Interview with Jodie Wolfe

What is your latest release?

My book that just released on September 15th is Wooing Gertrude. It first came out as an ebook and then on November 17th, my publisher will also make it available in print. It’s book three in my Burrton Springs Brides Series but also can be read as a stand-alone. Here’s a look at the back cover.

Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.

Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.

Will either of them ever be able to find peace?

Did you always want to be a writer?

I have. Ever since I was a little girl and had a school assignment of writing a poem in second grade. I wrote about my favorite thing at the time – Snoopy! Soon after, I was creating little stories and illustrating them, making little books.

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

I’d have to say book one in this series, Taming Julia. Julia, or Jules, is such a fun, quirky character. She’s different than any other character I’ve created. She often had me laughing at the things she came up with. 

What other hobbies do you enjoy besides writing?

I enjoy walking, reading, spending time with my husband, and knitting. I’ve knitted many things through the years – slippers, sweaters, blankets, dishcloths, vests, toys, etc. My husband found a guinea pig pattern, so I’ll be attempting that since it goes along with my new release. 

Bio

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Tagline

The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn’t who the deputy envisioned.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links

Amazon

Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635

Print:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636

Review of Amid the Cold of Winter by Clare Revell

My Review:

Amid the Cold of Winter is a suspenseful Christmas Extravaganza title by British author Clare Revell. 

In this story, I liked the banter between Zander Ellery and Isabel York. The characters were well-developed. I also liked the spiritual arc and inclusion of the devotional moment at the end. 

I liked watching British shows, and so reading the story made me feel like I was watching one of those programs. I even pictured British actors as I read the story. 

The book starts off with a bang. Kate Dahlbeck is cleaning a church. Her boss is attacked, and there is an explosion. Fearing for her life, Kate pretends to be dead but goes to Zander for help. But she decides not to tell him what happened, and Zander becomes busy with another case. I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoiling the ending. But suffice it to say, be prepared for a very merry happily ever after. 

If you enjoy this story, consider reading other Ellery and York novels by Clare Revell. 

Blurb:

It’s Christmas and DS Zander Ellery is buried in work. He’s tried hard to put the events of Jack’s House, an undercover operation, behind him, yet his thoughts keep returning to Kate. She promised to keep in touch, and she hasn’t.

Kate Dahlbeck left town after the events of Jack’s House. With her past exposed, no home and no job, she fled to her brother to work for him. Now she’s up to her neck in trouble, on the run and can only think of one person to help. Zander with a zed.

Zander and his partner, DC Isabel York, agree to help. It doesn’t take much investigating before Zander understands that Kate’s situation is far worse, far messier, and far more dangerous than he first realised.

Purchase Links:

www.amazon.co.uk/Amid-Cold-Winter-Christmas-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B0BDHXTDC3

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_41&products_id=1598

Twenty-five Christmas Reads! (Giveaway Extended)

Every year, Pelican Book Group releases new Christmas Extravaganza titles.

This year, I thought it would be fun to list twenty-five Pelican Book Group Christmas titles (past and present) from various genres: mystery, romantic suspense, suspense, Gothic romance, etc. 

1. Dark Streets Shineth by Clare Revell

2. Christmas Hideaway by Wendy Davy

3. All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead by Lillian Duncan

4. Blue Christmas by Clare Revell

5. A Christmas Stolen by Lillian Duncan

6. Christmas Passed by Anita Klumpers

7.  A Texas Christmas Mystery by Anne Greene

8. Amid the Cold of Winter by Clare Revell

9. Holly in December by Clare Revell

10. Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early

11. The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan

12. No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan

13. A Blessed Blue Christmas by LoRee Peery

14. Candle for a Corpse by Marilynn Leach

15. Murder on Birchardville Hill by Ruth Buchanan

16. All's Fair in Love and Arson by Sharon McGregor

17. Plundered Christmas by Susan Lyttek

18. Chasing Christmas by Steven Hunt

19. Christmas in Coyote County by Mary L. Briggs

20. Down in Yon Forest by Clare Revell

21. Once Upon a Christmas by Clare Revell

22. Season for Miracles by Clare Revell

23. Clear as Ice by Penelope Marzec

24. Undercover Santa by Wendy Davy

25. The Volk Advent by Joy Wilks

I’m giving away two copies of a CD containing thirteen Pelican Book Group stories, including my suspense novel, Dog Tags, and three Christmas stories (two mentioned in this post). The CD contains three electronic formats of each story so you can enjoy the books on almost any device. *The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

*Update - Giveaway extended*

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this blog post by December 1, 2022 and include your email address. You may spell it out: yournameatgmaildotcom. On December 2, 2022, I will choose a winner randomly and then announce the winner.

The CD includes the following stories:

·         A Texas Christmas Mystery—Anne Greene

·         After the Fire—Clare Revell

·         Christmas Ivy—Judy Ducharme

·         Clear as Ice—Penelope Marzec

·         Dog Tags—Heidi Glick

·         From Scratch—C.E. Hilbert

·         Girls of Summer—C.E. Hilbert

·         Island Charm—Audrey Wick

·         Just One Kiss—Wendy Davy

·         Rose in the Desert—K.M. Daughters

·         Rose of the Adriatic—K.M. Daughters

·         Someone to Trust—Lesa Henderson

·         The Inheritance—Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Moon over Montana

My review:

As a girl, I enjoyed riding horses, so Moon over Montana, a contemporary tale about wild equines, resonated with me. 

After a broken engagement with Rex Carson, Megan Donovan feels a strong pull to visit her grandfather’s farm, located in Five Forks, Montana. Despite her mother’s complicated feelings surrounding the inherited estate, Megan decides to travel to the small town. While there, she meets a spunky cowboy, Cam (David Campbell), and their first meet is anything but love at first sight. As the story progresses, Megan tries to unravel the mystery surrounding her grandfather’s business dealings, all the while, examining her growing feelings for Cam. 

Moon over Montana is a sweet romance with a touch of mystery. Published by Pelican Book Group, the story is available from various online retailers.

 

Author bio:

Mary K. Marelli lives with her husband on a private lake nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania.  Her writing is inspired by a variety of true life experiences, and a cause dear to her heart, the preservation of America’s wild horses.

Blurb: 

What do you do with an inheritance that no one wants?

Megan Donovan’s broken engagement has left her aimless with only one place to go: Montana. Her estranged grandfather has left the broken-down ranch of her mother’s youth. Trouble is, Mom’s memories of that time are so tainted that Megan doesn’t want anything to do with the place.

The wild horses that David “Cam” Campbell protects from rustlers need a sanctuary to roam free. What better location than Old Man Jenkins’ acreage adjacent to his own successful ranch? But Cam’s gotten off on the wrong foot with Megan, and that gal’s not selling—not unless Cam can convince her that it’s best for everyone involved.

But is giving Megan a reason to leave, really the best he can do?

Social media links: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14144916.Mary_Marelli 

https://twitter.com/MarelliMary

https://www.facebook.com/mary.marelli.9/

https://www.marymarelli.com/

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All of my opinions are my own.

Interview with Author Anita Klumpers

Please welcome today’s guest, Anita Klumpers. Her new suspense novel, “A Murder of Crows,” came out April 22, 2022. I hope you enjoy my interview with Anita.

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

“Buttonholed” has to be my favorite. As usual, I had no idea where the story would go when I agreed to write on the theme “Whatever is of good repute.” Hey, I didn’t even have a story! But on a short trip to Nashville we visited Andrew Jackson’s home and learned about duals.

My story, setting, and characters were birthed in pretty short order.

So a book set in a fictional eastern Tennessee town, peopled with southern ladies and gentlemen and sensibilities, was created by a Midwestern grandma who’d never lived further south than Denver and still has her mom’s Chicago-girl accent.

It was fun to write and research and invent and to give life to the characters.

Since I usually write suspense-romance and get myself utterly tangled in plot devices of my own making, a straightforward humorous romance was so much less stressful!

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

Elise, in “Hounded.” She is so different than my other female protagonists! They all have a bit of me in them—anxious to please, a little insecure, sometimes a bit klutzy. And always trying to be kind.

Elise is strong, opinionated, beautiful, abrasive, and a real mess. It was fun to write about someone I personally have noting in common with, except a love of dogs, our parents, and a need for a Savior.

Which authors have most influenced your writing?

Mary Stewart. She had a strong sense of location, a gracefully intelligent writing style and genuinely suspenseful stories with just a thread or two of romance woven through.

Josephine Tey wrote glorious mysteries but her strong and sympathetic portrayal of characters make me admire her books even more.

Dorothy Sayers was a strong, intelligent and articulate Christian who didn’t write “Christian” fiction but her faith and belief system seemed the foundation of her novels.

“A Murder of Crows” Blurb:

Teacher Paulina Deacon lives in a quiet North Dakota town. Newcomer John Tolen shows interest in her and Pauli senses some delightful changes in her future. But a murder of crows and the murder of John Tolen snatch that future away in an instant. Leaving everything, including her name, behind, Pauli flees to the woods of northern Wisconsin.

Hal Karlsen’s life work at the clinic in tiny Brier is to change lives of those with various addictions. Few people from the outside find the little town. Until a young woman with a deadly secret arrives. And Hal has no idea what to do with her.

A menace followed Pauli into the woods, and grows stronger each day.

Can Hal protect Pauli? Will Pauli stay alive long enough to convince him she means no harm? And will those deadly crows drive her mad before either can occur?

Anita Klumpers Bio:

Anita Klumpers’ previously published novels are “Winter Watch,” “Hounded” “Christmas Passed,” and “Buttonholed.”  She lives in south central Wisconsin with her husband (of Dutch origin) and her dog Trudy (of questionable origin).

When not fervently wishing she had a more organized approach to writing, Anita spends time with her family, including three sons who should be used to her by now since she homeschooled them forever. She dotes on three lovely daughters-in-law and seven of the cutest grandkids you ever did see. Her church family is absolutely amazing and she thanks God for blessing her so abundantly. Whenever possible, she enjoys time with her husband and friends, all of whom are also pretty cute. Her deepest joy comes from the grace and knowledge of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Buying Info:

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Crows-Anita-Klumpers-ebook/dp/B09TGNZ5T7

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/Anita-Klumpers-Author-1720236094863202

Who killed the rat that lives in the House that Jack built?

Author Clare Revell has written over sixty-five stories, with four more on the way. Today, I am featuring The House That Jack Built, Clare's sixth book involving DS Zander Ellery and DC Isabel York.

Book Excerpt:

DCI Britton lifted one eyebrow. “And you picked that up from one episode. Are you sure you don’t watch it?”

“I’m a cop. I’m paid to notice things. And I only saw ten minutes of it, before the channel was changed. That was plenty.”

The door opened and DS Philips strode in. “This better be important, sir. I have to charge or release someone by ten and I’m in the middle of re-interviewing him.”

“This won’t take long, Dane. Take a seat.”

DS Philips dropped into the chair next to Zander. “What’s going on?”

“Everyone’s favourite TV show apparently,” Zander rolled his eyes. “Jack’s House. It’s waaayyy more important than any proper work we have this morning.”

“I know it well. The wife’s addicted to it.”

“Then maybe she’d like to come in and discuss it with the DCI. I have a mountain of paperwork to do.” Zander stood. “So, if you don’t mind…”

“Actually, sergeant, I do.” DCI Britton tapped his fingers on the desk. “Sit down. What did you make of Silas, Zander?”

Zander slumped into the chair againsat and sucked in a deep breath, still miffed he was sitting here discussing a programme he’d seen briefly, once. “Bit of a bully to be honest. Rough, rude, not the sort of person you’d want to meet in a dark alley at night. Why?”

“He’s dead.”

Zander straightened. Now he was interested. “Dead how exactly?”

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/House-That-Jack-Built-Ellery-ebook/dp/B09TGMZ719

Author Bio:

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, two of their three grown children, unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the cat and newest member Ty the dog. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins.

Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English. 

The first draft of every novel is hand written.

Btw, working from home is a myth and invented by someone who doesn't have a dog!

She can be found at:

http://clarerevell.com

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

https://uk.pinterest.com/ClareLRevell/

https://www.instagram.com/clarerevell/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B005NZT2O2

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005NZT2O2

http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=45 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476220.Clare_Revell

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/clare-revell 

newsletter sign up - http://eepurl.com/chtmdH

Free e-books from Pelican Book Group (read more for details)

Pelican Book Group is giving away one free e-book a day all though Lent 2022. 

Head over to Pelican Book Group and click the ON SALE tab to find out which book is free for a particular day. 

Undercover Dog Dad: Interview with Author Erin Stevenson

Please welcome today's guest, Author Erin Stevenson. She released her latest title, Undercover Dog Dad, in December 2021. I hope you enjoy my interview with Erin. 

--The title of your book is Undercover Dog Dad. Do you have any animals?

Yes, I have a dog, Macy. She is a border collie mix, and also has some Mini Aussie. Technically she is a "pandemic dog" since I got her in October of 2020, but I had been looking for a dog for well over a year prior.

The dog on the book cover, Watson, belongs to my oldest son and his family. I've known him for about ten years! He is a total sweetie.

Our family is pretty dog crazy. Together, we have nine dogs and several others that have crossed the rainbow bridge. Most of the "minor character" dogs in the book are based on some of these family dogs.

--How many books have you written?

I just released my 9th book, and the 10th will be out on May 13, 2022.

--What made you want to become a writer?

I've been writing my whole life! I was editor of my high school newspaper, have an academic background and did a lot of writing in that phase of my career, I still do a little writing for a magazine, and take on editing gigs whenever I can find the time. I made the shift to writing fiction in 2014.

Author Bio:

Since 2014, Erin Stevenson has been writing faith-based romance novels for Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has served as a judge and was a 2021 Carol Award finalist.

Grounding her novels in reality, Erin crafts characters who encounter events and hardships familiar to all of us. Her inspirational writing will take the reader down paths of both joy and pain, but always highlighting God’s faithfulness.

Book Blurb:

Mallory Morris loves Autumn Springs, Tennessee, and fall is her favorite season of all. It’s filled with crisp, cool evenings, bonfires, football, and lots of visits to the dog park with her canine posse. But a rash of home burglaries is casting a pall over her hometown, and her cousin the sheriff isn’t making any headway in solving them. But all that changes when she meets a scruffy stranger at the dog park, who clearly doesn’t like dogs!

Garrett Alexander agreed to come to Autumn Springs from Arizona to help his old friend solve a puzzling case. What he didn’t bargain for was becoming a temporary dog dad, gaining a beautiful partner with the cutest Southern twang, and having sweet tea constantly pushed on him (the abominable stuff!).

Their resolve to keep things professional changes quickly when they put their heads together—figuratively and then literally. But his life is in Arizona, and hers in Tennessee. They both yearn for love, but a series of misunderstandings puts an end to their dreams. How can they reach their happily-ever-after with 1,600 miles between them?

Erin's Website

Free preview

Purchase Kindle Edition

Purchase Paperback Edition

Christmas Hideaway by Wendy Davy

Christmas Hideaway by Wendy Davy

If you are looking for a quick, fun, romantic, and suspenseful read, try Christmas Hideaway. If you enjoy witty banter between male and female protagonists (think Castle or Moonlighting), you should enjoy this story. (Hint: I'm a huge fan of witty banter myself). 

Mandi struggles between her own fear and doing what is right, something with which I think all readers can relate. While suspenseful, Christmas Hideaway had a fun, playful mood at times as well. As with all the Christmas Extravaganza titles I've read thus far this year, the story contained a short devotional moment at the end.

Blurb:

Material witness Mandi Foster is running. And for good reason—if she testifies her family will pay the ultimate price. With no choice but to hide until the trial is over, she finds an isolated cabin to ride out Christmas alone—except she isn't alone.

A mysterious stranger follows her through a treacherous winter storm into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and then saves her from a potentially fatal accident. But as coincidences pile up, Mandi suspects her handsome rescuer is harboring dangerous secrets.

Security Specialist Rylan Copeland is hunting. And for good reason—he has witnessed murderers walk away unpunished. He isn't about to let that happen again—not when he can do something to stop it. But as he catches up to Mandi, danger comes in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Will he convince her to testify in time? Or will another killer get away with murder?

Author Bio:

Wendy Davy is an award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small-town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories.

Purchase Links:

Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Hideaway-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B09J1P6C31/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Christmas+Hideaway+wendy+davy&qid=1638626055&sr=8-1

B&N Buy Link:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-hideaway-wendy-davy/1140164938?ean=9781522303633

PBG Buy Link:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1556

Blue Christmas by Clare Revell

Blue Christmas by Clare Revell 

        If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and romance, try Blue Christmas by Clare Revell. Most of the stories I read are set in America, so it was refreshing to read a story set in a different locale. As a writer and reader, I enjoy learning about different cultures. 

        Clare's settings are very descriptive. As I read, I felt as if transported to the UK. Also, I appreciate the character of the protagonist--the way he treated his female coworkers. The mystery of the missing girls will keep readers guessing until the end. Also, readers will enjoy the romance between Jenica and Aidan. 

           Blurb:

St. Morien, Cornwall. Beautiful. Peaceful.

Deadly.

Detective Inspector Aidan Urquhart has a mystery on his hands. Three young women  reported missing back in the summer have been found dead; all still wearing the clothes in which they vanished; all frozen solid on the cold shore.

When Jenica Zimmerman realises her sister is missing, she heads to the Cornish coast where the police have few clues. The DI leading the case warns her not to take chances, to go home and leave the case to his team. Determined to stay, Jenica takes a room at a local inn and attempts to find her sister herself.

With Christmas fast approaching, all she wants is a happy ending. But when a fourth body is discovered, all tidings of comfort and joy seem far away.

Author Bio:

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, two of their three grown children, unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the cat and newest member Ty the dog. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins.

        Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

        Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English. 

        The first draft of every novel is hand written.

        She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. 

        Purchase Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Christmas-Clare-Revell-ebook/dp/B09J1Q61LM

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Christmas-Clare-Revell-ebook/dp/B09J1Q61LM