Puzzles, Faith, and Suspense: An Interview with Gina Holder

 Welcome back to the diamond mine. I am so excited to introduce you to this week's guest. If you are a fan of escape rooms, games, puzzles, or an engaging romantic suspense, you are going to love Gina Holder. Keep reading to enter to win a copy of her May release.

About the Author

Gina Holder is an American indie author known for her Christian romantic suspense novels. She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles.

Holder was raised in a family that fostered her love for books from a young age, which eventually led her to pursue a career in writing. She began writing short stories as a child and crafted her first novel by the age of twelve. Her dedication to her craft is evident as she continuously seeks to grow as an author, taking courses like the “Breaking into Print” program through the Long Ridge Writer’s Group.

Living in Wyoming with her husband and daughter, Holder balances her writing career with her roles as a stay-at-home mom and an active member of her church community. When she’s not writing, she enjoys activities like playing the piano, singing for worship services, cooking for her family, and indulging in Hallmark mysteries.

Holder’s novels, such as Forgiven Again, the second book in her “Shadows Over Whitman” series, reflect her passion for creating flawed characters who find redemption through faith. Her stories resonate with readers who appreciate suspenseful plots combined with Christian values. As an author, she is motivated by her desire to bring glory to God through her writing, often incorporating personal experiences and spiritual lessons into her work.

Holder is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews​.

Connect with Gina: Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Suzie: Welcome, Gina. Thank you for taking some time to share with us this week during your release month. Let's jump right in. Tell us a little bit about yourself (something that’s not in your bio):

Gina: I have visited 47 states in America and 16 countries worldwide. The coolest thing I’ve done is gone snorkeling in the Red Sea in Egypt.

Suzie: That sounds amazing. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing? 

Gina: Anne of Green Gables. I was going to grow up to be just like her.

Suzie: Weren't we all? Who was your favorite character to create? 

Gina: Liam Shepherd in The Escape Game. He is so kind and so protective that he kind of just melts your heart whenever he’s on the page.

Suzie: I agree with that. I kind of fell in love with Liam myself. How did you come up with the names of your characters? 

Gina: They tell me. 😊

Suzie: Are you a plotter or a panster? I am a plotter-wanna-be. 

Gina: I wish I could plot out my stories, but it always seems that I end up writing “by the seat of my pants.”

Suzie: I can relate! I like that the term "pantser" is slowly morphing into "discovery writer." What are your three books on your current tbr? 

Gina: Claire Holloway is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong, Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill, and The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano.

Suzie: Oh, you've got some good reads ahead of you. Are you part of a writing group? 

Gina: Yes, I am. Kingdom Creative Writers here in Casper, Wyoming. We meet monthly, take workshops together, and attend events together. It’s a wonderful, supportive group.

Suzie: I love that. Have a community of writers is one of the highlights of writing for me. Do you have a favorite author or book? 

Gina: I have a long list of favorite authors, and they have a special place on my bookshelf. The best books I’ve ever read, that stuck with me to this day, would be A Slender Thread by Tracie Peterson, A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano, and The Measure of a Heart by Janette Oke.

Suzie: All excellent books. What’s next for you as an author? 

Gina: I am currently writing book 3 in The Game Masters series, The Missing Piece, that will be released in May of 2027. Homicide Detective Freddie Hood and passionate activist Ginny Clarke track down the infamous serial killer, Cipher, in New Orleans, after he takes the life of her best friend.

Suzie: Oh, can't wait to read it. Before you go, how can we pray for you? 

Gina: Please pray that I can finish my next book on time and that God would give me direction for what’s next. I have a few ideas, but I want to make sure I align myself with His will for my writing journey.

Suzie: We will be praying. Thank you for sharing with us this week. We look forward to reading The Escape Game.

About the Book

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Gina has graciously offered to give one of our readers (US addresses only) a paperback copy of The Escape Game. Enter below.

Enter Here

Interview with Carol-award winning, Donna Jo Stone!

 Join me in welcoming friend and Carol award-winning Christian fiction author, Donna Jo Stone, to the Diamond Mine! Donna's stories promise to draw you in with relatable characters and meaningful storylines. If you haven't had a chance to read a book by her, treat yourself! You won't be disappointed. Without further ado, here's Donna! 

Award-winning author Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored, faith-forward fiction. Her stories are often about people facing tough times, but always leave the reader with a sense of hope. When she’s not writing, reading, or spending time with her family and friends, Donna Jo loves to peruse book stores and fabric shops.

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’ve always had pets. When I was young, my family raised rabbits. It started as my sister’s 4-H project and grew. We would go to rabbit shows, which are events similar to dog shows. We had three “bunny barns” full of rabbits.

One day, my middle school self arrived home from school on the bus to find my dad had put up a hand painted plywood sign saying “Rabbits 4 Sale.” This mortified me, because he had used a number rather than spell the word. It hung crookedly from the corner fence post too! But that number bothered me more, so I guess that’s my inner editor. It’s hard to get away from writing.

After I left home, I kept many pets, but stick with cats and dogs now. A lot of people think it’s fine to abandon animals in the country (it’s not), so I end up caring for strays, sometimes long-term. Right now, I have two cats that hang around, one friendly and one more skittish. We also have our Labrador mix, Kaylee, who likes to visit the neighbor.

Other than that, most of the time, when I’m not reading, writing, or doing some type of art, is spent caring for family members.

That's such a cool "fun fact" to know! What drew you to write?

I learned to read very early, and remember loving The Little House books. It amazed me to find out Laura Ingalls Wilder had written the stories based on her childhood. It had never occurred to me to wonder where books came from, and I was entranced by the idea anyone could write their story down, just like she did. That really drew me. Plus, I was a quiet little girl, and it felt more natural for me to write rather than be vocal. 

The adults in my life encouraged me to have pen pals growing up, and my mother often took all us kids to the library. My grandmother (Dad’s mom) and my mother were both big readers and always had a book nearby.

I'm so glad you've had so many supportive people in your life that encouraged you to write! We all can thank them :) What’s your writing process? 

It seems like every novel is a little different. I usually think a long time about one or two elements that are interesting, and then one day another idea for a story comes along and they meld together. When  I decide to write a story, I like to make a rough outline or list of sorts to start with, adding to it over a few weeks. I’ve learned to make a timeline the hard way, and that also is included in my outline. I will make lists of characters, background events, and so on. 

For most books, my outline has grown to several pages long before it’s time to begin drafting. 

You are so right, how each story is different. I've learned that too! How do you come up with your story ideas?

For me, it’s almost always about the story people. I love hearing real people tell about their lives, funny stories, or lived experiences. Story people are interesting as well! My trouble isn’t having ideas of who, when, or where, it’s organizing and deciding what to leave out.

We all loved “When the Wildflowers Bloom Again” and “Promise Me tomorrow.” You’ve got a lovely mix of writing. Tell us about your new release. 

Della’s Song is part of the Apron Strings Tea Tales series. My first novel was part of the first Apron Strings series, so when I was asked to participate again I thought it would be fun. These stories are all set between 1918-1939 and feature a tearoom. In the original series, the books were tied together by a cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, and in the new series the cookbook is also featured. Additionally, each story is inspired by a fairytale.

Della’s Song is set in 1934 North Louisiana. Della’s family make their living by singing gospel on the radio, at events, and teaching music and is loosely inspired by The Six Swans. 

In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. 

Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. 

During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. 

When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. 

Are there certain themes explored in the story?

I tried to stick with the theme from The Six Swans fairytale of self-sacrifice and sisterly devotion. My character, Della, was all in with sisterly devotion, but not always with the self-sacrifice. 

My verses were Colossians 3:16-17. Called to be a musician, Della liked the first verse. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

But she knew her scripture well enough that the next was right in her mind with it, much to her chagrin when she faced difficult tasks she felt unsuited for.

 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

I certainly understood her feelings. It’s easier by far to do the things that fit in with my natural gifting and tendencies, and a bit more challenging to sacrifice pride and do acts of service outside my comfort zone.

Della learned a few other lessons as well, as did other family members.

Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

I like them all for different reasons. They really are like children in that way, each unique and special.

What are you working on now?

It seems like every time I wrap up a project, I have four more calling me! It’s so hard to choose which to concentrate on. I’ve been editing my next young adult in the Wishes and Dreams series, and hope to have it release this year. But, I also have a women’s fiction I’m itching to get back to. No planned date for release on it yet.

Whatever I write next, readers can expect more of my signature faith-forward fiction. 

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

I love to relax and chat with people, but I’m also happy browsing book shops. To reset my creativity, I like to sew, quilt, paint, or craft. 

Thanks for joining us, Donna!

A tragic loss, a silenced song, and a scattered family … one North Louisiana tea room offers an unlikely reunion.

In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood.

Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them.

During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again.

When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye.

The Swan Family Gospel Singers are separated by tragedy, Della’s brothers scattered to the wind. With needle and thread, faith, and a song, she finds a way to stitch them together again.

A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

Della’s Song is a stand-alone novel in the Apron Strings Tea Tales multi-author series, and a 1930s historical with romance retelling of “The Six Swans.”

Pre-Order Your Copy: https://a.co/d/0iwB0f1y

You can learn more about Doinna's books by visiting https://donnajostone.com.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Jo-Stone/author/B0CR8VJT1S

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

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

No Teasing~Megan Besing is Releasing!

 Hello, my diligent readers! Happy November, I'm interviewing my real-life author daughter this week—April Fools! BUT, only one thing in that last sentence is false. I'll let you figure out which one. ;) But I'll tell you one thing that not trickery. A new book release! Let's dive right in with author Megan Besing.     

  

Tell us the type of fiction you write, and is there a secret genre you wished you could write in?

Well, my upcoming April 3rd release, Falling into Love, part of the collection Hometown Second Chances, is a sweet Christian Romantic Adventure, which means it’s a little less on the suspense side of things. But I do have three full romantic suspense books, too. Technically I also have two published Historical Romances as well. And my Contemporary Romance will be releasing later this year. So, I think I’m keeping pretty busy with just those genres at the moment, but I’m ready for whatever the future may hold. 😊

What area of the country has most influenced you in your life? Rural? City? North? South? Midwest? East? West?

Since my husband was in the army when we first got marry, we’ve had the opportunity to live in a variety of places, but the small-town, rural area is my favorite. Which is probably why most of my stories are set there.

Fantasy house choice: cottage by a lake, Victorian with a sweeping lawn, cabin in the woods, or a bungalow by the sea?

I think my answer is even going to surprise me because I love the ocean; however, I’m going to go with the cottage by a lake. Usually, being by a sea doesn’t mean I’ll get all the seasons, and despite complaining how cold it can get, I do enjoy a bit of snow. Plus, my hair’s volume really doesn’t need to be too close to the sea on a full time bases.

Favorite snacks while rattling the keys to create a new story? Chocolate? Chips? Kale? Other?

Chips are often on my writing desk, along with Chex mix or Cheese-its. It really depends on what drink—water, soda, tea, or even coffee—I have to pair my snack with.

What led you to writing and is it the only work you do throughout the day?

After I finally fell in love with fiction reading, I once read a book that made fun of God, and then I woke up the next day deciding that I would write a book. One that I would want to read and that also honored God. I think it helped that my mom was an author, which gave me the courage to try writing. Currently, my day-to-day job is teaching 6-8th graders at a small Christian School.

Favorite Season and why.

Another hard one, and today I’m going to say summer because I have more free time to write during that season.

Tell us how the anthology, Hometown Second Chances came together.

My suspense writing mentor Lisa Phillips and Two Dogs Publishing organized it. My fellow authors in the Hometown Second Chances collection: Tabitha Bouldin, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, and myself just had to come up with a light suspense book, and I think we have a variety of stories that will keep readers entertained.

Where is your story Falling into Love set and how did you come up with the premise of the plot?

Years old, I had written a novella that had finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest, and I had always loved that story, especially the jumping out of the airplane scene; how it revolved around a wedding, and the enemies-to-loves trope. But I knew I wanted to change it up and add some suspense and mystery to it. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of the bridesmaid for hire concept, so I added that to my heroine’s job description, and I think you’re going to really enjoy it. I also set Liz and Asher’s happily ever after in my home state—just in imaginary towns. So, it’s an old story molded into the book that now is Falling into Love, which is the first book in the Hometown Second Chances collection.

So tell us—we have to know—does Liz the wedding planner really jump out of a plane?

Yes, and it was for sure not her idea, but she was ready to do anything to save her bridesmaid for hire business. But, there are some major hiccups involved, and yet I think if you’d ask Liz at the end of the book if it was all worth it, and I believe she’d say one hundred percent yes. Though, she may not want to jump again anytime soon.

Is there any way you can give us a peek as to why Liz’s main love interest Asher Chase is the family’s sworn enemy?

Hmmm, I don’t want to give too much away. However, Asher and Liz’s step sister dated for a brief time in the past. And there are of course two sides to every breakup, and I promise Asher is cheer worthy when the truth unfolds throughout the book.

Give us 5 things about Megan Besing that have nothing to do with writing.

1.            I go mushroom hunting every Spring, but don’t like to eat morels.

2.            I went surfing for the first time last month.

3.            I really like carbs, especially potatoes.

4.            I play the piano.

5.            My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5.

Hometown Second Chances comes out April 3rd. Which direction are you heading now in terms of writing? 

After Hometown Second Chances releases in a few days, my next novel: Redeeming the Bull Rider comes out December 29, 2026 from Love Inspired. That story is about a washed-up bull rider who has to become a nanny. It has some super cute kids in it and, of course, a cheer-worthy hero and heroine. But until you can read that story, here is the blurb for Falling Into Love.

Wow! You are one busy author! In case you were wondering, here's Falling into Love's blurb to whet your appetite for an amazing read:

When a last-ditch marketing plan sends her the perfect bride-to-be client, Liz Skye is literally willing to jump out of a perfectly good airplane to save her company. Even if that means being tethered to veteran Asher Chase, her family’s only enemy. However, when danger strikes, wedding bells won’t be in anyone’s future if they can’t stop the person set on revenge. But can Liz depend on Asher, who won’t leave her side, or does he have an agenda of his own? With her life and company on the line—the ultimate cost may just be her heart.

Thanks, Megan! You can win a copy of Megan's latest book, Falling into Love by leaving a comment or your info on the contact form. But in case you're looking for more details about this new release, keep reading! You can pre-order today.

Bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at www.meganbesing.com.

Find Megan Besing here:

Newsletter signup: https://www.meganbesing.com/newsletter

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

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

Dear Readers, 

Welcome to 2026 (this is my first post of the year)! My first guest of the year is an author friend I made through my previous publisher (now out of business). We messaged and then met Carolina Christian Conference in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It's been several years and supporting one another is lovely! So, please join me in welcoming, Colleen Hall.

Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you.

Hi! I’m Colleen Hall, and I grew up in New England. In college, I met and married a South Carolina guy, so now I live in the South. I think one of the first things people notice about me is my red hair. I’ve been referred to as “that redhead.” I’ve also been called just “Red.”

Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb? The title of my latest book is Beloved Enemy. The idea for this book came from some family history. One of my Maine ancestors fought in the Civil War. While he was in the South, he struck up a friendship with a Southern lady. After the war, they maintained a correspondence. My creative brain took that germ of an idea and turned it into a full-fledged romance. A story centered around the forbidden love of two people on different sides of a war has so much possibility for conflict and heartbreak. I just had to write this story!

 

Back-Cover Blurb: “What happens when love and duty collide? When two people in love are on different sides of a war? In an era when honor matters more than life, and duty counts more than love, Booth Slade and Serena Boyd meet and fall in love. He’s a wealthy New England industrialist. She’s a genteel daughter of the South, the young widow of an autocratic banker. When Serena’s reputation is accidentally compromised, Booth proposes a plan to restore her respectability. They embark on a sham engagement, and what begins as feigned affection develops into genuine love. Yet Serena’s deceased husband’s last will and testament casts a dark cloud over their future. When the Civil War declares them to be enemies, the politics, danger, and hardship of the times engulf them. Tangled loyalties test their love. Subterfuge draws them into the secret service’s web. Will Serena make the difficult choice that will betray her beloved homeland to save the man she loves? Beloved Enemy is a standalone Civil War romance. If you love fake relationships, second chances, feisty heroines, and wartime romance, you’ll enjoy this historical love story with a dash of intrigue thrown in.”

Share an excerpt? March, 1865 Richmond, VA Cory laid the hairbrush on the marble-topped vanity after she’d arranged Serena’s hair into its daytime chignon. When someone pounded on the apartment door, their gazes met in the mirror. A visitor at this early hour could only mean trouble. Serena surged from the vanity bench and wheeled toward the chamber door, her pulse jagged. Cory thrust out a hand. “I’ll see who’s callin’.” She shuffled toward the hallway. With her hands fisted against her chin, Serena waited in the center of the room. Something had to be amiss. When Cory returned clutching a folded scrap of paper, a frown pulled her brows together. “Miz Van Lew’s servant brung this note.” Serena snatched the missive and fumbled open the paper. The words scrawled across the page in a feminine hand leaped at her. Your husband entered Richmond two days ago. I regret to inform you that last night as he attempted to leave, he was arrested by General Winder’s police and incarcerated at Libby Prison. His trial has been set for this afternoon, but rumor says he’s to hang at dawn. EVL. Booth? In Richmond? The words on the page blurred, and the room swam in a dizzied fog. A buzzing like a swarm of bees filled her ears. Her vision darkened. Her legs wobbled. Cory wrapped an arm around her and supported her to the chaise lounge. “Put your head betwixt your knees, Miz Serena.” She pushed Serena’s head down. With her head on her knees, Serena closed her eyes and took deep breaths. When the world steadied, she sat up and peered at her maid. “Miss Van Lew says Booth has been captured and jailed in Libby Prison.” She gulped before she could continue. “He’s to hang at dawn.” Her husband had been sentenced to a felon’s death by hanging and not given the dignity of execution by firing squad as befitted an officer. She clamped her lips against the scream that threatened to erupt. A single tear trembled on her lashes and slid down her cheek. Serena swiped away the moisture and straightened her spine. She refused to weep. “I’ve got to do something. I can’t sit here and let Booth die.”

Ask a quirky question or two? I always like to engage the readers. :) Have you had an unusual pet or animal? Please let me know! (My most unusual pet was a ferret named Teaspoon.)

Share your social media and buy links! Newsletter: https://forms.wix.com/r/7181092663729324913 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenHallRomance Website: https://www.colleenhallromance.com/ Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Enemy-Colleen-Hall/dp/1965649211?crid=2DETVB41MXFRD&dib

Interview with Author Gay N. Lewis!

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 Gay N. Lewis! 

Gay N. Lewis writes under two names, Gay N. Lewis and G. N. Lewis. She writes two blogs, Gay N. Lewis and I’ll Always Remember, a blog about dementia. Visit Gay N. Lewis on YouTube and her Amazon Author Page! 

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?

Thank you for inviting me to visit with you in a coffee shop. I love coffee. I like it plain with no sugar in the winter, and in the summer, I like it sweetened and iced. I stumble from the bed every morning and don’t wake up until the caffeine hits. There’s nothing better than that first cup.

That first cup is the best! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

If I could order anything in the world to eat, what would it be?  That’s a tough question because I enjoy food. My favorite dish is my mom’s chicken and dumplings, but she’s in heaven now, and no one can make them as good as she did.  I’d like to order pizza from Italy, and I would also like to experience Belgium chocolates. However, I have no plans to travel to Europe, so these two authentic treats are not in my future.

Nothing tops mom's food! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

My favorite place to write is on my desktop in my office. I’m not an organized person, and I write amidst chaos.  My workplace is at the back of my house, and I can see into the backyard. The view of three huge trees, along with the squirrels chasing each other, refreshes me. Those tiny creatures are fun to watch.

That does sound fun! What inspired you to write Kade's Worth?

What inspired me to write Kade’s Worth?  When I heard of the Safe Haven Laws, the idea came to me. I had a distant relative who threw a newborn into a dumpster some 40 years ago, and she spent thirty years in prison. She could have aborted the baby back then, abortion was legal, but she didn’t. If the Safe Haven Laws had existed at that time, she could have saved herself and the baby after the child was born.

So interesting when family history inspires a story! What led you to write in this genre?

Kade’s Worth is about a young girl who is raped, wants to keep her baby, but with no help, she can’t. She learns of the Baby Moses Laws aka Safe Haven Laws and surrenders her baby. She manages to cope with her loss, but her self-worth vanishes. She marries, but after her husband dies, fury from all the injustice hits her full force. She can’t bring back the baby or her husband, but she can kill the men who raped her. She sets out on a quest to find them.

This book is a far cry from my usual Christian novels. Kade’s Worth is edgy. I normally write Christian historical and fantasy, but this one took me to another level.

That does take an edgy turn! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

My purpose in writing this book is to help women with unplanned pregnancies. With the Safe Haven, or Baby Moses Laws, there is hope. Parents can surrender a child anonymously. No one needs to know about the baby.

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

One of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:6-7 from the NLT. “Don’t worry about anything; pray about everything, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.”  My children learned this at an early age, and when my daughter lay dying, we quoted it together.

How special to your family in times of hardship! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I don’t have the next project in mind, however, I may write a nonfiction book entitled Life in the Parsonage. I’ve lived in parsonages before, and I have friends who have also. We do have some funny tales to tell.

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

I am currently reading Lily’s Redemption by Ann Marie Jameson. It is about a woman who dies, goes to heaven, and returns to earth. She is to make amends to all the people she wronged in her life. It is amusing and has a bit of fantasy. Those are two ingredients I love in a book.

Very interesting! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Gay! 

Check out Kade's Worth 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 CAROL JAMES!!

 Today we welcome author Carol James to The Diamond Mine!!

Hi Carol! It's great to have this time with you. Let's begin the interview.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

My most recently released novel is entitled Always and Only. It's a story about a young woman, Aurora Prentiss, and a young man, Caleb Daniels, who dated and fell in love in high school but broke up at her father's demand because he insisted Caleb was not good enough for his daughter. Years later three paths cross when they begin working for the same company. Caleb has just gone through a messy divorce and Aurora is putting the final touches on her plans to wed a wealthy man chosen by her father. Let the fun begin.

Sounds very interesting!! How did you get your idea for this story?

Ideas are all around us. This one, as many of mine do, came to me as I was listening to a song entitled (you guessed it) Always and Only. It's a beautiful love song to Jesus. I took the idea of eternal love between us and Christ and wove it into the novel.

What a wonderful inspiration for a novel. What made you decide to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed making up stories, but I didn't start putting them on paper until my boss asked me to proofread her novels. (I'd been an English major in college and loved grammar.) Her work inspired me to try my hand at crafting novels.

What was your first story?

My first release was entitled Rescuing Faith. It was an Amazon number one best seller.

Wow! That's so awesome! Good for you! I'm curious. Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Both, I guess. I like to use a Bible verse or two and a worship song for my inspiration. I don't use an in depth outline, but generally try to hit three or four major plot points. This gives me the flexibility to adapt the plot to  any additional inspiration I have as the story unfolds. 

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

Yes. My novels all revolve around Isaiah 43:18-19:

Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

That's such a beautiful basis to build upon!                                         I always want to ask this of authors: Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

The one character that appears in all my novels is Josh Lewis, a pastor. He reminds me very much of one of my previous pastors. In fact, sometimes Josh even (unknowingly) quotes my previous pastor's sermons.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes! That's one of the things I like about having some "wiggle-room"in my planning. Sometimes the characters do or say things I could have never predicted before the story begins.

I always love it when that happens!! Do you have a favorite character in your books?

Sometimes I feel like a parent... I love them all equally. But if I had to choose one, I would say the pastor,  Josh Lewis. The first time he appeared in one of my novels, he was in his early twenties and had just returned from the Vietnam war. In my most recent novel, he's a grandfather. 

That's so interesting, to have an ongoing character in your novels.  Last question: What are you working on now?

I am working on a romance novel about emotional healing. My central concept is the idea of kintsugi. For those who may not be familiar with kintsugi, it's also called Japanese joinery. It's a process by which broken pottery is repaired by using gold, making the mended piece more valuable and beautiful than it was before the breakage. A true commentary on how God takes our broken lives and repairs them for His glory.                                                                      Thanks so much for letting me share today.

It's been an honor to spend this time with you and hear your answers. Thanks so much, Carol!

And readers, here's a short bio about Carol:

As an Air Force brat, the longest Carol James ever lived in one place was a year and a half. Maybe that's why, when she and her husband bought their first home forty-two years ago, they stayed put. she lives in Lilburn, GA with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe.

Loving intriguing stories with happy endings, she  writes Redemptive Romance. She has had five full length novels and five Christmas novellas published. Her debut novel, Rescuing Faith, was an Amazon number one best-seller. 

Visit her website to sign up for her newsletter and get a free short story: https://www.carol-james.com

When she's not walking Zoe, Carole enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as traveling. On Sundays, she loves serving in the production department at her church. And most days, in the late hours of the night, you'll find her bringing her newest novel to life!