K. Dawn Byrd's Blog

We're happy to have Barbara M. Britton with us talking about her book Lioness. To learn more about her and Lioness, please read on...
Back cover blurb
While the Israelites struggle to occupy the Promised Land of God, Mahlah bat Zelophehad is orphaned and left to care for her four sisters. But daughters of the dead are unable to inherit land, and it will take a miracle for Mahlah to obtain the means to care for her sisters and uphold the vow she made to her dying mother.

Mahlah must seek Moses, the leader of her people, and request something extraordinary—the right for a daughter to inherit her deceased father’s land. A right that will upset the ox-cart of male inheritance and cast her in the role of a rebel.

But, God is the protector of the orphan and the widow, and five orphaned daughters need His help. With God, anything is possible. Even changing man’s tradition.Please give us the first page of the book.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30        Mahlah arched her back. A sky, blue and crisp like a faceted gem, draped over the camp. No trade winds cooled the warmth of the fresh, new sun. She picked up a basket from outside her family’s ramskin tent and wedged it against her hip. Grasping her woven belt, she shifted the leather, so her knife was but a flinch away. She wouldn’t allow any beast in the wilderness to harm her sisters.       “Come on, Tirzah. The dew is gone.”       Tirzah emerged from behind the tent flap. She blinked at the brightness and wrinkled her nose. “Why do I have to gather manna?”       “Because it is your turn.” Mahlah reached to take the hand of her youngest sister. “Hurry now, before Father stirs.”       A gurgling noise rumbled from Tirzah’s belly.       Mahlah stifled a laugh. “We better go before your hunger wakes the neighbors.”      “It won’t.” Tirzah pressed her lips together. Her stone-collecting satchel hung at her side.      “If we stay here and let our kin harvest the closest manna, your rumble will turn into a roar.”
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.-          I love watching football-          In High School, I was on a Bible quizzing team-          I was a Blue Bird in grade school, and I loved selling (and eating) thin mints-          I’m the only girl in my home-          I’m a breast cancer survivor
Why did you choose to write this book?I’ve been a Christian for a long time, but I had never heard the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. These girls aren’t one hit wonders in the Bible either. There is a lot of Scripture about their groundbreaking “ask” of Moses and of God. I wanted to bring their story to light, so others could be inspired by these orphaned sisters.
What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?  Publishing can be a slow process. If an author is traditionally published, a book may take 18 months to get to the shelves. Couple that with the time taken to write a book, and an author may be busy, but a reader doesn’t see their efforts. I wish the traditional process was quicker.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?With the invention of social media platforms, authors can be contacted night and day by readers. While interactions are wonderful, some can be hurtful. Not every book is for every reader. I was contacted by a reader who didn’t like one of my novels and then challenged my faith. I don’t mind a book critique, but no reader should judge my relationship with God.
What do you hope readers take away from your novel?The theme for “Lioness” is “Go forth with God.” The daughters of Zelophehad trusted God enough to seek an inheritance that had never been given to women. Especially, unwed girls. Their faith in God is an inspiration. They are also bold. The girls seek Joshua many years later and remind him of God’s promise of land.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not? My children aren’t perfect, but they are walking with the Lord. Their belief brings me joy. I taught elementary chapel for many years and I believe children’s ministry is very important. Teaching isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. After eight years of writing manuscripts, my first book contract was a joy, too.
What do you do for fun when not writing?I am finding marketing my books to be fun. At first it was overwhelming, but I have found a groove. I also enjoy reading, baking, and walking (which I need to do after eating what I baked). I enjoy dancing, but my husband isn’t too fond of dancing.
What are you working on now?  I am working on another Biblical story, but before it will hit the shelves, I have a historical novel set during WWI that will release (after the DoZ series). “Until June” is a hope-filled caregiver story based on a true story I heard on a cruise ship excursion.
How about you? Did you know the story about the daughters of Zelophehad?Check out Numbers 26:33, 27:1-11, chapter 36 and Joshua 17:3-6You can find Barb on:FacebookTwitterGoodreads
Amazon Link for “Lioness.”
Bio Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books at http://www.barbarambritton.com/books.html

We're happy to have Kathy McKinsey with us today talking about Millie's Christmas. To learn more about Kathy and her wonderful book, read on!

 From the back cover:Ruthie says Millie will love Christmas. Ruthie is Millie’s best friend, so she’s sure Ruthie’s right, but why does Millie keep finding Ruthie and her brother Jake crying?
Millie, an orange kitten, shares about her first Christmas. Her best friend Ruthie, six years old, teaches Millie about Christmas—food, decorations, music, presents, and Jesus!Millie’s friend Bruce, the family dog, also helps her celebrate Christmas, and sometimes gets her in trouble.When Ruthie’s big brother Jake breaks his ankle, Millie learns about sad things, like divorce, when Jake can’t visit his mommy for Christmas. Millie watches Ruthie’s family love each other through the sadness, and find joy in Christmas.

The first page of the book:

MILLIE'S CHRISTMASONE
Hello. My name is Millie, and I'm a cat. Well, my mama says I'm still a kitten. But I'm four months old. I think that makes me a pretty grown-up cat.We live in a house where there are two cats, Mama and me. There’s one dog, Bruce. He’s my friend. And we have four people. The most important person is Ruthie. She's six years old, and she's my best friend. She says I'm her cat, but really she's my person.Ruthie has a big brother named Jake who's nineteen. He's funny. Then there are their parents, Mommy and Daddy, and they're nice but very busy.Ruthie says I'm beautiful. I'm orange all over, except a white spot on my tummy and one white ear. Bruce laughed at me once and said I looked goofy with that one white ear. What does he know? He's mostly brown all over, with a black patch above his nose, and he has white feet. Now that's goofy.Something exciting happened today. Ruthie picked me up, squeezed me, and ran all over the house yelling, “It's Christmas time. It's Christmas time. Millie, you're going to love Christmas.”“Meow, meow,” I yelled back. I didn't know what Christmas was, but Ruthie was excited, so I was too. “Meow.”Ruthie kissed my face and whirled through the house, making me dizzy. “At Christmas we have lots of fun food, and candles, and decorations, and visiting, and candy.” She rubbed my ribs. “You’ll love it, Millie.”I didn’t know what most of that stuff was, but it made Ruthie happy, so I knew it would be great.
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.My favorite vegetables are coffee and cocoa beans. Daisies are my favorite flowers. I am starting a new job as a braille certification teacher in a women’s prison. My favorite color is orange. When I was a teenager, I had a crush on Tony Orlando.
Why did you choose to write this book?Several years ago, I learned about NaNoWriMo, a program where writers are encouraged to write a novel during the month of November. I didn’t feel ready for this, but I did want a project to keep me writing every day. By then it was December, and I decided to write a Christmas story. I am more of a pantser than a plotter, but usually I have a very basic outline of what will happen in the story. This time, however, I just sat down to write whatever came to mind. Before long, God had given me this fun family Christmas story. I believe people of all ages can enjoy Millie’s Christmas.
What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?  Readers should know what hard work a writer does, from working up an idea, writing, editing and re-editing, to publishing to marketing.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?The hardest thing for me has always been making myself sit down and write. Once I start, I love it. I am making slow progress in this discipline.
What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?I want them to remember that the love and joy of Jesus will be with them during hard times.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not? I am most thankful for the gift God has given me of being mother to five wonderful children, now adults.
 What do you do for fun when not writing?I love to read, crochet and knit, cook and bake.
What are you working on now?  I am working on a story about a mother and her teenage daughter, and the mother is blind. I am blind, but I have never tried before to have a main character be blind. I’m finding it quite a writing challenge.
Bio and links: Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for nearly 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl.
She’s been married to Murray for 32 years, and they have five adult children.
She’s had two careers before writing—stay-at-home-Mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.
She lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.
Kathy.mckinsey@gmail.com
https://www.kathymckinsey.com
https://www.facebook.com/kathy.brinkmann.mckinsey
https://twitter.com/kathymckinsey
https://www.amazon.com/All-My-Tears-K...

We're happy to have Kelly Pizarro with us today talking about her book Shanty by the Sea.
Please give us the first page of the book.  I caught a glimpse of a couple holding hands, staring through the window of a high-end boutique at a display of china. Yes, the kind that everyone swears they’ll have when they get married, but only a few make it a point to put on their registry and even fewer actually receive as a gift. I didn’t get a good look at the set, but I’m pretty sure it was blue. I was too busy studying the couple.  I know, I know. So staring at them over my steaming paper cup of coffee is not “catching a glimpse.” It may not be healthy to sit on a bench and watch shoppers accomplish their private-though-public tasks, wondering if their lives mimic your own in any way. But what else is a girl to do on a Thursday afternoon after work? So I sipped the last of my amaretto and honey breve and savored every moment of the view before I ran out of sunlight.  The couple, appearing to be in their early thirties, were dressed in matching sweaters. Cute, if you’re into that sort of thing. I don’t know if I am or not. My boyfriend only wears one coat, every single day of the year. Gray with black stripes, white around the collar. It’s pretty hard to find anything matchy-matchy when your boyfriend stands a foot tall and spends more time in one day grooming himself than you do all week. Ok, so I don’t have a boyfriend. I have a cat, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. That’s sort of the same thing, right?
From the back cover:Scarlett Cooper’s goals in life up to this point have been simple enough: run The Little Latte coffee shop by day and finish a novel-in-the-making by night. When her creative writing juices dry up, she visits the local bookstore for inspiration and leaves with a flier promoting an upcoming writer’s retreat in Cape Cod. 
When announced as a winner, Scarlett crosses the state line from New Hampshire into Massachusetts. What she doesn’t realize is the retreat is themed The Great Writers of History, and she has been selected to play the part of starving artist Charles Dickens.
Hilarity ensues as Scarlett dresses in costume and competes against two fellow writers playing the parts of Jane Austen and William Makepeace Thackeray, spends her nights in a tiny shack on a cliff overlooking the sea, and finds herself developing feelings for a local man hired to tend to the retreat pet: a decrepit donkey named Janet.
Although things at the retreat don’t run as smoothly as Scarlett had hoped, and the competitive nature of the other writers tests her in a way reminiscent of Job who lost half his donkeys (one of which was probably named Janet), she learns that no amount of adversity is worth letting go of one’s dreams.
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.I prefer rainy, autumn weather over sunshine.I have Pinterest boards for coffee shop and tea house ideas because I'd love to open one someday!I impersonate my English Bulldog, Purple Haizely, on a daily basis. It's become the norm in my house.Although most people might think I am unapproachable at first (it's the face), I'm the goofiest, weirdest human you'll meet and I love random conversations with strangers.I love cooking and eating Italian food. One day you might catch me spending a summer in Italy. If you do, don't judge how much I have on my plate!
Why did you choose to write this book?After my diagnosis of breast cancer on my 27th birthday, I began prioritizing many things. One, I realized I spent way too much time worrying if my house was perfect and meals always 100% homemade. I realized I stressed too much over what people thought of me and my writing, and that is why I'd never completed a single book I'd started. Since I was young, I've filled notebooks, typed on old typewriters, and had random computer documents filled with bits of books that would never come to fruition. After chemotherapy was complete and I was able to start life again, I decided I would let a few stresses go and write a story that shows what life might have been like for me had I taken a few different turns. Been born somewhere else, pursued my dreams of running a coffee shop, worked toward finishing my books, etc.A few years back I made a friend who is my age and had never had a boyfriend or been on a date. She is my kind of quirky, and an absolute delight to talk to. You never know what's going to come out of this girl's mouth. She's just that random. I combined my story with parts of each of our personalities, threw in my dream of visiting New England in the fall, and bam! Shanty by the Sea.
What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?  Writers are people with normal lives who are kept up by their imaginary friends. We write because we love it, and because we must, and we thrive on reviews. Every time you review a book, an author somewhere gets their wings.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?The many rejection letters that come from uninterested publishers. It makes thick skin, for sure.
What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?Even with life's crazy obstacles, pursuing the dreams and goals God has given you is worth the hard work. You don't need anyone to give you permission to chase after that dream. Not everyone you meet along the way is your cheerleader, either. At the end of the day, you feel better knowing you have taken a few steps forward, despite the great effort it often takes.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not? Homeschooling my children is one thing I'm proud of. My oldest turned sixteen this year and graduated her high school studies. She's sitting across from me painting on canvas as I type this. She'll go to work within the next couple months and start college next fall. My other two kids are preparing for a similar path. Getting to be part of this is one of my biggest blessings.
Also, the sheer excitement of finishing five books and coming close to finishing two more is overwhelming. I am proud of myself for that. Life is crazy busy, and I have to make a lot of sacrifices on sleep and time to make this happen.
What do you do for fun when not writing?Travel, read, cook, visit family, play in the garden, and sit at my favorite local coffee shop and people-watch. These are my favorite things.
What are you working on now?Two books at present.One, Blackwater's Daughter, is about a woman, Alesia, who takes a live-in housekeeping and assistant job at Blackwater Plantation in Louisiana. The proprietor is handsome and moody, and has a book full of family secrets stashed away in the spare room. Alesia stumbles upon this book and uncovers more than a brief glimpse into the plantation's past.Another, which isn't presently titled, features an eccentric twenty-something woman named Lydia who owns and operates a pet bakery in Salem, Massachusetts. When her ex-boyfriend's new love interest is found dead by poisoning with a half-consumed treat from her bakery in her possession, Lydia is the primary suspect. She pulls together with her best friend and a couple other townsfolk to prove her innocence and get her bakery back to running. Involving herself in the tangles of this murder mystery puts Lydia and her Frenchie, Pierrie, in grave danger, but this doesn't keep her from seeking out the truth about the murder... and a few other things she's been avoiding dealing with in her life.I hope both of these to be finished by the end of the year and ready for querying come January.
Where else can readers find you online?    Here are some links!https://www.facebook.com/authorkellip...
BioKelli Pizarro was born in East Texas, where she now resides with her husband Julian, and their three children, Lexi, Aly, and Trent.Christian dystopian and historical novels, with romance sprinkled in here and there, are her favorite reads. She is currently working on her sixth and seventh books.Most evenings she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee and her laptop. She hopes to own a coffee shop or tea house one day. Her goal as an author is to touch as many hearts as she can with stories that encourage people to seek to know God and His Son, Jesus, more intimately.You can find Kelli on Facebook and Twitter where she loves connecting with her readers.

We're happy to have Maria T. Henriksen with us today talking about her book Not Again. To learn more about Maria and Not Again, read on!
Book description/blurb:Christina De Rosa holds a potentially deadly secret that threatens to get out. As an innocent young teenager, Christina survives a terrifying detailed sexual assault that destroys her self-worth and trust. 
In her daily struggle, Christina searches for ways to keep her torment at bay, so she can function as a "normal" teenager. Meanwhile, Christina's spiritual journey leads her down a path causing conflict within, as she's riddled with guilt and shame. 
A chance encounter with her longtime, hot crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire in Christina that she can't  extinguish. As the sweet, loving, knight in shining armor he readily portrays, Avery offers the safety and security that Christina craves.
In her quest for internal peace, Christina must make a decision. Will she give her heart, body and soul to the super popular, Avery Evans? 
Will Christina's nightmares become all-consuming or will her discoveries lead her to a renewed way of life?
Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s.
*Not Again is NOT your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith doesn't come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, and actual scripture in these pages. 
Tell us a little about yourself:Hi, I'm a debut author and I am super excited to have recently launched my first novel called Not Again. Not Again is a young adult edgy Christian romance novel that follows the spiritual journey of a young teenage girl during the 1980s. There's real romance, actual scripture and lots of heartache as well as humor. 
I started reading young adult novels when I began to substitute teach because it was convenient to check out books at the school library. Before I knew it, I was hooked on reading that genre. I decided to combine elements that I like to read like romance and make it faith based with a literary flair. As a teacher, I can't resist an opportunity for a teaching lesson as demonstrated by the various themes in the novel.
Being a substitute teacher and parent of boy/girl teenagers causes me to be immersed in the daily struggles of teens. Life is messy and teenagers have their own challenges in navigating life. Not Again speaks to those struggles in a meaningful way.
During the revisions of my novel, I experienced a tremendous amount of physical pain and stress, including neck surgery. As a result, I found it necessary to employ coping mechanisms to get me through that difficult season of my life. In turn, I incorporated those same techniques in my novel. My hope is that my book will transform lives by it's inspirational message, and not just the lives of teens, but adults as well.
Tell us five things about yourself that many people don't know:I placed 3rd in my age group for a 10K after only running for less than a year. I spent 1.5 years in physical therapy the past 2 years nursing multiple injuries.I aspire to run a half marathon.I took the photos, video and wrote the song for the book trailer & cover. I want to become an inspirational speaker.
Tell us about your journey to publication:The most challenging aspect of publishing  novel was the actual publishing portion of it. The writing and revising was the easy fun part. Trying to figure out what avenue to publish and how to go about executing my plan was excruciating. 
Technical issues were abound. It seemed as if every fluky issue that could be experienced, I experienced it. There were epic fails all over the place. I had to buy a brand new computer, a brand new phone, a brand new tripod to broadcast live and I'm still having issues, not the same ones, different ones. 
You have to be a jack of all trades to self-publish and promote yourself. It's grueling and frustrating. There are many obstacles to overcome. Is it worth it? I honestly don't think I will know the full impact of my novel, but it was written out of obedience to Christ.
I have a message, a ministry. The book was inspired by God as I never knew what was coming next. Not Again was written with many themes that I hope my readers will take to heart.
When I'm not writing, you can find me jogging, reading or listening to live music music performed by talented friends.
Links:www.facebook.com/groups/292254218386413https://www.facebook.com/PurpleNchocolate/https://www.instagram.com/maria_t_henriksen/https://twitter.com/mariathenriksenAuthormariathenriksen@gmail.comhttps://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/us/dualbookshelf.marketplacelink/B07WHKGDF7https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/us/dualbookshelf.marketplacelink/1733390413https://www.mariathenriksen.com

We're happy to have Jan Cline with us today talking about her book, The Pruning. To learn more about Jan and her inspirational historical fiction book, read on!

Back cover blurbClarissa Wilding can’t run away from her past. Moving from the drought-ridden Kansas plains to the green hills of the Pacific Northwest has only drawn her secrets to the surface, threatening the new life she has built with her husband, Frank, and their boys. When Frank introduces her to his brother, everything changes, and Clarissa must deal with new revelations that test their family bond and may forever alter their happiness.
The first page of the book:Chapter OnePasco, Washington, June 1935After three long days and two nights sitting on a lumpy seat, Clarissa had looked forward to getting off this train, but now all she wanted was to slither into the safety of the grimy locomotive and go back where she’d come from. Despite a promise of a new beginning, her life was about to fall into an abyss deeper than the sand dunes she had just escaped.Her throat tightened as she tried to pull in some air. Like the dust storms around their homestead on the Kansas plains, the sight of her husband, Frank, hugging his estranged brother, robbed her of breath. If her first impression was correct, another kind of storm brewed before her eyes. It can’t be him.Her gut told her this wasn’t her imagination, but indeed a cruel twist in her plans for a brighter future for what was left of her family. One more long look at his face, his stature, and any lingering doubt faded.                                   She turned from the scene and scanned the yard around the clapboard station house. The sheer beauty of the clear skies and rolling hills in the distance should have been her welcome. The sight of blooming flowers and tall leafy trees might have excited her but for the shock of seeing him again.
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.1)    I’m a craft-a-holic.2)    I have been singing since I was 6 years old – sometimes professionally. 3)    I founded and directed a writers conference for 5 years. 4)    In my family I’m known as the cheesecake queen. 5)    I was first published when I was in the 3rd grade. Been writing ever since. Why did you choose to write this book?This book is the 2nd in a series on a topic I became fascinated with while watching some documentaries. The depression/dust bowl era has so many stories left untold. I believe in keeping history alive, and the characters in my book make that happen for me, and I hope for my readers. Once I developed my make-believe family in book 1, I had to continue their journey through all the tough years Americans endured. 
What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?  How much hard work it takes to organize and write a good story. That most talented authors have to study the craft and learn what makes a good read. The majority of authors don’t earn a living just from writing books. I’d like non-writers to know that while it’s great to get a book for free, authors work very hard to get that story to them. Please thank your favorite authors with reviews on Amazon.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?Writing the next book, and making it better than the last. Book 3 of my series is based on the life of my mother. As I finish the manuscript, I feel pressured to get the characterization right while still telling a great partially true story. This has been a struggle for me – sort of mixed emotions at times. But I know I’m supposed to write this book. I’ve researched it for years and just want to get it right.
What do you hope readers to take away from your novel? I hope my readers see that even through the most difficult times, determination and faith can move mountains. The women in my books all find that inner strength to endure impossible situations. It’s a lesson in humility for most of us who have never had to suffer through devastating circumstances like those of the dust bowl, the great depression, and WW2.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not?Creating and directing my conference was a huge thing for me, and I feel good that so many writers were encouraged and even published through those conferences. The other thing is just finishing a novel, then 2, then 3!
 What do you do for fun when not writing?Crafts, RV camping, golf. We also have a cabin on a small lake that is a good getaway.
What are you working on now?  Book 3 of this American Dreams series. As I mentioned, it is based on the life of my mother – and her WW2 bomber pilot husband. Then I have another WW2 story up my sleeve for next year.
Where else can readers find you online?   Jancline.netFacebook: Jan Cline AuthorTwitter: @Jan_ClineAnyone can join my monthly newsletter and receive a free short story! Jancline.net/subscribe
Bio Jan has been writing most of her life, but wasn’t published until later in life. After writing non-fiction for several years, fiction became her focus, with emphasis on the stories from America’s history. Her first novel, Emancipated Heart, was published in 2016. Jan enjoys her life in northern Idaho, living with her newly retired husband and very spoiled dog. She has 9 grandchildren to keep her busy. 

We're excited to have Heather Norman Smith with us today talking about her book Where I was planted. To learn more about Heather and her book, read on!


Please
give us the first page of the book.I’ve
spent a lot of time thinking about weeds. Not just the dandelion and chickweed
that pops up uninvited in people’s vegetable gardens. I’m talking about the
kind of weeds that squeeze themselves up through the tiniest of cracks in
sidewalks, and in roads and parking lots, and in little crevices in rocks.
They’re unattractive to most people, but I think these plants are remarkable.
Shallow soil, short roots, and trampled on by every pair of feet that happens
their way—not to mention tires. But still they manage to keep growing, or at
the very least, sprout up a little and stay green. I reckon most people have
never even thought about it, how special they are. But I’ve thought about it a
lot . . . because I’m one of them.I
figured it out on a Saturday afternoon, in the early spring of my fifth-grade
year, at Susie Pennywell’s eleventh birthday party. I hadn’t laid eyes on Bert
in three days, as he came and went mostly while I was at school or asleep, so
it seemed okay to go without asking his permission.It
was a long walk to Susie’s house. I started out with a swift pace, determined
not to be the last kid at the party. But after the first twenty minutes, it
felt like my shoes were filled with lead. I shoved my hands down deep into the
pockets of my denim trousers and forced my legs to work harder, step by step.
That cake’s gonna be worth it, Nate. Just keep walkin’. That birthday cake will
surely be worth it, I thought.
Back cover blurbIn the spring of 1961,
ten-year-old Nate "Weenie" Dooley has a revelation—his father is not
a good one. Inspired by National Geographic, his favorite thing next to the
Bible storybook his mother gave him before she died, Nate plans to leave his
father and their home in the Smokies to set out on adventure.
When he discovers that
his father has left him first, it will take the help of a stray dog, some kind
neighbors, a one-man-band, letters from a long-lost-aunt, and a new
understanding of God to figure out he isn't really alone.
Will he find that Copper
Creek is where he's always belonged? Or will his wanderlust keep him from ever
coming back?
Please tell us five random things we might not
know about you.My favorite drinks are
black coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper.I love to sing.I’m a mom of four. My
kids are twelve, eight, and six, and my adorable foster son is two.My dad has been my pastor
all my life.I play the alto saxophone.
Why did you choose to write this book?I don’t remember a specific inspiration for this
story. As with my first book, the characters seemed to show up in my brain one
day, and after I met them, I had to tell their story. The general concept of
the book probably comes from my heart for orphans, though. My desire to bring
awareness to the needs of children drives a lot of my writing.
What one
thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand? I must write! It’s
something I am compelled to keep doing. And if I can’t find time to write for
several days, it starts to affect me emotionally. I feel like something is
missing.What is the toughest test
you've faced as a writer?Being patient. It takes a long time to bring a book
into the world, and I’m not very good at the waiting part.What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?That God is good, regardless of our circumstances.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of,
writing-related or not?Anything good about me comes from God, not me, so
I try to focus on gratitude instead of pride. I am extremely grateful for the
opportunity to publish my first two novels.What do you do for fun when not writing?I enjoy being outdoors with my family—at
the beach or in the mountains. And I recently enjoyed performing in an outdoor
community theater production with my oldest daughter.What are you
working on now? For a very short while, I’ve put novel writing on hold
to work on a devotional. I didn’t intend to start this project until much
later, but it feels like what I’m supposed to be doing now.
Where else
can readers find you online?   www.heathernormansmith.comwww.facebook.com/heathernormansmithwww.twitter.com/hnsblogwww.instagram.com/heathernormansmithhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17895912.Heather_Norman_Smith
BioHeather Norman Smith is
an author of inspirational fiction and a devotional blogger. Her goal is to use
the written word to entertain and encourage, while illuminating the redemptive
love of God. She also enjoys writing songs and singing about Jesus.

Heather is proud to be a
life-long North Carolinian and aims to present the beauty of the Tar Heel State
in her writing. Her home is just outside Winston-Salem, NC, where she lives
with her husband and their three children. She and her husband are also foster
parents.

We're happy to have Allen Steadham with us today talking about his book Mindfire. To learn more about Allen and his Christian Superhero Thriller, read on!
Back cover blurb"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."Leia Hamilton can move things and set them on fire with her mind.Leia's father and step-mother tried to hide their past: a time when they were part of a team of superheroes. But despite being disbanded for over twenty years following a series of tragedies, their problems were passed to their children and Leia finds that her future collides with their past.In the diverse world of human and superhuman, heroes and villains, friends and enemies, some of Leia's choices have terrible consequences. For Leia, this leads to a personal crossroads and a search for redemption.Not your normal superhero novel, Mindfire isn't about secret identities, costumes, or evil plots endangering the world. Instead, self-discovery and adaptation is at the forefront as the reader follows the lives of the characters who are unafraid to show love and explore spirituality.Can redemption and renewed grace weather the flames of absolute power and superhuman strength?
Please give us the first page of the book.
SWEATING FROM HER BRISK WALK across the Digby College campusin record-breaking near-ninety-degree July heat, Leia Hamilton draggedherself into an empty seat towards the back of the large Jason V. Fredericklecture hall, which wasn’t well-lit or properly ventilated. The building itselfmust have been at least twenty-five to thirty years old. The acoustics carriedwell enough but also made it seem like all sound escaped from a human-sizedtin can. Students were always tempted to sleep but their success oftendepended on the teacher.
Professor Angela Merrick, whom Leia had nicknamed “Professor Doom,”scowled and deliberately made direct eye contact with Leia but said nothing,continuing her lecture. The professor radiated confidence and something else,Leia wasn’t sure what. The professor’s long black hair was often worn in abun like today but sometimes she wore it down. Leia believed the professorwould be very beautiful if she didn’t always project a certain amount oftension. It had given her worry lines that made her look a few years older thanshe probably was.
Thirty minutes later, Josh Manning saw Leia escaping her first class of theday. Mentally noting her distressed expression, he whirled her around andkissed her passionately in front of the other class escapees in the hallway. Hewas red-haired, even taller than Leia and lanky. He also had more than a bit ofSouthern charm to accompany his slight Alabama drawl. Suddenly, he pulledback, confused and concerned.
“Your skin is, like, really hot!” Josh put his hand on her forehead. “Youhave a fever or something?”“I’m fine,” Leia pulled back and glared at Josh. “Now what are you doing?You said you’d keep things mellow on-campus!”“You looked like you needed cheering up,” Josh said.
Leia facepalmed. And a moment later, she grabbed his arms in a rage.
“What is wrong with you?” Leia screamed. “Save that stuff for whenwe’re alone!”“Oh yeah, that’s subtle,” Josh replied. “Do you think anyone didn’t hearyou just now? All I did was kiss you!”
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.1.     I am interracially married (my wife is African-American)2.     I’ve played electric bass guitar since 19863.     I take sky pictures with my iPhone & post them on Instagram and Facebook4.     My wife and I have the same birthday (5 years apart)5.     I studied journalism in high school and college
Why did you choose to write this book?This was my first full-length, completed novel. I chose to undertake it for National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) in November 2013 and completed the first draft in three weeks. I asked the Lord to bless me with inspiration and he did. I took characters and story elements from original superhero comic book I wrote and drew, starting at age ten. I continued that comic into my twenties, finishing it in my thirties. But now, I wanted to only write Christian fiction. And the Lord took my familiarity with these characters and their histories to craft a story in the present day, a story that would point towards Him. A redemption story. So that’s what Mindfire is. It’s all to God’s glory.
What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?  It’s a process. No one starts out a great writer. People may have great ideas but it takes time, practice and mistakes to get better. A writer is always learning and growing. A writer should never think they’re “good enough,” they should keep pushing themselves. That’s what makes a person a writer.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?Depicting salvation. It’s one thing to show a character going through trials or realizing that they need God and His Son, Jesus Christ. But to show that person actually ask for and receive the greatest Gift ever bestowed, it takes me as a writer submitting myself to this Holy God and allowing Him to show me the way to depict it. Salvation is the same but the way people approach, perceive and accept it is different each time. It’s a very personal experience and that has to be respected and shown properly. Otherwise, one runs the risk of making the Divine seem commonplace, which it is not and never can be. It is extraordinary.
What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?While it is very normal for people to try and solve their own problems, the only lasting solution is Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate superhero who died for our sins to give us eternal life.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not? I’m proud of completing Mindfire. It is the culmination of a lifetime of character building while also saying goodbye to a part of my past in a satisfying way. It’s knowing that theses characters’ stories may be able to help someone who may not even know they’re seeking the Lord. Or it may bring peace to someone who is struggling in their walk with Christ. I don’t know how the book will be received but I know what the Lord can do. It’s an honor to be used by Him for anything.
What do you do for fun when not writing?I like to watch Star Trek (all series) and foreign dramas. My oldest son and I go to the movies somewhat frequently. My wife and I love spending time together. I also enjoy doing things with the whole family.
What are you working on now?  I’m working on the first book in a Christian steampunk trilogy.
Where else can readers find you online?    Website – https://allensteadham.comFacebook – https://facebook.com/jaspecfictionTwitter – https://twitter.com/MindfirenovelInstagram – https://instagram.com/allensteadham

BioAllen Steadham created comic books and webcomics before he started writing novels. He has been married to his wife, Angel, since 1995 and they have two sons and a daughter. When not writing stories, Allen and his wife are singers, songwriters and musicians. They have been in a Christian band together since 1997. They live in Central Texas.

We're happy to have Pat Jeanne Davis with us today discussing her inspirational historical novel When Valleys Bloom Again.

When Valleys Bloom Again Inspirational Historical RomanceAs war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.
Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?
Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?
Please give us the first page of the book.
London, August 1939
Abby Stapleton slumped back in her seat, any glimmer of hope she’d harbored would soon be extinguished. A crystal chandelier jingled in the draft of an open window. She loved this room with its embossed wallpaper and rich tapestries, vibrant with memories of family. How could she leave all this?            Her father folded the newspaper with its glaring headlines, plopped it on the table and parted his lips to speak. Abby forestalled him. “I’m nineteen,” she said, her nerves rubbed raw by the endless squabbles with her parents. Speak low and slow, Abby. “I don’t w-w-want to go.” Her voice, thin and strained, echoed back from the high frescoed ceiling.“A father can’t ignore his responsibilities,” he said, clasping her hand. “You know Hitler’s taken Austria and Czechoslovakia. Probably he’ll take Poland next.” He furrowed his brow. “And when that happens war with Germany will be unavoidable.” His hand shook, and he sounded as though he’d aged ten years in the space of a few minutes.Sunlight dispersed through a bay window, washing the brocaded settee on which she and her mother sat with patches of red and gold. Her mother sidled closer and stroked Abby’s arm, her face taut and pale. “Do as your father says, dear. There are sandbags and barrage balloons everywhere, and gas masks are being handed out.”Still determined to speak her mind before it was too late, Abby shut her eyes in a silent prayer. Lord, help me to keep my temper. She released her hand from her father’s. “I sh-sh-should be able to decide for myself w-w-whether I want to leave.” Now of all times when she needed eloquence, this accursed stammer bound her up tight.
Why did you choose to write this book?I have family in the US that served in the European Theater during WWII. When war was declared by England in 1939, my father-in-law was conscripted into the British Eight Army and served his country until 1946. I’ve had a keen interest in this period of history and hoped to some day write a faith based novel with an Anglo-American connection set during those dark days of the war.
As the ranks of those who lived through this period get smaller, I desired to highlight their lives in an instructive and entertaining way. When Valleys Bloom Again unfolds through the eyes of Abby Stapleton from an estate on Philadelphia’s Main Line with its landscaped gardens, to the bombed-out inner-city and suburbs of London to the battlefield in North Africa and Normandy. Military and history buffs will appreciate the references to battles and hardships faced by soldiers.
What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?That through all of  life’s experiences with faith in God and submission to His will, we can be hopeful and steadfast in purpose, trusting in the promise from Him that all things work together for good.

We���re happy to have June Foster with us today talking about her novel Dreams Deferred. To learn more about June and her book, read on! 

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takeshis breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.
Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.
Short blurb:Father Matt Hall wants to serve the Lord. School teacher Mary Louise Graham needs freedom from her unforgivable past. They never expect to fall in love.
The Story Behind the StoryDreams Deferred is inspired by the true-to-life story of my great grandfather and great grandmother. I chose to set it in contemporary times, nevertheless, I borrowed many of the story elements from the true story.

Frances Mathew Halbedl grew up in the European Austrian Empire and followed tradition in which the oldest son became a priest in his family's Catholic faith. After being ordained in Moravia, he immigrated to the United States in 1866 to serve in a parish in the state of Louisiana.
My aunt and mother always told the story of how one Sunday while saying mass, he spotted a young teen, much younger than my Mary Louise. He waited several years for her to grow up then stepped down from the priesthood to marry her. I wish I knew some of those rich details of their courtship, but since I don't, I fictionalized their romance.
They later moved to San Antonio, Texas, and had five children, three girls and two boys���Ida, Mamie, Alice, Roy, and Clifton, who was my grandfather. Just for fun in one scene, I imagined that Matt had a dream he was riding in a car with Mary Louise and the three youngest kids. In my story, the dream helped him realize how much he loved Mary Louise.
Mathew taught music both in the public school and privately. Later he became the first principal of a high school in San Antonio. In December of 2005, my husband and I visited San Antonio and looked up Matthew and Mary Louise's house. The large, two-story home is still there on Roseborough Drive. We weren't able to go in because it's a private residence. But I had so much fun envisioning Matt and ML's lives as they lived there with their children.
We also visited Clifton Halbedl's home, which I remember from childhood. I also had the address for Mamie's home, and we were able to go inside. A gracious lady who spoke no English invited us in. I have tons of pictures and hope to share them on my blog.
In the story, Matt gets a job at Jefferson High School. This is patterned after Thomas Jefferson High School where my mother went to school. Her name was Mary Louise, as well, named for her grandmother.
If I've learned anything from writing this book, I wish I'd probed for more information when my mother and aunt were still alive, but I'm grateful for what I do know.
About June FosterJune Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To dateJune has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional. Find June at junefoster.com.

We’re happy to have June Foster with us today talking about her novel Dreams Deferred. To learn more about June and her book, read on! 

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takeshis breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.
Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.
Short blurb:Father Matt Hall wants to serve the Lord. School teacher Mary Louise Graham needs freedom from her unforgivable past. They never expect to fall in love.
The Story Behind the StoryDreams Deferred is inspired by the true-to-life story of my great grandfather and great grandmother. I chose to set it in contemporary times, nevertheless, I borrowed many of the story elements from the true story.

Frances Mathew Halbedl grew up in the European Austrian Empire and followed tradition in which the oldest son became a priest in his family's Catholic faith. After being ordained in Moravia, he immigrated to the United States in 1866 to serve in a parish in the state of Louisiana.
My aunt and mother always told the story of how one Sunday while saying mass, he spotted a young teen, much younger than my Mary Louise. He waited several years for her to grow up then stepped down from the priesthood to marry her. I wish I knew some of those rich details of their courtship, but since I don't, I fictionalized their romance.
They later moved to San Antonio, Texas, and had five children, three girls and two boys—Ida, Mamie, Alice, Roy, and Clifton, who was my grandfather. Just for fun in one scene, I imagined that Matt had a dream he was riding in a car with Mary Louise and the three youngest kids. In my story, the dream helped him realize how much he loved Mary Louise.
Mathew taught music both in the public school and privately. Later he became the first principal of a high school in San Antonio. In December of 2005, my husband and I visited San Antonio and looked up Matthew and Mary Louise's house. The large, two-story home is still there on Roseborough Drive. We weren't able to go in because it's a private residence. But I had so much fun envisioning Matt and ML's lives as they lived there with their children.
We also visited Clifton Halbedl's home, which I remember from childhood. I also had the address for Mamie's home, and we were able to go inside. A gracious lady who spoke no English invited us in. I have tons of pictures and hope to share them on my blog.
In the story, Matt gets a job at Jefferson High School. This is patterned after Thomas Jefferson High School where my mother went to school. Her name was Mary Louise, as well, named for her grandmother.
If I've learned anything from writing this book, I wish I'd probed for more information when my mother and aunt were still alive, but I'm grateful for what I do know.
About June FosterJune Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To dateJune has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional. Find June at junefoster.com.