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Last Chance to Enter Giveaways

23 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

If you missed any of the 12 days of Christmas (which really turned out to be 9 different interviews and giveaways), check out these links to enter by 11:59pm 12/23/11. Please Note….Contest entries are not accepted on this page. Feel free to comment. BUT to enter a giveaway, click on the post for the giveaway you’d like to enter, and comment on that post. ~Blessings, Heather

Day One: Loree Lough

Day Two: Gail Gaymer Martin

Day Three: Lenora Worth

Day Four: Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Day Five: Family Fiction (Karen Kingsbury book giveaway)

Day Six: Irene Hannon

Day Seven: Camy Tang

Day Eight: Vickie McDonough

Day Nine: Teresa Holey Slack

Day Ten:

Day Eleven:

Day Twelve:

Chasing Squirrels with author Teresa Slack

20 Dec 2011 11 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

Today I’m hopping aboard the “Arctic Express” for a magical train ride around the world with conductor Steve Somers.The “Arctic Express” is stopping by my local public library as a part of the annual Christmas program. Through classic children’s books and with help from a few friends including Hopper the rabbit, Steve teaches children the importance of giving and sharing. When Steve makes it snow inside or as he brings to life the “Polar Express” with a magical bell trick, everyone is mesmerized, even the adults, who for a few minutes become kids again.

While I’m gone, my friend and writer Teresa Holey Slack is here with her guest post “Chasing Squirrels.”

Teresa Slack is the author of five novels. EVIDENCE OF GRACE, her most recent release, debuted nationwide at #18 in the Christian market. Three jobs, three grandchildren, two dogs, and a needy husband have conspired to temporarily derail her writing career. But she’s determined to get back to writing and procure another book contract for her latest novel, JOY REDEFINED…just as soon as she finishes her Christmas shopping. To learn more about Teresa and her writing, please visit www.teresaslack.com.

Teresa is giving away 2 books to the winner! Leave a comment & you will be entered to win two of her titles, STREAMS OF MERCY & A TENDER REED. (See end of post for Bonus Entries.) You can enter now through Friday, Dec. 23.

Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

Chasing Squirrels by Teresa Slack

Behind our house is a few hundred acres of state owned property. That means I have miles of hiking trails at my disposal. It is a rural area, and I have never run into another person on the trails. But I run into wildlife nearly every time I’m out there.

The other day while hiking with my dog Molly, she spotted a squirrel. She laid her ears back, lowered her body to the ground, and dug up paws full of dirt as she gave chase. She wanted that squirrel so badly she could taste it. Literally, I’m sure.

I immediately noticed the difference in her pursuit of something larger. We often see whitetail deer in the woods too. I always hope to spot them first so I can enjoy their majesty and beauty before Molly scares them away. As soon as she spots them, she’s off. But there is hesitancy in her stride. She doesn’t lower herself to the ground. She doesn’t run so fast it looks like her feet are missing the ground. She’s curious, but I can tell she’s wondering what in the world she’d do if she caught the thing.

Sometimes I wonder if we do the same thing with our writing goals. We say we’re going to write the next great American novel. We attend conferences and read the right books and groan in indignation when a celebrity or ex-president’s wife signs a multi-million dollar book deal.

But are we like Molly chasing the deer? We want it, but not badly enough to put our chests to the ground and paw up earth the way we do when we’re chasing squirrels.

You see the squirrel isn’t a threat. We can handle an overgrown rat. But a deer, well, that’s different. We’ll never catch something that moves that fast. Even if we did, we aren’t strong enough to bring it down on our own. So we begin our pursuit but hold back. Even while we’re running, we wonder if we’ve bitten off more than we can chew.

Writing is not as romantic as we’ve been led to believe. It takes blood and sweat and a strong constitution to stand against the frustration and rejection. That’s why you probably know someone who’s talked about the same book idea for years but hasn’t written the first word.

Molly thinks she wants that deer when she sets off down the hill after it, but she knows she’s outmatched. She’ll put forth a half-hearted attempt every time because she’s a herding dog and it’s in her nature to chase anything that moves.

It’s in our nature to want affirmation. We want the pat on the back, the accolades, the respect of our peers, the right to say we’ve done something that most others only dream about. But are we willing to get down in the dirt and go after it? Only you know how badly you want to catch the illusive dream of writing a novel or seeing your name in a national magazine’s byline.

Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Don’t let your dreams be stopped by the fear of what happens should you catch them. Pretend it’s only a squirrel you’re chasing and see how far it takes you.

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Now for the contest. But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to US residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author.

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Streams of Mercy” AND “A Tender Reed.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post your name and email address.
2. Tell us about a prayer that God answered in an unexpected way.
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Visit Teresa’s website
• Subscribe to my blog
• “Like’ my blog on Facebook
• Read any blog entry on my page and tell me which one you read.

“A Kick of Wasabi”-Camy Tang Interview and Book Giveaway

18 Dec 2011 19 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

After a week of delicious spring-like temperatures, the weather in my neck of the woods has finally gotten into the Christmas spirit. BRRRR!!! (Sounds like an excuse to snuggle up with a good book while sipping homemade cocoa!)

For those of you who’re already tired of winter, how about some rays of warm West Coast sunshine for you courtesy of romantic suspense author Camy Tang. She’s dropped by for an interview and to give away a copy of her newest novel.

Camy is a native of Hawaii and now lives in the San Fransico Bay area. The biologist turned novelist has published nine titles with Zondervan, Guideposts and Love Inspired Suspense, with more releases to come. Camy incorporates many of her own experiences into her writing including hobbies like volleyball, running (the lady has done marathons), and knitting. Camy and her husband also spend time as youth workers at their Asian American church. To learn more about Camy, click here.

As a part of the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways, Camy is giving away a copy of her newest release “Protection For Hire.”  To enter, just leave a comment (make sure to include your name and email)-that simple. (See end of post for Bonus Entries.) You can enter now through Friday, Dec. 23.

Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

This giveaway is open to everyone (no residency restrictions!)

Camy recently made my “buy everything this author publishes” list after I read “Protection For Hire.” My review is below (please note, it may contain SPOILERS.)

REVIEW OF “PROTECTION FOR HIRE” by Camy Tang

I’ve been told by more than one person (Mom and Amber) that I can be obnoxious when I predict the ending of TV crime shows and chick flicks.

Once you know the formula it’s easy to know the ending long before the last commercial break.

I’m a bookworm and to me books are far better than TV. So when I’m reading I crave a book that keeps me eagerly turning (or tapping) the pages until the last sentence. My standards for books are much higher than TV shows.

Camy Tang must have taken a cue from her days in the lab when she came up with the formula for “Protection For Hire.” She took the basic ingredients of romantic suspense and added in a kick of her trademark wasabi to create a five-star recipe that will keep you coming back for more!

Tessa Lancaster is a Japanese American with deep family ties. From the age of sixteen Tessa is known on the streets as a violent and ruthless enforcer for the Japanese Mafia (yakuza) until she sacrificed her freedom to protect the family. Fresh out of prison after serving seven years for a crime she didn’t commit, Tessa is free to return to “the family”-literally-the yakuza run by her Uncle Teruo. While in prison, Tessa is set free spiritually, encountering Christ and becoming a Christian.

Tessa sets out on a straight career path, channeling her skills into serving as a bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But being from the upper crust doesn’t preclude Elizabeth from having problems. The socialite comes with a lot of baggage, including an abusive ex-husband and a missing fortune.

Tessa is grittier than most heroines-she’s trained in martial arts and we get to see her put her skills to the test against a variety of bad guys. She doesn’t doubt her ability to keep her charges safe but she’s going to have a harder time guarding her own heart. The case forces her to work closely with Elizabeth’s lawyer, Charles Britton. Tessa unknowingly lets her guard down to the man who led the charge to lock her up and throw away the key for her supposed crime.

The pair must try to survive assassins, gang rivalries, and exasperating family in their search to give Elizabeth her life back.

It’s not only evil that Tessa is battling. She faces temptation in the form of a disappointed mother, an angry sister and eager uncle who still see Tessa the same as they always have. Tessa must decide whether to handle things herself, the way she did when her life revolved around the yakuza, or fully follow Christ.

I was surprised that one of my favorite characters was Uncle Teruo. Tang does an excellent job of slowly growing his character into a man much deeper than just a caricature of the organized crime boss.

The first few chapters are heavy on description-though it’s integral to the plot and informative about the Asian mob community. The book quickly progresses to a page turning read with strong dialogue, an engrossing plot and characters you’ll care about.

Fans of  books by Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon, and fans of female detective including Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series and the Sunny Randall series by Robert B. Parker will enjoy “Protection For Hire.”

INTERVIEW WITH CAMY TANG

OA: Camy, your slogan is “Romance with a kick of Wasabi.” Elaborate on that.

LL: Wasabi is a very hot (sinus-clearing) Japanese radish condiment used to give a clean-tasting little spice or kick when eating sushi or any raw seafood. Most of my stories have a hint of romance in it, and wasabi, with its Asian origin, refers to my Asian characters, that “kick” of sass in my contemporary romance, and that “kick” of danger in my romantic suspense.

OA: On your website you write, “Nosy relatives, sibling rivalry, and parental angst are the same whatever your ethnic background, and I hope my stories give people a fun taste of Asian American culture.” How does your ethnicity influence your writing.

LL: I am fourth generation Japanese American. Before I was published, I had been considering writing Asian American characters because there were so few Asian heroines in Christian fiction. However, none of the publishers were looking for multicultural stories, so I wasn’t avidly pursuing it.

Then, at the ACFW conference in Denver, Colorado (2004), Brandilyn Collins prayed over me and three other friends. I told her to pray for me however the Spirit led her.

The very first thing she said was to very clearly tell me to “write your heritage.”

I hadn’t told Brandilyn that I was considering writing Asian characters. I hadn’t told anyone, actually. This was the most specific word from God that I’d received about my writing. I wasn’t about to ignore it.

So my I made my next heroine Asian American. Around that time, I realized that no one else had written any contemporary Christian fiction with an Asian American protagonist.

I discovered that even though my characters were Asian, readers could relate to them because no matter what your ethnicity, families are all alike. And that’s the theme that runs through all my books.

OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?

CT: I prayed about that and God very clearly steered me toward the Christian fiction market rather than the mainstream market, at least for now. I don’t know why, but I know this is where God wants me to be.

OA: As you start the process of writing a novel, which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey?

CT: Each book is different, and for some books, the plot comes first, and for others, the spiritual journey comes first. For Protection for Hire, the heroine’s spiritual journey definitely came first.

OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?

CT: As I’m writing the manuscript, I’ll typically have a certain spiritual theme and I’ll find a verse to fit that theme. For example, while writing Protection for Hire, I knew the heroine’s spiritual theme was about leaving her old life and walking forward in newness in Christ. So I picked Philippians 3:7-8 as the theme verses for the book.

OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?

CT: I write my characters the way I live my life. I don’t go around preaching to all my nonChristian family or friends, so I have my characters do the same. Everyone has both strengths and flaws, and I make sure my characters have the same strengths and flaws. When they reach a spiritual realization in the climax of my books, that comes out of their flaws and mistakes and the grace of God. I think my readers can relate to that and so they don’t feel preached to.

OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

CT: Actually, I really like Tessa the best. She’s street smart and can protect herself, but inside she’s very vulnerable because she’s been hurt so badly by the two closest women in her life, her mother and sister, and she’s only now learning how to open up to them again and learn to understand them.

OA: I work in a library and I’ve noticed that when male readers hear the label “romantic suspense” they tend to shy away from those books. What would you say to recommend your books to guy readers?

CT: I wrote this book mostly for women readers, but I did utilize my husband’s love of mixed martial arts in creating Tessa’s character. Guys will probably like the fight scenes. They will also like the yakuza background of the heroine, since mafia-type stories–like the TV series The Sopranos–seem to appeal to men.

OA: You’ve written several shorter novels for Love Inspired as well as longer ones such as your Sushi series. Do you find  it more challenging to write shorter or longer novels?

CT: I like writing both. Writing shorter is definitely difficult because each word has to count and I want the story to be rich with good pacing. Writing longer is hard because I have more subplots to keep track of. I think that whatever I happen to be writing at the time seems the most challenging to me.

OA: Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you?

CT: Definitely Jane Austen. Her wit and the way she used words continues to inspire me.

OA: What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing a novel?

CT: My favorite part is plotting. My least favorite is editing.

OA: Do you have advice for writers aspiring to be published?

CT: My first piece of advice is to just write. Lots of people want to finish a book, but very few people actually write “The End.” Just write and don’t think about how good/bad the writing is, just get it down. You can edit it later.

My second piece of advice is to make sure you read a lot. A New York Times bestselling author once said that if you write one word, read two. Meaning read more than you write. You can’t know if your story is unique and fits the marketplace if you don’t ever read books in your genre or from the publisher you’re targeting.                      

OA: Do you have any special traditions that you and your family do each year at Christmas?

CT: We always open one present on Christmas Eve. I think my parents started doing it to keep my brother and me from being antsy, but we still do it now.

OA: What do you have in the works for 2012?

CT: In January I’ll have a Love Inspired Suspense novel, “Stalker in the Shadows,” which is the 3^rd book in my Sonoma series, although readers don’t have to read the other books before reading this one. I’ll be releasing book 2 in the Protection for Hire series, titled A Dangerous Stage. And I’ll release 3 books in the Guideposts’ direct mailing book club (which, unfortunately, aren’t for sale online yet).

Thanks for the interview!

Look for Camy’s new Love Inspired release “Stalker in the Shadows” in stores soon. I’m hoping Santa will leave a copy in my stocking!

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Now for the contest. But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to EVERYONE-US and International residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author.

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Protection For Hire.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post your name and email address.
2. Tell us about a hobby you enjoy.

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Visit Camy’s website
• Like Camy on Facebook
• Sign up for Camy’s Loft Newsletter
• Follow Camy on Twitter
• Join Camy on GoodReads
• Visit  Zoe International, which is mentioned in a couple of Camy’s books.
• Visit the sites of Camy’s publishers.
  Zondervan
  Love Inspired

• Watch one of Camy’s book trailers.

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 2p.m.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Irene Hannon Interview and Book Giveaway

17 Dec 2011 43 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

Growing up I was forever getting in trouble in school–for reading too much! Or at least for reading at the wrong time-aka Math class, Science class, or any subject that didn’t hold my attention.)  This week at the library while attempting simple addition in my head and missing the mark by .20 cents my coworker quipped, “(That’s why) we work with words, not numbers.” Maybe I should’ve taken my nose out of my fantasy world long enough to learn math….

My friend and fellow bookworm Aliesha told a story at our Bible Study Christmas Party of how as a child whenever she was in trouble her punishment was “no books for a  week.” The book ban was “torture” for her because it meant having to wait to find out what happened next in whatever book she was in the middle of reading.

Her husband was appalled! “Doesn’t that discourage kids from reading?” Aliesha copped to the fact that her reading restriction usually came about when she’d been caught one too many times with a flashlight and a book reading into the wee hours.

I know I’ve found a book for my keeper shelf when I lose track of time and wind up staying up hours past my usual bedtime so I can read “one more chapter.” Or like recently when I was late for work because I couldn’t stop turning the pages of “The Betrayal” by Jerry B. Jenkins. (Click here to read my review.)

Award-winning author Irene Hannon is one of those authors who can make me late for work and whose books fill up my “keeper shelf.” I eagerly anticipate each new release by Irene, whether it’s a heartwarming title from Love Inspired or an edge-of-my-seat romantic suspense novel.

Last summer I discovered ”Against All Odds” and “An Eye For An Eye,” the first two books of Irene’s “Heroes of Quantico” series on sale for $5 each. I was attracted by the summaries (FBI Hostage Team members taking on terrorists and guarding the women they love) and by the covers (hot guys). But what really hooked me was an endorsement of Irene’s books by my favorite author Dee Henderson.

“This is a captivating, fast-paced, well-written romantic suspense destined for my keeper shelf. I loved this book, and highly recommend this author. I found someone who writes romantic suspense better than I do.”
Dee Henderson (author of the O’Malley Family series)

Sold! After devouring the first two books I gladly drove to the next county to the closest bookstore to pay full price for the final book “In Harms Way.” I’m not the only one who adores the series. “In Harms Way” won a RITA Award and “An Eye For an Eye” was RITA Award Finalist.

“Deadly Pursuit,” (book 2 in the Guardians of Justice series), earned the honor of being named to Booklist magazine’s Top 10 inspirational fiction titles for 2011!

Last year my beach vacation came courtesy of Irene’s Lighthouse Lane series which transports visitors to Nantucket island. There I became absorbed in the lives of a feisty female fishing boat Captain and a bullheaded Coastguard Lieutenant; a world-weary cop and shy Tea Room owner; a waitress who’s had plenty of hard knocks and a kind doctor who knows just the prescription to heal her battered heart; and a reformed ex-con who finds a new start rehabbing a worn bed-and-breakfast owned by an overprotective widow and her young son.   (Book 1 “Tides of Hope”, Book 2 “The Hero Next Door”, Book 3 “The Doctor’s Perfect Match”, Book 4 “A Father for Zach.” All four titles are available in ebook format.)

Irene is visiting the blog and she’s giving away a copy of her new book “Seaside Reunion” (Love Inspired, January 2012.) Just leave a comment to enter-that simple. (See end of post for Bonus Entries.) You can enter now through Friday, Dec. 23.

Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

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INTERVIEW WITH IRENE HANNON

OA: Irene, Congratulation on “Deadly Pursuit” being named one of the top 10 inspirational fiction titles for 2011 by Booklist! Inspiration fiction has gained a lot of ground over the last few years with readers and publishers. There are so many genres from Amish to suspense that qualify as inspirational. What is it about inspirational fiction that appeals to readers?

IH: I think the growth in inspirational fiction is a reflection of a shift we’re seeing in this country back toward more traditional values. I believe a lot of people are looking for a reaffirmation of things like principle, character, integrity, honor and faith in what they read, and inspirational fiction focuses on those values. I also think many people are turned off by the violence and vulgarity in today’s media, and in inspirational fiction readers can find compelling stories that don’t contain gratuitous violence, explicit sex and four-letter letter words.

OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?

IH: The funny thing is, when I began writing, there really wasn’t a category known as “inspirational” fiction. It only emerged as a unique and distinct genre in the past 10-12 years.  So my original goal was to tell engaging stories that featured traditional values. That remains my objective, but now that there is an official inspirational genre, I’m able to include faith content when appropriate.

 OA: Which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey?

IH: The plot. But it’s always a plot that encourages at least one character to embark on a spiritual journey by presenting them with a moral dilemma of some sort.

OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?

IH: I don’t include a lot of Bible verses; when I do, they are ones that flow naturally from whatever action is taking place in the story.

OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?

IH: Preaching is the kiss of death for any novel, in my opinion. Most people read commercial fiction to be entertained. In my books, the spiritual, or faith, content is organic to the story and typically very subtle. I like to show my characters living their faith rather than talking about it. And I think that’s true for the majority of inspirational fiction being published today. Unfortunately, the genre has a reputation in the general market as being preachy and very heavy-handed evangelical. That’s a shame, because I think many general readers looking for “clean,” wholesome, uplifting stories would enjoy inspirational fiction if they gave it a try.

OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

IH: You’re right, this is a tough question. I’ve loved all the books I’ve written. But a few, for various reasons, do stand out in my mind. Never Say Goodbye (RITA-Award winner), Rainbow’s End (RITA-Award finalist), Against All Odds (Daphne du Maurier and RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award winner), In Harm’s Way (RITA-Award winner) and Deadly Pursuit (Booklist Top 10 2011)  are among those. As you can see by the awards and honor, they resonated with readers as well!  I’m also REALLY excited about my next suspense book, Lethal Legacy!

OA: Your Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series in particular combine suspense with romance. How do you balance to the two elements? Do you hope your books will appeal to men as well as women?

IH: Balancing the romance and suspense has never been difficult for me. In fact, the heightened tension in a suspense novel is conducive to the development of strong feelings in an accelerated time frame, so the romance and suspense feed into each other very well. As for my suspense books appealing to both men and women…that was a bonus. Prior to 2009, I wrote only contemporary romance, where my readership was primarily female. Much to my surprise, I gained many male readers as I branched into suspense. My first romantic suspense novel, Against All Odds,  attracted a lot of male readers with its two-continent setting and an inside look at the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, and that male readership has been growing with every book

OH: You’ve written several shorter novels for Love Inspired as well as longer ones such as your Heroes of Quantico series. Do you finding it more challenging to write shorter or longer novels?

IH: Each has its own challenges. When writing shorter romances, the focus has to stay on the hero and heroine; there’s just not enough space to delve into other characters. The writing has to be very, very tight and focused on the main action. With my longer suspense books, I have the luxury of using more points of view and letting readers get to know more people—including the villain. I can also more fully develop subplots, so there’s more complexity in the stories. At the same time, though, they take a lot longer to write.

OA: I first picked up one of your books because of that recommendation from Dee Henderson. Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you?

IH: Many, many readers have told me they read my first suspense novel because of the Dee Henderson quote on the cover. I’ll be forever grateful for that stellar endorsement! As for authors who’ve inspired me—Dee is high on the list. Early on, a writer from the 1940s, Emilie Loring, was a great influence on my romance writing. I also admire Nora Roberts’ ability to tell a good story. But I try to learn something from every book I read, so even when reading for pleasure, I’m usually also analyzing the book!

 OA: What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing a novel?

IH: The early stage, where I’m developing the basic plot and doing lots of research, is my least favorite part. Even though that step is necessary, I’m not actually putting words on paper, so it feels less productive. My favorite part is how I start each writing day—going over the text I wrote the day before and polishing it to make every word sparkle. I love that process!

 OA: Do you have advice for writers aspiring to be published?

IH: Yes, but it’s too long to publish here. I’d suggest checking out the article I wrote on this subject, which is available on my website, http://www.irenehannon.com/extras.html.

 OA: How many books have you published?

IH: My January 2012 book (Seaside Reunion) is number 37 and will release around December 20. (Just in time to use as a stocking stuffer!)  It’s book 1 in my Starfish Bay series, which is set on the gorgeous northern California coast.

OA: Do you have any special traditions that you and your family do each year at Christmas?

IH: We have several. One of the most beloved  is our White Christmas night. My extended family (parents, brother, sister-in-law, nieces) always gathers in the week before the holiday to eat goodies and watch White Christmas. We’ve seen it so many times, we can recite the lines and sing along with the actors, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without that movie!

 OA: What do you have in the works for 2012?

IH: Next year promises to be very busy! In addition to the launch of my Starfish Bay series, I’ll be concluding my Guardians of Justice romantic suspense series in August with “Lethal Legacy.” I’m already at work on my next suspense series, which will feature three former law-enforcement operatives who band together to create a private investigation firm.  Let’s just say they will be handling some very interesting cases!

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HOW TO ENTER THE BOOK GIVEAWAY

But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to US Residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author. (Sorry international friends, postage is expensive!)

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Seaside Reunion.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post, with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win! Email addresses are used for this contest only. I don’t collect or sell email addresses.)
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Share your favorite book by Irene Hannon
• Visit Irene’s website
• Follow Irene on Twitter
• Subscribe to Irene’s Newsletter New Book Alert (via her website.)
• Visit the website(s) of Irene’s publisher(s)
  Revell
  Love Inspired

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 2p.m. Please check back every day through Dec. 23 for a different giveaway and interviews with authors. You can enter all of the giveaways but you can only win once.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

FamilyFiction Magazine and Karen Kingsbury Book Giveaway

16 Dec 2011 248 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

Please note, this giveaway is not affiliated with Karen Kingsbury or her publishers. If you’d like to leave a comment for Karen, direct them to her website. Thanks for visiting! ~Heather)

My favorite way to spend a lazy day off is to get lost in a bookstore. (Which some people may find odd since I work in a library.) I can spend hours browsing, reading, and sipping Passion Tea while nibbling pastries. My family and friends will testify that when I travel out-of-town I have to visit at least one bookstore before heading home.

Those “mini-vacations” to the local Christian bookstore or Barnes and Noble are my chance to expand more than my bookshelf (which is groaning from the weight of so many books.) I become giddy at the prospect of discovering a new author, finding a title that I haven’t read from a favorite author , or unearthing a book that would never make it into my online shopping cart.

To my dismay I rarely have the pleasure of walking into a brick and mortar bookstore.

Since my bookstore trips have been depressingly few this year, I rely heavily on word of mouth via online groups and websites to point me in the direction of what to read next.

This year I discovered the digital magazine FamilyFiction.
It’s like having your own personal librarian or
bookstore clerk at your fingertips 24/7. A bonus is their Facebook and Twitter pages which provide up-to-date news from the Christian fiction world including a current list of free ebooks, author interviews, new releases, DVDs and more.

I love the FamilyFiction motto:
“Celebrating Christian storytelling of all kinds: Amish, Historicals, Romance, Suspense, SF/Fantasy, Contemporary and YA. Because everyone deserves a good story.”

I work in a library and I’m often encouraging (and prodding) patrons to read books out of their norm. I tend to gravitate toward romantic suspense. FamilyFiction reviews a variety of genre’s, helping me practice what I preach. I delight in finding an unexpected treasure in a book I wouldn’t have selected on my own.

FamilyFiction is giving one of you a  copy of Karen Kingsbury 3-in-1 edition “Forever Faithful: The Complete Trilogy” (which features “Waiting For Morning,” “Halfway to Forever,” and “Joy Comes in the Morning.” )

To enter for a chance to win, just comment on this post. (There’s also a chance for bonus entries.

Chris Well, Editor of FamilyFiction is visiting to tell us about the magazine.

OA: Chris, what is the story behind FamilyFiction?

FF: Our mission is to be a news source for Christian fiction readers — providing news, features, and author interviews. We cover nearly every category of Christian fiction, including Amish fiction, Suspense, Historical, YA/Teen, Romance, Speculative fiction, children’s books, comics & animation, and movies & DVDs.

We keep our readers updated through a digital magazine, a weekly email newsletter, and a comprehensive website. Since our website launch in January 2011, we have been constantly adding new content to our database — and, as of this writing, have more than 670 authors pages, more than 2700 listed books, nearly 500 book trailers, nearly 300 listed movies and DVDs, and nearly 150 movie and DVD trailers. And we keep adding more authors, more books, and more movies all the time!

Thanks to Chris and FamilyFiction for joining us! Tomorrow’s guest is Irene Hannon. Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

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HOW TO ENTER THE BOOK GIVEAWAY

But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to everyone!!! (No residency restrictions!) 

Here’s how you can enter to win a copy of “Forever Faithful” featuring all three novels from the series by Karen Kingsbury.

1. Simply leave a comment under this post, with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win! Email addresses are used for this contest only. I don’t collect or sell email addresses.)
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Post a comment with your favorite author, book or genre.
• Visit the FamilyFiction website

• Like Family Fiction on FacebookContemporary, Romance, Amish, Historicals, http://www.Facebook.com/FamilyFictionSuspense, Comics, YA http://www.Facebook.com/FamilyFiction.Edge

• Follow Family Fiction on Twitter
• Visit Karen Kingbury’s website

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 2p.m. Please check back every day through Dec. 23 for a different giveaway and interviews with authors. You can enter all of the giveaways but you can only win once.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

The giveaway is in no way affiliated with Karen Kingsbury or her publisher.

Lenora Worth Interview and Book Giveaway

14 Dec 2011 36 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

It’s day three of the 12 Days of Christmas. And if you’re like me you’ve probably (okay definitely) indulged in some homemade goodies this Christmas season. One perk (and temptation) of working in a library is being spoiled during Christmas with sweets and goodies from patrons.

Today I’ve got a waist-line friendly treat-a short but sweet interview from author Lenora Worth. If you frequent the book aisle of your local big box store you’ve probably seen Lenora’s books. She has published more than 50 titles for Love Inspired and Harlequin Superomance, among others. She’s written books for just about every genre from historical romances to romantic suspense, and many faith inspired novels, all with the common thread of loveable characters and strong stories that will make you both eager and sad to make it to last page of the book.

Now through Dec. 23, you can enter to win her new release “Southern Reunion“-just comment on this post. (Details are at the end of the post.) And don’t forget, you still have time to enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Interview with Lenora Worth

OA: How long have you been writing?

LW: I always wanted to be a writer since grammar school. I made up stories and sold them on the playground!

OA: In Inspirational novels, the spiritual element is an important part of the plot. Which comes first for you, the character’s spiritual journey or the plot?

LW: I usually come up with a plot, knowing there will be a spiritual element in the story. I choose my (Bible) verses based on the characters and the theme of the book–forgiveness, suspense, redemption, etc.

OA: How do you craft an inspirational story that doesn’t  “preach” to the reader?

LW: I try to show my characters just “being” Christians. Or if they are struggling, I show that struggle. It’s more organic and natural to write it that way.

OA: When I asked Gail Gaymer Martin if she has a favorite character, she told me it was like asking her to pick a favorite child. Do you have a character or novel that’s close to your heart?

LW:  Yes, that’s a tough one. I loved Eli Trudeau in “Heart of the Night”. He really needed his own story. He was a very troubled man.

OA: I’m sure writing a novel is like most things-you have things you love and dislike about the process. What are your favorite and least favorite things about writing?

LW: Favorite–getting the initial idea and creating a story around it. Least favorite–never having enough time to make it better.

OA: Many readers are also writers, too. On your website you have some valuable advice for writing an inspirational romance. What do you recommend to writers who are working to finish a novel?

LW: Read, read, read. Learn all about revisions. The first draft is not a book yet. Keep polishing and learning.

OA: I hope this 12 Days of Christmas blog will become a tradition for me. What Christmas traditions does your family enjoy?

LW: We like to decorate the tree together. On Christmas Eve we drive around after the church service to see all the lights.

OA: What can readers expect to see from you in 2012?

LW: Lots of stuff. I’m working on another Superromance right now and I have a Love Inspired and a Love Inspired Suspense contracted. I’ll be very busy next year, thankfully!!!

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Now for the contest. But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to US Residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author. (Sorry international friends, postage is expensive!)

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Southern Reunion.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post, with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win! Email addresses are used for this contest only. I don’t collect or sale email addresses.)
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

1. Visit Lenora’s website
2. Like Lenora on Facebook
3. Follow Lenora on Twitter
4. Visit any (or all) of the charities that Lenora supports.
   
   • Volunteers of America
   • Dress for Success
5. Visit Lenora’s publisher Love Inspired
6. Watch one of Lenora’s book trailers.
7. Subscribe to my blog.
8. “Like’” my blog on Facebook.

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 2p.m. Please check back every day through Dec. 23 for a different giveaway and interviews with authors. You can enter all of the giveaways but you can only win once.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

Patience, Perserverance, and Prayer: An Interview and Giveaway featuring author Gail Gaymer Martin

13 Dec 2011 27 Comments

by Heather H. in 12 Days of Christmas, Book Shelf

Each time I start writing a post for the 12 Days of Christmas, the iconic song keeps playing in my head (What I can remember of it anyway.) I think that the passing of time has lost the translation of these strange “gifts.” I’m probably not your true love and the turtle doves I caught flew away (who wants to clean up after them anyway?!) So on the second day of the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways your gift is a review, plus an interview, writing tips and chance to win a Christmas title from the multi-talented Gail Gaymer Martin. To enter the giveaway, simlpy leave a comment with your name and email address by Dec. 23. There’s also a chance for bonus entries.
(Don’t forget to comment on the Day One post to win a book from Loree Lough.)

Review of “CHRISTMAS GIFTS” by Gail Gaymer Martin

I have a rule…no Christmas songs, decorations or fa-la-la-la-la fun until December. Over the last few years I’ve become a little fanatical about it as stores begin decorating in October. But when it comes to books from my favorite authors I’m more impatient than a child on Christmas morning. So when I got Gail Gaymer Martin‘s new Love Inspired release “Christmas Gifts” in the mail I started reading it immediately (even though Halloween hadn’t arrived.)
You’ll want to read this book anytime of the year-curled up by the fire in December or on the beach in July.

From the back cover
When seven-year-old twins act up in temporary teacher Amy Carroll’s class, she meets their very apologetic widowed father, Mike Russet. The handsome man has his hands full—but can two mini matchmakers and holiday cheer open his heart to Christmas romance?

Frazzled father Mike Russet is the man and the mom of the house. The widower is raising precocious seven-year-old twins Holly and Ivy.
Teacher Amy Carroll’s life is in upheaval. Budget cuts force her to leave her job in Chicago for a job in a small town. Even as she makes her new life she must deal with her baggage from the past.
Amy knows first hand what it’s liked to be raised by a single father. She sees a chance to help Mike give some tough love to the twins.
Mike sees beyond Amy’s beauty and hard shell.
The twins see a chance to help their favorite teacher find a permanent place in their school and in their daddy’s heart.
While Mike’s genuine faith challenges Amy to put the past to rest, Amy awakens feelings that the father thought he had buried with his wife.

The novel wraps up realism, romance, faith, and the magic of the season in one small package (It’s 110 pages and I read it in one sitting.) And “Christmas Gifts” keeps on giving with a bonus novel “Her Christmas Cowboy” by Brenda Minton.

I’m putting “Christmas Gifts” on my keeper shelf and I have a feeling I’ll be pulling it out this summer for a little Christmas in July!

Interview with Gail Gaymer Martin

OA: Every Christmas season I pull out one of your Christmas books to read (“The Christmas Kite”,  “With Christmas In His Heart”, “Christmas Gifts”, “Upon a Midnight Clear.”) I guess it’s become a tradition for me. Have any of your family’s Christmas traditions found there way into your Christmas novels? What fun or special traditions does your family celebrate?

GM: I suppose an occasional tradition shows up in a Christmas book but they are things that are traditional to most people–playing Christmas music while decorating the house and tree, hanging up Christmas stockings to be opened on Christmas Day, and putting a creche beneath the tree that has been in my husband’s family for years.

One particular tradition that my family has is on Christmas Day we break up into groups of 11 and sing the Twelve Days of Christmas. We all begin on Day 1 and then each group or individual must remember to sing the day they or she has been assigned. It provides a lot of laughs when people forget what came on that day or when some of the singers can’t carry a tune. The song is often modulated into a variety of keys. : )

OA: I’m amazed at the variety of books you published. How many of your books have been published?

I’ve been published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing as well as their Heartsong Presents line. My fiction totals 50 novels, I believe. I am also the author of Writing the Christian Romance from Writers Digest, and I have 27 books involving church resource materials of programs, skits and plays for adult and children in church and Sunday school.

OA: As an aspiring writer I’ve been following your writing blog for years. I’ve used many of the tips for writers you’ve posted on your website. What advice do you have advice for writers aspiring to be published?

Learn the craft. God-given talent is important but that doesn’t sell a book. Writing needs training and study, attending workshops and conferences, networking with writers, reading magazines and books on writing, and then practicing. Often the first novel doesn’t sell. The third or fourth or fifth or twentieth might. Patience, perseverance, practice, polish, and prayer for a story that grabs an editors heart and hangs on.

OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational romance instead of secular books? 

GM: I am a lifelong Christian, born into a family of believers who attended church, and though they made mistakes and sinned, as we all do, they held on to the hope of Christ as their redeemer and savior. When I was first writing—which was not fiction but articles for magazines—I recalled my childhood dream which was to write novels. During my first or second conference, Gayle Roper told me about a bulletin board of writers on AOL (that was in 1996) and on that bulletin board I ran across a message that said anyone who wanted to write Christian romance could join a new group that was being established. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write but that sounded fine with me. Little did I know the group included Francine Rivers, Liz Curtis Higgs, Karen Ball, Lisa Tawn Bergren , Linda Windsor, Annie Jones, and many more. They truly mentored me and I sold my first novel in 1998.

OA: Which comes first as you write-the story or the spiritual journey.

As I develop a novel, usually I have a general idea of story along with types of characters and their problems which might include a faith issue. They come together in small pieces

OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?

Preaching is the worst thing anyone can do in Christian fiction. It’s a turn off for most readers, even Christians. My character’s journeys stem from their inner conflicts and sometimes that can involved faith issues: why does God let this happen, does God hear my prayers, will God listen to me a sinner, and so on. Sometimes the problem is weak faith or lack of faith. I try to write my novels “real.” I present characters just as I live my life with the worries and fears along with the faith that is from my heart and soul. When faith discussions or a faith lessons stem from realistic issues or situations, they are not preachy. Preachy is when the story almost stops to drive home a point that is meant to sway the reader’s thinking. It’s long prayers and Bible verses filling the story as well as constant church scenes that can turn off readers.

OA: Do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

That’s like asking a mother which of her children she loves the most. I love each book as I write it. Some linger in my heart longer than some. Upon A Midnight Clear (my first book published by Love Inspired) is one. The Christmas Kite is another – my first single title from Steeple Hill. A Love for Safekeeping (an award winning romantic suspense) published by LI in 2002 was my first romantic suspense and is now available on Kindle.

OA: What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing a novel?

I love hearing from readers who have been touched and changed by one of my novels. My least favorite part is two things: the way being an author takes over my life and the other, doing what my editor calls “tweaking” a novel that’s contracted and complete. This often means almost rewriting the book.

OA: Performing in choirs keeps you busy. Tell us about your music.

My husband writes handbell music and he’s published. But I am very active in music. I’ve always been a singer since I was a child singing in elementary and high school choirs, then auditioned groups in college and a well-known madrigal group, and I sing with a well-known Christian chorale in the Detroit area. In church, I sing solos, participate in the choir, and a member of the praise team. I perform at church in handbells land handchimes. Years ago I played the piano for Sunday school. Don’t ask me now. I can barely remember how to play.

Thanks, Heather, for inviting me to your blog. Readers can find me at www.gailmartin.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Gaymer-Martin/1429640580 Writers can enjoy my blog Writing Fiction Right at www.writingright-Martin.blogspot.com

A Family of Their Own is available in paperback from your local bookstore, or online. It’s also available as an ebook.

I was provided an Advance Reader Copy of A FAMILY OF THEIR OWN at no cost for review purposes. The opinions are my own and I was not a required to provide a positive review.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Gail is giveaway a copy of one of Christmas novels to one winner. The winner gets to choice either “Christmas Gifts”, “With Christmas in His Heart” or “Upon a Midnight Clear.” To enter:

1. Simply leave a comment under this post, with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win! Email addresses are used for this contest only. I don’t collect or sale email addresses.)

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

1. Friend Gail on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Gaymer-Martin/1429640580
2. Join Readers of Gail Gaymer Martin’s Books https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11054311247
3. Follow Gail Twitter: http://twitter.com/GailGMartin
4. Visit Gail’s LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top
5. Visit Gail’s Personal Blog: www.gailmartin.blogspot.com
6. Visit Gail’s WritingFictionRight (for writers): www.writingright-Martin.blogspot.com
7. Sign up for Gail’s monthly newsletter with photos, new, appearance, info on free books, recipe, and devotional. Subscribe at: www.gailmartin.com below the welcome message.
8. Visit Gail’s publisher’s website.
   www.harlequin.com
   http://www.barbourbooks.com/catalog/CategoryInfo.aspx?cid=152&Tab=Home
9. Visit Compassion International website: http://www.compassion.com/
10. Find Compassion on  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Compassion-International/233432993348291?sk=wall

(Don’t forget to comment on the Day One post to win a book from Loree Lough.)

The post may contain affiliate links.