Hannah Hood Lucero Shares About Her Sweet Tooth for Just Desserts

Hello, friends! Today (Feb 28) is my birthday, and I'm tickled pink to introduce you to Hannah Hood Lucero. Hannah writes romantic suspense with military heroes and heroines. Keep reading to find out more about her "faith-filled fiction with a sprinkling of southern snark." Plus, find out about her giveaway!

A Little About Hannah

Hi! I'm Hannah. Christ-follower, wife, and mother are my primary roles. I've held so many titles in my lifetime that I can't remember them all. My favorite non-primary role is Author. I love to tell stories, which is something I learned from my grandfather. He told the most wonderful tales, usually in the form of a song. My favorite words to hear as a child were, "I'm gonna sing you a ditty."

I have roots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well as in the blue ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Both of my homes are rich with history and vibrant culture. Places you will have the opportunity to explore in my books include Asheville, New Orleans, Biloxi, Pensacola . . . and perhaps a sprinkle of the Rocky Mountains as well.

I love a good book. If there is conflict, suspense, and kissing . . . I'm there for it! That's what you can expect from my faith-based fiction. I write contemporary Christian Romance!

Connect with Hannah: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Hannah. We’re delighted to have you this week. I always like to start with a couple would you rather questions.

Hannah: Thank you for having me! I’ve been looking forward to it. Let’s roll!

Suzie: Would you rather live without internet for a year or without air conditioning and heating for a year?

Hannah: Oooh. This is tough for me. I live in south Mississippi and our air conditioning has gone out in the height of triple-digit temps. I suppose for survival’s sake, I’ll have to sacrifice all else. But living without the internet would crush me. I know we shouldn’t be dependent on it. As a homeschooling mom of three littles, I need my bookstagram and Christian Mommy Writer networks . . . desperately.

Suzie: I'm with you. Cold showers and fans would suffice over not being able to connect with my reader friends!!

Would you rather give up social media or eat the same dinner for the rest of your life?

Hannah: Do tacos ever really get old? There are so many variations (if that’s allowed…)Suzie: Excellent point. Plus, you can take all of the ingredients and make them into something else. Burritos, nachos, etc. 

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

Hannah: Hmmm. I really have most of it in my bio. OH! I’m a huge conspiracy theorist. My friends know this well. For marketing purposes, I haven’t made it part of my brand (HAHA!). I love digging into things and seeing what different people believe about aliens, the moon landing, assassinations, government corruption, etc.

Suzie: Seems about right for a suspense author, lol! What are three books on your current tbr?

Hannah: Only three? Okay. I’ve been eyeballing the second book in Heather Wood’s family saga, Until

We All Run Free. I know it’s about one of my favorite characters from the first book. I wanted to read it in January—but you know how beta and ARC promises sneak up on you…

Speaking of ARCs, I’m really excited for Kendra Warden’s debut romantic suspense. I’ve already read some of her work and love her stories, so I can’t wait to get Forged in Peril any day now.

JJ Samie Myles has written book 3 in the A Breed Apart series presented by Ronie Kendig. I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t gotten around to reading any of Ronie’s books until this year even though my mom loves them. But I recently read the first book, Havoc, and the action in it was right up my military vet alley. So my third on the list is definitely JJ Samie Myles’s RIOT coming in March!

Suzie: And here I thought that was an easier questions than "What's your favorite book."

What does your writing space look like?

Hannah: A colossal mess! I’m not exaggerating. Disorder doesn’t seem to help or hinder my creativity. But I really should get my life in order. There are stacks of books, notebooks, random art from my children . . . send life tips to Hannah.hood.lucero@gmail.com. HA!

Suzie: You are not alone. My desk really needs the stacks cleaned off the top! Let's just call ourselves disorganized perfectionists. :)

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

Hannah: Yes! I’m actually pretty new to this entire world. My only connection to a real author or anyone “in the know” was Jamie Ogle. We worked together at a Family Christian Store the holiday season of 2009. Though our careers in retail rapidly dwindled, our friendship never did. I remember visiting her in Iowa after she moved away and sitting outside of one of her writing classes, wishing I had gone to school for writing instead of massage therapy. Before I wrote my debut novel, I had this mindset that I couldn’t be an author because I didn’t go to school for it—a bit antithetical to being a rebel, right?

When I finally got fed up with the content in the books my friends would recommend, I secretly sat down to write one I’d actually want to read. It was a story that had been in my heart for 20 years and it just flowed out of me. Don’t get me wrong . . . the first version was a step above garbage. That’s being too generous. It was a whole dumpster fire. Ask Jennifer Q. Hunt about that first draft of Cathey’s Creek Road.

Anyway, I had a big mess of a novel. Well over 80K words. I didn’t know where to go from there. Jamie gave me tips, the most valuable being to get plugged into the Christian Mommy Writer community. There I found so many tools and resources. Most importantly, I found encouragement and edifying friendships with women at all different stages of the process, both Trad and Indie authors.

I never knew about indie publishing before I started this journey. I thought everyone had to find an agent and a publishing house to get their book out. I truly dreaded the whole idea of that. For me, rules and hard deadlines take the joy out of things I otherwise enjoy. When I met women like Jennifer Hunt, Heather Wood, and Latisha Sexton . . . I thought, “Maybe I can really do this!” And then I did it!

Suzie: Yay!! Aren't other authors in our space so encouraging? I've made some wonderful friendships over the years.

What are some of your favorite things about writing romantic suspense?

Hannah: This is my passion and comfort zone. I’ve yet to write a book without a military element. It’s what I know and love. I was a combat medic in the Army and my husband was a Navy Seabee who still deploys about 8 months out of the year as a private contractor. I love spotlighting different jobs within the military and showcasing the heart of the heroes who are willing to lay down their lives for a righteous cause.

I also enjoy creating truly horrible people, just to kill them off. I’ve got a real sweet tooth for Just Desserts.

Suzie: Again, spoken like a true suspense author!!

Tell us more about your upcoming release.

Hannah: Crossfire at the Precipice is book 3 in my Sons of Vigilance series. This one was the hardest to write and developmentally edit. It’s my attempt to shine a bright light on the horrors of human trafficking, but I wanted to do it differently than other’s have, so it’s probably not what you expect.

My husband and I are very passionate about this issue. We’ve partnered with Rapha International for about 15 years now, so it’s not as new to us as a lot of people who are just now realizing the extent of the global evils of trafficking. It’s a huge spiritual battle, and that definitely showed up in the process of writing Crossfire.

If it weren’t for the prayers of the Christian Mommy Writers, I don’t think I would have been able to finish it. By the time it was all said and done, Jennifer Hunt (my developmental editor) and I both wondered if anyone would even like the book, because we were just so OVER IT. God really blessed our efforts. Two of my beta readers even say it’s their favorite in the series . . . TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Suzie: Isn't it amazing how God can take something that wrings us out and reach readers?

What are you currently working on?

Hannah: Several things! Finishing up copyedits and formatting of Dereliction of the Heart, book 4 in the Sons series. My personal favorite! And working on developmental edits of my first book with a female military heroine.

So far, I’ve done all men in uniform with sassy civilian women stealing their hearts . . . so it is definitely time for a hardened female Marine to meet her match on the treacherous streets of New Orleans. I’m hopeful to release The Glory of Light on the Marine Corp birthday (November 10th).

Suzie: Oh, I love the title!!

Before we wrap up, how can we pray for you?

Hannah: Thank you for asking! Please pray that my books always glorify God and draw people to Him. I know reading the right books can be edifying, and I want my stories to be included in the list. And maybe pray for husband and kids . . . they have me for a wife/mom after all!

Thanks so very much for having me on! This was even more fun than I anticipated! 

Suzie: You are so welcome. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!! We are praying God blesses you, your family, and your writing career. 

About Crossfire at the Precipice

Heading home in high spirits after securing a career-building business deal, Cynthia Sumrall encounters a grumpy—and handsome—ginger. What begins as two strangers traveling in the same direction soon spirals into dangers and uncertainties that leave Cynthia floundering. A few chance meetings shatter all her preconceived ideas about what she wants and leave her questioning everything she believes about God’s purpose for her life.

Liam Flynn is dutifully going through the motions until a tenacious redhead shakes up his mundane world with her sunshiny personality and adorable southern drawl. For the first time in his life, Liam wants something for reasons other than pleasing his family and rising above the stigmas attached to his questionable past. Real happiness seems within his reach until tragedy strikes and Cynthia disappears.

Will Cynthia and Liam be able to navigate through the headwinds of hard realities to find purpose and belonging together, or will the turbulence of fear and loss prove too much for their already tattered souls?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

To enter Hannah's giveaway, subscribe to Hannah's Newsletter, follow her on Instagram, follow Lantern Rescue on Instagram or Facebook, and/or Rapha International on Instagram or Facebook. One entry per follow. Grab an extra entry by leaving a comment here and telling us what the last great romantic suspense book you read was.

Once you've followed and left a comment, email (or DM) and let her know where you followed.

Giveaway ends 3/15/24. 

Interview with Sara Brunsvold

 I’m so excited to interview Christy Award Winning author Sara Brunsvold today! Her debut novel “The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” touched the hearts of all who read it and her new novel (which she shares about today) “The Divine Proverb of Streusel” is another unique and heartwarming story. Without further ado, here’s Sara!

Sara Brunsvold is a Christy and Carol Award-winning author who creates stories that speak hope and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. She lives with her family in the Kansas City, Mo., area. 

First let’s learn a little bit about you. Can you share a few things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing?

My husband and I have two teen daughters and one middle-aged dog who is currently laying at my feet. We live in the Kansas City area, and at one time, we had four barbecue restaurants within two miles of our house, all of which had been featured on the Food Network. My go-to barbecue dish is a KC signature, burnt ends.

That sounds amazing! What drew you to write?

My middle school language arts teacher was the first person to encourage me to pursue creative writing. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I started writing “novels” in spiral bound notebooks and fell in love immediately. From that point forward, it’s all I have ever truly wanted to do.

It sure seems that your teacher was right. What’s your writing process?

I’m still figuring out what works best for me. In general though, I start with a gist of story then focus on developing the characters. By understanding my characters and their goals and challenges, I discover the plot. Once I know my characters well and have at least a loosely formed plot, I write a sloppy first draft. When I hit the 85,000-87,000 word mark, I go back through and refine. I’m a much stronger editor than I am a first drafter, and I give myself permission to be messy the first go-round.

As an author myself, I can definitely relate to figuring out what works for a process. How do you come up with your story ideas?

From real life. Authors tend to be keen observers and note-takers of the world around them, and I include myself in that generalization. All of the stories I have written and plan to write were sparked by something I experienced, saw, heard or read.

Now, we’ve all been waiting. Tell us about your new release.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel follows Nikki Werner as she seeks solace from a family crisis by cooking through her great-grandmother’s German recipes. The story was inspired in part by my own family story and heritage.

Are there certain themes explored in the story?

The key theme is forgiveness after father wounds. This is something I personally wrestled with, and I hope to encourage others who may have similar familial hurt.

I’ve read and enjoyed The Divine Proverb of Streusel and definitely have some characters that will stick with me. Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

In The Divine Proverb of Streusel, one of the two point of view characters is Nikki’s uncle, Wes. Wes represents the first time I have written from a male point of view, and the process to understand the world through his eyes was richer than I expected. We all experience and navigate emotional hurt in different ways, and I found myself drawn to how Wes processed things. In the end, he became as much of a comfort to me as he was to Nikki. For that reason, he has a special place in my heart.

What are you working on now?

I am working on book #3, about a mom and her two grown daughters on a bookish road trip around the Heartland. Lots of layers to explore in the mother-daughter dynamic.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

My family and I love to travel Middle America, from the Midwest to the Great Plains to the south central regions. “Flyover country” has a lot to offer, and we try to see as much of it as possible together and eat the local favorites. I’m also a fan of cooking shows. Great British Baking Show is one of my all-time favorites.

You can find information on how to order “The Divine Proverb of Streusel” and connect with Sara here:

Website: www.sarabrunsvold.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarabrunsvoldauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sara_brunsvold

Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/streuselrecipe

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Author Marguerite Martin Gray!

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 Author Marguerite Martin Gray!

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me-- Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Promise Me Christmas, novella, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, and Whispers of Wisdom, Gardens in Time Series Books 1, 2, and 3, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young. 

Connect with Marguerite on her Website/Blog, Newsletter, BookBub, Goodreads, Instagram, and her Facebook Reader Group!

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?

Tea, please. English Breakfast if you have it.

Tea is always a lovely choice! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Steak and potato.

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

My old square table in front of a big window with a lamp and candle.

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

I want to learn something from every book that I read. I write down things I’ve learned or want to research.

That sounds fun to me! What inspired you to write Whispers of Wisdom? 

This series takes beautiful European gardens and sets the story there. I knew I had to include Chenonceau Chateau since it is my favorite place on earth and has awesome gardens that are highly functional even today.

Love this premise! What led you to write in this genre? 

I love history. My father is an architect. As a family we lived in England for two years during my preteens. We saw every cemetery, church, garden, manor house, and castle in our travels all over Britain and Europe. I’ve been hooked on travel and history since then. I started reading historical fiction by Lori Wick, James Michener, and Jean Plaidy as a teenager and never quit. 

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

In this world we will face man’s wisdom and God’s wisdom. We need to know and explore the difference. If we learn to lean not on our own understanding but on God’s, we’ll be OK.

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

I just turned in a Christmas novella to my publisher, Remember Me at Christmas. This is a companion to the Revolutionary Faith series set in 1785 Charleston, S.C. This month I am writing Dreams Revived, Year Three of the Suamalie Island Series.  This is a contemporary island theme of a community built on dreams.

Those books sound so good! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

“I have calmed and quieted myself…I am content.” Psalm 131:2 I am learning about contentment and joy as the way to live my life.

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

Worthy of Legend by Roseanna White and The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley.

Great reads! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Marguerite!

Scroll to check out Marguerite's upcoming release, Conversation Hearts, and the giveaway for her new release, Whispers of Wisdom!

July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

Giveaway ~

Marguerite has generously offered one print copy of her new release, Whispers of Wisdom, to a US winner!

Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen.

Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.

Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.

Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind.

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away 1 print copy of Whispers of Wisdom!

This giveaway is open to the US only!

This giveaway will close on 2/24/24 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

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

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

Interview with Jan Thompson

Welcome, my reading friends! Today we're visiting with the fabulous Jan Thompson. So, grab your favorite hot drink, make yourself comfy, and join us! For those who aren't yet familiar with Jan, let me introduce you...

About Jan Thompson:

USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes Christian coastal city and beach town romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational near-future technothrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Jan’s books are for readers who enjoy stories of faith, family, and friends. Beyond the printed page, Jan is a wife, mother, family scribe, avid reader, occasional artist, erstwhile pianist, and chief of staff to the family cat. 

Jan, I am delighted to have this interview with you today and get to know more about you. What is your favorite type of music or artist/band that you enjoy listening to?

I like to listen to all kinds of Christian hymns, from traditional to modern, from classic to contemporary. I love Christian music all year round, and I enjoy Christmas carols as well. I enjoy singing Christian songs at church, and it’s fun to sing live with the orchestra and choir masking my not-so-professional singing voice LOL.

Make a joyful noise, Jan! I love thinking how our praise rises like incense...He loves us so much! Do you have a favorite/life verse? Why is that one meaningful to you?

John 3:16 is my life verse. It’s a pivotal verse in the Bible that explains how a person can be saved in Jesus Christ for all eternity. I include this verse in every book I have published, whether on the dedication page or as the last word at the very end of my paperbacks.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

That verse is beloved by so many for a very good reason. (I like verse 17 as well.) I also love that you include the verse in every book. What is your favorite part of the writing/editing/publishing process?

Definitely writing. I’ve loved to write ever since I was eight years old, figuring out where the keys were on my parents’ typewriter. Fast forward to today, I still write my first drafts on paper, albeit by hand and not on the typewriter. I love to think about my stories and how I want to tell each scene. Then I write them out in long form until I’m satisfied before I revise them on my computer. After that, I send my finished manuscripts to my editors.

That's a lot of handwriting! But there is definitely something about using a physical paper and pen that just feels right. Your most recent release just came out in January. What is it about?

Fresh out of a twelve-author Christmas anthology, Let Me Hold You (Midtown Christmas Book 1) is my contemporary Christian romance novel centered on Midtown Chapel and its Christmas village ministry in the city of Atlanta. 
After breaking up with his girlfriend, Levi Theroux meets the woman of his dreams, but she won't give him the time of day in his tale of unrequited love. His best friend, Maggie Jacobs, tries to help him in every which way she can to pursue his dream date, without revealing to him that she secretly loves him. Will these two best friends find a Christmas breakthrough and their own happily ever after?

Themes: Unrequited love. Secret love. Best friends. Friend zone. Friends to more. Slow burn. Midtown Atlanta. Big city romance. Church life. Women in ministry.

Find the ebook in Kindle Unlimited and the audiobook on Audible: JanThompson.com/holdyou-amazon

That sounds like such a sweet story! Can you give any hints about what you’re working on now?

Right now I’m writing Never a Fugitive (Defender Sweethearts Book 3), a Christian romantic suspense novel that will debut in the Summer Suspicions boxed set coming soon. A grieving accountant seeking justice for his murdered brother finds himself on the run with a senator’s former mistress who knows too many state secrets.

Since I write in both the romance and suspense genres, I am usually concurrently working on different books at various stages of completion. There’s never a dull moment as I love to write. I don’t write fast, and it does take me a considerable amount of time to write each book. But I press on. 

Preorder the Summer Suspicions boxed set on Amazon: JanThompson.com/suspicions-amazon

Oooh, that sounds intriguing, Jan. It's inspiring to hear how many projects you are interested in and working on, and how you are pursuing what you love! 

Readers, are you ready to dive in to a Jan Thompson novel? (I know I am.) Jan has TWO free book offers for subscribers!

Free Contemporary Christian Romance Novella: Time for Me (A Vacation Sweethearts Prequel): JanThompson.com/time-free

Temporarily Free Christian Romantic Suspense Novel: Never a Traitor (Defender Sweethearts Book 1): JanThompson.com/traitor-free 

And feel free to "stalk" her online at the following locations:

Website: JanThompson.com
Mailing List: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Amazon: JanThompson.com/amazon
BookBub: JanThompson.com/bookbub
Facebook: JanThompson.com/facebook
Instagram: JanThompson.com/instagram