Friday, March 31, 2017

Interview with Lillian Duncan and giveaway!!!!

BROKEN TRUST
LILLIAN DUNCAN


GIVEWAY INFORMATION:

To celebrate the release of BROKEN TRUST, I’m giving away Amazon Gift Cards. All you have to do is hop over to my blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com and leave a comment under one of the Broken Trust posts and you’re entered. Easy Peasy!

OFFICIAL BLURB:

Life is all about choices…and consequences. Chryssie Mason longs to soar like a butterfly, but a lifetime of bad choices has kept her in the caterpillar stage. After years of struggling, her dreams are finally within her grasp. Her only goal is to graduate from nursing school so she can have a better life—so she can morph into a butterfly. With her final exam only days away, she witnesses a murder. A butterfly would call the police, but she decides to take the easy way out…once again. Life has taught her to never trust anyone, especially herself. With her freedom and her very life at risk, it’s time to trust. And that choice changes everything.






Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us. To learn more about Lillian, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.





INTERVIEW:

Tell us a little about you.

My husband and I live in a small town in Ohio. I mean small—we only have 1 traffic light. But I love being back home. I grew up in the area, but moved to the big city of Cleveland for many years. Like Dorothy, I love being home again.

When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

That’s an interesting story. I was turning 40 and like lots of other 40 year olds, something was missing in my life. I was watching some show (probably Oprah) and her guest recommended writing your own obituary but not to include anything you’ve done up to that point. They said write in outlandish things that you couldn’t imagine.

One of the things I wrote was that I was an author. What? Up to that point, I’d never thought of writing a book in spite of how much I loved books. When I reread those words, something sparked.

And a writer was born.

What is your 'how I got published' story?

I only need two words to tell that—hard work…and perseverance. OK, technically that’s four words. It actually took me fifteen years to get a traditional contract. I can’t tell you how many times I quit writing but I always started back up which is why I always tell writers—DON’T QUIT!

How did you develop your love of story?

From my love of reading. From the moment I learned to read, I loved stories. From the time I learned to read, I rarely went anywhere without a book. To the grocery store, to my relatives’ houses, camping. And yes, I was one of those people that read under the covers and in a car.

What is your favorite genre to read? To write?

The answer to both is Christian mystery and suspense with a little horror thrown in from time to time. I guess writing is sort of like eating. You are what you read, and for me that means I’m a suspense/mystery writer.

Most people don’t think of murder mysteries and suspense novels as Christian Fiction. What do you say to them?

I can certainly understand their point of view. And for some readers my stories might be a bit too graphic or edgy and that’s okay, I would say my readers are those who like traditional suspense and mystery novels but are tired of all the explicit language and sex scenes that aren’t necessary to a good story.

I don’t promote or glorify violence in my stories and show characters experiencing the natural consequences of their bad choices and bad actions. My characters are usually on a spiritual journey as well—but some are further along than others.

Tell us about BROKEN TRUST.

BROKEN TRUST is my latest book, releasing March 17. There’s lots of action but it will also make you go…aww. It explores the issues of trust (of course) but also choices and how one choice can change your life—for better or for worse.

BROKEN TRUST is Chryssie’s story. Her complete name is Chrysalis which is another name for a cocoon. Chryssie wants to soar like a butterfly but she keeps making choices that keep her stuck in the caterpillar stage.

She’s days away from graduating from nursing school when she witnesses a murder. Once again she takes the easy way out and once again she has to face the consequences of her choice—this time with life and death consequences.

What’s the setting for BROKEN TRUST?

Broken Trust is set in Cleveland, mostly in the Ohio City area and the Flats.

What’s your day job? Tell us a little about it.

I retired as an SLP from a large city school district in Ohio, then spent several more years working part-time in smaller, rural districts near where I live. Between the two jobs, I don’t think there is any type of child I haven’t worked with at least once.

I loved my job and miss it. Mostly I miss the children, not the paper work. If it weren’t for serious health issues, I would still be working.

What sort of serious health issues?

In 2012 I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and subsequently a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. A long name that basically means I can develop tumors at any time on my nerves but especially in the brain.

It’s been a long, long journey but God is good. There’s a lot of things I can’t do these days, but I can still write! And for that I’m very thankful.

What do you want readers to take away from BROKEN TRUST?

We all make bad choices and then have to face the consequences of them but God is a God of second chances and third and fourth and… We do not have to let our past dictate our future.

What is your writing process?

I never know what is going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face, but anything goes after that. If I’m writing and start to feel bored—then I kill someone or blow something up. And that way it’s a surprise to me and to my readers.

Do you know who the bad guy is when you begin your story?

Not usually. Most of the time I have several characters who it might be and as the story comes to a conclusion, I’m surprised right along with my readers.

How does faith play a part in your writing?

That’s changed a lot over the years. When I first started writing, I wrote mainstream (secular) mysteries ad suspense. As I grew closer to God in my daily walk, my writing began to reflect that and so I started writing Christian mysteries and suspense. In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and have had to learn to rely on God in a whole different way and so my writing reflects that now as well by having a deeper spiritual message than before.

In fact, I have my first non-suspense novella scheduled to be released in October of this year. PUZZLE HOUSE is a complete departure from what I usually write. I would classify it as simply Christian Fiction, a story about a woman who is asked the question, ‘Do you want to be healed or to be a healer?” by a very important person.

What inspired you to write this series, or this novel in particular?

I first “met” Chryssie in a short story I wrote but I wanted to learn more about her and her story so….BROKEN TRUST is the result.

Do you have personal experience with any of the events in Broken Trust, and if so, could you share about that?

Only in that I worked and lived in Cleveland for many years as a school speech pathologist.

Paper or e-reader? There are certainly pros and cons to each. Which is your favorite?
I prefer a “real” book with paper. Unfortunately, I don’t read them that way very often because of my eyesight. So, I use an e-reader almost exclusively these days.

Do you have a favorite or “life” verse? Why is that one important to you?

Romans 8: 28:   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with brain tumors. The treatments and the side effects wreaked havoc on my health! I was very sick but I kept repeating this verse over and over. It kept me trusting God and it kept me in peace and joy in spite of how bad I felt at the time.

How did your education or previous career impact your journey to publication and where you are now?
My day job was as a school speech pathologist, better known as a speech therapist. So for more than 30 years I listened…and listened…and listened some more. I think it helped me in a lot of areas but certainly with writing dialogue of my characters.

If you could offer a word of encouragement to an aspiring author, what would you say?
DON’T GIVE UP! It took me 15 years to get a traditional contract, and now I have almost 20 books published! If I can do it, so can you. But not if you give up. KEEP WRITING!

What are you working on now?

I already mentioned my next release, PUZZLE HOUSE—the tagline is Life isn’t a box of candy, it’s a puzzle. At the moment, I’m working on a sequel for it called THE DAVID YEARS. I’m also in the middle of revising and editing another book, ENCOUNTERS, that explores several issues including how our encounters with others is like a spider web. They link us to each other in ways we don’t always understand. Plus I have a couple ideas for new suspense books swirling around in my brain as well. So many ideas—not enough time!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.lillianduncan.net and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com My blog is TIARAS & TENNIS SHOES at www.lillian-duncan.com.  I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan.



Thursday, March 30, 2017

Let Love Spring



Blog Stops

March 30: Lighthouse Academy
April 2: Back Porch Reads
April 5: A Greater Yes
April 7: Carpe Diem
April 11: Karen Sue Hadley

About the Book

Book: Let Love Spring
Author: Jodie Wolfe, Sandy Faye Mauck, & Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: March 30, 2017


Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/2o2wrC4

An Angel for the Cowboy 

When the bank threatens foreclosure on Essie Love’s home, it’s up to her to provide for her sisters. She’ll do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means marrying a stranger.
Jud Steele is wanted for a crime he didn’t commit. Wounded and left for dead, he lands on Essie’s doorstep. While she nurses him back to health, he finds himself longing for a home and family.
Can two desperate people find a path that leads to what they both need?

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading An Angel for the Cowboy. A tried and true romance plot with some twists -- he's mistaken for a criminal, she writes dime-novels, and she is the one who has to try to figure out how to prove his innocence since the sheriff wanted to do nothing about it.  I expected to have Teddy and Kit star in the other stories in this, but they didn't. I hope to someday have the chance to read their stories.  

This story held my interest to the end. The faith message was weak, but present.  Those who like historical romances, willl likely love An Angel for a Cowboy. 

Spring Recaptured

The seed that falls in the dead of winter sometimes becomes the seed of life that rises in spring.
 Late winter’s chill heats up quickly when Ren Klinghoffer sees the only girl he’s ever loved coming back into town after disappearing one dark night six years ago. The rumors of her being widowed and having a child appear to be true.
Andrea Vandermere Radcliff nervously returns to Springdale to stay with her aunt, afraid of only two things—keeping the secret that could harm her family and facing the beloved man she was stolen from.
Anger and unforgiveness plague the once betrothed couple. Will their broken hearts mend enough to bring them to the place of God’s peace and hope? Or will the sins of others permanently destroy the love that once bloomed in the spring of their lives?

My thoughts: Spring Recaptured is a dear story. A historical with a different twist, with an endearing child and a hero I absolutely adored. Ren is a book-lover and a bookstore owner and Andi is a widow, returning to her hometown after a scandal involving her father. Unfortunately, not all the town folk are welcoming, and some want her gone. 

I loved that part of the child's name had "ren" in it as a nod to Andi's former love. 

I also  loved the way the German language is used in it, it  makes it more true to life.  The faith message is a bit stronger than the first story. Fans of historical romance will adore Spring Recaptured. 

A Love Not Forgotten

Allison White should be thrilled about her upcoming wedding. The problem? She’s still in love with her fiancé, Chaz, who was declared dead after being shot down over Germany in 1944. Can she put the past behind her and settle down to married life with the kindhearted man who loves her?
It’s been two years since Charles “Chaz” Powell was shot down over enemy territory. The war is officially over, but not for him. He has amnesia as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, and the only clue to his identity is a love letter with no return address. Will he ever regain his memories and discover who he is, or will he have to forge a new life with no connections to the past?

My thoughts:  A Love Not Forgotten is a World War 2 story. Chaz is a wounded hero, a man who only knows his name due to a letter found in his possessions. He doesn't know his last name, who the letter writer is or anything. 

Allison is engaged to be married after Chaz is presumed dead, and is torn. Should she break her engagement and go back to Chaz or carry on with her new man? 

Chaz suffered from PTSD (though that term is not used) and suffers violient tempers and headaches. Everyone is really patient with him and loving. The secondary story involving Rosa and her husband is actually the one that piqued my interest and kept me wanting to find out what was happening there.   

A Love Not Forgotten is another great story that fans of historical romance should love. 



My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, LET LOVE SPRING is a charming collection of novellas  that are sure to appeal to any historical romance reader. All the authors are new to me,  but I adored the cover and wanted to see what this collection was like. I'm glad I did! 

I easily read all three stories in an afternoon as they averaged about sixty pages each in lenght.  A great collection to add to your e-reader for your spring reading. I think it is also going to be available in print.  


Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:
A Grand prize of a Historical themed Gift bag valued at $50
1st – 5th places: An eBook copy of “Let Love Spring”

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b55e

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Sandy Faye Mauck writes character driven historical fiction with a romantic heart and a sprinkle of humor. God’s truth is woven throughout her stories bringing hope and new life. She and her writer husband live in their own happily ever after on the Pacific Coast that holds their hearts.


Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed light bulb inventor) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She lives in NH with her husband, Wes and her fur-baby, Ben. Visit her at http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com./

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The Legend of the Sand Dollar


The Legend of the Sand Dollar, Newly Illustrated Edition: An Inspirational Story of Hope for Easter 

Hardcover 

Illustrated, February 7, 2017

by Chris Auer (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

  • Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool - 3
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Zonderkidz; Illustrated edition edition
  • ISBN-13: 978-0310749806

This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Sand Dollar renews the wonder and charm of the original and timeless tale written by Chris Auer. With new vibrant artwork from Bad Dog, Marley illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic is brought to life for a new generation. The Legend of the Sand Dollar tells the story of Kerry, as her cousin Jack reveals to her the deeper meaning of Easter hidden within something as small as a sand dollar. This Easter tale reminds everyone everywhere that when Jesus died for us and was resurrected, he promised hope for all.



My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR is a beautifully illustrated story about a girl who went to visit her cousin Jack without her parents. And  while she was there, Cousin Jack took her out on his boat to an island where she found a sand dollar and illustrated how it depicts the Savior's birth, death, and more with the designs on it and the shapes that come when it is broken. A sweet story that parents or grandparents will enjoy reading to their favorite children. Perfect for the Easter season or anytime. 


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

REDEMPTION’S WHISPER – BEHIND THE STORY by Kathleen Friesen and #Recipe

REDEMPTION’S WHISPER – BEHIND THE STORY

I have to confess, when Hayley Blankenship entered the story of Nila’s Hope, I didn’t like her. A self-centered party girl, she seemed to care only about her own pleasure without concern for those she may hurt in the process. Not someone I’d want for a friend.

But as I got to know her better, her insecurities began to show. That’s when she touched my sympathies and made me want to dig deeper into what made her who she was.

By the time Redemption’s Whisper opens, Hayley has undergone a transformation, from the girl who needed to be the life of the party to someone unsure of the value of her life. She hasn’t given up completely—at least not recently—but she’s barely clinging to hope. Hope that someone will love her and hope that God can forgive her, even though she can’t forgive herself.

So she heads to the only place she’s ever felt truly cared for, Pastor Dave and Lydia Harris’s home. Dave and Lydia are two of my favorite characters, and I’d love to be more like them in their open-arm policy of evangelization. They welcome anyone who needs help, hope, and the love of God. Yeah, they’re what I want to be when I grow up.

Trevor Hiebert’s story is one I had to discover as I wrote it. His deep-rooted anger yet gentle, respectful manner drew me in, and his journey to redemption will stay in my heart forever. In some ways, he is me as I relived my own descent into hatred and my need to forgive and be forgiven.


My prayer is that the power of redemption in Christ Jesus grips readers’ souls through this story. We all need redemption; we all need to forgive and be forgiven. In this, Redemption’s Whisper is everyone’s story.

Redemption’s Whisper - Blurb 


Desperate to escape her past, Hayley Blankenship flies from Toronto to the Saskatoon home of Pastor Dave and Lydia Harris, the only people who may be able to help her. If she doesn’t find a reason to hope, she may give in to the temptation to end it all. If only someone could love her, in spite of what she’s done.

Trevor Hiebert aces the interview for his dream job in Toronto, but he’s torn. His beloved parents need him, and while he doesn’t want to let them down, he craves the affirmation he hopes to find in the big city. But on the flight home to Saskatoon, he meets an intriguing, gorgeous redhead with dark secrets of her own. Can these two troubled souls gain the peace they need—and in the process, find love?



 

Twitter: @KFriesenAuthor
 
Redemption’s Whisper: http://amzn.to/2gD5GBx
Nila’s Hope: http://amzn.to/1Rj4dcf
Melody’s Song: http://amzn.to/2crPi2U
 



CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs unbeaten
1 teaspoon hot water
1 pkg. chocolate chips
½ cup chopped nuts
2 cups oatmeal
1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift flour and baking soda. Cream fat until fluffy. Add sugars; cream well. Beat in eggs, add hot water, add sifted ingredients. Add nuts, chocolate chips, and oatmeal. Mix well. Add vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350F 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack.





Kathleen Friesen writes contemporary stories of faith that overcomes tough trials and deep heartaches. Her desire is for her readers to see themselves in the characters of her stories, and to realize that Jesus Christ is the true hero.
Kathleen spent her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and, after marrying the man of her dreams, survived the first thirty years of married life on the Canadian prairies, where they raised three fantastic children. Now she and her patient husband, Ron, live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

Monday, March 27, 2017

21 Days of Grace with giveaway~~~



About the Book



Click to purchase

Book: 21 Days of Grace
Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group). Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.
My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, 21 DAYS OF GRACE is a fiction-lover's devotional. Filled with fictional stories written by best-selling novelists, Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, Deb Raney, Cecil Murphy,  Kathy Ide, etal, as well as lesser-known but just as talented writers such as Robin Bayne, Roxanne Anderson, and many others. The stories range from Amish to missionary, biblical to contemporary, romance to heart-wrenching neediness.  Each includes an application for us to remember and think on and a short bio about the author. 

I would like it if it included a verse or a portion of scripture, and maybe a prayer for us to read, but as it is, it is a wonderful gift book for fiction lovers anywhere. Shut-ins, libraries, mother's day gifts, something for your college daughter to read that isn't a text book, a gift for a sweet friend, or just about any occassion. Beautifully hard cover in bright and appealing colors, this book also includes a ribbon bookmark so you can easily save your place. A great coffee table book, too. 

Know a fiction lover? This devotional includes 21 stories that are sure to touch their hearts, souls and minds. 

About the Author

Kathy Ide is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. She’s a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor, working with Christian authors of all genres at all levels. She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor ConnectionThe Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors NetworkPENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com

Guest Post from Kathy Ide

I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.

Blog Stops

March 23: A Reader’s Brain
March 24: ASC Book Reviews
March 24: autism mom
March 26: The Power of Words
March 27: Lighthouse Academy
March 28: A Greater Yes
March 29: Southern Chelle
March 30: Pause for Tales
March 30: The Scribbler
March 31: Carpe Diem
April 1: Splashesofjoy
April 2: Karen Sue Hadley
April 3: Lane Hill House
April 5: God is Love

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away:
1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series.
5th & 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd

Tour Information


Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/2lhxz2U
Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd
Giveaway code: b2cd

Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction #Devotional by Laura Poole

  Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction   “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words.” ~...