Anita Onarecker Wood ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 4 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Anita Wood is telling us about her new book, Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge (May 2010). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Here is a little about the featured author:

Author Anita Onarecker wrote Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge to share the story of a life-journey that culminated with meeting Don Piper on a Texas bridge. Her book is a companion story, a back story to 90 Minutes in Heaven, the New York Times bestseller.

As she wrote, God revealed the connection of all their life choices, and how any one different decision would have altered their encounter with Don Piper.

Anita is an eyewitness to miraculous prayer: she’s seen God’s intervention.

Anita understands challenges of life, and brings a message of encouragement.

Her husband Dick died in 1996, completely altering Anita’s life. In 2000, she recognized God’s call to ministry on her life and therefore finished college and seminary. After she received her master’s degree in 2007, she now has a speaking, teaching, writing ministry.

She lives in Spring, Texas, with husband Ed Wood, is her #1 prayer supporter and encourager. She is mother to Terri and Kevin, and Maw-Maw to five grandchildren! God is good.

Welcome, Anita! Tell us about your salvation experience.
I am always happy to tell others of my salvation. I was born again as a young girl of eight, but sadly failed to grow much until my mid-twenties. Since then I continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Jesus communicated clearly to my heart as a young girl in Sunday School. As the teacher explained about His death on the cross, God stirred my spirit and enabled me to understand my need of salvation. This was a very real encounter with Him that Sunday, life changing and destiny changing.

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
I am a good loyal friend, and true to my word. I take commitments seriously, and endeavor to be dependable. I am sometimes naive, believing others will keep their word as well. I may be hard on myself at times.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I love the outdoors and hiking! Since I live in flat southeast Texas, that’s unusual. My favorite hike was in Zion National Park where my family and I hiked The Narrows, walking continuously in very cold waters. The Narrows is a river stream where the canyon sides are vertical all around you, and the only way in or out is in the water. I never walked so carefully in all my life!

What are you working on now or going to write next?
My next work is in the investigation stage: I’m considering writing about mother/daughter relationships.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I am on facebook: A. Onarecker Wood, also a facebook page for my book: Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge.

I can be reached at anita@anitaonareckerwood.com

Blurb:

I am happy for this opportunity to share about my first published book, Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge.

Millions of people know Don Piper’s story, 90-Minutes in Heaven, and of a man named Dick Onarecker who approached the crushed car, and saw a dead man—Don Piper. Dick felt God’s Spirit compel him to pray two ways: that the man live, and that he have no internal injuries, and that is exactly how God responded. I was there with Dick and Don that morning, as we all traveled from Trinity Pines Conference center after a meeting for church planters.

I believe God wants people to know the background of this miracle, so all His children will see that God uses anyone willing to obey Him, and follow His direction. I am not extraordinary, but God is. He used me and Dick in a way that has become known around the globe since 2004, as 90-Minutes in Heaven is translated in more than 40 languages, and continues to be a New York Times bestseller. Now readers have opportunity to know the “rest of the story” of how the miracle on the bridge occurred. It was a result of God’s activity for a lifetime.

I wrote Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge in chronological order to show how God used us, two ordinary people of no acclaim, to glorify Him. I share life challenges, choices, and decisions that brought us to meet Don that January morning. This is our story of God’s miracle and extraordinary answered prayer.

Much has happened for the three of us since: Don has had repeated surgeries, yet goes around the world telling this miraculous story of life, and approaching the gates of Heaven. Many have come to Christ. Dick is IN Heaven now, having died in 1996. God knew then who would dare to pray, and who would be alive today to tell the story.

Divine Appointment will encourage believers to see their life counts for God. Church planters, and men and women in ministry, will be encouraged seeing the work is never easy, but God is always faithful. Women’s groups will enjoy discussing the struggles, decisions, and challenges of this example of faith.

Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?
As a self published author I receive much direct feedback. I’d like to share a couple with you:
“Unlike Don Piper's book, this is not a story about heaven. It's a story about the things we go through during our journey on this earth. . .and how those things can shape us into faith-filled history-makers. And I dare say, it's worth the price of the book alone just to get the bonus feature at the end of the book. Dick's "sermon" (really more of a life message) sent shivers down my spine.”

A 20-year-old college student said, “This is such a beautiful picture of what it looks like to make sacrifices in an effort to live for something larger than you. It depicts the struggles of living for Christ specifically in a ministry setting and how the Lord mysteriously and miraculously provides for our needs when we chose to obey Him. Allow yourself to be challenged.”

~~~~~

**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Divine Appointment!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
+2 So Over My Head

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 30) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (August 5). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 6th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Karen Witemeyer ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. See below for details.*

Today author Karen Witemeyer is telling us about her new book, A Tailor-Made Bride. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Karen! Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a wife, mother, and Bible study leader who is also an incurable romantic. I'm addicted to happy endings, chocolate chip ice cream, and snuggling with my kids.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I started writing with intent to publish in 2003. I sold a couple of short pieces to magazines and anthologies along the way, but my first contract for full-length novels came in January of 2009. A Tailor-Made Bride is my first novel. My second, Head in the Clouds, will be released in October.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in you books?
I think my writing style is similar to Cathy Marie Hake, Vickie McDonough, and Tamera Alexander. I try to incorporate humor, drama, adventure, and spiritual depth into my stories for an entertaining and uplifting read. I would say that the level of romance in my books could be considered PG. Romance is central to the plot, and you will find a couple kissing scenes. One reviewer recently described my romance as sizzling without sizzling. There is love and attraction, yet everything is kept very chaste.

In your own words tell us a little about A Tailor-Made Bride.
A Tailor-Made Bride is a fun-filled romp in which a feisty seamstress tangles with a set-in-his-ways livery owner in 1880s Texas. Hannah sees beauty as a gift to be shared while Jericho judges her fancy goods as nothing but vanity. However, when his sister befriends Hannah and solicits her help in catching a beau, Jericho discovers that Coventry's new dressmaker is far from the shallow creature he expected. But gaining her favor would require exposing his wounded heart. Can two stubborn people learn to stop judging and instead choose love?

Blurb:

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

What made you want to write this story?
It all started with a question: What happens when believers disagree about what the Christian life should look like?

Hannah Richards believes she is being a good steward of the talents the Lord has blessed her with by turning her needle to creating dresses that are pleasing to look upon. She is imitating the Creator God who designed wildflowers, rainbows, and sunsets.

Jericho Tucker, on the other hand, believes that fancy dress goods encourage women to focus their attention on vain, superficial beauty instead of the inner attributes of a gentle and quiet spirit that Scripture promotes as true loveliness.

Both are right. Yet both see the other as wrong. By throwing Jericho's sister Cordelia into the mix, I forced these two characters to face their differences and learn from each other, to mend those tears of condemnation with threads of grace.

What research did you have to do for this book?
As in any historical novel, there is a barrage of research that must be done. Since my heroine is a seamstress I researched a lot of fashion plates from that time period as well as sewing machines and fabrics. One specific are that required additional research was the calisthenic regimen Hannah engages in every morning.

You see, I wanted to create a Victorian-era makeover, but to do that, I first had to discover if people in the 1880s were aware of the health and weight loss benefits of physical exercise. As it turns out, the 19th century was a time of great social reform, and one such movement included the promotion of physical exercise for women and children.

I modeled Hannah's daily routine after exercises found in a manual published in 1862 entitled The New Gymnastics for Men, Women, and Children by Dio Lewis. It included the use of small wooden dumbbells, exercise rings, and Indian clubs (think bowling pins that you swing in large arcs), all of which make an appearance in A Tailor-Made Bride. Dr. Lewis was a pioneer in the fitness movement and is largely responsible for the inclusion of physical education in today's schools.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

This is a tough question for me. Many authors use celebrity photos to inspire their characters, but mine live fully in my imagination. I did a search on the Internet and here's what I came up with: Kate Bosworth would play Hannah and Christian Bale would play Jericho. What do you think? Pretty handsome couple.

What are you working on now or going to write next?

My second release, Head in the Clouds, will be hitting the shelves in October. Since I enjoy Regency romances as well as those set in the American West, I thought it would be fun to blend the two by bringing an English nobleman to Texas. In Head in the Clouds, a recovering romantic takes a job as governess for the mute daughter of a sheep rancher and soon learns her heart is not the only thing in danger.

My current work in progress, recently titled To Win Her Heart is a story set in the late 1880s that asks the question – what happens after the prodigal son returns? So many times, we focus on the wonderful homecoming the lost son received from his father, but have you ever asked what life was like for him after the celebration was over? How did he relate to his bitter older brother or the servants and townspeople who were only too aware of his past arrogance and wild living?

In my third book, I play on those very questions. My hero is a man recently released from prison who has returned to his faith roots and rededicated his life to the Lord. The heroine is a woman who has been disappointed by men in the past and has little tolerance of those who don't meet her high standards. In an effort to make a clean start, Levi hides his past and Eden believes she has finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when his secret is revealed will both their futures be shattered?

How can readers get in contact with you?
I would love to have readers visit my Web site at: http://karenwitemeyer.com. You can find fun information about the hobbies and interests of the characters featured in A Tailor-Made Bride as well as sign up for my monthly book giveaways and receive a free a download for a biblical fiction piece inspired by the life of Rahab.

You can also find me on Facebook. Come by and visit anytime. I'd love to hear from you!

What are you currently reading?
I recently finished reading Julie Klassen's The Silent Governess. This book received the coveted Christy award this year for Christian historical romance. It is an intriguing regency story full of mystery and rich in well-researched historical detail. A very pleasant read.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
Hmm…something readers may not know. Well, I sing with a local community chorus. I love roller coasters. And I hate peas. How about that? I also cross-stitch, administer collegiate tests for my day job, and love old Hollywood musicals. I could go on, but that was probably more than anybody wanted to know.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
This question makes me laugh. In grade school one of my close friends and I decided we would choose unique animals for our favorites. Most of the other girls chose horses or kittens or puppy dogs. We wanted no part in that. She selected the armadillo, and I latched onto the stately hippopotamus. I even traveled to Africa on a mission trip once and started a collection of carved hippo figurines. However, as a woman who will admit to being a tad self-conscious about her appearance, I can't quite manage to answer that I see myself as a hippopotamus. That doesn't paint a terribly flattering picture, does it?

So instead of a hippo, I'm going to say that I am a kangaroo. With three young children who love to have Mama carry them around (even though they're getting much too big for that), many times I feel like I have my own pouch. Or should. And since motherhood fills such a large part of my identity, I wanted to select an animal that emphasized that nurturing aspect. In the Hundred Acre Wood, I would definitely be Kanga.

FAVORITES:

Color?
Cranberry red.

Childhood memory?
The time it snowed in southern California where I grew up, and I got to take a sample to school for show and tell.

Era to write about?
1880's Texas

What is/was this book’s release date?
A Tailor-Made Bride released in June 2010.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter of this book?
http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/excerpt_tailor.html
(This is an excerpt, not the first chapter.)

~~~~~

**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of A Tailor-Made Bride!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
+2 So Over It

+2 Enter my other giveaway of Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge.

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 30) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (August 5). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 6th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

So Over It winner!

And the winner of So Over It by Stephanie Morrill is:
Steve (steven(dot)capell@...)

So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones ~ 5 stars + Favorite

So Over My Head

Jenny B. Jones

A Charmed Life series #3

Thomas Nelson

About the book:

Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown.

When the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple.

She needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer.

Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk.

My review:
In this final book in the Charmed Life series, Bella’s life is a little… difficult. Being forced to deal with her father’s upcoming marriage to a woman Bella has doubts about, not to mention the soon-to-be-stepmother’s evil little sister, is a big enough problem. Add to that her boyfriend’s ex being back in town, and the fact that she seems just a little too interested in Luke for Bella’s comfort. But, Bella is never happier than when she is using her sleuthing skills, so, in addition to all this, she takes it upon herself to find the killer of a murdered carnival worker whose body she was unfortunate enough to be the one to discover.

Jenny B. Jones can write a great story. This is definitely one of her best. I loved this book! Jenny writes mysteries from Bella’s perspective that will captivate kids of any age, whether 13, 93, or anywhere in between. This book pretty much has it all. Romance to make you sigh. Humor to make you laugh out loud (I know I did). Wit to make you grin and take notes from the master. Suspense to make you read as fast as you possibly can. And in the middle of it all, a subtle yet uplifting message of faith throughout our trials and trust despite our fears. This series is highly recommended.

So Over It by Stephanie Morrill ~ 5 stars + Favorite

So Over It

Stephanie Morrill

The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series #3

Revell Publishing

About the book:

How can Skylar stay true to herself without losing the ones she loves most?

Senior year is over and Skylar Hoyt is ready to forgive and forget. Or at least forget. She wants a fresh start where people don't know about her past or her dysfunctional family. A place where she won't run into her ex-boyfriend every time she leaves the house. When she gets the opportunity to spend the summer in Hawaii with her grandparents, Skylar jumps at the chance to get out of town. But will she truly be able to leave her old life behind? And will she be strong enough to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants?

My review:

Again, I’m in love with Stephanie’s books and writing. Every time I read one of her books, it hits me again how relevant it is. While being enjoyable to read, her books also deal with real issues. I love the way she resolves things in the end. Skylar, Abbie, Connor, Jodi, Eli, and all the other characters. I loved the way things ended with them. (However, I think that if Stephanie doesn’t write any more books about Skylar, then she should definitely write some more about Abbie. She is someone that I really became fond of and I would certainly read a book that was dedicated to her continued story.) This may be a short, enjoyable read, but it will definitely give you things to think about in your own life. Loved it!

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Stephanie Morrill ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Stephanie Morrill is telling us about her new book, So Over It. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Stephanie Morrill, and I live in Kansas City with my husband and our two kids. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl. Which is good, because other than reading and drinking coffee, I have no other talents.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I’ve been writing stories and saying I wanted to be a writer since 1st grade, but I started pursuing publication at 17. So Over It is my third published novel.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in you books?
Yikes, I don’t know who I’d compare myself too. I know authors who I wish I sounded more like – I love both Siri Mitchell and Julie Klassen. They have such beautiful voices.

I think the romance in my novels is PG, but some of my subject matters tend to be PG-13.

In your own words tell us a little about So Over It.
So Over It is the third book in The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series. For the first two books in the series, Skylar was dedicated to transforming herself. But when we first see her in So Over It, she’s had some setbacks and has slid off the path a bit. In hopes of getting back on the right path, she decides to spend her summer in Hawaii with her grandparents in hopes of getting some “perspective.” Instead she finds there are some serious issues in her life that she’s never taken the time to deal with properly, and that until she takes care of those, she has no chance of living a reinvented life.

Blurb:

Senior year is over and Skylar Hoyt is ready to forgive and forget. Or at least forget. She wants a fresh start where people don’t know about her partying past or her younger sister and her baby. A place where she won’t run in to her ex-boyfriend every time she leaves the house. When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Hawaii with her grandparents, Skylar jumps at the chance to get out of town. But when her sister needs her, Skylar has to swallow her pride and come back home. Will she be strong enough to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants for her?

What made you want to write this story?
A really big theme in this book is learning how to forgive yourself. I’m a real perfectionist, and if I’m not careful, I get sucked into brooding over mistakes I’ve made or regrets I have. When you do that, you can really miss out on the riches God has planned for you. When I got to this point in Skylar’s story, I saw how easily that could happen to her as well.

What research did you have to do for this book?
I spent 3 weeks in Hawaii a couple years ago, which was the only way writing this book was possible. That was some fun research.

Some not-so-fun research was reading through stories of women who’d lost babies in their third trimester of pregnancy. Especially because I had to do another round of research pretty late in the game, and I was pregnant with my son at the time. What a draining day.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

The cover model they picked for Skylar is so perfect. And she and I have actually talked a few times thanks to the wonders of Facebook. She’s incredibly sweet, and I’d definitely want her cast as Skylar.

For Connor, I haven’t found an actor I like better than Adam Brody. We’d have to get a time machine to zap him back to his Gilmore Girls’ days.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
At the moment, because of promotions going on for So over It and welcoming our second child into the family, I’m not working on new projects. But I have tons of ideas buzzing around my head, so hopefully this fall when my daughter starts preschool I’ll be able to buckle down and write. I know I’ll still be writing for teens. I love it way too much to give it up!

How can readers get in contact with you?
Through my web site – www.StephanieMorrillBooks.com. I respond to every single e-mail from my readers. I’m so grateful that they take the time to send them!

Also, I run a blog at www.GoTeenWriters.com where teens aspiring to be writers can ask questions and learn about the biz.

What are you currently reading?
Jenny B. Jones’s Just Between You and Me. I love Jenny. Both as a person and a writer.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I didn’t go to college. Sometimes this surprises even me since I was always on the path to college. I went to a college prep private high school and everything, but when the time came to pick a school… None of them felt right. Because I’ve ended up with the exact life I wanted for myself, I don’t regret it, even though I’m sure it would have been a valuable experience.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I’d want to be something powerful and exotic, like one of those white tigers. I’ve spent my entire life hearing myself described as “tiny” and “cute.” It’d be cool to be really strong and capable.

FAVORITES:

Color?
Red

Childhood memory?
Hmm. Lots to choose from. My parents and I took a trip to New England when I was 9. We lived in California at the time, so it seemed like we were a whole world away. While there, we discovered Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream, and my life has never been the same…

Era to write about?
Here and now. I so wish I could write historicals, but I just can’t.

What is/was this book’s release date?
So Over It released July 1st.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter of this book?
Yes! www.StephanieMorrillBooks.com/books

~~~~~

*USA Residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of So Over It!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or two of my recent book reviews.
+2 So Over It
+2 Somewhere to Belong

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 23) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (July 29). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 30th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Seeds of Summer winner!

And the winner of Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts is:
Marjorie (cenya2@...)

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller ~ 4 stars

Somewhere to Belong

Judith Miller

Daughters of Amana series #1

Bethany House

About the book:

Journey inside the picturesque villages of the Amana Colonies, 1877

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

My review:
I really enjoyed this book. But, in my opinion, the writing was good, not great. I just wasn’t wowed by it. It IS a good book, and I loved the characters and seeing them grow and change. I also really liked the message or theme of secrets. I liked how the author portrayed how secrets can potentially destroy relationships and how wonderful it feels to just get everything out in the open. I would recommend this, just not highly.

Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy of this book.

Deborah Vogts ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today author Deborah Vogts is telling us about her new book, Seeds of Summer. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Deborah! Tell us a little about yourself.

Author Bio: - Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they raise and train American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I began writing my Great American Novel as a junior in high school—Splendor of the Sun. That earned me an A++ in Senior English. I studied English and journalism in college, but it wasn’t until 2002 that I began taking serious steps to be published.

At that time, I felt God prodding me to do more with my writing or risk having the talent taken from me. So I jumped in with both feet. I joined a local writer’s group and ACFW, (an online writing organization). I also joined a critique group, started reading writing how-to’s and attended writing conferences. I met my first agent at the ACFW Nashville Conference in 2005. We hit it off at our meeting, and she gave me some tips on making my book series “bigger.” I did that and submitted my idea to her and she took me on. We shopped my Seasons of the Tallgrass series for a year and had a few bites (one of them Zondervan) but no sale. In the end, she released me, which was a real heart breaker. However, we don’t always see the big picture like God does, and six months later I signed with agent, Rachelle Gardner with WordServe Literary, and we had an offer from Zondervan three months after that in May 2008.

This summer, Seeds of Summer, the second book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series came out. Blades of Autumn will release next summer 2011.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in you books?
I think my writing style is comparable to Deborah Raney or even Janette Oke in that it is very simple yet draws the reader into the setting until they feel they are part of it. I’d rate my books between G & PG.

Blurb:

A heart-warming contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas where a former rodeo queen abandons her dreams in order to care for her deceased father’s ranch and her two half-siblings, only to realize with the help of a young new pastor that God can turn even the most dire circumstances into seeds of hope.

What made you want to write this story?
My husband and I read lots of horse magazines at our house, two of those, Western Horseman and AQHA’s America’s Horse. So, when he’s finished with a magazine, I’ll go through with an eye open for possible story ideas. I’ll tear out pages of articles, or even pictures for possible characters, and then I’ll file those papers in an idea file. When I’m ready to write a new story, that’s the first place I’ll go, sifting through the articles and pictures.

For Seeds of Summer, many of the pictures I’d filed away happened to be of past Miss Rodeo America queens. From there, my imagination soared. I also knew that I wanted to include one story about a female rancher. Because we have three daughters who are spread out in age, I started wondering what it would be like if something happened to my husband and I, and our oldest daughter was left to care for her sisters. That’s where the plot originated for Seeds of Summer.

What research did you have to do for this book?
Because Natalie is a Miss Rodeo America finalist, I learned a great deal of information about the MRA—and loved every minute of it. I tacked pictures of past queens in various outfits on my storyboard (which is a bulletin board filled with pictures of my characters, their homes, pets, etc.). And because Amy Wilson was the current MRA, I followed her story online and in magazines, and strange as it may seem, I felt as though I knew her. LOL. My research pinnacled last summer when I met Amy at her home in Colby for an interview. She is such a lovely young woman, and she honored me by showing me her queen items—which again, leant authenticity to my story.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m currently finishing up the third book in the series, Blades of Autumn, which is the story about Clara, the owner of Clara’s Café.

(Blurb for Book #3) With a café to run and three children to raise, Clara Lambert doesn’t have time for men or loneliness, despite what her heart might tell her. When two handsome cowboys vie for her attention, one of the brothers proves to be her soul mate, but at what cost? Will it tear the brothers’ relationship apart or is blood really thicker than water?

After that, I’m hoping for another contract—on the fourth book in this series (Winters Frosty Path), or possibly another series.

How can readers get in contact with you?
They can find me on my author Web site – http://deborahvogts.com or on my Country at Heart blog – http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I am weird in that I LIKE to mow. We have a large yard, so it takes me about two hours on an industrial-sized mower, but I enjoy this time to just think or sing. LOL. Yes, I sometimes sing when I mow. It’s also a good time for me to pray or to plot out scenes in my current writing project.

FAVORITES:

Color?
Dusty Blue

Childhood memory?
Making mud pies, cakes & cookies for my family in the summer in my pretend restaurant.

Era to write about?
I think it would be fun to write about the late 1800’s pioneer life.

What is/was this book’s release date?
June 2010.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter of this book?
You can read a sample chapter here by clicking on the link available.
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310292760&QuerySiteString=Zondervan&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

~~~~~

**USA and Canada only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Seeds of Summer!

TO ENTER:  

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.


+2 Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 16) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (July 22). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 23rd, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Ozark Weddings winner!

And the winner of Ozark Weddings by Janice Thompson and Anita Higman is:

Edna (mamat2730@...)

Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James ~ 4 stars

Love on a Dime

Cara Lynn James

Ladies of Summerhill series #1

Thomas Nelson Publishing

About the book:

In age of elegance and excess, Lilly Westbrook longs for a love both true and eternal.

Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Home of railroad magnates and banking tycoons--dashing young men and the women who aspire to marry them.

But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.

No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company...and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit.

But Lilly must put aside her feelings and follow the path that will maintain her family's social stature and provide the financial security that everyone is depending on.

Now Lilly faces a double dilemma. Can she continue to protect her secret identity? And will she have the courage to choose the man who will risk it all just to win her heart?

My review:
I loved the storyline of this book. I loved the whole idea and the characters and the plot. However, the writing style left a little wanting, to me. For example, there were a few instances in the book where I thought the author could have taken advantage of the situation to evoke more emotion in the reader than she did. I did see great potential though, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my review copy of this book.

Janice Thompson and Anita Higman ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*I'm back with a new giveaway! Thanks for being patient, everyone!*

Your Barbour Heartsong 3-in-1 collection is entitled, Ozark Weddings. Tell us a little bit about the three stories.

Anita: All three stories are set in Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone.

Janice: Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader’s soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

Anita, you and Janice co-authored the three stories in Ozark Weddings. How do writers go about co-authoring?
Anita: There are a number of ways to co-author a novel. One writer might do the research and the other writer may actually write the story. Or co-authors may each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three novels, I guess you could say I wrote the body and wings of the stories, and Janice helped to make them fly. She has a gift for critiquing.

Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?
Anita: Janice is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.

Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?
Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.

Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

When did you have your first success as a writer?
Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.

Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.

Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?
Anita: In the past I used to go to a French café, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle always energized me creatively. But now I’m more of a homebody, so I sit for long hours in my office, working on my stories.

Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!

Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?
Anita: I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. But I think I’d also enjoy writing novels for the young adult market.

Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at www.anitahigman.com and www.janiceathompson.com. If you’re interested in our Heartsong collection, Ozark Weddings, it can be purchased in bookstores or ordered online at http://www.amazon.com/.

Thanks for inviting us to your blog!

~~~~~

*USA residents only, pelase*

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory, as is the email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND leave an email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

+2 Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 9) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (July 15). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 16th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

The Bridegrooms winner!

Winner:

The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman--
Judylynn (seizethebookblog@...)

Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts ~ 5 stars

Seeds of Summer

Deborah Vogts

Seasons of the Tallgrass series #2

Zondervan

About the book:

SHE MUST ABANDON HER DREAMS. Former rodeo queen Natalie Adams has big troubles. When her father dies unexpectedly, she's saddled with the family ranch and two half-siblings, whose mother abandoned them years ago and is long believed dead. A handsome young pastor, Jared Logan, repeatedly comes to her rescue. But Natalie's strong independent nature wants nothing to do with his help.

HE MUST FULFILL HIS. Jared, a city boy do-gooder, has dreams of his own. He's ready to solve Natalie's problems, as well as any problems in his church. But his congregation resists change, and the more deeply involved he becomes with Natalie's family, the more he questions his life as a clergyman. Jared's enthusiasm turns to fear as he contemplates failure.

WILL THEY FACE THEIR FEARS . . . AND FIND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE? When Natalie's stepmother unexpectedly shows up with plans of her own, Natalie must choose between the responsibilities of caring for a family or following her own desires. Love, forgiveness, and faith mingle together in the breathtaking world of the Kansas Flint Hills prairie.

My review:
This is going to be a short review, but that in no way reflects my opinion about this book.

I'll just say that I really enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic, the storyline was engaging, and in the end I was very pleased with how everything turned out. :) I would definitely recommend this book and the first one in this series.

A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan ~ 5 stars

A Love of Her Own

Maggie Brendan

Heart of the West series #3

Revell Publishing

About the book:

She has everything her heart desires . . . except the one thing money can't buy.

Still cautious after a broken engagement, April McBride fully intends to guard her heart when she travels to Lewistown, Montana, to attend her brother's wedding. One look around the small mining town convinces April that doing so won't be difficult--just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys. But a run-in with horse trainer Wes Owen opens up vast possibilities for frustration, embarrassment, friendship, and . . . love?

Can April and Wes see past their differences to envision a future together? Or are they destined to live the rest of their lives alone?

My review:
Sweet, touching, engaging, and heartwarming are all great words to describe this book. April is a character that I really grew fond of, and I love the person she changed into as the story progressed. I can't wait to read more from this great new author!

Janice Thompson ~ Interview

Janice Thompson is telling us about her new writing course which helps aspiring writers with several aspects of writing, publishing, and other things as well.

Janice, I understand you’re about to debut a new fiction course online. Why fiction? What is your background, as it relates to fiction writing?

Every writer hopes to one day write “The Great American Novel.” I started writing novels as a child, so the desire to craft “story” has always been inside of me. In the mid ‘90s I started writing with the desire to be published. After years of trial and error, my first novel hit the shelves in 2000. Since then, I’ve published over forty novels—everything from inspirational romance to cozy mysteries to Y.A. (young adult) to romantic comedies. It’s been a great run! I’ve noticed a trend in recent years. “Young” writers approach me, one after the other, asking the same questions and struggling with the same problems. I’ve worn myself out giving the same answers! (There are only so many times and ways you can say, “You’re head-hopping, honey!”) Because of that, I decided it would be easier to compile the information into a fiction course, will debut mid-June at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I can’t wait to see what novelists think of this exciting new course!

You’ve started with a lesson on understanding the genres. Why is that?
As mentioned above, I’ve been published in multiple genres. My first book was a suspense-thriller. I’ve since written historicals, contemporaries, children’s, young adult, romances, mysteries and much, much more. Because I’ve been able to successfully cross genre lines, I feel qualified to teach on the subject. Before writers can establish themselves as novelists, they must develop an understanding of the fiction genres/categories. Choosing the best genre (or genres) is critical to your success. But with so many categories to choose from, how do you know which is your best fit? This lesson will give writers a thorough introduction to genre writing and will provide them with the necessary information to choose the one(s) best suited to their literary style and voice.†

I see you’ve included a lesson on plotting. Is this based on your “Plot Shots” teaching, which you’ve offered at conferences?
Yes! I’m so tickled to finally be able to offer this teaching in a course format. I’ve become known as “that Plot Shots lady.” That’s okay. I can live with that! I’m a firm believer in laying out a great plotline. Why? Because every story needs a beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down.† The "Plot Shots" method gives writers the tools they need to plot their novel in twelve easy snapshots.†It’s a fun and easy approach to plotting that won’t confuse or complicate the story.

Characterization is such an important component of fiction writing. Can you tell us more about your characterization lesson?
Years ago I developed a teaching that I call “Pandora’s Box.” It’s a layered approach to characterization, which uses the illustration of multiple boxes, one inside the other. In this lesson, I lay out the need for great characterization, then present the Pandora’s Box method. After presenting the method, I take the student through the process four times, using four fictional characters as a foundation. (Each character has a different personality, so the student learns how to apply the technique to the various personalities.)

So many writers struggle with P.O.V. (point of view). Is that why you included a lesson on that very tough subject?
Point of View (P.O.V.)†is a critical fiction component. Employing to your best advantage is tough! Most of the young writers I know struggle in this area. The head-hop. Oh, they don’t mean to. . .but they do! My detailed lesson on Point of View offers students a thorough teaching on the various P.O.V.s (omniscient, third person, second person, first person), and gives specific examples and tips so that writers can become P.O.V. purists.†

What is passive writing? Why have you included a lesson about it?
Many of the manuscripts I edit are written in passive voice. They’re loaded with passive verbs and include huge sections of “telling.” The author “information dumps,” which stops the flow of the story. Knowing the difference between active voice and passive voice is key to writing a great novel. Conquering the art of "showing" instead of "telling" will give writers an added advantage. This detailed lesson--filled with nuggets of wisdom from published authors--will give writers the tools they need to strengthen their stories and pull them into active voice.†

Ack! Backstory! It’s so tough to add to our novels. Is that why you included a lesson on the subject?
Backstory. We all struggle with it, don’t we? In so many ways, it's critical to our story. After all, the reader needs to know where our primary character has come from--what she's been through--why she acts like she does. So, do you add the backstory or not? If so, can you do so without resorting to author intrusion? And where will you place it? At the beginning of the story? Elsewhere? Will it come out in lumps or snippets? This lesson offers students an intense look at backstory and includes tips for interjecting it without stopping the action.†

Many writers struggle with finding their “voice.” Can you tell us more about that?
A writer’s “voice” is her/her “stamp.” It’s the author’s “personality on the page.” And many young writers haven’t “found their voice” yet. This lesson delves into the topic, in detail, giving perspective on this very personal issue. The lesson (titled “Themes, Style and Voice”) also covers the various themes found in popular books, as well as style components.

Can you tell us some of the top fiction mistakes?
Sure! After editing hundreds of manuscripts, I can point out some of the “top” fiction mistakes: Lack of a good hook. P.O.V. issues. Passive writing. Weak characterization. Poor plotting (no “belly of the whale” scene). Overuse of adverbs. On and on the list goes. Many writers simply don’t realize they’re making these mistakes until someone points them out. They wonder why the book keeps getting rejected. This lesson offers writers a thorough list, detailing the top twenty mistakes novelists make.

Why did you decide to add a lesson on humor writing?
I’ve been writing comedies for years and have learned so much along the way. Humor writing is tough stuff! Some writers are born with an overactive funny bone. Others have to work hard to be funny. (Ironic, isn't it?!) If you're interested in adding a little har-de-har-har-har to your novel, then you've come to the right place. In this light-hearted lesson on humor writing, I share my top ten tips for adding humor to your writing. The bonus feature contains another twenty tummy-tickling techniques, so hang on for the ride!

Putting together a book proposal is tough! What have you learned over the years?
Book deals are won or lost based on the proposal. If you've got a completed manuscript and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or editor, then this exciting lesson on query letters and book proposals will point you in the right direction, giving you all the confidence you need to submit, submit, submit! Students who use the information provided in this lesson can compose polished query letters and dazzling book proposals, sure to impress both editors and agents, alike.

Thanks so much for joining us, Janice. Where can people learn more about your courses? And where else can they find you on the web?
They can learn more at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. On that site, they will also find my “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” course, which many students have already taken. Folks can learn more about that one by clicking on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5IZSNaZFU. I offered a free webinar on the subject about six weeks ago, and it can be found here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/?s=webinar. We’ll be adding to the course list every couple of months, so stay tuned for more announcements!

Other places to find me on the web:

My website: http://www.janiceathompson.com/
My blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson

My Situation. :/

Hello! I just wanted to make a quick note to let you guys know that I will not be blogging on this blog for a while. Very temporary. See, my computer has viruses and I don’t know when it will be back and working. For now, I’m using someone else’s computer, but it doesn’t have all of my information that I need for blogging. So I’m still doing emails and blogging on my other blog, Christian Book Giveaways, but this one will be on temporary hiatus till my compy is working again. The only thing I will be posting is a few reviews. Say a prayer for me! I really need it. ;)




Thanks!
Carman