Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Jan Cline and "Emancipated Heart"

4/19/2016

10 Comments

 
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About the Book:

Hana Kato and her family are nearing the end of their confinement in a WWII Japanese American internment camp. Her beloved Papa has been taken to prison, and Hana works hard to keep the family together until he can join them in preparation for their release. Surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, and years of enduring difficult living conditions has tested Hana’s faith and trust. Although she stays strong through trials and tragedy, her resolve is weakened as she fights her affections for two men. Will she choose the rebel Japanese young man? Or will the bright Caucasian doctor she works with win her love? Emancipated Heart will hold your attention with a setting of an interesting era in American history, and a lesson in true loyalty, love and forgiveness, told through a Christian worldview.

Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! I'm so happy you're visiting today! The lovely Jan Cline is joining us to tell us about herself and give away a copy of her book, "Emancipated Heart." Isn't the cover lovely? I can't wait to find out more about it... 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?)

Like so many authors, I've been writing since childhood. I guess you could say it's a God given talent and I regard it as a gift. I was first published in 3rd grade in a scholastic magazine. From then on, I was hooked. As an adult I always wrote non-fiction in the form of articles, essays, and mostly devotionals. But about 6 years ago I wrote a novel on a dare from a friend and found my love for writing fiction. Since I grew up with a father who loved history and took us to every museum we passed by, historical fiction has been my passion. I am currently working on a story about sisters trying to survive the depression in the drought stricken mid-west. I hope to make that my first series.


What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20. Someone wrote it in my Bible when I was a teenager and It's stuck in my heart.

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What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I recently finished Kate Breslin's For Such a Time. It's a great WW2 read and very well written. I also highly recommend James L. Rubart's The Five Times I Met Myself.


What book are you featuring today?

Emancipated Heart. Here is the opening few paragraphs:

"May 1945, Grand Peak Internment Camp, Wyoming

Today Papa was going to prison. Never mind that he was already in a prison of sorts, confined to a 46,000 acre camp surrounded by a barbed wire fence. And never mind that he was an innocent man.
The howling wind grated against Hana Kato’s frayed nerves. All night it had persisted, sifting dirt through the small cracks in the family’s barrack cubicle. Any other day her mother would scold her brother, Martin, directing him where to stuff mud in the holes in the floor and walls to keep out the dust. Today it didn’t seem important. Today none of them could even fill the holes in their hearts."


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

I would like my readers to know that the characters in my books are survivors, and through them we can capture a glimpse of the perseverance and endurance that God gives all of us who struggle. Whether it's in man's inhumanity to man, "acts of God" upon the earth, war, or our own mistakes, we can know God provides, and changes us in the process.

About the Author:

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​Jan Cline is an author and speaker from Spokane, Washington. She has been a writing conference director, workshop teacher, critique group leader, and blogger. She has 2 devotional books published by Barbour and has had numerous devotionals, articles, anthology essays and short stories published, as well as a self-published self-help book for women titled A Heart Out of Hiding. Jan is now concentrating her writing efforts on historical fiction. When she’s not writing she enjoys her grandchildren, her craft addiction, golfing, and baking, known by family and friends as the cheesecake queen!

Giveaway!

Jan is generously giving away a copy of "Emancipated Heart" to one your my blog subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here and go to http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 4/26. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Julie Arduini and "Entrusted"

4/11/2016

11 Comments

 
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Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! I'm so happy you're visiting today! The lovely Julie Arduini is joining us to tell us about herself and give away a copy of her book, "Entrusted." 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 write about surrender issues and include a chocolate mention, too. I have a 3 book series based in the Adirondack Mountains. Entrusted is available now, Entangled is the new release, and Engaged is coming soon. I also co wrote The Heart Seekers series through Write Integrity Press and A Walk in the Valley, a workbook to journey through healing through infertility, through Chalfont Publishing. My plan is to continue to write stories that encourage readers to find freedom through surrender.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have so many favorite verses. My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
 
What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I finished the Armor of God Bible study by Priscilla Shirer and it's a life changer. I highly recommend it. I also read Colleen Coble's Mermaid Moon and really enjoyed it.

What book are you featuring today?

Here is the blurb of my book, Entrusted:

Jenna Anderson, sassy city-girl, plows—literally—into Speculator Falls with a busted GPS, arriving in town as the new senior center director. She has only one goal—that of belonging no matter how out of place she appears and how angry she makes town councilman and grocer Ben Regan. Her new life is so rural there are no traffic lights, and when she learns her car isn’t equipped to handle the mountain terrain, Ben’s grandmother offers her late husband’s vehicle, further alienating the local businessman. As she endears herself to the seniors at the center and creates a vision full of ideas, programs, and equipment, she ruffles Ben’s plans to keep Speculator Falls void of change, including the store his grandfather built. The two work through community events and shared heartbreak only to face off in a town council meeting where Ben publicly rejects her proposal for the senior center, causing Jenna to react out of her fears about belonging. She returns to Ohio where she realizes she needs to surrender her plans for the center and fears about belonging and trust her Heavenly Father when facing fear, change, loss, and love.

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

I'd love for readers to know no matter what they have done, the forgiveness Christ give is real and everlasting. Walk in that freedom. He has abundantly given that to you!

About the Author:

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Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of the Amazon bestseller, ENTRUSTED, and co-author of THE LOVE BOAT BACHELOR and UNLIKELY MERGER. She also shared her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to subscribe to her monthly newsletter full of resources and giveaway opportunities at JULIE ARDUINI: SURRENDER ISSUES AND CHOCOLATE.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/JulieArduini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulieArduini
G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JulieArduini/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/JulieArduini
Instagram: http://instagram.com/JulieArduini
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/JulieArduini
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Arduini/e/B00PBKDRSQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427852247&sr=8-1


Giveaway:

Julie is generously giving away the winner's choice of a print or e-book copy of "Entrusted" to one of you subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here and go to http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 4/19. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Jennifer Slattery and "Breaking Free"

4/5/2016

15 Comments

 
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About the Book:

Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. 

Women’s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage? 

Breaking Free, part of NHP contemporary fiction line, is a great reminder that God can take any broken life and redeem it for His plan and purpose. Readers will fall in love with the realistic characters and enjoy the combination of depth, heart-felt emotion, and humor that makes Jennifer's novels so appealing. Readers will be inspired to break free and find God in the complexities of their own lives!

This book is a great resource for a book club, discussion group in women’s Bible studies, or as a ministry resource to spark conversation about practical ministry needs.

Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! Happy April! I hope it finds you doing well!

Joining us today for an author mini-view and giveaway is the lovely Jennifer Slattery. 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?)

Though I've always enjoyed writing, I'd never considered pursuing it as a career until I was asked to write a story for my previous church's children's program. As I brainstormed the story, I realized how much I enjoyed the creative process. This felt very much like an ah-ha moment, and I began to play around with storytelling. In 2009, after about three years of "experimentation," I decided to get serious about this writing thing and determined I wanted to hone my skills so that I could one day become a published writer.
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What is your favorite Bible verse?

I think my favorite Bible verse changes depending on what I'm going through. I really love Proverbs 4:25-27, which says, Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." This passage speaks to an author's need to stay focused on what God is calling them to do.

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I just finished "A Rush of Wings" by Kristen Heitzmann and absolutely loved everything about it. The small, mountain town setting, the intrigue, the sweet romance... Excellent book!


What book are you featuring today?

You're featuring my fourth novel, "Breaking Free."

Here's the back cover text:
Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters.

Women’s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage?

You can read a free, 33-page excerpt here: http://newhopepublishers.com/2016/02/free-sample-of-breaking-free/


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

I think I'd just tell them to enjoy them, and then to connect with me to let me know what character/s they connected with most. I love chatting with readers about my stories! Or books period.

About the Author:

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Jennifer Slattery loves connecting with readers and writers! You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

She writes missional romance novels for New Hope Publishers, Christian living articles for Crosswalk.com, and devotions for Internet Café Devotions, the group blog, Faith-filled Friends, and her personal blog. She also does content editing for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ Firefly imprint, and loves working with authors who are serious about pursuing their calling. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband.
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Visit with Jennifer online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.

Giveaway!

Jennifer is generously giving away a print copy of "Breaking Free" to one of you subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here and go to http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 4/12. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Johnnie Alexander and "Where She Belongs"

3/29/2016

24 Comments

 
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About the Book:

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.
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Welcome to Misty Willow, a place that will have as great a hold over the reader as it does over its inhabitants.

Author Mini-view:

Hello, friends! Can you believe that it's the last week of March already? I sure can't!

We have another author mini-view and giveaway on the books this week and the lovely Johnnie Alexander is joining us. 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?)
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I wrote about my writing journey when Anna featured my historical novel Where Treasure Hides a few months ago. After it was published, I returned to a story I first started as part of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) way back in 2005.

I’d gone back to this story several times because of its deeply personal premise. It’s about someone who desperately wants to raise her children in the house where she herself experienced such happy memories. I had lived in a house like that as a teenager, and I would have loved to raise my children there. Circumstances didn’t allow that, but I poured my own desire into my protagonist. We had little else in common, but we did have that—the love for a 19th century brick house that had been abandoned for a time.

When I sent the proposal to my agent, she suggested creating a series. I added a few paragraphs for a couple more stories to the proposal and a few months later signed a contract with Revell.
Where She Belongs is the first story in the Misty Willow Series. The second, When Love Arrives, releases in September, and I’m busy writing the third story which releases next year.
My first novella, The Healing Promise, will be included in Barbour’s Courageous Brides Collection which releases in July.
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What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have more than one so I’ll share a different one this time than I did before. These verses are a theme in Where She Belongs and my heroine’s favorites, too.
He brought me into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19, NIV).
I will be glad and rejoice in your love . . . You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place (Psalm 31:7-8 NIV).
The promise of God setting my feet in a spacious place resonates with me during tough times.


What have you read lately that you would recommend?  
 

The last novel I read was The Pawn by Stephen James. I have the next book in that series on my Kindle, but I’m afraid to begin it. Once I do, I won’t want to put it down. And I’ve got my own book to get written first!


What book are you featuring today?

Where She Belongs is about Shelby Kincaid, a young widow who dreams of raising her children in the place where she most felt loved and cherished. Sadly, the house that once belonged to her grandparents has stood empty and desolate for about fourteen years. The current owner, AJ Sullivan, is glad to get rid of the house which he inherited as a punishment from his grandfather.
As Shelby’s and AJ’s lives intertwine, they discover how their grandparents’ long ago decisions have affected them both in good ways and sad ways.  


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

Be aware of the memories you’re creating for those you love.

About the Author:

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Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). Her first contemporary romance, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series; Revell), and her first novella, The Healing Promise (Courageous Bride Collection; Barbour), release in 2016.

She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). She volunteers as a category coordinator for the ACFW Genesis Contest, judges various contests, and serves as marketing director for the MidSouth Christian Writers Conference.


A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book Distributors (ChristianBook.com)

Giveaway!

Johnnie is generously giving the winner's choice of an e-book or paperback copy of "Where She Belongs" to one of my blog subscribers! (Paperback copies available for US winners only, but e-book copies are available for international winners.) Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 4/5. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: James R. Callan and "Over My Dead Body"

3/22/2016

4 Comments

 
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About the Book:

A large corporation is taking land by eminent domain. Syd Cranzler stands in its way, threatening a court battle. After a heated meeting with the corporation representative, Syd is found dead from an overdose of heart medication. The police call it suicide. Case closed.

But Father Frank, Syd’s pastor, and Georgia Peitz, another member of the church, don’t believe Syd committed suicide and begin to look for clues of what really happened. And this has an ill affect on Georgia’s budding romance with the lead detective.

When the priest is almost poisoned, they convince the police to investigate further. Immediately, Father Frank becomes the target of rumors and speculation he might have had something to do with Syd’s death.

The more clues Father Frank and Georgia uncover, the more danger they find themselves in. Can they find the real killer before they become victims?

"What is truly impressive about Callan's writing is his gift for characterization." From a review by John Brantingham of Over My Dead Body

Over My Dead Body, is available at: http://amzn.to/1BmYQ0Q

Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! 

I hope everyone is doing well during this week before Easter. Do you have any exciting plans this Sunday?

James R. Callan is joining me today and featuring his book "Over My Dead Body", so let's get this interview started!

1. 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?)

After a successful career in mathematics and computer science, I turned to my first love - writing. I've written books on the craft of writing (at the request of a publisher), but my passion is writing mystery and suspense books. My eleventh book will be published later this spring.
 
2. What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I recently was a beta reader for Donn Taylor's Murder Mezzo Forte and I would recommend it to anyone.

3. What book are you featuring today?
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Today, I an featuring Over My Dead Body, the second Father Frank Mystery. It is set in a small east Texas town. All my fiction books feature protagonists who do not intend to solve mysteries, but can't let the "bad guys" win. And in my books, the good guys always win.

About the Author:

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James R. Callan had a successful career in mathematics and computer science, receiving grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA. He left the technology field to pursue his real love, writing. He has had four non-fiction books published, but his passion is mystery and suspense novels. His eleventh book is scheduled to be published in spring, 2016.

Giveaway:

James is generously giving one e-book copy of "Over My Dead Body" to one of my blog subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 3/29. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway:  Tanya Eavenson and "Restored"

3/15/2016

6 Comments

 
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About the Book:

Dr. Steven Moore is known nationally for saving lives. If only he could save his own. Unable to deal with his cancer prognosis, he retreats to a happier time in his past—to the woman who once stole his heart. 

Four years after the death of her beloved husband, bookstore owner Elizabeth Roberts still struggles to sustain her faith and joy in the Lord as she raises her two sons. She strives to find a way through her family's grief, never suspecting a man from her past might offer hope for her future. 

But how can there be a future when he's only come to kiss her and says good-bye? 

Author Mini-view:

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is having a lovely March so far! I'm back with another author mini-view this week and the lovely Tanya Eavenson is joining me. Let's get started!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing.

I’m a wife and a mom of three who enjoys books, coffee, and chocolate. I’m an inspirational romance author with two novels published, but I’ve also written several Bible studies that have been translated into different languages and published with Christ to the World Ministries. My life, including this writing journey God has called me to, all seem to revolve around one phrase--to walk by faith and not by sight.


2. What is your favorite Bible verse?

Luke 1:37 is one of my favorite verses and it revolves around the main theme for my new release entitled RESTORED. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”


3. What have you read lately that you would recommend?

Honestly, I’m having reading withdraws! =) This spring I’ve set aside several weeks of reading time and I can’t wait!


4. What book are you featuring today?

RESTORED is a story about lost love being given a second chance when it’s least expected. Here’s the blurb.

Dr. Steven Moore is known nationally for saving lives. If only he could save his own. Unable to deal with his cancer prognosis, he retreats to a happier time in his past—to the woman who once stole his heart.

Four years after the death of her beloved husband, bookstore owner Elizabeth Roberts still struggles to sustain her faith and joy in the Lord as she raises her two sons. She strives to find a way through her family's grief, never suspecting a man from her past might offer hope for her future.

But how can there be a future when he's only come to kiss her and says good-bye?


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

I hope my readers will experience God’s love and faithfulness, feeling as if they were living in the character’s place. Recently I received a review from Restored and though it’s only a portion, here’s a small quote.

“Restored is one of those rare books in which I felt that I was growing along with the characters as they faced the 'life and death' challenges of a world beyond fiction and romance. This is indeed a genuine love story.

Conflict in "Restored" runs so deep and in so many different streams that without Steven and Elizabeth's abiding love of God and their trust in God's goodness, the resolution of this story would seem unsolvable. Yet with God and the inspirational power of the couple's love, Restored resolves almost impossible problems and makes the story seem not only possible but inevitable. Restored is a powerful story of love and faith.”

I pray God will continue to use me to glorify Him through my stories. 

About the Author:

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Tanya Eavenson enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/ on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

Giveaway!

Tanya is generously giving one e-book copy of "Restored" to one of my blog subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 3/22. Thanks for participating and God bless! 
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: JC Morrows and "A Reluctant Assassin"

3/8/2016

12 Comments

 
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About the Book:

"A Reluctant Assassin"

Her mission was simple — get close to the Prince, and kill him. . .

Kayden entered the palace under a lie, one designed to get her close to the Prince. On the outside, she may look like a princess but beneath the mask, a killer lays in wait — for the perfect moment.

Dvarius was not ready to take the crown, nor was he ready for a wife . . .

But due to his father’s unexpected death and an archaic law — he must find a bride before he is allowed to take his rightful place on the throne.

And the one woman he wants — just might be the one who is there to kill him…


"A Treacherous Decision"

Kayden's mission should have been simple - she was sent to kill the prince . . . not to fall in love with him.

Within the palace walls, Kayden has discovered that things are not as she expected. Is there more to the royal family, or . . . is there a more sinister depth to Drey's mission?

Dvarius thought his mind was made up - but will he have the resolve to see it through?

Between attacks from outside the palace - and within, will the Prince live long enough to choose his Queen?

And will Kayden choose to follow her head . . . or her heart, knowing that her decision could very well make her a target as well!

Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week! I'm delighted to introduce JC Morrows here on the blog today. As you can see, she is featuring her book "The Reluctant Assassin." 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 enjoy making up stories and living in a world of my own making... I think I must have always had a storyteller nature. My mother laughs every time she reads my bio because she says it sounds like I was always telling tall tales as a child. Of course... the stories I told... well, anyone would have known they were a lot more than tall tales.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Habakkuk 2:2 - And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I highly recommend "The Liberation" by Marissa Shrock. And you may want to start with the first book in her series: "The First Principle". AMAZING stories... both!

What book are you featuring today?

My favorite quote from "A Reluctant Assassin" is one that I never intended to write... And once I did, it changed the entire direction of the story: "What if Cinderella had been sent to kill the Prince?"

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

Please don't be angry. I really didn't intend to torture everyone with cliffhanger endings. I promise. That is the way God gave them to me.

About the Author:

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JC Morrows - Bestselling author of YA Christian speculative fiction, drinker of coffee and avid reader - is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. JC has been telling stories in one form or another her entire life and once her mother convinced her to write them down, she couldn't stop.

She finished her first speculative fiction novel purely for the enjoyment of her mother - also known as her biggest fan.

She gives God all of the glory for her talent and ability!

"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

Website: http://jcmorrows.com
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/jcmorrows
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7279550.J_C_Morrows
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jcmorrows
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCMorrows
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author

Giveaway!

JC is generously giving away the winner's choice of an e-copy or paperback copy of "A Reluctant Assassin" to one lucky winner! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. The giveaway ends 3/16. Thanks for participating and God bless!
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Angela  Ruth Strong and a Kindle Fire!

3/1/2016

17 Comments

 
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Hello, blog friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful week! This week, I am participating in the Books & Beverages Blog Tour. Here is a little bit of information about that:

“Welcome to the Books & Beverages Blog Tour hosted by Mountain Brook Ink publishing! We’re so excited that you are joining us for the next two weeks of fun. We look forward to introducing you to some new authors -- maybe you’ll even find a new favorite! The tour begins at Annie Douglass Lima’s blog on February 15, 2016 and goes through March 1, 2016, ending with Anna Weaver Hurtt's. Please check below for the complete schedule of the tour.

Featured Authors:

Heather L.L. FitzGerald - Debut author of young adult fantasy series, The Tethered World Chronicles  
Kimberly Rose Johnson - Multi-published author of sweet romance series, The Wildflower B&B Romance
Angela Ruth Strong - Multi-published author of Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho, book one in the Resort to Love series

Each stop will include an opportunity to enter for a FREE KINDLE FIRE as the grand prize, as well as three runner-up opportunities to win a $10 Starbucks gift card! Check the bottom of the post for either a Rafflecopter FORM or a Rafflecopter link for your chance to enter!

The lovely Angela Ruth Strong is joining us today to tell us a little about herself and her writing, so let's get this interview started!

Author Mini-view:

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#1. 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?)
 

In high school I had a basketball player run into me when I was cheerleading. I flew into the bleachers and broke four ribs. I wrote about it and sent it to American Cheerleader Magazine. They bought it and paid me one hundred bucks. That was the easiest I'd ever made money before. I wish it was always that easy.

I studied journalism at the University of Oregon finished my first novel in 2006 and a second one in 2007. I got interest from a publisher at a conference and then interest from an agent because I had interest from a publisher. While I was waiting for her to sell those books, the Love Finds You line of books put out a call for submissions. I honestly threw together three chapters in a day. When my agent called with good news, I was shocked to find out I'd sold the book I hadn't written yet rather than the other two that I'd spent months sweating over.

Since then, I've written in all kinds of genres. The books in my middle-grade series include The Water Fight Professional, The Snowball Fight Professional, The Food Fight Professional, and The Pillow Fight Professional. Fun for kids who enjoyed The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. My women's fiction title Lighten Up is about the daughter of a pastor who can't forgive her father for running off with the church secretary until she falls in love with her own pastor. Then I tried my hand at romantic suspense in a book set with my amazing critique group titled Team Love on the Run.

Currently, I just signed a contract for a 2017 release with Love Inspired Suspense, and I'm rereleasing my debut novel as Finding Love in Sun Valley since it is being considered for a movie (http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2012/07/mpi-to-bring-popular-love-finds-you-book-series-to-television.html). This will be the first in my Resort to Love series with Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana releasing in November and Finding Love in Park City, Utah coming out next year. I love hanging out with the old characters again!!!

#2. What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite verse right now goes along with my word for the year, which is SATISFIED. I want to be satisfied by the things of God.
"Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content." --Psalm 121:3b
 
#3. What have you read lately that you would recommend?

When I mentioned that I have awesome critique partners, I meant it. Heather Woodhaven writes for Love Inspired Suspense, but my favorite book she wrote is The Secret Life of Book Club. It follows the four members in book club as they decide to stop just reading about exciting stories and actually make their own lives an adventure. I laughed and cried and couldn't get the story out of my head for a long, long time. If you enjoy reading, you're sure to relate to these characters in some way.
 
#4. What book are you featuring today?

Finding Love in Sun Valley--Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown - with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley - and Tracen - behind?
 
If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

I used to think that writing romance was silly. I wanted to write "deeper" stuff that would change lives. But I've learned the hard way that there is nothing more important to write about than love. Love changes lives. And whether it's through my stories or through them smiling at a stranger, that's how we get to be Jesus to the world.

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About the Blog Tour:

​TOUR SCHEDULE:
 
2/15 - <a href="http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com/”> Annie Douglass Lima</a>
2/16 - <a href=”www.ghostryter.blogspot.com”> Beckah </a>
2/17 - <a href=”http://www.gingersolomon.com/blog/> Ginger Solomon </a>
2/18 - <a href=”http://www.sandrarobbins.net/> Sandra Robbins </a>
2/19 - <a href=”http://www.jlmbewe.com/> Jennette Mbewe </a>
2/20 - <a href=”http://plentifulpursuits.com> Erika Keswick</a>
2/21 - <a href=”https://mdeshaies.wordpress.com/”> Marisa Deshaies </a>
2/22 - <a href=”http://faithhopeandheartwarming.com/blog/”> Autumn Macarthur </a>
2/23 - <a href=”https://agreateryes.wordpress.com/”> Crystal Scott </a>
2/24 - <a href=”http://thegatheringfire.wordpress.com”> Stephanie Florentino </a>
2/25 - <a href=”http://dianasbookit.blogspot.com/”> Diana Montgomery      </a>
2/26 - <a href=”http://www.liztolsma.com/”> Liz Tolsma </a>
2/27 - <a href=”http://sarahruut.com/”> Sarah Ruut </a>
2/28 - <a href=”http://notbybread.wordpress.com”> Ashley Taylor </a>
2/29 - <a href=”https://sparksofember.wordpress.com/”> Kat Vinson </a>
3/1 - <a href=”http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways”> Anna Weaver Hurrts </a>


Giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter form! Thanks for participating and God bless!
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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Julie Fugate and "Kings of Renown: Betrayal"

2/16/2016

8 Comments

 
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About the Book:

​A seraphim angel joins the fallen and uses his abilities to enhance the human race. After re-pledging his allegiance to God, centuries later his mission collides with the lives of three human-angel hybrid teens.

High school outcast Tara Cox hates her career criminal dad. Despite her reluctance she's as talented at deception and secrecy as him. When new friends, including the guy she has a crush on, shows her kindness, she dreams of a different life that doesn’t involve violence and solitude.

Sixteen year-old Inara Mason desires to break away from her controlling dad. She develops a supernatural bond with a real angel who shows her monstrous mermaids and offers the illusion of love.

Former juvenile delinquent Leo Price struggles with the stigma of being a killer and keeping his love for Inara secret. He takes comfort in his dedication to God and the support of his mentor, Inara’s father. As evil closes in, they will fight for their lives, love, and the future of their souls.

Author Mini-view:

Hello, blog friends! It's a new week, so it's time for a new author interview and giveaway! Joining us this week is the lovely Julie Fugate. 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?)

Thank you for having me, Anna. As an avid reader, writing became a hobby. I’ve always leaned toward young adult maybe because I’ve had a heart for them throughout the years. I’ve worked with youth in my local church and volunteered as a CASA which is an advocate for abused/neglected kids who find themselves involved in the legal system. In 2013 I joined the ACFW, which had a huge impact on helping me hone and develop my writing skills—especially how to get the stories out of my head and across to a reader. In 2015 I was offered a contract for one of those stories, and in November of that same year my debut novel was published, a young adult, Urban Fantasy about angels, humans, and human-angel hybrids. At this time I continue to write, my goal to always improve and glorify God in the process. 

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
I’ll probably always think of this as my favorite but different verses and parts of the Bible tend to rise to the surface throughout life.
​
In Kings of Renown BETRAYAL, I’ve peppered in various Bible verses. The most important for one of those characters, Tara, being Joshua 24:15. …Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.


What have you read lately that you would recommend?

There are so many wonderful books and writers out there. I always have more on my want to read list than I have time for. Two Christian/Inspirational Writers I’ve read recently and enjoyed are Jill Williamson’s Kinsman Chronicles, an epic fantasy and Monica Mynk’s Cavernous, a young adult dystopian.

What book are you featuring today?

My debut novel, Kings of Renown BETRAYAL. It’s a young adult, urban fantasy with romance, action and suspense.

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

I hope you enjoy and remember there is real hope through Jesus to overcome all the dark shadows in your life. Love and prayers.

About the Author:

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JULIE FUGATE writes young adult fiction where danger, suspense, romance and God collide. Her nicknames include Jay, Juju, Jules, Lizzie and Julio. A tomboy and girly-girl all wrapped into one. Growing up she would spend one hundred percent of her meager allowance on books. You could find her in the library, the porch swing, or in her room reading and listening to music. She fights off two German Shepherds and a snarky Maltese who try to take over her keyboard when she's writing.

Social Media Links:
Website: juliefugatebooks.com
Instagram: jfugatewrites
Twitter: @jfugatewrites
GoodReads: Julie Fugate
Facebook: julie.e.fugate

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YkskdB
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1jb6xVS
iTunes: http://apple.co/1MrGlku
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Sl0N8f
​

Giveaway!

Julie is generously giving one e-book copy of "Kings of Renown: Betrayal" to one of my blog subscribers! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter. (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 2/23. Thanks for participating and God bless!
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Author Mini-view, Review, and Giveaway: Lisa Orchard and "The Starlight Chronicles"

2/16/2016

2 Comments

 
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Genre: contemporary, young adult
Publisher: esKape Press
Publication Date: September 30, 2015
Number of pages: 289


​Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. But as she and her band, Starlight, gear up for a competition, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her complicated personal life to keep her musical goals on track? 

Currently $0.99 on 
- AMAZON -
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Guys, I had great plans to finish this collection this weekend, but life got in the way, so I will be reviewing the first book of the collection today. I'll update this post after I finish it with a review of the whole series. 

The Starlight Chronicles is told through the eyes of Lark Singer, a teenager whose greatest dream is to become a star and get out of her small town for good. Talented, scrappy, and guarded, it's almost impossible not to empathize with her and grow to like her. Yo-yoing between a volatile relationship with her mother, who refuses to give her the information she desires, and attending a school where everyone knows her secret, Lark's one joy is music; playing with her band and preparing for a music competition that could change everything.

"Gideon Lee", the first book in the collection, is a good set up for the series. It definitely leaves you wanting to read the next one. While it can get slightly repetitive at times, Lark's story is compelling and told with real emotions and feelings slashed across the page. Her struggle with not knowing who her father is and dealing with the secrets of others, mainly her mother and her best friend, is difficult for her and makes it easy to empathize with her.

This is a contemporary YA book and there is mild language in this book but nothing that seemed to take away from the story. 

I give this book 4 stars.


FTC Disclosure ex.: A review copy of this book was provided via SLB Tours.
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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 known I wanted to be a writer since fifth grade, but it wasn’t until I made the decision to stay home with my children that I was able to pursue my dream.
I started out with the Super Spies series. There are three books in the series, so far, and I’ve just come up with an idea for the fourth book. They’re mysteries/thrillers and I’ve received rave reviews on them.

My next series is The Starlight Chronicles. There are also three books in this series. This series is the coming of age story of Lark Singer and her quest to become a musician. It chronicles her journey through the twists and turns of her quest.


What is your favorite Bible verse?

Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.


What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I finished a great book a couple of months ago. It is titled “Untwine,” and it’s written by Edwidge Dantecicat. It’s a Young Adult Novel about dealing with loss.


What book are you featuring today?

I’m featuring the Starlight Chronicles Boxed Set today. All three books in the series are on sale for $.99! The ebook version.

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

Keep me on your radar. I’ve become a writing fiend and I’ve got more books on the way!

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Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on books by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. Her first published works are the “Super Spies Series.” These stories revolve around a group of friends who form their own detective squad and the cases they solve. “The Starlight Chronicles,” is the next series that Lisa created with musical misfit, Lark Singer as her main character.

Lisa resides in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the next book in the Starlight Chronicles Series along with a few new ideas that may turn into stand-alone novels. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.

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February 15--Katie's Clean Book Collection | Mel's Shelves
February 16--Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
February 17--Singing Librarian Books
February 18--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
February 19--Reading Is My SuperPower
February 20--
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    Inspirational author. Newbie Air Force wife. Jesus Follower. Recovering musician. Dachshund mama. Coffee addict. Book reviewer/giveaway-er.

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