Blog Archives

Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Anita Higman and "Summer's List"

6/30/2015

Author Mini-view:

First of all, I'd like to welcome all the new subscribers. We're so glad you have joined us! Please feel free to introduce yourselves. :)

Secondly, I'm thrilled to introduce author Anita Higman to the blog today. Let's get this interview started!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, but now I live in Texas. I have been writing for thirty years, and I have forty books published. To be honest, it’s been a rough journey. I have known a great deal of failure before I ever knew any success. But then that is a common tale among writers. As far as where my journey will go, only God knows the answer to that question. In the future I hope to concentrate on novels for young adults.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I guess you could say that this scripture is my life-verse:

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

Recently I read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. It’s a masterwork—a true story about slavery in America—and a book that everyone should read.

What book are you featuring today?

Summer’s List through Moody Publishers. Here’s a short blurb:

Life and love keep going awry for Summer Snow, until her grandmother sends her on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree—a kind and quirky young man from Summer's past. With Laney the Chihuahua along for the ride, a childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

If you have taken the time to read one of my books, I thank you with all my heart. Your support is greatly appreciated!

About the Author:

Author Bio:

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, traveling to exotic places, and brunch with her friends.

Please check out Anita’s latest novel, Summer’s List, through Moody Publishers. Feel free to drop by her website at www.anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaHigman. She would love to hear from you!

Find Summer's List here: http://www.amazon.com/Summers-List-Anita-Higman/dp/0802412327/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1432419494&sr=8-10&keywords=Anita+Higman

Giveaway!

Anita is giving away a paperback copy of "Summer's List" to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 7/7. Good luck and happy reading!

Entry -Form

32 Comments

Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Patrick E. Craig and "The Amish Heiress"

6/23/2015

58 Comments

Author Mini-view:

Hello, readers! I'm pleased to introduce author Patrick E. Craig here on the blog today. Let's get this interview started!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

I’ve actually been writing since I was seven when I had my first article published in the school paper. I had a gifted Aunt who was a brilliant writer and a mother who encouraged me in all my creative endeavors. In school I was always the editor of the school paper and won several awards including a commendation from the Wall Street Journal for an editorial I wrote on the death of President Kennedy. After college, I became a professional musician in San Francisco and my forte was always lyric writing. I had many published and recorded songs. Then when I met the Lord in 1984, I went to Bible College and went into the ministry. I wrote several books on worship and discipleship. In 2007 I stepped out of the ministry to concentrate on something I had always wanted to do—write fiction with enduring characters, lots of romance and plenty of adventure. So far I have published two mystery books for teens and I have three Amish fiction books published by Harvest House, The Apple Creek Dreams series. My latest book, The Amish Heiress, will be released in late July.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I’m a big Zane Grey fan and I just finished a terrific novel of his, “30,000 on the Hoof.” It’s a wonderful story about a pioneer couple who settle in a remote area the Arizona wilderness and raise their family. It’s filled with incredible courage and nobility in the face of hardship, danger and evil men—a really terrific book.

What book are you featuring today?

I’d like to feature The Amish Heiress, my soon to be published novel. It’s It’s a different kind of story, but then I’m not exactly known in Amish circles as someone who writes a typical Amish novel. I think that’s because I read too many Zane Grey books when I was a kid. His books had adventure, mystery, and danger and as you can see, I still read them today. For those of you expecting a typical light-hearted romance dressed in Amish clothing, you will certainly find far more than that in this story, so be prepared. But Grey was also one of the best romance writers that ever put pen to paper and, in the end, good Amish fiction has to have romance, and plenty of it. Here’s the back cover blurb for The Amish Heiress:

Rachel Hershberger’s life in Paradise, Pennsylvania is far from happy. Her papa struggles with a terrible event from the past and his emotional instability has created an irreparable breach between them. Rachel’s one desire is to leave the Amish way of life and Paradise forever. Then her prayers are answered. Rachel discovers that the strange, key-shaped red birthmark above her heart identifies her as the heir to a vast fortune left by her Englischer grandfather, Robert St. Clair. If Rachel will marry a suitable descendent of the St. Clair family she will inherit an enormous sum of money. But Rachel does not know that behind the scenes is her long dead grandfather's sister-in-law, Augusta St. Clair, a vicious woman who will do anything to keep the fortune in her own hands. Augusta’s grandson, Gerald proposes marriage and Rachel, seeing a way out of the turmoil of her life, agrees. At first everything seems perfect, but as the days pass, Rachel realizes that enormous wealth and a godless, loveless marriage will never compare to the plain ways of her people and the true love of a faithful Amish boy. And as the deceptions and intrigues of the St. Clair family bind her in their web, Rachel realizes that her change of heart may have come too late.

If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

In my new book, The Amish Heiress, the most important thought I want my readers to come away with is that the law does not save you, only Jesus saves you. The Bible tells us that 'Salvation Belongs To The Lord' - Ps 3:8. Yet, Christians believe that, after we are saved, we have to work to keep our salvation. The difference between 'religion' and the gospel of grace is that religion adds burdens by announcing that Jesus plus something equals everything while the gospel of grace absorbs burdens by announcing that Jesus plus nothing equals everything. Law feels safe. Grace feels risky. We often speak about grace with a thousand qualifications which reveal a paralyzing fear that grace will be taken too far.

About the Author:

Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. The books are historical Amish fiction and the first book, A Quilt for Jenna, was released February 1, 2013. The second book in the series, The Road Home, was released September 1, 2013. Book number three, Jenny’s Choice, came out February 1, 2014. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles and the first book, The Amish Heiress, will be out in August, 2015. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in Idaho and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.

Where can readers find me online?

www.patrickecraig.com (Webpage)
https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig (Facebook)
https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig (Twitter)
http://tinyurl.com/pn5rzf9 (LinkedIn)

Where can readers purchase the Apple Creek Dreams Series?

http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg (Amazon)
http://tinyurl.com/ou2kb2y (Barnes & Noble)

The Amish Heiress will be available in August on Amazon, B&N and GoodReads.

Giveaway!

Patrick is giving away a paperback copy of "The Amish Heiress" to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 6/30. Good luck and happy reading!

Entry -Form

58 Comments

Author Mini-View and Giveaway: Morgan L. Busse and the "Follower of the Word" Series

6/17/2015

40 Comments

Author Mini-View:

Hello, readers! I'm pleased to feature author Morgan L. Busse on the blog today. Let's get this interview started!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

I never grew up wanting to be a writer. I always had an active imagination and even wrote a story about a superhero squirrel in elementary school, but it was just something I did on the side. I focused more on math and science and pursued those subjects in high school and college.

After the birth of my second child, I found myself needing a creative outlet. My husband suggested I write. I laughed and said no. But the thought stuck and during a trip to Seattle, I had this idea about a woman who—with a touch of her hand—could see inside a person’s soul. The moment we got back from our trip, I hopped on the computer and started writing the first scene for Daughter of Light.

That was eleven years ago. Since then my writing journey has been one of tears, joy, and frustration. Writing is very hard, and I have a feeling if I had known how much work it was, I might have given up. Fortunately, I was naïve and persevered, even when I discovered that very few publishers were accepting fantasy manuscripts. Through the help of friends, the support of my husband, and God’s gentle guidance, I found a home for my epic fantasy series.

Further more, I was blessed to final in the Christy Awards, the Carol Awards, and the Grace Awards. To be listed with amazing authors whom I admire was an honor.

This spring the last book in the Follower of the Word series released. There are three books in this series (Daughter of Light, Son of Truth, and Heir of Hope). All have garnered critical acclaim and not only have people enjoyed the story, it has touched their hearts and brought them closer to God. Helping others with my writing inspires me to write more!

What is your favorite Bible verse?

That is a hard one since I draw so much from God’s Word. John 1 is the basis for my fantasy series. I love how John describes Jesus in the opening to his Gospel, and the pictures of light and darkness.

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

One of my favorite authors is Serena Chase. She has written a fantastic fantasy series. The first two books are about a long-lost princess, but with a special twist so it doesn’t sound like that same old story. The second part of her series features pirates. I have to admit, if I have to choose between knights or pirates, pirates win. There is something a pirate: that free spirit with a dash of spice and honor. Love it!

Her books are titled The Ryn, The Remedy, and The Seahorse Legacy. I am eagerly anticipating the release of The Sunken Realm.

What book are you featuring today?

Since Heir of Hope released this past April, that is the book I am promoting. However, if you have never read the Follower of the Word series, I would be happy to provide a copy of the first book, Daughter of Light, to the winner at his/her request.

If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

The Follower of the Word series is an epic fantasy series similar to the writings of authors Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind. You will not find dragons, elves, orcs, or any of the usual fantasy fanfare in this series. Rather, this story is about a woman with a terrifying power and her journey to discover why she has this power.

Rowen is a Truthsayer, a being who has the ability to see inside a person’s soul with a touch of her hand and reflect back that person’s true nature. This power scares almost everyone who finds out about her, so she keeps her hand hidden behind a glove. However, there are those who want to use her power for their own ends, and there are those who believe she can do good and stand by her.

The ultimate theme behind this series is a theme of hope: that in the darkest times there is light, and that we are never alone.

Thank you, Anna, for allowing me to be a guest on your blog today! (Thank YOU for being here, Morgan!) :)

About the Author:

AUTHOR BIO:

Morgan L. Busse writes fantasy for the adult market. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, including Daughter of Light, Christy and Carol Award finalist. Morgan lives on the West Coast with her husband and four children. You can find out more about Morgan at www.morganlbusse.com.

Website: www.morganlbusse.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganLBusse (@MorganLBusse)

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morganlbusse

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827587.Morgan_L_Busse

My books: http://www.enclavepublishing.com/authors/morgan-busse/

Giveaway!

Morgan is giving away a paperback copy of either Heir of Hope (Book 3) or Daughter of Light (Book 1) to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 6/23. Good luck and happy reading!

Entry -Form

40 Comments

Author Mini-View and Giveaway: Jerusha Agen and "This Dance"

6/9/2015

28 Comments

Author Mini-view:

Hello, readers! I'm pleased to feature author Jerusha Agen on the blog today. Let's get this interview started!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

While I’ve written stories of different lengths from childhood on, my dream of becoming a published author wasn’t realized until I entered a contest with the publisher, Write Integrity Press. I was blessed to place in that contest, and the publisher offered me a contract for a three-book series. Thanks to that contract with Write Integrity, all three books of the Sisters Redeemed Series are now available and more doors have opened for me in the publishing industry.

I now have an agent and am busy writing other novels that I’m aiming to publish, either traditionally or independently. At this point in my writing journey, I’d say I’m in the “hurry up and wait” phase. I need to write and produce novels as quickly as I can, but then those manuscripts often sit in limbo for some time, waiting for improvements or the right editor at the right time.

While I get frustrated during the waiting phase, often blaming others for delays, I’m really waiting on God. He is teaching me during this period that I still don’t trust Him as much as I claim to. I need to lean on Him and really trust that His timing and purposes are perfect. If and when He wants my next novels published, He will bring that about! I just need to be patient and not get so caught up in wanting tangible results. It’s my job to trust and be diligent in working for the Lord as I wait. Easier said than done!

What is your favorite Bible verse?

There are so many amazing ones! But my favorite passage, particularly as a Christian writer, is Job 19:23-27. This passage speaks in beautiful prose of Job’s desperation to have his words recorded, as well as to see his (and my!) Redeemer. “I know that my Redeemer lives,” is all we need!

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I love to read literary classics, and I just finished re-reading Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. I didn’t really like this book when I read it about eleven years ago, but I appreciated it much more this time around. Dickens’ characters are drawn with incredible skill, often with hilariously comedic results. As a writer, I gleaned a great deal from his character and setting descriptions that I hope to apply to my own writing.

What book are you featuring today?

This Dance, Book One in the Sisters Redeemed Series. This Dance tells the story of Nye Sanders. A tragedy three years ago destroyed Nye's rise to the top of the dancing world as an upcoming tango star, and in the process destroyed her reason for living. She survived the pain and built a new life resembling nothing like the one she left behind, determined never to hurt again.

Nye's emotional walls hold up perfectly until she meets a handsome lawyer and an elderly landowner. They seem harmless, but one awakens feelings she doesn't want and the other makes her face the God she can't forgive.

Will these two men help Nye dance again?

If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

We have hope, and His name is Jesus! The Sisters Redeemed Series features three women who, like many of us in this life, are in desperate need of hope. One is suffering from a tragic loss that has robbed her life of purpose, another from darkness more awful than anything she’s ever known, and the third from a prison of abuse.

Through reading these women’s stories, my readers will encounter the only hope in the midst of such pain and darkness. Only Jesus Christ can heal the worst wounds, shine light in the darkest places, and free prisoners from their chains. He is our hope and our Redeemer, and I pray that many will meet Him in the pages of the stories He gives me to write.

About the Author:

AUTHOR BIO:

Jerusha Agen is a lifelong lover of story--a passion that has led her to a B.A. in English and a highly varied career. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Jerusha is the author of the Sisters Redeemed Series, which includes the titles This Dance, This Shadow, and This Redeemer. Jerusha co-authored the e-books A Ruby Christmas, A Dozen Apologies, and The Love Boat Bachelor from Write Integrity Press.

Jerusha relishes snowy Midwest winters spent with her three large, furry dogs and two small, furry cats.

Visit Jerusha’s website at www.SDGwords.com. Follow Jerusha on Twitter @SDGwords and Facebook (Jerusha Agen – SDG Words).

BUY LINKS:
For This Dance on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Sisters-Redeemed-Series-Volume/dp/1938092449/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_z
For all Jerusha's books on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jerusha-Agen/e/B00ELMNMV2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433536888&sr=1-2-ent
For This Dance at Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-dance-jerusha-agen/1117381430?ean=9781938092442
For the Sisters Redeemed Series at Christianbook.com http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?action=Search&Ntk=multiple.series&Nso=1&Ns=product.published_date&Ntt=Sisters%20Redeemed

Giveaway!

Jerusha is giving away a paperback copy of "This Dance" to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 6/16. Good luck and happy reading!

Entry -Form

28 Comments

Review and Giveaway: The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews (ARC)

6/2/2015

12 Comments

Book Description:

“Fear is the most fertile ground for faith.”

“You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug.
I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.
When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back.

Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.

Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile.

When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?

My Thoughts:

This was an excellent story and I really enjoyed it. Mesu Andrews brings the Bible to life like few authors can, and her latest book is no exception.

"The Pharaoh's Daughter" tells the story of many characters; the main one being Anippe, King Tut's sister and the circumstances of baby Moses' rescue and adoption. While I grew frustrated with some of Anippe's choices and deceptions, the way she has grown by the end of the book redeems her character beautifully.

The historical details of this book were fascinating to me, as well as the social contrasts between Egyptians and Hebrews. I love learning while reading a good story.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys quality biblical fiction what will strengthen your faith. 5 stars!

(I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via BloggingForBooks.com in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)

Giveaway!

To enter to win this Advanced Reader's Copy of "The Pharaoh's Daughter", just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. (If the link in the email doesn't work, just click over to www.AnnaWeaverBooks.com/giveaways and enter there.) This giveaway will end June 9th. Thanks for participating and God bless!

Entry -Form

12 Comments

June Author Newsletter (2015)

6/2/2015

14 Comments

Happy June!

Hello, readers! I hope you're having a wonderful new month!

This will be a very abbreviated newsletter due to my deadline, but don't worry, we will be returning to the regularly scheduled program soon! Be on the look-out for more author interviews and giveaways this month... I have some wonderful author friends to introduce you to. :)

Also, please accept my apologies for not answering all the blog comments and contact form entries. I'll try to get to them soon!

Writing Stuff:

I'm writing like a maniac to finish my manuscript by the July 15th deadline. Any prayers would be so appreciated! :)

In other news, I am sending in my final project for my Beginning Fiction Techniques class this week. (I'm very pleased with this because it will give me more time to work on the book.) I've been getting very good grades for all of my projects, and again, I'm so thankful for all of your prayers and well wishes on my behalf.

Prayer Requests:

Here's the list of prayers requested this month:

My grandfather - multiple health issues, including congestive heart failure, the doctors have given him 6 months. Prayers for my family and I as we prepare for his passing.

My parents - prayers requested for my dad's health and for both of my parents as they move from my brother Jimmy's house back to their bus. Prayers that everything works out smoothly.

Caryl - Prayers requested as she is dealing with allergies.

Barbara - Requests prayer for her health and her many health problems.

Deanne - Requests prayer for an online friend from CA who is very ill with breathing problems.

My friends, the Rosenthal family - Chaplain Rosenthal is being sent overseas for a year's temporary duty station. Prayers for him and his family during their time of separation.

My friends, the Hedgepeth family - Prayers for Chaplain Hedgepeth who is deployed and for his family who is still at home.

My friend Kelli - Her husband is deploying soon. Prayers for his safety and for Kelli and her little girl and little one on the way during his absence.

Sally - Praise for the prayers she requested a while back. Her house just closed!

Lisa - Prayers for better health and for her 97-year-old grandmother. Also, blessings for the military and for their safety.

And from last month:

My friend Dawn - Her breast cancer has returned. Prayers for her as she starts treatment.

My friend Heidi - having chemo treatments for her cancer, had a bad reaction to one of the medicines. Prayers for mercy and healing.

Last Month's Winners:

Captives by Jill Williamson - Sydney Anderson*

Delight Yourself in the Lord... Even on Bad Hair Days - Barbara Thompson*

Love on the Run - Deanne Patterson*

A Love Like Ours - Kim Hampton*

All winners have a month to reply to my emails or I will draw a new winner. * = winner has claimed her prize. Books will be mailed within the month. Be sure to check back soon for this month's giveaways and reviews.

14 Comments

Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Anita Higman and "Summer's List"

Author Mini-view:

About the Author:

Giveaway!

Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Patrick E. Craig and "The Amish Heiress"

Author Mini-view:

About the Author:

Giveaway!

Author Mini-View and Giveaway: Morgan L. Busse and the "Follower of the Word" Series

Author Mini-View:

About the Author:

Giveaway!

Author Mini-View and Giveaway: Jerusha Agen and "This Dance"

Author Mini-view:

About the Author:

Giveaway!

Review and Giveaway: The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews (ARC)

Book Description:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway!

June Author Newsletter (2015)

Happy June!

Writing Stuff:

Prayer Requests:

Question of the Month (QOTM):

Last Month's Winners:

Author

Categories

Archives