Interview and Giveaway with Amy Anguish!!!

Today we welcome Amy Anguish to The Diamond Mine!! She is offering a free copy of her book in a giveaway drawing. In order to be in the drawing, please leave a comment and include your email, and you'll be entered! And here we go to Amy's book:

It’s not every day you bring a boyfriend 

back as a souvenir.

 

Katie Wilhite is ready to settle into her new job as a librarian now that college is through, but friends Bree and Skye want one more girls’ trip, and when Bree insists this is her bachelorette fling, Katie agrees. What she didn’t agree to was allowing fun and flighty Skye to dictate the itinerary or for her anxiety to kick in harder than ever ... right in front of a cute guy.

 

Camden Malone had no idea when he agreed to be the voice of reason on his cousin Ryan’s vacation that the trip wouldn’t stay in New Orleans as planned. But when Ryan plots with Skye so that the guys can tag along with the girls all week, he isn’t nearly as upset as he should be. Not with Katie’s fiery temper and flashing eyes intriguing him more by the minute.

 

Can Katie relax enough to trust Camden and a possible future, or will she continue to push him away as only a vacation fling? And can Camden move past a rocky history of his own to be able to jump into a better future? For a trip that was supposed to be all about fun, there’s a lot of romance going around.

Wow!! Sounds like a fun story!!
Can you tell us a little more about your book?

 

Destination:Romance is a “roadtrip romance,” which means the majority of the story happens on vacation. Three college friends set out for one last girls’ trip after graduation. The very first night, they meet two boys who decide to tag along. Chaos and romance ensue.

This is the first book in my first-ever series, and will have two more to join it in the next year.

 

Great!! 

How did you get your idea for this story?

 

A long time ago, when I was in college, I went on a trip with two other friends. It was Spring break and we headed to my friend’s home in Florida. On the interstate, we kept passing another car that had cute boys in it. Nothing happened on that trip, but the idea was planted—what if they met and started to get to know each other? Would it be enough for a romance to form?

 

I'm glad you decided to write it. What made you decide to be a writer?

 

I’ve always loved story. I started dabbling with writing down some of my own early on, but nothing serious. Then, in eighth grade, my English teacher was also a published author. And it hit me, “this is a real possibility.” Before then, authors seemed so unreachable and above normal people like me. In college, I majored in English so I could have the skills needed to try and do something with the stories in my head.

 

And now, here you are! A published author! What was your first story?

 

I obviously don’t remember the first story I ever wrote, since it was in elementary school. The first story I remember writing was called “Mi Vida Loca,” though I can’t remember what it was about—just that I drew a girl exploring a cave on the front. My first story to be published was An Unexpected Legacy. It’s about a guy and girl who start to fall in love, but then realize her mom and his dad dated each other in college.

 

What an interesting premise! Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

 

When I first started writing, I never used an outline. Since my life has gotten busier and since I’ve learned a ton since then, I use a rough outline now. Mostly just little phrases to let me know I wanted to write a scene about xyz somewhere close to this point in the story. Every now and then, I jot down a piece of dialog or something I’m afraid I’ll forget before I get to that point in the story—because I make myself write a story in order for the most part.

 

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

 

In all my stories, I want people to see that even when someone is a Christian, they can still have struggles. But with God, it can all work out well. A lot of my stories also focus on “home” and what that means in all its various ways.

 

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

 

Probably. But not by intent. I pull from real life because it’s what I know, but for the most part, I don’t set out to make a character exactly like anyone in my life.

I will say, some of my characters have pieces of my own history in theirs. Faith in Faith & Hope struggles with infertility and has a lot of the thoughts and feelings I did when I went through that. And Adrian in No Place Like Home is a preacher’s daughter and dealing with a lot of the baggage that comes from her history—a lot of which was directly from mine.

 

I do the same with my characters! Do your characters ever surprise you?

 

ALL THE TIME. I’ll be writing along and comment, “Well, I didn’t expect him to do that.” My husband gives me this funny look and I explain my character just made a decision I didn’t expect. He doesn’t understand. But when you create these characters and give them their own personalities, sometimes those personalities take over.

 

That is so true!! Do you have a favorite character in your books?

 

So far, all my books are stand-alones and have different characters in every single one. And I love pieces of all of them.

 

What are you working on now?

 

I am finishing up a novella to release next February, planning a story I want to write in July during Camp Nanowrimo, and need to tackle my content edits for the second roadtrip romance which comes out in December. It’s a lot, but I seriously feel like I’m living the dream right now.

That's wonderful! I've really enjoyed getting to know you. Thanks so much for the interview, Amy!! 

Now, readers, here's a bit more about Amy, along with her links. And remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing to win a free copy of Amy's book!

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

 

Follow her at http://abitofanguish.weebly.com or http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor

 Or https://twitter.com/amy_r_anguish

 

Learn more about her books at:

320 My Books ideas in 2022 | watermelon quilt, julie klassen, tracie peterson

Interview with Best-Selling, Award-Winning Author Kate Breslin

It is my immense privilege and privilege to introduce Kate Breslin to our Diamond Mine audience!

Kate is the author of five WWI novels by Bethany house: Not by Sight, High as the Heavens, Far Side of the Sea, and her newest release, As Dawn Breaks. Her fifth and final novel in the connecting series is entitled In Love's Time and will be released in December 2022.

The novels can each be read as stand-alone, and include one main connecting character. In December, you’ll get to read about Captain Marcus Weatherford’s adventure in the year 1918 when he embarks on a critical mission. He travels first to Archangel, Russia, then to London, and finally to the pastoral beauty of Hampshire.

Don’t let England’s lush, tranquil countryside fool you—it’s a time of war, intrigue, romance, and danger!

I have always been impressed with Kate's talent for weaving a compelling romantic story. She masterfully weaves intrigue, history, and passion with artistry and grace. I was so excited when she agreed to an interview! I hope you'll watch to the end because Kate shares all her writing processes with us!

Do you have your spot o' tea?

Feet up? Enjoy!

I have started an Amazon Book Club and have chosen Kate's first book (not in this series), For Such a Time as This as the club's first read! I plan to read through all her books before the end of the year. Why not join me? You can join my club here: Karla's Amazon Book Club

KATE’S BIO
Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her first novel, For Such A Time, won American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Carol Award. Kate's fifth novel, As Dawn Breaks released November, 2021. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, Barcelona, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

www.katebreslin.com

https://twitter.com/Kate_Breslin

https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor

http://www.pinterest.com/katelbreslin/

https://www.instagram.com/authorkatebreslin

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-breslin

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7115378.Kate_Breslin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-breslin-87531b61

Karla Akins is the author of several books including A Pair of Miracles. She currently lives in Florida where she is so busy teaching and writing that she never gets enough time to read at the beach. But then, who really does?

Find Karla on the web:

KarlaAkins.com

Instagram: @LearnTodayCafe

Outschool Classes for Kids 18 and Under Including Kids with Disabilities & Autism

English Language Learning Classes

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Sharon Rene Shares About Life, Writing, and Her YA Series and a Giveaway

 This week, we welcome Sharon Rene to the mine. First, a little more about Sharon.

Sharon Rene loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult speculative trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released in September 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance. Relentless Rebels, the sequel launched in March 2022. Defying Destiny, the prequel, will launch in October 2022.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon Rene hopes her books will bring enjoyment and encouragement to her readers.  

Sharon Rene loves to communicate with her readers. You can email her at sharonrene17@gmail.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon

Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Sharon. We’re grateful to have you this week and look forward to learning more about you. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

SW: Would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors?

SR: I grew up in a small town surrounded by cows. I’ll go with the rooftop garden.

SW: Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

SR: It would be more difficult for me to read a book without chapter numbers because I use the chapters as a guide. They indicate that I can put the book down now and do a few things.

SW: Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

SR: I grew up in a small town in Louisiana. I’m an only child but I had a lot of aunts and uncles and cousins around.  I was very close to my parents.  My dad has passed away but my elderly mother lives with me.

I work as a legal assistant at a large cooperation. 

I’ve been very involved in church – teaching youth and children’s Bible study, going on mission trips and participating in the prison ministry.

I don’t have any children, but I have one spoiled rotten cat. She’s my Instagram star.

SW: My cat makes her appearance on Instagram sometimes, too. They all have personality, don't they?

What are three books on your current tbr?

SR: Shadow by Kara Swanson

The Exiles by Katherine Barger

Confessions, The Paris Mysteries by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

SW: I've only read Shadow, and it was a great read. What does your writing space look like?

SR: It’s upstairs in the bonus room. I have a standup screen with a Paris café view that blocks my desk and computer from the rest of the area. 

SW: Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

SR: I’ve always loved to write. I have old manuscripts stuck in drawers that I wrote when I was a teen. Flash fiction provided my first publication success. Several of my flash fiction stories were published by Splickety/Spark magazine. I have published teen devotions in Unlocked devotional magazine.

I enjoy writing short stories, so I wrote a book of short stories for elementary children. It was published by TouchPoint Press in 2018. A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace is a book of stories in several genres – Biblical, Historical and Contemporary.

All of this time I was submitting Hesitant Heroes to different publishers. After many rejections, it was accepted by Anaiah Press. By then I had written the other two books in the series and Anaiah Press acquired them too.

My journey to book publication has been long with tons of rejections but when God was ready – the door opened.

SW: Isn't that one of the challenges and blessings of the author life? Waiting for God to open the right doors in His time?

What drew you to writing dystopian fiction?

SR: When I read The Hunger Games I got hooked on dystopian fiction. It was all I wanted to read for a while. I decided to try to write a dystopian book that had a lot of excitement and suspense but with less violence than the popular mainstream dystopian books.  My series is dystopian with a Christian world view. 

SW: Tell us more about your latest release.

SR: Relentless Rebels is the sequel to Hesitant Heroes. Hesitant Heroes is set in 2062 and the world is run by the Global Collective Council. Christian students start disappearing from Jordan Scott’s campus and she and her friends (Team Seven) start investigating. They are pulled into a government conspiracy and face one danger after the other.

Relentless Rebels begins with Jordan and Team Seven hiding out in the mountains of Venezuela. They are on the government’s hit list and must fight to survive. 

“For such a time as this” is the theme of both books. Jordan believes that she and her friends are being used by God like He used Queen Esther in the Bible. 

SW: What are you currently working on?

SR: I’m not doing a lot of writing currently because my mother has been sick and recently broke her hip.  I will soon be starting edits for Defying Destiny which is the last book in The Divine Destiny Chronicles.

When I have the time, I am working on a MG novel about a group of middle school girls who want to be detectives. They have some crazy adventures. This is more lighthearted than my dystopian books. I think I needed a change.

SW: How can we pray for you?

SR: I’d appreciate prayers for my mother’s health and for strength as I journey through this with her. Please pray that God will use my books to reach people who need to hear about His plan for their lives. I want teens to know that they are each unique and He has put them in a certain place for a certain time.

Thank you so much for visiting with us, Sharon. We appreciate you taking the time to share more about yourself and your books.

About Hesitant Heroes

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

Purchase at Amazon

About Relentless Rebels

After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.

The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.

Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance or give it up for God to decide.

Purchase at Amazon

Giveaway

Sharon Rene is giving an autographed copy of Hesitant Heroes to one reader. To enter, leave a comment and tell us what your favorite YA book is. If you don't have one, you can tell us about one you'd like to read. Giveaway ends Tuesday, 6/21/22 at 11:59 PM EST and is open to US mailing addresses only.

Love Inspired Historical Author, Megan Besing is No Mix-Up

You read that right readers! It’s no mix-up that Megan Besing has released her Love Inspired Historical Book, The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up. And we have her right here with us this week. It’s also no mix-up that we have a triple giveaway this week! Keep reading to find out more!

PT: Welcome Megan and congrats on the new release! Everyone just loves those mail-order bride stories!

So tell us, did writing success take the “slow road” or the “Indy 500 track?” Tell us a bit about that journey.

MB: Probably somewhere in the middle. It sure felt slow at the time and had been curves along the way. I had a chance to “fast-track” with an earlier story, but I’m glad I waited and honed my writing skills. I’ve written in several genres, and honestly, I like to write lots of genres, but historical will always have a special place in my heart because it’s how I became a published author. Historicals are also special because I once said I could never write one, and God showed me otherwise.

PT: Haha! Never say never, right? I think God likes to laugh at our mixed-up plans. What made you want to tell Della Mae and Hank’s story? How did you decide the setting?

MB: Della and Hank’s story came when Love Inspired had a contest for new historical book ideas. I wasn’t writing that genre, so I simply told several of my author friends about the opportunity. But then, the contest kept popping up in my head, followed by an idea: what if a teacher arrived and everyone thought she was there to be a mail-ordered bride?

I thought if I tried writing a historical for the contest, I wouldn’t have anything really to lose. And I’m so glad I did. Even though the story didn’t make it to the final portion of the contest at that time, it gave me the courage to write a historical.

For The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up, I wanted the setting to be somewhere that was special to me, so I picked Missouri, where my grandparents used to live. However, I had originally placed the story in the southeastern corner of the state, but since Hank’s property needed oil on the land, upon research, that location wouldn’t work. I did discover that oil was found on the western portion of the state, which seemed like the perfect spot for Hank and Della’s story.

Click for the Amazon Link.

A mail-order mistake…
 Or a made-to-be match?

 When Della Mae Wagner’s train arrives in Missouri, she’s shocked to find that the couple who hired her don’t just want a teacher for their grandsons but a wife for their son! After a broken engagement, marriage is not in Della’s plans. And Hank Lamson isn’t pleased—with his parents, with his unexpected guest or with Della’s unfairly appealing smile. But his plans to send her packing are foiled as his family comes to love her…and he feels the walls around his wounded heart start to fall.

PT: Love the cover! Now, I’m always interested in author’s writing spaces, where they all get creative. Tell about your place for writing.

MB: Most of the time I try to write in my “writing room”. It’s actually a little shed outside by our lake. It’s not big or fancy. At one point it was even a greenhouse, but it’s my favorite place to write. My husband put electricity in there for me so I could run a little heater and keep my computer charged. Now, it only needs air conditioning.

PT: What part about writing is hardest for you?

MB: Commas and spelling. 😊 Marketing and writing a synopsis make my brain hurt, but unfortunately they’re a part of the author’s job.

PT: How did you come up with the cute idea of a pet chicken? (Yes, there really is a pet chicken in the book!)

MB: We’ve had chickens for several years and my in-laws have had them even longer, and Mabel seemed like a natural pet and “friend” little Wallie might have.

PT: Tell 5 things fast about Megan Besing that have nothing to do with writing.

MB: 

1. I drink tea almost every morning.

2. I love the beach and vacations in general.

3. I play piano at our church.

4. Polka dots are my favorite color.

5. And my mom’s cheesecake is my favorite “cake”.

 PT: What are your next plans for writing?

My next book comes out April 2023. It’s a suspense set in author Lisa Phillip’s Last Chance County. It will be published by Sunrise Publishing.

 PT: Wow! Congrats! Readers will definitely be looking for your next book. Thanks Megan for joining us today!

And in case you didn't know, Megan is my daughter. I love having the privilage of interviewing her while being so proud of her writing success! Now, onto those giveaways. Megan is giving away TWO Great is Thy Faithfulness bookmarks. And in celebration of my new book that released on June 1st, I'm giving away one copy of The Spellbound Schoolmarm! That's three, THREE opportunities to win a prize this week! Wahoo! To enter, leave your email in the comments or on our contact form.

 

Aren't these pretty??

My newest release! Click for the Amazon Link.

You can connect with Megan here:

Social links:

Author and Writer | Megan Besing

Megan Besing (facebook.com)

Megan Besing (@meganbesing) • Instagram photos and videos

Megan Besing Books - BookBub

Megan Besing (@MeganBesing) / Twitter

Amazon link: The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up - Kindle edition by Besing, Megan. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Despite always adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn't unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her own stories have won many awards, including the Selah for her novella, Perfect for the Preacher, along with the Pre-published Maggie for The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up. And now she’s thrilled to be a Sunrise Publishing author. However, her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother.

She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family, where she's always planning a road trip with a view. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

Interview and Giveaway with Susan Kimmel Wright!

 Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Susan Kimmel Wright!

Susan Kimmel Wright is a child of the Appalachian Mountains. A former lawyer, Susan has published three children’s mystery novels and is a prolific contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Mabel Goes to the Dogs, Book Two in Mysteries of Medicine Spring, her first cozy mystery series for adult readers, is now available from Mountain Brook Ink. Susan shares an 1875 farmhouse in southwestern PA with her husband, several dogs and cats, and an allegedly excessive stockpile of coffee and tea mugs.

Connect with Susan Kimmel Wright on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

“Yes, please!” but it all depends. I really need to start my day with one or two cups of dark-roast coffee, nothing added. From there, I switch to various black teas, and before bed, I usually have a cup of green or red bush (rooibos) tea. (Hot chocolate, though, is perfect by the fire after a wintry walk!)

Haha, great answer! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

This will obviously vary by mood, lol, but after living for months in Honduras decades ago, I often crave desayuno típico—the Central American typical breakfast of eggs, fried bananas, queso blanco cheese, avocado, refried beans, corn tortillas, and coffee. ¡Buen provecho!

YUM! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

Being an introverted homebody, I do most of my writing in a corner of our family room, where I have a table, supplies, mug-warmer, and my dogs and cats! Sometimes though, I like to shake things up by popping on my headphones and writing in a bookstore café, where there’s the stimulation of people and books, but I can also retreat into my own world. (In cases of dire writer’s block, I sit in my car and write with a notebook and pen—just like I used as a kid. This will usually break through anyplace I’m stuck.)

Love your cure for writer's block! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies?

So embarrassing, but I sometimes mentally narrate my life! Susan stood in the doorway, studying the room. She wished she hadn’t taken that cold tablet earlier. Now her head felt fuzzy—and she needed to be thinking clearly if she was to navigate that awkward conversation with Gloria. Was she here yet? Susan picked up a glass from the table by the door—something to occupy her hands and keep from fidgeting. I’m so weird!

Let's just say you're not the only one who does that... ;-) What inspired you to write Mabel Goes to the Dogs?

Mabel Goes to the Dogs is Book Two in my series, Mysteries of Medicine Spring, and there’s some continuation from Book One—and some questions answered. I chose to write about search dogs primarily because of my personal love of dogs (I do Australian cattle dog rescue and have also fostered dogs of different breeds, sizes, medical needs, and ages over the years). Plus, my main character Mabel volunteers at a new place in each book, and I wanted to give her something a bit different from the more common shelter or dog rescue volunteer. Awhile before incubating this book, I’d volunteered to help train search dogs by hiding in the wild for them to attempt to find me. I’d thought it would be fascinating to watch them work—and a good way to contribute to what they do. My first call-up just happened to coincide with the writing of my book, and it taught me a lot.

That's really cool! What led you to write in this genre?

I just love, love, love mysteries—especially cozies, which have small-town settings and local characters you can get to know and care about over the course of the series. Cozies keep me turning pages, because of course, I want to know “whodunit,” but they tend to be clean reads and also steer clear of the graphic violence of harder-edged mysteries.

Very true! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

I don’t write to convey a particular message, but I find that what I think and believe still has a way of coming through. I want readers who have struggles in their lives to be able to open one of my books and feel comforted—to laugh a bit and find relief from the stress they’re dealing with. Mabel isn’t perfect—who is? She might be a somewhat overweight fifty-year-old who’s suddenly unemployed and a bit insecure and disorganized. But God still has some pleasant surprises in store for her, including adventure and a new romance. I believe in hope, and I want my readers to embrace it too.

I think that's a wonderful message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I’m currently working on Book Three in my series, Mabel & the Little Green Men, which opens when Mabel has a close encounter with a flying saucer…or did she really? I have a lot of fun in my books by upending scary things like UFOs and finding reasons to laugh. It’s no wonder I loved those old black-&-white comedy movies as a child, where the main character had to face their fears in a supposed “haunted” house.

Oooo, how fun! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?

It’s impossible to single out a favorite Bible verse or story, but I do love the story of the unlikely hero, weak-kneed Gideon, in the Book of Judges. When the angel calls to him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Gideon sort of looks around like “Who? Me?” Despite all his anxieties and asking (more than once!) for a fleece before he can believe God is really calling him, Gideon ultimately trusts God and knows the joy of fulfilling that calling.

Love Gideon's story! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

I’ve been getting caught up with Alexander McCall Smith’s warmhearted No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Precious Ramotswe, and all the other characters who seem so real and make me want to visit Botswana.  

I'm sensing a theme! ;-) Sounds like a good read!

Thank you so much for hanging with us and for answering all of my prying questions, Susan! 

Giveaway ~

Susan is giving away a signed copy of Mabel Goes to the Dogs!

Mabel plans to bring the thrills of volunteering to the masses—if she doesn’t go to the dogs first.

When Mabel finds herself sharing a thicket with a dead body while volunteering with canine search-&-rescue, her life has clearly—once again—gone to the dogs!

            After her losing her job at age forty-nine, Mabel thought she’d turned things around. Now she’s doing good by volunteering, and surely, she’ll soon be a successful author, writing about her experiences. After solving two notorious decades-old cold cases while serving as a historical society volunteer, she’s already getting invitations to appear on TV.

            Her new assignment couldn’t be simpler. All she has to do is hide in the woods and let Millie the search dog practice finding her. But to her horror, Millie finds more than Mabel—there’s a dead body hiding in the same patch of brush. To make things worse, Mabel’s maybe-boyfriend, suspended PI John Bigelow, has a dark history with the victim.

            While struggling with maid-of-honor duties for best friend Lisa, a string of disasters created by handyman Acey, and a disagreeable new neighbor, can Mabel solve another murder in time to save John’s detective license—if not his neck?

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away a signed copy of Mabel Goes to the Dogs!

This giveaway is open to the US only! 

This giveaway will close on 06/10/2022 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. If the winner does not respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, then a new winner will be drawn in their place. This will only be done once. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter using the handy Rafflecopter HERE!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!