Wednesday, August 1, 2018


Many Christian fiction books (various genres) by Pelican Book Group are available for free right now on Kindle Unlimited (Amazon), including the following:
A Semi-Precious Christmas by Jan Elder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0175P1RDQ

Justice by Emily Conrad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792HGXQN

Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta http://amzn.to/1W4fUXB

Breaking Barriers by Gail Pallotta http://amzn.to/28VWW48



Candle for a Corpse: A Berdie Elliott Advent Mystery by Marilyn Leach https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GH5AUE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i2


Friday, May 11, 2018

Interview with Kim McMahill

Recently, I interviewed Kim McMahill.



Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why?

Big Horn Storm was probably the most fun to write because it’s set in the state where I grew up, Wyoming. I was able to draw upon my experiences from that time riding horses, greatly exaggerated of course, to create a contemporary western romantic adventure. There are several scenes which still make me hold my breath every time I read them and I couldn’t have written them without my own fearless palomino.


Which of your characters was/is your favorite? Why?

I’ll always love Niki from Big Horn Storm. Despite a pretty humble childhood she has made the best of life and is fiercely loyal to those she loves. She’s a survivor and never backs down.

What is your favorite theme to write about?

I’ve written nine very different novels, but the common theme is adventure suspense with a dash of romance woven in. There is no greater motivator to test one’s limit than love.  My goal is to take readers on an action-packed adventure to some amazing places. I want to entertain, first and foremost, but also inspire others to explore.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

I’m always anxious for spring because gardening is my passion. I also love to follow the exploits of my nieces and nephews which involves lots of sports, explore in the mountains, and travel about anywhere. When the weather keeps me indoors I enjoy reading and tackling tough jigsaw puzzles.


Blurb from A Dose of Danger (Book 1 in the Risky Research Series):

When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they are targeted by a group dedicated to controlling a diet product industry worth billions. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?

Other Books by Kim McMahill:

Marked In Mexico
Big Horn Storm
Shrouded in Secrets
Deadly Exodus
A Taste of Tragedy (Book 2 in the Risky Research Series)
A Foundation of Fear (Book 3 in the Risky Research Series coming soon!)



Friday, May 4, 2018

Interview with Jayne Self



Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why?

I think I’m best suited to writing mysteries, and my favourite is always the one in progress. There’s still so much to discover, twists to unravel, and secrets to expose. I love unearthing my characters’ secrets. The anticipation keeps me awake at night. I love it!

That being said, I had a blast writing my two Seaglass Mysteries. Written at the seashore, about the seashore. I even had a reading on the beach. Wonderful.

Which of your characters was/is your favorite? Why?

At this point in my career, I think my favourite character remains the hero of a yet-to-be-published series. He’s Dean Constable, a former police detective turned crime-solving pastor. Dean is a man haunted by his past, but through situations he confronts in each book his wounds are healing and his faith is growing. He has a ridiculous dog, an off-beat sense of humour, and he’s falling in love with a woman from his past. For me, a character doesn’t get more fun than that.  

What is your favorite theme to write about?

Whether intentional or not, I find myself returning to the theme of belonging. Perhaps because, as someone adopted, belonging is my own issue. I can explore it safely through my characters and learn about myself. That I keep returning to this theme tells me I have much to learn.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I have always dreamed of writing stories. Ever since childhood I’ve entertained myself imagining ‘what if’ scenarios. For a time, I set that aside. I locked my imagination away because I thought it was somehow sinful. But eventually I returned to it, older, wiser (I hope) and more able to see it as a God-given blessing. Around 1999, I decided to try putting my thoughts onto paper, and my passion for words was unleashed.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Learn the craft. Craft takes time. When I started writing I didn’t even know there was such a thing as writers’ craft. I though you only needed a good story. Over the years, and through lots of hard work, I’ve discovered that good story is not enough. Without good craftsmanship, a story will never reach the people God longs to influence. So, take the time needed to do it right.

God has given us His best and we should never be seduced into to giving Him anything less that ours.


















Murder In Hum Harbour: A Seaglass Mystery [Jayne E. Self] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. There's a sleuth on the loose Part-time medical receptionist, part-time jewelry crafter, Gailynn MacDonald thinks she knows everything about everyone in Hum Harbour





Friday, April 27, 2018

Review of In His Sight


Review:
In His Sight is a suspenseful, contemporary romance tale by Pamela Thibodeaux. In this story, Lorelei Conner and her daughter Laurel are constantly on the run from her abusive ex-husband. When they move to Stars Crossing, TN, a teacher with prophetic visions (Carson Alexander) crosses their paths. As Carson tries to help Lorelei, they uncover a secret connection between them. As a novelette, this story is perfect for a suspense reader who enjoys a quick read.



Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, "Inspirational with an Edge!" and reviewed as "steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message." 



Friday, April 20, 2018

Interview with Gail Pallotta


Recently, I interviewed author Gail Pallotta.



What is your favorite theme to write about?
Hope and faith. In Breaking Barriers, the book featured today, an anti-Christian group wants to destroy the faith. After a shooting at church, Ann, the main character, and a few other members hang by a thread of hope. They come up with a plan to restore their congregation. Then, other churches who’ve experienced the same loss hear of Ann’s ideas and start a movement.

What made you decide to become a writer?
I’ve enjoyed books and writing as long as I can remember. My first published work appeared in a grammar school newspaper. However, I only thought of writing as an extra-curricular activity until my junior year in college. I joined the school’s first professional writing class. Even though I most wanted to write fiction, I decided then to pursue a career putting out magazines. Now, I’m happy to finally write books.

How/ when did you learn about Christ and become a Christian?
I can’t remember not believing in Christ. My grandfather was a minister, and my father often quoted Scripture, but I formed a relationship with Christ saying prayers with my mother. She first taught me “Now I lay me down to sleep...” and later “The Lord’s Prayer,” but she also showed me how to talk to God, seek His presence, and accept His will, whether His answers were what I hoped for or not.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
A passage from Matthew 22, verses 37 - 40. The Sadducees and Pharisees tested Jesus, asking him the greatest commandment in the law. “He replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

They are my favorites because they explain the Gospel in a few words.



Book blurb for Breaking Barriers: Ann Jones forms True Light Guardians to keep her faith safe from the terrorists threatening it. She’s attacked, but rescued by James Crawford. The love inside him seeps into her heart, cold from her father’s abuse. But she narrowly escapes more attempts on her life. Can they save the church and find true love?

Brief Author Bio: Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. Gail’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, a 2013 Grace Awards finalist and a 2017 Reader’s Favorite Book Award winner. She’s published five books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. To learn more about Gail and her books visit her website at https//www.gailpallotta.com and her Amazon author page at amazon.com/author/gailpallotta.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Interview with Theresa Hall



Recently, I interviewed Theresa Hall. 



What made you decide to become a writer?

I think I always enjoyed writing, even as a child. It wasn’t until I quit teaching to be a stay-at-home mom with my oldest son that I decided to write my first book. Of course, it was rejected, but the editor gave me some very encouraging comments. I think her words validated that I was actually a writer.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Never give up. I know that sounds like some cliché advice, but writers are so hard themselves. Another important piece of advice would be to be careful of the advice you take. Learn to have discernment when it comes to criticism.  Surround yourself with people who truly route for you and want to help you succeed. Also, never feel like you know everything you need to know about writing. Always study your craft and keep learning.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

This verse is hanging in my office. In every trial I’ve been through, this verse reminds me that Christ is my strength. As an author with an autoimmune disease, this verse keeps me going when I feel like I’m getting overwhelmed.


What do you enjoy most about writing books?

I love getting to know my characters and seeing their journey unfold. I’m mostly a plot-driven author so I get an idea first and then develop the characters around it.




www.twitter.com/TheresaLynnHall

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Marilyn Leach, Into the Clouds

Today I am hosting Marilyn Leach, author of Into the Clouds.


Author’s Bio for Marilyn Leach

At the age of nine, Marilyn wrote her first play with a childhood neighbor, “The Ghost and Mr. Giltwallet”.  It was a mystery.  And she’s been writing, whether hobby or livelihood, since.  A graduate of Colorado State University, she has worked in domestic missions and taught both English acquisition and art in underserved populations.   She’s had the opportunity to co-author several plays that have been performed on both church and secular stages, as well as two screenplays, one of which was a semi-finalist in the John Templeton Screenwriting Competition.  Marilyn’s Advent of a Mystery, was released in September of 2010, Candle for a Corpse in 2012, Up From the Grave in 2013 and Into the Clouds in 2014.  She has written numerous Biblical meditations and essays printed in various publications including Guideposts, Big Dreams in Small Spaces, and Quiet Hour.   Marilyn is a dyed-in-the-wool British enthusiast and it colors her work.  She lives lakeside in a cottage on the outskirts of Denver near the foothills.  Stop by her website:  marilynleachteaandbooks.com.


Though Marilyn grew up in the Western United States, she became a dyed-in-the-wool British enthusiast after exploring the UK and making friends there.  She has co-authored plays that have been performed in both secular and church venues.  Her many devotionals have appeared in such works as The Quiet Heart, Big Dreams in Small Places, and Guideposts.  In her current British mystery series with Pelican Books, Berdie Elliott is the intrepid vicar’s wife who solves crime with a little help from above.  Marilyn lives in a lakeside cottage on the front range of the Rocky Mountains.



Into the Clouds Excerpt
With the ferocity of a sudden clap of thunder in a spring storm, the vicarage door bell invaded the treasured moment.
Hugh sighed.
“I’ll get it.”  Berdie pulled herself away and made way to the front door, deciding not to grumble but cherish the past uninterrupted hours shared with Hugh.
“Lillie,” Berdie greeted her nicely dressed but unexpected guest at the opened door.  “Come in.”
“Must get on, but just wanted to tell you that Mrs. Mikalos was not seen by any local doctors nor admitted to any of the area hospitals including their morgues.”
“Well done, Lillie.”  Berdie looked past Lillie’s shoulder to see Granville Morrison and his idling black Ford Fiesta with the word Transport painted on the side of the vehicle.  He and his brother were the newest entrepreneurs in Aidan Kirkwood’s village services.  “Having dinner with Loren in Timsley?  Setting out plans for the Aunt Margaret visit, are we?”
A blues guitar reverberated from Berdie’s bag in the hallway while at the same moment Granville sounded his horn.
Lillie turned in a flash.  “I’ll tell you all about it later,” she called out while walking briskly out to the taxi.
“Good, I’ll look forward to it.”  Berdie closed the door and lunged toward her bag just in time to hear Hugh’s voice.
“What is that?” he called out.
Berdie grabbed her mobile and put it to her ear.  “Mrs. Elliott”.  She heard what sounded like a hoarse gasp of air.
“She’s in danger,” the graveled voice pronounced.
This person was not a playful lad.  Berdie tried to keep her wits about her.
“Who’s in danger?”
“She’s in danger,” the wheezing voice repeated.  “No police.”
“Who is this?”  Berdie hoped she didn’t sound as alarmed as she felt.  A course wheeze and a click were her only response.
“Who was at the door?” Hugh asked as he bounced into the hallway.
Berdie shoved her mobile in her bag.  “Lillie,” she worked at appearing nonchalant.  “She’s already gone.”
“Are you all right?” 
Hugh’s question bored into Berdie’s veneer, but she held her own.  “I just hope Lillie and Loren get on well at Aunt Margaret’s.”
“Someone on the mobile?”  He pointed to her bag.
Berdie was not about to tell him the whole of it.
“I have no clue who the person was.”  She laughed hoping Hugh would not catch the nervous edge of it.
He smiled.  “Oh, I had one of those the other day.”
“You did?” 
“Some bank I think it was, a survey.  Those computer generated calls, so garbled and impersonal.  Invasive as well.”
“Yes, invasive,” she improvised.
“Care for a cuppa?”
“Splendid.”  She could use one at the moment.
“I’ll put the kettle on.”  Hugh advanced toward the kitchen.
Berdie sunk to the bottom step of the hall stairway.  She pulled her mobile out and tried to retrieve the call but it showed as number withheld.  “She’s in danger, no police,” she repeated the words to herself.  “Dear Lord have mercy.” 




Friday, March 23, 2018

Interview with Pamela Thibodeaux


photo of author Pamela Thibodeaux
Recently, I interviewed author Pamela Thibodeaux.

What is your favorite theme to write about?

The themes of forgiveness and redemption run throughout all of my stories. I believe God is a god of 2nd chances and we all deserve one. Some of us require more than one 2nd chance. I also believe forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. Even if that means forgiving ourselves. I also love sharing my faith and beliefs through the eyes and hearts of my characters.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

Walking, swimming, horseback riding, hiking camping, travelling….I love the outdoors! But my favorite hobby is READING. I love to peruse and mine non-fiction books for nuggets of wisdom, healing and spiritual growth. Sometimes I read romance for pleasure, but I’m seldom without a book.

How many books have you written?

To date I have fourteen novels/novellas/novelettes and 2 non-fiction books written and published and several WIP’s.

If you had unlimited funds and free time, where would you choose to travel?

Ireland is by far my #1 destination to visit one day. I’d also love to go to Rome to visit the Vatican and historical churches and Jerusalem to walk the paths of Jesus.

Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Links:
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

man and woman shown on cover of book


Title: In His Sight

Blurb: Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.  

Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

Excerpt: Carson Alexander walked through his classroom and tugged desks into a semi circle around the dry eraser board. One thing he loved about teaching sixth-grade English at Stars Crossing Middle School was that the classes were so small. With no more than fifteen students at a time he could work closely with each one and give them the attention they needed and deserved. Another thing he appreciated was the lack of standard or strict curriculum. As long as the children passed the exams set forth by the Department of Education, he could teach as he pleased.

So far, his kids excelled, maintaining some of the highest scores in the entire school. Pride filled his soul and caused his heart to swell, chest to puff out.

Pride cometh before the fall.

The Voice echoed in his mind, ricocheted through his soul. He shrugged off the warning, walked to his desk and picked up the name tags for each incoming student. He thumbed through the stack, pondered each one and wondered about the child attached to the name….Jenny & Jerry Smith – twins or un-related? One name struck him hard, sent unnamed emotion curling through his system – Laurel Connor.

He hadn’t heard the name Laurel in years and then, used only as a surname or when referring to the small town in Mississippi from whence he came. He moved to Stars Crossing, Tennessee five years ago for two reasons. One, the teaching position and two, the town though smaller, reminded him of home.

Memories crashed through the floodgates he’d built around his heart…..the huge two-story house and two-hundred acre farm where he grew up. His seven siblings, parents who adored him – their eldest son, and the pain of losing everything he held near and dear to his heart.

Tears threatened. His vision blurred, hands began to shake. Carson swallowed the lump in his throat, put the stack down, and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his slacks. Adrenaline pumped through him, caused his pulse to skitter and jump. Saliva pooled in his mouth. By sheer force he willed his emotions under control. The bell rang and he turned to greet the children who rushed into the room. He watched as one-by-one they filed in and took a seat.

In His Sight - man and woman shown on cover

Purchase Links:

Pelican Book Group http://pelink.us/18aucLC