purpose

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the two week tour for Hearts of Purpose by Gail G. Nordskog. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs August 21-31, 2017.  Follow the tour here

Book your own tour here WNL

Genre: Christian Living/Women

Book Title: Hearts of Purpose Vol. 1

ISBN-10: 1946497088

ISBN-13: 978-1946497086

                                     About The Author

Gail Grace Nordskog has established the “Gail Grace Nordskog Collection” to embolden readers to live their lives with a “heart of purpose” for God’s glory. Gail has been involved in media for over two decades. She presently produces and hosts a program called Hearts of Purpose, that can be seen on her website, heartsofpurpose.com. Gail and Jerry Nordskog live in Ventura, California, where they have raised six children, four of whom were adopted from China.

                                                   About The Book 

You have a call on your life. My desire is to encourage you to live life in fulfillment of that call. Following the example of Joan of Arc, you can be inspired to live out your purpose in first hearing from God and then taking your stand in following Him. Just as Joan of Arc could step forth in full confidence under the banner of her calling, so we too are under God’s banner as we step out to fulfill our purpose. Hearts of Purpose brings you ten real-life stories about ten ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the Glory of God. As you read of how God called these women to service, you will be motivated to explore His call in your own life. Let this reading experience be an invitation for you to take a step closer to fulfilling your God-given calling in Christ Jesus.

Mary Ann Ambroselli (chapter 1 starting on page 21)

On January 5, 1965, at 10:18 p.m. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces. I was told when the baby was born that I would not see him or be able to hold him, and that he would be taken to his awaiting adoptive parents. I also knew that adoptive parents often did not tell their adopted child that they were adopted, so chances were that he would never know about me. The morning after he was born, a nurse who did not know my baby was being adopted brought him to me and laid him in my arms. Another nurse came in right away and apologized for the mistake, and took him away. To this day, I am grateful for that moment.

I was able to look into his face and tell him I was doing this because I loved him and wanted him to have a life that a two-parent family could give him. The image of his perfect little face is imbedded in my memory. To date, I do not know anything about him or if he knows he was adopted. I continue to pray for him!

As I left the hospital with my mom, depression and sadness set in. I struggled with the meaning of life and what to do next. I did not want to go to church. Facing people there would be much too hard. Besides, all that had happened in my life did not reveal to me that God was loving or compassionate. And, I was sure He did not care about me. I spent my days crying a lot. I had six weeks from the day of my baby’s birth to change my mind about adoption, which I did consider. Dad said there was no way he would support me and the baby. Since I had no idea what I would do or how to support myself with a baby I decided that signing the adoption papers was best for all involved. Even though he may never read this, the following poem written for my son has brought me a lot of comfort.

Blood Mother Farewell

I’ve carried you beneath my heart, and now must let you go.

That you will not remember this, or me, as I do you.

The years will take you even farther from my reach and view. Now other eyes will cherish you, and other arms embrace,

Now other tears will fall for you, and other voices sing,

Yet this I do, that you may never want for anything; not even distant echoes of my weeping as we part; The name I name you, or the thunder of my breaking heart.

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Katie's Forever Promise

• Series: Emma Raber's Daughter (Book 3)
• by: Jerry S. Eicher, author
• Paperback, hardcover, ebook: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers 
• October 1, 2013
• ISBN-13: 978-0736952552

In book 3 of the Emma Raber’s Daughter series, Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher brings the faith-filled journey of Katie Raber to its happy conclusion.

Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community―much to her mother’s delight.

But soon Ben is back in her life again―and at the same time she finds interest from another young man, though his bumbling efforts at winning her heart show him to be a far less desirable suitor than the more polished Ben Stoll.

Readers who have followed the saga of Katie and her attempts to escape the stigma of being just “Emma Raber’s daughter” will be charmed by her new look at life as a young woman with important decisions to make.

Book 3 in the Emma Raber’s Daughter series

My thoughts: KATIE'S FOREVER PROMISE  is the third book in Mr. Eicher's series, and this is my favorite of all of Mr. Eicher's books I've read to date. I couldn't help but fall in love with Katie and her mamm Emma and all the struggles Katie goes through is so realistic. 

Oh, and Ben. My heart broke in book two when he was arrested while Katie was in Switzerland (and what a dream trip that was!) and I was so sad he was out of the series. I was beyond happy when Ben makes an appearance in this book even though Katie had joined the Amish church and moved on. 

Fans of  Amish fiction will want to read this series in order, starting with Katie Opens Her Heart, Katie's Journey to Love, and Katie's Forever Promise. Mr. Eicher writes about the Amish with knowledge that is readily apparent, even though fans need to remember that not all Amish districts are the same and there are differences. 

Don't miss KATIE'S FOREVER PROMISE or either of the first two books in this series. I got a copy of this book free and all opinions are my own.