Braving the Elements with Tonya B. Ashely

Let's give a warm Diamond Mine welcome to this week's guest Tonya B. Ashley. Tonya's newest release came out earlier this month. Romancing the Elements is a novella collection, so you get to read stories by four authors, including Tonya. And she's graciously offered to give one of this blog's readers an digital copy of the book.

About Tonya B. Ashley

Tonya B. Ashley writes stories of resilience wrapped in adventure, blending heart-deep faith with a quirky compass for navigating life’s shadows. Her characters often face hard places with a little too much baggage and just enough courage to try again. When she’s not writing, Tonya can be found hiking and exploring nature with family and friends, creating faith-infused junk journals, or experimenting with latte flavor combos that probably shouldn’t work—but somehow do.

Connect with Tonya: Facebook | Scrivenings Press | Amazon

Suzie: Thank you for spending some time with us this week, Tonya. We are excited to have you here. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Tonya: I have loved the outdoors since I was a young child. A babbling brook or waterfall, a moss-covered rock face, a rotten log. I could never resist these things.

Nature is also where I discovered my fear of heights. I remember the first time I stood on a mountain trail overlooking a river valley. I was perhaps eight or nine. My breath caught in my throat, and my heartbeat pounded in my ears.

Since then, I have climbed many trees, rappelled a tower, and ziplined. I’ve sat atop rocky scenic

overlooks with the sun melting low in the sky. To some, it might appear I had overcome my fear of heights, but it’s still with me. I’ve learned adventure doesn’t mean fearlessness, but rather taking a deep breath and the next step forward. Stepping into my fear has often rewarded me with a fresh new perspective, whether a more magnificent view, a creative spark, or a greater sense of my Creator. And it has always been worth the trembling.

SW: I love it, and this explains how you painted such a rich setting in your newest release. Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Tonya: I have a day job as a substitute teacher. I especially love encouraging students in reading, writing, and social skills. On more than one occasion, students have been so swept up in the excitement of revision and editing lessons with me that we’ve run long and forgotten to line up for an activity like music or P.E. It’s a beautiful relationship because my creativity feeds theirs, and their creativity feeds mine.

Serving as a substitute teacher allows some flexibility in my weekly schedule. I sometimes take days off to write. Occasionally, I’m able to write on breaks. I’ve even been known to turn on soft instrumental music and write with students during their writing time. There’s nothing like the smile of a child who has a story to share.

Suzie: It is so sweet that you get to share your joy and passion of writing with young minds. Are you a night owl or morning person?

Tonya: I’m more of a night owl. I enjoy the winding-down time of a household. I love to soak up the quiet moments when my boys seek me out for one last chat of the day before heading to bed. Our lab makes rounds to check on everyone before circling back to lie beside me. There’s a sweet silence after everyone else is tucked in and I have time to reflect, journal, write. It’s almost like my mind is a crockpot and the ideas spend all day on the back of the counter bubbling until they’re ready to be spooned out. In the mornings, I prefer quiet until after coffee. Unless I’m traveling. Then it’s like a switch flips, and I become a morning person, eager for the adventure.

Suzie: That crockpot analogy is great. Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Tonya: Yes, I do! Writing a story is like life. It’s a journey of ups and downs, joys and challenges. Writing requires a willingness to lean into emotions. It’s fun, but it’s also hard work. So I think it’s important to honor the milestone of completing a story.

 When I finished my first novella, a dear friend gave me a Beanie Baby “The End” Bear. So, I usually take Bear on a hike, or I’ll take it along on a girls’ dinner to celebrate. My oldest son gifted me a portable hammock stand for Christmas, so my next reward may be an entire day spent in a hammock with Bear…listening to other writers’ stories.

Suzie: Who was your favorite character to create?

Tonya: I dearly love creating characters. My most recent release is "Grace and Grit," a novella featured in the Romancing the Elements novella collection. It focuses on McKenna Carter, a counselor, and Rough Scott, a wilderness survival instructor. They take four women on a backcountry retreat. I’m always quite attached to my main characters, and McKenna and Rough’s story was so much fun to write. But CeCe, a supporting character, took me by surprise. She made me laugh more than I had anticipated. I never knew what she might pull out of her backpack next. She brings a touch of her wedding planner flair to her backcountry lean-to. CeCe has this city girl tough streak that adapts so well to the wilderness, even though she’s clearly out of her element. She’s a girly-girl with a lot of grit.

Suzie: CeCe was one of my favorite characters too. But I loved all of them by the ned of the book. 

How did you come up with the names of your characters?

Tonya: "Grace and Grit" features the natural element of fire. I knew I wanted the counselor to symbolize a cozy campfire. She had to be someone who could gather others and help them connect. The name McKenna, meaning born of fire, seemed a perfect fit, and so McKenna Carter stepped onto the page.

Rough Scott hails from Arkansas, the only diamond-producing state in the U.S. He is a diamond in the rough with the personality to match. Diamond in the rough is a nod to my grandfather and his military history. He was a great encourager of my writing and told everyone I was a writer long before I was brave enough to call myself one.

Suzie: So fun. McKenna and Rough were the perfect names for your hero and heroine in this tory. What are your three books on your current tbr?

Tonya: Hope Even After by Heather Greer—A story of addiction, healing, and hope. This book is on my TBR because so many lives are touched by addiction, and I’ve already heard how honestly and beautifully this story is written.

A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans. This will be my first time reading a story in the biblical fiction genre. A journey with Yeshua of Nazareth to His suffering on the cross will be a great read leading up to Easter.

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham. After some deep dives in reading, a grumpy/sunshine romcom sounds like the perfect way to come up for air.

Suzie: Sounds like you've got some great stories to enjoy ahead. What’s next for you as an author?

Tonya: I’m currently writing the last of a set of historical romance stories in The Lost and Found series. The Lost and Found stories are reverse treasure hunts: an object surfaces, and the owner must be found. But the main characters also find something they were missing in their spiritual lives.

After I finish my current project, I’ll begin work on a middle-grade series inspired by the students I work with. Fantasy stories with a hint of nostalgia and themes of resilience, hope, and imagination.

Suzie: I can't read to read you next book in your series, and the middle-grade series sounds like will be a lot of fun to write. How can we pray for you?

Tonya: The year 2026 is off to an overwhelmingly difficult beginning for my family, so sustaining prayers for endurance and wisdom are much appreciated. We are thankful for the goodness of God and His unfailing love, and for the love and prayers of others.

Romancing the Elements

When love is rooted in God, no force of nature can stand against it.

Four heartfelt novellas. Four forces of nature. One unshakable truth—faith-filled love can weather any storm.

Romancing the Elements brings together four uplifting romance stories where ordinary people discover extraordinary love when life pushes their comfort zones. From icy porches to coastal winds, rugged wilderness trails to unyielding stone, each story explores how faith, love, and surrender intertwine in unexpected seasons.

In this collection, readers will meet:

• A driven career woman and a gentle small-town engineer whose opposites-attract romance unfolds during an unexpected ice storm
• A television anchor starting over in a coastal city, learning that home—and love—may look different than she planned
• Two battle-tested veterans facing old wounds and new hope amid Montana’s untamed beauty
• A counselor and a survival expert leading a wilderness retreat where healing, faith, and love walk side by side

Blending small-town charm, emotional depth, and gentle humor, these novellas offer tender reminders that God often does His best work when hearts are stretched and plans are surrendered.

If you love the heartfelt faith, emotional warmth, and hopeful romance found in stories by Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, or Becky Wade—settle in and let these stories carry you through every season of love.

Buy | Add to Goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win an ebook copy of Romancing the Elements by leaving a comment and answering this question: Are you more of an adventurous outdoors type—or a cozy-campfire-and-book type? Winner will be chosen on March 6, 2026.

Interview with award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner

 Join me in welcoming friend and award-winning historical Christian fiction author, Susie Finkbeiner, to the Diamond Mine! Every time I pick up a book by Susie, I'm whisked away with her relatable characters and touching 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 Susie! 

Susie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American,  All Manner of Things — both of which were selected as Michigan Notable Books —The Nature of Small Birds, and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three kids or performing at her local community theatre. She lives with her family in West Michigan.

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 live in West Michigan with my husband, our three teens, and Flannery the calico. I also live with an incredible book collection (don’t we all?). 

Who can resist adding to a book collection, I know I can't :) What drew you to write?

I grew up in a story-oriented family. My dad is a writer and used to tell us all sorts of stories (I’m still working out which ones were true and which fiction). My mom read to us kids every day (she was amazing at doing character voices). I was encouraged from my earliest years to read and daydream and enjoy imaginative play. 

As soon as I was able to spell, I started making up stories. I guess it was only natural for me. 

I love that! What a blessing to be surrounded by story from a young age. What’s your writing process? 

You know, it ends up being different for each project. I do a lot of reading and research before and during the drafting stage. I write a lot. Delete a lot. I give up and restart and despair and enjoy the work. 

My process? It’s a hot mess, to be perfectly honest with you. 

I can totally relate to that (living it right now!). I just love so many of your stories! My first Susie Finkbeiner book was “The Stories that Bind Us” and I was hooked! Each of your stories are so unique, How do you come up with your story ideas?

Thank you so much for saying that! Stories That Bind Us was a special one for me to write and I wish more people would give it a chance (hint, hint, everybody!). 

I get story ideas from all over the place! Sometimes I’ll be reading an article for research and come across a tidbit from history that becomes a seed for the next book I write. Other times I’ll see an old family photo and start wondering what it was like to live in the 1960s. Rarely, I’ll be walking into an aquarium, minding my own business, and have an idea for a story when I look up at the green tiles in the ceiling (this is how I got the idea for Stories That Bind Us). 

I literally took my whole family to that aquarium after reading Stories that Bind Us (that's all I'm saying, you guys gotta read it). Tell us about your most recent book. 

My latest book is actually a collaboration I got to work on with two of my dear friends, Rachel Scott McDaniel and Allison Pittman. It’s a collection of novellas, each set during a different era in New York City. Three different female protagonists, three different wars, one beautiful wedding dress. 

I usually don’t toot the “I won an award” horn, but this one feels different because all three of our stories were finalists for the Christy Award. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a huge win for all of us! 

That IS a huge win for you! Congratulations!! Are there certain themes explored in the story?

In my story, my protagonist is a widow who get a second chance at a love story of her own. She’s afraid to start over (who wouldn’t be?), but has to decide if this new thing deserves a chance to grow. 

Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

I wish you could see how I cringed when I read this question. Ack! How do I pick favorites? I honestly have so many that I loved writing that I couldn’t pick just one.

Oh. Okay. It’s Flossie. Flossie from The All-American is my favorite. 

I just got that book for Christmas and cannot wait to read it! I can't wait to get to know Flossie! What are you working on now?

I can’t tell you much about it just yet. This novel is still figuring out what it needs to be and that work has to be done in private (for me, at least). But I will say that it will involve music, which is one of my very favorite things in the world. 

I'm intrigued! When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I am a woman of many hobbies. There’s just so much about life to enjoy! In the summer months I spend a lot of time in my pollinator garden, weeding and enjoying the butterflies and bees and just generally fretting about the state of my echinacea. I also love walks in the woods where it is socially acceptable to completely freak out over spotting a bird. I’m still a big reader and love watching a good movie. 

Probably most time consuming of all is the time I spend at my local community theatre. Not only do I serve on the board, I also act and help with social media. Next year I have my directing debut and I’m so excited to try my hand at that type of storytelling. 

Thanks for joining us, Susie!

Check out 'Something Borrowed'

In this novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home—except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they hunt for clues, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are longtime friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far from their thoughts—not with Alice’s fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. Because she has bills to pay and her daughter, Eloise, to take care of, the job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

Order Here:

https://a.co/d/08KncPUh

Connect With Susie: https://www.instagram.com/susie_finkbeiner/

Heather Kaufman Brings Biblical Fiction to Life

I'm so excited to bring our next guest on The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction! Heather Kaufman's new release entitled On Living Stone is the third book in the Women of the Way series, and I believe it will be a blessing to all our readers!

YYY

PT: Welcome, Heather! First let the readers know from what region you hail.  Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, South, or Southwest?

HK: I’m from the Midwest where the weather is forever fickle!

PT: Me too! Just survived 14 inches of snow and now it is 50 degrees, LOL. Gotta love that! What lured you to writing and what genre do you write in?

HK: There’s something about escaping into the world of story that has always compelled me. From a young age, I enjoyed reading, and in middle school I set my heart on becoming a novelist. I love playing with words and creating stories that transport and captivate readers. I also love studying the Bible. Now I write in the Biblical fiction genre which allows me to marry my two loves—story and the Word. It’s been so transformative to imaginatively place myself in biblical events . . . to slow down and linger in ways I hadn’t before.

PT: Wow, great niche for you! Could you tell us what you want to impart to your readers through your books?

HK: I hope to invite readers to linger with me in the pages of Scripture. It can be easy to gloss over names we’ve read a thousand times, but there’s so much value in slowing down and placing ourselves in those first-century disciples’ shoes. There’s also great value in studying the Gospels through a cultural lens. When we do so, we’ll find that Jesus is even more beautiful than we can imagine. I hope readers are invited into deeper intimacy with Jesus and find themselves picking up their Bibles with renewed excitement.

PT: That’s a worthy goal. Now, give us your typical day/work time/devotion time, etc.

HK: I have three elementary age kiddos, so I wake up before they do to enjoy my time in the Word. After the morning rush of getting them off to school, I sit myself down to write in the morning when I’m freshest. After lunch, I transition to other tasks such as crafting social media posts, my author newsletter, emails, etc. Before picking the kids up for school, I squeeze in some Pilates. And, of course, there’s all the normal, every day, endless tasks of laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning! This is the first year all three of my kids are in school full-time. Most of my Women of the Way series was written in the margins—naptimes, preschool mornings, evenings, etc. It’s been an amazing transition to have more daytime hours for my work!

PT: Do you have a Bible verse that currently inspires you?

HK: Ephesians 2:20 has become especially meaningful this past year, and it served as inspiration for my latest book, On Living Stone. Leading up to this verse, Paul is discussing the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in Christ and culminates with the message of a unified dwelling that is built upon the “foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (NIV). I love this picture of the Church. There’s so much that can divide us, so much that feels shaky and uncertain in this world. But Christ is stability and in Him we have unity! What a beautiful picture and a taste of what heaven will be like.

PT: Yes, having Christ Jesus as our cornerstone helps us face all kinds of trials. I love that reminder. I’d like to find out some of your favorite things! First of all, Coffee, tea, water or other?

HK: I enjoy dark roast coffee in the mornings with oat milk creamer and maple syrup as a sweetener. In the afternoons, I enjoy herbal tea.

PT: Cat or dog?

HK: I’m allergic to cats, so I’m fully in camp “dog.” I had a golden retriever growing up, and my husband and I adopted a Jack Russell mix soon after we got married. He was a great family dog for many years and lived a long and loved life.

PT: City or country?

HK: I get a little disoriented in cities, which is funny because I live near St. Louis and my husband works downtown! If we go into the city as a family, I make him drive. So, I’m going with country for this one.

PT: Favorite color?

HK: I love earth tones—dark greens, browns, rusty oranges, and lighter neutrals.

PT: Favorite weather?

HK: I love springtime! The weather is still mild and the promise of new life is everywhere. Unlike the colder months where I just want to hibernate and do nothing, I get so energized in the spring and begin tackling a bunch of new projects. Now, whether I follow through with all of them or not is another thing!

PT: Favorite T-shirt (or other favorite)

HK: I have an old T-shirt from Well-Watered Women with the Fruit of the Spirit represented as flowers. Not only is it beautiful and comfy but it’s just the right amount of baggy. It’s pretty worn at this point, but I’ll never part with it!

PT: Love those favorites! Next is my favorite prompt. Tell 5 things about Heather Kaufman that have nothing to do with writing.

HK: 1) I grew up as a military brat and moved all over the U.S. although never oversees. The Midwest, however, feels like home since my dad retired here and I did both my undergraduate and graduate degrees here.

2) I’m half Italian. My paternal grandmother was born in Italy and in 2005, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy with her—an experience I will never forget!

3) I will pick savory food over sweets any day!

 4) I’m the oldest of six, and my youngest brother is still in college. There’s sixteen years between us.

5) My favorite holiday is Easter. There’s less commercialism surrounding it than Christmas, but it’s still filled with fun family traditions, and it takes place in my favorite season—Spring! Especially after writing my Women of the Way series, Christ’s resurrection is just so precious. I find myself filled with anticipation leading up to this holiday!

PT: Let’s center on your amazing books. How did you conceive the idea of your series Women of the Way and how you selected Martha, Joanna, and Salome?

HK: The first book in the series, Up from Dust:Martha’s Story, came to me back in 2016 during an Easter sermon. I was struck by a deep admiration for Martha as she encounters Christ in John 11. Her brother is four days dead, she is personally disappointed in Jesus, and yet she gives one of the strongest confessions of Christ as Messiah in the Gospels! I knew right then that I wanted to write her fictional backstory, tracing how she transformed from a woman wrapped up in worry to a woman of strong faith. Initially, I was going to write a trilogy on the siblings: Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. When Bethany House showed interest, they suggested pivoting and doing female followers of Christ. I was instantly intrigued by the idea and knew that if I was going to do this, it would be the “lesser-known” women surrounding Jesus. I relished the challenge of digging into women who haven’t been portrayed as much in fiction. Joanna’s name came right away, since I’ve always wondered what her discipleship looked like since her husband was so close to Herod Antipas. Salome’s name came next because I’ve always had empathy for this mother who longed for her boys to remain close to Jesus’ side.

PT: Talk about your newest book On Living Stone.

Every stone sings as it finds its purpose. This is the lesson restless Salome learns from her father as she grows up by the Sea of Galilee. Known as the wild girl with the quick tongue, Salome is determined to silence the critics who claim she has no future. An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave her hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother.

Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus’ Ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice. Can her family continue down the path of discipleship, when it might cost them everything? With threat abounding, Salome must confront her fears, even as she discovers her own worth in the most unexpected rabbi.

A journey of faith unfolds in this New Testament-inspired story of Salome, mother of Jesus’ apostles James and John. This compelling biblical fiction book explores themes of family, sacrifice, courage, and redemption, making it a stirring read for fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

YYY

HK: On LivingStone is the story of Salome, the mother of the Sons of Thunder—the Apostles James and John. In keeping with the format of my first two books, I structure the story in a Part One / Part Two. Part One gives us the “before picture” as Salome falls in love and has her sons. We walk with her through grief and joy and get a peek into what forms her as a person. Part Two gives us the “after picture,” moving forward in time to when Jesus comes on the scene and changes everything. It was such a unique perspective to explore—viewing Jesus’ ministry through the eyes of a mother watching her sons being formed into pillars of his Church!

PT: Oh, gracious! I can’t wait to read it! How involved is the historical/Biblical research for each of these books?

HK: The research has been incredibly involved! Before and during the writing of Up from Dust, I read books on how to approach the Bible through a cultural lens, what daily life looked like at the time of Jesus, commentaries on key biblical passages, and even some Christian living books that touched upon Martha. When I began writing Before the King, it was like starting all over again with the research because Joanna came from a much different background than Martha. I studied the politics of the time, especially in regards to Herod Antipas, and did research on the lifestyles of the affluent, city life, and Sadducean beliefs. For On Living Stone, I was able to draw upon a lot of my previous research and had built up a decent library by that time. My reading mainly revolved around studying the twelve apostles, reading all four Gospels chronologically, and diving into the fishing industry. So much goes into writing biblical fiction because not only are you trying to get the facts straight and stay true to Scripture, but there’s also a theological underpinning to the story that needs to remain sturdy, strong, and true. I cover each of my books with tears and prayers!

PT: I’ll be honest, I’ve read Up from Dust and it was so, so good. So good! (Readers don’t miss this one!) I have your next book Before the King which I can’t wait to dive into. Your books were the first I’ve ever read in Biblical fiction. So, my questions is, how do you construct your stories along with subplots around actual Biblical characters?

HK: Because my heroines are real women from the Bible, I begin with what we know of them from Scripture and then ask myself how they came by those characteristics. For example, with Martha, we see her wrapped up in worry. Christ gently observes that she is “worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41 NIV). And so, I imaginatively wondered what “things” Martha carried in her heart that weighed her down. What formed her into the Martha we see in Scripture?

With Joanna we see a brave woman who dares to support Jesus’ ministry even though she comes from a sphere where this was surely dangerous. I wondered how she came by that bravery. What happened in her life that made her desirous for truth and willing to risk her position for what she believed in? With Salome we see a determined mother who will do anything for her sons. She needs to learn to let go of her vision of the future and submit her plans to Christ. What might make this tricky for her? What background might she have had that informed her character and made surrender difficult? Part One in each story is an exploration of my heroine’s formative years so that hopefully, by the time we get to Part Two and some of those known events from Scripture, they land a little differently because we’ve walked so closely with this heroine and now experience those biblical events like we’re standing right there.

PT: Will there be more books in your Women of theWay series or are you heading in a new direction? If so, what Bible characters are next?

HK: On LivingStone concludes the Women of the Way series, but I’ve signed a two-book contract with Bethany House for a new series! This new duology will still be New Testament era biblical fiction but will take place in Samaria and include more fictional characters as well as a male POV. The bulk of the first book occurs before Jesus’ ministry and the second will coincide with His ministry. Both stories will hopefully serve to highlight the Samaritans—a group of people it can be easy to overlook and yet a group of people Jesus was very intentional in reaching. The first book is scheduled to release August of 2027, so there will be a bit of a wait, but I’m hoping readers find it worth that wait!

PT: I am absolutely sure it will be worth the wait! Thank you so much for joining us on the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction, Heather.

And Heather has graciously offered a print copy of her book, On Living Stone (US address) for one blessed person who comments or leaves her/his information on our contact form. Don’t miss this great opportunity! 

ENTER NOW for the drawing! 

If you can't wait, click the links above or below and add these books to your TBR right this minute!

YYY

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books, and her devotional writing has appeared in such publications as Portals of Prayer, Open Windows, YouVersion, and Guideposts. Her novel Up from Dust was a Carol Award finalist. An editor-turned-writer, Heather worked eight years in the publishing industry while earning her master’s degree and spinning tales late into the night. When she fell in love with studying the Bible through a cultural lens, the words of Scripture came springing to life, and Jesus became even more astoundingly beautiful. Now she delights in crafting stories that highlight the goodness of God and compel readers deeper into the Bible. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more and stay in touch at HMKStories.com.

Newsletter: https://www.hmkstories.com/newsletter

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

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-kaufman

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/hmkstories

Kindle Freebie and Author Interview with Lynne Waite Chapman

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 Lynne Waite Chapman!

Born and raised in Northeastern Indiana, Lynne Waite Chapman is a lover of mystery and suspense, but most of all people. In September of 2016, she published her first cozy mystery. The debut novel Heart Strings—first in the Evelynton Murder series—was a 2016 semi-finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Association Genesis contest. The next three in the series, Heart Beat, Murderous Heart, and Caffeinated Murder continue the adventures of three friends in the small town Evelynton, Indiana.

Lynne Waite Chapman began her writing career writing weekly non-fiction content for the BellaOnline.com Hair site, drawing on her thirty plus years as a hairdresser. Retiring the Hair site, she spent the next fifteen years sharing her faith and penning weekly content for the BellaOnline.com Christian Living site.

She has been a regular contributor of devotions for several print publications and devotionals, and has written articles for many church bulletins and newsletters. She has also contributed articles to numerous internet publications.

For more information about current and past writing projects find her on Facebook, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads, Instagram, and follow on Twitter at @LWChapmanAuthor.

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?

Do I have to choose one? I’m fond of all three. Everything in its time.

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

I’m a light eater. When I’m in a really good restaurant, I’ll order salmon or a creative salad.

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

Most of my time writing is done in my office. It’s a small room filled with book shelves loaded with my favorite books and some I haven’t read. The books inspire me to keep writing and reading. There is a really comfortable chair in my office that I’ve had for years. I may never replace it. The colors of the room are peaceful, white and gray, with accent shades of purple and maroon.

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

I often read a favorite book twice or three times. The second and third reading is to get to know the personalities of the characters or to catch a plot twist I’d missed. Is that odd?

It's not odd to me, LOL! What inspired you to write Death on Wolfe Mountain?

The main inspiration was to give my 3 main characters of the Evelynton murder series a new adventure. I’d been dealing with the subject of pride and how it reveals itself differently in each of us, so that would be a big part of it. The story begins with a hike through the woods and climbing an old bridge. I don’t do much hiking in the woods anymore but it’s one of my favorite things.

Cool angle! What led you to write in this genre?

I’ve always loved a mystery but not so much the sadistic crimes or evil criminals. Cozy mysteries are easy reads and are entertaining. If I can add a lesson or leave the reader thinking, all the better.

Love some cozy vibes! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

I want my readers to be entertained and maybe read just for the fun of it. But I also want them to see the inner beauty of each character. The protagonist, antagonist, and all their friends, have reasons for their actions. My characters may be in comical and improbable situations but they’re deeply human and full of human frailty. I hope my readers come away with something to think about that is beyond the story line.

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

I’m currently working on the third installment of the Secrets of Twin Fawn series. I would like to see the citizens of Twin Fawn experience a mystery during the Christmas season.

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

The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:7

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

The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves. This is a second reading.

Nice, and I love your callback to a second reading! ;-) Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Lynne!

Check out Lynne's new release, Death on Wolfe Mountain, but keep scrolling for a kindle freebie offer - only available from January 28th through January 30th!

New Release ~

Three best friends reunite for a week of fun and festivities in this fifth installment of the Evelynton Series. A damper is put on the week when a casual hike results in the three stumbling onto a lifeless body.

Questions begin in the first chapter. Who was this man? Was his death accidental? Was it a suicide? Or was it murder?

Freelance writer and part-time receptionist, Lauren Halloren has unwittingly stumbled into a mystery that will once again pit her against local law enforcement, Officer Jimmy Farlow. When the three friends meet to delve into the circumstances surrounding the death, they find there is more than one mystery to be solved and many of the clues point to Lauren. One answer in their investigation leads to another question.

As Lauren continues to proclaim her innocence even friends begin to question her involvement.

Death on Wolfe Mountain is a fun mystery that will have you guessing and possibly leave you with a final question.

Check it out on Amazon! 

Kindle Freebie ~

The author is generously offering the kindle version of Heart Strings for free from January 28th through January 30th. 

Heart Strings is book one in the Evelynton Murder series. Grab your copy while you can at the link below!

Amazon.com: Heart Strings (Evelynton Murder Series Book 1) eBook : Chapman, Lynne Waite:

Kindle Store

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and 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!