Interview with Tari Faris

 What do you think readers will love most about your lead

characters, Cole and Fallon?

Cole – Everything. Cole is one of my all-time favorites. He had the

rugged tough exterior of an ex-Navy SEAL combined with the soft

heart of a single dad. Especially the way he is with his seven-year-old

daughter just warms your heart.

Fallon – She is the heroine you grow to love because you can really

identify with her. How many times do we find ourselves thinking, this is

not how I thought it would go. Sometimes for the better, sometimes

not. Maybe that is just me. Maybe I love Fallon because in so many

ways I was Fallon (with the exception of a bad first marriage). Only for

me it wasn’t painting but writing. The struggle with your career doesn’t

go the way you thought. The struggle with the blank page. The

struggle with the future of unknowns. 

How did you incorporate your values and faith into Christmas With

You?

My strongest values in life are my faith and my family. I am not sure

how I would write a story that didn’t convey those values. God is such

a part of my life, my writing process, and how I process my struggles

that my characters tend to live that way too. Another value I have is

the idea of letting God speak though my art. Putting my all on the

page and letting him do with what he wants. For Fallon that art of

watercolor. For me the art if my stories. I always have to put all I can

into a story then surrender it to God.

Can you share an excerpt from one of your favorite scenes?

Zane stood and wiped away a tear. “After what happened and how I

said I wanted to be with my mom, I thought…I was afraid you wouldn’t

come. I was so afraid.”

“Listen to me.” She placed her hands on the sides of his face. “No

matter what happens with your dad and me, you can always call me.

I’ll always show up if you need me.”

“But I said—”

Zane stood and wiped away a tear. “After what happened and how I

said I wanted to be with my mom, I thought…I was afraid you wouldn’t

come. I was so afraid.”

“Listen to me.” She placed her hands on the sides of his face. “No

matter what happens with your dad and me, you can always call me.

I’ll always show up if you need me.”

“But I said—”

“I can handle your anger. And so can your dad. There is nothing you

can do to make him not love you.”

“Promise?” He took a step back and wiped his face with the back of

his hand.

“Promise.” And just like that, she could see it. There was nothing she

could do—nothing she could say—to make her Heavenly Father stop

loving her. And just like Zane, she didn’t always understand why He

didn’t respond the way she expected, but His love was never

changing. But unlike an imperfect earthly father who didn’t answer for

who knew why, God’s wisdom was beyond what she could

understand, and she had to trust He had a plan even when He didn’t

answer.

Interview reprinted With Permission from Sunrise Publishing

What do you get when you have an ex-Navy SEAL, a Christmas tree farm, and first-time nanny? Find out in the third book of the Home to Heritage series, Christmas with You.

 

Fallon James has lost everything—her husband, her job, and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she returns to her hometown of Heritage, Michigan, only to find her family's once-thriving Christmas tree farm on the brink of ruin. Determined to save the farm, Fallon throws herself into the struggle, but she can't do it alone.

 

Enter Cole Scott, Fallon's high school friend and now a single dad working odd jobs to support his two kids. Cole agrees to help Fallon in exchange for her watching his children while he travels for a lucrative security job. As they work side by side, old tensions resurface, but so does an undeniable attraction. However, Fallon harbors a secret that could change everything.

 

Just as the farm starts to see success, Fallon's former company unleashes a devastating lawsuit, threatening to destroy everything she and Cole have built. With time running out and her dreams slipping away, Fallon must make a choice that could cost her the love and family she's always wanted. Worse, a shocking turn of events forces Cole to confront what truly matters most.

Can Fallon and Cole overcome the secrets, lies, and legal battles that stand between them? Or will they lose the farm, their love, and the future they've risked everything to build?

Filled with heartwarming holiday cheer, pulse-pounding suspense, and the magic of second chances, this unforgettable tale of love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas will keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of small-town romance, single dad heroes, and holiday happily-ever-afters, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to overcome even the darkest of times. 

 

About the Author:

 

Tari Faris is an acclaimed author of contemporary Christian romance, known for her heartfelt tales set in quaint small towns that explore themes of faith, hope, and love. Her relatable characters and engaging storylines reflect her deep spirituality and passion for storytelling, earning her a beloved spot among readers seeking inspiration and romance. A dedicated member of the writing community, Faris frequently participates in writer’s workshops and conferences, inspiring others with her journey. Outside of writing, she cherishes time with her family and finds joy in the fellowship of her church and teaching at Novel.Academy. Learn more at tarifaris.com.

 

 

A Double Treat Today, Featuring Lesa Henderson and Barbara Britton!!

 We have 2 authors promoting their books on The Diamond Mine today! We'll start with Lesa Henderson who has a Christmas book: Someone to Watch Over Me.

On the run this Christmas, Catlin faces danger at every turn—her life or her heart, which will she lose first?

After witnessing a violent crime, Catlin (Kit) McCormick is on the run. She's determined to lie low, find the family that’s unaware of her existence, and start fresh in the beautiful mountain town of Laurel Ridge. But disappearing is harder than she thought, especially when one of the first people she runs into is handsome U.S. Marshal, Cameron Grainger. There's no escaping the Marshal because he and Catlin are more closely connected than either realizes.

Cameron has trust issues and trouble of his own. He' s currently on leave and recovering from wounds suffered while on duty. Plus, his service in Afghanistan has left him emotionally scarred and doubting his own judgment. When the mysterious woman with hazel eyes and bruises on her neck collapses on the floor of his aunt's bed-and-breakfast, he's both intrigued and wary. 

Will Catlin risk her identity being discovered and explore the overwhelming feelings she has for Cameron? Can Cameron trust his instincts enough to let down his guard and follow his heart?

Intrigue, danger and the questions of trust and loyalty keep the pages turning in this inspirational romantic suspense— a standalone follow-up to Someone to Trust.

Wow! This sounds great! Well, Lesa, I'd like to ask you a few questions!

Can you tell us some more about your book?  Someone To Watch Over Me is a Christmas Story wrapped in romance and tied up with Suspense. It   is the second book in the Laurel Ridge Series and  it takes place during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays  in the Smoky Mountains. 

After witnessing the murder of her foster brother, Nikko, Catlin McCormick flees Florida with dangerous men on her trail. With Nikko, an FBI informant, dead and a backpack full of mysterious money in her car, Catlin seeks refuge with her estranged sister, Megan, in Laurel Ridge. En route, she encounters Cameron Grainger, a U.S. Marshal, and feels an unexpected connection despite her distrust. 

In Laurel Ridge, Catlin blends into Megan's life but soon finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Cameron, who is skeptical of her true identity. Their growing attraction is tested as Catlin grapples with her secret and Cameron's own trust issues stemming from past trauma. 

Amidst holiday celebrations, their bond deepens until the men pursuing Catlin track her down, leading to a life-threatening showdown that reveals her true identity to Megan. Through their ordeal, both Cameron and Catlin reevaluate their faith and find solace in their newfound love, realizing they've always had someone watching over them. 

How did you get your idea for this story? 

It was birthed from the first novel in the series.   As  I neared the end of Someone to Trust, I began wondering what would happen if Megan had a sister she didn’t know about and what that sister’s life had been like.

That's very interesting!

What made you decide to be a writer?

As soon as I learned to read, I developed a love for it.  At a young age, I was a voracious reader and fascinated with storytelling.  Having a  huge imagination  helped.    I entered and won my first writing contest at age ten and another two years later.  I started fooling around with writing romances. Without much success, I might add -   what does a 12-year-old know about romance?

Very True!! :)

What was your first story?  

Oh my goodness…it was a romance that took place in Ireland.   I think  I called it  Love on the Emerald Isle.  Lol.  I was 12.

I can tell you've always had an impressive imagination!

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?  Mostly from inspiration.  I used to think something was wrong with me, and I was doing it wrong when I heard other writers talking about the massive outlines they’d produced before beginning to draft their novels.   And then I learned about intuitive  writing (some  call it writing by the seat of your pants- and it feels a lot like that!)  I usually have a good idea or basic plot,  a place, and characters that I have fleshed out, and then  I  let the story, characters, and the Holy  Spirit take me where I need to go.

Sounds like you have a  good mix of both approaches!

Do you have any underlying themes you want your readers to come away with? 

The love and goodness of God.  Also,  forgiveness for self and others.   

Those are beautiful goals.

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know? 

Yes.  Almost always, they share traits with me or someone I know. For example,  In Someone To Trust the  1st book  in the Laurel Ridge  Series, Megan loves chocolate chip cookies filled with icing  -   a trait she inherited from me.   She also tends to be pretty hard on herself, and I recognized my ability to do the same.    I  also share with Catlin  (Someone to  Watch Over Me)  a love of Gone With The Wind and her acceptance and love for people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Do your characters ever surprise you? 

Yes.   My characters often surprise me.   When  I began writing   Someone to Watch Over Me,   I had no idea Catlin was a mechanic.   A couple of chapters in, she told me. 

I love asking that question of authors. It's almost always something they experience with their characters. Do you have a favorite character in your books? 

One of my favorite characters outside of my hero and heroine in Someone to Watch  Over Me is Digger, a Scotch/Irishman who lives in the Smoky  Mountain Community where  Catlin comes to hide.  He is loosely patterned after someone I know, and with his permission, I used an incident with chickens that happened to him.  I rearranged it a bit and changed the fox to a mountain lion.  Digger wasn’t supposed to have as important a role as he does, but his character just took over.

Yes! I know what you mean!

What are you working on now? 

I’m currently working on several projects at once.  However,  one of those is Book 3  in the Laurel  Ridge  Series,  Someone  From My Past.

Well, it's been a pleasure to get to know you better, and hear about your book! Thanks Lesa!

Okay readers, here's a bit more about Lesa!

Lesa Henderson is an accomplished author, passionate storyteller, and award-winning filmmaker whose work reflects her unwavering commitment to inspire and uplift others. She is best known as the author of the beloved Laurel Ridge books, a series that has captured readers' hearts with its rich storytelling and heartfelt themes. Beyond fiction, Lesa has also made her mark as a non-fiction writer and journalist with her insightful pieces published in esteemed national outlets such as Woman's World and Ladies' Home Journal. 

Together with her husband, Ken Henderson, Lesa co-directed & produced the award-winning documentary Hope Has A Name, a powerful and poignant film that shines a light on God's extraordinary love expressed in the lives of everyday people. Through her work, Lesa invites audiences to see beauty in the ordinary, to find hope in the unseen, and to live with purpose and intention.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B007OZ2674

https://www.facebook.com/lesawhenderson/

https://www.instagram.com/lesahenderson/

Okay Readers, here comes our second interview!

Now we welcome Barbara Britton back to The Diamond Mine to talk about her new book, Escape to Whispering Creek.

Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors' money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend' s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up... until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart?

Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade' s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he's come to love in danger.

Sounds wonderful, Barbara!

What inspired you to want to write this story?

Emma Uranova is the best friend of my heroine in “Christmas at Whispering Creek.” Emma was the comedy relief and a wonderful best friend to Samantha. She needed her own story, so I sent Emma fleeing to Whispering Creek, Tennessee, when her life gets caught up in a scandal in Wisconsin.

I enjoyed revisiting my small town and the characters I created for book one. I discovered that writing a sequel has its challenges. I had to remember where the businesses were located and the color of my characters’ eyes. I need to do a better job of documenting details if I’m writing a series. 

Emma’s story can be read as a standalone novel.

What made you decide to be a writer?

I had no plans to be an author. I was teaching Bible stories to elementary students in chapel and needed to modify my curriculum and write new lesson plans. I prayed to God for creativity, but I wasn’t specific that I needed help with only my chapel lessons. After the prayer, I had a prompting to sit down and write sweet historical stories. I finished three books before I started writing about little-known Bible characters. I should have started writing about what I was teaching each week. I guess I’m a slow learner.

I love writing about people in the Bible that many Christians haven’t met. I also enjoy romance stories. When I wanted to write a story about breast cancer, I knew I couldn’t write about cancer in Bible Times. That is when my contemporary romance writing began. I am blessed to be a nine-year breast cancer survivor. “Christmas at Whispering Creek” has a breast cancer story thread.

That will resonate with a lot of people.

What is the biggest challenge for you in being a writer?

I am part of the sandwich generation. I have family responsibilities for aging parents, and I like to be involved in the lives of my young adult children. As I have aged, those responsibilities have grown. Since visiting with family members involves travel, my writing time has shrunk, but the business of writing hasn’t shrunk. 

I pray to God to multiply my time, so I can write stories that glorify Him. Hopefully, after all these years, I can write a story that needs little revision. My focus always has to be on God, and then family, and then everything else. This sounds easy, but it’s a work in progress.

I hear you! And it's not easy, but it's worth it. :)

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

For me, inspiration is the key to writing a story. When plot ideas and characters keep emerging in my mind, I know I have the threads of a good story. I usually draft an outline and figure out who my characters are, and what they need to achieve.

I was taught to write with the goal-motivation-conflict model. A character must have a goal to achieve. The author must create believable motivations for their character. Conflict and tension must harass the character throughout the story…until they receive their goal and/or happily-ever-after. 

That's a great summation of that approach!

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

I always have a theme for my books. In “Escape to Whispering Creek,” the theme is “Where is God when your life is falling apart?” God is always with a believer, but sometimes God can feel far away. That’s on us, not Him.

Emma’s key verse is Psalm 18:2a:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” (NIV)

Emma leans on that verse and her relationship with God to get through the trials in her life.

That's a beautiful scripture to lean on!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

If I am working in historical times, my characters don’t surprise me as much. When I work on a contemporary story, I find my characters surprise me all the time. With technology, there are a myriad of conflicts that can happen in present day stories. As an author, you have to draft a novel so that technology doesn’t make your plot points obsolete. One nice thing about history is that it doesn’t change.Technology and modern transportation do make writing contemporary stories easier. Sometimes you have to figure how to take away the 21st Century communication to place your characters in peril.

That's very true! When writing historicals, I have to do a lot of research to get familiar with the very different pace of the past.

So, what are you working on now?

I recently finished a short story collection about Jesus and His ministry around the Sea of Galilee. I visited Israel in March of 2023 and was inspired by walking the paths that Jesus and His disciples took around the sea.

Of course, at the moment, I am getting ready for Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Thanks so much, Barbara!

Okay readers, here's some more about Barbara:

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She is published in Biblical Fiction and loves bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Her contemporary romance series set in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, adds a faith thread to her love stories. Barbara is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Romance Writers of America. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. 

You can connect with Barbara on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram or BookBub.

Thanks for having me back on The Diamond Mine, Nancy. 

You can purchase “Escape to Whispering Creek” on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or wherever books are sold. Libraries can order it.

Book Video for “Escape to Whispering Creek”