Interview with Shelley Shepard Gray about her new book Coming Home

Coming Home

Shelley Shepard Gray

 

 

Tell us about the book:

COMING HOME is the first book in my Woodland Park Firefighter Series, which focuses on three army veterans who became firefighters in a small, rural town in the mountains. In this particular book, my hero, Anderson Kelly has returned to his hometown after a long absence. He’s thrilled to be back, but when he keeps running into his former high school sweetheart, he knows that he owes her a long overdue apology. The sweetheart is Chelsea Davis. She’s a single mother of an eight-year-old and wants nothing more than to never cross paths with Anderson again. When their jobs force them to spend time together, each realizes that although there’s a wealth of problems between them, there’s also still a spark which neither can deny.

 

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

 

I very much enjoy writing a variety of novels. I like continuing to stretch and challenge myself as a writer. However, I believe that the basis of each novel are the characters. I love to create complex, imperfect, likeable characters in my books. If I start dreaming about them-or find myself imagining how they might react to a certain situation, I know I’m on my way to writing a book that readers will enjoy.

 

What is your current work in progress?

 

I’ve always worked on several books at a time. Today I’ve been working on a novel set in Pinecraft, Florida called HER SECRET HOPE. LOL, whenever the weather’s cold or rainy here in Ohio I love spending my days thinking about the beach.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

 

Let’s see…1) I’m a mess. My husband is constantly picking up after me.

2) I used to stutter and still do if I’m very excited or very upset.

3) I probably read as many books as they do a year!
 
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

We have two dogs, so they’re my main hobby. I also love to travel and love going on cruises and trains. I always, always have some kind of trip planned for at least a year in advance.

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

 

Timelines! I’m terrible at timelines. I write notes, fill out charts, and give my manuscripts to a first reader to help me fix them. I’ve gotten better, but it’s still my Achilles’ heel. I’m not sure if I’m going to ever completely overcome that problem.

 

 

Share your bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestsellin author Shelley Shepard Gray has published over a hundred books. She currently writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Revell, Hallmark, Kensington, and Harlequin. She also writes contemporary women’s fiction for  Berkley romance and Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, Woman’s World Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in northern Ohio, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.

 

 

Website:  https://shelleyshepardgray.com/

Instagram: shelley.s.gray

Facebook: Shelley Shepard Gray

Twitter: @ShelleySGray

 

Sales sites:

Amazon, Christianbook.com

 

 

   

Bound by Mystery (Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries)

 

Bound by Mystery 

(Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries #3) 

September 28, 2022

by Christy Barritt  (Author)

Talitha Robinson is well on her way to completing renovations for her new bookstore, Beach Bound Books and Beans, in Lantern Beach, North Carolina. But when she hosts a friendly meet-and-greet with bookstore owners from nearby islands, the progress she’s making comes to a deadly end.

Someone is backstabbed—literally—right under Tali’s nose. To make matters worse, Tali’s fingerprints are all over the murder weapon and a neighbor claims to have seen Tali commit the crime.

Mac MacArthur knows Tali isn’t the type to hurt anyone, but it doesn’t take a former police chief to figure out things don’t look good for her. The two work together to read between the lines and decipher the truth before Tali gets locked away for crimes she didn’t commit.

As more evidence stacks up, it becomes clear that someone wants to take Tali out of the story. For good.

My thoughts:  BOUND BY MYSTERY is book 3 in this 4 book collection, but it easily stands alone. There is a connecting mystery through-out the series. Tali hasn't opened her bookstore yet but she invites some neighboring bookstore owners to visit and while there, one is murdered with a confusing array of book title poetry as clues. Worse, all evidence points to Tali and she has no proof. Can she find out who-dun-it and why before she's locked away for a crime she didn't commit? As per usual with Ms Barritts books they are fast-paced and kept me guessing. If you like cozy mysteries or know someone who  does, this collection will make a nice gift idea.   Recommended.  I was given a copy free a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

Targeted 

November 1, 2022

by Eason (Author), etal

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

 In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret I Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.

My thoughts:  TARGETED is a collection of three novellas by three very talented authors.  My favorite story was the middle one by Blackburn, but all three were good, kept me guessing, and held my interest. Blackburn's story had a special zing that I loved and I fell in love with the main characters. It also was just plain FUN. If you like romantic suspense or know someone who does TARGETED will make an excellent gift for yourself or someone on your list. Full of action, suspense, and romance.  Recommended, I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

At Bat by BJ Bassett

 

Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.

Psalm 32:1 MSG

Nate was at bat. The pitcher was like the giant Goliath. Strike one. Strike two. Strike three.

“You’re out.”

Shoulders slumped, Nate returned to the dugout. His coach patted him on the back,

encouraging him. “Shake it off. You’ll have another chance.”

The next time it was his turn, he watched the umpire wipe home plate clean. Then Nate

approached, and pushed his cleats into the dirt, finding the best place to stand. He took a couple

of practice swings. The fastball zoomed toward him. Strike one. Strike two. Then he smacked the

ball over the fence. A home run! He ran the bases to the cheers of the crowd.

God gives us a fresh start when we strike out, as Nate did. Our Coach is the Lord God

Himself. He’s our Encourager, giving us a fresh start. Let’s not be hard on ourselves for past

mistakes. Our Coach died for our sins.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Coach and giving me a fresh start. I long to hit a home

run for You, giving You all the glory. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

A Women’s Devotional

BJ Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

 

 

Bound by Disaster (Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries #2)

 

Bound by Disaster 

(Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries) 

 September 6, 2022

by Christy Barritt  (Author)

Talitha Robinson is knee-deep in renovations as she prepares to open her new bookstore when a body washes ashore on Lantern Beach. While news of the suspicious death surges across the island, a stranger comes knocking on Tali’s door, begging her to endorse his  suspense novel.

Unable to dissuade the author, Tali is left holding his manuscript in her hands. But she has no idea of the peril written on its pages.

Mac MacArthur has kept his distance from Tali since they uncovered a shocking connection about their pasts. But when someone begins to act out the murderous scenes from the book, one victim at a time, Mac’s protective instincts override his decision to stay away.

As danger escalates, Mac and Tali must manage their conflicting feelings as they work together to stop this killer . . . before the last chapter is written.

Bound by Disasteris book 2 in a four-book series of cozy suspense novellas featuring Tali and Mac and set in Lantern Beach. Although the main mystery is resolved in each novel, some threads will continue throughout the entire Beach Bound Books and Beans mystery series.

My thoughts: BOUND BY DISASTER is book 2 in this cozy mystery series by Christy Barritt.  The books can be read alone, but there is an underlying thread.  Ms. Barritt is a prolific author who writes stories that are quick reads. Fans will want to pick this book up to find out what trouble finds Tali, her dog, and her friends next.  I didn't guess who-dun-it until it was revealed.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Interview with Chip Arnold and Henry O. Arnold about The Singer in Israel

 

 

Tell us about the book:

 

The Singer of Israel is the third volume in my biblical fiction series The Song of Prophets and Kings. This series is dedicated to telling the stories of the first three kings of Israel and matching them with the first three major prophets of Israel. The first two volumes are entitled A Voice Within the Flame and Crown of the Warrior King. In the first volume, the reader is introduced to Samuel the prophet who anoints Saul, to be the first king of Israel. The second volume is the early days of Saul's reign and his eventual fall from grace.

 

In The Singer of Israel the story begins with David the poet/shepherd crossing the mountains to meet up with the army of Israel camped at the Valley of Elah. With the beauty of his voice the king and the royal family are smitten. But when David slays Goliath, he becomes known throughout the land as the "giant-slayer." David and Mikal, the daughter of the king, fall in love and are married. But King Saul sees David as a threat to his throne and makes several attempts to have David killed. It becomes so dangerous for David that he must flee for his life. Mikal risks her life to save him and is banished from the palace for her disloyalty to her father, the king.

 

How did your interest in writing originate?

 

My parents were actors, teachers, and writers. There is a love of words and storytelling in my DNA. When I became a professional actor it was a natural fit, and the love of language, spoken and written, flowed through me like my bloodstream.

 

What does your writing process look like?

 

There is a lot of research involved ahead of time. Before I begin to write, I think about the characters for a long time. I imagine the scenes that might become the flow of the story and watch the characters play within those scenes. It's much like a rehearsal process for a play. Once I begin to understand the shape of the story, I begin to write what is played out in my imagination. I might have a rough outline, what I call the action throughline, but nothing is written in stone. At any time, the characters can surprise me and the action can take an unexpected turn.  For me, it is an exciting creative process.

 

If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?

 

I come from a professional life in the theatre, so I would want to cast actors who really know their craft. Certainly, there is a marquiee factor when you cast high-profile stars in leading roles. But I would choose lesser known actors who have the acting chops and who understand the spiritual nature of their characters and the story they are telling.

 

Who was your favorite character in The Singer of Israel.

 

I have to say I have two favorites, David and Mikal. A shepherd and a princess fall in love. A very unlikely match, but in spite of the forces arrayed against them, from a giant to a king, they fall in love and enjoy a life together albiet for a short time. 

 

I love David for his deep sense of right and wrong and his holding of God and the king in highest honor. I love Mikal for her devotion to David even to the point of risking her life and eventual banishment to save the life of her husband. They are indeed "star-crossed lovers."

 

What are you working on now? What is your next project?

 

I just completed the fourth volume in this biblical series entitled The Fugitive King. There will be five volumes before the series is complete. But for now I have to write a sequel to my contemporary thriller series The Mercy Seat. The first novel releases from Mountain Brook Ink publishers in January 2024.

 

Share your bio:

 

Henry O. Arnold co-authored the novel Hometown Favorite, with Bill Barton, and a work of nonfiction, KABUL24, with Ben Pearson. He co-wrote and produced with Steve Taylor and Ben Pearson the film The Second Chance starring Michael W. Smith. He wrote the screenplay for the documentary on evangelist Billy Graham, God's Ambassador and the documentary KABUL24, based on the book. His latest documentary film I Go to The Rock: The Gospel Roots of Whitney Houston, will be released in 2023.

 

The Singer of Israel is the third volume in his historical fiction series, The Song of Prophets and Kings. The first two volumes, A Voice Within the Flame and Crown of the Warrior King, are also published by WhiteFire Publishing. He lives on a farm in Tennessee with his lovely wife Kay. They have two beautiful daughters married to two handsome men with three above-average grandchildren. For more information please visit: www.henryoarnold.com

 

Social media and buying links

 

1) Website and Newsletter: www.henryoarnold.com

2) Instagram: Henry O. Arnold

3) Facebook Pages: www.facebook.com  Henry O. Arnold and Chip Arnold

4) Goodreads: www.goodreads.com Henry O. Arnold

5) Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B097S85LFX

6) YouTube: Henry O. Arnold: www.youtube.com

7) Bi-monthly Newsletter – Conversations at the Crossroads accessed through www.henryoarnold.com

8) Author Page at WhiteFire-Publishing: www.WhiteFire-Publishing.com

 

The Gift of Joy (Unexpected Gifts)

 

The Gift of Joy 

(Unexpected Gifts)

April 26, 2022

by Kristen McKanagh  (Author)

Life is full of joy when it's least expected in this sweet Amish romance from the author of The Gift of Hope.

Joshua Kanagy’s older brother has left the family gift shop business, which is wonderful gute for Aaron, but not for Joshua. Horses are his talent—raising and training them. But how can Joshua step away from the shop when his parents have already had to give up the dream of leaving their legacy to all three of their sons?

Enter Joy Yoder, a determined, if sometimes misguided, helper who always manages to drag Joshua into her schemes and promises. Only now her focus turns to finding a solution to his problem, partly to distract from her own. Her mamm has her heart set on Joy marrying the minister’s son, and she’s not sure she wants to.

Joy gets the grand idea to propose to Joshua, offering a partnership of convenience rather than love. But as the wedding approaches, Joy starts to develop feelings  for Joshua. Is it possible Gotte’s plan for Joy includes faith, friendship, and love?

My thoughts:  THE GIFT OF JOY is a sweet read about two childhood friends who decide to marry for a way for both of them to get what they want in a job. What's love got to do with it?  Joy has an amazing ability to get into trouble though, so Joshua is constantly having to rescue her. And what about the man who her parents want her to marry and the plans Joshua's parents have for him? This was a fun read and I enjoyed it.  I look forward to reading more by this author.  If you like Amish romance you will love this book.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.