Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Interview with author Diana Dilcher ~There' s Plenty of Room at Haven Inn

Diana Dilcher, April 23, 2016, Graduation from Grand Canyon University, Arizona
 Hi, Diana, I’m so pleased to have you as my guest on Whispers in Purple today. Welcome. You’ve agreed to answer some interview questions, so let’s get to it. Most of all, have fun with this!
*Tell us a little about yourself. 
I was born in May of 1942 in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I am an only child but had lots of cousins who made up for the lack of siblings.  God blessed me with a Christian grandmother who was used by the Lord to bring me to Christ in my adult years.

Because the expense of living in California exceeded my income and I was single I moved to Reno, NV to be with relatives.  In 2011, the Lord opened the doors for me to fulfill a long-time dream … to get a BA Degree in Communications. Because I was living in Section 8 Housing and going to school full-time I moved to Phoenix, AZ and on April 23, 2016, I graduated as an online student from Grand Canyon University.  

God is opening opportunities for me despite the fact that I am living in a health care facility.  I praise God for this because I have inspired young people who work here to fulfill their life dreams, something I wasn't able to do until I was 74.  I am completing my short novel entitled “There's Plenty of Room at Haven Inn.” It will be appearing on Kindle on Wednesday, January 30th, after delays with health care issues.  

*What is your typical day like?
In our health care facility, we have full-staffed services and activities.  Bingo, arts and crafts, and when the weather is nice, trips to local parks and other recreational sights.

Our rent, which is reasonable since it also includes meals, new wide-screen TVs with cable and Wi-Fi, phone service and transportation to medical appointments.  Our laundry and housekeeping are also provided.  Physical therapy has exercise equipment.  So I am kept very busy around here.

*Besides writing, what other hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
I love the old classic movies because of the plots and the acting.  I enjoy all kinds of music, especially classical.  But my favorite pastime is surfing YouTube.  Through their variety of categories, I have taken train and bus trips across the United States and Canada, watched the launching of some of the world’s greatest ocean liners, and watched past Oscar presentations in both black and white and color. 

*When reading, what is your favorite genre? What are you reading right now?
Historical novels are my favorite.  At present they're keeping me busy with therapy, so I don't have much time to myself. 

*Fun question: If you’d been born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what would you be, and why?
I’d want to be a horse and run free with my mane and tail flying.

Oh, I like that image!

*Let’s talk about your book. (Sorry, readers, no book cover image available yet.)

  • Title: There' s Plenty of Room at Haven Inn
  • Author: Diana Louise Dilcher
  • Publisher: Kindle
  • Release Date: Jan 30, 2019
  • Genre: Christmas Romance
  • Stand-alone or part of a series? Stand-alone
  • Target readership: Older Teens and Adults
  • Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2WOWk71 


*Give us the back-cover blurb/synopsis.
When Joan Cameron and brother David Brandford inherit their parents’ bed and breakfast inn, their Haven in The Woods becomes a battleground involving a corporate takeover.  Can the inn become a symbol of healing?  And can Joan's civil engineer husband Philip prevent the collapse of a nearby dam as a major storm threatens Northern California with disaster? 

*Finally, how did you come up with the concept for this story?
Having grown up in Northern California and experienced torrential rainstorms, I witnessed what water can do.  I've fallen in love with Bed and Breakfast Inns and hope to stay in one someday.  I put a lot of hard work into this story, and hope that at least one person will be blessed by its message.

Peg here: About the B&B … I hope you get a chance to do that, Diana. About fifteen years ago my sister and I ‘ran away’ from our husbands and flew to San Antonio for five days and stayed in a converted old Victorian B&B right on the Riverwalk. What unforgettable fun.

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Diana. God bless your writing, and may He bless those who read it.


Wednesday, January 23, 2019

An Interview with author Mike Garrett ~ New Release ~ Innocence Denied ~ Giveaay


Please welcome newly published author Mike Garrett who has graciously consented to answer a few interview questions for us.

Welcome Mike!

Tell us about your Writing 

Have you been previously published?

Innocence Denied is my first attempt at Christian fiction. My secular novel, Keeper, was published almost thirty years ago. It sold out its initial printing and was optioned for a movie.

One of my early publishing experiences was with Dun’s Review, a business magazine. I wrote a short humor piece for them that was subsequently reprinted around the world.

How was writing a Christian novel different from your secular fiction?



With Keeper, I focused on establishing a career and building a name for myself. There was none of that this time; no profit motive and no desire to be in the spotlight. I did it solely to serve God through his spiritual gifts. This one is for Him, not me. He inspired me all along the way to such a degree that I don’t even feel comfortable taking credit for it. It was as if I was the keyboard and He was the typist.


I originally wrote Innocence Denied for self-publication because it went against the grain of most traditional publishers. It’s a love story but not a romance; it has elements of suspense but isn’t a suspense novel. It’s difficult to classify, and that’s a big no-no for virtually all traditional publishers.

When reading, what is your favorite genre?

For secular fiction, I enjoy Harlan Coben’s stand-alone suspense novels. He knows how to keep the pages turning, and I appreciate that in an author. I tried to do that in Innocence Denied. For Christian fiction, I prefer Terri Blackstock.

How similar are you to your hero/heroines?

There’s a lot of me in Derrick, though I’m not nearly as good a man as he. I’ve got a long way to go for that. To me he represents what I could be at my best, almost a role model, and I strive to keep moving toward that goal.

Let's talk about your book: 

Is there a theme verse that holds this story together?

Matthew 3:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (GNT)

I considered alternate titles, one of which was actually One Good Deed.
The purpose of Innocence Denied is to reach unbelievers and give fellow Christians an example of non-threatening witnessing that they may put to good use at some time. When I finished the novel,  I felt God urge me to investigate commercial publication because that could reach more people in need of its message, but I found little initial success. My own literary agent didn’t like it, and I couldn’t get any other agents to even look at it. I was about to give up when God led me to CrossLink, a Christian publisher with a more broad approach to publishing, and they saw the merit in what I was attempting to do.

What takeaway value do you want readers to gain from your novel?

Innocence Denied offers several messages, one of which is it’s often more difficult to accept God’s forgiveness than it is to forgive yourself. Another is an illustration of how, even when you’re facing dire circumstances of your own, it’s best to focus on the plight of others.

I pray readers will see the importance of living life selflessly.


Innocence Denied
Derrick Walton is a Christian on a mission, risking his own life to save an unbelieving woman in distress.

Larissa Baxter is a gorgeous socialite who has always relied on her striking beauty to get what she wants. After being falsely arrested for murder and posting bail, however, she faces life in prison. As a fugitive, she must do what, to her, is the unthinkable--de-emphasize her looks to appear as average as possible and avoid undue attention.

After their paths cross, they hide in isolation as a nationwide manhunt ensues, and Derrick realizes that the most important rescue of all still awaits--saving Larissa's soul.

God wanted him to save her if it was the last thing he did ... and it likely would be.


Releases February 21, 2019. Available for pre-order at

Amazon or
Barnes & Noble



MIKE'S BIO:

MIKE GARRETT is a devout Christian and life-long resident of Alabama. His world revolves around God, his wife Sharon, two adult children, five grandchildren, and one granddog. He has worked in an editorial capacity with best-selling authors, has served over 2500 international clients as an independent editor, and is recognized as Stephen King’s first editor and publisher. He has also taught writing workshops at colleges and universities across the nation. His editorial services website is
 https://manuscriptcritique.com Innocence Denied is his first Christian novel.


SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

About the Giveaway:
Mike is offering an eBook copy of Innocence Denied to one of this blog's readers. To enter, just leave a comment below with your name and contact information (e.g: you (at)123xyz(dot)com) so we can notify you if you're the winner. Very important. Giveaway runs for one week from today, ending January 30, at MIDNIGHT, CST.
Winner will be drawn through random.org and notified on Thursday via email.

Thanks, Mike, for spending some time with us today. Blessings ...




Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The Soul Searcher ~ Erin R. Howard ~ Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight:  The Soul Searcher
with Erin R. Howard

Upcoming Release 2/19/19
The Soul Searcher
Book Two of The Kalila Chronicles
Mantle Rock Publishing 
Fantasy Fiction


About the Book:
Elnora’s parents gave her one rule:
Stay hidden away at all costs.

Elnora Scott is used to her survival depending on the decisions of others. Locked away in her safe house, it is easy to follow her parents’ dying wishes until an angel, demon, and seer show up on her doorstep. Now, waking up in a dirty cell, she wishes she would have gone with them when she had the chance, because the very ones who unknowingly ushered the kidnapper to her location may be the only ones who can save her.

When Thea learns that Elnora may be in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to go find her. Thea thought stepping through the portal would be her greatest obstacle, but it only reveals a more sinister threat.

Purchase Link:


 


Author Bio:
Erin R. Howard is a developmental editor, fantasy author of The Kalila Chronicles, and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University.

When she's not writing, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, fueling her craft addictions, and teaching writing workshops.

Erin is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the KenTen Writers Group. She resides in Western Kentucky with her husband and three children.

Social Media Links:





Thursday, January 10, 2019

Silent Partner ~ The Story Behind the Story ~ Leeann Betts ~ Giveaway

Silent Partner – The Story Behind the Story
By Leeann Betts


Readers often ask where I get an idea for a story, and my answer usually is, “I don’t know.” Which is usually correct. I don’t know. Most always when a story comes to me, it’s because of the crazy way my brain combines three or four separate incidents, characters, stories, or a combination of all three.

The idea for Silent Partner began about four years ago when my husband and I talked about taking an Alaska cruise. Seemed like the perfect setting for a cozy mystery—a captive audience, so to speak, as well as a contained pool of suspects all forced into close proximity to each other. Exactly what an author looks for in a mystery novel.

At the time, I played with the title Cold, Hard Cash because of the Alaska location, icebergs, and glaciers, and because the body would be found on a glacier or a larger iceberg floating past. However, two things happened: I came out with an unplanned book because the cruise was delayed, and the title of that book was Petty Cash, so I didn’t want two books with similar titles; and I went on the cruise and learned that during this time of year when the story is set, in May, the icebergs floating south are too small—more like ice chunks, really—for a body, plus the only access to a glacier is by helicopter, which few people would do.

So, as I spent seven glorious days aboard the Amsterdam, I looked around for alternatives to where the body would be found. And one day, hubby and I were out walking the deck, and a crew member came out through a door leading to a part of the ship we hadn’t seen before, leaving that door ajar. Hubby headed for the door, but the crew member turned around and said he couldn’t go through there. Despite hubby’s protests, we were denied entry until a couple of days later when we sailed into a bay and sat before the impressive Hubbard Glacier for about three hours. Then we were encouraged to go onto the bow, and to eat pea soup at 3:00, and to wander around. And I learned there was nothing there but the bow of the ship. Not too interesting.

However, the next day as I passed the same spot where we saw the crew member exit the bow, I saw water on the deck and footprints leading toward the door. The perfect cover shot!
As I worked through my plot, the characters came to life. I had run a promotion where one winner won the opportunity to be named as the killer, one of the suspects, or the victim in this book, and that person wanted to be a suspect, which I wrote in.

I use much of the itinerary, the staff, the crew, and the events from our cruise as the backdrop for the mystery, changing some names but leaving others intact. I’ve had help in research from a cruise ship law attorney and from a man overboard detection system technician.

And as much as Carly and Mike are much like me and my husband, they are still very much their own “people”. I am not nearly as quick on the comebacks as Carly is, and my husband has never said I’m a full-time job. Apart from that – well, I’ll leave it to you to figure out where the imagination begins and ends.

About Silent Partner:
Carly and Mike take the vacation of a lifetime--an Alaskan cruise. Unfortunately, Carly can't turn off her nose for trouble. Or mystery. Pretty soon she's embroiled with a series of allegations, innuendoes, overheard conversations, and even a shoving match. And before she knows it--a body. Can Carly figure out who the killer is before she ends up floating on an iceberg—or worse?


About Leeann:

Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released eight titles in her cozy mystery series with number nine, Silent Partner, releasing in December 2018. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published two books on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold and More Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft, as well as a contemporary suspense, In Search of Christmas Past. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com All books are available on Amazon.com in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital format.

Where to find Leeann:
Website: www.LeeannBetts.com Receive a free ebook just for signing up for our quarterly newsletter.
Books: Amazon http://amzn.to/2dHfgCE  and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2z5ecP8


About the Giveaway:
Question for readers: If you could take a cruise anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Leave a comment with your answer and your contact information for the chance to win a free print (US only) or eBook version of Silent Partner. This giveaway will run for one week, ending on Thursday, January 17, at Midnight, CST. Winner will be drawn on Friday, January 18 and notified via email.


Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Bringing Back a Beloved Series ~ Patrick E. Craig ~ Giveaway

Bringing Back a Beloved Series

by Patrick E. Craig





In 2011 I sent an idea for an Amish quilting story to Nick Harrison, who was Senior Editor at Harvest House at that time. Much to my delight, Harvest House bought the book and asked for two more to follow it. And thus was born the Apple Creek Dreams series. For a debut author, the books did very well, selling over 35,000 copies between them. But in 2014, Harvest House began phasing out their fiction department, and they dropped all but their most sellable authors from the roster.  Soon the only copies of The Apple Creek Dreams books available were in online used bookstores and there were no eBooks available at all.

 The problem was that I kept getting emails and messages asking me where readers could get the books, especially Kindle and Nook versions. So early in 2018, I purchased the print copy files back for my own publishing company, P&J Publishing. I hired Cora Bignardi of Cora Graphics to redesign the covers and set about reformatting the books for a 2nd edition release. After months of work, I released the books on December 15th to a great response. All three books have been on the Hot New Releases Charts and are selling very well.  The books are:

A Quilt For Jenna - Jerusha finds her God, her missing husband, and a lost little girl in the heart of the "Storm of the Century"—a story of redemption and grace.

The Road Home - Adopted into an Amish family as a child, Jenny is looking for the parents she never knew. As she searches, she finds more than she hoped for—truth and love and the knowledge that you can go home again.

Jenny's Choice - After her husband goes missing, Jenny turns to writing as a means to resolve her grief. A handsome young publisher discovers her books and romance and success might be in the making. But the elders of her Amish church are not happy and Jenny must make a choice—a choice that will set the course for her faith, her love, and her family.

I’m delighted to be able to make these books available to new readers. Here’s a review I love:

I have over 500 books on my Kindle, but only nine books are listed under "Favorite Christian Books." Three of those nine are the Apple Creek Dreams Series. The characters are believable, lovable, flawed human beings. The plots grab your attention right from the start and keep it through all three books.

Right now you can get the books in all the available digital and print formats on my website at this link.




About the Author:

Patrick E. Craig is a traditionally published/independent author. After a successful recording and performance career in the music industry, he became a pastor and conference speaker in 1984. In 2007 he retired to focus on a full-time writing career. In 2013, Harvest House Publishers published his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles and the first book, The Amish Heiress was published in 2015. It remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list for seven months. The Amish Princess was released in 2016 and will be followed by The Mennonite Queen in 2019. In 2017 Harlequin purchased the print rights for the Amish Heiress for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick and his wife, Judy, make their home in Idaho. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.


Where can readers find Patrick online?

Where can readers purchase my books?

About the Giveaway:
Patrick will be doing a giveaway of one copy of A Quilt For Jenna, Book 1 in the series, to one reader who leaves a comment below. Winner’s choice: eBook or print copy (US only) Please leave your name and contact information so we can let you know if you are the winner. Giveaway ends one week from today on January 16th at Midnight MST. Winner will be drawn on Friday and notified via email. Thanks for entering.



Thursday, January 3, 2019

Rebecca's Hope ~ Kimberly Grist ~ Part II ~ Timeless Thursday ~ Giveaway


Dream Big, Spread Joy 
with Kimberly Grist


I was recently asked an interesting question. What inspires you? Without really giving it thought, I answered jokingly, coffee and chocolate. My husband can attest that I am not a morning person, so it is true the thought of a good cup of joe motivates me when the annoying sound of the alarm clock doesn’t. I probably don’t even need to explain the magnetic force of chocolate.
But what really inspires me is everyday people who overcome obstacles with grace and dignity. My seven-year-old nieces' artwork sums it up nicely, Dream Big, Spread Joy. Although her spelling may not be her strong suit yet, Ali is inspiring, witty, artistic, has an amazing vocabulary and prays so fervently, she causes chills to run up and down my arm. Like many precocious children,  you never know what Ali will say next. She is an exceptional young lady, a force to be reckoned with and I am a better person for knowing her. She is also legally blind. 
In my personal life, I wear so many hats working inside and outside the home. I work hard, try harder and then begin again the next day. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life just stinks. Bad things happen, and I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome. I want to hear Good News. That is why I wrote Rebecca's Hope.

Rebecca’s Hope:
Raised by her guardian and influenced by the mostly male population of Carrie Town Texas, Rebecca benefited from a forward-thinking, unorthodox education not typical for a young woman in the late Nineteenth century.

As an adult, she is armed with skills that most would covet, yet she lives in a boarding house, works as a waitress and struggles financially. Most single women in the area didn't stay single long. Most, but not her. The one man she had said yes to was dragging his feet. The townspeople all agree she needs a husband. Even the young girls in her Sunday School Class have taken action by writing an ad for the paper.

Wanted: Husband for Rebecca Mueller. **Must be handsome, nice, like children, and live within walking distance of Carrie Town School.

Will her circumstances change and allow her to hold out for true love?
Fans of historical romance set in late 19th-century will enjoy this beautiful story of love and forgiveness. As the unfortunate circumstances of Rebecca's childhood are revealed, we discover a heroine who is both resilient and kind. Rebecca and Sam's love story will have readers rooting for their happy ending.


Combining history, humor, and romance with an emphasis on faith, friends, and good clean fun, Rebecca’s Hope is a delightful tale of courage and reminds us how God uses adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.

Purchase links:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H2KDG2Z/


About Kimberly:
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. We have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and share a passion for encouraging others with family members who have special needs. I feel called to share experiences both good and bad in an effort to inspire others and offer hope. I tend to be a perfectionist and am forever trying to add or change things to make it better. The unfortunate side of being creative in this respect is not always positive. Often my attempts fail, and my life ends up resembling an old episode, of I Love Lucy.

I've enjoyed writing since I was a young girl; however, I began writing my first novel in 2017. Inspired by so many things life has to offer including traumatic events one of which includes our oldest son's diagnosis of cancer I find it especially gratifying to write a happy ending. "Suffering is, of course, is my least favorite thing. My objective is not to discuss my struggles specifically but to combine a love of history with biblical principles to produce a clean historical Christian romance, that shows how God uses adversity for our good in ways we may never expect."
Connect with Kimberly:
Website: https://kimberlygrist.com/

About the Giveaway:
Kimberly is offering to give away a copy of Rebecca's Hope to one reader who leaves a comment below. Winner's choice: eBook or print (US Only) Please leave your name and contact information (e.g: you(at)123XYZ(sot)com) so we can let you know if you're the winner. Giveaway ends one week from today on January 10 at Midnight, CST.  Winner will be drawn on Friday and notified via email. Thanks for entering!

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Lois's Risk ~ Kimberly Grist ~ Part I


Faith, Friends and Good Clean Fun 
with Kimberly Grist

 “ He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 New King James Version [NKJV]


I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a young girl, however, I began writing my first novel in 2017. Inspired by so many things life has to offer including traumatic events one of which includes our oldest son’s diagnosis of cancer I find it especially gratifying to write a happy ending. “Suffering is, of course, is my least favorite thing. My objective is not to discuss my struggles specifically but to combine a love of history with biblical principles to produce a clean historical Christian romance, that shows how God uses adversity for our good in ways we may never expect.”
In my first novel Rebecca's Hope, I introduced colorful characters and innovative young women in a western town in the late 19th century. Lois's Risk is a continuation of the tale based on Rebecca's friend and dress shop owner, Lois Weaver.

Like many women of the time, she has been schooled to be proper, lady-like, honest, to clean, sew and cook so at the appropriate age she would marry. As an adult, she surpassed her father's expectations with her skills and beauty only to shatter them when she opens a dress shop. She's worked hard making a success of her business. Now the handsome bank owner has come calling. So why isn't she happy? Moreover, why can't forget about a certain farmer with big brown eyes?

Daniel Lawrence, former Texas Ranger, gained immense satisfaction when he purchased his farm and livestock. His new way of life is not only a means to make a living but adds a sense of fulfillment. The only thing lacking is a wife and family. He is just shy of proposing when a family tragedy forces him to open his home to his grieving sister and her niece. How could he bring a new wife home to this?

Lois is heartbroken because Daniel is ignoring her. Can she go against the 19th-century rules of how a woman should behave and have the courage to tell Daniel how she feels?

Combining history, humor, and romance with an emphasis on faith, friends, and good clean fun, fans of historical romance set in late 19th-century will enjoy Lois's Risk a delightful tale of courage and reminds us how God uses adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.

Lois’s Risk is available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LDDHVQV

About Kimberly:


I am married to my high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. We have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and share a passion for encouraging others with family members who have special needs. I feel called to share experiences both good and bad in an effort to inspire others and offer hope. I tend to be a perfectionist and am forever trying to add or change things to make it better. The unfortunate side of being creative in this respect is not always positive. Often my attempts fail, and my life ends up resembling an old episode, of I Love Lucy.

I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book. In my personal life, I wear so many hats working inside and outside the home. I work hard, try harder and then begin again the next day. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life just stinks. Bad things happen. I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome. I want to hear Good News. My stories are written to remind us how God uses adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him. 

Connect with Kimberly: