My friend and fellow author, Faith Blum, has a new book coming out in November, and she wants to share the cover with all of us. Be on the lookout for the pre-order coming soon! Trusting God is hard Eleanor Miller has never lacked for anything, but she wanted to become a schoolteacher anyway to instill the love of learning into other children. Unlike what happened with her brother, Grover. Grover hated school and authority. He rebelled any change he could. When he almost killed a man, their family was torn apart and he was disowned. Eleanor understands her father’s decision, but she worries she will never see Grover again. Will she find out how sweet it is to trust Jesus in everything no matter what happens or will she stop trusting Him completely? Faith Blum is a 20-something author of multiple books in various genres. She loves to write, read, play piano, knit, crochet, sew, watch movies, and spend time with her husband. She lives in Wisconsin in a small town with her husband and cat where she can write to her heart’s content during the day. Faith’s goal in her writing is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ.
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Please join me in welcoming Toni Shiloh! Toni's newest book, Returning Home, just released on September 26th. She's going to share more about that book as well as tell us a little about herself. Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter. Connect with Toni Website | Facebook | Pinterest Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub Toni also blogs with Putting on the New | Heart"wings" Diversity Between the Pages | ACFW Virginia Jo Ellen Baker is shocked to find out that the boy who teased her mercilessly throughout high school, has returned to their hometown of Freedom Lake, and he’s missing a leg. When his mother asks her to renovate their carriage house to give him a place to gain his independence back, she wants to say no. But one look at him brings a rush of forgotten feelings. Evan Carter can’t believe he has to return home and live with his parents. Every hope and dream he ever had dissipated in a car crash that cost him his leg. Stuck in a wheelchair, he’s forced to reexamine his relationship with God and the local carpenter, Jo Ellen Baker. Will renovating his home open the door for a mended relationship, or are some wounds too deep to heal from? Author Interview Me: Good morning, Toni. Thank you for joining us today!
Toni: Thank you so much for having me! Me: If there’s one thing you hope readers come away with after reading your book, what would it be? Toni: That God is not a representation of the people one earth. People are fallible and imperfect and that’s okay. The grace of God covers us. But that does not mean that God is fallible and imperfect. We have to learn that He is worth the risk of faith because He never fails. That's so true! Me: What is one of the most challenging things you’ve faced as an author? Toni: One of the most challenging things I’ve dealt with is the question about the ethnic diversity in my book. I received feedback from a reader who wished I had more than just African American characters in my books. It was something that shocked me because I don’t emphasis race in my books. But since I am a Black author, the majority of my characters are Black. I feel that Christian fiction as a whole is lacking in ethnic characters, so to hear that someone was opposed was a little disheartening. However the majority of my readers don’t see my African American characters as a problem because they can still identify with them. And as a Christian writer, that is my hope, that we see one another’s hearts instead of stopping at their appearance. Me: If there was one place you could go to research a book, where would it be? Toni: I would love to go to Carmel, California. I’ve been but it’s been over a decade and I would love to go back and get it fresh in my mind. Me: What do you usually use when you’re writing? A computer? Paper and pen? Toni: I write on my laptop. One day I would love to write on a typewriter and also take the plunge and use paper and pen. I think it'd be fun to have a typewriter to use as well. Me: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Toni: I’m an introvert. Meeting new people brings my anxious nerves to the forefront. Thankfully, I’ve learned how to interact with others online and not to clam up if I meet them in person. I definitely understand how you feel. I've struggled with many of the same things most of my life. Me: If time and money were not a concern, what one skill would you like to learn? Toni: I would love to learn some more musical instruments. I already know how to play the clarinet, but I would love to learn how to play the guitar, banjo, piano, and drums. Thanks again for joining us. I hope everyone will check out your new release, Returning Home. Anyone remember the 70's Dating Game? That what we will be playing on Wednesday, October 18th using the heroes of the Fall Into Romance box set. Get ready to choose your next book boyfriend from Shanna Hatfield's Blayne Grundy, Raine English's Julian Barrett, Liwen Ho's Chase Lockheart, J.J. DiBenedetto's Lucas Chase, Melanie Snitker's Brent Todd, Jess Elliott's Mike Elders, Author Kit Morgan's Andy Cotton, Stacy Claflin's Shane Rockford, Tamie Dearen's Adam Walker, and Franky A. Brown's Josh Chadwick. Who will you choose in the dating game? 5-5:30: J.J. and Stacy 5:30-6: Tamie and Raine 6-6:30: Liwen and Jessica 6:30-7: Melanie and Shanna 7:-7:30: Franky and Kit Be sure to stop by for fun and giveaways! I would like to extend my thank you to Millie Swank and A Taste for Romance Book Club for hosting this fun event!
Please join me in welcoming Mary Alford to my blog today. Her newest book, Framed for Murder, is now available, and it sounds fantastic! Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading romantic suspense greats Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Soon creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith came naturally for Mary. In 2012 Mary entered the Speed Dating contest hosted by Love Inspired Suspense and later received “the call”. In addition to writing for Love Inspired Suspense, Mary also writes Christian romance and sweet romance. Being a published author has been a dream come true for Mary. FALSELY ACCUSED Framed for helping her partner smuggle guns—and then murdering him—CIA agent Liz Ramirez must find the evidence that will prove her innocence…before she's caught or killed. So when her squad's leader attempts to bring her in for questioning, she knows her future depends on convincing Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. On the run from the rest of her team and the gun dealers who are convinced she knows the location of their missing weapons, Liz risks losing the proof that would clear her name. But will eluding her pursuers—and trying not to fall for the handsome commander—prove to be fatal? Author Interview When did you realize you wanted to be an author? MA: I’d say I realized I wanted to be a writer when I was a pre-teen. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to read just about anything I could get my hands on. As a child, I discovered Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys and was hooked on suspense. As a preteen, I found Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew in my heart of hearts that romantic suspense was what I wanted to write. I wrote my first book as a pre-teen, but didn’t really pursue writing seriously until about fourteen years ago. During that time period though, I fine-tuned my writing and found myself drawn to inspirational romantic suspense. Then, in 2012, I entered the Speed Dating contest hosted by Love Inspired Suspense and later received “the call” that I’d sold Forgotten Past, my first LIS book. I truly felt like a writer for the first time and it was a dream come true. It’s still hard to believe at times. Fear and danger are integral parts of your books. Imagination or experience? MA: Imagination and probably too much time reading suspense books and watching ID TV. The fear and danger my characters face is the same challenges we as human’s deal with on a much lesser scale. We may not be facing a killer bent on ending our lives, but we each have things we’re afraid of and keep us awake at night. Our own set of monsters so to speak. Are you an outliner or pantser? MA: Pantser. I’ve tried being the outliner type, but I just don’t operate that way. Do you have any favorite author(s) who have inspired you? MA: Along with Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt, I love inspirational romantic suspense authors such as Susan Sleeman and Shirlee McCoy. These women are great at weaving suspense, inspiration and an amazing love story into each of their books. Where do you get your ideas? MA: Most of my ideas start from something I’ve seen or read about. From there, the story begins to take fruition in my head. I let it simmer for a while until I’ve got a good outline worked out in my mind and then I grab my laptop and start writing. The idea for Deadly Memories and Rocky Mountain Pursuit came from my love of spy stories. I can’t get enough of espionage stories. I think it’s the danger, the drama, the intrigue attached to espionage that makes it so appealing to me. These people risk their lives daily to keep our country safe. You write in Christian genres. What is the spiritual takeaway for your books? Is there a recurring theme? MA: I think in all my books the spiritual takeaway is that no matter what we’re facing in life, no matter how dark the world around us may seem, we are never alone. God is right there with us through it all. What are you working on now? MA: I currently finishing up the Scorpion Team series with two more books that will be released in 2018. Okay, just for fun. Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers. MA: Hum, well, I’d say that my hubby and I used to raise Emus and Ostriches. I still can’t believe we did that. That I’m trying to teach myself the guitar, (It’s going very slowly…), and I’d love to do some gold panning on my next trip to Colorado. Oh, and I’d also love to write a children’s book one day. What are your other interests besides writing? MA: Music. I love playing the piano and as I’ve said, I’m learning the guitar very slowly. I also love gardening. I want to learn to make quilts as well. I also love doing crafts with my three granddaughters. They are very inspiring. Thank you for joining us, Mary! Congratulations on your new release!
If you joined us for the release of Fall Into Romance yesterday, I'm sure you saw that we had some formatting issues that were out of our control. Because of those issues, the collection was not available on Amazon for a stretch of time. I'm happy to announce that all formatting issues have been resolved. You can now grab your copy of Fall Into Romance for just $0.99 at your favorite retailer! Due to an unforeseen technical glitch, the story At Second Glance by Raine English was not included in the Fall Into Romance boxed set that originally released yesterday. If you received a version that does not include her story, please go back to your retailer and download (for free) a revised version.
We are terribly sorry for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the issue is corrected. Thank you, so very much, for purchasing Fall Into Romance! We know you’re going to love all the sweet stories full of autumn romance! HOW TO FIX ON KINDLE: you can get the corrected version by doing the following - log into Amazon, use the "Account & Lists" drop down to select "Your Content and Devices". From the "Manage Your Content" screen, you can search for the book and click the "update available" button to receive the latest version. It's finally here! Fall Into Romance is now available. Pick up 10 novellas, complete with a happily-ever-after for the humans and their furry companions, for only $0.99! Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town-its people-and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home. Finding Forever in Romance by Melanie D. Snitker Brent's hands are so full he doesn't realize his heart is empty. But how can he convince Nicole to trust him and give them all a chance at the forever family they deserve? Lost in Romance by Stacy Claflin Work is Alisyn’s life. Everything is perfect until the day her boss’s son comes to town and takes her breath away. Will she risk it all for love? At Second Glance by Raine English Can an ornery French bulldog help a mismatched couple find love? Blown Into Romance by Shanna Hatfield Free spirit Brooke Roberts blows into Romance like an autumn storm, unprepared to fall for the handsome rancher who gives her a reason to stay. Wired for Romance by Franky A. Brown Electrician Josh Chadwick can rewire his new client’s house, but he can’t do a thing about the electricity sparking between them. Restoring Romance by Tamie Dearen She’s a big city chef who likes cats. He’s a small town mayor who restores antiques. But even with feline allergies at play, true love is nothing to sneeze at. Finding Dori by J.J. DiBenedetto She’s a loud, pushy New Yorker who drives him crazy. He almost ran her over with his truck. Of course they’re perfect for each other… Katie’s Chance for Romance by Jessica L. Elliott Five years ago she pushed him out of her life, but she couldn't force him from her heart. Chasing Romance by Liwen Y. Ho When pop sensation Chase Lockhart wants more than a room at Izzy Sutton’s Bed and Breakfast, she must decide whether it’s worth opening up her heart to him, especially when he’s eleven years her junior. Lessons in Romance by Kit Morgan A rooster, a tortoise and love, oh my! Now if the humans could just figure out the love part, they might all live happily ever after. Join Us for the Release Party! Join the authors on October 5th from 2:30 until 6:15 p.m. EDT
for prizes, games, giveaways, and much more! Party Schedule (Eastern Time): 2:30-2:50 p.m. - J.J. DiBenedetto - Author 2:50-3:10 p.m. - Susan Hatler 3:10-3:30 p.m. - Author Kit Morgan 3:30-3:50 p.m. - Raine English 3:50-4:10 p.m. - Shanna Hatfield 4:10-4:30 p.m. - Liwen Ho 4:30-4:50 p.m. - Stacy Claflin 4:50-5:10 p.m. - Author Franky A. Brown 5:10-5:30 p.m. - Jessica L. Elliott 5:30-5:50 p.m. - Tamie Dearen 5:50- 6:10 p.m. - Melanie D. Snitker, Author Thanks to all of you wonderful readers who have nominated Marrying Mandy over on Kindle Scout, the book has managed to stay Hot & Trending for the last 26 days! With only a few days left in the campaign, I'm hoping this is a good sign that Amazon will select it for one of their publication contracts. If you haven't voted for Marrying Mandy yet, you still have time. Every vote counts! Marrying Mandy was one of my favorite books to write. If you'd like to read the first few chapters of Preston and Mandy's story, you can head over to Kindle Scout and find them there. And don't forget, if Amazon chooses Mandy, everyone who nominated it will receive a free digital copy!
Meanwhile, here's a little more about this modern marriage of convenience: A marriage of convenience or true love? Preston's heart aches for the woman he's loved for years. Mandy's on the verge of losing the only real home she's ever known. Frustrated by her stubborn refusal to let him help, he's certain they are stronger together than they are apart. A marriage of convenience might be crazy... or an answer to both their prayers. Here's a nice selection of new releases from my fellow authors. I hope you'll load up your Kindle with some of these great titles! September 26 Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 by Sweet Romance Reads authors Returning Home by Toni Shiloh September 27 Murder on Halloween by Steve Demaree September 30 Abby and Joshua by Sheila Hollinghead October 1 Forgiving the Billionaire by Anne-Marie Meyer The Clay Queen by Ono Ekeh October 2 A Waltz for Amber by Kimberly Rose Johnson October 3 The Holy War by Julie Gilbert Protect My Heart by Judy Corry Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber October 5 Fall Into Romance by Welcome to Romance Authors October 6 Under the Broken Sky by Angela Carling October 10 Swing Vote by Donna Weaver October 11 Just Maybe by Crystal Walton October 12 Hearts Set Free by Mary Crawford October 16 Inspiring Love: Three Romantic Reads by Nadine Keels October 17 Fiance for the Night by Melissa McClone Wise at Heart by Lee Tobin McClain Boone by Robin Cranney Love Me at Sunset by Lucinda Whitney October 25 Don't Forget Me by Judy Corry October 28 The Surrogate by Patricia Bell Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner — Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) A Waltz for Amber by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Amber, a struggling dance teacher, is desperate to make a success of her studio. The quickly approaching Christmas recital should help except for one problem—the high school music teacher scheduled the holiday program on the same night, causing a conflict for her students. Will she be able to sustain her business or will she lose everything in the pursuit of her dream? Chris is thrilled to be back in his hometown. However, his past won’t stay in the past, and the pretty dance instructor is a constant reminder of his failings. He wants to make up for his youthful mistake directed at her, but how? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Secret Christmas Twins by Lee Tobin McClain — Christmas came early for Erica Lindholm! Suddenly a mom to adorable twin baby boys and part owner of a snowy small-town Pennsylvania farm, Erica is living her dream. Until the boys’ estranged uncle, Jason Stephanidis, comes home to celebrate the holidays. The handsome, brooding detective turns out to be a natural with the babies…and with Erica’s wounded heart. But if Jason knew the truth about their identities, her picture-perfect life could melt away. Will Erica’s secret cost her everything? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Fall Into Romance by Melanie D. Snitker Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town—its people—and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home. Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed! (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) A Texas Holiday Reunion by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — With her foreman out of commission, Resa McCall needs horse trainer Colson Kincaid to run her family ranch through the holidays. But having the handsome single dad back in Bandera, Texas, is unsettling. Colson broke Resa’s heart years ago, and she can’t risk getting close again. Still, working with him and bonding with his sweet little girl is making the ranch feel merry and bright. Being at Resa’s side stirs up emotions Colson thought were long gone. But he has a powerful secret that could keep them apart forever. Can Colson give Resa the one Christmas present that might finally bring them back together—the truth? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall — Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them. Promises shattered. Lies spoken. She was arrested. He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents. Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family. Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all? (Contemporary Romance from Woodsmall Press) General Contemporary (includes Women’s Fiction): Piper’s Passion by Lee Carver — Piper Jordan, an American reared in Brazil, had her pilot’s license before she could drive and her aviation maintenance certificate before her business degree. Pulled between two countries, two career paths, and separated parents, she strives to determine what is significant and what to do with her life. Kyle Chamberlain, pilot with Outreach for Christ, wears a wedding ring that says he’s not ready to date again after Rosanna’s death. Wielding a wrench with the cutest pilot/mechanic he’s ever seen turns his head. But would a dynamic woman with her talents and eventual inheritance accept his missionary life in the Amazon? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published) Grace in Strange Disguise by Christine Dillon — Physiotherapist Esther Macdonald is living the Australian dream, and it doesn’t surprise her. After all, her father has always said, “Follow Jesus and be blessed.” But at twenty-eight, her world shatters. Everyone assures her God will come through for her, but what happens when he doesn’t? Has she offended God? Is her faith too small? So many conflicting explanations. Will finding the truth cost her the people closest to her heart? (General Contemporary, Independently Published) Historical: Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano — When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company. When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T Toney — In 1925, a thirteen-year-old boy witnesses a crime—the murder of a family friend—and must choose whether to remain silent as his father asks or defy mobsters and corrupt police to save his family. (Historical from Write Integrity Press) Historical Romance: Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander — In the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas, the cost of love . . . and of loving again. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) The Captive Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Lucy Thompson, and Gina Welborn — Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life’s greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) A Mountain Christmas Romance by Misty M. Beller — Stripped of the family so important to his Viking heritage, Matthias Bjork is now on the hunt for his sister. Despite combing the entire Wyoming Territory, he hasn’t found any substantial leads regarding his sister’s whereabouts, but he has discovered a most unusual woman. Opal Boyd has finally found the haven she’s longed for all her life, in a most unlikely place—working for a German couple in this remote Wyoming mountain town. She learned long ago that most men couldn’t be trusted, but when a mountain man stops in the boarding house where she works, he seems to have the respect and affection of the two people she’s learned to trust implicitly. But when Matthias’ search for his sister takes an unexpected twist, Opal is forced to make a choice that will alter the course of her life—no matter which answer she chooses. When Matthias’ decisions land Opal in danger, what must he sacrifice to rescue her? (Historical Romance, ACFW Qualified Independently Published) Fool’s Notion by Lisa J. Flickinger — Feisty Alda Lealand braves fifteen hundred miles with a pack string of mules—and the help of an unexpected cowboy–to save the family farm. (Historical Romance from Forget Me Not Romances [Winged Publications]) Playing by Heart by Carmela A. Martino — Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent to a convent instead. Ironically, Emilia’s pious older sister, Maria, would gladly become a nun. But Father won’t allow it—her brilliant language skills are too important to his quest for noble status. Emilia’s only hope is to prove her musical talents are as indispensable as her sister’s skills. First, though, Emilia must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. Before she can carry out her plan, though, Emilia’s mother dies in childbirth. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside handsome violinist Antonio Bellini, the great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. The two begin as rivals, but Emilia gradually falls in love with him. (Historical Romance from Vinspire Publishing) Historical Western: Too Far Down by Mary Connealy — A citified mine operator and a tough western cowgirl are the most unlikely couple of all as they team up to fight the outlaws that want the Cimarron Ranch. (Historical Western from Bethany House [Baker]) Romantic Suspense: Dangerous Ground by Gayla K. Hiss — Deputy Marshal Kate Phillips comes to the Great Smoky Mountains in search of answers concerning her uncle’s suspicious death, and finds herself in the middle of an ancient family feud and a land dispute with handsome first responder, David Jennings. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink) Christmas Captive by Liz Johnson — On his cousin’s Christmas cruise wedding, navy SEAL Jordan Somerton anticipated having the typical best man duties—not facing down criminals boarding the ship. But when the luxury liner is infiltrated by men determined to kidnap the flower girl, he’s plunged into an unexpected mission. Maid of honor and DEA agent Amy Delgado hasn’t forgiven Jordan for a misunderstanding in their pasts. But with her young niece targeted, she must draw on Jordan’s skills as a protector. Signs point to an inside job. With a traitor in their midst, can they ensure that every passenger returns home safely for the holidays…even as they find love amid deepening danger? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Speculative: Transfusion by Victoria Buck — The world’s first transhuman must save the world, or save the woman he loves. (Speculative from Harbourlight Books [Pelican]) Suspense: Kill Zone by Rick Acker, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Braxton DeGarmo, Luana Ehrlich, Heather Day Gilbert, Heather I. James, Robert Liparulo, Jordyn Redwood, and Jan Thompson — Espionage, hacking, police procedural, international crime and intrigue, covert action, spy, secret police, revenge, snipers…and so much more! Ten brand-new, never-before published novellas of suspense, intrigue, and thrills from ten bestselling Christian thriller authors, all packed into this one anthology. (Suspense from Georgia Press LLC) |
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