Laura Nelson Selinsky, Season of Hope, and More

Let's start with a quick story time. I (Suzie) arranged this week's interview with Laura Nelson Selinksy at the beginning of 2022, however, I didn't think to get Laura's email address. So, when December rolled around, I reached out to her on Facebook. Well, Laura was taking a social media break, but thankfully, she saw my message. But then...we had some email issues. Thankfully, Laura reached out to me because she hadn't received my emails (Gmail sometimes doesn't like to play nice with other email services) and we figured it out.

I tell you that story because it demonstrates how much Laura looked forward to visiting us here on the Diamond Mine. I so glad everything worked out in the end, and I get to introduce you to Laura and her stories.

About Laura Nelson Selinsky

Laura Nelson Selinsky lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband Barry. Her favorite companions are her grandson Remy, her children Rachel and Peter and their partners Kyle and Margy, her sisters, her nieces and nephews, and JRR Tolkien. She recently retired from teaching Shakespeare, Chaucer, mythology, and where the apostrophe goes. She grows too many tomatoes, bakes excellent Scotch shortbread, and recently won second place in the writing competition that resulted in her inclusion in the anthology "Beach Dreams."

Find Laura online: Facebook | Twitter

SW: Welcome, Laura. We are delighted to have you. Let's kick things off with a couple of would you rather questions. First, would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors? 

LS: I'm a gardener, but man-made racket would send me out to the country to enjoy the company of cows.

SW: The quiet in the country is definitely a plus. Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers? 

LS: A book without page numbers is interesting; I've seen chapbooks designed like that to enable the reader's engagement with the poetry, but I miss the numbers. I'm not sure that I'd miss chapter numbers. The beats, reveals, and cliffhangers that end chapters exist independent of the numbers.

SW: Interesting. I feel like you're in the minority with doing without the chapter numbers (most people like that it's a stopping point).

Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little more about yoursel. 

LS: Recently I retired from 27 years of teaching English. Teaching is the reason I became a fiction author. I had a knack for encouraging my students to get published and realized I should follow my own advice. Since then, I have published Season of Hope, a Christmas novella with Anaiah Press, I've been broadly anthologized, and I've even published a little nonfiction, relating to my work with autistic students. My favorite teaching assignments were British Literature and Mythology, so writing fantasy is an obvious step. I am blessed to have a wonderful family that runs from independent 90-year-old parents to a toddler grandson. My husband of 42 years is the key support for all my ventures. Each year, I judge a children's writing competition and direct a children's Christmas puppet show, and working with all those kids is a joy!  

SW: Congratulations on your retirement, and what a wonderful way to set an example for your students.

What are three books on your current tbr? 

LS: Yesterday, I started reading A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay, one of my favorite

authors. Last Christmas brought Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, and I'm always waiting for his next book. Naomi Novak's His Majesty's Dragon just hit my nightstand, but it has to wait for me to finish A Brightness... 

SW: (Runs to look up all three of those titles).

Okay, I'm back. What does your writing space look like? 

LS: I write in a cluttered spare room under a little skylight. Seriously, my writing space is straight out of Dickens.  

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

LS: When I was a young pastor, I published a little nonfiction, but then I didn't write for publication for 25 years! For my 50th birthday, I started writing fiction for publication, and sold the first four short stories I queried. Right on my 60th birthday, I sold Season of Hope. That sounds great, but it hasn't been easy--I also have tens of thousands of unpublished words, including three novels.

SW: I think many authors can relate. There is so much to publishing now that has nothing to do with actually writing the book.

You write both romance and speculative. Do you prefer one over the other? What do you like most about each genre? 

LS: The pleasure of writing romance like Season of Hope is the delightful break I imagine giving to my sisters who are otherwise swamped by busy lives. The pleasure of speculative fiction is weaving my little thread into the tapestry with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Never Let Me Go.

SW: Tell us more about your latest release. 

LS: My latest release was my short fantasy in A Whitstead Harvestide, and I have another piece in A Whitstead Summertide, which is minutes from publication. These continue my stories of a found family sharing a farm on the edge of Whitstead. At Christmastide, the lady of the farm re-acquired concern for others and reached out to orphans and employees on her farm, like Scrooge to Cratchet. In Harvestide, those orphans began to heal from the loss of their mother, and in Summertide, the farm's housekeeper was kidnapped by fairies on the eve of her wedding.

SW: What are you currently working on? 

LS: I better start figuring out what happens in Springtide, but meanwhile I am working on a massive historical fiction with romance and fantasy elements.

SW: Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Thank you so much for taking some time out of your schedule to chat with me. I pray you have a blessed holiday season.

About Season of Hope

The Christmas lights in the mission’s front window are burning a little dim. So is Pastor Nick

Mayfield’s hope. Managing a down-on-its-luck mission in a tough neighborhood in Philadelphia isn’t easy, and not for the first time, he questions his decision to leave a promising law career to follow his calling.

Across the street, Claudia Delacorte works day and night in her abusive stepfather’s store. She’ll do anything to assure her beloved half-sisters have a happy and safe future, even sacrifice her own happiness. So when the new pastor shows interest in her, she scoffs at his naïve overtures—she doesn’t have time for love. Or Christmas.

But when a series of crimes throw the neighborhood into turmoil, Claudia becomes an easy target. During a robbery gone horribly wrong, Nick and Claudia must work together to save her sisters, the store, and each other. Will this tragedy restore hope to their community? Or will they lose everything they’ve fought so hard to keep?

Purchase: Amazon | Anaiah Press Publishing

We appreciate you dropping by each week and hope you've found some great reads through us. We hope each one of you has a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate with friends and family.

A Little Sugar Plum Magic from Carrie Fancett Pagels!

 

Vera~You are the winner of Carrie's book, The Sugar Plum Fairy! Expect an email soon about the details. Thanks everyone!

Oooh, it's that Christmas magic time! Trees twinkling, wrapping paper crinkling, silver bells ringing and carols singing! All to give out the good tidings of Christ's birth on earth! And I can't resist bringing in another Christmas novel to celebrate this holy time of year. The Sugar Plum Ladies by our spotlight author Carrie Fancett Pagels is just the heartwarming story you readers need for your happy holiday sigh meter! Let's unwrap this interview with Carrie, because I can't stand the anticipation. Let's meet Carrie Fancett Pagels.

PT: Hi, Carrie! Welcome to my sleigh, LOL. Give us a rundown of how you started writing and the genre you write in and why.

CFP: I was a psychologist for 25 years, working with young people and kids and I loved it. I’d planned to write CF when I retired at about 70. Unfortunately, I developed severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and some other medical problems and became physically disabled, including about 5 years where I could barely walk. I’d started writing as a child, as I believe most authors do and was a born storyteller, making up stuff and changing the ends of stories I wanted more from. I had been published in nonfiction as a psychologist. However, my first Christian fiction publications, and about 20 more, have been in historical romance. I’ve recently switched over to Contemporary Women’s Fiction in CF. I do have a love of history, and enjoy romance, but at this point in my life I’m really wanting to write stories about women’s relationships and some romance thrown in there, too! I will get rights back to my historical CF stories, too, and will enjoy sprucing those up!

PT: Tell a little about your newest release, The SugarplumLadies and how you came up with the idea, the setting choice, and the names of your hero/heroine.

CFP: The Sugarplum Ladies was part of The Victorian Christmas Brides collection, which I headed up about 5 years ago for Barbour and invited a bunch of my fave CF authors to join in on. We all have our rights back now. I expanded my story by about 40%, mostly smoothing out the transitions. Wow, it really needed that! People are loving the new version! PTL!

I’d read about real-life social reformers in Detroit who, after the Civil War, headed up training and also catering agencies to help widows support themselves and their families. Eugenie Mott was inspired by the article I’d read. Barrister Percy, needed to be of British background and living somewhere that Victorian traditions were celebrated, so I put him in Windsor, Ontario, Canada—a place I enjoyed visiting as a child!

PT: Do you have any special Family Traditions for Christmas? And is your tree up yet? LOL

CFP: We enjoy going to Christmas service. The children, both grown now but one in college and still living at home when not at UVA, make a birthday cake for baby Jesus with me. Our tree goes up after Thanksgiving and we leave it up until after Epiphany (I celebrate until then just like my hero does!) We had a family, multi-generational British tradition (my great-grandparents immigrated from Maidstone, Kent, in England) of having an orange in the stocking—but for my generation I made the new twist of it being a chocolate orange! Those were available only online last year during pandemic but available now in stores again! I enjoy reading the Christmas story in the Bible, too, during this time of year, with my family.

PT: Give us a little peek of what your own Christmas celebration is like.

CFP: There’s a turkey in the oven. Our son used to refer to these holiday dinners as “The Feast” and it was his fave thing to have everyone gathered together. The china is set out. The silver is shined. The crystal is on the table (although the crystal is getting passed on to my daughter this year). The candles are lit on the dining table. After that amazing Christmas luncheon of turkey, dressing, gravy, potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade dinner rolls, some sides that my SIL likes such as turnip casserole (don’t snicker it’s good!), sparkling cider or juice, the Baby Jesus birthday cake, and more we have a cup of coffee or tea and start opening gifts in the living room.

PT: Favorite Christmas gift?

CFP: My closest girlfriends usually send me personal and special gifts that are unique and often homemade—those are my faves because my mom would make us so many wonderful things and I know the love and time that goes into every handmade item. It’s one reason I really try to make at least one jewelry item, e.g., earrings, for my friends and family members each year. One of my dear friends and critique partner, author Kathleen L. Maher, is an artist, and I love what she makes especially treasure the homemade Christmas ornaments and the other dear friend also critique partner, author Debbie Lynne Costello, makes amazing crafts but also picks out really cool things she finds. This year I did a ton of baking and candy making and sent those boxes out early to special friends and family members who asked for those treats!

PT: Tell us a little about what readers can expect from a “British Christmas.”

CFP: Crackers for one! And I don’t mean saltines! We actually did these in my family one year and they were fun (if a bit underwhelming the way I did them lol!) These are like a two-part cardboard cylinder  that has a special gift inside and they are wrapped lightly and ribbon on the ends. You pull them apart to open them! The British tradition, within the Anglican church, is to celebrate through Epiphany. When I was in England one Christmas the other thing modern day Brits did was to celebrate Boxing Day, which we don’t do in my novella! Plum pudding is a British treat and one Christmas my Great Uncle Fred made us plum pudding! I have a funny story about that but I won’t share it here!

PT: Favorite recipes/Christmas recipes?

CFP: Usually we’ll have gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting and I also make sugar cookies and unique twists on eggnog such as coffee eggnog but this year I went a little crazy making fudge variations like my newest creation a Straits of Mackinac mint vanilla turquoise fudge!! I also made my husband’s fave, a huge sheet pan of peanut butter bars from his mom’s recipe. A new fave is also a dried cherry, white chocolate chip, oatmeal cookie. My chia seed brownies were a failure so I’m returning to regular ones! I like a pound cake made with dried Christmas fruit in it and I also like certain fruitcakes through the mail—I’m the author of The Fruitcake Challenge, which was recommended by Woman’s World Magazine last year as a Michigan Christmas read and was a Selah Award finalist and a #1 Amazon bestseller in Christian historical romance.

PT: How many books do you have published?  Do you have a favorite book out of all you’ve written, and how do you keep your writing “fresh?”

CFP: I believe it is twenty-five. My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island is my top seller and I believe The Fruitcake Challenge is right behind and these are two of my own favorites. My fave Christmas story is a short story in Guideposts Books Christmas collection called Snowed In because it is inspired by my real life parents’ and family’s stories which I fictionalized. It’s set right after my father came back from WWII, at Christmastime, and it is a fiction but it is inspired by a bunch of true things. But I also am very proud of The Substitute Bride and I love the Sonja Hoeke character who is probably the one character, in all of my books, who is most like me. As far as other non-Christmas stories, my first Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Butterfly Cottage, which won second place in the Selah Awards, is my current favorite because I had a whole bunch of friends and family members who had died during a short period of time, and I had stopped writing. Then Covid hit. This story was my first with a family cast of three generations of women and they became very near and dear to my heart and almost real! Right now I’m spending lots of time with Dragonfly Cottage, which releases in June 2023! I think almost all my books are my favorites!

Fresh? Every writer, IMHO, needs to take a break to refresh and renew. My writing ministry comes only from God. I have significant health issues. I can’t write without Him. But if I don’t remain in Him and get refreshment and renewal in the Vine, I’m lost. People burn out churning out stuff that was never from the Lord to begin with. I am working on only one book a year that is a new release, recently. I have gotten rights back to books that are getting re-released, such as The Sugarplum Ladies, but my upcoming new release, Dragonfly Cottage, in Spring 2023, is the only novel I’ll have written in the past year. That gives me time to get recharged and also to deal with life.

PT: What Bible verse is dear to your heart at this time?

CFP: I’m really into listening to Father Mike Schmitt on audio right now. The Word is a blessing every single day. I also read Joyce Meyer’s devotional every night which includes scripture. Divine Scripture is a blessing. I’ve always loved that super short verse, Jesus wept, and given these End Times we are in, that verse comforts me.

PT: Do you inject a Biblical message in your books? If so, does it “just happen” or do you plan it?

CFP: My tagline is Hearts Overcoming with God and for a long time I had a blog entitled Overcoming with God so that’s a theme in most of my stories. Yes, I always have a spiritual arc in the books. Christian fiction is “supposed” to include that. Sometimes, often in fact, Danny Gokey or another Christian musician seems to write a song “just for me” and my stories! God’s grace may be the message. God’s blessings. Having faith when there seems to be no way. I’ve been blessed with songs that match the spiritual theme of my stories. For upcoming Dragonfly Cottage, Build a Boat by Colton Dixon has my hero’s message, and the song, Just Getting Started, matches the heroine’s journey!

 

PT: Tell 5 things about Carrie Fancett Pagels that have nothing to do with writing.

CFP:

1. I was a psychologist for 25 years and grew up by a state mental hospital.

2. I am prayerfully considering getting my psychology license back again and will be taking CEUs in 2023 as my health permits.

3. We tease that I gave birth to my own grandchild because I had a son at age 44.

4. I nearly died 12 years ago, and I left my body, and God let me stay here for my son and husband.

5. My heart really does belong on Mackinac Island and my ashes will be scattered there if my family follows my wishes!

PT: What book/story line is on the horizon? Have you settled on a setting/release date?

CFP: Dogwood Plantation is a sequel to Butterfly Cottage, but is a stand-alone with some new characters. I got inspired by a sweet young lady who worked at a coffee shop on Mackinac Island and came to one of my book signings. I did the “What If” thing of asking what if she was actually camping out in one of the often-vacant mansions (called cottages!) on the West Bluff? Then I needed someone to clash with her. And I had the “What if” there was a truly annoying big brother of her former BFF who was rehabbing the cottage next door? But I had to weave this in with another character, Mrs. Parker, in her 70s, who was a difficult person in a couple of other stories but who has had her “Come to Jesus” moment (as has Rachel, the young heroine). So these two, have spiritual story arcs. Mrs. Parker has more secrets than a Virginia summer has degrees lol. Slight exaggeration. But her deceased husband had a secret that will upend everyone’s world in this book! So come to Mackinac Island with me, via this novel, in 2023! Pegg Thomas is the editor and I should have a cover soon, from Carpe Librum Book Design Group in Montreal.

PT: Thank you so much for sharing with us, Carrie. And as usual, Carrie is giving away one copy of The Sugar Plum Ladies! Please share this opportunity with everyone! We need at least 5 people to leave comments with their email or their email information on our contact form. CALLING ALL BOOK GIVAWAY READERS! Now is your chance. Leave a comment with email to enter!

Bio:

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of over twenty-five Christian fiction books, including ECPA and Amazon bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper.” Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.

 Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills

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 Links to purchase:

 The Sugarplum Ladies

Amazon

Interview with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, author of Take My Hand!

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 Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, author of Take My Hand!

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen’s books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. An educator at heart, she also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and baby boy. Visit her online at KristenHogrefeParnell.com.

Connect with Kristen on her website, newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, Goodreads, Pinterest, 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?

All three, please! I like to start the day with a cup of coffee (decaf, at the moment, thanks to my newborn) and enjoy tea during the day. As our evenings are becoming cooler, hot chocolate is a treat too.

We're in similar seasons with that decaf start to the day. Congratulations! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

One of my husband’s and my favorite restaurants is Brick Oven Pizza, a restaurant in Beech Mountain, North Carolina that my characters visit in my novel, Take My Hand. Their pizza crust is unique because it’s almost like a pretzel. So delicious!

Wow! Sounds delicious! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

Right now, it’s at my desk between my newborn’s naps (simply because everything is in place for me to be the most productive in the least amount of time). 

I definitely understand! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

I have so many lists!! I don’t think that’s a habit reserved only for writers, but being a list-maker and goal-setter is something I do with my writing as well.

That's a good one! What inspired you to write Take My Hand?

While my husband James and I were dating, our church group planned a ski trip to Beech Mountain, much like the one Reef and Kaley embark on in this story. Born and raised in Florida, I had never seen fresh snow fall, let alone attempt to ski in it. Writing Kaley’s frustration with the learning curve is something I came by honestly.

James taught the other new skiers and me the basics, and I felt so special to be his girlfriend and have such a thoughtful date. Later, when my writing imagination kicked in, I began to wonder, “What if James and I hadn’t been dating but had broken up? How awkward would that experience have been?” Awkward on steroids. Then the suspense lover in me began to spin the story of Kaley and Reef as well as a celebrity villain that no one would suspect. And so, this story was born.

How fun! What led you to write in this genre?

“Life happening” led me to write romantic suspense. While I still enjoy writing young adult fiction, I also felt a tug to write for women as I navigated my dating years, then marriage, and now family life. 

It's great to write in a variety of genres! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

My character Kaley learns that although she can’t control what happens to her, she does get to choose her response. I hope that message encourages readers in whatever circumstances they find themselves.

Wonderful message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

The sequel to Take My Hand is coming next November! It will follow the same church group of single adults but focus on a different couple. If you love Kaley and Reef from Take My Hand, you’ll be glad to see them as secondary characters in the story as well.

Love that premise! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Isaiah 30:18 says, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him” (NKJV). This verse spoke to me while we were trying to start a family and having to wait longer than expected. The idea that God waits for our good doesn’t seem to make sense to us, but He truly does ask us to wait with our best interests at heart.

So true! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

I’m currently reading Eva Marie Everson’s The Third Path, which challenges us to ask ourselves questions that God asked people in the Bible. Thanks to my newborn, I’m making slow progress, but as a result, I’m savoring it more.

That sounds really interesting! 

Thank you for answering all of my prying questions, Kristen! 

Check out Kristen's new release, Take My Hand! 

Don't find us. We'll find you. 

Trauma therapist Kaley Colbert needs a vacation from her job, and a ski trip with her church singles' group seems like the perfect way to unplug. But while in the mountains, she learns that her last client was murdered hours after their meeting, and she wonders if the notes she's receiving from a possible stalker hold a more sinister warning. 

On the trip, ex-boyfriend and entrepreneur Reef Mitchell wants to give their relationship another chance, but Kaley questions if his past and priorities could ever mesh with her life. When her client's underworld connections catch up with her, she has no choice but trust Reef to help her stay alive, solve her client's mystery, and bring the killers to justice. 

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!

Let's Meet Meghann Whistler

I'm excited to have Meghan Whistler join us on Diamond Mine. She authors sweet Christian romance. 

Comment by December 14 for a chance to win a copy of The Baby’s Christmas Blessing (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)

Let's get started with some of Meghann's favorite things:

What is your favorite?

Coffee or Tea?

Neither! Caffeine makes me jittery, and I don’t like herbal tea 😊

M&Ms or Reece’s Pieces?

Peanut butter M&Ms!

Cat or Dog Person?

Neither! I’m allergic to both!

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

LOL—any season except winter! After living in California and South Texas for 15 years, I can’t take the cold!!! ❄️

Tell us a bit about you:

When you aren’t reading or writing, what do you like to do?

I love playing badminton and rollerblading, although I haven’t had the chance to do either in a while. I also enjoy taking my kids to the trampoline park, walking on the beach with my husband, and playing cards.

What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

The biggest challenge for me was a 15-year dry spell! I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and I actually went to graduate school and got an MFA in creative writing. I completed a novel during graduate school that I tried to get published, but it didn’t happen.

After that, I worked a day job as a marketing communications professional. I did a lot of writing—case studies, white papers, ad copy—but none of it was fiction. I would start different creative writing projects, but I never got very far. I was busy working and raising my young kids, but I always had this desire in my heart to get back to doing the kind of writing that I loved: fiction.

I discovered the Christian fiction genre in 2017 and started writing my first Christian romance in 2018. That book, Falling for the Innkeeper, was published in 2020, and it has just been a dream come true to see my books make it into readers’ hands!

I feel like God made me wait to get published until I’d found the genre He wanted me to write.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

I love 2 Corinthians 12:9, which reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect to live a life of meaning or value—I just have to let God work through me.

Tell us about your latest release:

Do you have a new release you'd like to tell us about?

Yes! The Baby’s Christmas Blessing just came out two months ago, and it’s perfect for a December read. 😊

Set in a charming small town on beautiful Cape Cod, this book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish!

Here’s what you can expect:

• · ⭐️ A feel-good second-chance romance… at Christmas!!!
• · 🚹 A strong & caring hero with a shockingly sad (and secret!) backstory
• · 👦 A snuggly newborn baby who needs a nanny
• · 💕 A big-hearted heroine with amazing friends
• · ✝️ An uplifting inspirational message about love, family & forgiveness

I’ve been touched by all the positive feedback the book has gotten so far, but I think my favorite comment has been that the romantic relationship portrayed in The Baby’s Christmas Blessing is the kind of “romance that I would want for my son or daughter.” (C.Y., Goodreads)

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of your book?

This book was inspired by Galatians 5:1, which says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Both of the main characters in this story have some trauma in their past that’s holding them back in the present. They need to learn that God doesn’t want them to live in bondage to the past; He wants them to be free to live and love and do great work for His kingdom.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

One of the scenes in The Baby’s Christmas Blessing is set on the beach on a night when there’s a blood moon, which is a lunar eclipse that makes the moon look red. I have a very vivid childhood memory of being on the beach with my family at night during a blood moon, and my mom actually did comment on that after reading the book!

Just for fun:

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

Greece! I’ve wanted to go there ever since I studied World History in high school. I’d love to see all the ruins, and the beaches don’t look too shabby, either!

More about Meghann:

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won't make your grandmother blush.

Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and was also a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.

Her next book, The Billionaire’s Secret, was a #1 bestseller and #1 Hot New Release across multiple categories on Amazon.com, including Christian Romance, Christian Women’s Fiction, and Contemporary Religious Fiction, among others. It won the 2022 Selah Award for Contemporary Romance, placed second in the romance category of the 2022 Christian Indie Awards, and was a finalist for the 2022 HOLT Medallion.

Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.

She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWJ9834

Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/babyschristmasblessing


MEGHANN ON THE WEB

· Website: https://www.MeghannWhistler.com

· Newsletter: https://bonus.meghannwhistler.com/blogtour

· BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghann-whistler

· Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20039853.Meghann_Whistler

· Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Meghann-Whistler/e/B086YBHV9J

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMeghannWhistler

GIVEAWAY

Comment by December 14 for a chance to win a copy of The Baby’s Christmas Blessing (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)

Celebrate with our blog hostess, Peggy Trotter, on her new release with giveaway!

By Kathleen L. Maher

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 

Please welcome our blog proprietress, Peggy Trotter, as we celebrate her upcoming release Tattered Blossoms Rise.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful traditional holiday, and one I so-o-o look forward to. Memories of my

mother permeate the occasion with the savory aroma of sage in her stuffing recipe, the warm hint of

nutmeg in her heirloom pies, and even the vintage Pyrex nesting bowls used to prepare and serve the

feast.

Peggy, what is your favorite tradition about Thanksgiving?

Getting to see the whole family around the table is my absolute favorite. The wonderful smells of turkey and homemade rolls wreathe our heads and everyone is hungry and thankful for another year together.

Beautiful imagery! Yes. With the busy holiday season officially on now, how does your writing schedule change, or does it?

Well, my writing takes a back seat during family times. Christmas sometimes puts a damper on getting a lot done writing-wise for most of December. But I still sneak in some time to write and edit.

We know writers have to wear many hats—brainstormer, plotter, editor, formatter, cover designer,

marketer…Each is its own beast, aside from the creative exercise and mastering of the writing craft. Do

you have a favorite aspect, or one you particularly dread, hate, despise and loathe? Do you outsource

some of these tasks?

Writing is my absolute favorite. I like to be knee deep with a story I’m so eager to put on the screen with a digital fireplace on the TV, writing dialogue, sometimes crying along with my character, LOL. But I do enjoy dabbling in book covers. My absolute nemesis is marketing. Even formatting (which can drive you bonkers) is a lamb next to that. I’m a big DIY-er so I do a lot on my own, but I absolutely could not do without my editor, Nancy Clark. She finds ALL my mistakes and timing issues. She’s a wonder.

Reaching out to others with our stories is why we do what we do. What has been your most touching

feedback from a reader?

I recently had a woman tell me she so enjoyed my books because it was like getting an enjoyable story

and a devotion at the same time. And she really hit the nail on the head because that is how I want

them to be perceived. I want my books to be enjoyable yet carry a deep gospel message.

Do you have a favorite scripture or other way to stir your writing muse?

Right now the Bible verse that is dear to my heart is Psalm 40:1-2:

I waited patiently for the Lord, I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and

established my goings.

This is the verse I based my series name Up From the Miry Clay. My new book Tattered Blossoms Rise is the first book of the series. I like to sing this verse with an old song I love of Ginny Owens called 40

(From Psalm 40): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_pQ7H7Xia4

There are so many times when we just have to…wait. And in the case of my new series, my heroines

have been brought up out of the miry clay of prostitution. They must navigate life, find love, and serve

the Lord as the new creature God created them to be in a world where they will not always be accepted

and loved. We all know that world very well.

Tell us about your new release! 

My first book’s heroine, Pansy Jo Sutcliff is one of these characters with very strong resilience and will.

Once she decides, it’s done. No fluctuating. So when she accepts Jesus, her entire life changes and her iron will plows her through every rough patch. My hero is more shy and hesitant. 

Here’s the blurb:

Pansy Jo Sutcliff’s reformed and she’s not going back. That’s right. No rendezvousing under the

name “Miss Ruby” ever again. With her rusted shotgun, she’s willing to discourage any man who comes

knocking. Until Wylen Jenks stutters out a wedding proposal. Never in her fondest dreams had she ever

imagined she might be a bride. The man may be desperate with half a dozen kids, yet it’s the best offer

she’s ever received.

Wylen Jenks knows he ain’t worthy to wed such a rare beauty. And as far as sordid backgrounds

go, well, he had his own to wrangle. But when an old customer shows up, roughhousing and itching to

relive the past with his new wife, Wylen must reach deep to defend not only what is his, but to battle off

the lifelong condemnation and shame that troubles his soul.

With a bold prayer on each of their lips, Wylen and Pansy Jo charge forth into a new life of

marriage.

But will their old lives let them go?

Tattered Blossoms Rise releases Dec. 1st . (Insert “It’s my birthday” dance” here.) 

link: https://www.amazon.com/Tattered-Blossoms-Rise-Miry-Clay-ebook/dp/B0BLM91D28. And please,

readers, sign up for my newletter @https://www.peggytrotter.com for up-to-date info on new books!

Peggy Trotter is on a continual quest to find one of her many pairs of glasses. Once those readers are parked on her nose, she‘s immersed in a story scene of some sort, always pushing toward that miracle happy ending. On a dusty shelf lies a couple of writing honors like the prestigious ACFW Genesis Award, Novella category, even though she writes full-length historical, contemporary and suspense Christian Fiction.

She has two amazing grown children, two terrific children-in-laws, and four unbelievably fantabulous grandchildren, who deserve way more than the average amount of adjectives and adverbs. Her Batman of 38 years, whose cape is much worn from rescuing his wife from one scrap or another, is the delight of her life. She’s a smoldering pot of determined discombobulation who, by the grace of God, occasionally pulls it together to appear in public as a normal confident woman while privately craving a few hermit hours to woo the printed word.

Links:

peggytrotter.com

peggytrotter.blogspot.com

diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peggy_Trotter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

Amazon Author’s Profile Page: amazon.com/author/peggytrotter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggy_trotter_author/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-trotter-44a29b95/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-trotter

MeWe: mewe.com/i/peggytrotter

Parler: https://parler.com/profile/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Usa.life: https://usa.life/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Gab: https://gab.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Speaking of Giving Thanks…Thank you so much for spending time with all of us here. You’ve been so

gracious as our blog leader and chief orchestrator of herding cats here on the Diamond Mine of Christian

Fiction. Thank you for all you do! Wishing you and yours a very happy and blessed season.

GIVEAWAY: Peggy has graciously offered an ebook copy of her new release to one lucky blog commenter. You can enter more than once by sharing this blog post and following Peggy on her links above. Just let us know where you shared/followed for one entry each. Good luck and blessings! Winner will be drawn by (random dot org) and announced here next Tuesday. Please don't forget to  leave your _email at server dot com_ in the comment so we can notify you!

New Release for author Jill Chapman

 

Hello Diamond Miners! I'm thrilled to announce to you my newest book, Off the Grid. When the first book in The Bomb Squad series was released, I was over the moon with excitement. Book two in the series, Off the Grid, was released in September on the exact date as the first. They share a publication birthday. What an exciting autumn season! Off the Grid finds the boys camping in the woods in their newest adventure. This middle grade chapter book has fans from ages nine to twelve and even older. 

Bryan and his friends in The Bomb Squad begin their camping trip with hopes of exploring the woods behind Josh’s new house. At first, rain keeps them huddled in the tent, but the boys can’t resist the chance for adventure when Josh shows them a mysterious map he discovered in his room. Despite the bad weather, the boys hunt to find things on the map. A flash flood blocks the path for the boys to return to their campsite. Just as their cell phones die, they find themselves off the grid. More trouble strikes when Shorty falls down a cave passage and can’t walk. The boys must pull together to stay safe and return home. Can the Bomb Squad make it back on their own? Will they know what to do if they’re off the grid?

Why did I write this series and who is my inspiration?

Since I have two daughters, it does seem funny to write about four boys. As a former teacher and grandmother, the characters in The Bomb Squad series are patterned after former students and my grandsons. 

The next big question from my young fans "Will there be another book in the series?" 

Yes! Bryan and his friends will head to the beach in Seaside SOS.  While in Florida the Squad once again finds adventure. Will they be able to solve the mystery and stay out of troubled waters? This book is till in the preliminary stages so release date will be determined later.

Why do you write children's books is another question I receive.

My desire is to create stories filled with adventure, friendship, and fun! Meanwhile, showing children they can look to God to help them when they face challenges. Both books in the series highlight what it means to be a friend and neighbor. 

People notice I have a dog on the cover of the books. Do I have an inspiration for him?

Max is named after a loving pet my mother had for many years. His rambunctious spirit is patterned after my own dog, Indy. Both dogs were tremendous inspirations for Bryan's dog, Max. Every boy needs a pet, maybe not one that gets into so much trouble though!

 If you'd like to learn some Woofs of Wisdom from Indy, jump over to my website and check it out at Indy's Ruff Ruff Reality page.

Visit my page, The Write Place at the Write Time or head straight to my blog, Quips From My Quill.

Both books are available on Amazon, and make great stocking stuffers for children ages 9-12 years.

Click here for The Bomb Squad.

Click here if you'd like book two, Off the Grid.

The holidays seem just around the corner and I can't wait. If you're like me, your shopping list never ends. If you'd like to win a copy of Off the Grid, enter below. 

What do you like to find in your Christmas stocking? Leave me a comment also.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Susan G. Mathis, author of Rachel's Reunion

It is my joy and honor to introduce you to Susan G Mathis, author of Rachel's Reunion.

Susan is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, and Peyton’s Promise. Rachel’s Reunion releases October 20, 2022. She just finished writing book ten, Mary’s Moment. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and two Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. 

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

You can connect with her through:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads


Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. :-) So settle in as I hit Susan with rapid-fire.





CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?

SGM: Both, especially with nuts.

CC: Print or E-book?

SGM: Both! Love paper but traveling with my iPad mini is rad.

CC: Cat or Dog Person?

SGM: Dog. I have an 8-pound Maltichon, Lucy.

Morning Person or Night Owl?

SGM: Morning, definitely!

CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

SGM: All four for different reasons, but I guess summer is best.

CC: Each season does have its own merit! Now for a couple of fun personal questions:

What is your favorite BIble verse?

SGM: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I love this promise! All eleven of my books have this as their primary theme. Hope and a future...in Him!


CC: I love that verse, especially when you take into consideration the context of what Israel is going to face. Though difficult times lay ahead, we can rest assured that God's plans are for our good and His glory.


What are you reading right now?

SGM: A wonderful manuscript by Jamie H. Mansfield that will come out next year. Endorsing us a masterpiece is an honor and blessing.

CC: That is so neat to be able to endorse a book.


What do you like to do when you aren't reading or writing?


SMG: Swim, hike, travel, and spend time with family and friends.


CC: Hiking is such a blessing! Getting out in nature is really rejuvenating to the soul.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?

SMG: I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. But before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. 

I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, I’m published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also several hundred magazine and newsletter articles. 

But when I started writing fiction… I was hooked! My imagination has become my playground and the characters my friends. I love the challenge, the freedom, the fun of creating with the Creator. But…I only tell that to those who love fiction—or they might lock me up as a crazy person. Smiles.

CC: Authors really are the only people that can say they hear voices in their heads and not be locked up. LOL

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

SMG: I love writing with a cup of tea and a warm, scented candle nearby.


CC: I'm a pot of tea girl myself, and candles create a wonderful ambiance.


What is your work schedule like when you're writing?


SMG: Since I'm a morning person, I generally spend three to five hours plugging away, depending upon the project, deadlines, etc. I spend the first few minutes answering emails, checking on my social media pages, and planning my day. But then I buckle down and write, write, write! When I’ve exhausted my creativity, I take a break and move on to the editorial aspects of writing.


CC: That's a great way to schedule your day. I admit mine is a little more chaotic than that at this point in my life.


What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

SMG: Between the subplots of early 1900s photography and meeting the famous people who actually stayed at the New Frontenac, there was a lot of research. But hey, I love to research, so it was fun.


CC: Research can sure be a pain, and that seems like a good segway into talking about your newest release, Rachel's Reunion.

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed. 

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

Purchase it here.

CC: So let's talk about Rachel's Reunion. What kind of research did you do for it?

SMG: I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. 

There are so many fascinating stories to tell. Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my book. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives. 

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.


CC: That is really fascinating. It helps when you are able to visit where your stories take place. What was some of your favorite research for it?

SMG: I enjoyed learning about the Kodak Brownie Camera and all the amazing folks who visited the Frontenac Hotel on Round Island including William Howard Taft and the Belmonts.

CC: In Cincinnati, we have the Taft Museum where I believe it was a relative, not actually him, who ended up turning their house into essentially an art museum. I bet it really was interesting to see the ritzy aspect of the Gilded Age.

Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?

SMG: I love Rachel and Mitch. My characters become so real to me; they become friends. Smiles.

CC: Our characters really do become real in our heads.

How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything through the writing?


SMG: Every book I write is a journey of healing and hope, and this one was no different. My faith walk is reflected in each of my stories to one degree or another. Rachel’s Reunion also explores forgiveness for someone who hurt you.


CC: Forgiveness is definitely one of the harder things we are called as Christians to do. What do you hope readers will take away from your story?


SMG: All eleven of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Rachel’s Reunion also focuses on healing broken hearts and forgiving those who hurt you.


CC: That is a much needed message for sure. Thank you so much for joining me today. As my final question, I have my usual "Fun Question".

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

SMG: Ahhh...every New Year I update my bucket list. At the moment that includes, Holland, Tahiti, a Scandinavian cruise, and maybe a European river cruise. I've been to 40 countries so far and love exploring the world.


CC: Wow! That is exciting. I've only been to Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico--all before passports were required to visit them. One day I hope to travel more extensively.


Readers, thank you for joining us for this interview. I hope you'll take a few minutes to go check out Rachel's Reunion.