Love is in the Air: Once-in-A-Lifetime Kind of Love, a book review

I love, Love, LOVED this book by Inspirational Contemporary Romance Author Becky Wade!

A Love Like Ours--the story of Lyndie and Jake--is one of those books that takes you by the hand and leads you through a whirlwind tale of innocence, heartbreak, trauma, drama, restoration then lets you down gently with a very happy ending! 

So it is with great honor that I feature Becky Wade's latest novel, which Bethany House Publishers sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Once-in-A-Lifetime Kind of Love
Review written by Alexis A. Goring for Becky Wade’s book , A Love Like Ours

A Love Like Ours is one of Becky Wade’s finest, most intense, well-written books!

She explores the layers of her characters, perfectly painting a clear and correct picture of their hearts on paper.

The author takes Lyndie James—a beautiful free-spirit with an optimistic personality and a heart of compassion—and matches her with Jake Porter, perhaps the most handsome of all the three Porter brothers but also the most troubled.

Described as “Tall, dark and brooding,” Jake is wrestling with his PTSD caused by a traumatic accident during his days as a Marine. Despite not being able to control the circumstances that led to the accident and the death of his comrades, Jake who was in charge of his crew, blames himself and relives the trauma of that explosive moment very often to the point where he cannot sleep.

Deep within his heart is a safe place. It’s the place where he remembers his childhood friend, Lyndie. But since Lyndie left when her family moved away from Texas to California, that safe place is also a broken place and he blames Lyndie for breaking his heart.

So when Lyndie and her family return to Holley (Texas), Jake is more angry than happy to see her. But he’s not exactly angry out of well, anger; he’s angry out of fear because he realizes the place in his heart for Lyndie after all these years is still soft and he feels the need to protect her at all costs.

Jake’s innate need to protect Lyndie is challenged from the start of this story when Lyndie tells him she wants to exercise his horses and be a jockey for one of his struggling stallions named Silver Leaf. While Lyndie and her family lived in California, she received the experience and expertise that prepared her to be a great jockey and her compassionate heart that has a way with horses makes her the perfect person to help Silver Leaf reach his full potential as a race horse.

As the story progresses, the reader learns that Lyndie wants to help Jake too. The hurt in his eyes and his dark brooding nature does not deter Lyndie from her goal. A woman of faith, Lyndie believes all things are possible with God who is in the miracle-making business. But will Jake’s stubbornness and years of suffering from PTSD keep a permanent wall of steel surrounding his heart? Or will Lyndie’s love for horses and Jake break through?

You’ll have to read to find out the answers to those questions but I can tell you that you may fall in love with this story! It made me laugh, cry and smile.

The author is a pro at developing deep characterization, describing the settings and mastering the art of “showing” the story not “telling” the readers the action.

The reader will grow endeared to the childhood version of the characters as told in the Prologue and the reader will be captivated by the grown up version, dialogue and scenarios from Jake and Lyndie’s adult lives starting at the moment they are reunited in Chapter 1.

It’s such a beautiful story! The author takes you by then hand from page one and leads you through Jake and Lyndie’s journey from the beautiful beginning, through the challenging times and moments of despair, to the very sweet end.

What makes this book extra special to me is the Bible verse the author leaves on the last page of the book contains a beautiful promise from God in real life—Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version) which reads, “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.” Another reason why I love this story—that’s my “life verse” and the reason why is a whole other story which I will not go into for the sake of closing this book review.

If you’re not convinced to buy Becky’s book yet, you may when you see the lovely book cover which in itself is endearing. The book summary also speaks volumes.

A Love Like Ours is worth every bit of a five-star rating. I can see this book being of one of my favorite stories forever.

Love is in the Air: Be God's

"Be Mine" and "You Belong to Me" are popular phrases spoken by people we know and sung by famous musicians in every language around the world. These words and song lyrics convey a universal message known to humankind: We all want to be loved. Such sentiments fill our minds with romantic notions. Such words sweetly spoken (or sung) to us capture our hearts and inspire our minds with the idea of falling in love with a special someone and spending forever together.

Did you know that you as a human are already loved? You're not just loved by people you know and can see, you are loved and deeply known by the invisible, Almighty God who wants you to know and love Him too. Yes, you heard me right. The Creator of the Universe (God) wants to be yours! It's true. Read Ephesians 1:4 for proof. God loves you with all of His divine heart and He asks you to be His not just on Valentine's Day but every single day of your life. Best of all, a relationship with God lasts forever as in eternity!

Today, my dear writer friend Brandy Bruce is here to encourage you to "Be God's". 

I hope you are encouraged and inspired by her devotional. 

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Be God’s
A devotional written by Brandy Bruce

When I was in high school, I was a huge Rich Mullins fan. Songs like "Awesome God", "Sometimes by Step" and "Hold Me, Jesus" inspired me and strengthened my faith. I still remember how utterly sad I was to hear of his tragic death. Just a college student at the time myself, I knew the world had lost something special when Rich Mullins past away. A couple of years later I went to a concert by his band, the Ragamuffins. They were selling T-shirts with a phrase on them that Rich loved: Be God’s.

The phrase has stuck with me ever since. Be God’s.

What does it mean? To be honest, I’m still learning that. But along my winding faith journey, I think I’ve learned what it doesn’t mean.

Let me back up a bit. The truth is that my faith journey has had its ups and downs. Periods of intense doubt. Mountain top highs. Deep valley lows. Moments where I’ve felt close to God. Moments where I’ve been unsure. Not everyone can relate, I know.

Some can.

I’ve struggled with faith. I still do sometimes, but I’ve reached a point where I cling to faith even when I’m not sure. I choose faith even when riddled with unbelief. I choose Jesus, over and over again. I’m not saying it always comes easy. It’s a choice made with my heart and my mind and my soul.

During one specific season of my life, I found myself feeling hopeless, feeling broken. Maybe you’ve been there.

In the midst of doubt and brokenness, I only had the spiritual strength to whisper, “I still believe.”

And it was enough.

That’s when I learned what it means to be God’s . . . and what it doesn’t. My faith doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Yours doesn’t have to resemble mine—your faith journey is your own. Like mine is my own. I’ve looked at other women in my life and beyond, and thought to myself: I can’t be like her. My faith is so wobbly, God could never use me like he uses her. She probably never goes through periods of doubt. She probably reads her Bible every single morning. She probably never skips church. She would never read that book or watch that movie. She’s probably an amazing wife and mother, and her husband adores her. She probably walks and talks and breathes spirituality. I’m nothing like her. The terrible part is that I don’t even want to be! It looks exhausting.

Have you had thoughts like that?

In the middle of that season of doubt, I found Jesus still there. It occurred to me that because He’s enough, I don’t have to worry about whether I am. When thoughts like the ones above swirl through my mind, He’s that voice telling me that I don’t have to be like anyone else. He loves me just as I am. My relationship with Him is unique, like any real relationship. It’s our own love story, you know. I’m just me. I’m a work in progress, and I’m loved by God through every step of the refining process. I was loved before I chose to be God’s. He loved me then. He loves me now.

He loves you too.

I have no idea what happened to that T-shirt I bought that day. It was white, with black letters scrawled across in Rich’s handwriting. I wore it until the edges frayed and the white wasn’t quite so bright. Be God’s.

Not “be perfect” or “be like her” or “be better” or even “be strong.” Just be God’s. It’s enough.

When I first started to write Second Chance Café, I didn’t know that Isabella’s faith journey would start to look like mine. As her character began to take shape, I recognized her questions, those doubts and fears, as my own. Her story is close to my heart. It’s a picture of a woman struggling to hold on to a faith that feels cold. She’s frustrated by life’s disappointments. She’s wondering who she is. She needs God to show up in a real way.

She has to learn, as I did, that it’s enough just to be His. He’ll hold on tight enough for the both of them. It’s true for all of us. Our faith journeys are our own. They’re going to look different and that’s okay. Different is beautiful. Just be God’s. It’s the best place to start.

I hope you’ll check out Isabella’s story in Second Chance Café and let me know what you think!

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Author bio: 

Brandy Bruce has worked in book publishing for more than ten years. 

She's an editor and an author and a woman who really loves dessert. 

Brandy lives in Colorado with her husband and three children. 

You can find her online at brandybruce.blogspot.com.

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Blurb for Brandy's book, Second Chance Café:

Isabella Romano has given up on love. Between her demanding work as a nurse and her father's poor health, Isabella has no time for distractions. So when a handsome firefighter practically falls at her feet, she keeps him at arm's length. But Ethan Carter is determined to win her over.

Orphaned at a young age, Ethan longs for a family of his own--and he's sure Isabella is his match. But when he opens a cafe near his firehouse, Isabella is less than thrilled. She knows firsthand the strain of being a restaurant owner, and wants no part of that life. Can Ethan convince the busy nurse they can overcome any obstacle and have their happily ever after together?

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Buy Brandy’s book:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1R3D2Cx
Barnes& Noble - http://bit.ly/1GT3YPO
Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1cbfkEG

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Connect with Brandy:
Blog - http://brandybruce.blogspot.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorBrandyBruce

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/brandybruce/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/brandybruce

Love is in the Air: Book review for Chance of Loving You

Today, I'd like to share a book I loved from beginning to end. Chance of Loving You is a wonderful book and I appreciated almost everything about it. Read on for my review of this delightful novel and be encouraged to buy a copy and read it too!

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Captivating characters take a chance on love
A book review written by Alexis A. Goring

Bestselling romance authors Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert and Susan May Warren joined creative forces to produce a novel-length anthology containing three short stories, each story penned by one of the authors. The book is called Chance of Loving You.

The first feature about Chance of Loving You that immediately caught my eye and garnered my interest was the cover! It is so beautiful, mesmerizing and whimsical all at once! I love how a lovely couple stands in the center of a city street lined by buildings and illuminated by night lights. The lady is wearing a flowing dress and high heels that look like they went dancing for their date. She looks up at her man adoringly with her arms looped around his neck while he, dressed casually, stares deep into her eyes.

The cover, I admit, is what made me want to read and review this book and I am SO glad I did! Here’s a breakdown of what I thought of each of the three stories that compose Chance of Loving You:

“For the Love of Money” by Terri Blackstock

I give this story an A+ for humor and creativity! It is the most vivid of the three stories in Chance of Loving You. The story starts late at night inside a café with a scene between a man is who is totally devastated and a waitress with a caring heart and listening ear. The author Terri Blackstock did a wonderful job of making the reader care about her two main characters conversing in the café from the moment they start talking.

“For the Love of Money” is about Julie, a waitress who dreams of launching her own design firm and a man who is mourning the death of his dream. Julie meets this man during her shift at the café and is immediately drawn into a conversation with him, wanting to know more about this man whose story—and his good looks—had her at hello.

The author did a delightful job of using something as simple as a lottery ticket within a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates to start the action and take the characters on a whirlwind journey that leads to millionaire status, romance, heartbreak and restoration.

The story is so good! I loved every page of it though at first, I wondered how the author was going to pull such a random storyline off but to my relief, Terri did not disappoint. She is a master storyteller.

“The Recipe” by Candace Calvert

I loved this story! It was one of my favorites because it incorporated my love for food, family and romance. Candace Calvert weaves a beautiful tale full of surprises and heartwarming moments.

“The Recipe” is about hospital dietary assistant Aimee who believes baking is her calling and is hoping to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off . But as she cares for one of her patients who happens to be the elderly grandma of a very handsome crime scene photographer, Aimee starts to question if her passion for baking and determination to win that contest, is all she wants in life.

Perhaps Aimee learns that there’s more to life than working your dream job. Maybe she learns that you need to make time for finding and keeping true love. You’ll have to read the story to find out what Aimee determines!

Candace Calvert tells the story in such creative and sweet style that leaves you wanting to read more books by this author. I believe “The Recipe” is the first of what will be many of my favorite books by Calvert!

“Hook, Line & Sinker” by Susan May Warren

My least favorite story because it moved too fast and there wasn’t much room for backstory or character development. I would love to read more books by Susan May Warren because I heard she’s one of the best storytellers. But “Hook, Line & Sinker” was not very impressive.

The story is about graduate student Abigail who decides to enter a fishing contest. She’s competing against a handsome young man who is connected to a sad part of her past. Abigail is very defensive to this gentleman and first but you can tell he cares about her and wants her forgiveness. Susan does a good job of bringing about understanding, restoration and hope for these two characters but it’s not enough to make me love the story.

The author knows how to write a story but it was disappointing because I thought “Hook, Line & Sinker” would be one of my favorite stories ever because of the caliber and reputation of the author. But for me, it wasn’t.

However, I do plan on reading more books by Susan May Warren because given her reputation, I know she must have many wonderful books on the market, ones I will love and write glowing reviews about but this particular story was not one of her best—just my honest opinion. I’m sure there are other readers who disagree and would love this story.

Overall, I would give Chance of Loving You a solid “A” or “four stars” out of five (stars) for a fantastic fictional story world filled with captivating characters and intriguing plots that draw you in from the first page of the book and keep you reading until you reach “The end.”

Bravo!

*Tyndale PR sent a complimentary copy of Chance of Loving You to Alexis in exchange for an honest review.

A Message for MOMs:

Love is in the Air: Becky Wade, inspirational contemporary romance author of "A Love Like Ours"

Meet Becky Wade:

She's the author of these books:

And this one too:

But today, I'm here to share news about Becky's latest book, A Love Like Ours! It's the third book in the Porter Family Novel series, released last week (May 5) and is purely delightful!

So read on and enjoy all this fun information about Becky and her new novel! :)

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A Love Like Ours book blurb:

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

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Review of Becky Wade's book, A Love Like Ours:

Fans of Wade’s debut novel, My Stubborn Heart, will find many similarities in A Love Like Ours, in which a vivacious, eternally-optimistic heroine meets a wounded, withdrawn hero, and proves to be the one person who can coax him back to life (and, since this is Christian fiction, back to God). But Lyndie and Jake are their own unique characters, and had such amazing depths from the very first page that I fell instantly in love with them. By the end of the prologue, I felt like I was reading about my two best friends.

The characters are definitely the heart and soul of this book, and there were so many wonderful personalities, both old and new, that I could spend this entire review just talking about them! Jake is a veteran suffering from PTSD, and I love that Wade doesn’t just slap a band-aid on that, or try to cover it up with some “all you need is Jesus” cliché. Instead, she keeps her characters firmly grounded in the real world, and while she does set Jake on the right road eventually, nothing is tied up with a neat little bow. The reality of Jake’s condition was as refreshing as it was heartbreaking, and definitely made him a hero to love.”

Read the full review written by Amy Drown, senior editor of The Christian Manisfesto, by following this link - http://thechristianmanifesto.com/fiction/a-love-like-ours/

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Excerpt from Becky's new book, A Love Like Ours:

Jake turned up the collar of his brown corduroy hunting jacket, then rested his forearms on the top rail of the wooden fence that enclosed the thirty-acre pasture. His careful attention catalogued numerous things about the colt within, only a handful of them visual. Call it horse sense. Or instinct. Jake understood things about these animals that most people didn’t.

A few days ago he’d decided to back off training this particular colt, Desert Willow, and give him more time to recover fully from his arthroscopic knee surgery. Willow liked to complain about his sore knee, which meant Jake needed to freshen him longer before Willow would be ready to resume training. Five more days maybe—

Jake heard the crunch of a twig breaking and flinched at the unexpected noise, then cursed himself for flinching. He could already tell that the sound had been made by nothing but footsteps.

Turning, he squinted beneath the brim of his black Stetson and tried to make out who was coming toward him. A small woman with long, wavy blond hair. She wasn’t on the barn staff; that he knew. He angled toward her more fully.

And then, very slowly, recognition began to slide over him. The hair on his arms rose.

It couldn’t be her. Not after all this time. And yet the rational part of his brain understood that it could be. He knew she’d moved back to Holley. His mom had been nagging him to see her ever since, but he’d wanted no part of that, no part of her.

Yet here she was.

He went to stone, inside and out. Only his heart kept moving, knocking inside his chest, hard and sure. He didn’t want her to look at him.

He was ugly. And she was beautiful.

He’d already lived the life and died the death of the boy she’d known. She wouldn’t recognize him now, same as he no longer recognized himself.

She wore jeans tucked into black riding boots. A white shirt under a pale green sweater that hung open down to her hips. Big hoop earrings. Her scarf, which had a lot of green, pink, white, and gray on it, didn’t have ends. It just rested in a loop around her neck.

She no longer looked like a Texan. She looked like a Californian to him now.

She came to a stop a few feet away and stuck her hands into the back pockets of her jeans.

He couldn’t speak, and she had the grace not to say anything trite. She only took him in, her head tilted slightly, a half smile on her face, softness in her gaze.

He hadn’t felt any emotion forcefully since his accident. Yet the sight of her caused bitterness to blaze through him, true and clean. You left me behind, he wanted to accuse. You. Left. Me.

It surprised him, the anger turning in his gut like a blade. She’d been a kid back then. Her father had gotten a better job in California, and so they’d moved. It hadn’t been Lyndie’s fault. But that’s not what he was feeling, standing here all these years later. He was feeling a betrayal so strong it nearly took his breath.

“Jake,” she said at last, her smile growing.

He dipped his chin. “Lyndie.”

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Note from Alexis:

Becky's book excerpt really draws you in, doesn't it?

Well, did you know you can WIN a FREE copy of Becky's book and more fun items in a complete giveaway package only today (May 10, 2015) by visiting Amy Drown's website? Here's the link - http://www.thechristianmanifesto.com/contest/a-love-like-ours

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Author bio:

Becky's a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. 

Becky loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She's the Carol Award and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine, and A Love Like Ours.

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Buy Becky's book:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1Fd4omD
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1zP7lY8
Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1EnQBUx
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Connect with Becky:
Website - www.beckywade.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade
Twitter - http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Kimberly Rose Johnson

If you like beautiful seashore scenery, five-star-chef quality food, Bed & Breakfasts located in quaint and oh-so-adorable towns then you are going to LOVE Kimberly Rose Johnson's latest book!

Island Refuge is novel about forgiveness, faith and unexpected love. It's also a story about how God can take your broken dreams--and heart--and make something beautiful.

I hope you will enjoy my interview with Kimberly, author of Island Refuge! My questions are written in bold, Kimberly's answers are not in bold.

Enjoy and keep reading to the end for your chance to WIN a Kindle copy of Island Refuge! 

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Alexis: What is the meaning behind your new series Wildflower B&B Romance?

Kimberly: Zoe had a rough childhood that extended into her adult life. Even though she had it together, she was hurting because she was hanging on to hurt and unforgiveness. This book deals with forgiving yourself as well as others.

Share your inspiration for the title and story settings for your new series.

I didn’t come up with the title. I think my husband suggested it and my publisher liked it. We were going for an island theme and each book in the series will have the name island in it. My working title was “A Place to Call Home.” Book two is called Island Dreams and book three is Island Christmas.

The setting was inspired by a trip I took to Leavenworth, WA. I was doing research for another series that released with Love Inspired Heartsong Presents. Anyway, I took a train to Leavenworth and the train runs along the water, which got me to thinking about the many islands off the coastline of Washington. While in Leavenworth I visited a bed and breakfast, which got my mind working overtime. Within a week of visiting, I think I had the framework for another story in my head and Island Refuge was born.

I stopped writing my Leavenworth series to write this book. I had to get it out.

Your first book under the series is called Island Refuge. Tell me about it.

My editor did such a fantastic job writing the back cover copy, I’d love to share that with you.

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake? Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

Zoe Griffin, your leading lady in Island Refuge, is a five-star-chef who walked away from her dream job. Why?

Although we don’t see it happen, we learn that Zoe walked in on her fiancé and best friend together. They also worked at the restaurant where she was the executive chef. Rather than deal with them, she fled to Wildflower Island to work as a cook and housekeeper.

What makes Wildflower Island special to Zoe?

At first, nothing. In fact, when she get to the B&B she is afraid she may have made a horrible mistake, but the island quickly grows on her and the slower pace and peacefulness of the island draw her to the place making her want to stay.

Share insight into Zoe’s fictional life. What does she do for fun? When did she discover her passion for cooking? What does she look for in a man she wants to date and marry? 

Zoe cooks for fun—cooking is the core of who she is as a person and she finds her identity in cooking.

As a child Zoe would retreat to the kitchen and developed a passion for preparing meals for her family.

As far as what she looks for in a man, I’m not sure she knows. After being burned by her fiancé, getting involved with another man is the furthest thing from her mind. But the Lord has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.

Share details from Nick’s fictional life. Why did he choose a career in medicine? What caused him to hate his career? What is the one habit he cannot break? What does he look for in a lady love?

Nick never says why he chose medicine; at least I don’t remember him stating the reason. I think he likes helping people and needed the challenge. He is a driven man. I wouldn’t say he hates medicine, but he lost confidence in his ability to treat his patients due to the death of his wife. He blamed himself that she died and after that he didn’t trust his own judgment.

As far as habits go, I’m not really sure. Nick’s a pretty cool dude. He wanted a fresh start, so he sold his medical practice and bought a B&B that needed a lot of love. Maybe he has a habit of trying to help people but when he lost his confidence he poured that part of his personality into fixing up the B&B.

Nick was not looking for a wife at all. He felt so guilty about his late wife’s death, even though it wasn’t his fault, finding another woman was the furthest thing in his mind.

What did you love the most about writing Island Refuge? What did you like the least?

I love the creative process and this book in particular piqued my creativity. I LOVE this story. I wish Wildflower Island existed. I want to go there! Anderson Island is the inspiration for Wildflower Island, but it’s too small, so I made up my own island.

The least? I always struggle with endings. This book was no exception. So I’d say writing the last five to then thousand words was what I liked least about this story.

What is your favorite scene from Island Refuge? What makes it special to you?

There is a scene where Zoe and Nick have a pillow fight and that puts a smile on my face every time I think about it. I think it’s special to me because it was a turning point for their relationship-at least to my way of thinking. I may be forgetting something since I wrote this story two years ago.

What do you want your readers to take away from your book?

I hope readers will see that regardless of the hurt we feel, the Lord is able to help us forgive, and if we don’t forgive we can’t live a full and happy life.

If you could spend a day on Wildflower Island with two of the characters from Island Refuge, who would you spend that time with? Why? What would you do?

Zoe and Rachel for sure! Nothing against Nick, but I would love to have a girls day with my female characters. It would be fun if Zoe prepared a tea for us or we could sit out in the yard overlooking the Puget Sound and visit. A simple, relaxing day would be perfect.

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

Chocolate. I can’t have caffeinated coffee or that would be my choice. My brain works so much better on caffeine, but my body can’t handle it. I know chocolate has caffeine, but it doesn’t bother me.

What do you love the most about being a writer? What do you like the least?

I really enjoy the creative process. Seeing the story in my head come to life on the page is a thrill.

I also enjoy visiting with fans. This past Christmas I met with a book club. One of the members put together a Christmas Tea and we discussed my very first published book, The Christmas Promise. It was a blast! I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Those ladies blessed me beyond words.

I don’t care much for marketing. That part is hard for me. I’d much rather sit at my computer and dream up stories.

What are your hopes and dreams for Island Refuge and the other books you will release in your Wildflower B&B Romance series?

I would love to see this book take off. It has a special place in my heart and it’s one of those books that stays with you. My dream for this series is that it will do well so I can continue adding books beyond the currently contracted three books. I see a lot of potential for this series.

Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I____________________ because___________________________.

At the end of the day, I feel blessed because I get to do what I love.

Thanks for the interview, Kimberly! Thank you for offering to giveaway one Kindle copy of your book Island Refuge! Please leave a question for my readers to answer which, along with their entries in the Rafflecopter tool box below and subscribing to your newsletter, will qualify them to WIN! *Visit http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/ and fill out the box form on the right side of the website in order to subscribe to Kimberly's "author newsletter."

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kimberly's question for you to answer: Have you ever stayed in a Bed and Breakfast? If so what was your favorite thing about your stay? If not, where was the last place you visited?
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Author Bio: 

Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. 

Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. 

Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order. 


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Blurb for Island Refuge: 
Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

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Buy Kimberly’s book:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1IlZqmD
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1F1RmGC

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Connect with Kimberly:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Website - http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Love is in the Air: The Many Dimensions of Spring

Today we have an author who likes for you to call her"Ellie," visiting my blog today! :)

Ellie is a wonderful writer who loves springtime. She says this season has "many dimensions" and has prepared a wonderful devotional for you on that very idea.

I hope you will enjoy your time with Ellie today! :)

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The Many Dimensions of Spring
A devotional written by Eleanor “Ellie” Gustafson

Years ago, I read a love fantasy that had me guessing until at least halfway through. The story started out depicting a grumpy old hag—totally unattractive to the male figure in the story. As time went on, however, she began to take care of herself and look even pleasant. To his surprise, she soon became sumptuous, well-endowed, alluring. But after this tantalizing period, even heavy, multi-colored makeup couldn’t mask her aging.

Have you figured it out? Think of winter, spring, summer, fall as a single character with multiple, evolving personas. A clever plot device.

I love spring. I’ve decided, though, that my favorite part comes before it actually happens. The anticipation of spring quickens me—so close but not yet here. I love summer, too, but with the sun beginning its southward run, can winter be far behind? I watch eagerly for those early, sparse signs of spring, but once spotted, the season quickly becomes an overwhelming flood that leaves me gasping. Not enough time to take all of it in!

I record the yearly dates of Important Spring Things: the first blackbirds, snowdrops, croaking frogs and peepers, forsythia, magnolias, daffodils. AND the first sprigs of asparagus in my garden. I can check previous years in my notebook to see if we’re early or late. Big-time late this year—not surprising, considering our horrendous New England winter.

Getting back to the love story, I see a parallel paradigm. I started my life as a grumpy, wrinkled bit of hardship for my parents. I grew to be reasonably intelligent and capable, became fruitful (three wonderful children) and productive (five published novels with another on the way), and now I’m again collecting wrinkles.

But there’s another level of spring that also has that period of anticipation. Here I am, a bit long in the tooth and nearing the end of the road. But like living in the sure expectation of the glories of spring (note the above), I am similarly anticipating the glories of heaven. I’m not there yet, but as new spring life invariably appears out of winter’s death, so heaven is guaranteed by Jesus’ death. Our Savior took the seed of life into the grave, and there it sprouted, bursting the bonds of Death.

I’ve read enough about near-death experiences to note commonalities: bright light, indescribable colors, vibrancy, overwhelming beauty, boundless energy—on and on. There are, of course, those who get a glimpse of hell and on recovery, quickly change their ways. But heaven is certain Reality for those who commit their lives to Christ.

The difference between our spring and God’s heaven is the problem of death. When spring first appears, it totally conquers winter’s death, but only for a brief moment. Death’s sword will soon leave its mark, first with snowdrops and daffodils, then forsythia. In heaven, though, Death has been totally defeated. We see Life as originally intended in the Garden of Eden.

My novel Dynamo addresses some of these spring-winter issues. Jeth Cavanaugh is searching for a new life along one of Pennsylvania's mountain ridges when he stumbles upon a stable of jumpers, as well as a volatile stallion named Dynamo. Jeth will do anything to work there. He’s hired to train and show the jumpers, but Dynamo becomes his primary passion. Everything changes when God enters his life—by means of a hard slap by his girlfriend. After that slap, their love relationship becomes wintery, at best. Any chance for them to experience spring? It comes, but in a shape neither of them expect.

Yes, enjoy each season of life here on earth, but keep your eyes fixed on the place where we can enjoy a whole, glorious eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Author bio: 

Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ in a county that had more cows than people. She loved horses and the annual County Farm and Horse Show. Ellie attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major. She is married to a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, Ellie and her husband have 3 kids and 8 grandchildren. 

Music was Ellie’s first love until she “tried on the cloak of writing and found that it fit quite well.”

“God first touched me through a story, and he has molded and kneaded me all my life,” Ellie said. “I love Him passionately!”
A writer of huge influence on Ellie’s life is Eugene Peterson. She says Peterson’s books are “meaty and challenging.” Peterson endorsed Ellie’s novel The Stones (about King David) and since then, Ellie refers to Peterson as her “forever friend”.

Ellie hopes that her readers will enjoy all of her books and says, “The Stones may taste good to you too!”

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Buy Ellie’s books:
Dynamo - http://amzn.to/1HW4cHg
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David - http://amzn.to/1Pbpm4P

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Connect with Ellie:
Blog/website - www.eleanorgustafson.com
E-mail - egus@me.com