Our own Penny Frost McGinnis Releases New Book!

Check the gift register stat, because we are welcoming yet another new book baby from our own Penny Frost McGinnis!

 OH! And don't 

miss the BOOK GIVEAWAY!

PT: Oh, Penny! We are all thrilled to welcome in your new addition Home Away from Home. So, tell the readers how you came to write and why you write in your chosen genre.

PFM: Over 25 years ago, I set a goal to write for publication. Along the way, I had a few poems and articles published. I intended to write for children, but God nudged me toward women’s fiction and eventually romance. I learned how to write that genre from conferences, classes, reading inspirational fiction, and how-to books. As I continued to work a full-time job, I honed my skills and started a blog. After I retired, my coworker encouraged me to finish my novel and seek publication.

PT: Many writers have a message they want to convey overall to their readers. What do you want to tell readers through your writing?

PFM: My goal in writing is to share the hope I have in Jesus. When God called me to write, I knew I needed to inject positivity into a negative world. By shining His light, I’m able to spread the joy and hope I’ve found in a relationship with God, and there’s nothing more hopeful than Jesus’ love.

PT: What a great goal to have. How did you come up with the idea for your newest release Home Away from Home?

Book blurb: Home Away from Home

When Marigold Hayes turned fourteen, her mother died, and her father went missing. For forty years, she has searched for her dad and lived a quiet life on Abbott Island, until she met Johnny. As her love for Johnny grows, her sorrow from the relentless search for her father breaks her heart. She begs God to help her move forward with her life before she has no love left to give. Then three mysterious strangers show up who could change her life.

Johnny Papadakis moved to Abbott Island ten years ago. His ex-wife had pushed him away and discouraged him from having a relationship with their daughter. After years of hard work, his restaurant flourishes, so does his relationship with Marigold. As he seeks Marigold's hand in marriage, his daughter shows up on his doorstep, looking for a place to call home.

Can Marigold and Johnny settle the past and move toward the promise of a blessed future?

PFM: Marigold, the main character, appeared in book #1 as a strong, independent woman who ran her own business, and loved her friends well. Since she is 54, I wondered what made her move to an island at 18 and live alone all those years. Her character is influenced by a woman my husband and I met briefly, who ran a kayak business. As an older adult, I knew Marigold carried baggage, lived life, and learned lessons. The story works through loss and grief in a different sense. I can only say, God inspired me to place Marigold in a situation where her father had been missing for many years and she needs to either find him or let go.

Johnny is a great balance for Marigold. He’s had loss in another way and wants to reconcile with his daughter. In the meantime, he hopes he and Marigold will have a happy ending.

PT: I love the name Marigold. I’m a sucker for cute, unusual names. Now, this is a second in the series Abbott Island. Do readers need to read your first release, Home Where She Belongs, or do the books stand alone?

PFM: Readers can read the book as a stand-alone, but I’d love for you to read Home Where She Belongs, too.

PT: Does Home Away from Home have a spiritual thread or is it based on a Bible verse?

PFM: The scripture I chose for Home Away from Home is Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Marigold’s story is all about hope and this verse shores her up when she faces some tough decisions. This is also one of my top ten verses that inspires me. I use it as the theme for my blog, Hope for Today’s Heart.

PT: Give us a peek into how your writing day goes.

PFM: Since I’m retired, I try to write at least 3-5 hours. I eat breakfast, then sip my coffee while I check email, then glance through social media. Once I’ve settled in, I work on something associated with my writing, write or edit the book I’m working on, or create devotions for my blog. I usually have breaks with Rosie May and tea in the afternoon. I’m a slow writer, and I edit my writing several times.

PT: Share with the reader the best thing you enjoy about writing and worst thing you hate about writing.

PFM: I’m thankful to have the opportunity to write. I enjoy the prewriting, research, and sketching out characters and their lives and love to create the setting. I don’t enjoy the final fine-tooth combing at the end where I’m trying to find any errors that may have been missed. It makes me fall asleep 😉.

PT: Do you enjoy any hobbies along the way?

PFM: Probably too many. I’ve been embroidering since I was five and recently started again. I enjoy wool felting, crocheting, paper arts, and growing flowers and herbs in my tiny garden, and of course reading. My husband and I have a golden retriever named after Rosie in Home Where She Belongs and we enjoy spending time with our kids and grands (not sure that’s a hobby 😊 but it’s fun.)

PT: Now for my fav! It's time for my:

(Photo credit: Joe Caione/Unsplash)

about Penny Frost McGinnis that have nothing to do with writing:

PFM:

1. I’m fascinated by God’s creation.
2. Dark chocolate is the best.
3. I enjoy growing lavender.
4. Winter is my favorite season.
5. I’m a Cincinnati Reds fan!

Dedicated Reds Fans!

PT: What’s next for the Abbott Island Series? Another book or a new direction all together?

PFM: I’m currently writing a Christmas novella, set on Abbott Island, that will be part of a collection of Christmas stories set in Ohio, and I’ll be writing Lucy’s story as book #3 in the Abbott Island Series. With her sparkling personality, she’ll be fun to write.

PT: A Christmas Novella! That sounds like a great direction, and I’m sure everyone can’t wait until the next Abbott Island series debuts.

PFM: Thank you for interviewing me, Peggy.

PT: And thanks for sharing your little bundle of joy with us! As always, you can learn more about Penny at her links:

Website/Blog: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22233131.Penny_Frost_McGinnis

Oh, and about that BOOK GIVEAWAY...

leave your name on our contact form or 

leave a comment with your email to be entered to win an EBook copy of Penny Frost McGinnis's Home Away from Home!

Penny Frost McGinnis, author of Home Where She Belongs and Home Away from Home, books #1 and #2 of the Abbott Island series, would live in a lighthouse or on an island if she could. Instead, she and her husband are content to live in southwest Ohio and visit Lake Erie every chance they get. She adores her family and dog, indulges in dark chocolate, enjoys fiber arts, and baseball. She pens romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope. Her life's goal is to encourage and uplift through her writing. Visit her blog at Hope for Today's Heart, where she brings God's hope to people's lives through the written word.

                        *************************************************************

I hope you enjoyed today's interview with Penny Frost McGinnis! Christian authors need your support. Consider checking out Penny's links, buy her books, join her newsletter, or write a review. Yes, it's that simple to keep your favorite author clicking away at those keys. And while you're checking out Penny's great books and links, please check out mine also @https://www.peggytrotter.com/. Join my newsletter for awesome giveaways and new releases!

       

         

Interview with Author Susan Mathis!!

 

Today we welcome author Susan Mathis to The Diamond Mine! She has a wonderful story to offer, and we get to take a closer look at it today! It's called Mary's Moment. Let's have a peek at it now:

Summer 1912

Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator ​Mary Flynn is christened the community heroine for her quick action that saves dozens of homes from a terrible fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor's burning cottage. Will she remember the truth of who she is or be deceived by a treacherous scoundrel?

Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary. Will she remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?       

WOW!! Sounds like a great story, Susan! Now it's time to get to know you better and ask you a few questions about you and your writing.

So, how did you get your idea for this story?

My mother, Mary, inspired this story.

When she was a young woman, she spent two summers serving her aunts in the Thousand Islands Park. Every summer she'd take me there for an ice cream at the Guzzle and tell me stories of her time in the Park. So, it was always my desire to write about it.

When I began researching and discovered the tragedy of the three 1912 fires that nearly destroyed the Park, I had my story, especially because my mom nearly lost her father in a barn fire when she was fourteen.

Researching is one of my favorite parts when writing historical novels.

What made you decide to be a writer?

I taught Language Arts to middle-schoolers for nine years, wrote curriculum for ACSI for five years, then became editor/editorial director at Focus on the Family for nearly a dozen years. So, I've had over 1,000 articles, etc, published. I guess I've always had that desire, but when I started writing fiction, I was hooked!

I know what you mean! What was your first story?

My debut novel, The Fabric of Hope:An Irish Family Legacy, is loosely based on my family story. I traveled to Ireland, Wolfe Island, and the St. Lawrence River for research and got to read it to my 94 year-old mother before she went to heaven.

How wonderful that you got to share that with her!

I'm curious: Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Both. I develop a general outline, but often my characters have a mind of their own. I've even argued with them! Smiles.

I hear you on that!

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

All eleven of my Thousand Islands' stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Mary's Moment also focuses on healing broken hearts, forgiving those who hurt you, and embracing God's redemption.

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

Mary is my mom's name and has some of her characteristics. George is my father's name, whom I never met because he died three months before I was born.

I'm sorry your family had to go through that at such a time.

As writers, we become attached to the characters we create, Do your characters ever surprise you?

Goodness, my characters often surprise me, make me giggle, cause me to question their actions, and more. Hahaha.....

I bet that sounds weird to most people, but not to fiction writers! Do you have a favorite character in your books?

At the moment, Mary is my favorite. She's smart, feisty, strong, but grows in amazing ways.

What are you working on now?

A Summer at Thousand Island House is coming out July 25 with Wild Heart Books. It's part of their  Gilded Age series. Here is a bit about it:

She came to work with the children, not fall in love.

Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to spend her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple's Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion's manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.

But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

Sounds like another great read! 

Thank you so much for visiting The Diamond Mine, Susan! It's been fun.

Now readers, here is a bit more about Susan, along with her social links.

Susan G Mathis 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 ten in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, and Mary’s Moment. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four 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.

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Walmart

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm3oK-79Rdo 

Social media links: Website |Author Central |  Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads

Danielle Grandinetti on Juggling Motherhood, Writing, and More

Welcome back to the Diamond Mine, friends. I'm tickled pink to introduce you to today's guest. Danielle Grandinette writes historical suspense stories filled with great characters and strong mysteries.

Danielle is offering one of our blog readers a print copy (US addresses only). Plus, she's got a release week giveaway happening now, so you have double the opportunities to win. Continue reading to learn more about how to enter both giveaways.

About the Author

Inspirational romance author, Danielle Grandinetti, writes both historical romantic suspense and contemporary sweet romance. An avid reader, she became a book blogger in 2016 and has been reviewing books since. She also won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award.

Danielle’s educational background includes an M.A. in Communication and Culture from Trinity International University, a B.A. in Communication from Louisiana Baptist University, and an A.A. in Biblical Studies from New Tribes Bible Institute, as well the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman Level certifications from the Christian Writers Guild. She has taught college courses on intercultural communication and group dynamics at Trinity International University and worked for twelve years as a virtual middle school writing coach.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along the Wisconsin shoreline of Lake Michigan with her husband, their two young sons, and Labrador puppy. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com or @danielleswritingspot on Instagram and Facebook where she often posts book reviews and bookstagram pictures, and would love to know what you’re reading, too.

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

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

DG: Rooftop garden sounds amazing. I love working with city background noise and when I lived

within public transportation distance of Chicago, used to travel down to the lakefront to work.

SW: I'm a fan of the city with those quiet touches of nature. Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

DG: Page Numbers. I rarely look at them.

SW: I think with the popularity of ereaders page numbers aren't as important. Moving on from those questions, tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

DG: I don’t have a green thumb, yet every year I plant a vegetable and herb garden. I’ve discovered I can’t make cucumbers grow, but my cayenne peppers do amazing. I plant enough to dehydrate them in the fall in order to make my own pepper flakes, which I put on everything.

SW: I'm impressed you keep at it. If I didn't see a good yield, I'd probably give it up the next year.

What are three books on your current tbr?

DG: My tbr list is overflowing, but to pick only three … Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn, A Model of Devotion by Mary Connealy, & Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden.

SW: I can relate the the out of control tbr, but I have read all three of the books you mentioned, and you have some great reads awaiting you.

What does your writing space look like?

DG: As a mom of two little boys, I snag writing time whenever I can, so my writing space usually looks like the living room sofa.

SW: My sofa is often my spot too. That or the library when I need to get away from my to-do list at home. Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

DG: Sure. I’ve been writing since elementary school and studying the craft of writing since high school. A few years ago, I submitted a story to the Great Love Inspired Author Search. It was a contemporary suspense. I made it to the second round before it was rejected.

Back at the drawing board, I reassessed not just the story, but my genre goals, especially when I learned an interesting historical detail, which turned that particular contemporary suspense into a historical romance. A Strike to the Heart was contracted by a publisher who allowed me to independently publish two companion stories to bookend A Strike to the Heart.

That experience gave me the confidence to begin a new series: Harbored in Crow’s Nest, which begins with Confessions to a Stranger.

So, what about Love Inspired? I never gave up that dream and submitted a new story, one without suspense, to the Great Love Inspired Author Search last year. And now my debut Love Inspired romance, A Father for Her Boys, will release in August.

SW: Congratulations on your published books and your upcoming Love Inspired Book. Persistence does pay off, doesn't it?

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

DG: I love both! I always say … what better way for my characters to fall in love than when running for their lives? Even better when the setting is historical. But all suspense all the time is a challenge. I’m thrilled to add category contemporary romance to my repertoire. Either way—whether historical suspense or contemporary without it—my romances are always sweet and clean.

SW: And our readers love sweet and clean. Tell us more about your newest release.

DG: Confessions to a Stranger is book one in my Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. It’s set in the fictional fishing town of Crow’s Nest, which is nestled along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The genre is historical romantic suspense as it takes place in 1930, during the Great Depression.

SW: Sounds like an engaging read! What are you currently working on?

DG: More books in the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series! The second book, Refuge for the Archaeologist is with my proofreader and is due to release in July. It follows Silas Ward, who you meet in Confessions to a Stranger. I’m also writing the next book, which features Silas’s sister-in-law. I hope it will release in early 2024.

SW: Wow, you are juggling a number of projects. This leads well into my final question: How can we pray for you?

DG: Being a write-from-home mom means balancing my kiddos’ needs and my writing goals. I would be honored to have you pray that I can be the best wife and mom I can be while also writing stories that touch my readers' hearts. If one of my books has been a blessing to you, I’d love to hear all about it!

SW: Thank you so much for taking time out to share with us, Danielle. I look forward to hearing about and reading more books from you in the future.

About Confessions to a Stranger

She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.

Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. When her identity comes under threat of exposure, she must choose between running once more or helping the man who teaches her to hope again.

First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, can David put aside his own struggles in time to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both?

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

Visit https://daniellegrandinetti.com/confessions-to-a-stranger/ to purchase your copy.

Giveaway x 2

Danielle is generously providing one of our readers a paperback copy of Confessions to a Stranger (open to US addresses only). To enter the giveaway, leave a comment and tell us which genre you prefer: historical or contemporary. Giveaway ends Tuesday, 3/21/22 at midnight EST.

To enter the release week giveaway, visit https://bit.ly/3mEKjlY or 

https://daniellegrandinetti.com/2023/03/14/confessions-to-a-stranger/ (subject to giveaway policies listed here. 

Stacy Simmons - Finishing her Story

Hello - I’m a new writer here on the Diamond Mine, and this is my first author interview. 

There have been many fabulous authors featured, and I wanted to continue that trend. New and seasoned authors, best-sellers, historical, contemporary, and every genre in between.

As writers of Christian fiction, we carefully craft the full journey of our beloved protagonists. We identify the end goal and what we hope to accomplish, fill in the back story, toss in layers of tension and recognize the power of the obstacles getting in the way. We depict a strong arc where God is always present even in times of turmoil and most of all, we ensure that nothing stands in the way of the happy endings we long to see. 

But in real life, our stories sometimes take a tragic turn and we’re caught completely off guard by the outcome. We no longer have control of our happy endings and are left to pick up the pieces to form a new story.

And that’s exactly where we’ll start today.

Please allow me to introduce you to my dear friend, Stacy Simmons. Stacy and I published our first novels within a few months of each other. We served on one another’s launch teams. We've learned the ropes together, even from a distance, since we first met at an American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference in Nashville in 2016. Though I’ve only seen Stacy in person a handful of times, she was a constant source of encouragement to me and every other writer I know. 

Stacy was just getting started when we suddenly lost her last October. She had asked her writing friends to pray for an upcoming surgery, and was thrilled to let us know when she was headed home a couple days later. But soon, we were shocked to learn something had gone terribly wrong. We lost her. Suddenly. Tragically. Without warning.

As word spread across the writing community, we found comfort in online posts by Stacy’s husband, Michael. As he worked through his own grief, his words beautifully expressed the depth of his love for Stacy and gave an inside peek into their lives together. Somehow, it helped us feel closer to her as we gathered at his feet to hear more stories. It seemed as if Michael himself was quickly becoming a writer as well. 

Stacy’s writing career was just beginning to blossom, and we wondered what might happen to Book Two and Three of her inaugural Briar Creek series with Celebrate Lit. Book Two in the series, A Journey for Hope had been completed and it was already available for preorder on Amazon. 

So what could possibly happen next?

Enter two new unsuspecting heroes of this story. Michael Simmons and Beth Collins – Stacy’s husband and sister. As they both find themselves battling unexpected battles and obstacles of their own,  they’ve dedicated themselves to making sure Stacy’s stories live on. They’ve taken it upon themselves to learn the ins and outs of book launches, the review process, and press releases.

In the midst of their own polarizing grief, they have become the main characters in a saga they never saw coming.

And today, they let us in on their deep, personal, and vulnerable journey to healing and making sure they finish Stacy's story in a way that will make her proud.  

Me: I'm sure neither of you wanted to be in this position. When did you decide to redirect your grief to spearhead Stacy's book launch?  

Beth: Stacy was an amazing writer, but she was also a very dedicated marketer. Her novella, Christmas in the Cotswolds, was published on October 18th, the day before her surgery. I had flown to Dallas to be with her for the procedure and she asked me to help create and post graphics on social media to support the launch while she recovered. Stacy gave me her passwords and showed me how to post on each of her social media accounts. Before that day, I had never posted on social media! Because God always has a plan, I believe that Stacy gave me access to her accounts and showed me what to do so I could help promote A Journey for Hope on her behalf. 

Michael: At the time of Stacy’s passing I wasn’t sure where she was in the process of launching A Journey for Hope.  For me it was over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays I realized that we are behind and needed to get going, but wasn't sure where to start. Beth was awesome in researching what to do next.

Me: What have you learned about book launches since then?

Michael: Stacy was the Queen of book launches. She was often booked solid with writing, helping someone launch their book, taking care of the family, and working full time. She would tell me "I’m not doing any more book launches, I just don’t have the capacity to do anymore."  Later that week she would look at me and say “guess what, I’m on another launch team”. She couldn’t turn other writers down. I now have genuine respect for what goes into a successful launch.

Beth: Because Stacy was so organized, she left behind files with lists of contacts and instructions for how to conduct a successful book launch. This material was incredibly helpful but I now know that the people helping -- the launch team -- are the most important part of the launch. If you build a great team, you'll have a great launch! Stacy was blessed to have a wonderful group of friends in the Christian fiction community, and their support made all the difference. We were ecstatic that Stacy's book reached number three on the Amazon bestseller list for new releases in Women's Christian Fiction, and we can't thank our launch team enough for their amazing assistance.

Me: Since Stacy wasn't one to brag about herself, what would you like people to know about her? 

Michael: Stacy was humble to a fault. She would be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. Every morning she would get up, grab her coffee and get on her phone and start reaching out to people via social media. She would use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Text, and Email to connect with other writers offering encouragement and prayers for those who were going through tough times. The morning of her surgery she was checking in with a friend who was having medical issues. Stacy let them know she was praying for them.

Beth: After Stacy was called home, many people wrote touching tributes extolling her kindness, her encouraging nature, and her generous spirit. I would like people to know that Stacy was also very determined and strong. Beneath her gentle exterior, she was tough as nails! Stacy got her way, but she did it by listening to others and treating them kindly. People wanted to do things for Stacy because of who she was -- not because she pressured them. 

Stacy was persistent and never gave up on achieving her dream of becoming a published author. As she often noted, her first "book baby" was ugly, but she kept writing and rewriting it until she got it right. The day Stacy received her three-book contract was one of the happiest days of her life and we were so thrilled for her! We know that if she were still here with us, Stacy would be promoting and posting so we want to honor her memory by publicizing A Journey for Hope.

Me: Of all that's happened since then, what do you think would make her most proud? 

Michael: I never realized the impact that Stacy had on this large universe of writers. Since her passing so many have shared with me how she was such a shining light in their life and how she helped them through some dark days. I always knew she was one of the kindest people, I just didn’t know the breadth of reach she had.

Beth: As she looks down from Heaven, I know that Stacy is incredibly proud of her daughters' resilience. They lost their mother with virtually no warning -- an unspeakable tragedy -- and have adapted amazingly well, given the circumstances. Speaking on behalf of her entire family, we have been bolstered by the prayers of the many people who knew and loved Stacy. We cannot know why God called her home, but we do know that Stacy wants us to stay positive and live Christ-centered lives until that glorious day when we see her again in Heaven.

Me: What happens next, personally and with Stacy's writing? 

Beth: There is still more Briar Creek Love on the horizon. Stacy left behind a half-completed manuscript for the final book in her Briar Creek Love trilogy, A Season for Grace. As she lay on her deathbed, I promised Stacy two things. First, that I would be a substitute mother to her two daughters. And second, that I would finish writing her third book. Fortunately, she also left behind a detailed chapter outline so I know how she wanted the story to progress and end. The members of Stacy's critique group (who attended her Celebration of Life service and have been so supportive) have agreed to help me as I undertake the daunting task of completing my sister's final book. A Season for Grace is scheduled for publication in January 2024 so I will need all the help I can get! 

Michael: Personally, I along with our daughters, Jordan and Madison, are working on healing. Losing your best friend of 35 years is a shock to the system, so taking life one day at a time is what is happening now.

Me: How can we help her story to live on? 

Michael:  Enjoy reading the books.  It’s pretty simple.  Stacy dedicated her available time to writing and improving her skills as a writer. I know if she was here she would enjoy the response so far to the second book launch.

Beth: Stacy's story shows that it is never too late to follow your dreams. You can accomplish anything you want through prayer, hard work, and dedication. In addition to reading her books and letting others know about them, I know Stacy would want everyone to listen to Jesus' urgings and find their purpose and passion. After her first book, A Promise for Faith, was published, Stacy was asked what she hoped her readers would take away from the novel. She replied, "To keep on pursuing what they'd like to accomplish, through faith and tenacity." 

Even amidst the deepest grief, God continues to write the most meaningful and everlasting stories. Stacy would be blown away by the heartfelt comments people used to describe her. She'd be honored that readers appreciate her stories and are willing to spread the word. 

Most of all, she'd be amazed by the selfless love of her sister and husband. This has all the makings of a classic. A bittersweet triumph filled with sacrifice, second chances and overcoming one's grief to learn, grow and move forward when you feel as if half of you is missing. 

Personally, this is one story I will never forget. Raw and true, and still being written before our very eyes. 

May God continue to hold Stacy's family closer than ever. 

To purchase Stacy's books, please visit Amazon: 

Janet Morris Grimes may not have realized she was a writer at the time, but her earliest childhood memories were spent creating fairy-tale stories of the father she never knew. That desire to connect with the mysterious man in a treasured photograph gave her a deep love for the endless possibilities of a healing and everlasting story. 

A wife of one, mother of three, and Tootsie to four, Janet currently writes from her quiet two-acre corner of the world near Elizabethtown, KY. She has spent the last few years preparing to introduce her novels and children’s stories to the world. 

Stories that stretch your heartstrings. 

An unforgettable combination. 

For more information, visit her website at: Janet Morris Grimes

Interview with Julie B. Cosgrove, author of The Visitor Makes a Retreat!

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 Julie B. Cosgrove!

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?

Depends on the time of the day and the season. First thing in the morning? I definitely waddle zombie-like to the Keurig and pop in a pod, usually French vanilla or caramel cream coffee…sometimes cinnamon vanilla. Add a few droplets of stevia and a dash of half and half and I am ready to start the day. Midafternoon I grab a tea bag of Earl Grey or Vanilla Latte.  On a chilly winter evening―yes, we have a few of them here in Texas―a cuppa hot chocolate with a few ginger snaps or English biscuits for dipping is a great wind-down treat.

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

Raised in San Antonio, I have con queso coated DNA! Gotta get that cheese enchilada, frijoles, and arroz inside my tummy at least once a month. I also like the spinach and cheese tamales from Texas Tamale Co. They come frozen, a dozen to the bag. Two steamed in the microwave then peeled from the husk and sprinkled with shredded cheese is a meal!

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

I write at my desk in the breakfast nook of my apartment that I have converted into my office. My guinea pig’s cage is in here and he keeps me company. It is also where I am blessed to work my day job, virtually, doing the billing and credentialing for six wonderful psychotherapists practicing in various towns in Texas. I usually have my Christian radio station softly playing on my Google mini in the background. Yeah, I sing and write at the same time.

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

Did I just answer that?? Seriously, I carve out time to write since I am still a working gal. I take a weekend off, get in a zone, then write, write, write until my tummy growls or my bladder urges me to stop a moment. I never word count. I just keep going until the mystery is solved, the red herrings are dissolved, and the wheels of justice revolve. I know some authors snack as they write. I don’t. Makes the keyboard too crummy or sticky and that yanks my mind out of the mystery plotting. And yes, I have to have a cleaned off desk to work, the laundry done, and the furniture dusted first. 

Awesome! What inspired you to write The Visitor Makes a Retreat! 

My publisher wanted to create a mystery/light suspense novella series and asked me to lead it off. It released on February 10^th.

There will be seven books, each written by a different faith-based author. A new one will release on the second Friday of every month through August. The Visitor is Connie B. Wright, raised and homeschooled by her parents who headed up the Wright Foundation. The family travelled as they promoted charities for children. Now as an adult, she has taken over, and still travels the US fundraising for these charitable organizations. Somehow mysteries always arise, like a tree root protruding in a sidewalk, to try and trip up her efforts. But by God’s grace, Connie helps solve the issue so the events and justice can prevail. By the time this publishes, book two, The Visitor Meets Old Hairy by Fay Lamb will be premiering. Be sure to grab it folks!

Sounds great! What led you to write in this genre?

Even at an elementary school age, I loved to watch the mystery movies matinees on TV. Charlie Chan, Nancy Drew, and Sherlock Holmes captivated me. Now I indulge in the ones on Brit Box. Endeavor, Morse, Lewis, Vera, Death in Paradise, Father Brown, Midsommer Murders, New Tricks … the list goes on. Mysteries have always been my favorite genre to read, too.

So about six years ago my sister asked me why didn’t I try writing them? My publisher at the time did not contract mystery writers, but since I had published six suspense romances with them, the editor in chief agreed to take on a four-book contract called the Bunco Biddies Mysteries. Then, when that publisher sold out, Write Integrity Press picked me up. I landed a three book contract with them called the Relatively Seeking Series, the began the Word Play Mysteries, of which four out of the six contracted are published. In the Word Play Mysteries, set in the fictious town of Scrub Oak, TX, the widows of the community help solve mysteries using their word-playing skills. Word Has It involved a Scrabble game, Word Gets Around had one-word clue riddles left on windshields, In Other Words featured palindromes graffitied on the walls of the village and Hang on Every Word used clues in the Hangman game published in the local newspaper to target which local merchants were to be robbed next.

Now, I am involved in the Visitor Series.

How fun! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

In each of my books I want my readers to learn something about a social issue. Christ’s last instructions on earth told us to go out to the nations, baptizing them and teaching them the way of life He commands, as well as exhibiting the love He gives. Unless we know what troubles people are facing today, how can we relate to them? Like our Lord did the Gospels, we must meet folks in need with compassion so we can then show them how faith can help them? 

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

After The Visitor series is over, the next Word Play Mystery, Away with Words, is scheduled to release in the fall. Then one or two more are planned after that, probably one every six to eight months.

Lots of exciting stories in the future! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Mathew 6:25-33 has always been my go-to. At different times in my life not worrying about the physical things in life have taken on different nuances, but it always rings true. As a widow who was left without financial security twelve years ago, I have clung to these verses. God has never let me down. I always have had a little money at the end of the month and a at least three to four meals’ worth in the fridge.

I grew up reciting part of Psalm 51 in the morning, and I still do to begin my devotional time. Create in me a new heart and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your salvation and renew a right sprit within me.  It realigns my will with His each day.

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

I am reading A Murder of Crows by Anita Klumpers. In it a woman witnesses her boyfriend murdered in a woods filled with crows they were birdwatching. Now she is on the run, fearing for her own life. Anita and I used to share the same publisher and she is an amazing author. I love her vivid style of writing and how she interweaves dialog and action into her suspense romances.

Sounds like a fun read!

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

Check out Julie's new release, The Visitor Makes a Retreat! 

Purchase The Visitor Makes a Retreat HERE!

The Visitor Series!

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!