This 40-day prayer journal did something amazing in my heart! These encouraging true stories are opening me where I’ve felt a bit narrower. I’m working my way through this more than a journal on prayer—which is awesome all by itself. Each day has a call to trust or believe or share community and so much more. Each day ends with a brief journal and prayer section for the reader to stop. Breathe and seize the moment of inspiration and invitation to know Him better. Allowing ourselves to be still and know that He is Lord over us if we pause and let Him lead.

As I read through these remarkable and specific days, there is a beautiful lifting and settling of my heart. Amy poured out her heart about her experiences as she encountered challenges and listened to Him in the middle of very different circumstances. So like our own lives, and always inspiring us to step higher and catch the view from these daily mountain tops! As I just wrote that last sentence, I glanced at Amy’s cover and noticed the mountains! How about that! 

And yes, I smiled!

Splendid encouragement from a lovely-hearted young woman of God. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review, and there you have it. Looks like I’ve opened my heart to you, dear reader! If you are searching to know the Lord and deepen your prayer perspective, then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this prayer journey of a journal! 

Questions for Amy:

Right now, which chapter in your prayer journal speaks to you and why?
Chapter 1, Believe In Miracles speaks to me right now. In my family right now we are believing for God to bring healing, restoration, new doors of opportunity and to do the impossible in our lives! ​

What do you like to drink or snack on when your write?
When I’m writing I try to focus more on drinks...like water, coffee, hot herbal tea, sparkling water (LaCroix Limoncello my favorite). For snacks, I grab fruit or chips & salsa. Very challenging to eat those while typing!   :)

Where do you like to write and dream with the Lord?
Lately, I’ve been getting up in the wee hours of the morning I’m going in the basement. Thankfully it is finished so it’s very cozy. It’s a great space to pray and hear from God and I’m not waking anyone up. During the day I like to go out on my patio and dream, journal, pray and hear from Him. 
 
Do you journal a lot? When did you start that?
​I do journal quite a bit. I actually journal out a lot of my prayers or write to God about challenges I’m facing. Sometimes, I write prayers of gratitude & record answered prayers. I also write out scriptures that speak to me about what me and my family are going through. I often insert our names into the Scriptures and pray them over my family & situation. 

I started journaling years ago when I first became a Christian - almost 30 years ago! Yikes!  :0
 
Do you have another book in the works? What can you tell us about it?
I have not started writing another book yet. I have thought about writing a book for special needs families. I want to write about our son Ashton’s Noonan Syndrome
and include the various areas he is affected. I also have a couple of other ideas in the works that I am praying over. 

What ministry for the Lord grips your heart right now?
Lately, the biggest things on my heart as far as ministry go are families and youth. I just see how modern-day society and all of its challenges are weighing heavy on families and on our young people. I am seeking God about ways I can be a part of the solution & help encourage & inspire Moms, Dads & their children living at home. 
 
Do you think your reader's voice matters when they leave a review on Amazon and other social media? Why?
I really think every voice matters. Whether you are are leaving a review on Amazon, another platform or sharing your story in any capacity, I think your voice matters and your story should be told. I think we should all find freedom & boldness to speak and share our faith openly too. This world needs the hope found in Jesus!
 
How do you want your readers to find you?
My readers can find me on my website at www.amyjoob.com, on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/AmyRobnikJoob, Instagram at @amyjoob1, or YouTube (Amy Joob). 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhv00G4l8bFgmBK7Y0OA6w/
https://www.instagram.com/amyjoob1/
email  amyjoob@yahoo.com  

Beautiful.
That is my one-word description of this third book of the AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION. I have so much to say about A VIEW MOST GLORIOUS! The characters are fresh and stunning. They are vibrant and well-rounded and quite different from one another. They are challenged emotionally, mentally, and physically by Mount Rainier and each other’s goals. Honestly, the way that Regina described the ascent and descent on Mount Rainier was so perfect—just as though she walked in Coraline Baxter’s boots. The hero, Nathan Hardee, is strong and complicated, as Coraline Baxter is determined and resourceful. The other various characters add so much to the interest and power of this tale.  

The descriptions mesh wonderfully with the challenges and emotional changes of the characters while moving the story along. This is a page-turner that you don’t want to miss. The experience of these written words has my stamp of excellence on every level.
I’ve longed to read VIEW MOST GLORIOUS, the third book of AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION from Revell. The covers are lovely--a delightful way to see some of America’s fabulous park areas through the exciting tales of relatable and inspiring characters.

VIEW MOST GLORIOUS is a satisfying and beautifully written, and insightful novel that I was sent a free copy of for an honest review. This is my favorite series by Regina, and that is saying a lot. This is a writer that I respect, admire, and enjoy. I’m honored to share her newly published novel, and this story was an experience for me. I’m too cowardly to climb such a mountain, but to experience this challenge through the eyes of Regina’s characters was absolutely rewarding, refreshing, and satisfying! Hint, hint- this series or this novel would make a wonderful Christmas, birthday, or just because gift to those you love! The stories in this AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION are stand-alone novels as well as being part of a series. How did you come up with the hero, Nathan Hardee’s background?

I knew who Coraline, my heroine, was—a strong young lady who is determined to make her own way in the world. She was going to need a guide to climb the mountain, so the hero had to be skilled in living in the wilderness. But I also wanted someone who could appreciate the lifestyle she lives. It’s easy to look at someone who is born into wealth and think they have it made. Cora has always been at the mercy of others. He understands that. 

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

How did you come up with Coraline Baxter’s Achilles heel, her mother?
Because Cora has chosen to walk a path few ladies trod in those days (although there were some!), I wanted someone close to her to be a contrast. Her mother is what many women aspired to be in the late 1800s. She wields her power quietly, in Society and through her husband. She’s buried two husbands before this one, so she knows how to keep that power too. But it’s not the kind of power Cora wants.

Have you climbed Mount Rainier? Your descriptions of the characters’ ascent and descent, their reactions and the views were so specific. I loved this!
While I have hiked all over that mountain, I have never reached the summit. I considered trying it in the leadup to the book’s publication, but the amount of preparation would have been too much with family and writing, especially with the coronavirus. I’m afraid I’m not in Cora’s shape, LOL. However, there is a marvelous book by Aubrey Haines, a former park ranger, called “Mountain Fever.” He has gathered first-hand accounts of those who climbed Rainier in the early days. The details, combined with my own experiences on the mountain, helped me imagine what it might have been like for Cora.

Will you write any additional AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION novels? If not, what is your next novel to be published?  
At the moment, this book is the last one planned in the American Wonders Collection. In January, I will be returning to my beloved Regency period with the release of Never Pursue a Prince, a follow-on to my bestselling Fortune’s Brides series. Can the daughter of a duke give her heart to a prince in disguise when she and her sisters vow to be wed by harvest time?

 
You can find Regina Scott at:
​
www.https://www.reginascott.com

https://www.facebook.com/authorreginascott

https://www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins/_created/

Other book reviews and author interviews for AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION series by Regina Scott! 

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS (11/8/2020
http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/11-2020
​
A DISTANCE TOO GRAND  (10/4/2019
​http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/10-2019
​

BEYOND THE MASK is a go-to movie for me! The Burns Family Studios formed an excellent fiction film inspired by actual historical happenings. I love the storyline, characters, and Ben Franklin’s inventions! This is a clean, family-friendly adventure that I find so pleasing! The film also includes exciting scenes with the East Indian Company! If you watch this movie, I’d love to hear what you enjoyed most about this film.
​
My hopes are high that The Burns Family Studio will release a new film every bit as good as BEYOND THE MASK!  

London, England, May 1817


From the opening line to the very last—all the way to the end of the epilogue, Julie Klassen bound me to the pages. Her winsome and dark characters drew me into the situations, concerns, and mysteries that each one held secret from each other and from the readers for a time.

THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK is steeped with mystery as Abagail Foster and her father arrive to inspect their possible temporary home, due to their recent financial woes. My brain immediately tried to figure out why the former family left teacups on the table and their possessions unpacked and in their closets. I’ll bet that you would love to know too!

The characters’ concerns played perfectly into the plot. Abagail and Louisa Foster are sisters whose integrity and goals are revealed to be completely different from one another. Their longings, as well as the curate, Mr. William Chapman, and distant relation, Miles Pembrooke, kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next! Even the least important characters took on life and seemed full-bodied!

A book review just doesn’t do such a book justice. I highly recommend this story to historical fiction lovers. If you’ve not read THE SECRET OF PEMBOOKE PARK, I suggest that you do! 

This was not my first time to read this historical mystery, but it held me with the same strength and interest. This is a story about relationships and riches and the treasures people pursue. THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK should become a classic! In my estimation and on my bookshelf, it already is.

QUESTIONS FOR JULIE:
 
Have you traveled to England, and is or was western Berkshire an actual location? (What inspired you to write about this town and storyline?) I’m delighted that you did! 

Thank you! Yes, while Pembrooke Park is a fictional estate, Berkshire is a real county in England, west of London. I feel blessed to have traveled to England several times now and have even hosted two group tours there. Lord willing, I will be able to return one of these days.
 
The mystery throughout the story is superb! What inspired you to write this story? 

The idea was inspire by something from my childhood. In the countryside where I grew up, there was a wooded area about a half-mile behind our home. Among the trees was an abandoned house with three walls still standing. I was fascinated to look upon its crumbling walls, the sagging piano, and the tattered blue dress on its hanger. I tried to imagine what had happened to the people who once lived there and why they left so suddenly without their belongings. I found it very satisfying to weave this real-life mystery into The Secret of Pembrooke Park.
 
Who is your favorite character in this mystery? Why?

I enjoyed several characters, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the young clergyman, William Chapman. He is handsome and humble, godly and kind, but also a man’s man—athletic, good-humored, and hardworking.
 
Where do you feel most inspired to write? For example, home, coffee shop, or a hidden cabin in the woods? 😊
 
A lot of my ideas are inspired by traveling and research, but for purely focused writing, I am happiest in my little turret office overlooking the lake.
 
Is there anything you would like to add and tell your readers?

If you enjoyed the mystery elements of this novel, I think (hope!) you will also enjoy my next release, Shadows of Swanford Abbey (December 2021).   
 
What is your favorite way to hear from your readership? 
I enjoy interacting with readers through social media (Facebook and Instagram), and receiving emails at julie@julieklassen.com always makes my day. Thank you!
 
You can find Julie Klassen at: https://julieklassen.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieKlassen
https://www.instagram.com/julie.k.klassen/

Release date, September 7, 2021

DiAnn Mills set my heart to pitter-pattering with this suspenseful tale. Emphasis on suspense. DiAnn skillfully lured me into the difficulties and challenges of Shelby Pearce and FBI Special Agent Denton McClure, who have an adversary equipped with intelligence, connections, and extreme ruthlessness.

Shelby Pearce is in prison at the start of the novel. She’d confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and is believed to have embezzled five hundred thousand dollars of his money. At her release from prison, she is looking for a fresh start, but complications keep arising. Maybe someone is after the money? Are you wondering if she took it too? I’m not telling.

Shelby is super likable, smart, and has excellent instincts. You can believe me when I tell you that she will need every bit of skill that she owns to combat the opposition and more.
Denton McClure is a rookie assigned to the Pearce case. I think he is everything a hero is meant to be! I loved the interaction between characters and how they grow to know one another. These are the perfect characters for the right kind of plot! I refuse to tell spoilers. I will tell you that I had a difficult time putting this story down! Interesting, enlightening, and perfectly entertaining! I highly recommend this novel and this author friend of mine, DiAnn Mills! If you expect an adventure—you will get one with DiAnn’s suspense!

I was given the TRACE OF DOUBT novel for my honest review, and I have happily provided my reaction and thoughts.

1861 London, England

This debut novel that has the yawning emotional pull and suspenseful secrets one finds in the classics, even of Charles Dickens. And may I say that I believe that even Dickens would have to approve of Joanna Davidson Politano’s storytelling!
​
Aurelie Harcourt’s father passes, which spins his daughter into a world of secrets, mystery, and danger. He left Aurelie an emotionally distant family and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, which has kept his identity hidden from avid readers and fans.  He raised his daughter in the strangest of situations and left her—not his fault—to fend for herself in a suspicious family of means. I love the main character; she is intelligent, strong, and resourceful. Believe me—she has to be so to be in this situation. She captured my admiration immediately, and Aurelie’s story drew my attention with exacting meticulousness.

May I quote Aurelie to you, “Fiction was not always a lie, but a truth told in parallel to real life.” How I’ve always believed that myself! Well stated, Aurelie. The generations of her family and the other characters of interest were excellently represented and kept my full attention and appreciation for their crafty, mind-boggling fabulous uniqueness.

The beauty of the writing and the uniqueness of this tale kept me turning pages and loving every millisecond of well-spent time of pursuing these pages. This hauntingly wonderful story is a reread and favorite. I’ll keep it close on my well visited shelves. If you like to think through the story, enjoy the cadence of the language, and hold on through twists and turns—well, this is a story for you that I’m excited to point out to you. Thank you, Joanna for writing with excellence and clever challenges your character had to scale.  

You may find Joanna Davidson Politano at:

http://jdpstories.com/
https://www.pinterest.com/sunshine39n/

What a perfectly difficult decision this was for the judges when I asked them to pick a name for the winner of this contest. Well, I asked them to pick their top five favorites so that I could be sure to find a winner! All the names submitted for the male Boxer (who snuck onto the pages of SISTERS & SECRETS, Book 2 of my HEARTS FOREVER FAITHFUL series) are worthy of a puppy. To make it even more difficult for those submitting names and those judging --, I refused to give information about this particular Boxer, such as who he belonged to or how much space he will take on the pages of this story. My offerings for inspiration were the photos of our sweet Boxer! From those glimpses of his personality and looks, people responded. I'm very grateful that they did!

A bravo and huge thank you to all who submitted a name for the Boxer character for  SISTERS & SECRETS, Book 2, HEARTS FOREVER FAITHFUL!  

Okay, drumroll . . . 

The winning name is Winston--submitted by Stacey Ulferts. Congratulations Stacey! I will contact you via FaceBook to make arrangements for sending your $25.00 Visa card. Your name will be mentioned on the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS page of SISTERS & SECRETS, which is in the process of being written! As soon as the novel is published, I will send you a signed copy! Winston, what a wonderful name and very fitting! Thank you for submitting!

2nd runner-up is the name Murphy--submitted by Rita deFoe. This was also a well-liked name and one worthy of a lovely puppy--if anyone is looking to name one! Thank you for submitting this terrific name, Rita!

3rd runner-up is the name Prince--submitted by Jennifer Frank! This is definitely a charming name--get it-- Prince Charming!  :) Also, well-liked, and I appreciate your submitting this name, Jennifer! 

I will include the 2nd and 3rd name choices and the names of those who submitted them in the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS page of SISTERS & SECRETS! I hope that you all had as much fun during this contest as I did. I know some of the judges express their glee! 

Okay, back to work on this novel. The first thing I'll do is add Winston to the pages! 

 
A Regency Adventuresome Romance
1804, Dorset, England
​
Assistance has arrived at the small village of Grace-by-the-Sea for Captain Quillan St. Claire that he didn’t expect. And despite a terrible looming threat that the British War Office has discovered against this former naval captain, the protector will take some getting used to. The captain, now known as the Lord of the Smugglers, is handsome, strong-willed, and mysterious. Beautiful, talented French singer, Marie-Louise Fortier, has a past that uniquely qualifies her for this assignment, whether he appreciates her spying abilities or not! Almost immediately, he gets to witness her skill and intelligence. . Knowing that Napoleon wants to stop his secrets from being smuggled by St. Claire adds that always in the background tension.

This fun and exciting story kept me captivated. Both the hero and heroine fascinated me and kept me rooting for them. Of course, this being book 6 in this series, there are many appearances of former heroines and heroes and villagers, which I just love in small-town or, in this case, village stories. Characters are always the most essential element of any tale for me. Regina tucks mystery and surprise into her Grace-by-the-Sea stories—where does she come up with all of her ideas?
  
The exquisite cover represents the two main characters perfectly in style and attitude. So if you are looking for a fine summer (or anytime) read, with characters that motivate interest and are easily admired, then this is the book for you!
 
Questions for Regina:
What is your favorite quality about your soprano heroine?

Her fearlessness. Orphaned as a teen when her father joined an ill-advised venture to try to take France back from Napoleon, she had to find a way to support herself. But she wasn’t content to watch others fight the war that had stolen her father from her. She used her skills to gather and transmit information for the War Office.

That Napoleon was quite the emperor. Have you read accounts about his sending his spies to any notorious spies from England?

Many, many authors, me included, have written about spies and spy masters during the Regency. It appears that the English held a dim view of spies in actuality. Remember, this was still a time when battles were fought “honorably,” namely by two armies marching toward each other, firing, and the last man standing won! So, I haven’t heard of many real-life spies from England, but Napoleon bragged that he had more than 500 smugglers in his pay, who were bringing him England’s secrets. Quillian St. Claire wasn’t the only one who wanted that information to flow the other way! Other real-life smugglers like Isaac Gulliver learned information from the French and took it back to help England.

Do you write your book and then add the book cover or the other way around?

It depends! 😊 If I know I will be writing a series through my imprint, Edwards and Williams, and I am fairly sure of the content of each book, I often commission all the covers up front, then write the books afterward. Other times, I have the cover created when I am fairly far along in the story. And when I am working with a publisher like Love Inspired or Revell, they often want the covers done long before the book is ever turned in, so I sometimes get to write scenes that fit the cover, LOL.

What would you like to tell your readers about the message of your story, The Siren’s Captain?

Everyone can make a difference. Ree might not be able to sail across the Channel like Quill, but she can help keep him safe. Other characters in the book are constrained by position in society or finances from changing the trajectory of the war, but they can work together to safeguard the village. We can all find a role worth living in this world.

Do you have any maps or links you wish to share with your readers?

I love tall ships! You can find more than 1,000 examples on my Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins/sailing-ships-ahoy/. I also have a board dedicated to things that inspired The Siren’s Captain.

Where can readers find you? What social media is your favorite?

Readers can find me the following places. I will admit a fondness for Pinterest, although I can also be regularly found at a Facebook Group for lovers of sweet (low-heat) Regency romances, Lady Catherine’s Salon at https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyCatherinesSalon.
Website: www.reginascott.com         
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/authorreginascott       
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/reginascott
Newsletter signup form: https://subscribe.reginascott.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/regina-scott


Thank you for another excellent interview, Regina! It is always a pleasure to hear from you and read your novels! :)
​

DREAMS of SAVANNAH 
 
Cordelia Owens is in love, which makes this plantation daughter’s life wonder-filled and splendid until the Civil War interrupts. Her heart belongs to the charming Phineas Dunn, who sails away to defend their shores from the Yankees. But as all wonderful novels go, the difficulties and tragedies of life roll in.

Unexpected additional characters influence the main characters in a way that they never could have dreamed. Okay, I know—those are imaginary people. So let me switch up and change that to we could never have imagined their influence and how they could become so dear to our hearts! Is that better? LOL!

Roseanna is amazing at characterization, and she uses time and place with the precision of a scalpel. I love the freshness and nearness of her stories, and I’m glad to say I’ve influenced others to read her work and they love her also! Her characters become my new friends (despite the fact that I do have a life!), and her plots carry me away into concern and joy and concern and oh, no!!!!!!! Yes, she is that good and even better!

I love the talent that Cordelia (Dilia) enjoys as she strengthens and entertains those around her. And Phineas (Phin), Dilia’s love interest, is so fascinating and determined. But there is another who vies for Dilia’s attention and hand. I loved seeing everything play out and with the Civil War as a backdrop—well, Roseanna had me in Savannah from the very first page.

Do you wish to gasp, applauded, smile, and cheer characters on? Then I highly recommend DREAMS OF SAVANNAH for your next read!

Questions for Roseanna:

Your character, Luther, really gripped my heart. How did you develop his personality?
 
Hilariously, I first developed Luther for another story, where he was the sidekick of a pirate captain—hilarious, because said captain was Phillip Camden, who also got snatched from that old plot and made the hero in On Wings of Devotion. Luther came to me as a character who was huge and intimidating but with this moral core and deep love. When I needed someone to save Phin in Dreams of Savannah—literally and also to point him there spiritually—I knew Luther would fit the bill! So I gave him a history that would make him an anomaly in Phin’s eyes but also the perfect person to be in that position. I gave him a calling from the Lord, but also a mission in the story…and from there, he just grew into the Luther you see on the page.
 
Is the Civil War a favorite time period for you? If so, why? If not, what is your favorite time period to write about?
 
Honestly, I just love history! I do find the Civil War fascinating and have written two books in that setting, but I don’t favor it above the other time periods I’ve written about, to be perfectly honest. I’ve spent most of my writing career with English settings, and I have no complaints about that…but it was certainly fun to hop back to this side of the pond!
 
I loved the stories that Delia wrote. Were these stories that you had dabbled with before?
 
Nope, those were all original to Delia! So glad you got a kick out them!
 
Do you research as you write? Or do you do all gathering of facts beforehand?
 
I usually take a couple weeks to gather my sources and learn enough to begin…then I just begin and continue to research as I go. In the case of this story, I had to research some of the things like the Sumter’s timeline and the battle for Fort Pulaski well ahead of writing so I could work out my time frame, but there were certainly plenty of things I looked up as I write as well.
 
What would you like to tell your readers about why you wrote this story and possibly what it means to you?
 
I actually wrote this story nine years before Bethany House decided to publish it—so about ten years ago now! When I first wrote it, I wanted to portray a “typical” Southern gentleman and take him on a journey to better awareness, and I wanted a heroine that was kind of an Elizabeth Bennet meets Scarlet O’Hara mashup. But as I worked on it again before publication and did a LOT of rewriting, my hopes and desire for the story really began to change…the better, I hope, to reflect our world today. My prayer, as I handled edits and rewrites while there were riots going on just miles from my publisher’s headquarters, was that God would somehow use the story of Delia and Phin, Salina and River, Luther and Eva, to show one of His Truths: that we are all God’s children, beloved by Him, and that if we focus first on loving each other as He loves us, the things we perceive as differences fall away.
 
Who or what was your favorite encouragement while you wrote this story?
 
I don’t honestly remember from the original writing ten years ago, ha ha, but during rewrites, my biggest encouragement—as I totally flipped out at the thought of this book coming out now, when there was so much unrest in the world about these subjects—was, as always, my family and my critique partner/best friend, Stephanie. Both she and my husband reminded me that God knew when it would be releasing and that it had sat in my computer for nine years because this was its time. It was still terrifying, but it made me aware of how ultimately, this story was God’s to do with as He pleased.

 Wow, thank you for a GREAT interview, Roseanna! Your DREAMS OF SAVANNAH  
 was delightful to read  and inspiring. I do believe that this was the right time to release your story! Thank you, for your perseverance as an author and your obvious love for the Lord that shines off of your pages! 
​
 You may find Roseanna M. White at https://www.roseannamwhite.com/