Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2016

Interview & Giveaway: Heather Blanton ~ Author of A Promise in Defiance!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Heather!! What is your latest novel about?
CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES...EVEN FOR THE REDEEMED. 
When Charles McIntyre founded Defiance, he was more than happy to rule in hell rather than serve in heaven. But things have changed. Now, he has faith, a new wife...and a ten-year-old half-breed son. Infamous madam Delilah Goodnight wants to take it all away from him. How can he protect his kingdom and his loved ones from her schemes without falling back on his past? How does he fight evil if not with evil?



Logan Tillane carries a Bible in his hand, wears a gun on his hip, and fights for lost souls any way he can. Newly arrived in Defiance, he has trouble, though, telling saints from sinners. The challenge only worsens when Delilah flings open the doors to the scandalous Crystal Chandelier. She and the new preacher have opposite plans for the town. One wants to save it, one wants to lead it straight to hell.



For Tillane and McIntyre, finding redemption was a long, hard road. God's grace has washed away their sins, but the consequences remain and God will not be mocked. For whatosoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...and the harvest is finally at hand.

What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?
That choosing to serve Christ ensures your eternal destiny, makes the path forward straighter and easier to walk, and while he forgives your sins, he doesn’t erase the consequences of bad choices. I hear over and over the stories of Believers who fall away because their past haunts them. Things keep popping up and life doesn’t go their way. Walking with Christ doesn’t mean you’ll get to tip-toe through the tulips the rest of your life. Walking with Him means you can bear up under the weight of past sins, overcome them, and keep moving forward.  

Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series?
Long as I get to give a bad guy his comeuppance, make a strong man weak with love, throw at least one punch, and share the Gospel, I am good with either!

Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?
I would give my right arm to write like Bodie Thoene, Francine Rivers, or Norah Roberts…but I need it to type.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I remember telling my mom a story when I was five. She typed it while I talked. I’m still mad about one little editorial change she made. I don’t remember what I wanted to say, but I remember Momma typed, “…led them on a merry chase.” A merry chase? Who says that? Editors. Sheesh.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Silence! I must have silence when I write. I write like people act: the method approach. Total immersion. I lose myself in the story and the characters. Sometimes it’s jarring to come back to laundry, teenagers with iPhones, cooking, and did I say laundry?

Where do you like to write?
When my husband comes home for lunch, he yells for me ‘cause there is no telling where I might be. I like writing in my office, the sun room, the living room on the sectional, even on my bed, no rhyme or reason to my choices. Hmmm … maybe it’s hormones.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I’m not writing, I visit these people who insist they know me and love me. I’m not so sure. I think they’re my employers. I cook, clean, shop, drive them around—oh, wait, now it’s coming back to me. They’re my children and my husband.

Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Ten Sleep, WY. Really, who do you know who has been to Ten Sleep? I want the honor.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28


Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
My daddy taught me to shoot when I was 5ish. He could shoot a hole through a quarter tossed into the air, and quick draw with the best of ‘em. He wasn’t a particularly tall man, but he was big in personality. When I was little, I had the hardest time telling him apart from the John Wayne. Obviously, then, the Duke is my favorite actor and I will watch him over and over again in Rooster Cogburn. True Grit wasn’t bad, but Rooster Cogburn had a more satisfying ending.
What is your favorite holiday?
The 4th of July. Over the years I have found myself in some interesting places on that day and so the holiday has endeared itself to me! One Independence Day morning I looked out my Gunnison, CO hotel window to discover the entire valley filled with huge, colorful, floating hot air balloons! What a beautiful sight!

Some this-or-that questions: 

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Snowstorms. I am a firm believer there is no such thing as too much snow!
Chocolate or Vanilla? I’m so vanilla.
Tea or Coffee? Coffee. Java. Joe. Mud. Brew. Elixir of the Gods! Beans of Happiness! ☺
Call or Text? Text. B/c I multi-task.
 Early-bird or Night-owl? Does, “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey” tell ya anything? Btw, my husband is NOT a morning person. He doesn’t love the way I wake up, all chipper and happy. He thinks I’m deranged. 
Introvert or Extrovert? Can I be both? I’m out-going as heck, but I love my alone time!
 Facebook or Twitter? 140 characters? I can’t say anything important in 140 characters. Truthfully, no one else can either. They just think they can. Those are the people who should be on Facebook with me.
 Mystery or Romance? Definitely Romance. Mysteries require too much brain power and I’m running on empty by the time I have a chance to sit and read.


Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Book 2 in my Love and War in Johnson County series will be coming out in the fall. This is a serious Western trilogy of a cattle ranching family caught in the middle of the deadliest range war ever fought in the US. In all three of the books in this series, someone pretends to be something they’re not.


After the Johnson County War a lot of bad guys got away with murder, including the lynching of 28-year-old Ellen Watson, aka “Cattle” Kate. Justice is coming for the cattle barons.


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?
I’m very social with my readers! Please join me anytime at the following places:
https://ladiesindefiance.com/ My blog. I do lots of give-aways and feature stories about tough ladies!
livingindefiance@yahoo.comYou’re always welcome to email me!



Enter for a chance to win a copy of A Promise in Defiance! Giveaway is open internationally. If you live in the US/Canada, you will receive a print copy; if international, you will receive an eBook. Ends 6/30

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.


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Thursday, February 18, 2016

Interview & Giveaway!! The Union of the North and the South by Ann Mock!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Ann!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 
Award-winning author Ann Mock lives in Florida with her husband Dave and her faithful companion, Happy. In 2015 "The Union of the North and the South" earned Honorable Mention from Readers' Favorite international book award contest in the Romance-Christian category.
She was also very pleased when "The Union of the North and the South" received the Readers' Favorite five-star seal in 2014.

What is your novel, The Union of the North and the South, about?
Romance and suspense come alive in this uplifting Christian novel set in the South in the 1870s.

The reader will fall in love with the intriguing story of Laura who overcomes personal tragedy, and is forced to hide a secret that, if revealed, will cause her great heartache. Amidst the revitalized social scene of a South recovering from the War Between the States, Laura has to sacrifice one of her most precious desires in order to protect someone she loves above all else.  Yet as the world around the Malcolm family improves they are also forced to overcome numerous challenges. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi, Oak Grove, the ancestral home of the family, and the oaks that shaded it symbolize the Malcolms’ courage, resilience, and strength. Can Laura make her enemies become allies as she confronts her secret and finds the strength to forgive as well as to love again?

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 
I like to write with my dog Happy sitting in my lap.

Where do you like to write?
In my Lazy-boy chair.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
I enjoy ballroom dancing and cruising on oceans and rivers both in Europe and the United States.

What is your favorite genre to read and why? 
Christian romances

What is your least favorite genre to read?
horror/erotica

Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Iceland

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
23rd Psalm

What is your favorite holiday? 
Christmas

What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
Spring. Pretty flowers.


Enter for a chance to win an AUDIO BOOK copy of The Union of the North and the South! Giveaway is open internationally and ends 3/3/16.

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.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

5-Year Blogoversary Celebration! Day 6 | Interview with Nadine Brandes & Giveaway!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Nadine! Will you share a little about yourself and your latest book? Why thank you, Melanie! And congratulations on your Blogoversary!! *squeal* I can shower you in confetti or cookies…your choice. ;-)

*ahem*

I’m a booknerd and a dork. We’ll start with that. My favorite hobby is adventuring and I’ve been writing adventure novels since I could hold a pen. My latest book that released is A Time to Speak, the second book in my dystopian trilogy (book 3 releases this fall! Eee!) It’s the story about a world where everyone knows the day they’re going to die and my main character has only a year left to make something of her life.

Hubby is my fellow adventurer and brainstormer. He and I live in Idaho with no pets, no kids (aside from the 20+ teens who come play games with us every Friday.), and a lot of snow.

What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?
Oh man. This is my favorite book of the series, so I could talk a long time (but I won’t…) I hope readers come away inspired to be bold! It’s totally scary to step up and be bold or make a stand, but it’s so worth it when you’re standing for Christ and being an example of shalom. *deep breath*
We are all meant for something great, because God doesn’t write mediocre or bland stories. But it’s up to us to pursue that greatness and He’ll lead us. Parvin (my main character) finally does this in A Time to Speak and she rocks it. :P (In my opinion.)

Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series? 
I’ve never written a standalone, but I’m in the process of plotting one and I really like it. I love reading standalone because I feel like they pack a much stronger punch than books in a series. So…I’ll try my hand at a standalone and let you know! All I’m sure of so far is that series are really hard to write.

Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?
Marissa Meyer! If you haven’t read The Lunar Chronicles do it now! They’re phenomenal. Also Jill Williamson, though I haven’t read everything she’s written. But I’ve read most of it and every book is so unique and perfectly developed. My favorite series is the Blood of Kings Trilogy. Lastly, I love Rae Carson’s writing. It’s tight, it’s clean, and it’s very unique.


What's the last thing you celebrated, not including birthdays or holidays?
*blushes*
Well, my jaw is still on the floor for this one, but my debut novel A Time to Die won the ACFW Carol Award. It was a big deal—full-length gown, banquet, speech and everything. Phew! The nerves! (Don’t worry, I had my inhaler with me. :P ) So my entire family basically drowned me in celebrations. It was such an enormous honor and I still tear up at the thought.
I can’t even.

Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what was your favorite book growing up?
Friday, February 5, 2016

5-Year Blogoversary Celebration! Day 5 | Interview with Liz Johnson & Giveaway!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Liz! Will you share a little about yourself and your latest book?
Thanks for having me! I love stories with heart, humor, and happily ever afters. By day I’m a marketing manager for a nonfiction team at a Christian publisher in Nashville. I find time to write late at night and always have stories to tell.

My newest book, The Red Door Inn, tells the story of Marie Carrington, who is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B—and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

Have you visited Prince Edward Island, the setting for your new series?
Yes! I’ve been to PEI four times. It’s my favorite place in the world. Many years ago, I told my mom that I would take her to PEI when I sold my first book. She got me hooked on Anne of Green Gables when I was young, so I thought it would be a fitting way to celebrate my first book contract. But no one told me that I wouldn’t make much money on my first book, so we had to wait for my second contract. We went the first time for five days in September of 2010. And immediately started planning our next trip. My sister joined us for the second and third trip, and on our last trip, my oldest niece joined us.

I fell in love with PEI the first time I set foot on the island, and I hope that I shared a little bit of that in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series.

What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?
I hope that readers will be reminded that God is present in our lives, especially during the hard times. He is our good Father, who loves us more than we can imagine.

Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series?
I love writing both stand-alone books and series. Single titles are fun because they often stretch me out of my comfort zone. I generally build a series around secondary characters. I love getting to tell each of their stories and catching up with characters from previous books. In my new series all the characters meet through the Red Door Inn, and I love reconnecting with them in each book.

Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?
I have a number of favorites, including Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, and Meg Cabot. I always look forward to their new books and have reread their backlist titles many times.

What's the last thing you celebrated, not including birthdays or holidays?
This last year has been filled with numerous writing deadlines, and I try to celebrate every milestone—even the little ones. When I met my last deadline in November, I celebrated by taking a day off of work and inviting some friends over for pizza and one of our favorite movies. We laughed and talked and just enjoyed a low-key day. It was a simple celebration, but very encouraging after a long lineup of deadlines.

Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what was your favorite book growing up?
Tuesday, February 2, 2016

5-Year Blogoversary Celebration! Day 2 | Interview with Regina Scott & Book Giveaway!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Regina! Will you share a little about yourself and your latest book?
Thanks for the warm welcome, Melanie! I’m the author of more than 30 sweet historical romances and a major history geek in general. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me in museums or with reenactors learning more about what life was like in the past. Although most of my books have been set in the Regency period of England (think Jane Austen and Napoleon), my last few books have been set much closer to home—in pioneer Seattle. The fourth book in my Frontier Bachelors series was out in January. Instant Frontier Family tells the story of a young Irishwoman determined to make a prosperous life for herself and her orphaned half sister and brother by starting a new bakery. Love is not part of Maddie O’Rourke’s plan, until her siblings start matchmaking.
 
What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?
I hope they come away with a sense of family, that love might mean sacrifice, but when it’s done for those you love, it’s worth everything.
 
Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series? 
I love series. It’s too hard to say goodbye to characters after one book!
 
Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?
The late Elizabeth Mansfield, Lloyd Alexander, Mary Stewart, and recently, Catherine Lloyd.
  
What's the last thing you celebrated, not including birthdays or holidays?
My husband recently earned his third degree black belt in Shudokan karate. I was so proud of him!
 
Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what was your favorite book growing up?
Monday, February 1, 2016

5-Year Blogoversary Celebration! Day 1 | Interview with Stacy Henrie & Giveaway!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Stacy! Will you share a little about yourself and your latest book?
Thanks so much for having me! It’s an honor to be on your blog, Melanie.
I’m an author of inspirational historical romance. I love reading, digital scrapbooking, romance movies, and chocolate. THE EXPRESS RIDER’S LADY is my fifth published book and my second to release with Love Inspired Historical. It features a young woman trying to reach California in just eighteen days with the help of a Pony Express rider.
What do you hope readers come away with after reading your newest story?
I hope readers will take away that we can each do hard things; that we don’t have to let others’ imposed stereotypes have sway in our lives or our hearts. I also hope they’ll take away the knowledge that no matter where we are, the Lord is aware of us.
Do you find it more fun to write stand-alones or series? 
Can I say both? ☺ I wrote a WWI series and thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stories of the three main characters who played a part in each book. But I also had a lot of fun writing my two historical westerns and the chance to create stories that could stand on their own.
Who are some of your favorite authors whose books have never disappointed you?
I very much enjoy reading Siri Mitchell and Elizabeth Camden. If a book has their name on it, I’m probably going to love it.
What's the last thing you celebrated, not including birthdays or holidays?
I think the last thing I celebrated was my book HOPE AT DAWN being a 2015 RITA finalist in the Inspirational category. My editor, my husband, and I celebrated with a cupcake “toast” in New York City—and boy, were those yummy cupcakes!
Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what was your favorite book growing up?
Thursday, July 9, 2015

Interview & Giveaway: Carol J. Post | Author of Hidden Identity!

 

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Carol!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 
My husband and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary on June 13th. (And yes, it did fall on a Friday the year we were married.) We have two lovely daughters, two awesome sons-in-law and two cute grandsons. Everyone is about 1,200 miles away (except my husband), so the only children I have at home are my furry ones.

What is your novel, Hidden Identity, about?
Hidden Identity is the second novel in my Cedar Key series. Here is a blurb:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373446829/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373446829&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=E5I5ZKFBE2RXEK3MAfter becoming trapped in a web of blackmail and murder, Meagan Berry escapes by faking her death. She finds anonymity on Florida's Cedar Key until she is caught on camera rescuing a senator, and the nightmare begins anew. Something tells Cedar Key police officer Hunter Kingston that Meagan isn’t who she claims to be, but the fear in her eyes and the vulnerability beneath that aloof exterior reach out to him. When he learns the truth, he is determined to protect her, whatever the cost, because at least one person is dead set on making sure the next time Meagan "dies," it'll be for real.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write. I was one of those strange kids that actually enjoyed doing book reports and research papers. In the late 1980s, my husband and I worked with Marriage Encounter, doing marriage enrichment weekends. We had to write out our talks ahead of time and send them to the lead team couple for approval. I really enjoyed writing those talks, and that’s what got me thinking about trying to write for publication. I started with articles for religious and children’s publications. Eventually I decided to try writing a novel, and many more years passed. It was my third complete book that finally got picked up by Love Inspired Suspense in 2012.

Where do you like to write?
I don’t have an office or write at a desk. I alternate between the dining room table, the recliner, the screen room or a beach chair in the front yard. Whenever I get stuck, it’s usually time for a change of scenery. But wherever I choose to write, I always have company.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
Hike, swim, camp, sail, canoe, kayak—anything outdoors. When water is involved, it’s even better. I’m learning to play tennis, but I’m not very good at it.

Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet? 
I would love to someday go on a Mediterranean cruise. I’ve had friends that have gone, and the pictures they brought back were incredible. I used to think I wanted to go on an African safari, until someone told me there are big spiders down there. That was the end of that dream.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 
My favorite Bible verse is John 14:27. Jesus is speaking, and in the New Living Translation it says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  In today’s world, we need peace now more than ever. I love the way it’s worded in this translation—peace of mind and heart. To me, peace of mind addresses worry and anxiety, and peace of heart covers the emotions.

What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
I think fall is my favorite season. Since I live in Florida, we don’t get the pretty colors, but I look forward to that first crisp morning. Well, maybe not crisp, but a little less hot and humid. I do love the colors, though, and whenever we can, we try to schedule an October trip to visit our daughters and their families in New England.

Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms. I love to hear the sound of the rain. Even the crash of thunder doesn’t bother me. And I hate the cold!

Tea or Coffee? Tea, but it’s got to be herbal tea. Orange spice is my favorite.

Call or Text? Text. It’s quick and easy, and can be done any time of the day or night without concerns of bothering someone.

Cats or Dogs? It used to be cats, unequivocally. But a few years ago, I got my first dog, a long-haired dachshund who was a rescue. I am the center of her world, so I have to say it’s now a toss-up.

Sneakers or Sandals? Barefoot. Oh, that’s not a choice. Okay, sandals. Fortunately I live in Florida and can wear them almost all year.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate. Really dark chocolate, like 85 or 90%, the more bitter the better.


Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 
I am currently working on two series—one for Love Inspired Suspense set in Cedar Key, Florida, and another for Love Inspired set in Murphy, North Carolina. The Murphy series is brand new. I’m finishing the first book. In the Cedar Key series, I’ve completed three books (Shattered Haven, Hidden Identity and Mistletoe Justice) and am starting on the fourth. I like setting books in places that I enjoy visiting. I have family in Murphy, and Cedar Key is just a fun escape. The second oldest city in Florida (behind St. Augustine), it’s quaint and artsy with a real “Old Florida” feel. My husband and I just spent our anniversary there a couple of weeks ago.

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?
Thank you for having me! It’s been fun. I love to hear from readers. You can find me on the web at www.caroljpost.com, on facebook at www.facebook.com/caroljpost.author and on twitter at www.twitter.com/caroljpost. For news and fun contests, sign up for my newsletter. (The link is on my web site.)


Enter for a chance to win an autographed print copy of Hidden Identity by Carol J. Post!! Giveaway is open to the US and Canada. Ends 7/23/15

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.