Mistletoe Mania! and book launch

Celebrating release day for our Christmas Holiday Extravaganza 2018!

Today, the three Happy Holiday stories featuring Mistletoe are highlighted below!

But first, a little about mistletoe.

TODAY - DECEMBER 1 - ONLY
FACEBOOK LAUNCH AND GIVEAWAY
FACEBOOK 10:30-Noon EST, 9:30-11 AM CST

Mistletoe—it puts a picture in everyone’s mind, doesn’t it? Mostly we think of this little plant as a cute holiday decoration put up in doorways or other passageways to encourage a kiss. It’s an ancient plant with over 13,000 species worldwide, many of which are endangered. North America has over 30 different species alone.

So, what is it? Would it change your mind about the cute kissing Christmas decoration if I told you that it’s partially a parasite? It can grow on its own and makes its own food through photosynthesis; it just prefers the easy way out by attaching itself to some kind of tree and eating from it. Those thousands of species come in several shapes and sizes, with different berries. Some types are shrubby with little flowers and white berries that are poisonous; some prefer growing on oak trees, most on apple trees.

Naturally such an ancient plant has many legends associated with it. Celtic people of northern Europe, Greeks, Germans, and Scandinavians stories have been passed down through the eons. Mistletoe is revered as a symbol of fertility and emasculation, depending on what part of a king’s reign he finds himself in. The ancient Druids used it in their cult ceremonies. We’re trying to keep it upbeat here, so that’s as far as I’ll go. You can look up more if you want. In various cultures it was considered to ward off evil spirits, put out fires, and bring about peace. Enemies could make peace treaties underneath a ball of mistletoe; in Scandinavia, embattled spouses could make up and kiss under the mistletoe. In France, kissing under mistletoe was once considered a New Year’s Day custom.

In Scandinavian mythology "the Death of Baldur", the plant was sacred to Frigga. She was the mother of Balder, who dreamed that if he died, all life on earth would end. Frigga went to all the elements, air, fire, water and earth, as well as the animals and plants and exacted a promise that nothing on earth or under the earth would harm her son and thus end all life. Unfortunately, she overlooked mistletoe, which grows neither on nor under earth, but in the trees. Loki had an arrow made of mistletoe and gave it to Hoder who killed Balder. Frigga’s tears for her son became the white berries on the plant. Balder was restored to life three days later. Frigga kissed everyone under the mistletoe who came to offer help. Can you relate this tale to the Christian story of Jesus?

Mistletoe’s mythical healing powers are beginning to be studied in modern medicine as a cancer treatment. Although mistletoe parasite growths affects the life cycle of the trees it “infests,” the growth harbors nesting birds, including endangered species such as the spotted owl, as well as small nesting mammals, and butterflies such as various hairstreaks, and bees. The berries are poisonous to humans, but many creatures rely on them during times of scarcity.

So—mistletoe the misunderstood? Mistletoe the romantic? Which side are you on?

Come back and check in on THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 to see the post and review here.
$2.99 eBook
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Barnes and Noble

Mistletoe Mix-up - Evan Edwards faces another lonely Christmas in the dorm. His mom is on her fourth, or maybe it's her fifth, honeymoon. A rain-soaked ad promises free room and board in exchange for holiday decorating. Evan jumps at the chance to spend Christmas in a cozy home. The owners won't even be there until Christmas Day, so he'll have plenty of time to practice their piano for his graduation recital. He heads for Candle, Tx. Across the street, Rise' Larkin, also home from college for the holidays, has some bad news for her widowed father.

As Evan and Rise's friendship grows, Evan wonders if he might have a future with a family of his own. Evan realizes, nearly too late, that he's been living in, and decorating the wrong house! Will this crazy mistletoe mix-up ruin his Christmas, or possibly, even his future?

Come back SATURDAY DECEMBER  8 to read the full post and review here.
$2.99 eBook
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Barnes and Noble

A former musician, Melody Staff, spends Christmas at a bed and breakfast in the village of Mistletoe Meadows. While everyone sings familiar carols of Christ drawing near, Melody stumbles over misplaced notes. Her recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis has scared off her fiancé and thrust her life into a grand pause. Will her heart ever sing again? Quentin Oxford has endured a devastating year. His preteen daughter suffered a stroke, and they’ve grieved his wife’s sudden death, but the Lord coaxes a surprising refrain from Quentin’s heart as God rewrites his and Melody’s score into a love song.

$2.99 eBook

Purchase links:

AMAZON UK 

AMAZON US 

BARNES AND NOBLE 

Ivy has just cause to be wary of men. Her long-time fiancé backed out of their wedding. The slow fizzle of their undramatic relationship leaves her wondering if romance is a myth. Then, Adam, an intriguing new member of her pet organization, catches Ivy’s attention. Unfortunately, his cat Isis, a beautiful purebred Egyptian Mau, prefers to pick on her cat, Memnet. Ivy would like to get to know Adam better, but with her self-esteem in the gutter and feline fights at every turn, she wonders how to proceed.

When Ivy agrees to help a clingy friend find her missing pet, she learns that true love doesn’t need theatrics. There’s hope for Adam and Ivy, if only their cats would approve.

New Romance from Jennifer Trethewey

Betting the Scot

Jennifer Trethewey

C. 2018

Entangled

Historical Romance

3.99 eBook

20.99 Print

Buy on Amazon 

Buy on Barnes and Noble

About the Book

Declan Sinclair is a Highlander who believes his dreams never lie. When he spots Caya at a public house, he knows instantly she is the woman in his dreams—his future wife. Though her brother had promised never to gamble again, he engages Declan in a card game—and the prize is the lovely Caya.

Caya Pendarvis has no time for childish things like dreams or fairy-tales or love. She’s the sacrificial lamb on her way to the far north of Scotland to wed a wealthy merchant in exchange for settling her brother’s gambling debts.

Winning at cards is one of the many things Declan Sinclair does well. Unfortunately, the ability to court a woman—a talent he lacks—is the only skill he desperately needs to win Caya’s heart.

My Review

Trethewey’s Balforss house books are a delight to those who adore hunky historical bawdy but fun and fairly clean romance. I know, I needed to hide the cover from my hubs, too. There’s just no comparison. As mentioned in the description, it’s a family saga of stand-alones, tied by setting and characters.

Who doesn’t love a guy who buys a bathtub for a wife he has only dreamed about? I admit I fell for Declan in the first book, his sweetness and cluelessness, but braver than brave and true-hearted beyond belief.

At a time period where women, even those who’ve reached the great age of twenty-five and orphaned but under the “care” of a destructive sibling, Caya is at the bottom of the well of opportunity. She seems pretty resigned to her fate, the truth of which is only hinted at through her naiveté. The horror of it comes at a terrible price and sets up the next story beautifully, which makes me yearn to read it. In the meantime, first sight of an eager and yummy dark-haired Scot who keeps staring at Caya with a too-familiar ogle makes her look back. And again. And so begins a truly epic love affair, pirates and all.

Held at bay by wise Uncle John, Caya and Declan weather issues such as unbearable longing, accusations of witchcraft, and a quasi-amorous vicar contending for Caya’s hand. While it might have detracted from the romance, I would have been interested to see more of the effects of the gossiping nearby villagers after Caya performs a heroic task.

Nevertheless, the Sinclairs are a lovely family and a few hours in the Highlands with men of virtue and their dynamic lasses is truly a delight.

About the author:

Trethewey claims to have fallen in love with the Highlands and all things Scottish: the people, their language, cuisine, customs, idioms, humor, history, intense sense of pride, and, most of all, the land--the perfect setting for sweeping romantic tales of love, strife, and glory. As they say, Scotland is pure dead brilliant! She’s an actress, former co-artistic director of a professional theater company, and she and her husband operate an improv comedy club. They live in the Midwest. 

About the book:

A modern retelling of the Old Testament story of Ruth—a sweet romance about courage, loyalty, and second chances.

When Julia passes through the small town of Coldwater, driving her screeching pickup with her mother-in-law and everything she owns in the RV they’re towing, all she wants is to get Helen settled on what’s left of the family farm and hurry back to civilization.

Julia’s still mourning her husband, and so romance is the last thing on her mind. But whenever Neil Ashe shows up, the attraction between them flares—even though his divorce has left him leery of city women, and she’s not interested in muscle-bound farmers, no matter how handsome they may be.

Julia soon realizes she’s going to have to stick around to help Helen hold on to her forty-acres because someone is after them. Besides, how could she leave her mother-in-law to the tender mercies of the legalistic bullies who have taken over Bethel Church? They pick at Helen like Job’s “friends,” telling her God has cursed her. Why else would her husband and both sons die in tragic accidents?

Julia is determined to deal with everything on her own, just as she’s been doing ever since Lucas died. But Neil thinks it’s his job to make all their problems go away. Will Julia stubbornly go it alone, holding on to both her pride and the memory of her husband, or will she ask Neil to come to the rescue—and into her heart?

Lisa's review:

I was a Deborah Heal fan before I learned she was working on a series of Biblical fiction set in contemporary times. This story of Ruth and Naomi is a beautiful and timeless story perfectly fit for today. I learned a lot about the setting and fully enjoyed the characters as they played out the loyalty, despair and love that go along with making a forever commitment. I adore too-good-to-be-true heroes, even though they make me sigh into tomorrow and realize they're not perfect. That only makes them sweeter. We don't get to know Boaz's inner angst in the Bible, but the author of Holding On made an excellent and determined effort to show it.

No, it's not the time traveling adventure of her earlier series, but show Heal's versatility, and you know...in a way, we do time travel here in this story that parallels the biblical romance of Ruth and Boaz. Recommended for teens and up. Told from multiple viewpoints.

3.99 eBook

11.99 Print

Buy on Amazon US

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

DiAne Gates and her new novel Twisted

In these days of transient and blended families we’ve lost the generational stories of the good ole’ and not-so-good ole’ days, and have settled for the deception of a me-first, get-it-now culture. And relationships within families are the casualties. This breaks my heart for the kids, their parents, and grandparents.

My introduction to the action-packed world of rodeo, a number of years ago, seemed the perfect background to convey a story of teens trapped in circumstances beyond their control. Yet to confirm to teens and adults reading ROPED and TWISTED there is a Sovereign Creator God who is in control of all things. A God who loves them and died for them, so they in turn might live for Him—even when they don’t have a care or clue who He is or what He’s done.

But that process sometimes takes years, and some are lost in the process, as the Fairgate family history shouts.

The three teen personalities of ROPED and TWISTED had to be diametrically opposed to each other at the core of their being. And Crissy Crosby, Jodie Lea Fairgate, and Chun Len have lived up to and beyond my expectations—real life teens with a boo-coodle of every day and not so everyday problems they must face. Problems that threaten to destroy them and their families.

Jesus conveyed His message to the crowds by parables—stories of their culture which ordinary people could understand and hopefully apply to their lives. If our Lord used this method, don’t you think we might reach others for the Kingdom if we told our stories to those He places in our path?

Crissy Crosby, my protagonist, has a get-‘er-done at all costs attitude that is often annoying and generally plunges her in a heap-a-trouble. Guess whose character traits I followed for that girl? Uh-huh! Yours truly, my daughter, and granddaughter! Those apples didn’t fall far from that tree.

Jodie Lea Fairgate’s downright hateful and mean. Devoid of any comprehension of what’s right and good, while she lives in the luxury of the town’s rich, but bully father and coward mother.

Chun Len and his family immigrated from China and have just arrived in a small town in East Texas. Where the Fairgates despise anything different.

One of my edit partners fell in love with Chun from the get-go. And oh my, doesn’t racial prejudice punch a hot button in our world today? But Crissy can’t abide prejudice in any shape, size, or form—especially from Jodie Lea Fairgate.

ROPED gave us a peek into the dark side of consequences, but TWISTED rips off the secret death shroud of the Fairgates cesspool of relatives.

I’m seven chapters into Book Three, UNTIED, and all I can tell y’all is hang on to your hats!!! It’s going to get gruesome! But God is still in control.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NAS).

Buy Twisted on Amazon $4.99
Buy Roped on Amazon $3.99

About DiAne:

Texas writer, DiAne Gates, illustrates and writes fiction for children and YA, and serious non-fiction for the folks. Her passion is calling the Church’s attention to how far we’ve catapulted from God’s order and walking in obedience to Him as evidenced by her blog Moving the Ancient Boundaries.

DiAne worked as a photographer and writer for the East Texas Youth Rodeo Association magazine, and had the opportunity to be in the rodeo arena, feel the sting of Texas turf in her face and across her camera lens, giving birth to her western rodeo adventure series, released by Prism Book Group in August of 2015, ROPED. This first book of the series placed #5 on Top Ten Christian Reads for Teens and Tweens, 2016, as well as being a finalist in the 2015 Grace Awards, and a finalist in The Christian Literary Henri Awards for 2016.

 Book Two in the ROPED SERIES—TWISTED, was released by Pelican Book Group July 14, 2017.  And the third book, UNTIED, her current WIP, continues the adventure of two Texas teens and their families. DiAne writes a monthly article for Crosswalk, an online Christian magazine.

She also leads LifeSavers, an adult edit group for North Texas Christian Writers. And has a new blog THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF FLAVOR, where she shares family recipes and many tricks to cutting calories while retaining a massive injection of southern and southwest flavor into each tasty bite. DiAne facilitates GriefShare, an international support ministry for those who’ve lost loved ones.

Wife, mother, and Mimi, her passion is to share those hard life lessons God allows in our lives. Lessons she hopes will leap from the page into your heart and play out in loving family relationships.

Movingthe Ancient Boundaries

TheSouthern Side of Flavor

Web

Crosswalk

Facebook

Robin E Mason Debut series Unsavory Heritage

Tessa, book one of Unsavory Heritage

Robin E Mason

E-book $6.99

Print $19.95

510 pp

Buy on Amazon 

About the book

One mother. Two daughters. One favorite. One not. 

When Cassie Barclay is presented with an opportunity – or is it a curse – she jumps at the chance. She takes on a new life, her sister’s life, and although at first, it holds appeal and promise, she soon realizes sometimes the fairy tale is tainted.

Assuming the name of Tessa, Cassie moves into the life that was her sister’s, and faces first one realization then another, one disappointment after another. Stepping into Connie’s life does not automatically grant her all that Connie had or was.

But it does deny all that she had and was as Cassie. As herself.

My review

Mason has woven a tale of generational disjointed love and hate, judgement calls gone wrong, passion and forgiveness.

Christmas birthdays aren’t the only thing the Barclay women have in common. A penchant for finding trouble is another. Mason eventually focuses on the 1950s and the title daughter in this story of lovely, talented women who are disappointed by circumstances and relationships. The book is a virtual visit to this era, one of glamour and glitz, of unreality and reinvention. It takes some time to get here, though, as the story is told in cyclic form, starting with the revelation of a secret, then regressing to an earlier era.

Told in fits and starts, jumping around in time and from an outside wide perspective, this long story is a virtual romp through family secrets, shame, and triumph—thus the “Unsavory” heritage. The desire to be loved and accepted propels the cycle of poor judgement calls and missed opportunities. When an accident opens a strange crack in the family, the unloved daughter attempts to bridge the gap. A huge cast wanders in and out of the generations. Everyone is tied to together and the ripple of choices washes over all of the others. It took me a while to get familiar with the names and relationships, but once we jumped into Cassie/Tessa’s life, the twists just kept coming. Those who love family drama and multi-generational twentieth century stories told in wide angle format will enjoy this series.

About the Author

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa, in 2013. Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design. I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years. My characters face many of these same demons. 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

I have three novels published, the Unsavory Heritage series. Tessa, Clara Bess, and Cissy are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. I also have several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) 9 by Mary Blowers as well as a short story, “Sarafina’s Light,” also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. I will also be working on a personal compilation of poetry to be released in 2017.

You can connect with Robin at:
http://www.robinemason.com
http://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

The other books in the series are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I will review them in the future. ~Lisa

Book 2 Clara Bess 

Book 3 Cissy 

In Times Like These with Gail Kittleson

In Times Like These

Gail Kittleson amazon author page

Goodreads

Buy: 

Amazon

BN

About the book:

Pearl Harbor attacked! The United States is at war. But Addie fights her own battles on the Iowa home front. Her controlling husband Harold vents his rage on her when his father's stroke prevents him from joining the military. He degrades Addie, ridicules her productive victory garden, and even labels her childlessness as God's punishment. When he manipulates his way into a military unit bound for Normandy, Addie learns that her best friend Kate's pilot husband has died on a mission, leaving her stranded in London in desperate straits. Will Addie be able to help Kate, and find courage to trust God with her future?

My review:

Many characters made the start slightly puzzling, but once I sorted out who belonged to whom, the pages almost turned themselves. Great period piece exploring family dynamics and interpersonal relationships as well as the growth of self-esteem and the importance of friendship.

In Times Like These is a lesson of intergenerational frustration on one front, and love and healing on another. Addie grows up oddly innocent and sheltered in a terribly dysfunctional family, while her husband, Harold, likewise grows up watching his father verbally and emotionally abuse his mother, though not to the extent his own righteousness led him to act out on the wife he settled for and the life he felt was dealt to him. Instead of doing his best, Harold felt victimized when things didn’t go his way, and took out his selfishness on those around him. Addie, with her poor self-image, learned through the help of her neighbors and friends, to stand up for herself.

This story proves the importance of self-revelation based on an intimate faith in God, not the interpretations of Scripture and faith practices of others where “right,” “wrong,” and “justifiable” are usually in the eye of the beholder.

Loved it and would read it again. Great for discussion groups and those who like well-researched WWII era on the US side and female character growth.

New Inspirational Fiction from Jan Elder

About the Book

Didi O’Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she’s not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he’s been unfaithful, and he’s not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind.

Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction.

Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?

Prism Book Group, September 2016

$3.99 eBook

$14.99 Print

ISBN:  978-1537410845

Buy on Amazon

A Brief Interview with Jan

Jan, welcome. Tell us what do you love about this book.

Seven (long) years ago, I started to write my first book, Love, Lies, and Fireflies. I loved the process of dreaming up exceptional characters with unique personalities and it kick-started my creative juices. Creating characters with hardships and major flaws, just like real people, was something I really wanted to achieve in an entertaining way. And what was most important? Making sure that God showed up as a central character—without being preachy. That will always be a passion for me.  

One of the most wonderful aspects of writing this book, though, was that I could slip parts of REAL people in there. The hero, Jake Montgomery, is a lot like my dear husband and the heroine, Didi O’Brien, has a lot of me in her. In the novel, Didi’s father passes away many years before the book starts and my own amazing father died in 1992. I made Didi’s dad a lot like my own. She has wonderful memories of sweet times spent with her father, and so do I. In fact, the title of the book has a lot to do with her daddy. I feel pleased that by including him in my book, I can honor my father in this special way.

Cool! That is an awesome tribute. I doubt I'll ever publish my first book, but every once in a while I pull it out and glance through it. Introduce us to the easiest character to work with.

That would have to be Jacob Scott Montgomery, a.k.a. Jake the easygoing introvert with the word “hero” stamped on the back of his tee-shirt. Seriously, though, he’s a good guy who’s had some real tragedy in his life, but he’s determined to make it through.

I’ll give you a taste of this sweetheart’s personality with a short excerpt from the book:

Didi opened the door with a sunny smile. “Hi, Jake. I see you found me.”

On this unseasonably warm evening she was wearing cream-colored slacks and a petal-sleeved, burgundy, flowered top. Jake had remembered her as being cute, but this evening, his date was downright beautiful.

Full of admiration, his eyes widened. “Nice outfit. You look great.” He handed her the bouquet with a flourish. “I hope you like flowers.”

Didi’s face lit up with pleasure. “How thoughtful, Jake. I love flowers, and these are beautiful. Please come in for a minute, and I’ll put these in water.”

They moved into the living room as the cat from the window scampered into the room.

“Remember Maisie? I hope you’re not allergic to cats.”

“Definitely not allergic. I have a cat of my own.” He squatted down and extended his hand to the calico. “My, you’re pretty.” Maisie sidled up to him, rubbed her face against his leg, and fell in a happy heap at his feet. Doubtless, it was because his hands still smelled like the catnip he’d just given his own cat, Lucy, but there was no need to share that information with Didi.

“Little flirt.” Didi slanted her head. “I’m shocked. Maisie’s usually wary of men, so this is a monumental occasion. Look at her. She’s practically batting her eyelashes at you.”

Jake hoped to have Didi batting lashes at him soon, but for now, winning over her cat was a good start.

Sounds like a guy you’d like to take home to mother, doesn’t he?

Definitely! Share two things you learned during either the writing or publication process of this book.

Everything takes longer than expected but you make some wonderful friends along the way.

And speaking of friends, in the Christian world, publishing is not only about what sells, but also about how to get the word out there that God loves us unconditionally and He wants to have a real, exciting, personal relationship with His children. If we are all focusing on this truth as a team, nobody loses. I am blessed to work with so many remarkable authors who feel the same way.

What do you hope readers will tell others when they've finished the book?

I will share a review I received on Amazon that made my heart soar. As an author, hearing words like this are so very uplifting because you feel the reader actually “got” what you were trying so hard to convey. A humbling moment that truly brought tears to my eyes and a “Thank you, Jesus”:

This story certainly didn’t disappoint! The characters were engaging and well developed. In fact, they practically came to life and jumped right off the page. On the surface, this was a romantic tale with a suspenseful twist, but on a deeper level, this story explored the love of God and many other Christian issues. As the story unfolded, it discussed the complexity of dating relationships and the consequences of certain choices. I appreciated how the author gave the characteristics of abusive relationships and explained how a person could get out of one. I also appreciated the emphasis the author put on God. I thought this was a truly wonderful book. It had romance, suspense, and a beautiful, redemptive message. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

What are you reading now?

I’m SO glad you asked that question. I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. this morning reading an advance copy of YOUR new novel, UnderStory. That’s another cool thing about being an author—getting to read some stellar books before anyone else!

Blushing...Thanks, Jan. What's next for you?

I’ve just finished writing a Christmas novella for a boxed set with four other inspirational authors. The set is called Frosting and Flurries and there is a cake and a celebration featured in each book somewhere. My book is titled Moostletoe, set in a fictional town in Maine called Moose Creek. Here’s the short blurb:

Rev. Samantha Evans lands in Moose Creek, Maine, where parishioners chew up new ministers for breakfast. Happily, she also reunites with forest ranger Eric Palmer, her best friend from her teenage years. With Samantha’s career on the line, Eric must save her job and rescue his own shattered heart in the process. But where does Matilda the moose factor in?  

At the moment, I am writing book 2 in the series, tentatively titled Moosed Opportunities. Lots of fun!

That does sound like fun. Can't wait to see it in print. I've got Love, Lies, and Fireflies on my list. Watch for a review!

About Jan

Jan Elder is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.  

Happily married for thirteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Connect with Jan:

http://janelderauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/janice.elder.author

https://twitter.com/JanElderAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13261561.Jan_Elder

https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Elder/e/B00VXW5F2C/

Mystery Review of Carole Brown and Knight in Shining Apron

I introduced Carole Brown's newest book, the second in the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries series here.

Print:11.99
Ebook: 2.99
Buy on Amazon

As promised, here's my review.

Hints of an abusive relationship between restauranteur Starli and her late husband are the focus of this romantic intrigue. When first introduced, it seemed Starli had a huge chip on her shoulder and was at odds with many in the town, including her former brother-in-law, a policeman, who constantly threatens to avenge his sibling’s death. Starli has more on her plate to deal with as her former head chef abruptly leaves, with an ominous note “accidentally” left for Starli to find, vandalism and sabotage taking place in her business, a youngster in the kitchen who thinks she’s management material, an over-confident, over-the-top knighted British chef stepping in at the request of her maître d, and a boring confidant banker who wants to be more. What’s a widow to do?

Book Two of the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries (after Sabotaged Christmas) is a charming follow up. Told in alternating points of view, Sir Joel tasks himself with uncovering his new boss’s skittish untrusting persona as he repays his uncle for past kindness in rescuing this damsel in distress. Starli deals with scary parts of threats and well-meaning friends and employees who think it’s time she get out and live again after the death of her terrifying husband. Clues, plenty of red herrings, several twists all make the reader keep turning pages…and that’s only in the first quarter of the book. A proposal gone awry, a dreadful accident, and a surprise confession all bring this sweet and savory story to a satisfactory conclusion.

A huge cast will keep you entertained as well as guessing and salivating during the courses of Knight in Shining Apron.

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! :)

Kathy Rouser talks modern day Woman at the Well Allegory with Rumors and Promises

About the Book:

Sophie Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow, considers herself abandoned by her family and God. Wary, self-reliant Sophie is caught off guard when meeting a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the local mercantile.

In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to God.

While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show concern for Sophie plight, he could risk everything - including his position as pastor of Stone Creek.

Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together forever, or drive both deeper into despair?

Buy the book on Amazon.com 

$4.99 eBook; $14.95 Print

April 18, 2016

Heritage Beacon Fiction
Buy on LPC Books

A brief interview with the Author:

Kathy, what do you love about Rumors and Promises?  

I originally wrote this story more than 12 years ago, so the characters have become like old friends to me. With my characters and the evolution of several drafts and versions of Rumors and Promises, I’ve learned so much about writing. Of course there’s always more to learn.

            Sophie Biddle’s story in Rumors and Promises really began as an attempt to convey a story similar to the account of the woman at the well in chapter four of the Gospel of John. At the time editors weren’t interested in biblical fiction. But I was also constrained by the guidelines of Christian publishing. How could I have my protagonist be a woman of bad reputation while preserving her purity? The character of Sophia Bidershem, an heiress concealing her identity with a slightly different name and trying to pass off her toddler daughter as her sister, was born. The out-of-wedlock-pregnancy had not come about by her volition, but she loves her child anyway, and does what she must to take care of her.

            Then I thought about who had the most to lose in becoming involved in the life of these runaway girls, just as the disciples became shocked Jesus would associate with the Samaritan woman. Pastor Ian McCormick would have much to lose if his reputation was besmirched by friendship with a “fallen woman.” Of course that’s where the similarities end. Jesus is sinless while Ian is a flawed man trying to start over with a new congregation because of past failings.

            What begins as ministry to a poor girl and her little sister turns into a deeper relationship than either of Sophie or Ian bargained for. Doubts about little Caira being her sister cause tongues to wag in Stone Creek and they are eventually faced with a dilemma about whether or not to confess the truth. Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman compassionately, but He also helped her face the truth of her sin, so that He could become living water to her.

            Rumors and Promises is a story close to my heart in that it shows a mother’s love and sacrifice. I also hope it exemplifies the power of God to make blessings out of the difficult things in life along with His ability to heal and renew.

            Sophie sacrificed for Caira at the cost of her reputation, in a time when a woman’s reputation meant everything. Sophie knew it wasn’t her child’s fault she’d been sexually assaulted and loved her daughter despite the circumstances in which she was conceived.   Ian has a lesson to learn about whether or not to put his own reputation above the welfare of others. They both have an opportunity to make choices that will move them forward rather than keep them bound to the past. And know they must ask God for help to accomplish this transformation. We are all faced with these kinds of choices, even today. Our situations may be completely different, but we can stay chained to the past or move forward with the Lord’s help.

            My novel’s original title was “Before the Promised Land” and my theme verse is: I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2, KJV)

            If it’s sin you’re bound to, then He has the power to free you. If you have deep hurts or grief, Jesus wants you to trust Him for the future and bring healing into your life. Even when we are forever changed by circumstances, He can use them for good. I’m counting on that!

            I have loved the whole process of developing the story and deepening the characters with each draft. It’s been a blessing.

Lisa: I'm so glad you had the patience to keep plugging along and not give up, Kathy. I'm excited for you and this work.

Two things you learned from researching/publishing this story:

Since Pastor Ian McCormick wants to start a mission in the small town of Stone Creek for pregnant unwed girls and “fallen” women, I looked up what similar missions there had been in the Detroit area around 1900. To my surprise I found that Crittenton Hospital had its roots in such a mission. The Florence Crittenton missions had been started by Charles Crittenton all around the country to help unwed mothers and prostitutes. After his daughter passed away when she was only four, Mr. Crittenton came to faith in Christ and wanted to do a good work in memory of his daughter. Crittenton Hospital still flourishes today as a large modern medical facility on the east side of the city.

            I also learned how difficult it can be to find specific historical details. I looked for whether gaslights and telephones were common in small towns. Would it be likely that they had wood burning or coal stoves? Information varied and I did my best to make a realistic decision. I also didn’t want anything to appear in my book before it would have appeared in the historical timeline.

Lisa: I knew all that research we did with our novellas in Brave New Century came from your love of history and bringing it to life.         

Who is your least favorite character?

Originally I would have said my primary antagonist, Gertrude Wringer, but since she is important to the story, I will say Cecilia Neuberger is my least favorite. She is the spoiled daughter of the kind storekeeper and is bent on making Sophie feel left out, but in a sickly-sweet way. I describe Cecilia as all “ribbons and corkscrew curls.” She pretends to act friendly, making sure Sophie knows she’s not good enough to be part of the town’s social activities. She’s plain stuck up and mean spirited!

What have you been reading?

The Prophetess by Jill Eileen Smith and Restored, by Tanya Eavenson, to name a couple. Seems I’m always reading more than one book, but eventually focus on finishing one of them at a time.

What’s next for you?

I am writing the stand-alone sequel to Rumors and Promises with the working title, A Good Medicine. Here’s the tag line: A widow and a pharmacist find remedies for what ails them most where they least expect it.

            It also takes place in Stone Creek, involving a widow and a widower, who each have children. Maggie Galloway is a strong woman trying to decide how to steer her future. Thomas Harper, the new apothecary in town, is struggling with his brood of four children and starting his business in the town.

            There’s a lot of humor, healing, and hope in this story as Maggie, Thomas, and their families clash and, yet, manage to find common ground.

            I’m also editing my biblical novel manuscript, which is about both of Moses’ mothers. It’s a totally different world than Michigan in 1900. I definitely have plenty of writing projects and ideas to keep me busy.

            Thank you so much, Lisa, for having me as a guest on your blog. It’s been fun.

Lisa: It's been a pleasure. I'm intrigued by your next work. Thanks for sharing.

About the Author:

Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl. Her debut novella, "The Pocket Watch," is part of Brave New Century, a Christian historical romance anthology, published in 2013 by Prism Book Group (Inspired Romance). Her short story, "Special Assignment" was part of the Amazon bestseller, Christmas Treasures. Kathleen has also been published in Homeschool Digest, An Encouraging Word, and Happy Sis magazines. She contributes regularly to Novel PASTimes, a blog devoted to promoting mainly Christian historical fiction and to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog. She is a long time member in good standing of ACFW and a former board member of its Great Lakes Chapter.

Connect with Kathy:

Website and other online links, including Amazon:

Website: http://www.kathleenrouser.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathleenrouser/

Twitter: @KathleenRouser

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7427871.Kathleen_Rouser

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