Seasons of love~ Joan Deppa ~ Giveaway

Seasons of Love

Guest Blog Post by Joan Deppa

                              
      

About the Author:

Hi, my name is Joan Deppa.  My husband and I have been in church ministry for over 30 years and have counseled many hurting people. I have always loved to read and now write inspirational fiction, sharing God's love, forgiveness, wisdom and ability to change lives yielded to Him in a way that people can relate to.  My hope is that my readers will find true joy, guidance and forgiveness in Christ from their past and present challenges in life. We have four adult children, eleven grandchildren and have lived mostly in the Midwest.  We enjoy seeing all the beauty of God's creation wherever we are.  I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Ø   My books are for women who enjoy a fun-read, contemporary and inspirational romance novels. They are available in hardcover, softcover or eBooks and published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Publishing.

Seasons of Love Series:  This series takes place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where we lived for 14 years.  It is a 3-part series that highlights some of the special sights and activities that we enjoyed in this beautiful area, with characters that readers can relate to.  But it also brings out how, through Christ, we can deal with the challenges of life, as well as issues from our past that keep us chained to our anger and bitterness, our fears of rejection, and the high expectations that others, as well as we ourselves, place upon us.  The books can be read separately, but are best in the order of the series.

Background of Book 1:  This book was inspired by some of my dad’s past, my family, as well as my husband’s salvation experience and our courtship and wedding.  It introduces you to Bonnie and Brad, to the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the journey to finding true joy and peace in a life that is filled with anger and bitterness from one’s past.

Summary of Whiter than Snow, Seasons of Love #1

Bonnie Turner has recently moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is enamored by its beauty in the winter time.  While enjoying the beauty, Brad Jorgenson “bumps” into her and takes it upon himself to show her the sights and how to enjoy winter in the Upper Peninsula.  But will Bonnie be able to show Brad how to release the anger and bitterness he’s carried since childhood and introduce him to the Creator of the beauty he enjoys?  Can God’s love and forgiveness really make him, “whiter than snow?”  Ps. 51:7 

Reviews by my Readers:

 “Whiter than Snow was written with enough detail to enable me to feel like I was right there with the characters in their emotions and their surroundings in the UP. Brad and Bonnie had to deal with real life struggles that could make or break their relationships. It is a gentle, pleasant read that shows you can overcome your past hurts and build a healthy relationship.”

"Sweet, graceful and engaging, I found Whiter than Snow, by author Joan Deppa, to be an inspirational read with a gorgeous book cover.”

 “Perfect for any snowy day with a cup of warm cocoa! Highly recommend!!”

Also check out:  Summer Dreams, Seasons of Love #2   A book that shares that when you release your fears, your dreams can come true.

Where to Purchase My Books:

Books may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or my website: www.joandeppa.com.

Social Media sites:

Facebook – JoanDeppa

Twitter - @JoanDeppa

About the Giveaway:
Joan has graciously offered to give away TWO Kindle copies of Summer Dreams, Book 2 in her series. Entering is easy ... Just leave your name AND contact information in the comment section below, and you're in the drawing.
Giveaway Ends one week from today on Monday, October 22, at Midnight, CDT.

Thanks, Joan, for being my guest today. Blessings

Letters of Love ~ Joi Copeland

Please help me welcome ... 

author Joi Copeland to Whispers in Purple's 'Everything Old is New Again' feature, as we spotlight a book from her backlist  ... 

Letters of Love.

Two men fighting for their country. Two women dealing with tragedy alone. Two stories, two eras, one common thread.

Sophia Phillips, a wife and mom, finds herself missing the two most important people in her life. One ripped from her because of war, the other by death.

Sophia's grandmother, Lucia Snell, gives her an early inheritance: letters written to her by her husband while stationed in China during World War II. 

Lucia believes these letters will help her granddaughter heal from the heart-wrenching tragedy she faces. Will Sophia carry the anger, bitterness, and guilt within her or go to the only One who can heal her from the pain? Will she find the strength to carry on and the will to survive through her grandparents' Letters of Love?

Author Bio

Joi Copeland

Joi Copeland is married to a wonderful man, Chris, and has three amazing boys, Garrison, Gage, and Gavin. She lives in Denver, Colorado, but within the year, hopes to be living in Galway, Ireland.

Joi’s love of writing began at a young age. She wrote short stories for several years, and in 2009, she began writing her first novel, Hope for Tomorrow.

Joi’s books include:

Hope for Tomorrow, Book 1
Hope for the Journey, Book 2
Hope from the Past, Book 3,

Letters of Love

Maine Series:

• Christmas Snowe and Peppermint Cocoa, a novella
• Shamrock Inn, a novella
• Chance in Maine
• Fall N Joy
• Christmas Rayne
• Sunshine in Spring

Seasons of Love Series:

• Broken Together

A Note from Joi about why she chose this book for my blog today:

I chose "Letters of Love' because the letters in this story are actual letters my Papa wrote to my Nana when he was in World War II while stationed in China. He passed away on March 4, 2018 and two short weeks later, my Nana joined him and Jesus in Heaven. 

Featured Book "A Second Chance" and Interview With Author Alexis Goring

Hi, Alexis, welcome to Whispers in Purple. It’s a pleasure to have you here. So, lets settle in for a nice little ‘Getting to know you’ chat. Ready?

Alexis: Yes!

Peg: What five words best describe you?

Alexis: Sweet, Creative, Intelligent, Business-minded, and Organized

Peg: Describe your ‘typical’ day.

Alexis: God wakes me up (because it’s Him, not our alarm clock or loved one that gives us the breath of life every morning), spend devotional time with God (prayer, reading the Bible, listening to worship music, etc.), eat breakfast, catch up with blogging and my writing projects, exercise, eat lunch, do the laundry, do more writing and blogging, update my social media, spend time with family, maybe meet up with a friend, eat dinner, wind down with music or a movie/TV show then go to sleep! J

Peg: What authors have inspired or mentored you?

Alexis: Sophia A. Nelson inspires me as an author. Liz Tolsma mentors me.

Peg: What sparks your creativity when feeling drained?

Alexis: Music, movies and good food!

Peg: Fun question: If you’d been born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what animal would you be, and why?

Alexis: A deer because they’re graceful, lovely and elegant…but I’d rather would always have been a human not an animal! LOL

Peg: Okay, now let’s talk about A Second Chance, our featured book today. Tell us something about it and how you came to write it.

Alexis: A Second Chance is a standalone novella that was published this Jan. 2017 by Forget Me Not Romances. It’s about characters that are in need of a second chance in life and love. 

A few years ago, I thought it was a good idea to write about an inheritance letter with specific stipulations that would make it challenging for the heroine (who is the recipient of the letter) to claim the inheritance and use the money to free her from her financial burdens. 

I thought it would be great to add a swoon-worthy hero to the story, one who shares the heroine’s trust issues in relationships. 

Finally, I thought it would be great to give the hero a sister who is a bestselling romance novelist and wants to help him find and keep true love. 

This is a Christian story, so faith in God plays a steady role throughout the story. I think that readers will be inspired by the faith journey of my main characters.

Title: A Second Chance

          Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications

          Release date: January 25, 2017

          Genre: Contemporary Romance

          Purchase links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Back Cover Blurb / Synopsis:
Newly single food critic and newspaper reporter Traci Hightower is done with dating. After the man of her dreams left her at the altar on their wedding day and ran off with the woman she thought was her best friend, Traci resolves to focus on work and resigns herself to being a bachelorette for life. 

Marc Roberts is a political reporter who is known as Mr. Nice Guy, the one who always finishes last. However, Marc’s compassion and kindness are of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina Braxton who is trying to raise her two kids in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death. 

Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.

         

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us, Alexis. Reading your responses to the interview questions has been interesting and fun.

You’re welcome, Peggy. Thanks for inviting me to be your guest!

  

Clash Champ--Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Congratulations to Becky Wade 

and her novel

Her One and Only

for taking home this month's Clash crown!

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the book:

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Becky also has a FREE book sale going on RIGHT NOW!

Undeniably Yours

Free on Amazon

What Becky's voters had to say:

~I have read and loved Becky Wade's books for awhile now! She is talented and brilliant. I love having the option to read romantic fiction that is Christian based and clean for the soul. It's wonderful! Thank you!!

~I wouldn't even need a beach to want to read your book, Becky Wade!

~LOVE Becky Wade!! Loved the conclusion to the Porter Family Series!! Perfect book poolside or other Summer destination or really any place any time!! :)

~Even though I have only read one of the books on this list (I look forward to checking some more of these out) i want to thank all the authors for doing what they do. I believe God uses you to help others. I love reading because it can just help me escape sometimes and than start fresh and go forward. Also encouraging our relationship with God through seeing your characters growing in faith. Thank you for writing even when it toughs because it makes a difference and matters to people like me!!!

~I just received a whole set of Becky Wade's books and can't wait to read them

~Becky Wade, I love your books. Keep up the great work

~I have loved all of Becky Wade's books! I am never disappointed with any of her books - I look forward to each next one. They are always on my to purchase list as soon as they come out - one of my new favorite authors! :)

Sneak Peak at Salsa and Speedbumps by Susan M. Baganz

One moment of sin leads to a path of pain . . . and unexpected love.

Welcome to Stephanie and Roberto's story! They have serious chemistry, but how many hurdles can they overcome? Both fun and deeply moving, this book will engage you from the start. Here's what readers have to say:

Fantastic read. Riveting from cover to cover. Susan has great storytelling skills that speak volumes. Although the book itself is fiction it did bring to the forefront the reality and seriousness of human trafficking.
Althea Zamzow (Amazon Review)

This book skillfully handles many issues in today’s society: date rape, addiction to pain killers, kidnapping, human trafficking, and the mafia. The well-written story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and the book is hard to put down. How much more can Robbie and Stephanie take before they’re broken apart by life’s circumstances?

Victoria Pitts Caine (Amazon Review)

Listen in on a conversation from the book:

“Christmas is just around the corner.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“Come on, dad and I didn’t do too bad getting a tree up and decorated.”
“You did a fine job. Much better than I could have managed with my bulging belling getting in the way.”
“I happen to be fond of your bulging belly. Reminds me of Santa Claus.”
“Very funny.” She snuggled up to Robbie’s side. “If you had a wish for Christmas, what would it be?”
“That forty years from now I would be as in love with you as I am today.”
Stephanie smiled. “I like that.”
“Did you have Christmas wish?”
“Mine wasn’t big enough.”
“What was it?”
“Really? You will laugh at me.”
“Really, I want to know.”
“I want a puppy.”
“A puppy.”
“Yes, a puppy.”
“We may need to wait awhile for that one. Dogs are not allowed on our lease.”
“I know, but you asked. Wishes don’t have to be realistic.”
“No, they don’t. But how about I lick your face and pant in your ear. Will that do in the meantime?”
Stephanie grinned and gave her husband a kiss, “Oh, that will do.”

So where did this story come from?

Susan, can you tell us what inspired you to write Salsa and Speedbumps?

The title was suggested by a friend after I wrote the first draft of Pesto & Potholes. I hadn’t really thought of writing a second novel but figured Renata’s roommate, Stephanie, who seemed to have things all together, might need to have her world shaken up a bit. I also knew someone who had been a victim of a date rape but those were words not really used much years ago. She kept the baby, met a great guy, became a Christian and married after the child was born. He adopted the little girl. And Roberto . . . well, I had to get some salsa in there somewhere so having a Hispanic character seemed a good way to do that along with busting some stereotypes about that culture in the process. Roberto’s back issues . . . well, I’ve struggled some with that but have known people with far worse pain like what he experiences . . . so he struggles with an issue many people have but don’t talk about, intense pain while recovering from an addiction to narcotics. The story became far more intense than I ever anticipated too and the heat between Roberto and Stephanie starts to build pretty early in the story.

The bigger question other than the issues was how does a Christian woman and man stay true to their faith and have integrity when life throws curveball after curveball their way. How do they navigate a relationship in the midst of those trials as well? It was fun to explore.

About the book:

Stephanie’s life hits a speedbump in the wake of her boyfriend’s sin. Splitting up with him, she faces a future of difficult choices shaded in shame. She wants to do what is right but the new man in her life leaves her fantasizing about a future that is now beyond her grasp.

Roberto finds his heart and professional world turned upside down by the beautiful bombshell. He struggles with his own inner demons and past so he’s not about to cast stones. When he is accused of immoral behavior, and temptation haunts him from every side, can he stand true to the calling God has given him?

Joining forces to face the future though comes at a high cost for them both as their individual pasts rise up to destroy them and their relationship. Integrity comes with a high price tag. With a deep faith in God and the help of friends at Orchard Hill Church, can they find happiness and love they long for?

Find the book on Amazon

Meet the author:

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church as well as on the board of the local ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writer’s) chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy ones—snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz/me

And the Win Goes to...

Restored

by Tanya Eavanson

 

 

PURCHASE

Amazon

B&N

iTunes

About Restored:

Dr. Steven Moore is known nationally for saving lives. If only he could save his own. Unable to deal with his cancer prognosis, he retreats to a happier time in his past—to the woman who once stole his heart.

Four years after the death of her beloved husband, bookstore owner Elizabeth Roberts still struggles to sustain her faith and joy in the Lord as she raises her two sons. She strives to find a way through her family's grief, never suspecting a man from her past might offer hope for her future.

 

But how can there be a future when he's only come to kiss her and says good-bye?

 

 

What COTT Voters Had to Say:

--Enjoy your books so much Tanya! Please continue writing. Such an inspiration!
--I love the way God unfolded this story for you, Tanya Eavenson. You are already a winner for sharing His message through your writing.
--What a great storyline, Tanya! Hope you win!
--"Restored" by Tanya Eavenson, is an uplifting and inspiring story that can be appreciated by everyone, especially when facing a challenge or struggle in life.
--Love you Tanya!!
--Tanya, enjoyed your first book and Looking forward to reading "Restored".
--I am enjoying your book, "Restored", very much. Tanya Eavenson is a very inspiring and creative writer. I look forward to reading more of her books.
--Wonderful story Tanya
--Tanya Eavenson. You are the bomb! Love you!
--Your book is on my must read list Tanya Eavenson!
--All of these covers were beautiful. The premise behind Tanya Eavenson's novel is intriguing!
--Can't wait to dig in to Tanya Eavenson's newest!

 

Q&A with Tanya:

 

Q. Why do you feel inspired to write inspirational Christian fiction?

 

A. I believe the Lord called me to write stories for Him. Several years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and it was a defining moment, not only dealing with my cancer prognosis, but asking the Lord if He truly called me to write as I thought or was I mistaken. But through the fears and searching for God’s direction, I learned He did indeed place this desire to write on my heart and no matter what I was facing in my life, that didn’t diminish His call. I’m inspired by the Lord to write inspirational Christian fiction so people may know the love of Christ. To know the depth He will go to have a relationship with us. And though we struggle, He uses us, He uses people like me, the ordinary, to do out of the ordinary things. Unexpected things—like writing.

 

Q. What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

 

A. I hope readers will take away the fact that God is our hope, our comfort, and our fortress. He is faithful--when those tough times come, and they will, He will never leave us. He is the One who gives us hope, a future, and a peace that transcends all understanding.

 

I dedicated RESTORED to those whose faith is shaken. To anyone who is searching. To anyone who needs to believe in the impossible. For as Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

 

About the Tanya:

Tanya Eavenson enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite

pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a

member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for

Christ to the World Ministries. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

The 2016 Laurel is here!

 

A NOTE TO PUBLISHED AUTHORS:

If you had a novel release any time in 2015, you're invited to submit to Clash of the Titles' Laurel Award!!

The Laurel is a contest available to any genre of Christian fiction published in 2015. The novels are judged by their audience—readers well-versed in Christian fiction yet not associated with the CBA industry.

Authors write for readers, so why not have readers be the judges?

With a submission fee of only $15, easy electronic submission, a bevy of prizes, and judges devoted to Christian fiction and author encouragement, the Laurel is a contest like no other.

But act quick! Slots are limited. To avoid overburdening our volunteer judges, we are limited in the number of submissions we can accept.

* All previous COTT champs whose winning novel was published in 2015 have an assured spot (fee waived) in the 2016 Laurel.

The Skinny:

ELIGIBILITY: Christian novels (30,000+ words) of any genre published between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

PRIZES: One first place winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a special feature on Clash of the Titles' blog, a tour through COTT’s Blog Alliance, a dedicated page on COTT’s site for a full year, an on-line radio interview with author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons, a digital winner’s badge, and a beautiful plaque to display at home.

COST: $15 USD

Novels participating in the Laurel are judged by their audience—readers who are well-versed in Christian fiction yet not a part of the CBA industry. This contest judges the first two chapters (or 3,500 words) of published novels. Any genre of Christian novel (30,000 words or more) is eligible, including indie.

SUBMISSION DATES: February 4, 2016-February 26, 2016

Learn more about the Laurel Awards HERE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her Candy Cane Christmas, by Bonnie Engstrom

Devastated by her fiancé’s abrasive treatment, Noelle cancels her wedding, including the flowers from florist Braydon Lovejoy. Can love bloom again in California? Will a Santa propose to her?

Noelle Day finally has the courage to break off her ill-fated engagement with her volatile fiancé and cancel their Christmas wedding. It’s embarrassing, and she has to share the humiliating reason with her friends The Candy Canes. The other five girls were to be her attendants in red taffeta gowns.

When she faints and falls into the arms of Braydon Lovejoy, the now former wedding florist, Braydon is confused by her abrupt manner. Who is this beautiful woman with the sepia hair and the huge brown eyes? Is she a damsel in distress as he suspects? He prays for an opportunity to find out.

Then he backs his delivery van into her precious red car, and he’s sure she would never go out with him, especially since he was hired to deliver a huge bouquet of roses to her from a secret admirer.

Noelle is confused how to respond when Bruce, the school principal, physically forces himself on her. After all, he is her boss, and she’s just a first year English teacher.

She finally accepts a lunch date with Braydon, and he takes her to Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar, California where she learns he is the local rose expert. But, Noelle worries their friendship is happening too fast and calls a respite.

One of the Candy Canes has a tragic accident, and the women bond together. But Braydon, who is not sure why he is involved, becomes their anchor.

Will Braydon’s prayers heal the hurts, physically and emotionally? Will the injured Candy Cane forgive the woman who caused her accident, the woman who is related to Bruce the principal? Will Noelle ever have her California Candy Cane Christmas?

A little bit about this book: Her Candy Cane Christmas has been festering in my heart for over five years. It started out as a possible story in a novella collection. The primary author dropped out because she didn’t like that I wrote about abuse, even though it is all off stage and gets resolved. Thus, the collection did not happen. However, I like to write about real problems that often happen in real life. So, what began as Candy Cane Roses became Her Candy Cane Christmas. It is still set in Newport Beach, California where it began. And, it does have a happy ending with all problems and distress resolved. It is a story that I believe needed to be told. I hope you do, too. Life has many struggles, but with God, faith can overcome them.

Please give me personal feedback, especially in my email. Just put BOOK in the subject line. Thank you.

My email address is: bengstrom@hotmail.com.

Please read my other stories on Amazon.com using my name Bonnie Engstrom to bring them up, or the titles of my stories:

• Butterfly Dreams


• A Winning Recipe


• A Cup of Love


• Her Culinary Catch


• Her Candy Cane Christmas

Most of them are FREE if you have Amazon Kindle Unlimited. A great value.

About Bonnie:



Bonnie Engstrom and her psychologist husband, Dave, live in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live in Costa Rica where they surf. But, they share their Arizona home with Sam and Lola, their two rescued mutts in charge of the household.

She used to bake dozens of Christmas cookies in November and freeze them so she would have a lot to pass out to neighbors. Now … well, that was a long time ago. Instead of cookies for Christmas, she writes. Her Candy Cane Christmas story set in Newport Beach, California, where her family was raised and where they have many fond Christmas memories, is perfect for gift giving. Or, for just cuddling up by the fire for an inspiring romance read.

She hopes you enjoy it and also gift it to special women in your life. Don’t forget to leave an honest review on Amazon.

And the COTT Winner Is...

Congratulations to

 

 

A Noble Masquerade

by Kristi Ann Hunter!

Book Blurb:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne may long to break free of her ladylike expectations as he approaches spinsterhood, but finding herself intrigued by her brother's new valet is more rebellion than she planned. When she accidentally begins exchanging letters with a long-lost duke, things become even more complicated. Especially when hidden state secrets and dangerous encounters prove everything isn't exactly as it seems.

Reviews:
4 1/2 stars and Top Pick! from RT
Debut author Hunter pens a fantastic Regency romance. The characters are endearing and their motivations are not always what they might seem on the surface. This air of mystery adds depth to the tale. The romance portrayed is top notch and will cause readers to sigh with delight in the end.

A few words from our voters:

• Kristi Ann Hunter is a fantastic author!


• Go, go, go Kristi! Love the cover and the title!


• Kristi Ann Hunter, i loved this book. great characters and
  wonderful story line.


• Kristi Ann Hunter, you rock and your book is awesome! :D

Kristi shared the below information with us, too!

Book News:
An Elegant Facade, the sequel to A Noble Masquerade, is available for paperback pre-order on Amazon.

Book club prize packs are still available for book clubs that select A Noble Masquerade.
http://www.kristiannhunter.com/#!bookclubs/c1gbn

Ongoing Contests:
12 Books, 12 Winners Christian Historical Romance contest. A Noble Masquerade is one of the books that will be given away.
http://dawncrandall.blogspot.com/2015/11/win-one-of-twelve-new-paperback-releases.html?m=0

Caught You Reading Contest where you could win a sneak peek at my next novel.
http://www.kristiannhunter.com/#!contests/calh

Buy Links Available here: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/#!a-noble-masquerade/c190y 



Author Bio:
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She currently lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com

A Little Chat w/Darlene Franklin

Best-selling author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV, in addition to writing. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over fifty books and more than 250 devotionals. Her historical fiction ranges from the Revolutionary War to World War II, from Texas to Vermont.

~♦~♦~

Welcome to Whispers in Purple, Darlene. It’s great to have you here today. Let’s chat a little.

How do you start your day?

I try to have my quiet time first thing. Otherwise I get caught up in other things. Breakfast whenever it’s served (I live in a nursing home) After that, it depends on the day.

What ten words best describe you?

I asked my friends, so I wouldn’t be bragging about myself. According to them, I am encouraging, smart, creative, tenacious, kind, friendly, sweet, giving, faithful. On my best days, that’s the person I want to be.

Those are great, admirable traits, Darlene. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing every day since 1991.

What authors have inspired or mentored you?

My original mentors were the writers I met with every other week for years: Vickie Baker, Janet Garmon, Laurel Becker, Sheila Seifert. Tamela Hancock Murray believed in me enough to be my agent. Susan Page Davis and Cynthia Hickey have been close writing partners and co-workers throughout the years. From there, I could list dozens of authors who have touched my life over the years.

What is your favorite food?

Either a rare steak or a hot caramel & fudge sundae

Yummy! I love a rare steak, too. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Hmm. Maybe traveling home to Maine from Mexico City by bus?

Yikes! I would say that definitely qualifies!

Describe your writing process.

I used to have a lengthy pre-writing process. Now I write in chunks. For the next hour, I’m writing on my big project. Break. For the next half hour, I’m editing devotionals, and then I’m posting on Facebook for half an hour and take a break. At any time I may be interrupted for a shower, to clean the room, eat a meal . . .

OKAY, let’s talk about your book.

•  Title: Gifts of Christmas
• · Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances
• · Release Date: 8/23/15
• · Genre: historical romance, novella, holiday

Tell us a little bit about it and how you came to write it.

Gifts of Christmas is a trio of three stories I had already written. An Apple for Christmas is part of the Christmas Traditions series. Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter was originally published by Barbour about a family of four sisters with significant ranching skills. And Christmas Visitors is a short story my agent encouraged me to write last year, one of my first solo-published books and which has been well received.

Give us the back cover blurb:

Enjoy Christmas from time gone by, when times were simpler and celebrations wholesome. In Gifts of Christmas, Darlene Franklin has brought us clean, sweet stories that celebrate the true meaning of the holiday and leave our hearts warm and our spirits uplifted.
Includes the novellas: An Apple for Christmas, Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter, and Christmas Visitors

Give us the buy link/s where folks can purchase it.

http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Christmas-romantic-novellas-ebook/dp/B014DT19DA/

Where can folks find you on the Internet?

• Website/blog: http://darlenefranklinwrites.com/
• Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.Franklin
• Twitter: @darlenefranklin

~♦~♦~

Thank you so much Darlene for being my guest on Whispers in Purple. God’s Blessings on you and your writing career.

Announcing the 2015 Laurel Award!

2015 LAUREL AWARD WINNER

 

Author Dawn Crandall's novel

The Bound Heart

is the winner of Clash of the Titles's fifth annual Laurel Award.

 

CONGRATULATIONS, DAWN!

 

Dawn will receive the following: a beautiful banner to display on her website; a year-long page on COTT dedicated to the winning book, The Bound Heart; a "Heart of the Matter" radio interview with author and Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L Simmons; a feature tour on COTT's Blog Alliance; a lovely plaque.

The Bound Heart was chosen by a panel of judges who narrowed the list of competing novels to three. From there, the panel put their choices to a straight vote. Dawn's novel, The Bound Heart, took home the crown.

Special thanks to each of our judges who volunteered their time to this contest!

BRIEF SUMMARY OF The Bound Heart:

One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her best friend...

Stay tuned for the full-length feature of Dawn's winning novel, The Bound Heart!

PURCHASE THE BOOK ON AMAZON

 

And the CLASH Goes On

A BRIDE AT LAST by Melissa Jagears! Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts. Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father. Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

 

 

 

 

Here's what Publisher's Weekly has to say:

In [Jagears'] latest novel [A Bride at Last], . . . the characters are all well-balanced and engaging: Silas' struggle with his failed marriage, struggling faith, and dark past makes him sympathetic; Kate's commitment to Anthony gives her depth and pathos; and their romance develops realistically . . . a memorable read for fans of redemptive historical romances.

Check out her upcoming release, With This Ring?

A historical novella compilation of four award winning authors - Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings and Melissa Jagears Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives. Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

Find it here on Amazon

 About Melissa:

Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian Historical Romance after everyone is asleep. She’s the author of the Unexpected Brides Series with Bethany House. The prequel ebook novella, Love by the Letter is free to try. You can learn more about her, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com