Showing posts with label Linda Shenton Matchett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Linda Shenton Matchett. Show all posts

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Talkshow Thursday: Linda Shenton Matchett

Talkshow Thursday: Linda Shenton Matchett



I enjoy sitting down with other authors and getting to know them. With the upcoming release of Love’s Belief, Book 3 of the Wartime Brides series, I thought you might like to find out a bit more about me. So grab a glass of your favorite beverage and read on! Feel free to ask your own questions in the comments section.

QUESTION: How did your former career as a Human Resources professional aid you in the writing process? How was it an impediment?

Answer: In my first two jobs out of college I was fortunate to work for strong female managers. They were good at what they did, and took pride at being successful women without feeling like they had to act like men. In the 80s and 90s, women were still struggling to be accepted in positions other than clerical or administrative. Working during that time gave me an interest about the history of women in the workforce, and especially women who were pioneers in their field. As a result, I’ve uncovered lots of intriguing stories that I want to tell. The impediment is the number of stories I’ve found!

QUESTION: What was your inspiration for Love’s Belief?

German Resistance Flag
Answer: Like the other books in the Wartime Bride series, the story is a biblical retelling. I had already written about England and France, and I decided it was time to do a story about the German home front. Knowing there were lots of German people who disagreed with Hitler and participated in the official (and unofficial) resistance, I dug around until I found a story in the Bible that seemed to meld well with the WWII era. When I found the story about the Hebrew midwives who went against Pharaoh to save Jewish babies, I knew I had a fit.

QUESTION: Lots of research goes into writing a book. Did you unearth a particularly interesting tidbit you just knew had to be included in the story?

Answer: The administrative aspect of the Nazi party was intriguing. They were very calculating and intentional about what they did, almost business-like with their policies and procedures. Nanna Conti was head of the Midwives Association and became a powerful force within the Nazi party. She created many policies and improved midwifery in many ways despite her virulent anti-Semitic views. I wanted to show a glimmer of the good she did for obstetrics.

QUESTION: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Answer: I love languages and would like to learn how to speak a foreign language, perhaps German. I took three years of it in High School, yet I remember very little.

QUESTION: Some quickies:

Answers:
Favorite color: Any shade of red!
Favorite food: Dessert, especially cake!
Favorite time of year: Fall. The weather is still temperate, and the red, orange, and gold colors of the leaves in New Hampshire where I live are gorgeous.

QUESTION: You have traveled to many states, as well as to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and England. Where else would you like to visit?

Answer: That is a GREAT question. I’d like to go back to England because I feel like I only scratched the surface of that wonderful country, having been to London and the south coast. But I would definitely like to get to Australia and New Zealand. The history of those countries is fascinating.

QUESTION: What is your next project?

Answer: I am currently writing Book 4 of the series. It’s called Love’s Allegiance and is set in America. It explores the roles played by Conscientious Objectors and is inspired by the story of Rebekkah and Isaac from the Old Testament.

QUESTION: Where can folks find you on the web?

Website/Blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lindasmatchett
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Shenton-Matchett/e/B01DNB54S0
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15140007.Linda_Shenton_Matchett
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett



About Love's Belief:

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence. 

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

Purchase links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XUaS4H
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-s-belief
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loves-belief-linda-shenton-matchett/1131299569;jsessionid=D7B5C7D9022CD44A881ACA339F67ED77.prodny_store01-atgap12?ean=2940156391622
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/book/id1459365377

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Blog Tour: Surrendered

Blog Tour: Surrendered


 
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book




 Book: Surrendered  
Author: Elaine Manders  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release Date: December 28, 2016  

The fight never ends until someone surrenders.

Having vanquished his political enemies, Rhyan Cason is anxious to get home to his beloved Carianne. Then he receives word an anthrax outbreak threatens his ranch. Even as he ponders how he can afford to take a wife, dark secrets from the distant past shake his beliefs to the core and convince him he’ll never be able to find forgiveness or make Carianne happy.

Carianne Barlow is stunned when Rhyan breaks their secret engagement. She leaves Sollano, the beautiful ranch house she loves almost as much as its owner, and returns home to Westerfield. While waiting for her shattered heart to heal, she shifts her attention to building the library she’s promised the town.

Even though Colt Holliman offers her a new courtship, circumstances keep drawing her back to Sollano and Rhyan. Torn between her affection for Colt and her love for Rhyan, Carianne realizes almost too late Rhyan’s troubles lie deeper than saving the ranch. He fights an evil that threatens more than his love for her—one only God can defeat.

My Thoughts


Rhyan Cason is ready to marry the love of his life when accusations begin to fly about his diseased cattle and a plot to destroy other ranchers. In an era when being in society’s good graces is everything, Carianne Barlow survives speculation and innuendo to salvage her reputation. I haven’t read a lot of books set in the Old West and enjoyed learning about the culture, “technology,” and geography. Women had limited choices during this time period, and I found it interesting to see how Carianne worked out her difficulties under these constraints. Rhyan was a complex character, and despite being a “man’s man-” cowboy, rancher, and entrepreneur, he was caring without being sissyish. The plotline about the anthrax outbreak among Rhyan’s cattle was fascinating and obviously well-researched. This is book two of the Intrigue Under the Western Skies series, but was easily read as a stand-alone novel.
I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

About the Author




Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters who aren’t afraid to show their love for God and each other. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

Guest Post from Elaine Manders


I was born with the gift of story. The make-believe of childhood never left me, but it wasn’t until my daughter left for college, and I was left with the empty nest, that I decided maybe it was time to start writing the stories crowding my mind. I joined a local writers’ group, took a fiction writing course, developed the craft, went to conventions, and started pitching to editors.

Since I wrote romance, I found the publishing industry pushing me to a place I didn’t want to go. The secular publishers wanted steamier writing, and I complied as much as I could. Then when I was offered a chance for publication, I couldn’t allow my name to go on the book. The Christian publishers had a very narrow marketing concept. Again, I tried to comply until I felt the joy of story being squeezed out of me. I took a twelve year hiatus from writing.

Then in 2012, I was sitting in church listening to the familiar parable of the talents. When my pastor asked the question, “Are you hiding your talent?” I immediately visualized that closet filled with my unpublished manuscripts. I rededicated myself to putting my talent to use, and I asked God to send me a new story, if this was what he wanted me to do.

Later that week, I was on the golf course when I laid down on a little hill waiting for my husband to chase a ball in the woods and stared into the deepest, bluest sky I’ve ever seen. The sun was high in the sky, but the shade of blue was so dark I could actually see, not only the moon, but some of the stars. Looking into that sky, I experienced a strange sensation, as if I’d lost contact with the earth and was moving into infinity. I wondered, as I had many times before, how an atheist could look into the heavens and not believe in the Creator. This led me to an investigation of scientific atheism, Darwinism, and the entire series, Intrigue under Western Skies, was born. My protagonist is a Darwinist of the 1880s. Book 1, Pursued, is his spiritual journey to belief in Christianity, and Book 2, Surrendered, takes him to acceptance. The heroine, of course, helps him on this journey, while dodging all the dangers the old west has to offer. Incidentally, Pursued will be free on Amazon Apr 18-19.

Blog Stops


April 11: Karen Sue Hadley
April 14: Bigreadersite
April 17: cherylbbookblog
April 17: Baker Kella
April 18: I Hope You Dance
April 21: Pause for Tales

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b5ae
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Sunday, April 9, 2017

Blog Tour: Baggage Claim

Blog Tour: Baggage Claim

 
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book


  

Book: Baggage Claim  

Author: Cathe Swanson  

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance  

Release Date: February 14, 2017  

There had to be at least one healthy branch on his family tree…

Who can he trust?

Ben Taylor, widower and father of four lively children, enjoys his easy, uncomplicated life. He likes his work and has a competent nanny to manage his household. Everything is good until he decides to seek out his biological parents and discovers a family tree with tangled roots and broken branches.

His comfortable life crumbles when he gets caught up in a criminal network of fraud and conspiracy at his new job. When Ben is forced into a dangerous alliance, he scrambles to find a safe situation and protection for his children before setting out to clear his name—all without getting himself killed in the process.

A nanny with a past…

Becoming a nanny was the perfect solution when Teresa Cooper needed a place to hide ten years ago, but now that she’s no longer in danger, she’s ready to move on and make a new life for herself. When Ben asks her to take the children to an unknown relative in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she finds herself in hiding again, this time with four children in tow.

As the children explore the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, Teresa begins to wonder about God’s plan for her future. Who is this stranger Ben trusts with his children? Why here? Can a city-bred nanny find joy in this wild corner of God’s creation?

My Thoughts



Baggage Claim is not your usual “adoptee seeking biological parents” story. It’s the first I’ve read where the adopted individual is male instead of female, and that put an interesting spin on the novel for me. The difficulties that protagonist, Ben Taylor, experiences at work create tension and suspense, and the challenge of his being a widowed, single parent adds dimension to his character. Because the book opens with Teresa Cooper, the woman who ends up being nanny to Ben’s kids, I thought she would be more of a lead character, and I would like to have seen her developed more. Baggage Claim is well-written with realistic dialogue, and I enjoyed it. Highly recommended, and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author




Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin with her husband of 32 years. They enjoy spending time with their family and being outdoors, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and fishing, but summer is short in Wisconsin, so it’s important to have indoor hobbies, too. Cathe has been a quilter and teacher of quiltmaking for over 25 years, and she enjoys just about any kind of creative work, especially those involving fiber or paper. She enjoys writing stories with eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.

Guest Post from Cathe Swanson


When I was in high school, I thought I might like to become an occupational therapist. Instead, I got married, had babies, raised the children and launched them into the world. I took a few years to regroup, and then I started thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Shortly after that, my dad had a stroke, and when he came home from the hospital, I was fascinated by the work of the visiting therapists. I did some research and learned that physical and occupational therapy assistants make pretty good money and are able to do the best part of the job – the therapy. Therapists are often bogged down in paperwork and periodic assessments. The assistant has all the fun, and it’s just a 5-semester program.

So I trotted on down to the local community college and asked what I had to do to get signed up. The counsellor talked for a while about prerequisites, petitions, waiting lists, internships, and other such things. Eventually I realized she was trying to tell me that I was too old to embark on this career. Too taken-aback to be offended, I went home and wrote a book about it instead. After all, I’d invested a lot of time in research.

I’d been writing stories for years, and already had the bones of Baggage Claim. Once I gave my young hero a job as a physical therapy assistant, the story took on life. My mother’s interest in genealogy had sparked a question: What if a nice, normal person wanted to track down their biological family and it blew up in their face? So that’s where I sent my hero, and as one of my reviewers said, “It was not a Hallmark moment.”

I’m very happy as an author and have no real interest in becoming an occupational therapist. Indeed, that rejection was a turning point for me. I could have pushed forward and got that degree, but instead I went home and wrote. I have no regrets.

Blog Stops


March 29: A Greater Yes
March 30: Genesis 5020
April 1: Quiet Quilter
April 2: autism mom
April 7: Carpe Diem
April 9: Bigreadersite

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Cathe is giving away Grand prize themed gift box that will include: A decorative suitcase box Earl Grey Tea A handmade mug rug A pretty mug 14 handmade all-occasion cards And a paperback copy of Baggage Claim!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2c8
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Friday, April 7, 2017

Blog Tour: Finding Hope in Savannah

Blog Tour: Finding Hope in Savannah

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book: Finding Hope in Savannah Author: Melissa Wardwell Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance Release Date: September 15, 2016 Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson liked her quiet, predictable life with her son. When she witnesses something horrifying and dangerous, they are forced into hiding. She seeks refuge in the small community of Isle of Hope, Georgia only to find that her life and her heart are still hanging in the balance. Officer Jake Andrews, dedicated his life to protect and serve the people of Savannah. In the back of his mind always wondering “what if?”. The arrival of a young woman from his past forces him to face a long-buried secret, that will change how he sees his future. As danger comes to Georgia, Liz & Jake must learn to trust God and each other, to see their way out of the situation.

My Thoughts



Liz Thompson’s life is turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and she finds herself on the run from the Irish mob. When her journey ends on the Isle of Hope, she finds more than sanctuary. Told in multiple points of view, Finding Hope in Savannah is an enjoyable story with equal parts romance and suspense. The characters are likeable, and I found myself rooting for Liz as the book unfolded. The book is heavy on description, but the author effectively used it to evoke the Savannah area and its surroundings. A light easy read.
I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

 Melissa resides in a small mid-Michigan farm community with her husband and three children, all of whom they home school. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, taking photos, and motorcycle rides with her husband. Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life

Guest Post from Melissa Wardwell

Finding myself though “Finding Hope in Savannah” Writing this book opened my eyes to quite a few things about myself. It opened a door to a need to discover new places and try new things. To step outside of my shell and not be afraid to discover what I am capable of as a wife, mother, and a Christian Woman. In one scene, I have “Liz” talking about how she wishes she could be brave enough to face things without being so fearful of the outcome. I was reminded that when we are moving in Christ’s will for our lives, there is nothing to fear. When I came up with the idea for “Finding Hope in Savannah” I wanted a location that was unlike any place I have ever been. All my other books take place in my area. So, I set out to find images of some place warm and southern. I came across images of this little community on the outskirts of Savannah Georgia called Isle of Hope. I loved the looks of this little haven so much, I made it the location of this book. Writing the descriptions on the location was a bit of a stretch of my imagination. I hadn’t seen it, smelled it, or touched it in any way. The writing of this book just so happened to be the same year as when our family would be driving to Florida for a family vacation. After expressing my frustration in not getting the feel of the place right, my darling husband suggested leaving a bit earlier and spending some time in Savannah on the way down. I am so glad we did and I discovered for myself why it is considered the most beautiful city in the United States. This book isn’t just a love story or a story about a woman in hiding, but about a single mother of a tween boy who is trying her best to find her way in this world. Having two teen boys of my own I know how fun, as well as gross, boys can be but to get the right mind set for “Liz” I had to do some homework. It took watching and talking to my friends who are single mothers, hear their concerns about life and managing their time. I admire those who have to play both roles every day and still have a smile on their faces. With my husband’s job, I am on my own with the kids part of the time, but it is only part time. I couldn’t imagine raising my three all by myself. My hats off to all the single mommies of the world.

Blog Stops

April 4: His Grace is Sufficient

April 4: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting

April 5: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

April 5: Christian Bookaholic

April 6: Daysong Reflections

April 6: A Bakers Perspective

April 7: History Mystery & Faith

April 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

April 8: Reading Is My SuperPower

April 8: Karen Sue Hadley

April 9: Moments Dipped in Ink

April 9: 100 Pages per Hour

April 10: Captive Dreams Window

April 11: A Greater Yes

April 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

April 12: Bigreadersite

April 13: Blogging With Carol

April 14: Carpe Diem

April 15: my site/autism mom

April 16: Quiet Quilter

April 17: Through the Open Window

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away one print copy of “Finding Hope in Savannah” as well as a $10 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2b9

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Talkshow Thursday: Author Donna Schlacter

Talkshow Thursday: Author Donna Schlacter

I'm so pleased to welcome author Donna Schlacter back for a visit. She's got a fabulous new story out, so grab your favorite beverage, draw up a chair, and listen in!

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You have a new novella out with Barbour Publishing about the Pony Express. Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Donna: I knew Mary Davis from the ACFW Colorado group, and met her at an ACFW conference. I asked her what she was working on, and she said she was putting together a proposal for a novella collection about the Pony Express. I said, “I’d love to be part of a group like that”, and she said, “We have all our authors, but if anything changes, I’ll let you know.” A month later she emailed to say one of the authors had dropped out, and was I still interested? I sure was. I read a lot about the Pony Express, visited sites in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas, and fell in love with the folklore and romance of the Pony Express.

LM: You have published lots of books. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Donna: I love writing The End J Seriously, I love coming up with the ideas and then putting those down on paper, seeing the what ifs get answered by filling in the blanks.

LM: Your historical novels don’t center around one particular era. When you write, how do you go about choosing which time period to use, and do you have a favorite?

Donna: Many times, I see or hear something interesting, and I ask what if? I tend to stick to the years before the 1900’s, but I’m game to learn new stuff, I love to travel for research, and have no qualms about visiting a location to get the feel of it.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Donna: I’m always ready to write. But when I sit down to write, I pray: Lord, thank You for letting me be the first one to see and hear this story. Thank You for trusting me to transcribe this story for You. Keep my fingers nimble and my ears focused on You. Amen.

LM: If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Donna: Somewhere warm. Where I can sit, and read, and write, without internet (unless I want it), and without cell phones (unless it’s my agent calling).

LM: What is your next project?


Donna: I am currently under contract with Barbour Books for two more novellas. They’re written and just need a final edit. Then I’m going to write the next cozy mystery for my alter ego, Leeann Betts, to be published in June. 

LM: Where can folks find you?

Donna: http://www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com
http://www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com
http://www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
http://www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter

Thanks for visiting!

READERS: Here's the link to Donna's book:

The Pony Express Romance Collection

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Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Blog Tour: 21 Days of Grace

Blog Tour: 21 Days of Grace

 
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book


  

Book: 21 Days of Grace  

Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide
  
Genre: Devotional  

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group). Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.

My Thoughts



Twenty-one Days of Grace is a collection of short stories written by well-known and not so well-known authors. At the end of each piece are two to three paragraphs of Life Application on which readers can meditate. The authors’ biographies give information about where readers can learn more about them or find their work. The stories are varied and range from Amish to Historical to Contemporary to Allegory, and all share a central truth from the Bible. A few are told in first person and the rest in third person. The book is a small, colorful, and beautifully packaged hardback, making it a nice gift. I enjoyed each of the stories, although some more than others, and appreciated the insights presented at the end. This is a devotional that can be read numerous times.

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author




 Kathy Ide is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. She’s a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor, working with Christian authors of all genres at all levels. She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor Connection, The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, PENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com
 

Guest Post from Kathy Ide


I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.

Blog Stops


March 24: ASC Book Reviews
March 24: autism mom
March 28: A Greater Yes
March 29: Southern Chelle
March 30: Pause for Tales
March 30: The Scribbler
March 31: Carpe Diem
April 1: Splashesofjoy
April 3: Lane Hill House
April 5: God is Love

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away:

1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series. 
5th & 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd
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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Best-selling author Sarah Sundin!

Talkshow Thursday: 
Meet Best-selling author Sarah Sundin!

I'm pleased to sit down with fellow WWII author, Sarah Sundin whose books combine romance, drama, and daring. Grab your favorite beverage and read on!

Linda:  The third book in your Waves of Freedom Series has recently been released. You have three series under your belt. Do you prefer to write series rather than stand-alone books or does that just happen?

Author Sarah Sundin
Sarah: I do enjoy writing in series. First, a series allows me to get to know a cast of characters in more depth. Although each book stands alone, readers can follow the hero and heroine from book 1 as side characters in books 2 & 3, and get a preview of the hero and heroine from book 3 as side characters in books 1 & 2. I especially enjoy seeing how characters perceive each other and how they can perceive the same event in a different way.

Another benefit of a series is being able to explore history on a larger scale. For example, the Waves of Freedom series follows the US naval role in the Battle of the Atlantic, from escorting convoys in pre-Pearl Harbor 1941 (Through Waters Deep) to the U-boat battles off the US East Coast in 1942 (Anchor in the Storm) to the climax and turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic in 1943 (When Tides Turn). Bonus: a series makes research a bit easier too!

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Sarah: While researching the first two books in the Waves of Freedom series, I kept reading about the climactic sea battles of 1943—and I wanted to put one of my heroes smack-dab in the middle! I also had two side characters who needed to have their stories told. Lt. Dan Avery is the single-minded, no-nonsense oldest brother in the series, a man determined to not let anything stand in the way of making admiral—especially feminine distractions. And Quintessa Beaumont is the fun-loving glamour girl who caused a bit of drama in the first two books—and she needed to step outside of herself and find purpose. It was SO much fun putting those two together!

LM: You obviously have a love for the WWII era. Your website says that drama, daring, and romance are what draw us to that time period. Which of those three is the strongest draw for you and why?

Sarah: That’s hard to say because I want all three in my stories. The romance is what fuels my stories, the growing relationship between two people who need each other but might not necessarily know it. I adore writing those scenes. But the drama and daring of history gives the characters a field to play on, to challenge them and cause them to grow.

LM: Lots of research goes into each story to ensure historical accuracy. What is your method for researching a story, and how much time goes into that before you begin to write?

Sarah: I start general and work my way down to specifics, often following bibliographies to lead me to great resources. By now I have a pretty good idea where to start for each novel, and I’m getting more creative and bold in seeking information.

As for time, I do some preliminary research when I’m writing a proposal to make sure the story will even work. The bulk of the research is done during the outlining phase (I’m a heavy-duty “planner” type of writer), which lasts about three months for me—and during the rough draft, which lasts about six months for me. But I do mop-up research all through the editing phase as well. I’m always in the middle of a research book.

LM: Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, what did you do to push through it?

Sarah: Because I’m an outliner/planner, by the time I write my rough draft I know exactly what will happen in each chapter, so I don’t have the classic “what will I write next?” writer’s block. Sometimes I’m not sure how to start a chapter, and I’ll stare at the screen for a while. To break through, I do three things—read my notes for the chapter, reread the previous chapter or two to get a “running start,” and then give myself permission to write garbage. Once I get past the opening lines, I know the scene will flow—and then I can go back and edit those opening lines. 

LM: What is your next project?


Sarah: I just finished my publisher’s edits for The Sea Before Us (Spring 2018) the first book in the Sunrise at Normandy series, which follows three estranged brothers who fight on D-day from the sea, in the air, and on the ground. And I’m just starting to outline the second book, The Sky Above Us—yay! Character charts! My favorite part.

LM: Where can folks find you on the Web?

Sarah: 
Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com
Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin

Here's Sarah's bio: Sarah Sundin is the author of nine historical novels, including When Tides Turn. Her novel Through Waters Deep was a finalist for the 2016 Carol Award, won the INSPY Award, and was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. She also enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.

More about When Tides Turn: When Quintessa Beaumont learns the US Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, eager to throw off her frivolous ways and contribute to the war effort. Lt. Dan Avery employs his skills in antisubmarine warfare to fight U-boats at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, but the last thing he wants to see on his radar is fun-loving Tess. As Dan and Tess work together in Boston, the changes in Tess challenge his notions—and his heart.
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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Blog Tour: Murder for the Time Being

Blog Tour: Murder for the Time Being


 
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book


  

Book: Murder for the Time Being  

Author: Joanie Bruce

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance

Release Date: November 29, 2016

“You’ll pay for this. I’ll get you both.”

Computer expert Lexi Wynn is frightened. Someone is after her, but she doesn’t know why. Is it because of her past or because she was thrust into a deadly bank robbery and might identify the ones responsible? Escaping a failed kidnapping attempt and not sure who to trust, she hopes her specialized skills with computers might flush out the name of the killer. When a tall, dark, and handsome stranger rams into her truck with the hearse he’s driving and puts his life in danger to save hers, can she ignore the attraction she feels for him to concentrate on the killers? Or is God the only one who can save her now?

Drew Sheffield is irritated when a cute lady stops abruptly in front of him and he plows into the back of her pickup. After their initial confrontation, flashbacks of honeysuckle and sassy green eyes linger in his thoughts. When Lexi is threatened, he steps in to help the feisty young woman, in spite of agonizing over a past relationship.

Can Lexi and Drew forget the tragedies of the past and embrace the feelings between them or will ghostly memories snub out the promise of a future together?

My Thoughts



Murder for the Time Being is the first in Joanie Bruce’s “Murders in Madison” series. A contemporary romantic suspense, the story centers around Lexi Wynn, a young woman whose family is party of the Witness Security Program (WitSec), also known as the Witness Protection Program. Murder for the Time Being begins with Lexi and her folks running for their lives and doesn’t let up until the last page. Drew Sheffield is drawn into the situation whether he wants to be or not and must confront his own past while helping Lexi escape hers. The characters are likable and believable, and I enjoyed following the clues alongside Lexi and Drew to figure out who was responsible for the crimes. Medical technology is at the core of the story, and Ms. Bruce does a good job of explaining the concepts through dialogue and description without sounding condescending or lecture-like. The faith message is also woven throughout as Drew searches for answers. A highly enjoyable, fast-paced read.

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity. A positive review was not required, and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author


  

Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.
 

Guest Post from Joanie Bruce


Have you ever been devastated by a certain event in your life, and later it turned out to the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s what happened to Lexi Wyn in this book, “Murder for the Time Being.” Something unthinkable happened to her family, but in the end, it changes Lexi’s life forever and introduces her to the love of her life.

In this story, both Lexi and Drew have things in their past that discourage them from seeking a lasting relationship. However, God has a plan for them both, and through His Divine engineering, they are thrown together in circumstances that nurture a growing appreciation and affection for each other.

This book was fun to write because I anchored the story in my sweet little town of Madison, Georgia. I wasn’t raised in Madison, but I’ve called it home for much longer than any other place I’ve ever lived. While growing up in the big city of Memphis, Tennessee, I had definite plans for my future. All I ever wanted was to “marry a country boy and live in the country.” The Lord heard the desires of my heart and gave me what I wanted … a country boy, born and raised here in Morgan County on a dairy farm.

After we married, I adopted Madison as my home, and I love it so much that I wanted to feature some of the fun spots in Madison as the backdrops for the scenes in my books. I hope when you read through the pages of my book, you will get an idea of what a sweet little town Madison is and enjoy reading about Lexi and Drew and how they let God guide them in discovering that murder CAN be “for the Time Being.”

Blog Stops


March 15: autism mom
March 17: A Greater Yes
March 18: Radiant Light
March 20: Karen Sue Hadley
March 24: Pause for Tales
March 24: 2014 and Beyond!
March 26: Carpe Diem

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b291
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