Author Megan Besing's New Book Lights Up the Shelves

 

(Photo by Matt C./unsplash.com)

All right, readers, you're firefighters! Pull on your gear, grab your helmet, (those things are heavy so pump some iron before you start!) and jump in the firetruck. We're about to find out more about the next fire and rescue book Rescued Heart by an author near and dear to my heart, Megan Besing. Sound the alarm and break open the garage door—don't forget Dally the Dalmatian—and let's get right into the hot spots of this new release!

PT: Let's jump right into the fire, Megan. Tell us how you got started as a suspense author.

MB: After I had two published historicals, I saw how Sunrise Publishing had a call out for an opportunity to potentially be mentored by a great suspense author, Lisa Phillips, and I thought I’d like to learn how to write suspense. So, I tried out and was chosen. I got to have a weekend retreat with Lisa and Susan May Warren where I learned lots and that lead to my next three suspense books through Sunrise Publishing.

PT: Everyone's dying to know, do you have a day job besides writing?

MB: I’ve spent the last two years teaching 7th and 8th grade at a small Christian school. Yes, all the subjects, including Latin the first year (which I did not know). My favorite subjects to teach are Bible and believe it or not, Math.

PT: So is there any genre you secretly want to write in?

MB: I have several YA/YA fantasy/ Dystopian stories on my old computer and in my head. I think being a current junior high teacher has me longing to see those stories in print. But I just want to find books for my students that I know they’ll love, and I don’t have to fear what’s inside of them. However, I don’t see that happening tomorrow at least. 😊

PT: Hobbies? Pets? Favorite vacations? Favorite foods while writing? Work with silence or music or other?

MB: Reading, that counts as a hobby, right? Pets, we have a dog and three cats, plus some chickens all of which live outside and actually enjoy there. Though my cat, Novella, is actually sleeping on my lap right now. We’ve gotten to travel a fair amount, and I love things about each trip, but my favorites are probably: Ireland, Hawaii, and Lake Superior. And yes, I love water it seems. My favorite foods while writing tend to be on the crunchy/salty end like Chex-Mix and Cheese-Its, but I also love chocolate. Usually, I work outside in my “writing room”. It’s really a little shed by our lake that gets really hot in the summer.  I tend to listen to creation, but if I’m inside where it’s loud, I’ll listen to instrumental music—like The Piano Guys.

PT: Did you ever have a book review that really inspired you?

MB: I try to read all my reviews. Generally, they are good, but occasionally I’ll get a review that beats me or my book up (or both) and for some reason those bad reviews seem to stick out in my brain more than the good ones. But I love reading a review where the reader “got” the story and when they mention the spiritual aspects of the book, I’m like: “Yes, this is why I do this.” It’s very encouraging.

 PT: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

MB: My original dream destination was Ireland, and we actually visited there a few years ago. And yes, it’s beautiful and lovely. I think now I’d like to visit England and see the beautiful coastline. Drink some yummy tea. However, don’t tell my daughter, but we’d love to take her to Paris—her dream—for her senior trip. But… life doesn’t always allow our dreams. So only time will tell if that adventure will happen or not.

 PT: Tell us a quick synopsis of your new book, Rescued Heart.

 Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

 But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

 Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

PT: Your new book, Rescued Heart is part of a series, correct? Tell us a little about the series and how many books are included.

MB: Rescued Heart is actually book seven in the Last Chance Fireand Rescue Series which is a branch from the original Last Chance County Series that Lisa Phillips wrote ten books in. Each book in the LCF&R series are all stand alones, where they follow a different firefighter either on Rescue Squad Five or Truck Fourteen. Or the fire chief like I got to write about in book two, Expired Hope. There will be one more book releasing in a few months to finish out the series the LCF&R series. It’s been so fun bringing the crew their own happily-ever-afters.

PT: I’ve just started reading the book. I can’t wait to see which direction Bianca will go next. Do you have a character in this, or other books, that is most like you?

MB: I usually don’t mirror a character after anyone specific. A character may get a few random traits or I might borrow from people I know. But if anything, sometimes I borrow favorite things—Like Bianca enjoys a certain kind of milkshakes, and the reason I chose that flavor is because my dad likes that kind, too. She’s also partial to flipflops and sweatpants, and I’m guilty of that as well.

 PT: What’s the Bible premise or verse that Rescued Heart centers around?

 MB: I chose Palms 139: 23-24 for Rescue Heart’s verse: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It talks about our heart, and it touches on some trials the characters have to endure doing the story.

 PT: What Bible verse keeps you centered right now?

MB: My favorite verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting in the Lord covers most things we go through in life. But the verse I’d chosen for my classroom this past year was Proverbs 4:23 which says: Above all else, guard your heart; for everything you do flows from it.  I also need to pick a new verse to memorize for the month. It will probably be another verse in Proverbs because that’s the book I’m currently in. 

 PT: Drum roll for my favorite prompt. Name 5 things that have nothing to do with writing.

 MB: 1. A Vanilla Coke—because I’d like to drink one right about now. 

        2. Packing—we’re about to go camping. (Which is not what I consider a great vacation. Lol. But it is good family time.) 

        3. Orchids and tulips—because I think they’re my favorite flowers. Though, I do enjoy Gerber daisies too.  

        4./5. Bedtime I’m wondering how much farther is bedtime because I’m tired. And I’m thinking I might need another hummingbird feeder.

 PT: What’s next on your author chalkboard? Writing? Editing? Marketing? All three?

MB: It looks like I’m going to have another book release next spring. More details can be found in my newsletter and social media when everything because more official.

(Photo by Tak Kei Wong/unsplash.com)

PT: And the fire's out. Enter Megan's book giveaway by leaving your email address and a inspiring
comment, or use our contact form. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Megan for joining us today!

Want to know more about Megan Besing? Keep reading!

purchase links:

https://books2read.com/rescuedheart

 https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Heart-Chance-County-Rescue-ebook/dp/B0DFY2YVCZ

 https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-last-chance-fire-and-rescue-rescued-heart/

 

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, with her husband and their children, 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 meganbesing.com.

 

Links:

 https://www.meganbesing.com/

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

https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

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

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-Besing/author/B073X2W8CV

Interview with author Heidi Glick!!

 

Today we welcome Heidi Glick to The Diamond Mine!! Her upcoming release is a romantic suspense from Scrivenings Press. Gazing into Darkness is Book 1 in the Queen City Heroes series. The release date is August 12, 2025. The book will be available on Amazon and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Here's a taste of the book:  Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Sounds really interesting, Heidi!! Now let's start the interview!

So, tell us a bit more about the series.

Gazing into Darkness is the first book in a three-book romantic suspense series, Queen City Heroes, set in Cincinnati, Ohio. While solving cases, federal agents Chance McPherson and Stacy Sanderson must also investigate their feelings for each other. In Book 1, Chance must overcome his anger toward God and his fear of working with a female agent, to protect his partner, Stacy, from a madman who wants revenge.

How did you get your idea for this story?

For several years, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. Later, I learned about EPA CID agents.I thought it'd be cool to write a story about them and the work they do.

Great idea! I'm glad you thought of it. So, what made you decide to be a writer?

When I  was thirteen, I was in a church Christmas drama. I wanted to play Mary, but I couldn't sing, which was required for the role. An adult suggested I write my own play. Growing up in Southern California, originally, I dreamed of writing Christian screenplays, but God had other plans.

Then, what was your first story?

My first story was Dog Tags, a romantic suspense from Pelican Book Group. In it, Marine Mark Graham determines to protect Beth Martindale, the woman he loves, at all costs, and yet his own secrets might turn her against him forever.

That sounds cool!

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Normally, I write from an outline. With my current work-in-progress, I have written toward what James Scott Bell refers to as signposts, but I haven't followed an outline as closely as I normally do.

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

Yes, I try to include themes of redemption, forgiveness, and trusting God.

Such important themes for every person to experience!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

The heroine of the story and I both like to read books.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes, with my current work in progress, I was surprised by twists along the way.

I love it when that happens!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

The main characters in Gazing Into Darkness, Chance and Stacy, are my favorite characters.

So, what are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on a stand-alone romantic suspense, tentatively titled, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio.

I love that title! 

Thanks for the interview, Heidi! I really enjoyed hearing about your books.

Now readers, here is a short bio of Heidi, plus her social and purchase links!

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of 

Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing 

romantic suspense from a Christian worldview. Additionally, she is a member 

of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian 

Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. She has an eye for detail and 

includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in 

scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County 

(Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Before 

becoming a romantic suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high 

school students and edited science documents. Though she grew up in 

Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home. When 

she is not busy discovering unique ways to wreak havoc upon the lives of her 

fictional characters, she spends quality time with her husband, two kids, and 

eight pets.

Readers can learn more about Heidi on her 

Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Social Media Links:

·       http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick

·       https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1

·       https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/

·       https://www.instagram.com/glick.heidi/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035003.Heidi_Glick

·       https://www.pinterest.com/sheglick/

A Virtual Lakeside Chat with Author Jennifer Rodewald

We welcome in Jennifer Rodewald who has lived both in the mountains and the rural midwest. But today we focus on being lakeside with her new book, Lake Shore Sanctuary. Grab your fishing pole and enjoy the virtual lake view while we get to know Jennifer a little better.

PT: Tell a bit about yourself and how you landed in writing and why you write the contemporary genre.

JR: I’ve always loved story, and I’ve always written. At some point in my early teen years, I turned from journaling, in which I found myself often complaining about some aspect of life, to writing stories instead. Story is instructive to me, and I find that I learn best through that vehicle.

In my adulthood, I began to pray that God would give me a story worth telling. I had thought that it would be something historic, as that is what I usually read. What eventually filled my imagination, however, was a complicated contemporary story of a stubborn man trapped in alcoholism and a young woman dragged into that undertow. Not something I ever thought I’d write . . . but I did, and it eventually became Blue Columbine, my first published novel. I’ve written contemporary ever since—though when I read, I prefer to read historical. Life is quirky like that. 😉

PT: What authors/books intrigue you the most? Any favorites?

JR: When I read for pleasure, as I said above, it’s usually something in the historic genre. I particularly love Regency.

My very favorite books have been biographies, though. PureGold, the story of Eric Liddell by David McCasland is my all time favorite.

PT: Do you have a current Bible verse that has a special meaning to you?

JR: Hmmm . . . I tend to favor passages of God’s Word—I feel that context is very, very important, so I shy away from solitary verses. I love the Psalms—one commentator names them the “anatomy of the human heart,” and I lean into Psalm 103 quite a bit as it reminds me to glorify God for all that He has done. 

PT: Are you a city gal, a country girl, a beach lover, a mountain lady or a lake shore lass?

JR: Funny you should ask that. 😊 I spent the first 7 years of my life in the mountains of Colorado, and that left a substantial impression on my life. Then we moved to a not-so-great suburb of Denver where I spent the next dozen or so years. I hoped and prayed that I would not live there forever . . . and God kindly gave me a Husker for a husband. I have lived in rural Nebraska for the past 22 years—and let me tell you that adjusting to not only small-town life, but small-town rural life, took some time. There are still things that I think or say that my husband will respond with, “Jen, your city girl is showing.”

I love my small-town life, though, and hope to stay here forever. We try to get away to the mountains at least once a year. I have summitted (bagged) 4 Colorado 14ers (peaks that stretch upward at least 14,000 feet), and have wandered many, many more mountain trails in our adventures. My kids used to joke that we were the only family they knew who had to train for their vacations. Good thing they were cross country runners!

PT: Since the spring season is on the cusp of appearing, tell your favorite season and why.

JR: I love them all. I love the changing of times and seasons. Spring and summer bring a lot of work my way—I am a very small, hobby-level flower farmer, but I savor the work and the beauty. Fall and winter bring a little bit of rest, and that is lovely, too.

PT: Talk about Lake Shore Sanctuary, how you came up with the idea, and a little about the series itself Redemptive Shores.

JR: Redemption Shores came about from a group project I participated in a few years back—we put together an anthology of 80’s movie spin-offs. It was super fun! I knew, though, that once the anthology had gone it’s year-long course, I wanted to refresh and expand the story I’d written for it (mine was a reverse-roll spin-off of overboard, set in the Montana mountains), and I wanted to try a Saga-style series so that I could really dig in deep with complexity and character development.

That sort of threw off a lot of my readers—contemporary Christian romance doesn’t see a lot of a Saga-style series (think of your favorite, bingeable TV series—like Heartland or Miss Scarlet—and you’ll know what I mean). Readers tend to like their romances all neatly tied up at the end of each book—and I get it! But this series has been challenging and wonderful to write, because of the complexity, and because the characters are given time to really ferment and grow. It’s been a beautiful reminder that in real life, people’s stories stretch over a lifetime—and we all need patience, humility, and grace for the course.

PT: What was your favorite part to write in Lake Shore Sanctuary?

JR: I loved having a story that had a strong element of suspense. I’ve never written one before, so that was a fun change-up. I also really, really loved writing a marriage that grew into love—and that happened because of a determination on both sides to choose love—and to show love—even when they weren’t “in love.” One of my favorite lines from the story was this:

"Falling in love and loving someone are very different. I think you will discover that loving is the deeper end of the pool."

If I could hammer in something about love and marriage to my four children and have it stick, I think that would be it. Loving is gritty and hard and humbling and full of sacrifice. But it’s also glorious and beautiful and worth every tear and effort.

PT: Did you enjoy researching for this novel? What interesting tidbits did you discover that may or may not have made it into the book?

My favorite part of research for LSS was watching VLOGs of backpackers who took me into the Yellowstone backcountry. I loved getting a virtual journey into parts of the Park that I wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. Man, it’s really beautiful! God sure does amazing work!

It was also interesting to find that the FBI does “contract” (sort of) some of their undercover operatives—though often those are criminals who work as part of a plea bargain (think White Collar). It was also interesting (alarming!) to discover that the cartel does have a presence in Montana (my husband questioned that), and it’s not small. Yikes!

PT: Tell a little about LakeShore Sanctuary.

JR: Winning her husband’s heart might be the adventure--if not the achievement--of her life. If she can pull it off.

Grady Briggs is quiet and dependable and wants a life that looks nothing like his years spent working as a criminal investigator. But when a known member of the cartel comes searching for Isa Romero, that calm, predictable life he'd hoped to find in Luna goes up in flames. Things get complicated when Grady discovers why the crime boss is after Isa.

Though the flirty, vivacious young woman has rubbed him wrong since day one, Grady is willing to go to any length to protect her--even if that means marrying her.

Isa wanted a life full of romance and adventure, but her search for it has landed her in a whole lot of trouble. Grady’s offer of protection is the smart choice, but a lifeless, loveless marriage isn’t something she can live with. Her best option? Win her husband’s heart—which might be the adventure, if not the achievement—of her life, if she can pull it off.

Their marriage is supposed to be her refuge, but the danger only gets worse . . .

Just when they discover that they might have a chance at a real future together, their secret is exposed. When the danger becomes life-threatening, will Grady be able to protect his wife like he promised?

PT: Tell 5 things about Jennifer Rodewald that have nothing to do with writing.

I’m a girl who loves Jesus and want others to love Him too.

I have been married to my own personal Superman for almost 26 years.

I have 4 nearly grown children (my baby is a junior in high school).

I am a small-scale flower farmer.

I am a part-time swim coach.

PT: Talk about your future plans and what direction you are heading in your career. Will there be another book in the Redemptive ShoresSeries, or will you head in another direction?

JR: I am finding that I have to hold tomorrow up with an open hand. Currently, I am on a writing break, praying, as I did in the beginning, for a story worth telling. I have ideas for more Redemption Shores books, but for now, I wait. And in the meantime, I live. There is so much to do and savor in this beautiful life God gives!

PT: And there you have it, readers~the inside scoop on Author Jennifer Rodewald! We are doing a free book giveaway~although if I am honest, we haven't had to give away any books in the last several weeks because of lack of comments~and you can enter by leaving a comment and your email. Or, you can enter by using our contact form. I sure would like to giveaway a copy of Jennifer Rodewald's book, Lake Shore Santuary, but that is up to all of you readers! We want to hear from you, and thanks for stopping by our virtual lakeshore chat!

Thanks to Jennifer for stopping by The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction!

Jennifer Rodewald Bio:

Jennifer Rodewald lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. Somehow she is both a realist and a romantic. She writes faith-based stories of Christian romance with real-life struggles and the hope of happily-ever-after grounded in the goodness and faithfulness of God. She loves stories and believes they can be powerful vehicles of truth and hope. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too, because HE is the real hope for that eternal happily-ever-after.

Find Jen at her website @https://authorjenrodewald.com
Or on Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald
You can find all her books on Amazon @ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-
Rodewald/author/B00XZK0PQ6

 

Lake Shore Sanctuary links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222951465-lake-shore-sanctuary

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lake-shore-sanctuary-a-christian-novel-

redemption-shores-book-5-by-jennifer-rodewald

Amazon: https://mybook.to/LakeShoreSanctuary