Serena B. Miller is stopping by today with an interview and giveaway (details below)! I've read two of her books (The Measure of Katie Calloway & A Promise to Love) - both were fantastic! I definitely recommend them to fans of historical romance novels. :)
Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Serena!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in southern Ohio way out in the country. My husband and I have worked with the same church for over 18 years and love it. We have three grown sons, all of which are astonished that mom finally got that writing career going she was always talking about.
What inspired your new book, A Promise to Love?
My own grandmother's story. She was a hired girl who daily walked past this handsome widower house. She saw how overwhelmed he was, trying to raise five children alone. Her husband was still grieving when they married, but the kids adored her and she helped heal that family.
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?
How hard it is for me to talk to new people that I meet at book signings, even though I really fight to never show it.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was seven and told my mother I wanted to write a love story.
How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?
I've written six books, four are published, two will be published next year. My favorite so far is A Promise To Love.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write with a timer. 45 minutes writing, 15 minutes doing something else that involves moving around.
Where do you like to write?
Anywhere my lap top can go. I have a wonderful front porch and do a lot of writing out there.
What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
The best part? I get paid to tell myself stories. The worst? Trying to keep up with deadlines.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Take long walks, visit with friends, watch Mrs. Marple movies on Netflix, daydream about someday hitting the New York Times Bestselling lists.
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
I'd love to see Alaska, Ireland, and Jerusalem.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Places in the Heart with Sally Fields is an all-time favorite. Favorite song? A hymn: How Deep The Father's Love For Us
What is your favorite holiday?
Easter!
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Matthew 11:13 "My yoke is easy and my burden is light. "
A few this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms
Tea or Coffee?
Tea
Print or eBook?
Early-bird or Night-owl?
Early-bird
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
I'm working on another Amish romance for Howard Publishing that is due in a few months. Last week, I also worked through the plotting of an entirely new historical series during a white-hot brainstorming session with three other professional writers. It is early days, so I don't want to reveal too much, but I'm looking forward to getting started.
Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?
www.serenabmiller.com What would I like to tell readers? I've discovered that people who read Christian fiction are absolutely the nicest people in the world. I can't believe how kind and encouraging my reader mail is and I greatly appreciate it.
Book Giveaway!
Enter to win a copy of one of Serena Miller's books! Winner gets to choose between: Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio, The Measure Of Katie Calloway, An Uncommon Grace, or A Promise to Love! Giveaway is only open to US residents.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I have wanted to read A Promise To Love since I first read about this book and what inspired it. I would love to be the blessed winner of this "I have to read it" book. :)
ReplyDeletegodblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh yay! When I started reading this post I thought "I bet I would like this author, I should try one." Then saw that you were doing a giveaway! My lucky day. It would be even better if i won! LOL
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to read serena's novel...a great posting ;)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Serena, I love your books and I love your zest for life. How do I know you have a zest for life? You've worked for the same church for 18 years. I love your strong Faith! Keep writing for the Lord!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Thank you for doing this book giveaway and the chance to win. I enjoy reading your reviews.
ReplyDeletegriperang at embarqmail dot com
I have a copy of 'The Measure of Katie Calloway' but haven't read it yet, shame on me. Would love to win a copy of this newest release!
ReplyDeletePatty H
I am eagerly looking forward to a chance to win A Promise to Love! But I'm overseas working. Can I enter on my sister's behalf?
ReplyDeleteAs long as your sister has a US mailing address and is fine with a book being mailed to her, I think that'd be fine.
DeleteThanks! My sister is in the States and she'd love to get a book in the mail.
DeleteGreat interview! The story line of this novel will be even more interesting as I read it, because I'll know that the same situation actually took place in the author's grandmother's life. Wow!
ReplyDeleteThese books all sound wonderful! Definitely will be looking for them in the near future!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read any of these books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview and a chance to win a copy of her books! Looks good :)
ReplyDeleteBoy I'm going to have to do some thinking on which book I want. I already have one and there are two others that I really do want, decisions, decisions, lol. Thank your for hosting this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWendy Newcomb
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I have several of Serena Miller's books on my lengthy to-read list and would love to win one as it would go to the top of the list LOL:) Thanks for your wonderful interviews and giveaways.
ReplyDeleteHello and Happy Thanksgiving to all, I love to read this author and all of these books look like great stories, so happy that "Mom" really did get that writing career in motion and now she swings along with some great stories for us to read. I too live in rural area of Ga and no better place to live-I am not a city woman.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
I have read two of her books and loved them. I would love to win I haven't read.
ReplyDeletevernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com
A Promise to Love sounds like a lovely story, I am hearing wonderful reviews. Please add me!
ReplyDeleteI would pick The Measure of Katie if I win,Enter me!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
Read the Measure of Katie Calloway and absolutely loved it!! Would love to see some of her other works!
ReplyDeleteE.Kate
I would love to read you books. Happy Thanksgiving
ReplyDeleteI too prefer thunderstorms. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
Enter me this book looks great and I do not mind what one I get if I win!! Because I do not have any of these books!!
ReplyDeleteI read the Love Finds You by Serena Miller and I loved it!!! She is one of my favorite authors!!! I want to read all these books. Good luck to everyone and Happy Thanksgiving :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteWow! So fun reading the comments. BTW--the church we've been with for 18 years is the same one where I learned the stories of Jesus from flannel-graph pictures Miss Lilian used when I was little. When my husband and I moved back home after many years in Michigan, and he began preaching there full-time, we lived for awhile in the same little white-frame church building. It had been remodeled into a preacher's home the year our church outgrew it. It still had the two-seater outhouse and old cemetery in our back yard. My three boys thought all those headstones were really cool when Halloween came around but they did not enjoy mowing around them:-)
ReplyDeleteI have read two of Serena Miller's books. Excellent author. Thank you for the chance to win one of her books.
ReplyDeleteKaren G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
When I saw you featured in Christian Woman magazine a few months back, I knew I had to get a hold of all your books! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know that, sister. I kinda wondered if anyone had bothered to read that article:-)
DeleteEach cover of Serena's books are so beautiful and magnetic. I don't thnk I've read any of your books Serena. That has to change very soon. God bless!
ReplyDeleteJustme at hotmail.com
I absolutely LOVED A Promise to Love!!! Just incredible. :)
ReplyDeleteYay, a new to me author & an early-bird. That's me all the way :) Thank you for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteBeth
bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com
Serena's books sounds wonderful. They are all on my wish list. Thank you so much for offering this insightful interview with Serena, and offering this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteNancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletekmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hello Serena,
ReplyDeleteI have been REALLY wanting to read your books and review them on my new blog! So this opportunity is REALLY great! Thanks!
I am SO happy you prefer Print books. I do also, and I think it's sad that when, especially young kids, use only ebooks. They miss out on what I love most about books. (The feel of the pages between my fingers and the moment when you first open a new book and the spine gives just ever so slightly! {contented sigh}) but I digress LOL! :D
Happy Thanksgiving!
~Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez
All 4 books have such pretty covers!
ReplyDeleteIve started reading Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio, I think I would pick A Promise to Love. In your interview above..you said that "A Promise to Love" is your favorite so far. =) hmmm..Im going over to look at your website for more details.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I love your books Serena.Thanks so very much for writing great books.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hard to talk to people at book signings too! I'm always on the other end of course and I never know what to say!
ReplyDeletevickie jean
I never thought of that, Vickie. Here's a suggestion, if you've read the book, its really helpful to the author for you to name something in particular that you especially like. It helps us judge what things are resonating with readers and gives us something to talk to you about. Frankly, unless there is a long line, I love it when readers tell me a little about themselves.
DeleteSerena it looks as if you can not go wrong on any of the books. It would be hard deciding exactly which book I would want if I won.
ReplyDeleteAngela Ward Hartness
awhartness@yahoo.com
These books sound wonderful, I've been getting into Amish fiction recently, and these sound right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win one of these wonderful books!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteThese books sound great! I love historical fiction and so does my mom. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love that this book was inspired by Serena's grandmother. Looks like a great read.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would like the Love finds you or Promise to Love
ReplyDeleteI would love to win one of the books....Maybe Promise TO Love.....nice interview. I love snowstorms myself! not a fan of thunderstorms!
ReplyDeleterhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Thanks for the giveaway! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I would love to read A Promise to Love! Thanks for the chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful interview. I would really love to win this book! I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteBlessings.....Joy
ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteSerena, I so would love to read all four of these books, but, book money is short for me. I have tried to win your ' Promise to Love." The cover is BEAUTIFUL. But, for this time I would love to win "Uncommon Grace." You have a wonderful profile. Loved the story about your grandmother, and that you wanted to write since you were seven. I always loved to write poems. Hoping to get my name drawn so I can get started on reading one of your books! Maxie (mac262@me.com )
Thank you for the interview and giveaway! I am itching to read Promise to Love!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview. I have "Promise to Love", which I will read right after the holidays--beautiful cover! I'd love to read one of your other books, Serena.
ReplyDeleteHow special that A Promise to Love was inspired by your grandmother's story. :)
ReplyDeleteJes
jswaks at gmail dot com