Falling for Books: Kristen's book

Interview with Kristen Terrette about her book, Morning Star:

Alexis: Congratulations on the soon release of your new contemporary romance story, Morning Star! Why did you write this story and how did you decide on the title?

Kristen: These characters—Shane and Addie—have been brewing for a while.

Helicopter rescue swimmers have fascinated me since I saw The Guardian with Ashton Kutcher years ago. I loved their bravery and figured they must have an addiction to adrenaline just to do that job, so I loved exploring what that job meant for Shane. And with Addie, I knew I wanted to restore an old Moanna Island home. So, the thought of her arriving on the scene and then a boy next door appears and is a distraction was a fun take on an old storyline. And the Moanna Island series has recurring families and the intertwining of their lives, so Shane and Addie fit seamlessly into the mix of the other two Moanna love stories.

The title was an early-on choice for me that I talked my publisher into after a little petitioning. The Bible refers to Jesus three times as the Morning Star, which of course reminds me of a sunrise. Both Shane and Addie are early risers (unlike me!) and so the sunrise is extremely important to them. In the story, there’s a special sunrise where Addie points out the significance of the Morning Star to Shane, who has turned away from God. It seemed fitting to name the story after such an extraordinary moment. And because of it glorifies our Savior.

Alexis: Morning Star is book three in your Moanna Island series. Will there be a book after this one? Why or why not?

Kristen: I do have at least one other Moanna story taking shape in my head, but I haven’t started writing it, so I’m not sure. We’ll see!

Alexis: The heroine of your story Morning Star is Addie McHenry. What is she like? Describe her looks, personality and heart of restoring homes.

Kristen: Addie has an alpha personality. A first-born, bossy and goal-driven woman in a man’s world. She even wears a tool belt well! Her auburn hair only reinforces the stereotype of feisty redheads. But her pretty green eyes soften her tough exterior and Shane sees that instantly. She grew up helping her dad renovate homes and it became “her thing.”

Alexis: How does Addie feel when she catches her big break when the House to Home Network contracts her to film a reality TV show focusing on how she brings homes back to life? Why is this a dream come true for Addie?

Kristen: Addie is excited, but hesitant. Her younger sister submitted an application to the uber popular House to Home Network telling about Addie’s success at bringing old homes from dilapidated to showcases. So, she was shocked when the network chose her but knows this could propel her company to a level not many achieve. She has a strong faith and tries to follow God’s path carefully, so she’s sure He’s brought her to this place but unsure of cameras and publicity. Plus, the home is on Moanna’s beachfront, a new area for her, so there’s a lot of unknowns. 

Alexis: What does Addie have to risk in order to restore one of the oldest homes on Moanna’s beach?

Kristen: Addie risks her life-savings in order to purchase the house. When the restoration is complete, if the home doesn’t sell quickly, there’s a big chance she won’t have the money to pay the mortgage. The cost of the project is very tight as well. She has no room for mistakes.

Alexis: Shane Armstrong is the hero of your story, Morning Star. What is he like? Describe his looks, personality and heart for his family.

Kristen: Shane is a Paul Walker lookalike who jumps into stormy oceans to save lives for a living. He’s in the United States Coast Guard, so there’s a soldier-style to him. His walk is more like a march, he keeps his light hair short and he’s in extremely good shape physically. But he’s not completely comfortable in social situations and puts his foot in his mouth quite a few times! His relationship with his mom and grandmother is terrific, but he and his dad can’t seem to find common ground.

Alexis: What happened to Shane that shattered his world? How did he survive?

Kristen: I don’t want to give it away, but he’s suffered a great loss and because of it may now lose his career as well.

Alexis: Why does Shane think that his grandmother’s place will help him heal and in what ways does he think that a reality TV show will threaten his serenity?

Kristen: He spent summers at his grandmother’s Moanna beach house. They have the cutest relationship! He knows the island is quiet, especially in early spring. He needs to get away from the city and the memories he’s trying to forget.

Alexis: Addie is known for being “tough as nails, challenging and superbly bossy.” Does her getting to know Shane change any of that? Why or why not?

Kristen: Shane doesn’t change her bossy nature, in fact, he may bring it out more! They both have dominant personalities so, in a way, they drive each other crazy. Though even their teasing becomes something endearing, and I love seeing them flirt through their joking and joshing.

Alexis: How does Addie’s relationship with God affect her relationship with Shane?

Kristen: Truthfully, Shane is hard to like at first. But because Addie views the world and its people through a filter of love, she’s able to see a different side of Shane behind his snarky-ness. She sees how he treats his grandmother, his eagerness to help (even though he says otherwise) and the sacrifice and courage it takes for him to be able to save lives every day on the ocean.

Alexis: What do Addie and Shane admire about each other? Why?

Kristen: Shane loves Addie’s strong work ethic, the way she treats her employees like family, and how she loves to get her hands dirty by doing manual labor. But, he also watches her live selflessly and take risks, so he knows she’s brave. He loves her kindness and how she makes him laugh. Ironically, these are some of the very same things Addie loves about Shane.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

Kristen: God heals. Tragedy will strike, but He is faithful, and therefore never leaves you, even if you try to leave Him. You don’t have to fear, He’s fighting on your behalf.

The Bible says in Psalm 46:1-3 (NIRV): “God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble. The earth may fall apart. The mountains may fall into the sea. But we will not be afraid. The waters of the sea roar and foam. The mountains may shake when the waters rise. But we will not be afraid.” 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Kristen! Do you have closing comments?

Kristen: Just a big thanks to you for allowing me to have a little fun talking about Morning Star!

~*~
Author Bio:

Kristen holds a Master's degree in Theological Studies and served as a Children's Ministry Director for five years.

She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. 

With the support of her husband and two children, she stays at home writing Christian fiction, striving to let God take her stories where He needs them to go.

She also enjoys serving on the women's leadership and teaching team at her church and writing for Crosswalk and Wholly Loved.

~*~
Blurb for Kristen’s book, Morning Star (Moanna Island Book Three):

Addie McHenry, restoration home builder extraordinaire, catches her big break when the House to Home network contracts her to film a reality TV show focusing on how she brings homes back to life. She sets her sights on one of the oldest on Moanna’s beach and has to risk everything just to get it.

Shane Armstrong moved from Savannah to his grandmother’s Moanna oceanside house when his world shattered five months before. He went on leave from his job as a Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer, hopeful his grandmother’s peaceful street will help him heal. The reality TV show’s arrival threatens this serenity.

But the construction and camera crews are nothing compared to Addie herself. She’s tough as nails, challenging, and superbly bossy as she works to get her way. But she’s also kind, hardworking, and has a relationship with God Shane can’t begin to understand.

With each encounter, Shane’s walls start to crumble as Addie brings more than just the historical home back to life, but him as well. Addie tries desperately not to enjoy spending time with the irritable and scowling boy from next door. He hides his heartache well, but she sees it there behind his prickly exterior. Soon she begins to uncover the sacrificial hero underneath the façade.

With both of them only temporary residents on Moanna Island, their thin ice relationship crashes to a halt. Can Shane return to his risky job with the Coast Guard? Does he even want to? And can Addie let him go and follow her dreams even when tragedy strikes?

~*~
Buy Kristen’s book Morning Star when it goes LIVE on Amazon in Jan. 29, 2019. You may pre-order Morning Star in a few weeks prior to its release date.

~*~
Connect with Kristen:
Website: https://www.kristenterrette.com
Amazon Author page: https://amzn.to/2RLmJ2t
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkristenterrette
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kterrette
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kterrette/

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Falling for Books: Sara's book

Interview with Sara L. Foust about her book, Camp Hope: Journey to Hope (Love, Hope, and Faith Series Book 2):

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Sara: The idea first came to me from a nightmare I had about our own foster daughter being kidnapped. I woke up and thought, “That was horrible! But it would make a good story.” 

Alexis: What is the significance of your book title, Camp Hope: Journey to Hope?

Sara: Amy shut hope out of her heart a long time ago. After an abusive childhood, she is afraid of men and believes God abandoned her. Camp Hope is her journey to rediscover the hope that lives in God’s love.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s heroine Amy Dawson. Describe her looks, personality, hopes, and dreams. What does she do for a career?

Sara: Amy is a dark-haired beauty who doesn’t even think for a minute she is beautiful. She is self-sufficient and independent. A horse-woman and a business owner. But she is also fragile and scarred. More than anything, she needs healing from her childhood and the courage to accept that God loves broken people.

Alexis: How did you determine the setting for your book? Is it fictional or real? Describe it.

Sara: The setting is the mountain chain of Royal Blue, Tennessee. It is a real Wildlife Management Area complete with unpopulated, dense forest. It is home to elk, black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and more. It is a favorite place for locals to hunt and 4-wheel. And it is gorgeous! I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many parks, mountains, and forests.

Alexis: What—or who—led Amy to becoming a foster mom? Does she enjoy it?

Sara: Her own experience as a foster child primed her to want to help others. She also runs a camp for foster children. Once she realized she couldn’t ever (she thought) love a man but she wanted to be a mother, she decided to become a foster mom and help a young girl in need of a loving and safe home.

Alexis: What is the name of Amy’s four-year-old daughter? What role does she play in this story?

Sara: Her name is Mattie. Mattie’s kidnapping is the catalyst that gets this story moving. It is what drives Amy out of her comfort zone and into the wilderness.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s hero, Jack Evans. What is he like? Describe his looks, personality, and heart.

Sara: Jack is handsome but he is scarred too. His scars are emotional and physical, though. He has a large, actual scar running down his cheek from a teenage beating he received. But, unlike Amy, he has found God and discovered the peace of His redeeming love. Jack is quiet, sells himself short, and loyal. More than anything, he longs to help Amy find God.

Alexis: What special connection does Jack share with Amy and how does their relationship affect this story?

Sara: Jack was a camper at Camp Hope when he and Amy were teenagers. They had one summer together before he was whisked away. He has always loved her. She has always loved him, but she has decidedly repressed her feelings. Their relationship has a major impact on the story. Jack helps Amy on her quest to find Mattie, providing moral support, another set of eyes, and, eventually, witnessing to Amy.

Alexis: Why does Amy turn to Jack for help when her daughter goes missing?

Sara: She doesn’t, really. He takes it on himself. But, once she gets used to the idea, she is glad he is there. He is the only man on the face of the planet she kind of, sort of trusts.

Alexis: Share one of Amy and Jack’s most romantic memories together. Why didn’t they last?

Sara: They fell in love as teenagers and romance wasn’t easy for either of them because of their past traumas. Their first kiss in the barn was sweet, respectful, and stuck with them both. Jack’s uncle petitioned for custody of him and he was moved to Ohio at the end of the summer.

Alexis: What is Jack’s most difficult struggle in this story? Explain.

Sara: He struggles with recognizing his self-worth. As a child, he was made to feel he was worthless and useless and those impressions have nagged him ever since. As an adult, he has been a wanderer and never been able to find people who believed in him. Though he is a Christian and he believes God’s love for him, he has to find out for himself that he isn’t inherently broken or defective.

Alexis: What role does Amy faith in God play in helping her survive traumatic memories and go bravely into the wilderness to search for her daughter?

Sara: Amy isn’t a believer in the beginning of the book. Her own willpower and stubbornness drive her into the wilderness, frantically trying to prevent the same traumas she experienced from happening to Mattie. When her memories creep in, she desperately tries to shut them out. It isn’t until later in the story she is able to begin to heal.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story? 

Sara: There is always hope for healing in God. No matter what has happened to us, no matter what decisions we have made, God wants a relationship with us. Only in Him is there peace of mind and healing of heart.

Alexis: Thank so much for the interview, Sara! Would you like to share closing thoughts? 

Sara: Thank you for having me today, Alexis! I love meeting and interacting with readers. If any of you have any questions or prayer requests, please feel free to contact me.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. 

Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. 

To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

~*~
Book Blurb for Camp Hope:

Amy Dawson directs a summer camp for foster children near Briceville, Tennessee. A foster mom for the first time, her responsibilities as mother to a traumatized child bring a whole new set of challenges and joys.

But when Amy’s four-year-old foster daughter is dragged into the mountains of Royal Blue by a former employee, parenting challenges are overshadowed by a new nightmare. The Sheriff's department fails to procure viable leads, and Amy can’t sit idle. Her childhood friend and first love, Jack Evans, returns to lend his skills as tracker. Problem is, he also stirs up romantic memories Amy would rather leave buried.

Jack struggles to let go of his past failures and prove his reliability by bringing Mattie home, but fears when he left camp nineteen years ago and failed to keep a promise to Amy he permanently lost her confidence.

As Amy plunges into the wilderness on horseback to search for Mattie, she must decide who she trusts, let go of her childhood traumas, and learn to rely on hope in God. Facing dehydration, starvation, and a convoluted kidnapper, will she succeed in recovering her precious foster daughter or get lost in the vast wilderness forever?

~*~
Buy Camp Hope on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books-A-Million

~*~
Connect with Sara:
Website: www.saralfoust.com
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/cfqP5H
Email: sfoust25@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sfoust25
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sfoust25/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraFoustSaraLFoust
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Song about God's Love for you!

Devotionals for the Heart: "What If?"

Removing the “What If?”
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

By the time this blog is posted, I will have faced a yearly fear and the outcome will be known.

Each year, at the scheduled time for my mammogram, I become nervous. The reason for my nervousness and fear is because 13 years ago, I went to the doctor for a routine mammogram and the diagnosis was not what I expected. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I am very good about getting my regular checkups and mammograms. No changes had been noticed in my body and I was sure the same report would be given that year. All would be fine and an appointment for the next year would be scheduled. No problem.

Yet, that particular visit was followed by a “call back”. The nurse on the phone told me there might be something wrong with the film so I needed to have pictures taken again. No problem.

My husband drove me to the place to have the additional pictures done. We were so confident all was well and he even sat in the car in the parking lot and waited for me.

After the second set of pictures were taken, I was asked to sit in a room and wait for the doctor. Another technician came in the room and told me she would view the results right there while I waited. We chatted and all was well until her voice quieted and she said, “Mrs. Henderson, I will be right back. I need to get the doctor.” No problem, or so I thought.

As the doctor entered the room, the atmosphere changed instantly. Fears of “What if?” ran through my mind. “What if there is a problem? What if I have cancer? What if I need surgery? Should someone go get my husband? My Mother had breast cancer.” These questions and more had my heart racing.

My first instinct was fear when my first action should have been prayer. Yes, prayer came but only after fear appeared first. Why didn’t I remember to pray first? Praying always gives me comfort and peace. Yet, that time, the “What if’s?” got to me first.

The diagnosis of breast cancer, the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and medications I still have to take provided many lessons over these past 13 years. First, remember to pray. Read God’s Word and soak in His message. Isaiah 41:10 tells us to not fear because He is our God. He will strengthen us and help us.

Yes, God strengthened me and my family. God helped us. God reminded us time and time again that He is always with us. We are blessed by His love.

I am praying this yearly mammogram will have a good report. No matter the outcome, I will lean on Him and know He is with me always.

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson

~*~
Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.

Summer Love: Lena's story about marriage and trusting in God

Interview questions for Lena Nelson Dooley, author of A Heart’s Gift: 

Alexis: What was the inspiration behind your book, A Heart’s Gift?

Lena: I love marriage-of-convenience novels. The idea for the book percolated in my head for several years. I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer, and I pray a lot while I’m writing the book. God planted ideas for things I’d never thought about, and at two-thirds of the way or so through the book, He turned it into a suspense novel.

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Lena: After all that time in my head and heart, I had to write it.

Alexis: What do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

Lena: A new understanding of just what a marriage-of-convenience is, according to scripture. And the understanding that God sometimes provides His supernatural answers to your problems.

Alexis: The hero of your story is Franklin and he’s very guarded. Why? Give us insight into his character, hopes, personality, and flaws.

Lena: If I tell you the reason, it will give away some of the vital information of the story. I can tell you that Franklin has a hard time trusting anyone, even God. He doesn’t want to open his heart, but he does want an heir to leave his ranch to.

Alexis: The heroine of your story is Lorinda and she is a liberated woman who vows to never let a man control her again. Why does she have this firm resolve? Share her backstory and describe her goal/motivation/conflict.

Lena: Lorinda had a hard time after her mother died when she was very young. Her father and uncle were alcoholics and mistreated her. Her first husband rescued her from them, and he was good to her in many ways, but he also thought that women didn’t have any say in the decision making.

Alexis: Why does Franklin want to protect Lorinda? What is about her that draws him in?

Lena: From the first moment he saw her, he was drawn to her. She’s beautiful and has a lot of gumption.

Alexis: What does Lorinda think of Franklin? Is her first impression of him her lasting impression? Explain.

Lena: The first time she meets him, he’s just the rancher who lives in the valley below. I can’t explain anymore without revealing too much of the story.

Alexis: What is the moral of this story?

Lena: God is always on your side. You can trust Him with everything.

Alexis: Who are your favorite authors? Name two then tell us which one of their books you cannot live without.

Lena: Francine Rivers (author) – Redeeming Love (book)

Because I read voraciously, it would be hard for me to choose just one more.

Alexis: What do you do when you’re not writing?

Lena: Both of my daughters and their husbands, children, and grandchildren live close by. We get together a lot. I volunteer at church, where we’re very active. I teach writing workshops. And I read a lot.

Alexis: If you were not an author, what would you like to be?

Lena: At my age, I’ve done most of the other jobs I’ve wanted to have—drama director, actress, radio voice-overs, live theater scriptwriter, screenwriter.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Lena! Do you have any final comments?

Lena: Thank you for hosting me here. I love to connect with other readers. If a book club chooses one of my books to read, I’ll gladly Skype with them when they meet.

~*~
Author Bio:

Multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 875,000 copies of her books sold. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW - DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

She has been on the ECPA and CBA Bestseller lists, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and several Amazon Bestseller lists as well as a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011. Her awards include: Will Rogers Medallion Awards, the Selah Award, Reader’s Choice book award, a Reader’s Choice blog award. She has finaled in the Can Golden Scroll Award, and finaled three times in for the Carol Award. A Heart’s Gift is currently a finalist in the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of RWA’s Readers’ Choice Award for long historical. Lena has also been featured in several magazines, including Charisma and Christian Retailing. She’s been on one magazine cover.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She hosts “The Lena Nelson Dooley Show” on the "Along Came a Writer" blog radio network.

Lena has an active web presence on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LinkedIn and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books.

~*~
Book blurb: Because of an earlier betrayal, Franklin vows never to open his heart to another woman. But he desires an heir. 

When Lorinda is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she will never allow a man to control her again. But how can she provide for her infant son? 

Marriage seems like the perfect arrangement until two people from Franklin's past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? And how will this affect the way they feel about each other?

~*~
Buy Lena’s book on Amazon via Kindle or paperback

~*~
Connect with Lena:
Website ~ Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Official Fan Page ~ Goodreads ~

Blogtalk Radio, The Lena Nelson Dooley Show ~ Instagram ~ Amazon Author Page

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring into Love: A story about abuse and God's healing power

Interview with Jo Huddleston, author of Tidewater Summer:

Alexis: Does the title of your book have special significance? Explain.

Jo: The story in Tidewater Summer equates the turbulence and danger of the ocean’s tidewater to the heroine’s recent experience of physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé.

Alexis: What is the theme for your story, Tidewater Summer?

Jo: Tidewater Summer is a story of renewal from brokenness.

Alexis: Rose Marie Henley is your story’s heroine. What qualities make people like—and strongly dislike—her? Describe her looks, personality, and heart.

Jo: Rose has brown eyes, she’s a brunette, and is tall and athletic. Her personality is subdued, damaged from the physical abuse she has encountered. Before the abuse, her heart was full of love that she shared with her fiancé, her parents, and longtime best friend.

Alexis: Why is Rose seeking solitude?

Jo: Rose is seeking solitude to escape additional abuse from her former fiancé, and to heal from her wounds.

Alexis: What, in her heart of hearts, does Rose really want?

Jo: When the story begins, Rose wants only to be alone. As the story continues and her character grows, she becomes more receptive to others.

Alexis: Rose was in a romantic relationship with a man who was physically abusive. Why did you make him abusive? What were the challenges of writing those scenes?

Jo: I find visits to beaches have a cleansing effect, a balm for whatever ails you. My premise was to write a story about a woman who visits a beach to get over a traumatic event in her life. The most traumatic event humans usually experience relates to their relationships. Tidewater Summer is the result of my story's premise and imagination.

Alexis: How does Rose’s ex-boyfriend’s abuse impact her life story?

Jo: The abuse Rose experiences fill her with fear, she’s broken and confused. Where romance is concerned, Rose must find a way to deal with the past in order to move on in the future. 

Alexis: Rose’s Great-Aunt Clara opens her beach home to Rose for the summer in North Carolina. What moves Rose to take it? How does staying there benefit her life?

Jo: Rose has fond memories of many family vacations spent at her Aunt Clara’s beach house in South Carolina. It is a stable place of safety. 

Alexis: Frank Sutton is your story’s hero. Why does Rose think he’s “over the top handsome”? Describe his looks, personality, and heart.

Jo: When Rose meets Franklin Sutton, she isn’t looking for another relationship and only regards his physical appearance—blond hair, blue eyes, tall—that she describes as over-the-top handsome. Frank is a patient, godly man, a true Southern gentleman. He senses Rose has been treated badly and is gentle in his approach to her.

Alexis: Despite her attraction to Frank, Rose doesn’t want a man in her life. Why?

Jo: Rose has thankfully escaped marrying her abusive fiancé. Her physical and emotional wounds are raw and she doesn’t want to give another man the opportunity to do to her the same as her former fiancé.

Alexis: Frank is smitten with Rose. What does he see in her that enthralls him?

Jo: Frank senses Rose’s hurt, her victim personality. He wants to protect her, care for her, help her recover. Her brown eyes almost mesmerize him.

Alexis: What does it take for him to win her over?

Jo: Frank must break through her defenses and convince her to open her heart to trust him.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about Tidewater Summer?

Jo: God didn’t create us for self-reliance or isolation. Scripture says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Those in the New Testament church relied on close friends or brothers and sisters in Christ for support—bearing one another’s burdens! If we share our burdens, our load is not as heavy, and with a lighter load, we know relief.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jo! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Jo: Alexis, thank you for having me on your blog for a visit.

~*~
Author bio: 

Jo Huddleston is a multi-published author of books, articles, and short stories. 

Novels she has written include her West Virginia Mountains series, her endearing Caney Creek series, and her standalone novel, Tidewater Summer. These are sweet, Southern historical romances. 

Jo is a member of ACFW and the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN). 

Learn more at www.johuddleston.com where you can read first chapters of her novels and novellas and also sign up for her mailing list.

~*~
Book blurb for Tidewater Summer: Will Rose find the solitude she seeks during her island summer or is solitude what she really wants? 

A compelling story of one woman’s pursuit of restoration from physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. Rose Marie Henley’s Great-Aunt Clara convinces Rose to spend the summer at her South Carolina beach house.

Aunt Clara’s handyman sends his nephew to repair Rose’s water heater. Last year Rose would have been excited to see his over-the-top handsome nephew, Frank Sutton. But now she doesn’t want any man in her life again.

Frank has an instant attraction to Rose. Can he break through her defenses? He’ll do anything to protect her, but will she open her heart to trust him?

~*~
Buy Jo's book on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Jo:

Website and blog (Read novel first chapters here): http://www.johuddleston.com

Sign up for Jo’s mailing list: http://bit.ly/1ZFaZwG

Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/2cfSroU

Facebook Author page: http://bit.ly/2aqFEeT

Facebook personal page: http://on.fb.me/1Ubic69

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1QAPtFv

Inspirational blog: http://bit.ly/1QAPRnr

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below. 
SaveSavea Rafflecopter giveaway

Words of Faith: Dr. Gray's story

Faith and Faithfulness
A Words of Faith story by Ekwenzi Gray, Ph.D.

A few years ago, one of my cousins was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The news was a heart-wrenching game-changer for the family. My cousin has a husband and two adult daughters and she wanted to see them both finish their degrees and get married. But this news seemed like it could derail those plans. The doctors were reserved in their predictions, giving her 4-5 years to live. But without a transplant and other treatment, her chances were slim. And with pancreatic cancer having one of the most serious mortality rates around (the 5 year survival rate is 6%), time was not on our side.

Family member after family member was tested to be a potential donor, but were ruled out again and again, and the years kept on rolling. Year 5 came and then year 6, and we all (my cousin included) felt like she was living on borrowed time. But she never gave up, never stopped living, and her faith held strong. And finally, she was rewarded. In year 6, her goddaughter, who is a girl her daughter's age who happened to be adopted, was identified as a possible donor. It was nothing short of a miracle because the fact that the girl was adopted, meant that she was that much further outside of the genetic pool where a match should have been found. 

Thankfully, she agreed to donate. Both the girl and my cousin survived the transplant and recovered marvelously, inspiring others and strengthening the faith of family, friends, and strangers alike when they hear the story.

Marvelous and miraculous, right? It's a true blessing that lives were saved, hearts have been changed, and the testimony continues to inspire all those that hear it. That's what faith stories are supposed to do. And quite frankly, I don't like them.

Stories like this suggest that faith is only for grand, supernatural gestures and interventions. They are the stories that movies are made of, when most of us live TV-level lives. We don't face life-threatening illnesses but we face the struggles of making it through the day when we're battling the flu. Many of us don't find ourselves facing homelessness but we have bills and mortgages or rent payments and jobs that keep us going day to day and living paycheck to paycheck, feeling like we're one step away from being homeless. And when we, or let me speak for myself, when I hear stories like this, I can't help but think, "That's great for them, but what about me? Does God care about my day to day struggles when He has so many other more serious concerns to address?" Not that I'm wishing my life was harder, not at all. It's just that sometimes, I feel like I'm wasting God's time by coming to Him with concerns that are decidedly smaller.

And yet, that's where faith really becomes important. Faith and faithfulness.

My faith calls me to believe that God cares about me whether my issues are earth-shattering or mildly frustrating. My faith calls for me to believe that God wants what's best for me no matter to what. But my faithfulness? That's where things get interesting. 

You see, faith is a belief in something, whether we see it or not. Faithfulness, however, implies action. Faithfulness is what I do to act on my beliefs. Faithfulness is more than just praying for a stronger relationship with God, it's actively praying and studying His Word  (The Holy Bible) and doing my part in developing a relationship with Him. Faithfulness is more than just praying to, say, write a book or record a CD. Faithfulness is sitting down every day, for whatever few minutes I can carve out, and writing or practicing my instrument. It's about doing my part to use the gifts and talents God has blessed me with along with the seed of an idea that I believe He planted in my heart. It's about trying to nurture those things until the time is right for the finished product to be birthed. 

Faithfulness reminds me that everything I do is not for my edification, but for His glory and honor. 

So, maybe saying that I don't like the large stories of faith is an overstatement. We need those stories to be inspired, to be reminded that our God does great and wonderful things all the time. But we need those small stories too, in order to be reminded that God needs our faithfulness to increase our faith. And He doesn't just want our faith in one situation, He wants it ALL...in all that we do, all the time, and with all our hearts.

Don't just have faith...be faithful.

Read the following Bible verses to encourage your faith:

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

~*~
Author bio: 

Dr. Ekwenzi Gray is a Clinical Psychologist, licensed in the District of Columbia. He has been in clinical practice for nearly 10 years, both in private practice which is called 

J.E. Gray and Associates and in working on staff at the Howard University Counseling Services. 

He earned both his Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. 

While versed in treating a variety of psychological conditions, Dr. Gray has a particular passion for helping clients struggling with issues related to depression and anxiety, spiritual concerns, and anger. He also works with people dealing with issues related to relationships, sexual identity, orientation, and interests. 

Dr. Gray continues to provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples, and conceptualizes client challenges from a cognitive theoretical orientation while using interventions from a variety of models. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Gray enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and writing among other things. He can be found on Facebook (J. E. Gray and Associates) and on Twitter (@jegrayphd).

Interview: Vannetta Chapman, author of Anna’s Healing

Welcome another teacher-turned-author to the blog, Vannetta Chapman! She's written a book called Anna's Healing and she's ready to share it with you! 

Read Vannetta's author interview below this message AND enter the book giveaway contest through filling out the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this post, for your chance to WIN a copy of Anna's Healing.

Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Enjoy your time with Vannetta today! 

~*~
Alexis: Anna’s Healing starts a new collection written by you. What is the name of that collection and why did you choose Anna’s Healing as the first story?

Vannetta: The collection is Plain & Simple Miracles. It’s a collection instead of a series, which means that the stories are all standalones, but they take place in the same community setting. I wanted Anna’s Healing to be first because we’re introducing the community through the eyes of a young girl who is visiting and unsure where she fits in. Also, there was an e-book only novella titled Brian’s Choice which actually came out before Anna’s Healing. 

Why did you choose to write about an Amish community in Oklahoma? Is it purely fictional or is your story based on real-life people? 

The community exists, but the place I call Cody’s Creek is actually called Chouteau. I wanted to write about a place closer to where I live. Since I’m in Texas and we only have one very small Amish community, Oklahoma seemed like a good choice. The story itself and the people are fictional.

Why did you choose to make family and love the theme of this new collection?

Some of the most important and influential relationships occur within our families. When Christ tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” I believe that starts with your family!

How much time did you spend writing Anna’s Healing? What was the most challenging part of the writing process?

I’m on a fast deadline for these books, so I believe I wrote it in four months. The most challenging part was figuring out where to take the story after Anna is healed.

Let’s talk about your three main characters (not including Anna): Chloe, Jacob and Ruth. Describe the strengths, quirks, flaws, and deepest desire.

Chloe is Englisch—she is standing on the outside looking in. She’s a reporter and she strikes up this unusual relationship with a young Amish woman. I like how I was able to provide an outsider’s perspective through Chloe.

Jacob is not your typical Amish male. He’s restless. He isn’t ready to settle down, and so he travels from one community to the next, helping with planting and harvesting. When he lands in Cody’s Creek, he has no idea that God has a completely different plan for his life. I loved the development of this character as he learns to put the needs of others before his own.

Ruth is a cornerstone of this story. She’s 89 years old and shrinking, but she’s a giant in the faith. It’s Ruth’s love and faithfulness that leads to Anna’s healing.

Let’s talk about your heroine Anna. When the reader first meets Anna, what is she doing? What does Anna love? What does she dislike? What is the reason for her sickness and what impact does her miracle healing have on her community?

We start this story with Anna trying to find her place in Cody’s Creek. She’s agreed to live with her aunt for a year because she can’t find a job (or a man) to suit her. Anna loves her family, but she feels like the black sheep. Then she’s injured during a tornado. Why Anna? Why now, when she’s in the prime of her life? Why is she healed, not immediately, but many months later? These are all questions we grapple with in the story.

What is the moral of the story?

That God’s grace is sufficient, regardless our circumstance.

As a woman who believes in God, do you think He still can heal people miraculously just like he did for your fictional character Anna? Why or why not?

Yes, I do. Like many believers, I don’t understand why God heals some and not others. We have people in our family with what is called a “dread disease.” Why us? Why now? These are all questions that believers struggle with. In the end, I can only trust and believe that God’s grace is sufficient.

What do you love the most about writing Amish fiction/romance?

I love their down-to-earth attitude. After meeting so many Amish folks, it’s a joy for me to write about their lifestyle.

As a writer, what is your go-to-food or beverage when you’re on deadline?

Coffee. Always coffee. And occasionally chocolate!

What’s next for you in your publishing dreams?

Joshua’s Mission (book 2 in this collection) releases January 1. I adore this story, which centers around Amish participation in missions, something few people know about.

Thank you for the interview, Vannetta! Please leave a question for my readers to answer that will qualify them to enter your book giveaway contest.

What is your go-to-food or beverage when you’re feeling pressured?

a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*~
Author bio:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over 100 articles in Christian family magazine and received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com 

~*~

Book blurb:

Anna’s Healing is the first book in a brand-new collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody’s Creek, Anna Schwartz’s life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.

Three people—Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz—join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle’s. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.

Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world’s attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.

~*~

Buy Vannetta's book:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1RqDHwK
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1j95G95
Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1L1EakO

~*~
Connect with Vannetta:
Website - http://vannettachapman.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
Instagram - https://instagram.com/vannettachapman/

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman