Saturday Spotlight: Anchored Hearts by Julie Arduini

It’s an honor to have Author Julie Arduini as my guest today on Saturday Spotlight. Julie is here to discuss her latest book, Anchored Hearts. Read on for an excerpt and be sure to follow Julie on her social media to keep up-to-date about all of her upcoming books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after?

Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control?

Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set?

Christian Romance/Clean & Wholesome

Free Kindle Unlimited

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XH1KVXD

Softcover: https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Hearts-Julie-Arduini/dp/1733687645/

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the new contemporary romance series SURRENDERING HEARTS (Anchored Hearts, Repairing Hearts, +four more.) Her other romance series is SURRENDERING TIME (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged.) She also co-wrote a YA series with her daughter, SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ (You’re Beautiful, You’re Amazing, You’re Brilliant.) Her stand-alone romances include MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. Julie maintains a blog at juliearduini.com and participates in the team blog Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://linktr.ee/JulieArduini.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Welcome, Julie! Can you give us a little background about you?

Absolutely! I love to write Christian romance that features surrender issues and chocolate. I’m married and we have two children. I’m also a step-mom and grandmother.

So, what’s Surrendering Hearts about?

It’s a six-book series featuring the Hart sextuplets. Each sextuplet gets their own book. The premise is what if a family shares a unique birth story but stays in the national spotlight because of tragedy? Anchored Hearts is the first book featuring the oldest, Jordyn Bell Hart.

Tell the readers about Anchored Hearts.

Anchored Hearts features Hart sextuplet #1, Jordyn. She’s used to taking care of everything and everyone, but times are changing. Her dad has recently married their neighbor, Shelly, and Jordyn isn’t used to the idea. Her siblings are moving on and not keeping Jordyn in the loop. Then there’s her work at WFRN. She’s the new morning show co-host who falls for her colleague, Spencer Collins. However, she’s made a vow stemming from her childhood that could ruin everything. Spencer has issues of his own. The morning show job wasn’t part of his plan, and he’s constantly tuned into his home life. The both of them need to let go of their control issues. Question is—-can they??

What, if anything, surprises you about writing?

How God takes me through the surrender theme before or as I’m writing about it. I never realized how much control was a problem in my life until Anchored Hearts. In fact, I lost a year of writing because my mom became ill and then passed away. That grief and how I handled it led to anxiety. When I sought counsel, I realized a lot of it was grief and my wish to be in control.

What’s next for you?

Surrendering Hearts is six books, so up next is Hart sextuplet #2, Ryan. His story is Repairing Hearts, and I’m SO excited about it.

Thanks so much for having me, Penny! Here is an excerpt to give readers a taste of Anchored Hearts.

Thank you for being my guest! Readers, be sure to check out the following excerpt of Anchored Hearts.

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Spencer Collins reached into the potato chip bowl for a third time as the conference room monitors faded to black, signaling the end of the live interview. The heavy wooden door opened and Vince, the station’s GM, blew in like a microburst.

“Amazing show, right? I feel as though when Julia Turmeric graces this building, everything she touches turns to gold.” Vince’s smile could power all of New York’s Southern Tier. “Anyway, thanks everyone for staying late. Jordyn’s taking her mic pack off and will be in shortly. I won’t keep you long. Help yourself to more snacks. There’s plenty left.”

Spencer poured an ice water and took a seat across from a couple Elmira-based reporters. He pulled out his phone and checked to make sure he didn’t miss any texts from his younger brother, Carson. Seeing none, he reached for a couple chips and tried not to get grease on his suit pants.

When the door opened again, Jordyn Hart pushed through with a friendly grin and a glance round the room. Even though the studio lights weren’t around, her hair carried a sheen as she stood near Vince. “Hi, everyone. I hope I didn’t keep you all waiting. I wanted to find my dad after the show.”

Vince poured her a glass of ice water and handed it to Elmira’s only noon anchor. “Nonsense. Now that you’re here, let’s get down to business.” He gestured for her to sit on the other side of the table, while he sat at the head.

Spencer sipped on his drink, stealing a glance at Jordyn. They’d crossed paths a couple times when he gave a live report from Binghamton, but this was their first time in the same room. Something about those big brown eyes and the lingering trail of rose and vanilla created an energy around her. He took a deep breath and intentionally shifted his seat so he’d instead focus on Vince and the big announcement.

The boss cupped his hands together and placed them on the table. “WFRN is the Southern Tier’s leader in news. Rise and Shine is the most watched morning program in America. We’re going to marry the two by creating a local morning show that will usher in Julia’s national program.” He walked over to the conference room laptop and touched a few buttons. An image appeared on the huge screen in front of them. “I present Early Rise and Shine, premiering sweeps week in November.”

Spencer stretched his legs under the table as he took in the bright blue, orange, and yellow logo. Impressive. The move made sense. Why though, was he invited to attend?

Vince returned to his seat; his smile as electric as the logo. “The co-hosts will be Jordyn Hart and Spencer Collins.”

Saturday Spotlight: Home Where She Belongs by Penny McGinnis

I am thrilled to welcome Author Penny Frost McGinnis to my blog this weekend for the Saturday Spotlight.

oday I’m interviewing Penny discussing her new book, Home Where She Belongs. Read below for all the details about her book, Penny’s bio, and where to connect with her online.

Welcome to the blog, Penny!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart runs away. She leaves behind a lucrative job, at her father’s financial company, and narcissistic, abusive ex-boyfriend, Bryce Shaw. Her heart longs for a peaceful, simple life on beloved Abbott Island in Lake Erie, Ohio where she spent magical summers with grandparents she adored.

On the island, Sadie takes over her grandparents’ small island home and her gram’s rental cottages. With a fresh start on the island, she tries to push the past behind and dig in to make the rental business thrive. As Sadie and her dog, settle into her new home, her thoughts wander to Joel Grayson, her teen crush. As soon as he crosses her mind, she dashes the thought away. Not ready to share her heart with anyone, she pushes herself to finish her tasks.

Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The folks in the community trust him, even with his failures. Before Sadie’s grandpa died, Joel had promised him he’d look after their cottages, with a secret hope Sadie might return. When he’s on patrol and finds a woman on his friend’s property, he bristles until he realizes his dream girl has come home.

Sadie recognizes Joel and immediately guards her heart. Her experience with Bryce left her untrusting and hesitant. Even handsome and kind Joel won’t tempt her to open her heart.

When someone is set on sabotaging Sadie’s future, she seeks Joel’s help. As they are drawn together, Joel wants to protect Sadie as a police officer and a friend. Sadie begins to trust Joel and allows the wall around her heart to crumble, just a little. As Joel tries to find the person behind the menacing, Sadie fights to build her rental business and latch on to the peace she longs for.

Even as Joel and Sadie grow closer, a dark cloud hangs over them. Ugly graffiti, a fire, and threats cause Sadie grief. She wants to believe in God, the way her grandparents did and longs for the peace that passes understanding, but her heart hesitates to trust anyone.

Joel needs to place his past behind him and allow God to work in his heart. In his attempts to protect Sadie, he falls for her all over again, even though she keeps her distance.

Will Joel and Sadie overcome their fear and lack of trust? When they discover who is sabotaging Sadie’s future, can they stop them? Will two broken people find their path to love?

Home Where She Belongs is a romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope, as Joel and Sadie discover what it means to trust in the God who loves them.

AMAZON

Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

If Penny Frost McGinnis could live in a lighthouse or on an island, she would. Instead, she and her husband are content to live in southwest Ohio and visit Lake Erie every chance they get. Blessed with five children, their spouses, and a passel of grandchildren, she adores her family, indulges in dark chocolate, enjoys fiber arts, and grows flowers and herbs in her tiny garden. Penny has been published in Chicken Soup, and The Upper Room. She blogs at Hope for Today’s Heart and believes God has called her to bring hope to people’s lives through the written word. Contact Penny at penny.frost.mcginnis@gmail.com or visit her website at http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com.

Social Media:

Website/Blog https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/&

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/PennyFMcGinnis

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pennyfmcg/hope-for-todays-heart/

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

If I could inhabit a lighthouse on an island, I would. Instead, I’m happy to live with my husband and dogs, Olive and Rosie May, in southwest Ohio and visit Lake Erie every chance we get. I enjoy hanging out with our grown children and my wonderful grandchildren. In the spring and summer I grow flowers and herbs in my tiny garden, and in the winter, I work on arts and crafts. I love books—reading them, writing them, and making them. I blog at Hope for Today’s Heart and believe God has called me to bring His hope to people through the written word.

Tell us about your current release.

I write contemporary romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope.

Several years ago, my husband and I vacationed in northern Ohio and visited Kelleys Island. I became enamored with the simple, quiet life on the island. Modeled after Kelleys Island, Abbott Island came alive as the setting for Home Where She Belongs. Proverbs 3:5-6 reflects the theme of the story. How to trust and who to trust.

Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Island where she spent summers with her grandparents. She plans to resurrect her grandmother’s cabin rental business, she inherited, and find the peace she’s desperate to embrace. Would the love and faith she learned from her grandparents be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God’s promises, yet broken trust holds her back. 

Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he’s failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents’ cottages, his heart skips a beat. He’d love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors. 

When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel’s help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares? 

If you knew ahead of time your book would benefit only one person on their spiritual journey, would you still write it?

I would. I believe God has called me to write, whether for one person or many. It took me a while to come to this conclusion. Like many writers, I was dazzled by the possibility of publication, but in writing a blog I learned that if the one person who needed the words the Lord gave me, read them, I am doing a good work. When I applied that to writing fiction my attitude changed, and I started enjoying the writing process. Granted we all need goals and perhaps publication is one of them, but I also believe in nudges from God as he directs me on my path.

What inspired you to start writing, or did you always want to write?

Reading inspired me to write. From the time I was old enough to read, I was fascinated with words. My mom signed me up for the Dr. Seuss book club. With anticipation, I waited on my monthly book to come. I wore those books out. At a young age, I was introduced to Robert Frost’s poetry. That inspired me to write poems as a teenager and for many years after.  Writing poetry gave me the tools to create word pictures, which eventually led to what I write today.

What made you take the plunge and finally do it?

When I retired, a friend challenged me to finish my second novel, the first one is still tucked away in my computer. She gave me a deadline to complete the rough draft. My husband encouraged me to work toward publication and do what I needed to do. With the help of a wonderful critique partner and beta readers, I used the stay-at-home time during the pandemic to rewrite and revise my story. When I found out Mt. Zion Ridge Press was taking submissions, I felt God nudge me in their direction. I guess the short answer is encouragement from my family and friends and God’s push.

Thank you for joining me, Penny, and readers, be sure to join me several Saturdays throughout the year when I spotlight author friends and their awesome books!

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Before you leave, check out these posts:

reading suggestions for kids of all ages

book news and giveaways

5 ways to jumpstart your writing project

fantabulous pumpkin muffins recipe

resting in the arms of an unchanging God

how to become an undercover prayer warrior

tools to help your child succeed in life

Saturday Spotlight: A Heart to Cherish by Judith McNees

It’s Saturday and I am thrilled to once again welcome a fellow author to my blog!

Judith McNees is joining me today to celebrate her new release. Read on for all of the details and be sure to scroll to “The “Story Behind the Story”. Judith is an amazing person who has, and continues to, make a difference in the lives of children.

Be sure to join me again for another spotlight and later this week for my regularly scheduled blog posts.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Everyone leaves…including God.

That’s how Julia Price feels after years of being passed over in foster homes. All she has ever wanted is a family, but when she finds herself pregnant and homeless, her dreams seem further away than ever.

Strait-laced good guy Alex Morgan has waited his entire life for the woman God has prepared for him. When he makes it his mission to help Julia, he wonders whether she could be that woman. But why would God lead him to a pregnant non-believer?

As Julia struggles with issues of self-worth and trust, can she open her heart to both God and Alex? And can Alex trust their relationship to the One who holds Julia in His hand?

Purchase Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Contemporary Christian romance author Judith McNees lives in southwestern Michigan with her husband and four of their seven children, along with their three dogs. Her family loves to travel together, but she still believes that her home state is one of the most beautiful states there is. She is a proud stay-at-home mom, stepmom, foster mom, adoptive mom, and grandma, which gives her plenty of fodder for her writing. She holds a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can connect with her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon.

The Story Behind the Story: Why I Wrote A Heart to Cherish

The first seeds for A Heart to Cherish were sown in my heart over a decade ago when my husband and I decided to become foster parents. In Michigan, all prospective foster parents are required to take classes called PRIDE, which stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education. Part of this training involved listening to a panel of former and current foster parents and foster children. During that panel, I learned that thousands of children “age out” of foster care without being adopted into families who can help them transition into adulthood. This puts them at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, incarceration, and unwanted pregnancies.

This was a sobering revelation for me, as I’d had it in my heart to adopt older children for years prior to starting the foster care process. These are the forgotten orphans…the ones who were left orphans by a legal decision that stripped them of both their homes and their identities. Unfortunately, at the time our “birth” daughter was only three years old, and we were discouraged from taking in children who were older than the ones we already had in the home. God since gave me peace that the children we adopted were the group he had for us, but at the time, it was difficult for me to let go of the dream of adopting a teen.

Over the course of the next five years, we fostered a total of five children, three of whom we adopted, until our adopted daughter’s therapist recommended we stop due to her past trauma. In that time, I joined a number of support groups and advocacy groups and met other foster parents and former foster children who had been completely traumatized by a very broken system. I think that most social workers are doing the best they can, but with enormous case loads and legal constraints, the consequences of spending an extended amount in foster care, both for foster parents and children, can be quite damaging.

My heart went out to, and still goes out to, the children who are not adopted. My goal for my writing is to shed light on social issues that people go through in a way that is sensitive, yet still points to the hope of the Gospel. Since the book is ultimately a sweet Christian romance, it may not be as “hard hitting” as a story written for another genre or audience, but in writing my heroine, Julia, I was attempting to spotlight the extreme need for loving homes for these “system orphans,” even though the character herself is a true orphan who spent time in the system.

Former foster youth like Julia may be fortunate enough to be “adopted” into a found family as adults, but if you spend even a short amount of time looking up statistics for these kids, you’ll see that they aren’t always good ones like the fictitious family in A Heart to Cherish. If I can spur even one family into changing the narrative for a child in foster care, my work on this novel will have been worth it.

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 (NKJV)

Love Under Construction Blog Tour: Kickoff + Sneak Peak + Meet the Characters

I’m super excited to announce the Love Under Construction mini blog tour! **

First, a bit about the book…

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory.

Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

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Available for purchase:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

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Scroll down for the following:

1. A sneak peek from Chapter One.
2. Meet four of the characters from Love Under Construction.
3. A glimpse into who inspired me on my “Love Under Construction“ Pinterest board.
4. Bio and links. Be sure to follow for updates on future books.
5. A list and links of some awesome bloggers who have agreed to host me each day with interviews, book spotlights, giveaways, reviews, and guest posts.

Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate this momentous occasion of Love Under Construction going from an idea, to my computer screen, and finally to an ebook and paperback.

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Sneak peek into Chapter One

Tears pricked Irelynn Brady’s eyes. “Please help me,” she whispered. Not her first prayer for this situation, and likely far from being her last.

Because God’s help was the only way she had any hope of handling the insurmountable task set before her.

Irelynn gripped the steering wheel and glanced in the rearview mirror. The children in the back seat had fallen asleep, exhausted from their hectic day. Their precious round faces weren’t the only thing that reminded her she must succeed.

It was also the promise she’d made to their mother, Nicole.

Raindrops splattered on the windshield, and Irelynn flipped on the switch for the windshield wipers. If only the noise of the wipers, combined with the pattering rain, could drown out the emotions that warred within her.

The death of her best friend.

Suddenly becoming a single mom to twin three-year-olds.

A house too small for the unanticipated addition to her family.

And that pesky nemesis, Quinton Gregory, thrown into the mix for good measure.

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Meet the Characters

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A glimpse into who inspired me on my “Love Under Construction” Pinterest board.

Pinterest is an author’s dream come true when it comes to creating characters, settings, and even clothing choices, houses, and vehicles for characters. This is especially true for those of us who are visual writers. When you visit my Love Under Construction Pinterest board, you’ll find, of course, Irelynn and Quinton, as well as, secondary characters Mia and Max, Cynthia (Mom), Gram, Mrs. Caruthers, and Mr. and Mrs. Potter, along with Irelynn’s house (the top house picture).

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My Bio:

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her www. pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

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Let’s connect!

Website: https://pennyzeller.com/

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/

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

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/pennyzeller

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/pennyzeller

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Love Under Construction Mini Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 6:

Blog Tour Kickoff/Sneak Peek/Meet the Characters | Penny Zeller

Author Interview | Kristina Hall

Book Spotlight and Giveaway| Chat with Vera

Tuesday. December 7:

Book Spotlight | Joy Hannabass

Book Spotlight | Penny McGinnis

Wednesday, December 8:

Author Interview | Vanessa Hall

Thursday, December 9:

Book Spotlight and Guest Post| June Foster

Friday, December 10:

Book Spotlight and Review | Madi’s Musings

Book Spotlight and Guest Post | Kathy McKinsey

Saturday, December 11:

Book Spotlight/Ebook Giveaway | Patti’s Porch

Blog Tour Wrap-up/Love Under Construction Quotables and a signed copy giveaway | Penny Zeller

** Regularly-scheduled posts will return next week.

It’s release day!

Finally, the big day for my latest contemporary Christian romance has arrived. As an author, it always seems like the release date for a new book is far, far into the future. While we never want to wish time away, waiting for our characters to come to life in the form of a book can sometimes feel out of reach.

Today is the big day for Love Under Construction. A tender and uplifting Christian contemporary romance, the main theme I chose to wove throughout its pages is relying on God in all circumstances.

Be sure to return next Monday, as I’ll be listing all of the exciting details about my mini blog tour, taking place from December 6-11. I’m joining with fellow authors and hosting a few giveaways of Love Under Construction, offering some insights into the book, and answering some fun interview questions.

Also, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m a guest today on Author Julie Arduini’s blog at http://juliearduini.com/2021/11/30/love-under-construction-by-penny-zeller/ where I’m talking about the inspiration behind the character, Cynthia Brady.

Without further ado, below is the blurb for Love Under Construction. It is available in both paperback and ebook format and can be found here.

Thank you for joining me in celebrating my new release!

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory. Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

And the winner is…

I’m excited to announce the winner of Cynthia Simmons fantastic book Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame is…

Dale Harcombe!

Dale, Cynthia will be in touch with you soon regarding your book. Thank you to everyone for entering!

And if you haven’t already,  be sure to enter to win the new contemporary romance from Staci Stallings To Protect and Serve here on my blog at  http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/interview-and-giveaway-with-author-staci-stallings/

Also, I am giving away a copy of the winner’s choice of one of my Montana Skies Historical Romance Novels (McKenzie, Kaydie, or Hailee) and today is the last day to enter! That contest (along with a funny story about what happened once when I was doing an interview) can be found at http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2012/05/humorous-life-of-writer-by-penny-zeller.html

 

 

Book Spotlight and Giveaway with Author Linda Yezak!

I’m excited to bring you yet another fab giveaway! This time, my author friend Linda Yezak is here for a book spotlight of her latest book Give the Lady a Ride…

Patricia Talbert is a high-class social coordinator from New York. Talon Carlson is a rugged bull rider from Texas. He thinks she’s too polished. She thinks he’s insane.

 Opposites aren’t quick to attract when the lady who enters the cowboy’s world is on a mission to sell the ranch. But a box of letters changes her mission-letters of unshakable faith and a love deeper than anything she’s ever experienced.

 Soon she finds his integrity appealing. Her spunk draws him in. He has the faith she craves; she may be the love he longs for. But faith and love aren’t achieved in a single weekend.

 To buy time to explore the possibilities between them, she issues a challenge: “Teach me to ride bulls.”

 From here on, they’re in for the ride of their lives.

If you love contemporary romance, you will want to read this book!

And now, here are the super-easy details on how you can enter to win a copy of Give the Lady a Ride…leave an encouraging comment for Linda (and yes, anyone can enter, but confirmed subscribers receive two entries, so be sure to sign up to follow this blog, then check your email and confirm your subscription to be added to the subscriber list!) Giveaway ends on April 26, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random.

Finally, let’s learn a bit about the woman behind this fabulous book!

Linda W. Yezak holds a BA in English, a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies, and a bucket list as long as her arm. Among the things on the list is owning a stable full of horses, and since that’s not likely to happen any time soon, she includes horses in each of her novels, from her contemporary western romance Give the Lady a Ride and her current work, The Cat Lady’s Secret, to her work-in-progress, a contemporary western romance series tentatively called “Family First.” Until the day she can retire with her husband to their land in Central Texas and ride to her heart’s content, she’ll continue with her writing and freelance editing careers.

Thank you, my awesome readers, for taking the time to enter this giveaway.  Be sure to join me each Thursday for special giveaways and be sure to stop by on May 3 when I’ll have a very special giveaway in honor of my blog’s anniversary! Until then, have a fantastic rest of your week!

Interview and giveaway with Author JoAnn Durgin!!!

Today I have a special treat for you. JoAnn Durgin is here to talk with us about her new release Twin Hearts. If you love contemporary romance, this book is for you! What’s especially exciting is that this book won’t be released until April 1, so you – my awesome blog readers – get first dibs on the inside scoop about this fab book.

One lucky commenter will be chosen to win a copy of Twin Hearts. (Please see below for all the details on how to enter).

And now, let’s welcome JoAnn!

Hello JoAnn! It’s wonderful to have you here. Can you tell us a little about your newest release? Twin Hearts features the parallel and simultaneous love stories of Louisiana twins Josh and Rebekah (“Beck”) Grant. They are each other’s best friend, and their loving, teasing relationship was a joy to write. The twins are volunteers in a Christian organization called TeamWork Missions (led by my core characters in The Lewis Legacy Series, Sam and Lexa Lewis). Even if readers haven’t read the first two books in the series, Awakening and Second Time Around, they can pick right up with this one. Josh was my wayward sheep in the first book; he’s handsome, funny and charming, but he’s seeking forgiveness for past transgressions. As the book begins, Josh is an up-and-coming attorney in Baton Rouge, and he goes to Houston to make his apologies to his former mentor, Sam. His last meeting with another TeamWork member still haunts him, and when he also seeks her forgiveness, he gets the shock of his life. Although Josh isn’t looking for love, he finds it in a most unexpected and tender way.

Rebekah is an elementary school teacher just outside Baton Rouge, and she’s at a personal crossroads. She has two men vying for her heart: a dashing British aristocrat and a quiet, faithful lumber man who’s also a TeamWork member. In a different kind of plot twist, a plan is hatched in Twin Hearts: give the girl what she thinks she wants in order to help her see what she really needs. Josh is instrumental in that plan, and at eight-minutes-older, loves playing the role of the wiser “big” brother and mentor to Rebekah.

My teaser about Twin Hearts is this: What do guppy lips, frog legs and a gazebo have to do with anything? Believe it or not, they’re very significant components. There’s another untraditional “twin” dynamic to the story, but readers will have to find that one out for themselves.

I can’t wait to read it! Now, you’ve hinted there’s a big secret revealed in Twin Hearts. Can you give us a clue? The only thing I’ll say is that it’s part of Josh’s storyline. My first reader called it a “very shocking, but sweet surprise.” I’m also not revealing the name of Josh’s love interest until the book comes out, with valid reason. Twin Hearts is full of love, humor, emotion, romance, fun dialogue, intriguing characters, drama, conflict—all the elements I hope you’ve come to expect from one of my books.

You write humor into your books, something many writers find difficult. Do you enjoy it? Nothing brings me greater joy than being able to make the reader smile or laugh. There’s enough sadness in life, and my books don’t shy away from that inevitable part of life, but I also strive to bring hope and light into my stories. I adore writing what I hope is witty, clever banter. I go very deep into point-of-view, and such internalizing hopefully helps the reader feel more connected to my characters. They are real to me, and I know that passion shines in my writer’s voice. My humor can sometimes be a little sarcastic, but indigenous to each character. What I love are those moments that make me laugh out loud. If it continues to make me laugh after multiple readings, I know it’s worth keeping.

What was the most challenging aspect in writing this book? Twin Hearts presented a unique challenge: how to go back and forth between the two stories without frustrating the reader? After moving a few chapters around, I realized I needed to do it chronologically and not worry about giving “equal” time to each couple. I wrote until the end of the scene instead of leaving the reader hanging. That might break some of those writer “rules,” but it would drive me crazy as a reader if I cut off a scene in the middle! In the end, it all works out fine. Frequent phone conversations between the twins (and a shared dinner) clue in the reader and keep the action moving forward. Because of a pivotal event in the lives of the twins, the stories converge about two-thirds of the way into the book.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book? Christians aren’t perfect, but we’re forgiven. We sometimes fall prey to the same temptations and sins as the rest of the world. It’s how we ultimately deal with the consequences of our sin that makes all the difference and can have an impact on others. My characters make mistakes—sometimes pretty big ones—and yet they pray, they seek to follow and honor the Lord, and when they stumble and fall, they pick themselves up and keep on going. Some have called my books modern fairy tales, with a dash of realism. I’m a firm believer in happy endings, and when you reach the end of one of my books, you’ll more than likely have a smile on your face.

I agree, JoAnn. I LOVE happy endings! Can you tell my readers where they can connect with you on the web? Sure. I love to connect with readers at my website at http://joanndurgin.com/

Thank you for allowing me to tell you a little about Twin Hearts. Blessings, my friends, and may your light shine for His glory! Matthew 5:16

Thank you so much for being my guest, JoAnn. And now, here’s your chance to win a copy of JoAnn’s book! (Please note, the winner’s book will be shipped after April 1, 2012).

The rules to enter are super easy! Leave a comment for JoAnn (and yes, anyone can enter, but confirmed subscribers receive two entries and be sure to remind me that you’re a confirmed subscriber!)  Giveaway ends on March 22, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random using random.org.