Timeless Significance For Every Day
Short stories and also devotions that mix historical quotes and contemporary musings, as well as
author interviews and book reviews.
author interviews and book reviews.
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AWARD FINALIST - MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH, ALIEN INVASION by Kate Jungwirth & Deborah Ann Erdman9/22/2019  Readers’ Favorite—AWARD FINALIST—ALIEN INVASION What a fun story! I purchased this book for my granddaughter. While I’m waiting for her to get older so that we can read it together—I sampled the pages—kept reading and enjoyed the whole experience! MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH, ALIEN INVASION is Dominic’s third adventure at Point Beach State Forest, and yet this is a fresh story with an interesting spin to it. Sailor and Forest—important friends from the first and second books—are there to add assistance as well as their humor! I love the situations the kids find themselves in. The mysteries are believable and keep me guessing. The characters are so different and entertaining that I find myself laughing out loud. I like all of the main characters that I’ve already mentioned along with GB, Windsong, Ranger Rick, and one I’d met in person—Ollie. I find that I actually learn about stuff as I’m enjoying how the mystery builds. Also, I live in the area and learned about the local Sputnikfest event. Now, I want to make it a point to attend this unique-to-our-area festival. I’ve never stayed at our local Point Beach Park either, but it does sound like an exciting place to camp and share summer memories. If I ever do, I will be sure to look for the famous Nimrod. For if Nimrod is there, I’m sure that Dominic and friends might possibly be solving another fun mystery. Thank you, Kate and Deborah Ann, for another fantastic and entertaining story of merit! I’m glad to have read this adventure, and I do highly recommend this book to other readers. QUESTIONS FOR KATE & DEBORAH ANN: Dominic is a real person! I know this from attending one of your book signings. Which story in this series is his favorite? DEBBY: Dominic likes all of the books. He’s looking forward to more adventures from his namesake. You have such interesting and different mystery topics in each book. How did you come up with the “Alien Invasion” focus for this book? KATE: I thought about the reading audience, and what keeps kids entertained at that age—that’s where the aliens come in. Since the books each include local history, I also drew off of an eye- witness account involving a spacecraft spotted near Point Beach, and a newspaper article about a green meteor that landed in Lake Michigan a few years ago. It’s fascinating story material—even for adults. Do your children influence your writing and topics? KATE: Definitely. They give me a pocket full of insight as to what interests young people, how they talk, and react which I can then apply to the main characters’ personalities. Also, it helps that I can go to some of my son’s favorite books and study the writing techniques used by other authors for that age level. Do you have another story idea brewing? KATE: Just one??? LOL Right now, we’ve been approached by someone who is encouraging us to turn book 1, Sundae Wars, into a play that would be performed locally. Other than that, we were contemplating a story that revolves around the “ghost” of a lumberjack for book 4. Without revealing who Ollie is, may I ask whose idea it was to include him? (By the way, I was touched when I read his part in the story.) KATE: Debby had a great idea for the mystery portion of this book, which involved this additional “character.” We chose the name Ollie, because he was a “Big” part of one of our fellow writer’s life, and she missed him very much. He was one of a kind! Where can your readers find you online? Do you have fun activities for your readers there? DEBBY: We’re online at Facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach and on our website: www.MysteryatPointBeach.com. Be sure to check out the fun game our web designer created! Mystery at Point Beach: Alien Invasion is a 2019 Readers' Favorite Finalist in the Children - Mystery genre!
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome. Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies. You can learn more about Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Ann Erdmann and "Mystery at Point Beach" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/mystery-at-point-beach/1 where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
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 DiAnn Mills use of deep characterization, thoughts, emotions, and motives of the main characters—Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert—securely pinned me to “Fatal Strike’s pages. I’ve raved about every one of DiAnn’s novels that I’ve read, but she has plunged into a new level that I appreciate and celebrate! Thank you, DiAnn, for offering this novel to me for my honest review. You wrote on the inside cover, “Expect an Adventure,” which you delivered with excellence. I felt heat burdening Galveston and Houston Texas as descriptive local countryside and shoreline scenes aided the plot. Local restaurants and businesses etc. became realistic as the character’s sweating and or other reactions moved the suspense forward. DiAnn lead my imagination easily through the layers of conflict and anticipation. The support characters and antagonists were varied, mysterious, and kept me guessing until the very end. Okay, I’ll admit it, I did think the main bad person was a different character. What a fun puzzle of a story with characters I enjoyed getting to know. The preverbal feeling of being that fly-on-the-wall—observing interactions as the story progressed—followed me throughout this adventuresome read. FBI agents have a difficult and dangerous occupation, and this novel helped me to become aware of their sacrifice and courage. They engage in emotionally charged emergencies and gang-related activities which I can’t imagine facing. Strong, dedicated, and focused agents are willing to put in long hours to conquer threatening situations. Yet, how many are appreciated for their full worth? Known for rigorous research—DiAnn spends quality time with FBI, border control, or whatever occupation employs her heroine. Her stories shine with authenticity. Thank you, DiAnn, for taking the time to become familiar with those who serve our country with selfless tenacity. In my estimation, you exude that same tenaciousness with the written word, exploration of hot issues, as well as those who confront very real danger. “Fatal Strike” is a highly recommended suspense story because quality writing and interesting subject matter keep me intrigued. I suggest that you not wait for Christmas shopping to include this in your must-read list. “Fatal Strike” is an emotionally impacting and exhilarating tale of bravery, intelligence, and synergy that burned my midnight candle until the very last word was read. Questions for DiAnn: Bravo, DiAnn, for a perfect title for this unique story of a gang using venom to murder and spread fear. How did you come up with this idea? I wanted a different method for the villain to eliminate victims—no fingerprints, bullets or a gun. Snake venom injected into the heart worked. Did this story idea wake you, sending your active imagination soring in the middle of the night? Did you jot down story ideas by nightlight? A number of factors played into the storyline for Fatal Strike. 1) The idea of using injections of rattlesnake venom. 2) A female sniper who longed for reconciliation with her family. 3) A hero who was running from guilt. 4) A setting that is normally seen as a peaceful, a vacation resort. Thoughts rolled through my mind until I had to write the story. Do you have a theme message in this story especially crafted for your readers? Yes! Adoption provides a sense of belonging, but we all choose our behavior. Throughout the story, adoption is a thread that binds the characters. How much time did you spend with FBI agents to come up with these characters? I interviewed a FBI SWAT member who was also a hostage negotiator. I also spent considerable time researching a sniper’s mindset, what skills are required, and how a sniper processes after a mission. Can you tell us about your next story venture? The title is Airborne. An FBI agent boards a plane for Salzburg, Austria for a much-needed vacation and to make decisions about her future. Her husband has asked for a divorce, and he doesn’t know she’s three months pregnant. Two hours into the flight, several people on board begin showing evidence of a deadly virus. How do you wish for your readers to contact you? My website has all my social media, contact, and blog sign up information. I love hearing from readers! https://diannmills.com/ diann@diannmills.com Author Bio: DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com   Glouestershire 1816 Carolyn Miller has captivated my rapt attention yet again with this first of A PROMISE OF HOPE series. Heartsore, Miss Catherine Winthrope’s world tipped its foundations and caused her very lifestyle to be redefined, relocated, and raked over by grief; which equates to a story that I would love to see turned into a quality movie. The hero, Johathan Carlew, is such a serious and worthy hero. These characters are unique and diverse and have to face the challenge of forgiving when they both have deep offences to overcome. I have enjoyed their journey, the humor sprinkled within the scenes, and the witty conversations that made me smile! I encourage you to give this author a try! With Carolyn’s talent for creating believable characters whom many will identify with and a plot that won’t let me put my book down—I acknowledge this fresh series will be one that remains on my book shelf. I’d read the novel earlier within the year when I had pink eye and it grieved me to have to throw that book away. I downloaded the Kindle version and I’ve been enjoying this novel again—so very soon for me to revisit a story when I have a stack of unread novels waiting—yet I’m still enjoying the character’s journey as though it were a first read. Carolyn displays a beautiful writing style and instinct for creating a Regancy world that offers enough details and historical information to adorn the challenges and interactions of her characters. I am a reader who will gladly watch for Carolyn’s next novels, for these will be the sort I will purchase posthaste and give as gifts! QUESTIONS FOR CAROLYN: Your stories are diverse and interesting. How long did you play with these characters to get them just right? I knew Catherine Winthrop needed to have different personality qualities to Lavinia Ellison’s forthrightness, and Lady Charlotte’s headstrong ways, and couldn’t be too similar to Clara DeLancey, either. I wanted Jonathan Carlew to be a different type of hero to my previous heroes, which is why he’s a man of business, with some questions over his heritage. Did you model any of these characters after someone from the movies or real life or imagination? Winning Miss Winthrop is a bit like my homage to my (equal) favorite Jane Austen novel Persuasion. Catherine Winthrop is not dissimilar to Anne Elliot, with her quiet, somewhat retiring ways, who is often overlooked by others. I see Jonathan Carlew as being quite similar to Persuasion’s Captain Wentworth, in looks and temperament. For his appearance and deep voice and demeanor I was also inspired by one of my best friend’s husbands. Of course, he might not see himself that way! I’m thankful for your including past characters! This is always fun to see how they are getting on with life in the imaginary world. Is it difficult for you to limit the amount of involvement with previous characters? I want each story to be a standalone, so a reader can enjoy the story without feeling like they are missing much. But it’s also nice for those who started at the beginning of my first Regency Brides series with The Elusive Miss Ellison to catch up with some of their favorite characters and see what’s happening in their lives these days. So while there are a few mentions of other characters we’ve met before, this is a new story with the focus squarely on Catherine and Jonathan. But I hope readers of my other series enjoy catching up with some old friends! What is the theme in this story that you want your readers to realize the most? One of the key themes is that of trusting God, that He’s worth believing in even when all hope seems lost, and trusting that He has good plans for His children, even when we can’t see what He’s doing. I’ve seen this in my own life, and I hope readers are encouraged by this too. Do you picture these characters and the locations when you write them? (I sure do picture them when I’m reading them.😊) Yes! It always helps to have a sense of where and what I want readers to see. (And I’m so glad!) I use Pinterest to help provide clarity – unless it’s a film I might watch several times to help get in the mood! Have you been to Bath and seen any homes and interesting places that you have included in this story? Yes! I was very blessed with the opportunity to visit Bath in 2015, and loved my (all too brief!) time there. Pretty much every place in Bath that I mentioned in Winning Miss Winthrop is a place I have personally visited. In fact, on my website I have a ton of photos from my visit so readers can see exactly what “A Day in Bath” might look like. Check it out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com Do you have any news to tell your readers? Yes! This past week I’ve just finished writing my first draft for a Christmas novella which will be part of a Regency-era Christmas novella collection releasing from Kregel next year – woohoo! Next week I’ll get back to writing the first book in my new Regency series which will launch in 2021. The series is titled ‘The Wallflowers,’ about single, slightly older women of the Regency era and the challenges they faced. I’m also looking to dip my toe into the contemporary market one day soon, too! What are the books in the rest of this series called? Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in my second series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. The next two books in this series are Miss Serena’s Secret (about Miss Winthrop’s artistic, younger sister) and The Making of Mrs. Hale, which looks at what happens after an elopement! Do you have another series ready to launch? This year (2019) has seen the launch of my third Regency series, Regency Brides: The Daughters of Aynsley, which features three sisters. The first of these books came out in March this year and is titled A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, which looks at Caroline Hatherleigh (the eldest daughter of the Viscount Aynsley) and her experiences hunting for fossils with an undergroundologist! The second book in this series came out recently and is titled Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and explores what happens after the prodigal son returns (and also includes a country house party!) which has received lots of lovely reviews. And the third releases in November and is a super fun romp (set in Scotland!) and is titled Misleading Miss Verity. Just got to say this is a really fun book! Where do you wish for your readers to connect with you? www.carolynmillerauthor.com https://www.facebook.com/CarolynMillerAuthor/ https://twitter.com/CarolynMAuthor https://www.pinterest.com.au/camillering/ https://www.instagram.com/carolynmillerauthor/  Thank you Carolyn for yet again another fine, fun and informative interview! I feel as though I'm getting to know you better with each new connection! I'm ever so glad to be blessed by your gift of story! God's Richest Blessings and Joy to you, Carolyn!
 A precious friend of mine, Amy Wiener, shares such love and joy when she talks about relating to children. So much of our own significance is patterned into adult thinking and relating to others from our childhood, is it not? Amy's amazing sweetness and wisdom with children is too awesome not to consider, so I asked her to write something for my website. May you be an inspired blessing to children from this day forward.
This guest post from Amy Wiener: Value of quality time with children . . . . As we all know, time goes way too fast! Every year seems faster and faster. Getting kids ready for school, running to after school activities, homework, dinner, play and off to bed . . . where do we fit in just being with children before they are adults? How do we value our time with children in our lives and raise them to feel valued in our society? Even though I don’t have my own children, I’m a teacher who works with children all day. Kids are precious! In the early childhood years, most likely they don’t remember what they’ve learned. They remember if they liked their teacher or not, or had fun with their friends. If you like children, chances are you will naturally have quality time with them. It’s important to listen, celebrate, and be sad with them in their adventures of growing up. It’s important to listen, celebrate, and be sad with them in their adventures of growing up. Children are impressionable. They’re like sponges soaking everything in. There are many ways that can influence them such as; friends, T.V., movies, social media, sports, music, books, food, teachers/coaches, and hopefully family and Jesus! Spending time and being involved with them throughout their whole childhood will help them feel loved and connected to people. As a Christian, I feel it’s important to instill Biblical, everlasting truths in them. God is always with us and is faithful. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or a good neighbor, quality time with children might include: read the Bible and pray, go to church/Sunday School, attend activities they are involved in or ask them about it if you can’t make it, eat dinner at the dinner table with everyone-if possible, limit social media or use it as a reward, play with them, say, “I love you,” hug, exercise politeness, communicate about problems and forgive if needed, take pictures, and laugh! Just taking time and being with children is valuable because they will never forget it! Amy Wiener Children’s Author and Teacher aw3dance@aol.com https://www.facebook.com/amy.wiener.58 abw3 Amy W (Instagram)   London, England, July 1812 While Matthew and Charlotte Batemen were away, Ivy Batemen and her sister and Miss Thorn attended a soiree that would change the lives of so many. Someone trapped Ivy and the Marquess of Kendall in the library with a candlestick that blocked their exit. Ivy has a feeling that she knows who did this deed, which put The Marquess and her reputations on the line. Being the gentlemen that he is and holding the desperation for his daughter close at hand, Lord Kendall makes an offer for a marriage of convenience. The season for meeting a wife is coming to a close and he is anxious to return to Surrey and his frail baby girl. This story unfolds from here and as always, Regina Scott, delivers with interesting and varied characters and story line! I have enjoyed this whole series, but I must say that the situations in this particular story touched my heart in a special way. When my own mom passed away my father remarried a wonderful and loving lady. This story reminded me of my deep love and appreciation for Mom Kay! The Lord gives us gifts during our lives on earth and some of those gifts are in people form. 😊 Ivy Bateman is certainly an absolute beauty because of her grace, love, and unselfishness. I found myself cheering for her all the way through this story. Questions for Regina: How old were you when you first heard of a Marquess? You know, I’m not sure! I believe late high school/early college, because that was about the time I fell in love with Regency romances. Is the home of the Marquess modeled after an actual home or did you design this from research? The exterior is based on Marble Hill House outside London, but I modeled the interior after later homes with conservatories at the center. Of course, instead of plants growing in the center of his home, Villa Romanesque houses an original Roman pavement. I love how you plunge into the characters and make them move on the pages of your books. How did you come up with Ivy’s and Lord Kendall’s characters? Ivy sprang to life in Never Kneel to a Knight as the oldest sister of Matthew “Beast of Birmingham” Bateman. Knowing Matthew’s difficult upbringing, I realized his oldest sister would have to be someone special, with an enormous heart and incredible kindness. So, who to pare her with? A broken-hearted widower who needed her so much, even if he doesn’t realize it at first. Thus, Kendall came to be. The pavement room with the Roman mosaic is so special. Is this tidbit from a real collector’s holdings? Or a museum? Or imagination? There are homes in England with Roman mosaics. Most have been carefully lifted from their original locations and brought somewhere out of the elements to be showcased. I wanted Kendall’s family to have built their home around such a treasure. This is a drawing of Marble Hill House, the house on which Regina Scott based Villa Romanesque. Would you like to share anything about your experience with writing this novel? The biggest challenge was figuring out what Ivy bakes. That’s one of the ways she expresses her love for people—to bake them sweet treats. You wouldn’t think settling on her specialty would be so difficult, but indoor cooking was actually pretty primitive even in the Great Houses during the Regency period. Very few homes had stoves as we think of them today. Most didn’t have ovens. So, my first inclination—sugar cookies—wasn’t going to work. I decided to go with something closer to a Sally Lunn bun, only with cinnamon swirled throughout. Sally Lunn made “Bath Buns” famous years before the Regency. You can still buy them from her original shop today. I’ve taken tea at Sally Lunn’s. So delicious! What will your next novel be? October sees the publication of the first book in my American Wonders collection from Revell, A Distance Too Grand. Meg Pero is determined to take over her late father’s photography business—even serving on a survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But the leader of the expedition is the man she once refused to marry. Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he cannot delay. This survey is a screen for another mission, unknown to any other member of his team. As dangers arise, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither completely left behind. How shall your readers contact you? I’ve recently joined with other authors of sweet Regency romance to host Regency Kisses: Lady Catherine’s Salon on Facebook. We share our love of Regency romances, talk about our latest releases, and host parties and giveaways. Readers can request an invitation to join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyCatherinesSalon/. Regina Scott's website: http://www.reginascott.com/ Regina has a wonderful website filled with interesting historical facts located on her blog page and of course her other book series too! Thank you for another WONDERFUL novel! I so appreciate you, Regina! 😊  Cheshire, England
September 1852 Sometimes family can meddle in the unsuspecting, unmarried, near to be spinster’s life, and Charlotte Withersby is just about to find that out. This lady is a knowledgeable botanist who assists her father. She’d love to be published concerning her findings, but has been hindered because she is female. The males in 1852 generally will not take a woman—even one so accomplished—seriously. Her uncle, the retied Admiral, has plans to wed her into what he feels is a purposeful life. When help for her absentminded father shows up at their door, Charlotte plans to get rid of him, this Edward Trimble who is so willing and available to steal her job. So of course—the struggle begins! This story is full of Siri Mitchell’s charm and humor and undeniable conflict that I’ve always come to enjoy with her novels. This is an author who knows how to put a story together and keep me engaged in the characters as the plot unfolds! I highly recommend this for your summer reading! You can imagine the fragrance of blossoms on and off the page in that way! Siri Mitchell is a definite favorite of mine, whether you explore her stories via a purchase or the library with electronic device or hold in your hand book, I wish you a happy adventure. QUESTIONS FOR SIRI: 1) How did you stumble on the idea of a woman botanist? I’m so glad that you did! My public library system has a huge used book sale in the spring and fall. When I write historicals, I go with a list of topics or eras that I hope to find information on. Regardless of what I plan, I always come home with hitchhikers – books that call to me from the shelves for no apparent reason. The funny thing is that they usually come in handy one or two manuscripts down the road because they turn out to be directly relevant to my stories. Somehow my subconscious knows before I do what books I’ll be writing in the future. Women of Flowers by Jack Kramer was one of those books. It has beautiful botanical illustrations by thirty women that were created between the 17th and 19th centuries. The women’s stories are even more interesting. Time after time, they had to publish under male names or sell their work to male editors who compiled collections of botanical illustrations in order to be published. It was outrageous. It was from this outrage that the idea for Like a Flower in Bloom was born. 2) Where do you like to write your novels? I usually write in my office. It’s quiet there and I don’t have to load everything up and spend time driving in order to get anywhere else. For me, home is always best. :) And how: pen and paper, in a busy café, quiet study or in front of the television? I write in various ways during different parts of the writing process. As I first think about an idea, I use a Michael Hauge template to make sure my basic elements are in place (character, conflict, tension, goal). I usually go to paper and pen after that to play around with ideas and map out scenes. I use an oversized tablet in the portrait position to think about themes and descriptive words to define and elaborate on it. As I think about plot, I like to write on the tablet set in landscape position. Then, as I think about actual scenes, I have an excel spreadsheet that I print out and use a pencil to fill in. Finally, once I’m ready to start writing, I sit down at the keyboard. At various times during the process, I’ll return to the Excel spreadsheet. I’ll erase some entries or even print out the template again and pencil in a whole new version. 3) What is your favorite flower and did you include it in this novel? I am partial to white roses. I always have been. Roses have such beautiful structure they don’t need a lot of color to dress them up. On the other hand, I also love iris. ‘Iris’ is my name spelled backwards but I also love their vibrant colors. Alas, I don’t think I used either of those in the book. Mostly because I was focused on what would have been native to England (or New Zealand) at the time. 4) What message do you wish to share with your reader from a theme in “like a FLOWER in BLOOM? Be who you are. Own it. Because the chances of you being able to be someone else? Zero. Allow others the privilege of being themselves too. 5) What is your strongest talent as a writer: organization, plotting, or character development? (Frankly, I think you are strong on all counts!) Thank you so much! I would say that my natural strength lies in character development. I’ve worked hard to get my plotting and pacing up to speed over the years. 6) Where can your readers find you? http://www.sirimitchell.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Siri-Mitchell-67961379554/  Model Behavior is the perfect title for this non-fiction book. Young people just beginning to choose a college or career and even those retired souls bravely wishing to follow the dream hidden within their hearts, will appreciate Amy’s appealing observations and encouragement.
Amy’s sincere and delightful telling of her own experiences—which seem almost conjured up in Hollywood—have inspired others to follow their hearts desires. My firm belief is that we all have purpose and significance and books like “Model Behavior” detailing real challenges and opportunities strengthen those who read them. Each chapter was fun for me to discover Amy’s fears well-met or opportunities that showed a divine fingerprint. I must ask you, the reader of this book review, “Have you met your tiger yet?” If you desire to discover just what I mean then I invite you to pick up Amy Robnik Joob’s book, “Model Behavior” and read that very inspiring chapter! Well done, Amy. Thank you for sharing your heart on each page, for many who take note of your courage and inspiration will benefit far more than you can imagine! This ‘calling and vocation’ topic is versatile, useful, and inspiring. I shudder to think of all those who have gone before this book was in print and have not known how to allow themselves to strike out on the journey that would bring them happiness and fulfillment and also allow them to be an inspiration as well. QUESTIONS FOR AMY:
This bestselling author created a fascinating post-Civil War story laced with historic accuracy and weighted by concerns relevant during 1871 as well as now. The main character, Alexandra Jamison, makes decisions that upend her world and the comfort and expectations of those around her. Doors of opportunity open for her, which lead readers into an interesting and heartfelt journey. I'm personally glad that I didn’t miss this eloquently told tale of self-discovery and courage to take the right path though consequences are stiff and exacting. I believe you will be thrilled to discover. Sylas Rutledge, the hero, is a northeast Line Railroad owner and very interesting fellow. Sy's character and motivation adds to the thrum of excitement that turns the pages of this novel well into the night. If you enjoy stories embodied by honor, courage, tragedy, and memory of loved ones--then you will love this tale of woe and discovery. These two very different people have an upward battle to fight and the challenges will test the fiber of their very beings. I fell in love with the other characters and the pacing of this story is very satisfying! Tamera Alexander is a favorite author of mine. I’ve not posted about her novels on this website until now for no other reason but my own demanding schedule. She is a talented storyteller who plumbs deeply into the history and the emotional experience of the people of the time period. This novel is one of the series called A BELLE MEADE PLANTATION NOVEL. Bell Meade is a real place and on Tamara's website she mentions events held at this historic treasure. Visit Tamera Alexandder at: https://tameraalexander.com/  Tamera Alexander was not available for an author interview. Her website states that she is in the midst of a deadline. I strongly suggest that you look over her website. Well done Tamara. Thank you for all the excellent work and talent you share in your novels! Reader, I just want to tell you that Tamara has a blurb on her website for the novel pictured below, which sounds very entreating! Thank you for stopping by!   “NO MATTER WHERE, GOD IS ALWAYS THERE! What a great theme for a children’s book! I went to a conference and found this treasure of a story for my granddaughter! Aria is five and was very enthused about this story. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to finish this read for we ran out of time. We will get together soon to do so. I must admit that I couldn’t stay away, and took to the pages after she’d left. I learned about owls as the characters interacted in a very pleasing way. The illustrations by Sydney Hanson were perfect visuals for the characters and setting. This is the first young children’s storybook that I’ve ever reviewed and the reason that I’d decided to do so was because of the timeless message of His being with us always! Children encounter such fear-filled thoughts and television shows. Ugly, gruesome characters bombard their tender imaginations. I found Christie to be a sensitive and intuitive story teller. This is a story that will soothe an anxious child. I will not tell you how this tale plays out and I hope that you are curious enough to purchase this treasure for the children in your life! This would make a fine gift for Easter or birthday or even a summer visit to the beach. This is highly recommended! Excuse me as I go and experience Quinn’s adventure once more! QUESTIONS FOR CHRISTIE: Christie, how long have you had children’s stories running around your imagination? (I’m so glad you did!) I used to tell stories all the time as a kid, but didn't write a single story for nearly 20 years as I pursued a science degree, children's ministry, and family. I wanted to write again, but felt stuck, until this little owl character popped into my life. You and the Sydney have merged your talents together perfectly! How did you find one another? I actually don't know Sydney, the publisher found her! She's so incredible. Did you ever get lost as a child? (I almost did!) I do remember getting lost on a bike ride once. I had been pokey and gotten left behind, so I rode around and prayed until I found a street I knew. Afterward I actually found it a very empowering experience, because I realized that I'd always eventually find my way, and that I was never truly alone. How does story come to you? Stories come to me slowly. I get the seed of an idea in my head, but I have to sit down and start writing in order to actually figure out where the story goes. I like the child-scriptures listed in the parents notes! Do you have a website where children and their parents can visit you and keep connected? My website is christiethomaswriter.com, where I write to encourage and equip parents to nurture the hope of Christ in the home. What other books do you have available? I also have a simple (and fun) Bible study book for preschoolers, as well as another Quinn story coming out in August! 7) Where can you be found on social media? I'm christiethomasauthor on Facebook and christie.thomas.writer on Instagram. I should have tried harder to get them the same, haha!   Bath, England—1810 Alethea Sutherton is so very strong and talented, but in a way that is not acceptable for Regency ladies. Violin playing by a woman is forbidden, yet her love and passion for this music as well as the precious gifting of the instrument by a loving friend hold her captive to the strings. Her brother passed away before the beginning of the story and her cousin inherits to become the new Earl of Trittonstone. Miss Alethea is displaced. No hearth, no home, except for the hospitality of her Aunt Ebena in Bath. Lord Bayard Terralton, the brooding hero, arrives in Bath too. He is also musically inclined and part of a quartet made up of his friends. Terralton is war-wounded and struggling, yet protective and worthy of his place in this story. This is a novel well-paced and doused in mystery that kept me guessing about who could be making this heroine’s life miserable! There is much to relate to as this tail unfolds: abandonment; divided families; being yourself in the midst of pressure from others; bulling and more. I enjoyed the characters and their personalities. Margaret Garen, Mr. Golding and Miss Clare Tarralton were every bit perfectly placed! Lord Ian Wynnman, Lord Ravenhurst and so many others kept me entertained! This is a highly recommended novel. And I hope that you give this author a try. Unfortunately, I was unable to interview Camille Elliot, who by the way is also know as Camy Tang. She writes other genre besides Regency. If you would like to find her online, I can offer some social media addresses for your convenience: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCamilleElliot/ https://twitter.com/camytang https://camytang.com/ https://camilleelliot.com/  |
Susan Marlene is published on www.ChristianDevotions.us and in Splickety Love Magazine, The Novice and newspapers. She writes devotions, fiction, and nonfiction. She is a member and co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writers Archives
January 2020
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