Jocelyn writes historical fiction at its finest. I’ve read outstanding novels about the Chicago Fire, but none have placed me so vividly on those panicked streets with ash falling from the sky and fear leading my blood. The author is quite familiar with this1871 tragedy, and exacting details fit into her story like snug puzzle pieces. Her characters respond to or rebel against restraints of customs and social expectations with a natural flow or knee jerk reaction. Very exciting and page-turning for me!
 
Meg and Sylvie Townsend are sisters who grieve the loss of their mother’s early passing. Life is hard, and they work in their family bookshop while worrying about their father, Stephen. Townsend had returned home to his family after being imprisoned during the Civil War. He’s broken in spirit, emotions, and body.  But this isn’t the worst of their situations to come that will challenge the very fiber of their being. Jocelyn plunges her readers into the mystery and darkness that this tragedy brought to Chicago’s residents. Mistakes and motives and clashes between selfishness and unselfishness make this a memorable reread for me! Here are some questions for Jocelyn, and I hope that you will enjoy the novel too!
 
Questions for Jocelyn:

The details you painted with words that the characters witnessed during the fire were extraordinary! Is there a detail that you didn’t get to include that you wish that you could have?
 
JG: Thank you! I had so much wonderful material to work with, and I included most of the details I wanted to. However, I did read of some touching scenes where people were looking through what was essentially a lost-and-found collection of household goods after the fire. These were things people had discarded in the streets during their flight from the flames. Sometimes people did find what they’d assumed they’d lost forever in these collections, and I can only imagine what an amazing feeling that must have been to reclaim a family heirloom.
 
You captured Stephen’s difficulties perfectly. His reaction to the atrocities of the Civil War gave me a wake-up call. Would you like to share another facet of information about the emotional struggles of men surviving the abuse of war with your readers?
 
JG: There’s certainly a lot to say on this topic. I think what was most tragic about Civil War veterans was how misunderstood any psychological trauma was. There’s far more to discuss than I can offer here, so I’ll just say, for anyone who is interested at all in this subject, I would highly recommend the book Shook over Hell: Post-Traumatic Stress, Vietnam, and the Civil War, by Eric T. Dean, Jr.
 
What do you want your readers to benefit from while they read Veiled in Smoke?
 
JG: As with all my other books, I want my readers to benefit from walking with characters through hardships and coming out on the other side renewed. That doesn’t mean that everything will go “back to normal” after trials. It does mean that God is with us in the valleys as much as he is with us on the mountaintop, and He’ll bring us to the place He wants for us. There is a conversation in Veiled in Smoke between Nate and Meg which sums this up pretty well. Meg is sharing her concerns about her veteran father, and how he has changed since the war wounded his mind and spirit. Nate says something like, “Instead of praying for the Father you knew, pray instead for a father made new.” God doesn’t waste our hurts and scars. He uses them to make us better reflections of who He is, if we’ll let Him.
 

The Pre-order for Shadows of the White City, The Windy City Sage, Book 2 can be found on Amazon for a reduced price. This novel will be available on February 2, 2021!  I'm placing my order soon!  :) 
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The Most Recent Awards for Jocelyn:

• 2020 Golden Scroll Award (1st Place, Historical Novel of the Year), Advanced Writers & Speakers Association: Veiled in Smoke
• 2020 Golden Scroll Award (2nd Place, Historical Novel of the Year), Advanced Writers & Speakers Association: Between Two Shores
• 2017 Christy Award Winner (historical fiction): The Mark of the King
• 2015 Silver Medal, Military Writers Society of America (historical fiction category): Yankee in Atlanta

Jocelyn's Bio:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, strawberry rhubarb pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

BUSHWHACKED, Mystery at Point Beach, Book Four by Award-Winning Authors, Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Erdmann
 
What an adventure! Just when I think that Dominic, Forest, and Sailor have solved all—they discover another mysterious situation that only they can investigate. I loved this book. I believe it’s tops! I must confess that every time I read a Mystery at Point Beach book, I think I’ve found my new in the series favorite!

This book kept me interested—no shocker there! The characters were lifelike in attitude and goals yet very different from one another! The mystery began with a 1939 local lumberjack and a secret map that leads to an artifact. Dominic, Forest, and Sailor are contemporary kids who discovered that someone has recently messed with clues that were hidden long ago. Who could that be? I’m not telling. I loved learning more about the past linked with Point Beach. Keep your tissues ready—to pat your brow—Kate and Debby, you had me worried for the characters a couple of major times! But that’s fine. You have me yearning for the next offering in this series! No wonder that you are award winners! The codes and danger that these courageous characters are challenged with make this novel shine.

I look forward to the summer camping that Dominic, Forest, and Sailor experience. This book had many familiar characters revisit, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve come to enjoy the kid’s families and the bothersome Ranger Rick. Sally is new to this series, and she made me smile! Well done, Kate and Debby! Did you hear that applaud? 

If you like engaging characters, suspense, humor, mystery, a touch of history (not too much—just enough), and a well written and paced novel, then BUSHWACKED is your next read! I bet you could guess that I highly recommend this youth book. 

 
You may find Kate and Debby and their books on their website http://www.mysteryatpointbeach.com/ and on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach

Sudan, July 2005
This novel continues the suspense from A LONG WALK HOME. DiAnn transports readers into the conflicts simmering and afflicting Sudanese, Muslims, and Christians in Sudan. As a reader, I’m able to imagine the heat and beauty of this untamed land occupied by people fighting to survive lack, war, and religious conflicts. There are so many needs, yet courage and faithfulness abound.

Despite dangerous wild animals and limited resources, the characters, Doctor Larson, Paul Farid, Colonel Ben Alier press on. They overcome extreme circumstances and trials, both personal and situational. I couldn’t stop turning pages.

The love and admiration that DiAnn Mills has for the Sudanese are apparent in this novel. The writing was lovely and inviting. I admit it, I’d stop—though I wanted to page through quickly to see what was going to happen next—to reread. Not because the story was confusing. I knew who I was with and what was happening at all times. It’s just that the story world is so intense, and I wanted to stay. My hope is that there will be a book 3 in this series! This series is only on eBook.  


I want to thank you, DiAnn, for loving well and writing strong as you brought the struggles of Sudan and the beautiful people there to light! I highly recommend this eBook novel and encourage those who do to read DiAnn’s Acknowledgments and A Note from the Author.

DiAnn Mills is an author to pay attention to and follow!  Here is her author bio!


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable 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. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

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 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.
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DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Here are some of her recent awards:
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2019 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year – High Treason
2018 ACFW Member Service Award
2018 Rank #6 on July CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #3 on June CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #3 on May CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #7 on February CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – High Treason

Susie Larson blessed the socks off my feet with her Bible study book "Your Beautiful Purpose" which severl of us used as a group study. Each lady was blessed beyond belief as we read and shared and grew. So it's no surprise that I'm eager to dive into this new blessing book "PREVAIL"  Such a great message for us today, wouldn't you agree? 

Dorset, England, July 1804

Regina Scott has done it again! She has provided entertaining fun characters with diverse and fully flavored personalities. In England, the town of Grace-by-the-Sea is small and dependent upon their local spa. It’s now equipped with a doctor, to attract vacationers to boost local business sales. This is a tight community where the residents watch out for one another—definitely not a place to keep secrets. Unless you are French spies who may have infiltrated the area. That’s the mystery, though. In the last book, local artist Abigail Archer was shot in the arm and now has need of the spa doctor. Their foibles and strengths are like oil and water. Could their needs be a possible connection? I can say no more—except if you want to see the plot unravel and entertain, I encourage you to order an eBook or novel of your own.

This is definitely a book about family, friends, romance, and intrigue pulled together with mystery. How do you suppose Doctor Linus Bennett will get along in Grace-by-the-Sea with his young son, Ethan? Napoleon’s spies add tension as well as talk that there are press gangs close at hand. Danger, misunderstandings, and romance will pull you into this tale that is adorned with forgiveness, overcoming spirit, and hope!

I did receive a free copy of this story so that I could write an honest review.  And now, you may discover if this is a valuable tale worthy of your time, which I believe it is. The above comments are my true observations of Regina’s latest novel. The last Grace-by-the-Sea story that I reviewed was on January 18, 2020, and you may look there to see Regina’s answers to her interview and the photo of the area she used to write THE ARTIST’S HEALER in the beautiful town of Grace-by-the-Sea, England! 

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/01-2020

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

Have you read any historical accounts from anyone dealing with those French spies?
Not the spies specifically, but I have read historical accounts of the fear of invasion that swept England during those years. Villagers all along the coast were watchful, expecting to see the French at any moment. So adding some spies into the mix seemed appropriate for the story.

Do you know any artists whom you based Abigail’s character on? (Your descriptions of her thoughts and observations are well written. Insightful!)
When I was researching another of my books, Art and Artifice, I read about Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser, female painters who helped found England’s famed Royal Academy of Art. So, I knew a bit about what it took to create oil paintings at that time. I also had a dear friend who has since passed, who was a talented artist. I relied on her stories to get the feel of painting.

Are you a big city girl or a country girl? You have this town so realistic!
Small town girl all the way! London was the only large city I have visited where I felt at home. Right now, I live south of Seattle, on the way to Mt. Rainier, and I love seeing her in the distance on the days she is out. I always breathe easier when I am surrounded by fields and trees.

What extra info would you like to say about Ethan?
It was surprisingly difficult to write about an introspective, creative child like Ethan. Most of the children I know have been remarkably resilient in times of trouble. But Ethan has been through a great deal, so making him a bubbly sort seemed wrong. My youngest son is rather introspective, and creative, though he has had few traumas in his life, for which I am thankful! I used him as Ethan’s model.

What is your next novel called, and can you give us an introduction to the storyline?
My next novel, out in October, is Nothing Short of Wondrous, the second book in my American Wonders collection from Revell. Widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine welcomes the U.S. Cavalry to protect Yellowstone. When her son is kidnapped, she must work with world-weary Lieutenant William Prescott to rescue the boy. Will they find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control?

The next Grace-by-the-Sea story, scheduled for January 2021, will be The Governess’s Earl. Rejected by the man she loved, quick-witted bluestocking Rosemary Denby is determined to win the position of governess to the temperamental Lady Miranda, daughter of the Earl of Howland. But is it the widowed earl who truly needs a lesson, in love?

Where do you wish your readers or potentially new readers to connect with you? Or we can use the line below! The line below is lovely!
On Regina's website, I enjoyed the historical elements that she posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 4550 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.
 
Blessings and joy!
Sue
 
​On Regina's website, I enjoyed the historical elements that she posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/  

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 50 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

 
Book One of the Sunrise Crik series is a contemporary suspense novel that includes many of my favorite qualities for story! Like the strong beginning, the first scene puts the main character in the middle of a crisis—and I admired Evah Rois on the first page. I love a novel that pulls me quickly into the character’s lives and concerns and adds a healthy dose of problems and complications that the characters must deal with. This novel isn’t the Die Hard or 007 type of suspense but profoundly grabbed my heart and attention because I could relate to situations and believe that their victories could be mine.

And the location—Montana—is majestic with those gorgeous mountains in the background and a small town nestled alongside. I could almost imagine myself there and feeling small as I gazed up the mountain’s heights. The diverse characters are interestingly challenged or troubled by past hurts. The threaded mystery drew me in and I just had to know—but I’m not going to tell—why ruin your fun!
​
I know that previously, Rebecca McLafferty and her husband had their own Alpaca ranch and they worked hard to keep those adorable creatures safe, happy, and well. Any scenes, which included the Alpacas were written from Rebecca’s heart and experience! So, if you love large animals and small ones, I believe that you will enjoy Intentional Heirs. There are so many facets of human emotion, pain and overcoming woven into the fiber of this story and that makes this a reread for me. This is a wonderful anytime read. Rebecca McLafferty gave me this story to review and I’m giving my honest opinion and reaction to her story. Once her story published, I bought my own paperback and Kindle copies! I highly recommend Intentional Heirs and hope that you will discover the worth of this new writer and her debut novel for yourself! 

QUESTIONS FOR REBECCA:
 
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A SMALL COUNTRY TOWN IN THE BEAUTIFUL MONTANA AREA FOR YOUR SUSPENSE NOVEL?
 
This is a great question. I have always loved the western U.S and, at a young age, I became a Midwest cowgirl. How many people in Wisconsin own Stetsons and full-length duster coats? (chuckle) Years later, my husband and I visited the Livingston area of Montana. The picturesque mountains were forever etched in my memory. My story takes place in the fictitious town of Woodridge, located between Livingston and Bozeman.
 
I chose a small Montana town because of the western lifestyle and the honest, down-to-earth people from that area. The story also takes the reader to the Bozeman and Livingston areas. Rich Montana history inspired some of the story’s scenes.
 
 
DO YOU WISH TO SHARE ANYTHING ABOUT FORGIVENESS THAT YOU DIDN’T GET TO INCLUDE IN INTENTIONAL HEIRS?
 
Some character traits in Intentional Heirs illustrate that forgiveness is critical to our peace of mind. I feel that when someone is unwilling to forgive, for whatever reason, anger and bitterness steal that person’s joy. It seldom affects the person who did us wrong. It hurts our own mental state, and our actions often hurt the people we care about the most.
 
One of my favorite scriptures is, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
 
That is so powerful!
 
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCENE TO WRITE? (GETTING TO KNOW A CHARACTER OR SUSPENSEFUL CONFRONTATIONS?)
 
Both types of scenes are satisfying from the writer’s point of view, but I would have to say that I enjoy writing action scenes the best. For example, when Police Chief Nolan Quinn is in the middle of a brawl, I love his karate kicks and take-charge attitude.
 
And when Jane is heading up a rescue, I’m thinking, “Go get them, Jane!”
 
 
I SEE THAT YOU HAVE RECIPES IN YOUR NOVEL. DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL ABOUT ANY OF THE RECIPES? DID YOU CREATE ANY OF THESE?
 
Within the pages of Intentional Heirs, the heroine, Evah, is a bakery chef. When she bakes at the McCormick ranch, these are three of her recipes. I love to bake, too, and created these recipes years ago. In my own yesteryear, I taught enrichment classes, including Baking Breads, where we experimented with breads and cinnamon rolls.
 
These days, I have a gluten intolerance and have made the recipes adaptable that way.
 
 
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK IN THE SUNRISE CRIK SERIES?
 
I am really excited about book two of the Sunrise Crik Series, Intentional Fires. It takes place in the same Montana area. Toni Lublow is an Iraq-Marine widow running a Christmas tree farm with 10- and 12- year old boys. Park Ranger Sam Duncan is putting out fires ranging from campgrounds to national forests. Some of the characters from Intentional Heirs are involved in the story, too.
 
Disagreements with neighboring campground owners, Trevor and Dani Riley, are hard to set aside—especially during the Christmas Tree Farm’s Centennial Celebrations. There’s plenty of fire fueling their multi-generational 90-year-feud.
 
 
WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
 
I am most active on Facebook (Author Rebecca McLafferty). I invite readers to my website at www.rebeccamclafferty.com and welcome emails at rebeccamclafferty4353@gmail.com.
 
Thanks for allowing me to answer these questions. It was great fun!

​This contemporary story is set in Franklin, Pennsylvania, a Victorian City that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times! It was refreshing to step into this story rife with characters sporting deep hurts while facing forgiveness and redemption opportunities. The type of opportunities they wouldn’t seek out on their own. I cared for and liked the main characters, Carter Mansion Ethan Willis. I feel their struggles were ones that readers could relate to. I know I cheered them on to the finish line!

Nicely written Terri Kraus, and may I add—who doesn’t like a story that involves the hero’s son and that son’s friend with comic and serious scenes! The very talented and ambitious reporter, Carter, has her hands full as her heart takes over her reasoning. Ethan, equally talented but dedicated to renovation and preservation of the past—is fun to get to know. I loved the activity in the Carter Mansion and the spicy and very Italian owner, Mrs. Morretti! I can smell her cooking and gifts of food all the way to Wisconsin!

This definitely is a restoration story that not only showcases the renovation of the Carter Mansion but also those whose lives had been ransacked by experiences. They still struggled in the wake of their painful memories.

Terri sprinkled forgiveness quotes before each chapter that I appreciated so very much! I recommend this author and her novels. This novel is one that will stay with you and be remembered!
 
You may visit Terri Kraus at her website:  www.terrikraus.com, where she has other Project Restoration Novels and various other books. She offers her blog and book reviews! 

Rife with authenticity and tension, Airborne is a story that will earn your respect and attention. DiAnn submerges herself into factual information that medical experts, FBI, and other professionals provide. Then she pours out the story of her heart, which amazingly commands the ability to reach into her readers. Could that be because DiAnn is so familiar with the situations and people involved that her computer keys naturally reveal the essence that makes stories great? Yes, I think that is why!
​
Characters DiAnn introduced in Airborne made this reader feel as though she’d known them for years! The hero and heroine are complicated, engaging, and hamstrung with issues to overcome, which pulled me into this story so powerfully that I didn’t want to leave. I’m not naturally one to read about pandemics, earthquakes, or even watch Godzilla movies. Sorry, Godzilla! But this story’s layers were intriguing, meaning, and hopeful, so much so that I had to trail through until the very end! I must say that I finished this story in record time. I love suspense that twists with unexpected turns and causes me to care for more than the situation. This is a highly recommended read that offers more than entertainment. It provides hope in times that try our souls.

DiAnn Mills is an award-winning spunky writer who I am honored to recommend! Find out more about this very author-reader engaged writer on her website, https://diannmills.com/.

London, England
September 28, 1914
 
The elusive Mr. V appears, presenting a dangerous task for thief and violinist, Willa Forsythe. But she would be alone, in a strange town in a strange country, Aberystwyth, Wales, with none of her family to help. Since her heart and soul are tethered to creating music, and she is a prodigy, that makes her absolutely perfect for the assignment of gaining the attention and trust of a man who holds vital information for the war effort.

The hero, Lukas de Wilde, is famous and handsome and knows it. He keeps secrets and hides pain that most people never pick up on. His recognizable appearance keeps him from saving those, he loves most because he'd endanger his family with any resque he'd plan.

Roseanna pulls her readers into the very heartbeat and motivations of her characters. The intimacy of her storytelling is precious and believable. Roseanna weaves dangers and intrigue onto the pages, creating tension throughout the story that put you right into the events of England 1914. I was flipping these pages like mad!

This is the second novel in the SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND series. These unusual ragtag heroines and heroes will no doubt steal your heart away like they did mine! I recommend A Song Unheard and the whole series really. You may read my review on the first novel in SHADOWS OVER ENDLAND, A Name Unknown on this page 8/24/2018.
 
QUESTIONS FOR ROSEANNA:

Why did you pick the violin as the instrument for the main characters to play? (I love violin music so I applaud you—good choice!)
I've always loved the violin and wished I'd learned it (in addition to the piano, organ, and clarinet, LOL), so when I learned about the orchestra of Belgian refugees, I knew I wanted to work that into a story so created Willa to play an instrument that would have been in such an orchestra. =)

Have you studied the effects of abandonment of children? (You write those characters so well.)
I actually make it a point (strange as it may seem) never to study for my characters--otherwise I tend to write too stiffly, trying to stick to "facts." Instead, I write characters from the gut, just digging down deep and imagining what they'd experience and how they'd view the world. Sometimes I'll then have an expert read through it to make sure it rings true.

Would you like to tell your readers more about the characters' journey or about the research that you accomplished to write this story?
Most of my research for this one involved reading quite a lot about the settings--Belgium during the German occupation that began in 1914, and Wales. I took a lot of Google-Street-View tours of Aberystwyth, took copious notes on my Belgian research books, and otherwise just let the characters come to life. =)

You home school your children. Do you use the research for your novels in history or writing lessons for your children?
Not exactly; we use a curriculum that comes with books and assignments. Though I occasionally borrow the history books we read in school for my research, LOL, and when I've learned something in my research that goes along with the lesson, I always pause to say, "And also..."

Has anyone inspired the main storyline or a scene in A SONG UNHEARD?
All just imagination in this one. =)

Do you have a map or photo you would like to share on this review?
I don't really have anything I own like that, but I'll attach a few memes I'd created.

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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