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Monday, September 15, 2014

End of Summer Birthday Bash | Kickoff ~ Interview with Katie Ganshert & Giveaway!




Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Katie!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 

Sure thing! I’m a slightly-frazzled Midwest gal who’s passionate about Jesus, my family, adoption, and of course, writing stories! When I’m not plotting or brainstorming or clacking away on the computer keys, I enjoy laughing with my hubs, playing make-believe with my wild-child of a son, dreaming and planning for the day our Congolese daughter will come home, and chatting with girlfriends over coffee.

What is your novel, A Broken Kind Of Beautiful, about?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601425902/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1601425902&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=WNDA2LOA3MI5ILJP
A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a story about 24-year fashion model, Ivy Clark. She’s been in the modeling industry for ten years now and she’s learned one sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she can look beautiful for the camera. It’s the only life Ivy knows, so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means traveling to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—a job Ivy finds incredibly ironic, since she knows she’s far from the pure bride in white.

When she arrives, she discovers that her future rests in the hand of her new photographer, Davis Knight. He’s a man who set down his camera two years ago and currently works maintenance at a local church. You can imagine, Ivy isn’t thrilled. But then she discovers that Davis isn’t some wannabe hack. He’s a brilliant photographer. So why did he leave it all behind?
Throughout the story, Davis, along with a cast of other characters, challenge everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. And at the end of the day, it’s a novel that asks one question: Is it possible that God sees us—people stained and broken by the world—yet wants us still?

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 

I asked my husband, because I couldn’t think of any. He said that he never knows where he’s going to find me when I’m working. Sometimes I write in the office. Sometimes I write in our bed. Sometimes I’m on the couch. I even write in the garage. Apparently, he finds this amusing. ☺

What do you like to do when you're not writing?


I like to go on bike rides with my family. Or walk to Dairy Queen. I love hanging out with girlfriends. Reading books. Watching movies. And chatting with other adoptive mamas who are also waiting for their children to come home.

What are your favorite and least favorite genres to read and why?
One of my favorites to read is young adult dystopian-esque novels because it’s fun getting lost in a completely different world. If they have a strong romantic thread, then all the better. My least favorite to read is horror, because I don’t like to be scared.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Oh man, that’s like trying to pick a favorite candy! There are too many good ones to pick one. One of my current favorites isn’t a verse so much as a passage from Ezekiel 37, when Ezekiel has the vision of the valley of dry bones. Every time I read it, it strikes a deep chord. Nothing is ever too dead that God can’t breathe it back to life. 

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
 

One of my all-time favorite movies is The Princess Bride. I loved it as a little kid and I still love it as an adult. It has everything—humor, romance, adventure, princesses and pirates. And it’s one of the best movies to quote.


http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=27774&picture=autumn-landscapeWhat is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
Fall! I love crisp weather—jeans and sweatshirts and fresh air and the smell of burning leaves. Football and back-to-school supplies and all the pretty leaves. Fall makes me happy.

Do you have a fun birthday or party memory you'd care to share?

Growing up, my parents gave my brother and I the best old-fashioned birthday parties. We didn’t go anywhere. We invited friends over. We played games in the backyard—like Red Rover Red Rover—and we played games in the basement—musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. We ordered Little Caesar’s Pizza and ate cake and ice cream and then every year, my dad would put us all in a pyramid and take a picture.

If you were hosting a dinner party and could invite any five people, who would you invite?
I would invite my husband, our son, our Congolese daughter, her foster mom, and a friend from Congo named Paul who would be able to help us translate, since her foster mom speaks French.

This-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? 
Thunderstorms

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate

Tea or Coffee? 
Coffee

Call or Text? 
Text

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs

Early-bird or Night-owl? 
Early-bird

Introvert or Extrovert?
Extrovert

Facebook or Twitter? 
Facebook

Cake or Cupcakes?
Cupcakes

Sneakers or Sandals?
Sandals

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 

I’m finishing up edits for my fourth novel, set to release in April, titled The Art of Losing Yourself. The story was inspired by that passage in Ezekiel I talked about earlier. It’s about a woman who feels like her faith and marriage are dead and how a troubled teenager and a rundown motel help bring both back to life again.

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?

Thanks for having me! I guess I’d just like to say a big thank you to readers who’ve read my books and big hello, nice to meet you to those who haven’t. If you’d like to learn more, you can find me at www.katieganshert.com
 

Enter for a chance to win a copy of A Broken Kind Of Beautiful! Giveaway is open to the US and ends 9/28.

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!



Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

27 comments:

  1. I look forward to reading this book. So many of us have a broken past that can be overcome but they don't know it. I love books that we can learn from.

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  2. It is so sad that appearance has become so important. It's no wonder girls (and boys!) have so many issues now! I told my daughter that everyone needs to go back to wearing mumus so we all look the same :) Just kidding...sort of lol.

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  3. I'm really looking toward to reading this one! I can relate to Ivy (not career-wise) in her struggle to hide an ugly, broken past behind a more-pleasing appearance. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

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  4. You love crisp weather—jeans and sweatshirts and fresh air and the smell of burning leaves, those are my favorite part of Fall too. Would enjoy reading your book!

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  5. I read Katie's first release and have her second in my TBR stack! I've heard great things about this newest release and look forward to reading it.

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  6. Oh I loved this book so much! And what a treat to read such a great interview with Katie!

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  7. I've read A Broken Kind of Beautiful. It's a terrific book! I've liked all of Katie's books, but this one was my favorite!

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  8. I loved this book! Katie did a fabulous job of showing truth in the midst of the story and characters. I think the title works so well with the theme. I couldn't put this book down. I love Katie's writing style! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book.

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  9. We need more books that discuss appearance. Thank you, Katie, for tackling the subject so we can teach our girls that looks are secondary to what is inside. God may have made a woman attractive but now it is her duty to show that her actions and intentions are what matters most. I look forward to reading.

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  10. I have read many wonderful reviews but I still haven't had the.chance to read Katie's book. Thanks for this interview and giveaway!

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  11. Good interview. A book that examines the consequences of focusing on your outer appearance is wonderful. It is something all Christians, women, and girls need to think about. After all, God wants us to focus on what is in our hearts.

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  12. Looking forward to reading A Broken Kind of Wonderful and am very interested in the book Katie is finishing, The Art of Losing Yourself. Katie is a new author to me so I appreciate your interview. Thank you both for this giveaway opportunity!

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  13. This sounds like a wonderful story. I think most women are concerned with their outward beauty or appearance more than they/we need to be. I'd love to read this book.

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  14. I love, love, love that your next book comes out of Ezekiel 37... I will nab that one quickly to read it, as I am also drawn to that chapter! Like you, that God can breathe life into anything seemingly dead, is miraculous and hopeful!
    Blessings!
    Kelly Y.
    kelly *at* dkcountryarts *dot* com

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  15. Katie Ganshert always writes such thought provoking books. I always come away feeling as if I've learned something new and enjoyed a little romance too.

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  16. I really want to read your book, Katie. I will pray your daughter comes home soon. We have 3 children through adoption.
    Becky

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  17. Wonderful interview with Katie! I am also a dog person. Thank you for using your talents to glorify the Lord. I am looking forward to reading "A Broken Kind Of Beautiful!".

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  18. I am really looking forward to reading this book. I've heard great things about it.

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  19. Great interview. Wonderful book. If I win, I will be sharing with some women I know who can use a beautiful touching story like this. thank you

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  20. Excited to read this book about a woman's beauty that is obvious to everyone, yet the man she wants to 'view' her sees pas it.

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  21. I've enjoyed another of Katie's books and look forward to reading this one. Glad to know she's a fellow chocolate lover :-)

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  22. Is it possible that God sees us—people stained and broken by the world—yet wants us still? :) yes, thank you Lord! ! Great interview :)

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  23. I read Katie's book Wildflowers from Winter and really enjoyed it. A Broken Kind of Beautiful also sounds very good. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

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  24. Hello Melanie and thanks for the interview with Katie. Was fun. Katie, first off I want to see the Pyramid picture. LOL And I want to say I hate it so much that that big shot in Congo is still waiting this long to
    let yo bring sweet girl home. That is sad. Wish there was someone higher that you go to. Was hoping our prayer chain would work. When growing up I don't remember us have parties except as a family. Of course times were hard with 8 children. I expect we always had a cake and then Table games together. It never bothered me. Red Rover, Red Rover was in our games too. We always played this kind of days back then. So many fun games. We all played outdoors and got lots of exercise. Now, all they want to do is be on all of the techy things. Some families hardly even talk .I like the simpler time back then when families had more family time and not such a busy day. I have this book of yours in my TBR later
    Guess will give to someone else or to our church Library. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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