Donna Mumma Talks Hurricanes, Vintage Covers, and her New Release!

 Are you in for a treat??!! I think so! I've got Donna Mumma here talking about her new vintage release Dressed for Success…Turned out for Murder. It's all about a retro department store, murders, and a group of ladies that…well, I can't tell you everything! Wanna know more? Keep reading…and don't forget to stay for the book giveaway!

PT: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Donna.  What set you on the path of writing?

DM: I have always loved stories. I can remember my mom reading fairy tales to me when I was very young. My sister also read Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz books to me long before I was able to read them myself. I grew up in a household where reading, storytelling, and imagination were a big part of life. Though I love books, I love movies a tiny bit more, and this planted the desire to write and create worlds and characters of my own. When our boys were very small, my husband encouraged me to write as a way of keeping my brain active after caring for small kids all day. I had an idea for a story, and he surprised me with a computer and told me to write the book. I dedicated my first published book to him, because he always believed I could become an author.

PT: It’s great to have your husband’s support! So where do you hail from?

DM: I am a Florida native. I grew up in what used to be a rural area in the center of the state and now live on the West Coast in the Tampa Bay area.

PT: Now, you grew up on a dairy farm. Did you manually milk cows or was it all automated?

DM: My dad used automatic milkers that had to be put on by hand. Not as much work as hand-milking but still required a lot of tiring labor. I had four older brothers who did that work. My chores were much lighter, like feeding newly weaned calves and helping my mom around the house. When my brothers were older and moved out, I did work at the dairy barn, but I washed the cow’s udders before the milkers were applied. I learned fast how to dodge cow-kicks and being smacked in the face by dirty tails.

PT: I so understand. I used to hand milk! Could you tell some things you learned from growing up on a farm?

DM: When you grow up on a farm, you learn very early that good and bad situations come along and you have no control over either one. When things go wrong, you don’t have time to despair. Cows still need to be milked and fed, fields need to be plowed, crops need to be planted or harvested. Farms are great teachers of how to live on faith and trust in God because trouble and tragedies come very quickly. If you’re going to make it, you have to take on a “these things happen but tomorrow is another day and God’s in control” kind of attitude. That has stayed with me my entire life, though I have to remind myself who’s in control.

PT: What a great Biblical analogy! Since you were in Florida, were you ever caught in a hurricane?

DM: Many times. Growing up in the interior of the Florida peninsula, we would get the heavy winds and rains, sometimes tornadoes that spun off from the hurricane, and you weathered through, then cleaned up once the storms passed. Now that we live on the coast, we’ve been through several, but it is a very different situation. We must deal with flooding, far greater wind damage, and long-term power outages. If the storm is in the stronger range, we evacuate to family members who live further north and inland in Florida. The flood damage from Helene and Milton was the worst we’ve ever seen in our area. Milton hit in the night, and even though we were inland, I’ve never in my life heard winds scream and blow like that. We didn’t sleep much that night.

PT: Oh, my! But God protected you through it all. Let’s get to books. Do you like writing historicals, contemporaries, or mysteries? Or something else?

DM: I once declared that I would never write a historical because I didn’t want to do all the research. But, God has a sense of humor, and here I am writing my fourth historical mystery in the series. I’ve had more fun than I ever thought and have thoroughly enjoyed the research journey. The very first book I ever published was a contemporary seasoned with suspense, and I have ideas for others set in current times. I also have an idea for a book about spies working during the Cuban Missile Crisis that I hope to write someday. My imagination enjoys the challenge of writing and creating an adventurous mystery.

PT: What genre do you enjoy reading? Favorite place to snuggle up and read?

DM: I don’t have a favorite genre but pick books on how much the premise catches my interest. I like crime thrillers, true crime, mysteries, women’s fiction, and action-adventure/science fiction or spy thrillers. As far as where I like to read, anywhere that’s comfy, quiet, and comes with a fuzzy blanket will do.

PT: A quiet spot and fuzzy blanket is a must! Do you have a current favorite hymn and Bible verse?

DM: My favorite hymn right now is It Is Well With My Soul. I love so many of the old ones I grew up on, and my favorite tends to change according to what is going on in my life at the time. My favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 12 :1.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” King James Version (KJV)

PT: I love the 1950s vintage look of your new book Dressed for Success…Turned out for Murder! Where did you get the concept of the book and what Biblical truths are intertwined?

DM: The idea for Dressed for Success…Turned out for Murder, along with the other two books in the series came from my being captivated by a picture of two stunning models dressed in 1950s style dresses, hats and gloves that I saw in the dressing room of a store. I immediately began think about who were these two women, what did they do, and where did they get those beautiful clothes? Later, when I was researching for book 1, The Women of Wynton’s, I discovered that the picture I’d seen was actually a cover photo for an issue of Vogue magazine from the 1950s. From there, I started thinking about what if there were four women, and they worked in a department store, didn’t like each other much, and they somehow got caught up in a murder that forced them to come together in order to solve it? The idea grew from there. In this current book, we focus on one of the women of Wynton’s, Mary Jo Johnson, a young wife and mother who wants nothing more than to quit working at Wynton’s and return home to take care of her family full-time. Just when it seems her dream is coming true, tragedy strikes, and she must stand tall and fight for what she loves most, with the help of her friends.

The Biblical truths I tried to weave in came from Proverbs 31, as well as our being called to stand by friends when they are going through tough times, sharing their struggles and uplifting them whenever we can. There is also a character in the book who was meant to be a great example of why no one should be like the quarrelsome spouse mentioned in Proverbs.

PT: You have me intrigued! Gives us a hint of the most exciting scene in Dressed for Success…Turned out for Murder.

DM: There are a couple of scenes that I think would fit this. In one, the ladies have banded together to search for a piece of vital evidence. This search takes them deep into the wilds of Florida where they happen upon an active moonshining operation. The owners of the still show up, and the ladies must deal with the situation while avoiding being the next names listed in the daily obituary column in the local newspaper.

PT: Ah, readers, this sounds like a book we won’t want to miss! Now my favorite part. Tell 5 things about Donna Mumma that have nothing to do with writing.'

DM:

        1. My favorite breed of dog is a rough collie, like Lassie. We currently have a handsome white and sable boy named Duke.

        2. I do not drink coffee.

        3. I love classic Christmas movies and start watching them Thanksgiving night.

        4. I play two musical instruments, piano and saxophone.

        5. I think soup and French fries make a perfect meal combination, second only to tomato soup and grilled cheese.

PT: Do you have another 1950s vintage book in mind or are you heading in a different direction for you next book?

DM: I’m currently writing the final book in The Women of Wynton’s series, titled A Bad Penny Returns. It is set in 1958, and centers around the character Gigi, who is dealing with the reappearance of her ex-husband plus the death of one of her beloved cosmetics clients. Mayhem and murder abound, causing Gigi to be the most likely suspect. Her friends jump to her aid to prove her innocence while searching for the truth. The ladies are also seeing the beginnings of the civil rights movement in Florida as Wynton’s Black employees decide to stand up to the unfair system going against them at the very store they all work for. These characters are also witnessing the first great development boom in Florida, and all the swindlers who turned up to take advantage of those looking to move to a tropical paradise. The winds of change are beginning to blow at Wynton’s Department store, and each of the ladies finds herself in a new situation none of them ever imagined.

PT: Now that’s a hook right into a reader’s heart! Thanks so much for being on The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction, Donna. We can’t wait to dive in to Wynton’s tangled mystique! Want to know more about Donna? Keep reading!

Donna has graciously offered not one, but two books! Both Women of Wynton's books,  First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder and Dressed for Success...Turned out for Murder are being offered as giveaways! Leave your name on the contact for or leave a comment with your email to be entered!

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author of both fiction and nonfiction who loves to blend history, mystery, and a touch of faith in her stories. A native Floridian, she now lives on the Sunshine State’s west coast, sharing life with her family, and her energetic collie, Duke.

Visit her at www.donnamumma.me

Donna Mumma's Links For Dressed for Success...Turned out for Murder

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Dressed-Success-Turned-Out-Murder/dp/B0GK5SXKR3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T6PVWPD96A75&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.me9Ny_IdmE-AzNoKtb_5Ai9 

Donna's website and newsletter-

www.donnamumma.me 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/donna.mumma.3

Author page

https://www.facebook.com/donnamummawriter/

Instagram

Donnamumma_writer

Interview with Author Rachel Chamberlayne!

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 Rachel Chamberlayne!

Rachel is a Christian romance writer who lives in the heartland with her husband and two children. With a Bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing, Rachel loves crafting love stories that will make you swoon, sigh, and give you all the butterflies. When she's not daydreaming about her book characters, you might find her reading, writing poetry, or spending time with her family. 

Connect with Rachel on her website or her Instagram @authorrachelchamberlayne!

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?

Coffee all the way!

Welcome, friend! ;-) If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Sausage and pepperoni pizza :)

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

Anywhere! As long as I get to write.

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

I like to chew on highlighters while I write. I don’t know why, but it helps me stay focused.

That's a new one, and I love it! What inspired you to write It's Only Ever Been You?

I wanted to write a story about the raw, realistic struggles of a Biblical marriage. Marriage is often depicted as the happily-ever-after in romance, especially Christian romance (and it is to a certain degree). But it is hard, too. I wanted to explore that from a Biblical perspective with my favorite characters.

They say time heals all wounds, but some wounds have left scars that refuse to fade for Genevieve Wright.

Despite their rocky beginning, Brandon and Evie Wright found their happily ever after. But when a very beautiful reminder of Brandon’s promiscuous past pops the bubble oftheir newlywed bliss, Evie must confront an insecurity that’s rooted in her childhood—her fear of abandonment.

After all, Brandon left once before. What makes her think he won’t do it again?

It’s Only Ever Been You is a fade-to-black/closed-door companion novella to Brandon and Evie’s stand-alone Christian romance novel, It’s Always Been You. Physical intimacy between a married couple is implied.

Nice! What led you to write in this genre? 

It was natural! I have always wanted to write romance, and after I became a Christian, I couldn’t separate my faith from my writing. It all happened organically.

Love it! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

My hope is that readers see themselves in my characters. Not just the good parts, but the messy, raw, relatable parts, too. The parts that aren’t talked about, especially in Christian spaces. I like to shed the light of Christ in dark and taboo places.

Love that! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

I am currently writing a story about a woman named Daisy who loses her husband unexpectedly early in their marriage. Her late husband’s estranged twin moves back to town after his death, and as former childhood best friends, their messy past is unraveled as they spend more time together.

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

Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. This verse reminds me that I don’t need to be perfect, or do things perfectly all the time to be called His, which tends to be my heart’s default setting. This verse reminds me that He is my strength, and He will never forsake me.

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

I am currently reading We Drank the Dawn by Ashley Dill, and I am about to start Stay With Me by Becky Wade. :)

Awesome! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Rachel! 

Check out Rachel's other books! 

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!

THRILLERS AND TRUE CRIME BY AMY SAN MIGUEL

Amy San Miguel is a friend of mine from American Christian Fiction Writers, and I have come to love her curiosity in the world of thrillers and the world of true crime. I want to introduce you to my Nebraska friend!

 

Hi, Amy! What on earth took you to Nebraska? (It is one of the great states, but I’m still asking, lol) And please tell us you have adventures there. I mean, it does go beyond corn. Right?

I grew up in Nebraska and have been here most of my life. Sadly, for the most part, it’s just corn. However, I have been to Carhenge in Western Nebraska. That was pretty interesting. A bunch of old cars set up like Stonehenge. I’ve thought of setting a book there, but it’s in an open field, so I’m not sure how I’d work it in. Not a lot of people to include in a cast of characters. J

Oooh. Carhenge. What a place to explore for car lovers! And I totally think you could set one of your spine-tinglers there. A field could be an interesting and scary story setting…

I really love corn, by the way. 

Wait, you have cats and a dog? I want to hear stories. Please.

We have two cats, Oliver and Kassie Elizabeth, and a French bulldog named Ripley. If I let Ripley outside to go to the bathroom, and she decides I’m taking too long to let her back inside, she sits at the back door and shrieks like a human being in the process of dying. She’s frightened people when we’ve taken her to stay with friends. The sounds she makes are otherworldly.

This is hilarious. Now you’ve gotta make a recording of that otherworldly sound to share on your social media. 

You have already shared this book… endorsed by Jaime Jo Wright! Amazing!

 

I mean, whoa! The Purple Nightgown—a series of history, romance, true crime stories. Do tell!

I’ve always loved historical true crime, so when I found out Barbour was putting together the True Colors series, I was excited for the opportunity to dig deeper into a crime I’d heard about years earlier. Personally, I think the story of Linda Hazard and her ‘health spa’ would make an interesting movie. What a twisted woman!

A health spa with a twisted woman? Yeah, you can go without me. ;)

How did you get drawn to true crime writing? And thriller writing?

I’ve wanted to write since I was a kid but never thought it would actually happen. About ten years ago, a friend of mine told me she was writing a book. Romance, I believe. We started writing together, holding each other accountable, and sharing our stories. I started writing a romance novel, but the further into the story I dived, the more I realized someone needed to be murdered or at least deal with a home invasion. That was when I realized I fit into the thriller mold better than the romance mold. I needed dead bodies and crime!

There is a lot of darkness in the world. To create characters who are forced to face it—what a great place for your writing to land.

How is your faith a part of your writing journey, and your writing itself?

My faith plays a big part in my writing and the journey to publication. As far as the journey goes, I’ve had highs and lows. Long stretches between interest with publishers have brought some discouragement, but I can look back and see God’s hand and His kindness—even during the times where I didn’t see movement.

As I write, many of the faith arcs my characters struggle through mirror the things I’m learning in my own life. Every time I go back to edit a story, I’m amazed at the ways God grows me and teaches me more about Him through the eyes of my fictional characters.

Amen and amen! Funny how writing does exactly that, even when we don’t mean for it to. God is always at work in our lives.

What are you working on right now? Just share a taste of where your creativity led you, please?

Right now, I’m working on a domestic thriller. It includes more psychological than physical danger which was a fun challenge. The working title is: The Other Mother. Spiritually, it delves into what faith and love really look like. The main question surrounding the suspense is “What would happen if the woman who helped you build your family suddenly decided to take your place in it?”

That sends chills and shivers. Love it! I’m praying for you, your writing, and for the perfect place for this particular story. 

Hey, y'all, check out Amy at her website! https://www.adlawrencebooks.com/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amysanmiguelauthor/

And she has offered a free ebook of her Purple Nightgown book…comment below to get put in the drawing!

A Visit to Caroling Creek with Debut Author Rebecca Meek

 I have been looking forward to introducing all of you to today's author. Last year, Rebecca Meek entered the Scrivenings Press Get Pubbed contest and won. A year later, her debut novel is out in the world. Be sure to read to the end to find out how to win a copy of Summer at Caroling Creek.

About the Author

Rebecca Meek is a lover of stories, maker of music, and dreamer of dreams. She writes tales that tell of home, family, and leaving a legacy that matters. When not writing, she can be found paddle boarding with her family, or enjoying a good book. She married her high school sweetheart, and they have three adult children and two cool sons-in-law. She resides in Spokane, Washington.

Connect with Rebecca: website | newsletter | Facebook | Instagram 

Suzie: Welcome, Rebecca. We're delighted to have you here. 
Tell us a little about yourself to get started. 

Rebecca: I’ve been a lover of stories since I broke my leg in third grade during after-school ski lessons. Since plaster casts and Montana winters don’t mix, I spent the rest of my winter recesses in the library, making lifelong friends with Meg Murry, the Sweet Valley Twins, and the Babysitter’s Club. Growing into books like Little Women, The Lord of the Rings, and the

Anne books taught me even more about the power of story, especially fiction, to inspire and encourage the average wallflower that life can be something more extraordinary than we can imagine.

Suzie: Fiction can carry so many lessons and encouragements for us, can't it? Tell us about the inspiration for your debut novel.

Rebecca: The inspiration for Summer at Caroling Creek began in the first days of Covid. My daughter was participating in an internship in London, and as rumors of global airport shutdowns swirled, the idea of a travel blogger stranded and unable to travel began to take shape. Thankfully, we were able to get my daughter home before any major shutdowns. As the pandemic wore on, I quickly shelved the idea of trying to write a pandemic romance, the general consensus being that we were reading to escape, not to relive it. When my husband and I started a kitchen remodel during the winter of 2021, my stranded travel blogger’s story came back to me in full force, this time, with the cabin renovation as the central part of the story.

Suzie: I loved the cabin renovation in the book. It gave Mylze a lot of character-building challenges.
Do you have a day job? And if so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Rebecca: You might say I have several different day jobs. After leaving public school teaching in 2024, I pivoted my skillset to reopen my private music lesson studio alongside my husband. Between the two of us, we teach over thirty students every week! I’m loving working one on one with students and seeing how they grow as musicians from week to

week. I also work a couple of shifts each week at a local screen printing and embroidery business, where I get to pretty much take over the embroidery side on the days I’m there. Seeing the finished outcomes of the stitching and hearing excitement from the clients always makes my day. With these two jobs, plus the volunteer work I do for our church, it can be easy for my long to-do list to steal away my writing time. We’ve worked hard to make it so that our monthly budget allows for me to dedicate one day each week to writing. Of course, I always try to sneak in some writing or writing-adjacent work on other days because I just can’t stay away.

Suzie: Wow, you are busy. It's great you get at least one focused day for writing.
How did you come up with the names of your characters?

Rebecca: Character names aren’t always easy for me. In Summer at Caroling Creek, Mylze Moore’s name came from a silly conversation with my husband about the stranded travel blogger idea, and how her website could be miles more to go dot com. We ran with the idea, making it her name with a unique spelling, based on the childhood nickname given to her by a cherished aunt. Since her name is so unique, of course we then had to come up with a fun backstory. Other characters' names were more challenging. Finding the right name for the male protagonist, Jeff Matthews, was harder. I think he was three or four different people before he was finally Jeff. Lina, Chelle, and Rachel all just sort of came out when I introduced them in the book. And Aunt Carol? Mylze’s beloved aunt’s name came from my amazing 7^th and 8^th grade English teacher, who always supported my writing adventures.

Suzie: Character names can be tricky. Sometimes the name just fits and other times you have to try a few of them on. 
What does your family think of your writing?

Rebecca: My family is super supportive of my writing. We are all lovers of story, with one of our favorite family pastimes being rewatching our favorite seasonal and/or epic movies. My son, who has his masters degree in Creative Writing, is often my first editor, and we all love to bounce ideas around during family dinners. My mom, dad, and stepparents are also very supportive, and have encouraged my creativity since I was a child. I’m blessed to have such a solid and encouraging community around me.

Suzie: I love that you all share ideas during family meals.
Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite reward or treat?

Rebecca: My favorite reward when I finish writing a story is a date with myself to Barnes and Noble. I often treat myself to a slice of spinach and artichoke quiche and an Americano from their Café. Sometimes, I find a fun new journal to bring home, too.

Suzie: That sounds like the perfect way to celebrate completing a novel.
What's next for you as an author?

Rebecca: What’s next? So many people have asked for a sequel to Summer at Caroling Creek, especially for Lina. She’s such a fun character and an all-around good friend, that I think everyone wants to see her get her own happily ever after. The good news is that the sequel is already partially written, so that’s currently where my time and attention is going. Once it’s completed, I’ll be pitching it for publication, and seeing where that road leads. I also have two other works in progress that I’ll be revisiting once I tell Lina’s story.

Suzie: I agree that Lina needs her own story. She is a good friend, but she also has a great sense of humor. 
Before you go, how can we pray for you?

Rebecca: The most appreciated prayer for me right now would be that I’m able to continue to tell the stories the Lord gives me authentically and to the best of my ability. My romances are clean and written from a Christian worldview, but do not always contain direct faith elements. My prayer is that the themes of redemption, forgiveness, family, and hope still shine through because that is what God has done in me.

Suzie: We will pray for you and your writing journey. Thank you so much for joining us this week, Rebecca.

About the Book

She came to sell a cabin. She never expected to find a place to belong.

Mylze Moore lives to travel. As a travel writer, she has built her career chasing horizons, collecting stories, and leaving before anything can tie her down. But when she and her sister inherit their aunt’s lake cabin in Caroling Creek, Mylze’s next destination comes with peeling paint, unfinished repairs, and a whole lot of family baggage.

The plan is simple: fix the cabin, sell it, and move on.

Contractor Jeff Matthews has other ideas. The cabin is in worse shape than Mylze wants to admit, and her budget, timeline, and enthusiastic DIY confidence may not be enough to save it. His steady competence frustrates her. Her stubborn independence tests him. And neither of them expects their tension to turn into something warmer beneath summer stars and twinkle lights.

But as Caroling Creek begins to feel like home, Mylze must face more than a renovation. Keeping the cabin could deepen the divide with her sister, change the future of her career, and force her to admit that the life she thought she wanted may not be the one her heart has been searching for all along.

Perfect for fans of The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh, The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews, and Summer by the Tides by Denise Hunter, Summer at Caroling Creek is an inspirational women’s fiction novel with sweet small-town romance, enemies-to-lovers spark, sibling tension, grief and healing, and one determined woman learning that home is sometimes the place you least expect.

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Rebecca has generously offered to give one of our readers a copy of Summer at Caroling Creek. To enter, leave a comment and tell us what your favorite escape is or a place you'd like to visit. Be sure to include a way for us to contact you.

*Contest is not valid until there are 5 entries. If applicable, a winner will be chosen on September 15, 2026.

Mixing Mafia and Romance with Carrie Cotten

Alright, Lefty, and you, Scarface and Fingers, put the Tommy guns down and have a seat. I ain't got no beef with you's. What I gots is some nice work by an amazing author, bada-bing. You better be checking it out real quick-like.

And that's all the mafia speak I've got, lol. And really, I had to do a lot of googling to put together that little paragraph. But you know what? Carrie Cotton has a whole book of Mafia Romance! Mafia. And Romance. Who knew those two concepts even fit together in a Christian book? Ah, but it does, my friends and you, also, Lefty.  Her new book Made Like the Moon is ready for preorder right now and could be your first riveting, high-stakes novel of your fall TBR pile! Why am I still yakking? IDK, lets get to Carrie!

♥♥♥

♥♥♥

PT: Hello, Carrie! So good to have you here at The Diamond Mine. The readers are on the edge of their seats to find out more about you. What region of the country do you hail from and did you grow up in this same place?

CC: I live in Western North Carolina but I’m originally from Louisiana. I’ve also lived in Texas and Alaska!

PT: What genre you write in?

CC: I’m a multi-genre author but all my books are Christian fiction. I have a speculative series, a medieval series, and my newest series is mafia romance.

PT: So, which is more enjoyable for you: hymns or contemporary music? Favorite current song?

CC: I love both and have favorites of each. I really adore anything Phil Wickham puts out and my favorite hymns are "Be Thou My Vision" and "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

PT: I LOVE both of those songs! Dop you have a daily chore you dread the most? What makes it more bearable?

CC: I really dislike doing the dishes. But it’s a chore assigned to my kids, so I rarely have to do them. However, half my kids are now off to college, so I’m having to take more turns with the dishes.

PT: Ah, yes. The haunt of dirty dishes. Let's get away from that. What Bible character speak to you most and why?

CC: David. Just because he wasn’t anywhere near perfect, but David had a repentant heart and a heart tuned toward the love of God. That encourages me in my constant failings.

PT: I agree. I love to study David. Is there a genre you prefer to read in, and what book are you currently reading?

CC: I like all genres really. Currently, I’m reading the second book in Amanda Wright’s Darkfell series and It’s Always been You by Rachel Chamberlayne.

PT: What drew you to writing? Was a writing career something you planned or just came along?

CC: I’ve always been a writer, always making up stories. I didn’t write much after I got married and had small kids because I just didn’t have time, but my stories always came back to me and when my kids were older, I was able to pick it up again.

PT: Now, lets get into the juicy stuff. Made Like the Moon. Here's the Cover...like wow!

PT: Blue, blue and more blue. How could a reader not adore this cover? So, Carrie, where did the concept of your new book Made Like the Moon get started?

CC: From my own life mainly. I have been on a lot of mission trips and made amazing relationships and started thinking if I ever needed somewhere to go, these people would be here for me. So, the idea of a missionary on the run came from that.

PT: Describe the setting of Made Like the Moon.  Are the characters like any live person or totally fictional?

CC: The setting is really all over the place because the female main character goes to a lot of different countries. Almost all the characters are based on real people except the bad guys, ha ha. But the people that Grace runs to for help are all based on real and amazing people.

PT: Tell us which scene of Made Like the Moon was most inspiring to write?

CC: I think the scenes where Rafe is experiencing the gospel for the first time were very memorable and also challenging as I wanted to make sure to handle those scenes with the upmost of care.

PT: Uh-huh, that's the money. Which Biblical concept did you explore in Made Like the Moon?

CC: Redemption was a big one. For someone to have lived a life like Rafe, so dark, and so hopeless and then to be exposed to light and salvation. I also explored the concept of a peace that passes understanding, of joy, faith, and endurance. All things Grace had to lean into on her journey.

PT: Did you have to visit certain places that the characters visit in Made Like the Moon?

CC: I’ve actually visited all the places from Made Like the Moon except Italy. But all the places Grace has been to, I have visited and/or been to mission trips to.

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

CC:     1.           I love chocolate

2.           Fall is my favorite season

3.           I’m completely obsessed with my husband; I love him so much and just always  want to be where he is.

4.           I was a barrel racer as a kid, my horse was named Freckles, and he was a fat Appaloosa. We didn’t win much.

5.           I’m an introvert who only extroverts when forced.

PT: Share the next stop on your writing journey. Writing? Editing? Publishing?

CC: I’m working on more in the Redemption and Ruin series as well as the next book in The Huntress series which will hopefully come out next year.

PT: And. . . there you have it! Don't you just want to read this book because of the intriguing title? And you can. Just follow the links above. It'll take you straight to Carrie's book. Or . . . you could enter the book giveaway by leaving a comment and your email, or giving us your info on the contact form. 

But why wait? Don't just wanna know the scoop right now, Lefty? Forget about it! Pre-order now! 

PT: Thanks for being with us today, Carrie!

Gail Pallotta and Treading Water: Barely above Water, Revised Edition

Dear Readers, 

Thank you for being a part of this blog community! I hope you enjoy getting to meet the authors-- and I hope you're having a great summer! 

~Blessings, Christina 

Please introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you? 

Hi, I’m Gail Pallotta. A current resident of Georgia, I grew up at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains. I love meeting and talking with people, and I think they sense that about me, because my husband says I’m the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with someone’s life story.

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

In Treading Water: Barely above Water, revised edition, Suzie Morris suffers a sense of isolation and loneliness when she’s struck with an illness her physician can’t diagnose. Without family, she’s on her own. To make matters worse, her boyfriend dumps her. Relying on her Christian faith, she moves to Destin, Florida, to get treatment from an alternative doctor. After she lands a temporary job coaching a fun, county-sponsored rag-tag swim team, her handsome boss, Matt Combs, renews her belief in love. However, when Matt learns of Suzie’s medical problem, he cuts romantic ties. Recently saddened by the illness and death of his mother, he fears he couldn’t face another loss. Later he regrets his decision and tries to make amends. Hope for healing flickers inside Suzie when she hears of new remedies, but will the latest discoveries work for her? If she recovers, can Matt regain her trust? 

Excerpt: 

   Suzie fidgeted in her chair three months later as she sat in an office in Destin, Florida. A door shut, and she jumped. She took a deep breath and pulled back her shoulders. She would appear confident and calm, God willing. She had to steady her right hand. The interviewer would probably offer to shake it. A man entered and walked to her, his broad shoulders taking over the room. 

   “Matt Combs. Sorry I’m late. I hope you weren’t too bored sitting here.” 

   He offered a handshake. She peered at his squared, strong-looking extremity as she extended her hand as fast as she could. “I’m fine, thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”

   Had he detected the trembling? He didn’t stare at her hand. Guess not. As Mr. Combs situated himself, Suzie surveyed his office, getting a glimpse of who he was. 

   A plaque for Outstanding Manager as head of the Okaloosa County Parks and Recreation Department hung on the wall alongside pictures of kids in bathing suits and soccer players in blue uniforms. A full trophy case sat next to his bookcase. She could get him another victory in spite of the sickness, if he’d give her a chance.

   The rollers on his black chair clicked as he pulled it to his metal desk. He pushed a pile of folders to one side then looked up with a sheepish grin. 

   “I haven’t had a chance to clean. Harold Gubb, my assistant and the county bookkeeper, was out sick last week. I’m a little backed up.” 

   Suzie clenched a pencil in three fingers and released it, then repeated the action in her lap. She started the habit to check her strength after she’d lost twenty-five pounds. Now she did it when she was nervous. “You have a nice office.” 

   Matt’s shoulders relaxed. “I suppose, as county cubicles at community centers go, it’s okay.” He waved his hand toward a desk in front of his. “Barely room for Harold when we’re both here, but I’m in the field quite a bit. We manage.”

   He retrieved a folder from the pile he’d just moved and studied it. “Ahh, I see you coached a swim team and won your division every year except your first. That’s quite an accomplishment.” 

   He gazed at her with admiration in his eyes. Suzie scooted up as hope Matt Combs might hire her flickered in the back of her mind. “You were in high school and college then. Now, you’re...” He glanced at her application, then sat back in his seat. “Twenty-five?” He arched an eyebrow. “Uh, most recently, you’ve worked as an editor of a community magazine in Blue Mountain, North Carolina. It says here you quit your job to move? Could I ask why?” 

   Suzie recoiled at the suspicion in his voice. Carson would say she had to move because she was a druggie. Sad that his ridiculous opinion still upset her. She glanced at the three-quarter-length sleeve of her blouse. Before Carson broke up with her, he’d suggested she wear sufficient clothing to cover her skinny body. Dwelling on him wasn’t worth the hurt and ire that rose from recalling his degrading remark, but more importantly she couldn’t let anything distract her. She had to have this job. She swallowed hard. 

  Play the game. 

Let's get to know the blog readers a bit--Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two? 

Suzie grows to love her job coaching a rag-tag swim team. Have you ever taken a job or volunteered for an activity more because you needed to than wanted to, then ended up enjoying it? These days, we all need our faith to get through life. Can you tell us about a time when you relied on your faith. 

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