reviewsbyerin

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I'm so excited to welcome Becca Kinzer to my blog! Her debut novel Dear Henry, Love Edith has been causing readers to laugh out loud since its release in January. Becca and I met at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in 2019, where such memorable things happened as being serenaded at dinner by a mariachi band and Becca winning the Genesis contest. You'll have to ask her which of those has stood out more in her memory as time has passed. 😉

I've continued to be blessed by Becca's friendship and humor, and I'm so pleased to give you the chance to get to know her better.

First, here's a little bit about Dear Henry, Love Edith:

He thinks she’s an elderly widow. She’s convinced he’s a grumpy old man. Neither could be further from the truth.

Reminiscent of the beloved classic You’ve Got Mail comes a delightful new romantic comedy about mistaken identities, second chances, and finding love in unexpected places.

💛💙💛

Now, here's my chat with Becca!

Q: When did you first start dreaming of being an author?
A: I’ve always loved writing in journals and making up stories inside my head, but the dream to become an author didn’t really grab hold of me until I was in my 30’s.

Q: Have you always wanted to write romantic comedy?
A: I initially wanted to write romantic suspense, but my writing voice and the lighthearted banter between my characters kept resulting in stories that felt more like romantic comedies—except with a dead body or two, and possibly a serial killer added into the mix as well. I eventually decided to see what would happen if I just wrote a straight up romantic comedy. And what happened is this straight up rom-com became my debut novel.

Erin Mifflin and Becca Kinzer in 2021

Q: What’s been one of the best things about your writing journey?
A: Meeting other authors. As much as I love being a writer, at heart I’ll always be a reader first. So the best part about this journey has been getting to meet some of my favorite authors at conferences and book events. The fact some of them have read my book now . . . oh my goodness, just so much fun!

Q: It really is! Do you have a favorite part in Dear Henry, Love Edith?
A: It’s a toss-up between the pepper scene at the grocery store or the “CPR demonstration” at the downtown festival. I loved throwing a handful of the side characters together and seeing what happened. Chaos. That’s what happened.

Q: Those are both great scenes! What is the title of your next book and when does it come out?

A: My next book is called Love in Tandem and it’s coming out in April 2024.

Q: I can't wait! Who are some of the authors you like to read?

A: Oh boy. I feel like this is an answer that could go on and on. I love reading anything by Jody Hedlund, Bethany Turner, Susan May Warren, Sarah Sundin, Katie Powner, Nicole Deese, Lynn Blackburn, and okay really, I could go on and on. Did I mention Denise Hunter?

Q: I've heard you mention Denise Hunter a time or two. 😉 Some of those authors are also favorites of mine! Do you have a favorite Scripture or one that has been meaningful to you recently?

A: One of the verses that has become especially meaningful to me in recent years is from the beginning of James where he encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds since it produces perseverance.

Q: Where can readers find you online?
A: The best place to find me is my website, beccakinzer.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter and stay up to date with all my writing news—and maybe pictures of my dog too because I’m a little obsessed with her. You can also find me on Instagram or follow me on Goodreads. Those are my two other favorite places to talk about books and share what I’m reading (and try to sneak in as many pictures of my dog as possible).

💛💙💛

Thank you so much for stopping by! Readers, don't forget to follow Becca online, and if you haven't yet read Dear Henry, Love Edith, click on the cover below to order your copy today.

Current Mood: chipper

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I'm delighted to welcome Ashlyn McKayla Ohm to my blog today! We're here to talk about her debut novel, When the Ice Melts.

Ashlyn and I met early this year, when she was looking for someone to beta read and give feedback on certain scenes from the book. She wanted to find someone who had experience with figure skating, and I replied to her query, saying I’ve never actually skated but I’m rather a huge skating nerd. It was such an honor to read Ashlyn’s scenes, and she was so gracious about accepting my feedback and asking for brainstorming help to make sure the technical aspects were working for me as an avid fan. I had a blast, and I can’t wait to read the finished product!

Here’s the blurb about When the Ice Melts:

Competitive figure skater Addisyn Miles has been running her whole life—both from her overprotective sister Avery and toward her dream of competing in the Olympics. Despite the compromises she’s made along the way, her future has never looked brighter—until a single moment shatters not only her dearest hopes but also her relationship with the man for whom she sacrificed her principles. In search of answers, Addisyn escapes to Whistler, Canada, where she meets Darius Payne, a lonely man with a crushing secret. But when Darius’s past threatens their relationship and Addisyn receives an unexpected invitation to return to the world she left behind, they’re both confronted by the truth they may not be brave enough to face.

Meanwhile, heartbroken by her younger sister’s rejection, Avery Miles has uprooted her life and relocated to Estes Park, Colorado. There, she seeks to bury her painful memories in the peace of the mountains—and the love of the God Who made them. She’s struggled to erase Addisyn from her thoughts entirely, but then she comes face-to-face with an unwelcome bit of her past—someone who poses the ultimate threat to Addisyn. Haunted by her own darkest fears, Avery must summon the courage to love her sister again—and find her before the clock runs out.

Compelling and captivating, When the Ice Melts is a story of broken dreams, desperate decisions, and the relentless grace of a love that never lets go.

Order your copy today!

Now let's meet Ashlyn! 🙂

Q: Ashlyn, can you tell us the inspiration behind the story?

A: While watching the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics on television, I was struck by the emotional impact of a figure skater who lost her chance at a gold medal by a heartbreakingly narrow margin. As I watched her gripping post-performance interview, I realized that the deepest stories from the Olympics were probably not from those who won but from those who lost. What do you when something pivotal to your identity is shattered, and how do you ever remember who you truly are?

I left the television and began scribbling some ideas on notebook paper, and I look back on that now as the moment that When the Ice Melts was born. That was four years ago, but I feel that the topics of Biblical identity addressed in the book—moving beyond failure, refusing to accept labels, and not mistaking our accomplishments for our value—are even more relevant today.

Q: Is this book a stand-alone, or will there be more in the series?

A: There will definitely be more installments in this story! When the Ice Melts is the first in the Climbing Higher series, which will continue the journeys of the main characters as they venture farther not only into the Rocky Mountains where the book is set, but also into the vast frontiers of God’s love for us.

Q: I know this is your debut novel, but what other kinds of writing do you do?

A: As is obvious from this novel, I love the outdoors! Therefore, I share monthly posts on my blog, Words from the Wilderness, where I explore a lesson or experience from nature through the lens of God’s Word. I’ve also published a 52-week devotional, A Year in the Woods, which continues the theme of using creation to draw closer to the Creator.

Q: Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for fellow authors who are hoping to see their own works published someday?

A: There are two great tools by which writers learn: reading and writing. It really is that simple. Read widely and look for patterns. What techniques strike you? What character dynamics speak most strongly to you? What makes you put a book down, and what makes you unable to put a book down? And then take what you learn and just start writing. The very act of pouring words onto a page is healing and life-giving. Don’t worry about being a “good” writer; just use your words to chase away the shadows and point to the Light of the World.

Q: What’s a Scripture that has been meaningful in your life?

A: I love the message of 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (ESV). It’s so easy to become discouraged, especially for us as creatives. Writing can be lonely, publication is laborious, and gaining a following requires patience. Yet this verse reminds us that no matter the ups and downs of the process, our work is ultimately an act of worship to God. Even when our writing is rejected or we’re tempted to just give up, we can’t lose heart, because God delights in our offerings and is so worthy of all our praise.

Q: That's a great reminder! Where can readers connect with you?

A: I love to connect with readers! The best place for that is my website, Words from the Wilderness. There, you can read the first four chapters of When the Ice Melts for free as well as download an exclusive bonus scene. If you decide you’d like to read the whole book, you can find it on Amazon, or you can use the promo code READ2022 for 10% off the paperback from my website.

I’m also active on Instagram (@wildernessashlyn) and Facebook (Wilderness Words), and I love to chat with readers via my email: wildernessashlyn@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for having me, Erin! And thank you again for all the invaluable feedback you provided during the creation of When the Ice Melts.

You're so welcome! It's been great getting to know you and to have a small role in helping your story come into the world. 🙂

Readers, click here to check out When the Ice Melts. It's free on Kindle Unlimited or the ebook is only $1.99 to purchase, but I can't tell you how gorgeous the paperback is. It's so pretty! Please check out Ashlyn's website so you can follow her writing journey.

Current Mood: content

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I am delighted to welcome Stephanie Daniels to my blog! Stephanie is one of my local writing friends and she is a kindred spirit in every way. Fun fact: She and I joined American Christian Fiction Writers only one day apart from each other! We knew that was taking a step in our writing journeys, but we didn't know it was the first step toward what has turned into a treasured friendship. 🙂

More about her: Stephanie Daniels is a Christian wife and homeschool mom who lives in the present but dreams in the past. She writes historical fiction with strong faith themes and often romance for young adults and the young at heart. She loves deep Bible studies, clean period dramas, touring historical sites, getting lost in research, and a large cup of coffee each morning. Though often quiet and reserved, she’ll happily chat for hours about books and writing.

Stephanie's book The Uncertainty of Fire is available on Kindle Vella. Here's the scoop:

Chicago, 1871. Sixteen-year-old Whimsy Greathart will agree to anything to expose Chicago’s child labor practices--even her Papa’s matchmaking plan. But when his plan falls through, and tragedy strikes on the night of the Great Chicago Fire, she is forced into the very system she wishes to fight against.

As she forms friendships with a big-dreaming, streetwise newsboy and a shy preacher’s son who hides a secret, Whimsy’s heart is divided, and she’s confused about God’s will. Should she keep her impulsive promise to start a new life out West with one, or choose security with the family of the other?

I had the honor of beta reading The Uncertainty of Fire and found it to be rich in historical details and lovable characters. Though it's geared toward young adults, I believe readers of all ages will enjoy it. I certainly did!

Now let's get into our interview. 🙂

Q: Welcome, Stephanie! Can you tell us a little about Kindle Vella and how it works?

A: First, let me say thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog. I’m so happy to talk about my writing journey. Kindle Vella is Amazon’s new serial reading platform. Readers can follow stories they enjoy. Stories are read in episodes, and release frequency varies by author. The Uncertainty of Fire started as twice weekly releases but now is available on the platform as a completed story, which means readers can binge all the episodes. The first three episodes of every story on Vella are free. After that, readers buy tokens to unlock available episodes. At the time of this interview, Amazon is still giving away 200 free tokens for anyone new reading on the platform. Anyone reading my story can use those to read the first thirteen episodes for free. Following stories that are still releasing will send a notification to your device. It also increases visibility for a story. Another way to help a story’s visibility is to like each episode you enjoy, vote for a favorite story each week (you can only do this after paying for tokens) and posting reviews. Amazon rewards popular stories by ranking the 250 top stories on the platform, displaying trending and featured stories, and posting story images on the most searched tags on the site.

Q: Yay for free episodes! That allows readers to check out all kinds of new stories to see what they enjoy. What drew your heart to writing fiction for young adults?

A: The teen years and maturing into young adulthood are such crucial times in a person’s life. It’s a time of expressing individualism, pondering the future, and figuring out who you are. It’s also a time of questioning faith and what you truly believe. Those questions are normal. But through the confusing times in life, we need to be tethered to the truth of God’s Word. In our greatest times of uncertainty, we need to find what is certain, what is absolute. My desire to write for young adults is just a resolve to remind them, really all of us, that clinging to His Word is never a mistake. You may flounder for a bit, but hold on and trust, He’ll give you the answers you’re seeking.

Q: Why is the setting of the Great Chicago Fire personal to you?

A: I lived in Chicago for 18 years. It was my first time away from home and my family (I lived at home when I went to college). I met my husband there and became a mother there. The city has such a rich architectural history. I fell in love with the skyscrapers and Lake Michigan on my very first visit. And when you think about how that city had such a pioneering spirit after the devastation of a city-wide fire, it’s inspiring. And I loved research trips while living there that connected me to the very event of this story.

Q: What is your favorite thing about writing? (i.e. the research, the process, feedback from readers, etc.)

A: I love research. I have to make myself stop. With Uncertainty I spent much longer on research than I probably needed. And hearing from readers is always a joy. Every single time. I don’t think there is an author that would say differently. Writing is such a different art form than say, painting. Someone looks at a painting and has an immediate response. The artist gets immediate feedback. But with a book, it’s different. Dozens of people may download it or buy it in the bookstore but might wait years to read it. (Don’t get me wrong, we value readers buying our stories at any time!) Sometimes we don’t learn the effect of the words God has given us until years later. So please never be afraid to encourage an author if you enjoyed what they wrote. That helps us to keep going and to keep writing.

Q: What are some of your other hobbies and pursuits aside from writing?

A: Of course, I love to read. Historical fiction is my favorite, but I enjoy many different genres. Music has always been a big part of my life. I love singing in my church choir and special music when asked. I’m privileged to substitute teach for my church’s Sunday School classes. Teaching has always brought me great joy and is one of my spiritual gifts. I hope one day to pursue watercolor art. I think that’s a medium that I would really enjoy.

Q: Can you share with us a favorite Scripture verse or one that has been meaningful to you recently?

A: My life verse is Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” But another verse that God really impressed on me over the past few years is I Peter 1:7: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Q: Where can readers find you online?

Readers can find me on:

Wordpress: https://stephanieadaniels.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieDaniels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieadaniels/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21666055.Stephanie_Daniels

Thank you, Stephanie! Readers, please click here to read the first three chapters of The Uncertainty of Fire (or the first thirteen chapters if you use all your free tokens!), and be sure to follow Stephanie to learn about upcoming projects she's working on.

Current Mood: cheerful

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I'm so excited to welcome A.D. Lawrence to my blog! Her debut novel The Purple Nightgown releases today, March 1st! A.D. and I met in 2019 through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she's become a good friend. She's so much fun and she's a very talented writer. I'm incredibly excited for her release today, and I wanted to give you a chance to get to know her as well.

First, here's the scoop on The Purple Nightgown, one of Barbour's True Colors true American crime series:

Marvel at the true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard's Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted green.

Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aids for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella's chauffeur and long-time friend Henry Clayton is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn't feel right to him, but still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard's care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients, or succumb to a worse fate?

Erin Mifflin, A.D. Lawrence, and Stephanie A. Daniels at a writing retreat—Sept. 2020

Q: Welcome to the blog, A.D.! What made you interested in writing true crime?

A: Looking back on my childhood, it’s no wonder I didn’t have a scad of friends. I was a bit of a creepy child on par with Wednesday Addams, always preferring shows like Dateline, Unsolved Mysteries, and Body of Evidence to Disney princesses. That being said, true crime is in my blood, and it has been since I can remember. Writing true crime stories with fictional main characters is a dream come true.

Q: What is something about writing this story that surprised you? (No spoilers! 🙂)

A: The thing that surprised and disappointed me the most was the villain’s ending. While it was honestly pretty poetic, I was shocked with the state of Washington.

Q: Can you share with us what you are writing now?

A: I’m currently brainstorming a contemporary thriller involving the son of a former CIA agent who is striving to complete his father’s research on mind control technology.

Q: That sounds fascinating! The Purple Nightgown is your debut novel. From your own writing journey, do you have a word of advice for aspiring authors hoping to see their own words in print?

A: Never give up. Rejections happen, they’re part of the process. They don’t mean your writing is substandard. Maybe the publisher/agent isn’t a good fit or they aren’t looking for a story like yours at the moment. Keep writing and praying and trying, and God will open doors.

(He will! And here's proof—)

Q: Can you share a Scripture that has been meaningful to you recently?

A: I Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” God has been showing me His unmerited love recently. It’s amazing to know that though I fall short, He has plans for me, and they are good because He is good.

Q: Amen! Where can readers connect with you?

Newsletter: https://adlawrencefiction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a.d.lawrence.7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.d.lawrence_author/

Wonderful! Readers, please check out A.D.'s links and don't forget to be on the watch for The Purple Nightgown at your retailer of choice.

A.D. Lawrence, Savanna Kaiser, Andy Brodrick, Erin Mifflin
2020 Genesis Finalists—Sept. 2020

Current Mood: happy

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I have something special for you guys today! Cynthia Herron is one of my local writing buddies, and her latest book, His Love Revealed, released on October 1st. I asked Cynthia if she wouldn't mind stopping by for an interview, and she said yes!

Q: Welcome, Cynthia! Can you tell us a little about your new release and your Welcome to Ruby series?

A: Sure! His Love Revealed, book #2 in my WTR series is a friends-to-more story set in the little Ozarks community of Ruby, Missouri, a charming community where “neighbor” is another word for “friend.” Ruby is home to quirky, lovable characters, including Come and Get It proprietress Ida Mae Hoscutt and her right-hand man at the diner, Charles “Chuck” Farrow.

Here is the back cover copy:

Will revelations of the past hijack their future?

Since childhood, Ida Mae Hoscutt, the beloved proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner, has loved Charles “Chuck” Farrow from afar. Now on the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday with no marriage proposal in sight, Ida Mae mourns past mistakes and contemplates a makeover. When a radio commercial wrenches Ida Mae’s heart, will a sudden turn of events sabotage her chance for happiness or will a long-held secret be the answer to love ever-after?

As Ida Mae’s right-hand man at the Come and Get It, Chuck yearns to shift gears and start over. He’s ready to shelve bachelorhood and blunders in favor of possibilities and new beginnings. When he prepares to move forward, two things challenge his objective. One is the father who walked away and never looked back. The other? A decades-old question that only Ida Mae can answer.

And Ida Mae isn’t talking.

Q: Is Ruby, Missouri, based on a real town?

A: No, not really. Though, it is indeed a mishmash of several small communities within the Ozarks, including a beloved little Ozarks’ town where I lived until the age of twelve. Everyone knew everyone, including what you had for dinner the night before, what you said to Church Member Martha (because, you know, party lines), and how far your clothes line was from your back door.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer? Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.

A: I sensed from a young age I was a little different from my peers. While other kids played at recess, I was the one who sought out a comfy spot beneath a prime shade tree. Armed with my tablets and pencils, I toyed with words that eventually grew into simple stories.

In high school, I met with a lot of encouragers along the way. After college, I worked in a helping profession, but grew weary with burn-out in a high stress field. I eventually left that career to marry and raise a family, and during that season, I tucked my writing dream away for a time, but I continued to read voraciously.

I jumped back into the writing world in 2011, joining writing organizations like American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. I attended national conferences and local writing groups. I connected with fellow professionals who nurtured, guided, and helped me grow my craft. Along the way, I partnered with a great literary team who shared my vision for writing the books of my heart. In December 2017, we received a three book offer on my Welcome to Ruby series from Mountain Brook Ink, with Her Hope Discovered, my debut novel and book #1 in my series, releasing the next year.

Q: Do you have a favorite part of the writing process?

A: I do. Like many authors, I enjoy those initial stages of brainstorming characters and story and watching them come together in a meeting of the minds. I love sharp, witty banter and humor, so dialogue between the characters is a really fun part of the process for me.

Q: You are always posting such luscious pictures of food. Do you like to cook? If so, do you have any favorite cookbooks or recipe sites?

A: I do enjoy cooking! I wish I had more time for it like I used to. From a young age, my sister and I helped my mama in the kitchen. Faith, family, and food were always the centerpiece of our home when I was a kiddo, and I mirrored “my raising” with my own family. I’m a huge fan of comfort foods like fried chicken, mashed taters and gravy, and pie—each and every kind.

A few favorite folks I follow are Brandie, The Country Cook, Ree Drummond/The Pioneer Woman, and The Southern Lady Cooks. I’m also partial to a local Ozarks’ celebrity Aunt Ruthie (Sugar Pie Farmhouse), and a new fave on my radar is Cooking with Brenda Gantt.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

A: Ohh, way to put me on the spot! I’m a huge Debbie Macomber fan from waaay back. I also enjoy Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Rachel Hauck, Denise Hunter, Beth Vogt, and Charles Martin. I also read a lot of mainstream fiction, so it’s really impossible to list all my favorites or we’d be here all day!

Q: Is there a Bible passage that has been speaking to your heart recently?

A: Chapter Four of 2nd Corinthians (Treasures in Jars of Clay). I read the entire chapter on a frequent basis. It’s really encouraged me during some of my harshest seasons.

Q: Where can readers connect with you online?

Thank you so much, Erin, for hosting me on your blog! I’m truly delighted to be here!

It's been great having you here! 😊

Readers, don't miss Cynthia's monthly newsletter, which is full of all sorts of good things. You can sign up here! If you'd like to check out Cynthia's books, here are the links one more time:

Current Mood: accomplished

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Tara Grace Ericson is one of my local writing pals, and I'm so pleased to have her on the blog today! I hope you'll enjoy learning about her and her stories, and maybe you'll want to check some of them out for yourself! 😊

Q: Welcome, Tara! You write small town romance set in the fictional town of Minden, Indiana. What drew you to writing small town stories? Is Minden based on a real place?

A: Minden is based on several small Indiana towns I used to travel through on my commute. I would see the small cafe or the little white church and think about the people who lived there. Really, though, it could be any small town tucked into a rural area and filled with people who still love Jesus, and believe in their community and helping each other out.

I love the nostalgia and simplicity of small-town life, My first book, Falling On Main Street, start with a "What-if" (like so many good stories do!), asking what if a corporate bigshot found herself fallen from grace and retreating to a small town so foreign to her?

Check out the rest of the Main Street Minden books!

Q: Have you always wanted to be an author? Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.

A: Hah! No, I never thought I would be an author, even though I love to read. I have an engineering degree and I honestly thought I would do that forever. I was good at it and it provided a comfortable living for many years, but God had other plans. I actually started writing as a way to kill time on flights with no internet! Wen God told me I needed to finish my book and have it published, I laughed and ignored Him. But He is persistent and eventually I published it. Saying yes to God, even when it seemed crazy was incredibly hard and incredibly rewarding.

Q: You've got a new series releasing soon. Can you tell us about it and when your readers can expect to see those stories?

A: Oh yes! I'm so excite for the Bloom Sisters Series. It is a spin-off of my first series, loosely connected. The Bloom Family owns and operates a working farm in rural Indiana. The farm has orchards and animals and crops, plus an event venue and bead and breakfast! Fun for everyone! The family has six daughters (all named after flowers, teehee!). The prequel (which tells their brother Hawthorne's story) comes out in March 23 of this year!

Book 1 - A Date For Daisy comes out in May, with Book 2 not far behind, coming in July! The stories are a mix of tropes and storylines, but each one will include the themes of family and faith. And of course the happily ever after!

Preorder Hoping for Hawthorne here!

Q: What's your favorite part of the writing process?

A: I love plotting. When the story is just an idea and I can spend time brainstorming all the possibilities before landing on the thing that is "just right," my creative juices get flowing and I get so excited!

I also love the process of tying storylines together. In my upcoming series, the timelines overlap a bite and the other stand-alone storylines jut in and rub against the one you are reading, like little hidden hints at what is to come in the next book. It's fun for me to know the whole picture and let the reader in a little at a time.

Q. Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

A: Francine Rivers was the first Christian fiction author I ever read. I love to read her books, as well as other Biblical fiction like Tessa Afshar and Connilyn Cossette.

I read voraciously, so I'll just list a bunch! Becky Wade, Elizabeth Maddrey, Mandi Blake, Toni Shiloh, Courtney Walsh, Rachel Hauck, Valerie Comer, etc. Mostly contemporary or Biblical fiction. When I discovered the world of Christian fiction, it opened a whole new realm of possibilities for me. Now it is almost exclusively what I read.

Look for A Date For Daisy, coming in May!

Q: I really enjoy the spiritual truth represented in your stories. What's a Scripture that has been meaningful to you recently?

A: God has really been imparting to me that every good thing springs from Him. Let me see if I can do it justice as I explain... The beauty of creation is beautiful because of Him. The joy of an innocent child is a mere reflection of the joy He brings. The innate goodness we see in people—generosity, compassion, love—all of it is a glimmer of His generosity, compassion, and love. God is reminding me that He is the source of everything good and pure. It's a refreshing way to look at the world, since these days it is so easy to focus on the evil we see and the fallen nature. But there is good, too. Echoes of the Creator still ring as beauty and light in the darkness. God has taught me so much over the two years I have been writing. It is an honor to share some of those lessons with the world through my books, my newsletter, and on social media.

Q: Where can readers find you online?

A: I'm on Instagram or in my reader Facebook group most of the time. 🙂

Erin, thank you so much for asking me to interview! All the hard work you put into this blog is amazing—we (authors and readers) are so lucky to have you share your thoughts.

Aww, thanks! I love connecting readers with stories they will love!

Before you go, click on the picture below to go to Tara's Amazon page. If you have Kindle Unlimited, all of her books are available there!

Current Mood: cheerful

Today I am excited to welcome Kimberly Joy to my blog. Kim is a good friend of mine, and she just released her first book! Tales From Toddlers is a devotional full of inspirational reflections from her time as a childcare provider. Meant to be an encouragement for moms, grandmas, aunts, teachers, daycare workers, and women everywhere, Tales From Toddlers draws upon God's heart for us as His children.

Q: Welcome, Kim! Tell us about your new book. What was the inspiration behind it?

Kimberly Joy

A: Tales From Toddlers is a 30-day devotional book, and was quite literally inspired by the toddlers in my daycare. As a childcare provider, I spent 50+ hours a week with the children in my care. As the weeks passed, I realized the crazy, funny, and sometimes thought-provoking things the little ones did were great illustrations of Biblical principles. I began to write devotionals based on these true-life adventures.

Q: You've developed a readership by writing devotionals on your blog and Facebook page. Can you give us those links and tell us about your writing ministry?

A: I send out a weekly email devotional. Readers can sign up for this weekly encouragement at www.kimberlyjoyauthor.com. I also post daily devotionals on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KimberlyJoyAuthor/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyjoyauthor/).

I love connecting with my readers, and I do my absolute best to answer every comment and question. My readers have become like family over the past two years, and I’m so thankful for their prayers and support of my ministry.

Q: When did you develop a desire to write? Tell us some about your journey from having a dream to holding your own book in your hands.

A: I’ve always loved reading and writing, and I still have a couple little stories I wrote as a student in school. Several years ago, I entered a novel-writing contest, but didn’t do much writing after that. While working at the daycare, the writing bug bit me again, and I began to write in the afternoons while the children took their naps. Once I started, I couldn’t stop!

As readers began responding to my devotionals and asking when I was going to publish, I began to dream about producing a book. It was a long journey to publication, but all the hard work was worth it!

Q: You lived in Australia for 16 years. What's one thing that surprised you about living overseas, and one thing that surprised you about returning to the States?

A: This wasn’t surprising because I had previous knowledge of it, but learning to drive on the opposite side of the road when we moved to Australia was a big learning curve! I once got into the wrong side of the car after filling it at the gas station. I quickly realized there was no steering wheel in the side where I was sitting!

This may have a lot to do with living in the Bible belt, but I can remember being amazed by walking into Walmart and seeing Christian home décor, cards, and books after we returned to the States. In Australia, the only place these kinds of things were available was online or in Christian bookstores. (And yes, if you’re wondering—it was HARD relearning which side of the road to drive on again!)

Q: Readers on your Facebook page might know that one of your sons is a performance studies major in college and another is a proficient basketball player. Your youngest son has some exciting things coming up as he develops his own unique talents. As a busy mom and writer, when you have a few spare moments, how do you like to spend them?

A: Like most moms (or mums, as my boys say), I’m excited about my boys’ accomplishments. They are extremely creative, and I’m excited to see what God will do in their lives!

In my spare time, I love reading and spending time with my boys. At this stage in their lives, that usually entails watching them play basketball, or participating in church and school activities together.

Q: What are some things you are looking forward to in 2020?

A: I’m excited for 2020! On the writing side of things, I have plans for another devotional book, an online Bible study, and perhaps even a novel. (Remember that book I wrote for the contest? My boys are practically demanding I polish it up and publish it. They are my biggest fans, for sure!)

As far as personal plans, I’m looking forward to a trip up north to visit friends, a writing retreat, watching my boys play basketball at regionals, and attending a writing conference later in the year.

Thank you for stopping by to visit with me, Kimberly! Readers, don’t forget to check out these links, and click on the graphic below if you’d like to order Tales From Toddlers.

Website: www.kimberlyjoyauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimberlyJoyAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyjoyauthor/

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Current Mood: excited

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Today I am super excited to bring you an interview with Melissa Tagg! Melissa has been one of my favorite authors for several years now, and I'm thrilled about her upcoming release - which happens to come out the day before my birthday, so Happy Birthday to me! 🤩 I hope you enjoy learning about this new story, its connections to her previous books, as well as what Melissa is working on next and a few glimpses into her life. 😊

Q: Welcome, Melissa! Can you give us some teasers about the characters of Marshall and Mara from your upcoming new release, Now and Then and Always?

A: Definitely! I love talking about these characters.

Marshall Hawkins, 35, detective – He’s a bit of a wreck at the beginning of the book! Way back when I first starting planning this book (almost three years ago!) I was super intrigued at the thought of writing about a character who really feels like he’s lost everything and is ready to give up on life completely. His daughter died two years ago, his marriage fell apart soon after, and when this book opens, he’s just been placed on administrative leave by his captain. So he is pretty much drowning in pain…and yet, he’s caring and generous and there’s this tiny, tiiiiny piece of him that wants to have some kind of hope again. I just adore him. Also, he wears a lot of plaid flannel. And he can be funny when he wants to be!

Mara Bristol, 30, temporary B&B caretaker – Mara was so elusive to me as I tried to write her journey! I thought I had her figured out in the beginning, but no…there were more layers to her than I’d realized. She’s someone who has been a bit passive and insecure in her life—and that stems back to painful events in her childhood. She has this strong desire to belong somewhere and to matter in some way…and she’s very attached to the old B&B in this book. She takes after me in that she loves sugary cereal and other food for five-year-olds. Lol! She also takes after me in that she thinks Marshall is pretty great… 😉

Q. You've mentioned that this is the first book in a new series set in Maple Valley. Do you have a name for the series, and how will the characters be connected from one book to the next (i.e. family, friends)?

A: Great question! Here’s something funny – for months I went back and forth and back and forth on series titles. Then one of my author friends said, “Uh, Melissa, wasn’t this whole series inspired by your love for the town of Maple Valley? Why don’t you just call it your Maple Valley series?” Genius! Brilliant! Perfect!

What ties the series together really is the characters. They’re not biological family members like my Walker series or my Christmas series…instead it’s a group of characters who are close friends and feel like family. You’ll see them grow close during Now and Then and Always and by book two, they’ll pretty much function as their own little family unit. The bulk of their friend group is made of characters you’ve already met in past books set in Maple Valley.

That sounds so neat!

Q. Which beloved Maple Valley characters might have cameo appearances in this new series?

A: Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how much restraint it took not to fill basically every scene with cameos. LOL! No one will be surprised that Logan Walker (LOGAN!! ❤️️) makes a nice-sized cameo about halfway through the book. Other Walkers are mentioned. Drew Renwycke from my Christmas series shows up. Mayor Milton Briggs, of course! Megan from Coffee Coffee shows up briefly, too.

And of course, some of the more important side characters – who will be the main characters in future books – are from past books: Jenessa Bellville (new newspaper owner) from Like Never Before, Sam Ross (police chief) from both Keep Holding On and All This Time, and Lucas Danby (mysterious guy – lol!) from Keep Holding On.

What a fun group of new and old characters to visit. 🙂

Q: You were recently joking on Facebook about some things you often include in your novels, like heroes wearing flannel shirts. Your characters often take off on road trips. Where is somewhere that you would like to road trip to?

A: I love that you’ve picked up on me always including road trips. I literally didn’t realize I do that until just recently. Lol! I think I like getting my characters out of Maple Valley at least once and since I love road trips, I like sending my characters on road trips of their own. I’ve been saying for a long time that I’d like to take a road trip to New England…and happily enough, I think a couple of my author friends and I are doing just that this fall! (Although, we’ll be flying in from different locales so it may not be a true road trip…but I know we’ll do some driving together when we’re in the area.)

I hope guys have a lot of fun! I've been to New England once and would love to go back again sometime.

Q: With the understanding that you write the stories that God has placed on your heart, if you didn't write small town contemporary romances, is there another genre you would be interested in writing?

A: Oh yes! If I could write anything, I’d be writing historical romance. That’s my very favorite genre to read. For a long while, I thought I couldn’t write it because my voice is so contemporary sounding. But I read enough of it that I think maybe my voice could just twist and turn a little and fit the genre. My bigger issue right now is simply time. Writing historical stories would take quite a bit more research and I struggle to find writing time as it is. But someday…

I’ve also been toying around with some nonfiction. I used to think I didn’t have any interest in that, but enough people from both inside the publishing industry and out have asked me if I’d ever consider it that, well, now I’m considering it.

Oh wow, I would all over some Melissa Tagg nonfiction!

Q: Last year you undertook a big project with buying and renovating a house in your hometown. What are some of the favorite improvements you made to your new place?

A: Ooh, fun question! So far, my two favorite spaces are the living room and my writing room. We put new flooring in the living room, painted, made some other repairs…and it’s just cozy and lovely. It already had some wonderful features – a stone fireplace and skylights. So we were working with a good space from the start.

My writing room has big windows and we painted it a light gray that just feels clean and inspiring. I painted my big desk white and put up white shelves. It’s bright and airy. The only thing it’s missing is a comfy desk chair!

Q: What's your favorite Scripture verse or Bible story?

A: Hard question! I have a lot. Right now, I’m really loving these two verses:

Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.

-Prov. 4:25-26

I love these verses because one of the biggest struggles in my life is comparing myself to others. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in that! But these verses remind me to just fix my eyes on the path God has marked specifically for me…not to get distracted by the road anyone else is walking. They’re great verses, too, for when life feels overwhelming…it’s a reminder to just look straight ahead to what’s right in front of me. I don’t have to see every twist and turn in the road right now. I just need to recognize the next step…and be steadfast enough to take it.

That is a truly great reminder! ❤️️

Q: After the release of Now and Then and Always, do you have any ideas about your next project? Also, where can readers follow and connect with you?

A: Yes, indeed, I do have ideas about my next project! I’ll be a part of a fun Christmas novella collection later this year with some other fantastic authors. Each story will be set in the same small town…and will include royalty—in my case, the king of a country! It’s my first royalty story. And one day recently, my entire storyline just came to me…just like that. It was crazy! I can’t wait to actually write it.

After that, I’ll write the second book in my Maple Valley series and I hope to release it this coming winter – most likely in early 2020.

I love connecting with readers at these spots:

Website: http://www.melissatagg.com

My newsletter: http://www.melissatagg.com/stay-in-touch

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormelissatagg

Instagram: @melissatagg

(I’m on Twitter as @Melissa_Tagg, but I will be honest – I’m horrible about actually tweeting. Lol!)

I'm so excited and intrigued about the Christmas novella collection! I'll definitely be on the lookout for updates about that. 😀
Thank you, Melissa, for stopping by! It's been a pleasure. 😊

Readers, don't forget to check out Now and Then and Always, releasing May 28.

Current Mood: happy

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I first heard of Tracy Joy Jones in December 2017, when Tracy began offering a free Christmas novella to her newsletter subscribers. Recommended by none other than the fabulous Melissa Tagg, it was an easy choice to check out Tracy's story. I'm glad I did!! Now about 15 months later, I've read five of Tracy's novellas and not only am I a fan of her work, she's become a friend as well. Her novellas are sweet and funny while touching on deeper emotions that resonate within readers. Now that Tracy is beginning to release her books on Amazon, I asked her if she would drop by for an interview and let us get to know her a bit.

Q: Welcome, Tracy! I have loved your Mayberry Family novellas! Can you introduce the Mayberrys to those who might not have met them yet?

A: Hi Erin, thank you so much for having me! I would love to introduce you to the Mayberry Family. I first met them the month before Christmas in 2017 when I had a crazy idea for a comedic story that just wouldn’t let go of me. The first person I met in that journey was the oldest daughter Gretchen, who arrives home from college to find a Santa look-alike climbing in her little sister’s bedroom window. Suspecting the perfect disguise for a burglar, she goes into attack mode and is horrified to discover she’s just rendered her ex-boyfriend unconscious.

I think I was surprised as anyone when TEN siblings poured out of the family home to go investigate the unconscious Santa! How was I ever going to keep up with them? One of my dearest friends in the world has ten siblings, and after years and years of listening to her wonderful and often hysterical stories, I got to live in the middle of my very own “imaginary” large family and loved every minute.

From there, we met the second oldest of the family, Amelia, in my second novella, “Unlucky in Love & Lyrics." When I first started writing Amelia, I knew immediately that I was going to love her. She grows so much through the stories, but I can’t help feeling that her story isn’t finished. Especially as it relates to her yummy drummer boyfriend, Zeke.

Q: The Mayberry novellas all take place around various holidays. How did you come to choose those special times of year for a setting?

A: That’s a great question. I honestly have no idea! I think Valentine’s Day came too quickly to get a novella out after Christmas, and I had this crazy idea to meet the family throughout the year. My husband’s birthday is March 19th, so we usually make a big deal out of St. Patrick’s Day. From then it was just spacing them at a reasonable pace throughout the rest of the year.

Fourth of July ended up being a challenging one for me because my kids were out on summer break. I’ve never been completely been happy with the way Gretchen and Will’s disastrous engagement turned out. However, I’m working on a re-write that I’m so excited to release in a couple months. I think their story will finally reach where I wanted it to go.

And it’s funny because the next novella was "sort-of” a Halloween release. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I actually don’t celebrate Halloween. However, I’m passionate about all things to do with the Fall. With a house full of Mayberry children, it just felt like the natural place for a story. I do love the way the story ended up being something completely different than I first intended. Kayla’s story celebrates everything fall all in one delicious love-hate mix-up.

And then I ended the stories full circle with a Christmas wedding. If I had to do it over again, I would definitely get married around Christmas. Although definitely not on the actual day.

Q: Do you have a favorite holiday?

A: Surprise! Christmas. Hands down. I decorate everything that moves, and love every part of creating memories for my friends and family. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don’t make more of an effort on other holidays. However, I think so much of what makes it so delightful is that you’re trapped by the cold, your kids and loved ones are home with you, and it seems like we really snuggle into family moments together. We play more games, build puzzles, and there is so much theme music to capture the memories. They say memories are bound by scent and taste and music, and I think that is what Christmas does better than any of the other holidays.

However, a very close second would be Groundhog’s Day, although for completely selfish reasons. It’s my birthday and always a big deal in our house. I decided to write a new novella series this year centered around Groundhog’s Day, so maybe I’m just continuing the trend.

Q: What's next for the Mayberry family? You've mentioned the possibility of a full-length novel in the future. Can you give us any hints about that? (My guess is that it will be Amelia getting her own story!)

A: Yes!!!! Oh my goodness, I can’t wait. I can see the whole thing in my heart. When I wrote the last novella “A Very Mayberry Christmas” I was shocked that first of all, Zeke wasn’t there, and that secondly, Amelia was singing with someone else! What!?! I honestly didn’t know what to think about that development. My mom is one of my first-readers and called so mad at me. She hates tattoos but really loved Zeke.

“You better fix this,” she said.

And she’s right. I knew I had to fix it. I’m not sure exactly what format it will take, longer novella or full length book, but I can’t wait to “fix it” as my mom said. Amelia needs to do some more growing before she’s ready for the next part of her journey, but I can’t wait to be part of it and see her story come to life.

Q. Yay, I was right! I can't wait for this one to come together. What's up with the latest story that is available on your blog?

A: As I mentioned earlier, I get really excited about Groundhog’s Day because of my birthday. However, this year I had a strange kind of birthday. I was sad, and I’m not often sad. I love to travel, and we were home. It was freezing cold and miserable, and I just found myself wishing I could be part of something. My imagination started running away with me and out came a story.

I could have just written it for myself, but I’ve had so much fun sharing my novellas over the past year, I decided to share this one as I write it. I have a whole wacky crew of characters planned for the story, and can’t wait to see how Eden Parrish grows through her time reliving the movie Groundhog’s Day. A Beautiful Day Once isn’t what you think, but I think it will be a lot of fun to live it with her.

Q: Confession: I haven't started on A Beautiful Day Once because I'm waiting for more installments to binge read together. 🙂 Can you tell us a little about your writing journey so far?

A: My writing journey began with my reading journey. I love books. I re-read books. I devour books. But because I love them so dearly, I never imagined I could write. My first real story idea came just over three years ago. It's the story of a girl who lost her parents to tragedy, got trapped in grief, hid out on her grandmother’s front porch, and the boy and a nest of eagles that finally gets her to rediscover the world around her.

Anyway, I sat down to write that story, not knowing if I could even write or what it would be like and five weeks later, I’d written an 85,000 novel. I moved on to the second, and then the third in that series. At that point, I started attending writer’s conferences as a writer. My husband and I own a graphic design company and we have the privilege of working with many other authors. Consequently, we’ve been in the writing world for years, but joining as a writer has been an entirely different journey.

I was advised by my agent that YA wasn’t the best place to start, so I wrote two more books for adults and started trying to find a home for some of the books I was writing. I spent the past year editing and pitching and writing proposals, and, of course, writing the Mayberry family series. To date, I still haven’t found a traditional publishing home for “Calamity Jenn” and “Bye Bye Bailey.” It’s been a bit of an interesting journey for me, but I think that is where having the outlet of my novellas has really helped. I write every single day, as much as I can. I decided a short time after I discovered writing as a passion, that I would write for the rest of my life, even if no one read it.

I’ve learned over the past year that having readers is lightyears better than your stories never being read. However, I will always write for the rest of my life. I’m still praying about the self-publishing road. I think it is the right fit for my novellas, but I haven’t made a final decision for my full-length books.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

A: Oh goodness, who don’t I like? I read everything. I mean everything. Except for tear-jerker women’s fiction. I hate crying when I’m getting ready for bed or trying to get ready in the morning or cooking dinner. I just don’t want to do it. And if a story doesn’t have romance of some kind, I struggle. It doesn’t even have to be much. I love the Lord of the Rings, and there’s barely anything romantic in there, but at least it’s there.

In Christian fiction, it feels like I’m picking my favorite child. I love Melissa Tagg to pieces. Both personally and as a writer, she’s delightful. I love Katherine Reay, especially her first book, "Dear Mr. Knightley." I love Kristi Ann Hunter, Susan May Warren, Joanne Bischoff, Denise Hunter. Kara Isaac and Jenny B. Jones make me laugh, which is one of my favorite things to do. And I adore “Lady Jane Disappears” by new author Joanna Davidson Politano. Such an unexpected read. In Biblical fiction, my dear friend Mesu Andrews rocks my world with every book she writes. She is releasing a new book this month, “Of Fire & Lions” on the life of Daniel. There are also classics I read every single year like “Jane Eyre,” “Keeper of the Bees,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “The Blue Sword,” and “The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society.”

Honestly, I could talk books forever. My favorite quote is by Pam Allyn and it says, “Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.” It fills my lungs just to write that.

Q: Where can readers find you online?

A: I touch base most days and am available on my author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TracyJoyJonesAuthor/
You can also reach me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tracyjoyjones/
I have Twitter, but I think I have too many words for Twitter. I agonize forever getting them down and usually give up. 😉
And of course on my website, www.tracyjoyjones.com If you join my newsletter, you’ll get to stay up to date with all of my writing journey and news. I’d love to have you along for the journey!

Thanks so much for having me, Erin. It’s been a joy to relive the Mayberrys' journey and I hope your readers will get the chance to meet the Mayberrys as well. “How Gretchen Stole Christmas” and “Unlucky in Love & Lyrics” are now available on Amazon and the third novella “When Fireworks Fly” will be for sale by summer.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you, Tracy! Readers, check out Tracy's books at the links below, and be watching for more releases soon!

Current Mood: happy

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Kaitlin Covel's debut novel Atoning For Ashes comes out next month. Intrigued by this Regency story set in Cornwall, I've been making my way through an Advance Reader's Copy. Be watching for my review soon! Kaitlin has agreed to drop by today and answer some questions for the blog.

Welcome, Kaitlin! I've enjoyed getting to know you as we get ready for the release of your book. 😊

Q: When did you first know your writing was more than just a hobby?

A: The library was my favorite place as a child. I would haul my overflowing bookbags out of the library each month and devour as many titles as I could after school every day. That was the beginning of my publishing dream when I started to envision my own novel on the library’s bookshelf. It wasn’t until I was 12 though that the dream began to take shape. My creative writing assignment developed into my first efforts at a novel. I realized then that writing was a part of me, and I haven’t stopped writing novels since. Writing is my biggest source of expression, and if I did not write often part of me would wither away.

Q: Your novel is based in Cornwall, England. What inspired you to choose this setting?

A: I love the sea, and I’ve always dreamed of having a house on the coast. I’ve grown up in Maine, and some of my favorite memories include ocean trips. After I read Julie Klassen’s novel, The Tutor’s Daughter, I knew the Regency novel I was plotting had to be based in Cornwall, England. Winston Graham’s Poldark series was set only several decades prior to my novel, and it was one of my favorite research resources to familiarize myself with Cornish culture and history.

Q: I love Julie's work and Poldark, too! A consistent theme in Atoning for Ashes is unconditional love. Why did you choose this theme?

A: God’s identity is love, but I think we tend to see His love through the lens with which we have been loved by other human beings. It is only when we break free from this warped perception that we can begin to fully comprehend the unconditional nature of His love for us. His love is not contingent upon our successes and failures. Both my hero and heroine are freed by the knowledge that our identity in His sight is Beloved.

Q: Does Atoning for Ashes have a theme verse?

A: Yes, it is Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Q: What inspired the characters of Josie and Charles?

A: One of my favorite novels of all time is The Scarlet Pimpernel. I’ll never fail to be touched by the ending after Percy’s and Marguerite’s history of unrequited love. I freely admit that my tall, handsome blonde hero is inspired in part by Sir Percy Blakeney. My heroine Josie, however, I would say is the culmination of every woman, both fictional and real, that I have ever admired.

Q: If your readers only could gain one thing from reading Atoning for Ashes, what would you want it to be?

A: That everyone has ashes in their life...the ashes of broken dreams and scarred pasts. We serve a God whose love has redemptive power. He calls all of his children Beloved. He wants to atone for our ashes, even if they are the result of our mistakes, and redeem our future. Our God pursues the broken with arms of healing. All we have to do is stop running away. If we seek His face, He is faithful to heal our brokenness.

Q: What is your ultimate goal to achieve in your career as an author?

A: The ultimate goal in all of my writing is to glorify my Savior. My heart’s desire is that my writing would serve as a channel for His love to flow through and reach many hearts. Jesus Christ desires to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us. If just one person was inspired to have this personal relationship with Him or walk closer with Him because of my writing, I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you for visiting with us today, Kaitlin!

Be sure to visit Kaitlin's website, and click here if you are interested in pre-ordering Atoning for Ashes.

Current Mood: mellow

This is the sixth book in The Truth Chronicles series. If you missed them, here are my reviews for Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and Book 5. Keep reading after the review for an interview with author Joe Westbrook.

"The Chase" left us back in the past, with Jax, Izzy, JT, and Micky having made an amazing discovery. They've found Noah's Ark! Our friendly foursome spend the early chapters of the book exploring the Ark, hypothesizing on how Noah and his family cared for the animals and why modern searches haven't uncovered the Ark, and discussing theories about ice ages. The excellent focus on Biblical reasoning continues to be strong throughout their adventures.

Meanwhile, Pastor Rich's situation remains perilous in the Middle East. The authorities are willing to exact severe punishment on him and his friends for distributing Bibles to underground churches. Will Pastor Rich be required to give his life for the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Our young friends come back to the present day in time for the annual science fair. The competition is stiff, with JT and Micky going for repeat wins and many other great entries as well, but Jax and Izzy are confident they will place first. It's after the winning project is announced and our group has gone out for their traditional post-fair dinner that they learn of Pastor Rich's arrest. Is it possible that they could plan their most daring trip through time and rescue their friend and mentor? Seeking prayer and parental counsel, the mission is deemed too dangerous for anyone except Jax and Dr. Thompson. The outcome is an exciting conclusion to this wonderful young adult series.

I received my copy of the book from the author in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm pleased to share with you this interview with author Joe Westbrook. He graciously agreed to answer the following questions:

ReviewsByErin: Are there going to be any more books in The Truth Chronicles series? Do you have any other writing projects coming up?
Joe: At this point, we don't have any more books planned for The Truth Chronicles series. As much as Tim and I loved writing these stories, they take a good bit of time, and Tim in particular is busy with several other projects. I myself am working on multiple ideas (I can't ever seem to be content with just one!), and am hoping to actually get one completed before the end of the year.

ReviewsByErin: How long have you been interested in writing?
Joe: I first got interested in writing when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I had read a book by fantasy author Terry Brooks, and was under the mistaken impression that the book I'd read had been published while he was still in high school. I got the idea, then, that I should be able to get published before I graduated, too. That didn't happen, but I did graduate with two ideas written out to about 50 pages each.

ReviewsByErin: If you had a time machine and could go to any point in the past to observe and/or explore, what are some of the things you would go back and see?
Joe: Because of my interest in theology, I would like to travel back and meet the New Testament authors, especially Paul, and get absolute clarification on some of the things that have caused Christians to be confused and divided over the centuries. I would also like to go back to the day of the first moon landing, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the day Babe Ruth famously called his home run to center field in the 5th inning of Game 3 of the 1932 World Series

ReviewsByErin: Do you think time travel will really be possible in the future?
Joe: I am not a physicist, so research and theory may have concluded that the maxim "Matter cannot be created nor destroyed" is not necessarily set in stone. However, based on that maxim, I would think that time travel would not be possible because you would have to pull matter from one time and add it to another time. Maybe (and I'm really reaching here) if time travel was conducted through some sort of wormhole that linked two periods of time in a way that matter/energy could travel back and forth as long as the wormhole was open, but I still have my doubts. However, time travel, wormholes, and other related phenomena make for fun writing.

ReviewsByErin: Which of the main characters of The Truth Chronicles do you relate to the most, from a spiritual perspective? Were you a believer from a young age like JT, convinced after a little searching like Jax and Izzy, or did you fight kicking and screaming all the way like Micky? Praise the Lord that He is able to work in all kinds of hearts and circumstances.
Joe: I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. My dad was a pastor until I was almost 8 years old, and I grew up attending church. I came to know Christ personally as a pre-teen. In that respect, I'm definitely more like JT (my first and middle initials, incidentally). I split my personality some with Izzy, too, in that I like to reason things out. And yes, God is great and merciful to work with so many different minds, hearts, and attitudes!

ReviewsByErin: Your co-author Tim Chaffey works for Answers in Genesis, which is a great resource for learning about Biblical creationism and history from a Biblical perspective. Are there other organizations, websites, or books on these topics that you would recommend for readers to check out?
Joe: When it comes to creation and science, I also recommend the Institute for Creation Research and Creation Ministries International. For resources pertaining to evangelism, Ray Comfort's ministry, Living Waters, has some excellent resources. And I have greatly benefited from John MacArthur's ministry, Grace to You, with his expositional preaching through the entire New Testament.

ReviewsByErin: Where can we follow you online and stay updated about future writing projects?
Joe: There are several ways readers can follow both Tim and me. My Facebook author page is www.facebook.com/joewestbrookauthor and Tim's is www.facebook.com/TimChaffeyAuthor. Fans of The Truth Chronicles can interact with us on that series specifically at www.facebook.com/TheTruthChronicles. Tim's website/blog is http://midwestapologetics.org/ and my website/blog is www.jwexperience.com.

Current Mood: relaxed

I have long enjoyed Tracy Higley's historical works, but after finishing "So Shines the Night," I can now say this is my new favorite of her novels. It holds a wonderful blend of elements: Biblical accuracy, history, suspense, romance. Being a busy person, I normally catch my reading time in little spurts here and there. While reading "So Shines the Night," I often found myself being upset when the clock informed me that I needed to go to work or had another responsibility to handle. I just wanted to find out what would happen next!

Daria is a tutor on the isle of Rhodes in AD 57. Being an educated woman at a time when all scholars were male has always set Daria apart. She fears little, but she knows there is evil in the world and has often felt it reaching out for her. When a confrontation with a sorcerer leaves her fleeing for her life, she literally runs into Lucas, a merchant just heading back to his home in Ephesus. Seeing something inside her that draws him, Lucas offers to bring her to the safety of his home in exchange for tutoring, and promises he can secure her a position at the famous school of Tyrannus. Daria decides to take the risk and lets him whisk her across the sea. But will his home be the safe haven he promises?

A tortured soul, Lucas is only months past the murder of his wife. Hers was the first in a continuing string of murders in Ephesus, and he himself has been one of the suspects. Vowing to exact revenge, Lucas has spent time ingratiating himself into many different sects within the city in order to determine who is responsible for the brutal crimes. Now on the inside of the silversmiths guild, the Christians, and the sorcerers, Lucas is in the middle of a spiritual war beyond his comprehension. At times he is pleasant and warm, at times rough and brusque. Daria longs to be the light that brings Lucas out of the darkness, while yet beginning to fear it may be too late to pull him back.

In exploring the city, Daria meets the dynamic teacher Paul and many of his friends. Observing Paul heal a man of demon possession, Daria is drawn to the power inside him. Striking up a friendship with the Christians, Daria is both confused and captivated by their faith in the One God. Here in a city totally devoted to the worship of Artemis (Diana), Daria must look at faith and devotion and decide who she will choose to serve.

With Christianity a growing force in Ephesus, the workers of darkness seek to strike against them. Demetrius and the silversmiths plot to retain their livelihood; the sorcerers seek to drive them out with dark spells. Although very familiar with the Acts 19 passage in which the story is set, and therefore knowing how things would end for our Biblical characters, I was on pins and needles to see how Lucas and Daria came out on the other side. I began to fear that we might reach the end having witnessed one or both of their deaths. I am not opposed to killing a main character if done well, and I knew Tracy would do it well if she did. There are twists and turns at the end, but the conclusion was completely satisfactory for this reader. You will have to check it out this amazing story for yourself and draw your own conclusions on it!

"So Shines the Night" releases today and is available at all retailers. I received my copy from BookSneeze in exchange for this honest review.

As part of Tracy Higley's Caravan, I'm pleased to share this interview with Tracy with you all! Keep reading to see her thoughts on this story, and don't miss the chance to win a $50.00 gift card below!

Q: You have gone on so many amazing travels. What was one of your favorite things about visiting Ephesus?
A: I think it was the sense of being somewhere “where Paul walked.” Sitting in the theater, looking down over the Harbor Street where he was likely kept prisoner at times, I had this amazing moment of “I can’t believe I’m here” – the kind of moment that gives you chills and makes you feel connected to something larger than yourself.

Q: What inspired the theme of So Shines the Night?
A: The idea of community is dear to my heart, and the struggle we all have to not live in isolation. I wanted to take a look at two people struggling to do the right thing, but going about it the wrong way because they were isolated both from other people and from God, and to see what would happen when they brushed up against a community like the first century church.

Q: When you visited Ephesus, what was it like to be in the same city that Paul ministered in centuries ago?
A: It was thrilling, to be succinct. There is a sense of “this is real – this really happened” that sweeps over you and pulls you back in time and into the world of the Scripture in a new and fresh way. I loved it.

Q: What's one thing you learned about Ephesus and its importance to Christians that you found surprising/interesting/challenging?
A: I had never realized or noticed until studying this time in Paul’s life, how much time he spent there (nearly three years). I always pictured him hopping around from place to place fairly quickly. I was challenged by the time that he invested in people’s lives, the relationships and bonds he formed. Later, when the Ephesian elders said goodbye to him, the book of Acts tells us that they were literally weeping. It’s easy for me to minister to people “from afar” but I was really challenged by Paul’s relational approach to sharing Christ.

Q: How was the experience of writing So Shines the Night, compared to your other Seven Wonders novels?
A: It was much the same, with the addition of really being able to picture the city itself, as I could with Pompeii, after having walked the streets that are still so intact. It was also fun bringing in the “guest characters” from the book of Acts, and even an appearance of some characters from another novel (I’m not saying who – you’ll have to figure it out!)

Q: How has your writing, research, and travels affected your spiritual life?
A: Great question. All of it has definitely given me a larger sense of the world and what God is doing in it, both now and through the past. It’s made me realize, as I’ve studied God’s work in the nations throughout history, that He has always been calling all people to Himself, and that He still is. It’s also given me a desire to see the kind of Christianity that was born in the fires of Roman persecution become part of our experience now – a living, breathing faith that radically transforms our lives.

Q: What is your favorite thing about writing?
A: You.
Seriously, writing is an isolated and lonely profession at times. I spend a lot of time in my office alone, working to put together stories that people will love, and that will touch their hearts. When I hear from readers, start to see the reaction to a new book, that is my favorite thing about the process.

Q: Can you share anything about your future projects?
A: The best way to get a sense of what I’m working on now would be to visit this page: http://tracyhigley.com/books/work-in-progress/ Although, don’t hold me to all those thoughts about the book I haven’t started yet – who knows where that will go!

Click the graphic above for a chance to win! Thank you so much, Tracy, for blessing my life with your storytelling abilities, and for the insightful interview! I'm proud to be part of the Caravan, and was so tickled when I found my name listed in the Special Thanks section. You're the best!

Current Mood: pleased

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Interview with Becca Kinzer, author of "Dear Henry, Love Edith"
Interview with Ashlyn McKayla Ohm, author of "When the Ice Melts"
Interview with Stephanie Daniels, author of "The Uncertainty of Fire"
Interview with A.D. Lawrence, author of "The Purple Nightgown"
Interview with Cynthia Herron
Interview with Tara Grace Ericson
Interview with Kimberly Joy, Author of "Tales From Toddlers"
Interview with Melissa Tagg
Interview with Tracy Joy Jones, author of the Mayberry Family Novellas
Interview with Kaitlin Covel
"The Ark" by Tim Chaffey and Joe Westbrook {with author interview!}
"So Shines the Night" by Tracy Higley {with author interview and giveaway!}

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Entries tagged with author interview

Interview with Becca Kinzer, author of "Dear Henry, Love Edith"

Interview with Ashlyn McKayla Ohm, author of "When the Ice Melts"

Interview with Stephanie Daniels, author of "The Uncertainty of Fire"

Interview with A.D. Lawrence, author of "The Purple Nightgown"

Interview with Cynthia Herron

Interview with Tara Grace Ericson

Interview with Kimberly Joy, Author of "Tales From Toddlers"

Interview with Melissa Tagg

Interview with Tracy Joy Jones, author of the Mayberry Family Novellas

Interview with Kaitlin Covel

"The Ark" by Tim Chaffey and Joe Westbrook {with author interview!}

"So Shines the Night" by Tracy Higley {with author interview and giveaway!}

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June 2025

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