Following God's Lead: A Conversation with Denise M. Colby

Denise M. Colby's path to becoming an author wasn't one she planned. From dancing down Main Street at Disneyland to building a career in marketing, each season prepared her for the moment God placed a story on her heart. Since then, she's been delighting readers with heartfelt historical fiction, memorable characters, and stories that unfold in unexpected ways.

In today's interview, Denise shares how a school field trip sparked her writing journey, why she's a proud discovery writer, the inspiration behind one of her readers' favorite characters, and how she balances a full-time career with writing books. She also gives us a glimpse of what's coming next—and how we can pray for her as she continues to follow God's leading.

As a special thank-you to readers, Denise is also giving away a digital copy of her debut novel to one lucky winner. Be sure to enter the giveaway after the interview!

Please join me in welcoming Denise Colby!

About Denise M. Colby

Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s.

She treasures the written word and the messages that can be conveyed when certain words are strung together. An avid journal writer, she usually can be found with a pen and notepad whenever she’s reading God’s word.

Born and raised in Northern California, Denise moved to Southern California for college and to dance in the parades at Disneyland (well, she might’ve picked the college so she could dance at Disneyland) and never left the area. She loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80’s and musical songs, tap dance, and spend date nights with her husband at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’.

Denise is passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels. Besides her novels, she has published two articles in compilation books and eleven magazine articles.

Every year Denise chooses a word to focus on. For 2026, her word is BALANCE. Releasing four books within a two-year period is definitely teaching her a lot about this word.

She shares her learnings about her focus word throughout the year, as well as behind the scenes tidbits from her writing. Sign up for her newsletter or you can follow Denise on her social media or her blogs.

Writing a book is definitely not as easy as it looks, but she wouldn’t change her journey. A member of multiple writing groups, she has made some amazing friends through the years. If you are interested in writing, send Denise a message and she would love to help direct you to a writing group where you can get plugged in.

Or you can check out her posts on the writers' blog, A Slice of Orange, as she shares her writing journey with other authors.

Follow Denise on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | X/Twitter

1.     Suzie: Welcome, Denise. We are thrilled you are joining us this week. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Denise: I grew taking dance class. Tap, jazz, ballet. All of it. I don’t think it ever leaves you. My favorite

has always been tap dance. I’ve taught private lessons in college and in recent years taught in my garage beginning tap. I even had a moms' class for a while and it was so fun. Sometimes I still pull out my shoes and dance. Besides tap, I was fortunate to be a choreographer for musical theater for seven years, teaching middle school students (including all three of my kids). Also, I grew up dreaming of wanting to dance at Disneyland, so I had moved to Southern California for college to do just that. Dancing down main street was my dream come true (which taught me a lot about going for your dreams). Plus, I met my husband there and stayed in the area. Now it’s our date night place.

 

Suzie: So much fun. I love that you reached for your dreams. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Denise: I never planned on being an author, but after a school field trip to Sacramento with my oldest son, and visiting the one-room schoolhouse there, an idea for a story took root. It wasn’t until the same trip two years later with my second son that I attempted to actually write something. God put the desire on my heart, but it wasn’t anything I myself had thought of doing.

Suzie: God is pretty amazing the way he plants something in our hearts, isn't he? Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Denise: During the day I work for a drainage company as a Sr. PIM Marketing Manager. I help organize and write the copy for our e-commerce pages that show up on Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other companies. I get to work from home. So I start the day early with writing related tasks (and writing) and then pivot at my desk for work. When I’m on deadline I also write in the evening and weekends if needed. I’ve found writing sprints the best tool for me to write my books.

Suzie: Writing sprints are great motivators. Are you a night owl or morning person?

Denise: Can I be both? I wish my body agreed – lol.

Suzie: Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Denise: Yes - Ice Cream

Suzie: You can't go wrong with ice cream. Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Denise: Always. I love how the story connects organically as I’m writing. Only God can do that. It’s a beautiful thing.

Suzie: It really is beautiful. Who was your favorite character to create? 

Denise: I love building all my characters and seeing them grow. But I think my favorite is Bert. He seems to be everyone’s favorite.

Suzie: Bert is a ton of fun. How did you come up with the names of your characters?

Denise: Some of the names are family names. I also do research online for the time period. I’ve even wandered around a cemetery taking notes (we were visiting family). I just shared in my newsletter how Bert’s name was chosen. I wanted a B name to honor my mom (Beverly), and I loved Bert in Mary Poppins.

Suzie: Those are great ways to determine character names. Are you a plotter or a panster?

Denise: I figure out my characters and some basic things overall, but I am definitely more a pantser.

Suzie: I am too. I really need to change that question to say "are you a plotter or a discovery writer." Are you part of a writing group?

Denise: Yes, I’m actually a part of several. They have all been amazing. I love the friendships and support I’ve built with all of them. I highly recommend joining them. The groups I’m a part of include:

Faith, Hope, Love Christian Writers – https://fhlchristianwriters.com

ACFW – https://acfw.com

Novel Academy – https://novel.academy

OCRW (Orange County Romance Writers) – https://ocrw.clubexpress.com 

Suzie: Wonderful groups, for sure. Do you have a favorite author or book?

Denise: Long before I wrote, I loved reading Deanne Gist, Mary Connealy, Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Klassen, and many more.

 

3.   Suzie: There are a couple of my favorites on your list. What’s next for you as an author?

Denise: I’m currently writing a Christmas novella, and hope to write the other two teachers’ stories in the Best-laid Plans Series

 

4.     Suzie: Wonderful. More books for readers. How can we pray for you? 

Denise: My word this year is Balance. Working full time, building an author career, taking care of my health, and being present for my family and friends are all things I’m trying to juggle.

Suzie: Thank you for spending some time with us this week, Denise. And congratulations on your new book.

About A Whole New Plan

Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected.

California, 1870. Pastor William Baker has built his life on faith, routine, and safe choices—until Lydia Spencer walks in and turns everything upside down.

Independent, outspoken, and guarded, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. She has no interest in church… and no intention of revealing the truth she’s hiding.

Because Lydia isn’t just a schoolteacher.

She’s a Pinkerton detective, sent west to track a dangerous crime boss—and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means keeping her distance from the one man who sees straight through her defenses.

But when unexplained thefts shake their quiet small-town rural community, and a desperate boy appears with ties to a deeper mystery, Will and Lydia are forced into an uneasy partnership.

As danger closes in, so do their hearts.

What begins as a reluctant alliance soon becomes a forced proximity neither of them expected—and neither can ignore.

Yet the very things that draw them together may be the ones that tear them apart.

Lydia’s life is built on secrets.

Will’s is built on truth.

And when her past catches up with her, they’ll have to decide what matters most—holding on to their own plans… or trusting the One who sees the bigger picture.

Because sometimes surrender is the only way to find the life you were meant to live.

Set against the backdrop of the American West, A Whole New Plan is a heartfelt story of faith, courage, and a strong woman learning to trust again—woven with threads of mystery and hope.>

If you enjoy western Christian romances with elements of intrigue and heart, you’ll love A Whole New Plan—perfect for fans of Misty M. Beller and Mary Connealy.

Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

Denise is generously giving away one digital copy of her debut novel (When Plans Go Awry) to a lucky reader!

To enter:

1. 1. Answer this question in the comments: What dream has God placed on your heart that you're trusting Him with?

• 2. Include a way for us to contact you if you're selected (email address or social media handle is fine).

Giveaway Rules:

1. One winner will receive a digital copy of Denise's debut novel, When Plan Go Awry.

• The giveaway will remain open until at least five eligible entries have been received.
• Once five or more qualifying entries have been submitted, one winner will be selected at random and contacted using the information provided.
• 
  
• By entering, you agree that your comment may be publicly visible on this blog.

Good luck and thank you for visiting the diamond mine.

Andra Loy shares her debut novel "The Roman Holiday Rule"

 Join me in welcoming friend and award-winning Christian fiction author, Andra Loy, to the Diamond Mine! Andra's debut novel (yes, I've been lucky enough to get an early read) is a fun adventure of romance and magic. If it isn't on your "buy as soon as it releases" list, add it! You won't be disappointed. Without further ado, here's Andra!

ANDRA LOY writes contemporary rom-coms with elements of magical realism. Her unpublished works of fiction have received multiple awards. She lived in Europe for twenty years, where she was locked on an empty train, was shown a super-secret mushroom hunting spot, and fell in love with the only American man in her small Czech town. Now, Andra lives with her husband and three children in Michigan, where she works at the elementary school teaching ELL students and dreaming of more travel. As long as there’s more of the world to discover, there will be stories and secrets to tell. (Except the mushroom location. That one goes with her to the grave.)

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

I went overseas to teach English and met my husband there. After we got married, we lived in the Czech Republic for over twenty years. I have three children and play the piano. I really wish I could paint. 

That could be a romance novel in itself! What drew you to write?

A thousand hours reading on my mom’s lap, at bedtime, on the bus, and a teacher who prophesied that she’d see my books on our town library’s shelf some day. 

I love that! What’s your writing process? 

Find a premise I’m excited about, draft it without planning as if I were reading the book and have no idea what’ll happen, then spend forever fixing it, because that doesn’t work very well for making tight plots.

Your story ideas are so unique. How do you come up with them?

I think about a lot of weird things, like what if someone could look at a building and be privy to all the conversations that went on there. Or what if we could see emotions as color? Then I sift through and see if anything could make a good storyline.

Well, now I want to see both those explored in books! Fascinating! Tell us about your most recent book. 

The Roman Holiday Rule is magical realism rom-com about an event planner whose late mother left her four sealed envelopes to open at Rome’s most iconic spots. While she’s in Rome — locked in an impromptu bet with her attractive Italian-American seat mate from the flight to find the heart of Italy this week — her mother’s artwork from the envelopes starts appearing in real life. As she follows the letters around the city and falls for Mark, her carefully planned trip turns into something unpredictable. Everyone knows you can’t fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after. But maybe with a little magic and a lot of mishaps, they can break the Roman Holiday rule.

Are there certain themes explored in the story?

The story explores the dynamic between mother and daughter, grief, relationships vs plans, and finding a way to notice the life you’re living instead of protecting your heart.

Yep. A must read! Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

Favorites? Will they be reading this? 

(Maybe Lillian from my second manuscript I wrote, and Mark’s Italian grandpa in The Roman Holiday Rule, shhh.)

LOL. What are you working on now?

I’m in edits for my second book for Haven Fiction, The Trouble with Paris, a rom-com with a love cynic who is caught in a magical, glitching series of meet-cutes in the City of Love. Is this her worst nightmare, or can Paris change her mind?

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

Reading

Walking with my family (which I’m putting here just so it doesn’t look like all I ever want to do is read)

Thanks for chatting with us Andra!

You can't fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after.

Lexi Walker has finally committed to the Italian adventure that she and her late mother dreamed of for years--complete with a meticulously crafted itinerary, four sealed letters to open at Rome's most iconic sites, and her mother's final painting to present at the art festival Lexi is helping organize. She's ready for the perfect Roman getaway. What she doesn't expect is for her mother's artwork to start manifesting in real life, turning her carefully planned trip into something unpredictable.

Italian-American architect Mark Russo has sworn off American tourists after having his heart broken, and he's certainly not about to let another one distract him from winning the restoration bid that could reunite his estranged father with his grandfather. But when the captivating woman next to him on the flight to Rome proposes a photography challenge--whoever captures the heart of Italy in seven days wins--Mark can't resist the bet or her charm.

As Lexi follows the letters from her mother around the city, she encounters Mark everywhere she goes. Their competitive banter turns to undeniable chemistry, but they both know the cardinal rule of holiday romances. Will a little magic--and a lot of mishaps--break the Roman Holiday Rule?

Pre-order Here:

https://schulerbooks.com/book/9780764245954

Connect with Andra at: www.andraloy.com

Our own Voni Harris and her New Release Burning Rivals

Popping in to say, Voni is celebrating! And all of us here at the Diamond Mine are so excited for her. Her sophomore release, Burning Rivals hit the virtual shelf just a few weeks ago. It's an Alaskan adventure just in time for the boiling heat of July! Leave all that humidity behind along with those temperatures pushing passed ninety and pull up a iceberg for our chat with Voni!

Hey, Voni! So excited to highlight your new book. Refresh everyone’s memory and tell us where you are from and where you live now.

I live in the constant beauty of Kodiak, Alaska—a rain forest island— fishing village homes, mountains, the gorgeous and powerful Pacific Ocean, towering spruce forests, and the sky with a mix of colors, and bears, fish, sea lions, otters, all reminding me of God every day. Even on the rainy, icy, wintry days.

Of course it was also beautiful in Southern Indiana—rolling hills and farm country— where Rich and I lived after we were married…

…In Iowa, where we met in college in Des Moines. Also beautiful with corn farmland around and the Des Moines River running through town.

But I grew up in Wyoming, with mountains in the distance, and wind blowing with gusts that wanted to blow me away some days. Oh, the beauty and power of God!

Do you have pets?

You don’t know me if you have to ask that, lol. I’ve never been without dogs in my life, except you know, college where they weren’t allowed in the dorms. Rich and I have a black and white Australian shepherd (Sting, who thinks we exist to play tug every moment of the day.) and a black and white Boston Terrier (Kip, who thinks she must dart around and make us laugh, and beg for food every moment of the day).

What’s the most unusual animal you’ve seen in person not just in a zoo.

On our first hike in Kodiak, we saw Kodiak bears in the distance. A Kodiak bear several years later walked down our street. Another left some scat in our yard. Also, bald eagles are abundant here, majestic and threatening to small pets—one sat in our yard and ate our neighbor’s chicken with his partner.

Let’s talk favorites. Favorite recipe? Favorite dessert? Favorite color? Favorite book? Favorite Bible verse?

Recipe: I keep thinking of white chicken chili lately.

Dessert: Chocolate lava cake. Or butter pecan ice cream.

Color: I would say I don’t have a favorite color, but I love yellow with a soft green, yellow with blue, yellow with black, yellow with white, yellow with gray, yellow with red (not like a convenience store)…so, anyway, I’ll have to say yellow, especially a buttery yellow.

Book: Anne of Avonlea series from my childhood, or any Nancy Drew book. As a grown up, Dee Henderson books or Ronie Kendig or Lisa Phillips. I can’t pick one, lol.

Bible verse:

 [Jer 18:1-6 ESV] 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the LORD came to me:  "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”

God goes on here in Jeremiah to talk about His power to shape Israel and the countries of the world. But I also see here God shaping me and the awesome life He has given me. May my heart always be soft like the clay in the potter’s hand.

Do you have a job outside of the home? Did you ever work outside the home, and if so, where?

I worked in restaurants as a server for a while. I worked in a company who was putting newspaper articles online for searches. I tutored (sometimes still tutor). But mainly, I homeschooled our daughter all the way through. Now, I write.

How did you get into writing, and how did you get into writing suspense?

I was an obsessive reader—reading while standing on my head and I had to be reminded to stop reading while walking. So there’s that. Also, Mom was a newspaper reporter, then editor of the paper. And Dad was the law enforcement instructor at the community college, friend and teacher of the cops in the local police department. So how else could I NOT end up writing suspense?

Your book Burning Rivals is set in Alaska. Tell us how your experience in Alaska fed into the setting.

When Rich and I were in Anchorage, we drove out to the city that inspired the setting of the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. It was so fun, and so full of people driving from Anchorage to Denali, or just touristing. Such interesting pictures to take and send to the other authors in the series.

What was the most exciting scene to write in Burning Rivals?

You know, I really enjoyed writing the scene where Cadee and Vince have to go to help rescue the people in the village she grew up in. They choose to, but they are smokejumpers, so if they’re needed, they go. It helps open their eyes to each other, especially Vince seeing Cadee’s past, like her growing up years.

Oh, and the scene with the river filled with dead salmon…fun to write, since they end up in that oily water. Typical Alaska during the salmon life cycle.

Can you come up with 5 things about Voni Harris that have nothing to do with writing?

1.      I am a whole 4’6”. My life is unique! Anyone wanna go shopping with me to reach the stuff on the top shelves for me? LOL.

2.    I have a degree in Radio-Television (Journalism)…but fiction writing is where I’ve always been headed, even while I thought it was just a hobby.

3.    I may be obsessed with movies—but call me a film buff. Okay, TV series as well. NCIS, Blue Bloods, etc. But doesn’t “film buff” sound so meaningful and consequential?

4.    Hubby and I love to travel. Of course, how else are we going to see family?

5.     Our family fills my heart. Daughter, Son-in-law, Grandson, and Granddaughter. 

What’s your next writing move? Writing? Editing? Publishing?

I am planning out my next book (I am a plotter!), but working on figuring out the backstory of the crucial computer…this is hard for some reason. But SO fun to travel down some fascinating research rabbit holes.

 Thank you for the opportunity to share the beauty and fun of the life God has created for me. And the fun of your questions!

And thank you for your answers and sharing your new release with us! Win a copy of Burning Rivals by leaving a comment of entering your info on our contact form. If you can't wait (and why would you?), follow the links to grab your copy of Burning Rivals by Voni Harris right now!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a super-spectacular reading day!

Rachelle Paige Campbell and Summer Camp Cold Case

Guest Author, hosted by Christina Sinisi Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you. 

 Hi! I’m Rachelle Paige Campbell and I’ve been living in Chicago/the suburbs since 2005. Something people notice when they meet me is I’m a people person and love meeting new folks. BUT I’m introvert. I get my energy from lots of alone time.

  Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb. 

Summer Camp Cold Case is a Christian romantic suspense. It’s a standalone title and my first in this subgenre. 

She can’t remember what others are dying to forget…

     Twenty years ago, a tragedy shattered Emma Lynde’s world 

  when her twin sister died as a counselor at summer camp. 

  Emma has returned for a reunion, ready to confront her worst 

  nightmares and regain her lost memories. Sheriff Daniel

  Goodwin wanted a chance to see Emma again, after he 

  solved her sister’s cold case. Emma’s return forces him

  to adjust his timeline and, with a killer tying up loose ends, he

  must act before she becomes the next victim. Can he get

  justice and a second chance with the one who got away?

  

Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this book.  

This is a category length novel, about 55,000 words like Love Inspired Suspense (some of my favorite books to read in the summer!), and getting in the mystery, action, and romance in such a tight package was challenging. But I hope I delivered with a page turning read. 

Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two.

 Have you ever been to a summer camp? Either day camp or sleepaway camp? I never did sleepaway camp (I always wanted to! I love the original Parent Trap) but loved day camps. My favorite took place at a community water park. We spent the morning doing arts and crafts and hiking and then swam all afternoon. I wish I could still spend my summer days like that! 

Share your social media and buy links! 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-camp-cold-case-rachelle-paige-campbell/1149339327?ean=2940185128176 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/summer-camp-cold-case/id6758548732Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=sSm7EQAAQBAJ 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/summer-camp-cold-case?sId=978c227c-f82e-48b9- af23-0f46e78409a0&ssId=raTj3LdjqfNxfU07JxPg3&cPos=20

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H4HNGCFJhttps://www.instagram.com/rachellepaigebooks/https://rachellepaigecampbell.com/ 

 Thank you so much, Rachelle, for being a guest! 

Blessings to all, Christina

Author Interview and Giveaway with Tammie Edington Shaw!

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 Tammie Edington Shaw!

Tammie Edington Shaw loves all things history. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and has published numerous daily devotions and articles, including short fiction. She was editor of a weekly newspaper, production coordinator of a magazine, and a project coordinator for David C. Cook Publishing. She served on the staff of the Write-to-Publish Conference for fifteen years. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband of thirty-one years.

Connect with Tammie on Facebook at Tammie Edington Shaw!

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?

Unfortunately, none of the above. Due to health restrictions water is now my only beverage. I never thought I could give up coffee, but I did and don’t miss it.

Totally get that! Yay for health! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Grilled salmon. Love it.

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

At home in my office, which is our former dining room. After my husband goes to work, it is quiet, just me and my characters.

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

I don’t know but maybe when I watch a true crime show on television, I mute the previews and coming up segments because I want to be surprised. I rarely read back cover copy when I buy a book. I go by the title, author and subtitle. I want to be surprised.

How fun! What inspired you to write Callie's Redemption?

I grew up next door to an old home which served as a stagecoach inn when the National Road went through Indiana in the mid1800s. I imagined my hero and heroine meeting there and the challenges they struggled with, relationally and life in the 1800s. Setting is usually my inspiration for stories.

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

This book is historical romance, but I’ve not been a long-time romance reader, but more of a reader of historical fiction, but the romance is nice for a happy ending. I like my readers to think about the time period and how people struggled with things that we take for granted. I think my books are evenly distributed between romance and history.

A great mashup of genres! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Overall, in all my writing I want the message that Christ makes a positive difference in our lives. In this book, I want readers to see that He can redeem everyone no matter where they are in their lives.

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

This book, Callie’s Redemption is Book One of the Sweet Valley Promises Series published by Winged Publications. I am working on Book Two, Emily’s Hope which comes out in Spring 2027 and I’m also thinking about Book Three, Lily’s Faith which follows in Spring 2028.

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

I’ve been adding the verse reference Jeremiah 31:3 when I sign my books, “. . . I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

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

For a few years I was pursuing publication in the Amish fiction genre, although historical is my first love. But I still enjoy reading the Amish books. I am reading Courting the Amish Widow by Emma Miller. I’m also reading a nonfiction book I picked up last week at the Write to Publish Conference, Sacred Margins, On the Spiritual Life of a Writer by Steve Laube.

Interesting! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Tammie!

Check out Tammie's new release, Callie's Redemption, and the giveaway for it below!

About the Book ~

Callie’s Redemption

Book One of the Sweet Valley Promises Series

The year is 1840 along the National Road in Indiana at a stagecoach inn.

Will two rejected young people learn to love and trust again, or will their diverse pasts

keep them apart?

Will Callie learn to trust a personal God, and will Josh be able to put his failures

and stuttering behind him and pursue his calling to be a preacher, even if it

means leaving Callie behind?

Giveaway ~

The author is giving away one print copy of Callie's Redemption to one US resident! 

This giveaway will close on 7/2/26 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.

And may the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter 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. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content 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, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon Author Page!

Interview with author Katy Eeten!!

 

 

Today we welcome author Katy Eeten to The Diamond Mine!! We're going to be finding out some things about her, and her romantic suspense novel,"A Stalker to Die For."
Here' a bit to get us started:

Ashley Morris thought the worst part of online dating was awkward small talk. She was wrong.

After one disastrous date with Ashley, Nick won't take no for an answer. His calls and texts escalate into threats, break-ins, and a terror that shadows her every move. Desperate for safety, Ashley hires Jackson Russo—a talented painter with a kind heart and a protective streak—to renovate her home.

But as their friendship deepens into something more, Nick's obsession turns deadly. Caught between a stalkers rage and a love she never expected, Ashley must trust God's protection and her own instincts to survive. With Jackson by her side, she'll fight for her life—and for a future worth living.

Wow, Katy! Sounds like a great read! What else would you like us to know about the book?

This story is relatable for anyone who has dipped their toes into the online dating world or who has ever had a blind date. Ashley is just trying to get her love life back on track after caring for her ailing mother, but Nick has other plans. She calls it quits after their very first date, but Nick doesn't take it well.

As his stalking escalates, Ashley finds love in the form of the painter she hired to spruce up her home. Jackson is cute, caring and endearingly protective. But their growing relationship only fuels the fire of Nick's dangerous infatuation.

How did you get your idea for this story?

This is the first romance I've published that includes a suspense element. I love reading romantic suspense, so I thought it would be fun to try my hand at writing it. The inspiration behind this story was purely imagination, though! Thankfully, I have never had a personal encounter with a stalker, and I have never dated someone I hired to work on my house, lol. I've been married to my husband for 24 years now, and I'm happy to report no stalkers for either of us! :)

Well, that's good to hear!! 
What made you decide to be a writer?

I've always loved writing. It started with poems and short stories as a young girl, but even in high school, I was the oddball who didn't mind cranking out an essay. Later in my adult  life, I found that putting together a full-fledged manuscript was incredibly fulfilling, so I decided to submit one of my books to a publisher years ago, which turned into a publishing contract.

Wow! We have a similar trajectory in how our writing progressed! I'm curious. What was your first story?

My first ever story was probably some magical tale about unicorns I wrote when I was six years old. But my first published book was called Blast From Her Past, an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance set in North Dakota in the middle of winter. It's still available on Amazon.

Great! So, what is your writing style? Do you write from an outline, or just inspiration, or both? 

Definitely both. I start with a general path of where I want things to go, but the story really takes shape on the fly, and new subplots and  specific scenes are inspired as I go. 

Sounds like a very familiar process to me! Do you have any underlying themes  that you want your readers to come away with?

I would say the overarching theme is God's protection and the importance of community. Ashley would not have made it through her ordeal without friends and loved ones by her side. She relied on her faith, her friends, her brother, and her new love interest to help her deal with the monster stalking her. No matter what trials we are facing, God provides what we need to make it through, even if it's not what we would have chosen for ourselves if it was up to us.

That's a wonderful point and a great theme!
Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Subconsciously, I'm sure the answer is yes. It's hard for me to write a character that's completely opposite to how I think and act, so inevitably there is a part of me or my friends and family in my books. Occasionally, I purposely weave a specific personality trait into a character based on real life, but those people shall remain nameless. Ha!

That's a smart policy! Do your characters ever surprise you?

Oddly, yes. Sometimes I have a vision of where I want the storyline to go, but as I'm writing the dialogue or fleshing out the character's thoughts, I realize it's headed somewhere totally different than I intended. Putting thoughts on paper doesn't always yield the results we anticipate!

Absolutely! It probably sounds odd to people who haven't experienced a character that surprises the writer, but after seeing  many answers to that question, it is a common occurrence!
Do you have a favorite character in your books?

I think my favorite is Sarah from Christmas is Meadow Creek. She's just a friendly, down-to-earth gal—someone you'd want to spend time with in real life. Nothing flashy, but someone you can relate to and who you want to find happiness.

One more question: What are you working on now?

I have been working on a women's fiction that alternates points of view between  four former college friends who are united four years after graduation. It's written from a first person, present tense perspective. Although it involves romantic subplots, it's definitely the most unique manuscript to my name. Writing is a slow process for me though, as I have a full-time job and a family, but I do enjoy it so I will continue working on this one until hopefully one day it gets published.

I hope it does, too. I really enjoy writing stories with the first person present tense perspective. 
Thanks so much for the interview, Katy! I really enjoyed it!

Now readers, here is a short bio, and some links from Katy:

Bio: Katy Eeten lives with her husband and two teenage sons in southeast Wisconsin. She writes contemporary Christian romance, including several Christmas novellas. A Stalker to Die For is her first romantic suspense. When she's not writing or working at her day job as an Office Administrator, you can find her taking walks, playing board games, baking, dreaming of her next vacation, and spending time with her family.

Social media links:

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

X: http://www.x.com/KatyEeten 

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

Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katy-Eeten/author/B0796L1CVK 

Purchase links:

https://www.amazon.com/Stalker-Die-Katy-Eeten-ebook/dp/B0GS7ND8LC/

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-stalker-to-die-for

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stalker-to-die-for-katy-eeten/1149674389?ean=9781522305477

A Stalker to Die For - Illuminating books from Pelican Book Group