New Fiction from Victoria Minks

About the Book:

Fourteen year old Olivia Wilkerson is left desolate and grieving when her patriot father passes away. Directed by his will to be placed in the care of an old friend, Olivia is forced to venture away from all she’s ever known to make her new life among people who are strangers to her. 

Unaware of the new responsibility about to be thrust on him, Jonas Carmichael lives the life of a reclusive in an attempt to ignore the painful memories of the past. His heart has grown hard and bitter over the past thirty years of solitude, and his hatred towards people has only multiplied. 

Suddenly burdened with Olivia, Jonas’s only burning desire is to shove the girl off on somebody else. But Olivia, still suffering from her loss, is only looking for someone to love her as her father did-- and soon realizes that there is more to Jonas than meets the eye.

With the Revolutionary War pressing closer around Jonas’s secluded bubble of safety and threatening to burst it at any moment, Jonas discovers that there are choices to be made--choices that will not only affect himself but those around him as well. 

Book information

Inspirational historical fiction
Trade Paper ISBN: 978-0996993821
$9.99

Ebook coming soon
$3.99

Buy on Amazon

My review:

This young lady connected with me in plenty of time before her release to ask if I'd be interested in helping her promote her new book and possibly review. I really should stop hesitating over DIY author requests, as Ms. Minks proves.

Jonas and Olivia is on the surface a simple story about orphaned hearts healing together through a special faith and unconditional love. There is angst, natural grief and a fair amount of grumping from each of the principal characters as they adjust to their changing lifestyle; for Jonas it's a thirty-year wake-up; for Ishmael, the silent servant, it's a journey of several years, and for Olivia, the catalyst character, it's a mere few days. A lot can happen in a fortnight.

Minks shares the theme of her historical novel well in her summary, so I won't elaborate. The story is told through multiple viewpoints, but primarily through Olivia and Jonas's perspectives. I hadn't reread the summary and mistakenly thought the story might be a romance until I realized Jonas was a contemporary of her father and not a romantic figure despite being portrayed as almost a Heathcliff-type character, but that was my fault. Olivia might be an orphaned teen, but even in grief and fear, her maturity shows others who have more reason to feel alone through choice or circumstances that we are never abandoned. As a historian I also scrambled to fact check a couple of aspects of daily life and was pleased to see that all was very much in order.

For such a young author, Minks has done extremely well, showing an understanding of story and character, an excellent grasp of language, grammar and punctuation with only minor lapses I don't even count on mature writers to display, myself included. Well done. Recommended for those who love daily life in the Revolutionary War era in American history, and for any age reader, probably avid readers preteen and up.

A brief interview with the author

Victoria, what do you love about this book? 

I love the characters. Maybe Jonas the best, but they all have a special place in my heart! 

Share two things you learned while writing it.
Well as far as writing goes, probably that sometimes you need to take a step back and actually pay attention to your characters, to dig a little deeper. And an important life lesson I learned: To stay dedicated and focused on what God has you doing right now, even when you might want to do other things or you get annoyed with what you're supposed to be working on.

What you hope readers will tell others? 

Oh you know, I've never thought about this! I hope that people who read my book will say "It seemed so real" or "They're the kind of characters that you can't soon forget". But that's a lot to ask. ;) I'd be satisfied with a "I thought it was a pretty nice read" too. 

What you're working on next? 

I have a few things planned. The next one to be published will probably be another Revolutionary War book. It's about a young midwife and involves lots of secrets and twisty subplots. The theme is how courage comes in many different forms, and how we must stand for right even if we stand alone. 

That sounds fascinating, Victoria. Thanks for sharing with us today and congratulations on your books. Victoria is also the author of a short story collection titled The Wind Chimes and Other Christmas Stories, available from Kindle for .99.

About the Author:

Victoria Minks is an everyday teenage MK in Japan, with oodles of daydreams and ideas. She loves historical fiction, chocolate, music, horses, and old books, and firmly believes that there is whimsy and beauty in any day. She was saved at age 5 and desires to write for God's glory. visit  www.victoriaminks.com.

Giveaway New Romance Through Raging Waters with Renee Blare

If Mother Nature has her way, Timber Springs will never be the same... 

A warm spring and early rainstorms melt the snowpack. Spring runoff compounded by the storm of the century sends Timber Springs into a tailspin.

Tossed into the role of rescuer, local pharmacist Paul Fitzgerald must face his past before the whole world falls apart. While he fights to contain the beast around him, he finds his steadfast control slipping through his fingers. And life…everyone’s life…hangs by a thread once again. 

She isn’t a hero. Melissa Hampton has her own demons to battle. After she learns of her mysterious beginnings amidst her mother’s keepsakes, she faces more than just the river rushing outside her door. Now, she must discern friend from foe…but as waters rise and tension climbs within Timber Springs, she needs to rise to the challenge or lose the only man she's ever loved.

Can two people find each other through raging waters? 

$3.99 eBook

Buy on Amazon 

A brief interview with Renee

Renee, what do you love about this book?

I love the pace of Through Raging Waters. Some may say that it’s fast-paced, but I can tell you from experience that my life is like this book. I rarely have time to breathe. I rely solely on the Lord for my peace and strength and this book is a clear reflection of that.

Share two things you learned while researching this book.

I wrote a lot of Through Raging Waters from personal experience but I researched a lot of the helicopter scenes. I discovered quite a bit about how they are used in logging operations as well as rescue. They are extremely versatile pieces of equipment. Some don’t even have keys, but others do…mainly for the doors.

Introduce us to one of the characters.

I’d like you to meet Ashley Morrison or Ajax as she prefers to be called. Ajax is an old pharmacy classmate of Paul Fitzgerald’s. She’s also his deceased fiancee’s sister. Ajax brings quite a bit of baggage with her to Timber Springs when Paul calls her to town as relief for the pharmacy while he gallivants off to the mountains. And that baggage is very, very heavy.

What are you reading now?

I’m actually reading biblical fiction more now. It’s kind of strange but the stories of biblical times have really piqued my interest.

What’s next for you?

I’ve accepted a promotion at the pharmacy I work for and I’m busier than ever. We’ve relocated in my wonderful state. I’m still unpacking boxes as we speak! I’m also releasing two novellas this year! In addition, I’ve broke ground on Book 3. As you can see, life is never dull around the Blare House. LOL What’s NOT next?

Renee has offered to give away an electronic copy of Through Raging Waters to one of our guests. I'll draw from those who comment on the morning of July 26 by noon.

About Renee:

Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, Renee started writing poetry in junior high school. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and she's been counting pills ever since. While writing's her first love, well, after the Lord and husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

Nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains with her husband, crazy dogs and ornery cat, she continues to serve her community as a pharmacist while penning her Christian stories any chance she can get. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.

• Website: http://www.reneeblare.com/
• Blog: http://reneeblare.blogspot.com/
• Group Blog: http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/
• Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Renee-Blare/e/B00SCELZRS
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeBlareAuthor
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113410151904056563997/posts
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/renee-blare/4/44a/3a0
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/blarerenee/
•  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeBlare
•  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reneeblare/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC55WKSlufqXcluWMdhxMEjw
• Tumblr: The  Journey: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/reneeblare
• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-blare

Featuring: Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson

PURCHASE

Amazon

About the book:

Colorado, 1881. Lydia Walsh is on the run. The quiet rancher she marries and expected to find safety and protection with turns out to have three siblings, next to nothing to live on, and is a crack shot who may or may not be one of the states best cattle rustlers.

Beau Harding wants to keep his family together and do the right thing by them. His mail order bride comes with her own set of baggage: two more mouths to feed and empty hearts begging him to fill. The job he took for some quick money gets him thrown in jail for rustling, and then to clear his name he takes on another job--and learns that his wife may have been the one plotting his family’s downfall all along.

What COTT voters had to say:

~Waiting to get a chance to read it Lucy
~Lucy Thompson, Great title, great cover!
~Mrs. Lucy Thompson, we wish you the best.
~Lucy Thompson is not only a wonderful author but I've been blessed to being able to get to know her through Facebook. God bless you Lucy. Hope you win.'
~Lucy Thompson, loved the book.
~Beautiful cover picture and a great book Lucy Thompson!
~YAY Lucy Thompson. Keep up the good work!
~Lucy Thompson, I can't wait to read your novel Mail Order Surprise. It is the next book I will read. All the best for your future releases.

About the author:

Lucy Thompson is a stay-at-home mum to five precocious children by day and a snoop by night, stalking interesting characters through historical settings, and writing about their exploits.


She enjoys meeting new people from all over the world and learning about the craft of writing. When she can be separated from her laptop, she is a professional time waster on facebook.

Carlene Havel and Love Keeps No Wrongs

St. Paul took a whole chapter in I Corinthians listing various hallmarks of love. Rather than attempt a pat definition, he revealed some of love’s many facets, turning it over and over as one might a brilliant, perfectly-cut diamond.

Since love is such a broad topic, let’s zero in on one aspect—romantic love. When a special person makes the heart beat faster, regardless of the season of life, we begin to question our emotions. Am I in love? How will I know when it happens? How can I be sure when it is the real thing? Living a few years teaches us romantic love is accompanied with tender feelings, but that “gushy” feeling alone is not enough to stand the test of time. Love is more. Real romance involves two people who care enough for each to put the other ahead of themselves. In a “me first” instant gratification world, that kind of commitment is rare. Yet it is the kind of giving, sharing love we hunger for at our very core.

Do I love him? Does he love me? A simple test would be to consider each of the characteristics of love from I Corinthians. Are we kind to each other? Are we patient with each other? And so on.   Many heartbreaks could be avoided by thinking through that Biblical checklist, and turning away from a relationship with too many “no” answers. Another person’s love is not directly measurable.  We can’t take out a yardstick and see how it stacks up. Instead, we observe love by its impact. Oscar Hammerstein II is credited with this little rhyme that captures a singular way of looking at love:   

“A bell is not a bell till you ring it.

A song is not a song till you sing it.

Love in your heart isn’t put there to stay.

Love isn’t love till you give it away.”

Prism Book Group’s “Love Is…” series takes its inspiration from I Corinthians chapter 13.  Eventually there will be a short novel that takes its theme from one of the aspects of true love. My contribution to this series is Evidence Not Seen inspired by “Love keeps no record of wrongs.” Or, if you prefer the lyrical language of the old King James translation, “thinketh no evil.” I hope those who read my story find it to be true to that sentiment.  

In the final analysis, we are left with faith, hope, and love. What a marvelous trilogy! And the greatest, of course, is love. May we all practice it faithfully, daily, unrelentingly. Love never fails.

  

Check out Carlene’s contribution to Prism Book Group’s new Love Is series…

Evidence Not Seen

“Love keeps no record of wrongs…” 1 Corinthians: 13:5

Although attorney Jeff Galloway’s career is in high gear, his personal life is a mess. Just before his father returns home from a 27-year stretch in prison, his girlfriend dumps him. When a chance encounter begins to blossom into new romance, soft-hearted Melanie Clark encourages Jeff to find a way to forgive his father’s long absence.

My review:

A not-so-secret family secret leads to the lifetime estrangement of a young man from his father. Devotion to his mother justifies Jeff’s choice to keep utter disillusionment and resentment for his imprisoned dad shining bright all his adult life. Given his professional career as an attorney, Jeff has faith in the system, and there was never any hint to believe any other way than his father is a criminal, guilty of a hefty bank theft. The money was never found. When his father’s sentence is up, Jeff reluctantly collects him from jail and brings him back home where he witnesses a strangely joyful reunion between his parents. No condemnation, no shame, just joy.

Jeff’s position allows for financial comfort, and when he meets a young social worker set out to right the wrongs of society, he’s intrigued. The first chance encounter through a private office party turns into more encounters and a rescue operation for an errand of mercy and a strange connection with one of Melanie’s young clients. Jeff enjoys Melanie’s tactics to do the best she can and even attempts to overcome his lifelong unreasonable hatred of hospitals. As the two begin to spend more time together, Jeff realizes everything in his life has been an illusion. Not only is Jeff encouraged to forgive the past, he’s encouraged to look at his father from a different angle and in so doing, he is able to find and live with newfound purpose.

I loved this couple, their growing respect for each other, Jeff’s developing character and his ability to hurdle the barriers he’s set up for himself. Sometimes we have to explore why we believe what we do, not just our faith in God, but our faith in each other, even when misguided. Not everything is what it seems, and Jeff is able to journey toward a more healthy place with Melanie’s unconditional love. Told mostly through Jeff’s viewpoint with an occasional dip into his mother’s perspective, this addition to the Love Is novellas explores the theme of “keeping no record of wrongs” in a fresh and compelling way. Great short read that felt well-paced and complete.

Enjoy this short excerpt:

.     “Melanie!” The urge to sweep her into his arms was so strong he didn’t trust himself to move. “I brought you flowers,” he said at last. He half expected a smart alack response.

Instead, her brilliant smile made his knees feel weak. This can’t be happening, he thought. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?

Sneak Preview and Enter for a giveaway Keely Brooke Keith new book

Aboard Providence

Keely Brooke Keith

Publisher: CrossRiver Media Group

Released Date: October 20, 2016

Pre-order Link: CrossRiver Media

A voyage aboard Providence changes Jonah’s plans, but can it change his heart?

About the Book:

In November 1860, Jonah Ashton is determined to finish his studies at Penn’s Medical School before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When he learns his father has joined a group of Virginia families planning to sail from America to form a new settlement elsewhere, he travels to his family’s estate intent on saying goodbye. However, when an accident leaves his father in need of a physician, Jonah agrees to serve as ship’s doctor, but he resolves to return to medical school as quickly as possible.

While aboard the Providence, Jonah falls in love with former classmate Marian Foster. Despite their love for each other, Marian has no desire to return to America with him.

After an arduous voyage, Providence runs aground on an uncharted land in the South Atlantic Ocean. While the rest of the settlers celebrate finding the land they wanted, Jonah takes off to explore the island and he soon discovers a startling truth that changes everything, but can it change his heart?

What others are saying about the book:

“A delightful adventure reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson, Aboard Providence is one of those novels that will stick with me because I feel I’ve lived it. A captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale I can confidently recommend to a wide range of readers.” –Heather Day Gilbert, author of Amazon Norse bestseller God’s Daughter

“With vivid settings and multi-layered characters, Keely Brooke Keith whisks her readers off on a page-turning journey, not just across the ocean, but within the heart. You won’t be able to put Aboard Providence down until the final word is read and then you will long for more.” –Brenda S. Anderson, author of the Coming Home series

“A blend of history and romance with a compelling inspirational message, Keith expertly weaves an intriguing tale. Fans of the Uncharted Series won’t want to miss this journey.” –Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

“Keely Brooke Keith is a master storyteller, weaving adventure, love, and wonderful characters into a vivid story that will take readers on an unforgettable voyage to a new place. Full of inspirational messages and tales of God’s love, readers will find themselves longing for more. Keely’s story teaches all of us that the journey is just the beginning!” –Christina Yother, author of the Hollow Hearts series

About the Author:

Keely Brooke Keith is the author of the Uncharted series (Edenbrooke Press) and Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media). Her novels are known for blending genres in surprising ways. When she isn’t writing stories, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely resides with her husband and their daughter on a hilltop south of Nashville where she dreams up stories, hoping to encourage, comfort, and inspire readers. She is a member of ACFW.

Social Media Links:

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Find Keely’s books online:

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Giveaway

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Cindy Lynch sequel Even Willows Weep

Even Willows Weep the second installment in the Bye For Now trilogy

Fiction/young adult/chick-lit

About the Book:

Even Willows Weep is book number two in the Bye For Now trilogy. This second book continues to follow Callista Lamply, on her journey in becoming a young professional art therapist, working with children dealing with cancer. Enter Pheonix, an imp of a child, dealing with her terminal cancer the best she can. Strangely, Callie has had visions of Pheonix in her dreams and shock registers now, having Pheonix, in the flesh, here at her art table. Callie becomes emotionally attached to this young girl as she prepares herself for the inevitable. This task of pushing facts aside so that she can continue to honor her professional duties becomes monumental with each tick of the clock.

Maddie, Callie’s best friend and roommate, is a quirky little thing leaving nothing to the imagination. She has no filter which, oddly enough, Callie finds endearing. Maddie made the leap, leaving Connecticut to start fresh in Missouri and try as they might to run from their past, history seems to be repeating itself. Will this cause Maddie to resort to her coping mechanisms that nearly cost her her life years ago?

Meanwhile Callie's brother Jimmy believes that he is happily living with his wife in their quaint cabin on Lake Carmi. However, the veil of deception is lifted leaving Jimmy with pain and uncertainty. He forges ahead in his role of a lifetime, becoming a father, unaware that the Sandy Hook tragedy looms ahead.

When dreams of lost love, causes images, voices and emotions to bubble up from the recesses of her mind, Callie wonders if she has finally found what she truly wants in life.

Each will decide their fate by allowing that little voice within to be heard.

Just listen and believe.

Buy on Amazon

A brief interview with Cindy

Tell us what you love about this sequel.

I really enjoyed writing this sequel. We continue to follow the main character, Callie, a few years after she leaves college, picking up where the first book ended. There are many twists that occur in this book that I didn’t see coming. There was one particular disturbing scene that I questioned, “that was dark. Where did that come from?” I really enjoyed watching these characters live their lives, growing and changing. I just never knew what was going to happen next.

Are you doing anything differently in your publishing process from your first book?

I’m basically following the same protocol. I’m still self-publishing through createspace and following the steps in Stacy Dymalski’s book Nine Steps to Self-Publishing Your Book: The Memoir Midwife. It seems to work well for me. I have to say, having one book under my belt made the second that much easier. The process wasn’t as daunting.

Introduce us to a character in Even Willows Weep.

Duncan Campbell is a suave, shaggy haired, bedroom-eyed musician that sweeps Callie off her feet momentarily. He has a roaming eye, but seems to be just what Callie needs at the moment. He was a lot of fun to write. There are several new characters that appear in this book. I had to create new friendships and relationships. I’m pleased with how it all turned out in the end.

What do you hope readers will tell others?

I want my readers to tell others that the book feels edgier than the last. My hope is that the readers can sense some growth happening within each character. Sometimes this growth isn’t positive, but that makes those characters more interesting. I especially want the reader to feel some kind of emotion through out the story.

What are you reading these days?

I just finished Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank. It was a light, fun read. I’m in the middle of Hollow City, the sequel to Miss Peregrine’s peculiar children. I’m really enjoying the ride in this one. I think Ransom Riggs did something clever that I had never seen done before.  He took old black and white photos he found and create a story around them.

What’s next?

My next book will be the final installment in the Bye For Now trilogy. As of yet it is unnamed and unwritten. I know where I want to take the characters, but I’ll just have to wait and see where they want to take me. I’m excited to see what journey they have in store for me.

After the final installment is finished and published, I’ll begin to work diligently on my first attempt at non-fiction. I’m very excited about that challenge.

Thank you for the opportunity to get my stories out there!

~My pleasure, Cindy, best wishes!

Summers Winter with Robin Johns Grant

Summer’s Winter

Robin Johns Grant

Jan 2014

Inspirational romantic fiction

Story Merchant Books

ISBN 978-0989715430

buy on US Amazon

2.99 eBook

12.9 paperback

When Jeanine finally connects with film star Jamie Newkirk, the object of her obsession, will it be a dream come true? Or will she be pulled into his family's nightmare of secrets, control, and death? 

At age ten, preacher's daughter Jeanine fell in love with young movie star Jamie Newkirk and the character he played--Danny Summer. Jeanine believed God Himself promised Jamie would be part of her life--that he would rescue her from boring rural Georgia. But eleven years later, she's graduating college and about to settle into the dreary nine-to-five life with no word from Jamie or God. 

And then Jamie bursts into her life in an amazing way. There are plans to resurrect the Summer series of books and movies, and Jeanine is right in the middle of it all. Jamie seems to be falling for her, just as she'd dreamed. And yet... 

She never expected all the dark undercurrents. Jamie is hiding out in Georgia following the suspicious death of his former girlfriend. And isn't it odd that he found his mother dead of a supposed suicide in that same house two years before, and that both women had the same strangely-shaped burn on their bodies? And who knew there would be so many sinister characters involved in Jamie's life, and in the Summer series? There's his young co-star, Charlie--the Summer author died in an unexplained fire at his house. And Jamie's stepfather, Elliott, and uncle Richard seem to be in a vicious competition for control of the Summer series and of Jamie's life. 

Jamie is obviously hiding things--about his family, about the deaths of his mother and girlfriend. The media and the public have declared him guilty. Jeanine longs to prove his innocence. Unless she can, Jamie's dark secrets may shatter her dreams, her faith--and her life.

My review

I love Grant’s way with words and her sense of story. It’s not breathless when it doesn’t need to be, and gradually sets up story in a way that’s a luscious down comforter and not a bumpy, worn blanket. Since reading Jordan's Shadow, I knew Summer's Winter would be just as good.

Young Adult fiction can cover a great deal of circumstances and settings, but the genre involves exploration of self, growth, and a lot angst getting there. Skillfully melding twists and romance, blurring the lines between bad guys and good, and identifying and taking responsibility for bad behavior without glorifying it, Grant has published a great story about a young lady with gifts on a sure path guided by the only One we can truly trust, and her obsession, a movie star from another continent portraying a beloved character in a series of motion pictures. While Jeanine may not truly believe that she’ll receive the longings of her heart, she has a firm foundation that the Giver of all good things has a plan for her.

Within the realm of believability, the movie star, Jamie, comes from a similar-enough background to feel guilt over actions he controls, as well as events that he cannot influence…or can he? It’s this sense of responsibility that bring Jamie and Jeanine together, yet keep them frustratingly apart.

Told in multiple points of view, Summer’s Winter is a story will keep readers of romantic young adult fiction turning pages. Set in contemporary America, the story has a genteel feel, despite the despair and drug use and less savory actions hinted at behind the scenes. The characters are rich and multi-layered, adding a satisfactory denseness to the beautiful settings and even the less than beautiful events. Star-crossed lovers? Sure, but emotionally satisfying and with just enough questions left over that make me drool for a sequel.

About the Author

While waiting for her writing to pay off, Robin Johns Grant did a lot of crazy fan stuff and was way too involved with books and movies like Harry Potter and Star Wars, which helped her dream up Jeanine and Jamie for Summer's Winter.

With a degree in English and a mid-life crisis coming on, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in library and information science. She now has her best day job ever as a college librarian, which keeps her young by allowing her to hang out with students.

Robin was named 2014 Author of the Year by the Georgia Association of College Stores, and Summer's Winter won a bronze medal in the Romance - Suspense category of the International Readers' Favorite Book Awards.

Robin lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband Dave and formerly feral felines Mini Pearl and Luna. She is also surprised to find herself part owner of a sweet pit bull puppy named Pete who showed up as a stray at her mom's house.