Author Abigail Wilson's Third Regency Waits in the Wings. . .

We're closing out one of the last weeks in December with Abigail Wilson, one of the Diamond Mine's favorite authors. She's turning out her third book and it's bound to be as exciting as the other two! May is just around the corner, (when her book releases) and I couldn't wait to don my white gloves and chat with her.

PT: Welcome back to the Mine! So, for the readers who haven't met you, tell us a little more about your genre, Regency.

AW: Thank you so much for having me back on the mine, Peggy!

The Regency era is by far my favorite time period in England and took place between 1811 and 1820 when George, Prince of Wales, governed the country as 'Regent' due to the madness of his father George III. Though the Regency period spanned only a few years, thanks to Jane Austen and the romanticized mix of honor, class, and societal expectations, it has sparked countless stories.

And, while balls and matchmaking mamas were giving their daughters seasons in London in hopes of snagging husbands of wealth and status, the Napoleonic Wars were raging on the continent, which provides a delicious mix of adventure and romance with which to set my own stories.

PT: Ahhh. The perfect backdrop. So share with us, when can we expect to see your book on the shelf and where is it set?

AW: My second novel Midnight on the River Grey

released in July 2019, and it is set on the southeastern coast of England where smuggling and spying with France flourished.

My next book Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey will release in May 2020 in the same location.

PT: Smuggling, spying, gracious I must fan myself! Tell us, is your new book a standalone novel or part of a series?

AW: Each one of my stories are loosely connected but can be read as a standalones, including Midnight on the River Grey.

PT: Such an exotic location to build a story. Have you ever been to London/Europe or do you research extensively for your projects?

AW: Traveling to England continues to be a dream of mine. However, I like to say I’ve visited Regency England thousands of times in my imagination. Thanks to the popularity of the Regency time period, there are so many research options online as well as in books. And Google Earth is a huge help too.

PT: Virtual reality is an ideal way to travel, especially to us book worms! So go ahead, wow us with your favorite regency quip (using your best regency British brogue, LOL.)

AW: There are so many I can hardly choose. Here’s one that comes to mind:

“I daresay the boot is quite on the other leg.” (The situation is the reverse)

And in response, “Eh, wot?” (Right?!)

PT: Is there Biblical themes/lessons in your books?

AW: My books are considered crossover books, which means they are presented from a Christian world view with a strong moral message rooted in faith, but can be picked up by anyone in the general public.

PT: Favorite place to be? Favorite place to write? Tea, Coffee, or other for writing?

AW: One of my favorite places that I’ve ever been is Glacier National Park, gorgeous sweeping mountains and waterfalls.

My favorite place to write is anywhere comfy and quiet. Currently, while my kids are at school, I like to put up my feet in my recliner and type on my laptop.

And I absolutely cannot write without tea by my side, preferably chai tea.

PT: Name 5 things fast about Abigail Wilson that have nothing to do with writing.

AW: I love visiting the National Parks and plan to see every single one in my lifetime.

I’m addicted to Coca-cola.

My dog is trained to do all kinds of tricks.

I’m a mom of two crazy kids (One is a competitive diver and the other plays the French horn).

I’m always planning my next road trip.

PT: What’s your next project?

AW: Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey will release in May 2020, and I’m so excited to get the chance to give Elizabeth Cantrell a happily ever after. Here’s the blurb:

When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

PT: And there you have it, dear readers! A chance to travel back to England and embrace the Regency time period. Merely pick up one of Abigail's books and off you go. Perhaps now, the boot is on the other leg! Simply click on here, and you can pre-order her new book or purchase her other ones. 
Otherwise, you can be entered to win Abigail Wilson's Midnight on the River Grey by simply commenting and leaving your email. Good Luck, and Merry Christmas!

Rachelle Rae Cobb's New Year's Interview

Happy New Year, Diamond Mine Readers. Abigail here, and I’m excited to ring in 2017 with an interview of the fabulous author behind The Steadfast Love Series, Rachelle Rae Cobb. If you haven’t had a chance to delve into one of her books, do so as quickly as possible for this writer/editor is not to be missed.

ABOUT RACHELLE:

Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago—her passions include the Reformation, Revolutions, and romance. During college, Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots her novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South.

Author Links:

Website: http://RachelleReaCobb.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/RachelleReaCobb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelleReaCobb

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/RachelleReaCobb/

Instagram: @RachelleReaCobb

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8144149.Rachelle_Rea_Cobb

THE INTERVIEW:

Let’s get started!

1. When and where did you first get the idea for the Steadfast Love Series?

A song I was listening to on the radio inspired the title of the first book. So I wrote Diamonds, but when I finished it, I realized to my great frustration that the characters weren’t done with their story, even though I had been quite adamant that I would write a stand-alone novel. But the story wasn’t finished, so I kept writing.

2.  Readers often pick out favorite quotes from a novel. Do you have a favorite of your own from The Sound of Silver?

Yes! In fact, my friend Mindy, a calligrapher, even created a beautiful piece of art from one of my favorite quotes: “Within the pages of books one’s heart can be revealed.”

3.  Can you tell us what first drew you to writing Inspirational Historical Romance?

My first exposure to the genre came when I read Heartsong Presents novels when I was twelve. Those small books introduced me to how much I believe in the power of story, especially love stories set in times gone by.

4.  What led you to writing 16th century stories?

The Elizabethan time period has always fascinated me. When I was younger, I used to check out the same big red-covered biography of Elizabeth I from the library. I loved learning about Raleigh's adventures, the exploration of the New World, the tension between the established Catholicism and the budding Protestant Reformation. That fascination naturally lent to setting my stories there. :)

5.  You’ve provided such rich details of time and place throughout the series, have you been to any of the places you write about? And if not, where would you like to visit the most?

I actually have not! If I could travel anywhere, I'd love to see all that England has to offer. And the Netherlands, too (where Book One begins). Such rich history, stuff we're unused to here in the states where all our history is usually a couple hundred years old max.

6.  I saw on your website that you also write reviews, articles and offer editing services. What's one of your favorite things beyond writing novels that you enjoy?

Editing is such fun! I daresay I enjoy editing a page full of my own (or others’!) words just as much as I enjoy splashing words onto a blank page.

7.  What’s next in your writing career?

I'm working on a secret project that is on my editor's desk right now. I'm also expanding my editing business; I love helping other writers and authors and businesses polish their pages so they can take the next step in their careers. There's little I find more thrilling than wrestling words, whether they're my own or a client's!

8. Any tidbits of helpful advice for aspiring authors?

Do as much as you can to learn. Read. Research. Follow writing blogs. Join writing Facebook groups. But never forget that a writer writes. For all you're learning, put it into practice on the page. What you write may just one day surprise you!

Thank you so much Rachelle for spending time with us today. Please check out below her available books!

BOOK ONE

The Sound of Diamonds

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.

Links: Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Goodreads
ISBN: 1939023599, ISBN-13: 978-1939023599

With a lovely style that is mature and seasoned, at an enviable professional level, readers are in for a real treat with Rachelle’s debut. Beautifully written, The Sound of Diamonds is a gem. An unusual heroine, a unique setting, and a heart-stopping hero make this a must-read for historical fiction fans. Encore, Rachelle!

—Laura Frantz, author of The Mistress of Tall Acre

Rachelle’s debut novel transports readers back to the danger and mystique of Europe during the 1500s. Rich in church history and woven together with romantic suspense, The Sounds of Diamonds is a fascinating story and stellar debut. I look forward to reading more from Rachelle!

—Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Chateau of Secrets and The Black Cloister

Readers of Jody Hedlund’s new medieval YA series and Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale-based YA novels will love Rachelle’s The Sound of Diamonds.

—Dawn Crandall, award-winning author of The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, and The Captive Imposter

The Sound of Diamonds is a rare treat for young adult readers who love historical fiction. Rachelle’s prose is rich and exquisite and her story is impeccably researched. She gives readers a stunning setting and layered, flawed characters who, in finding their way through a dangerous and dark time, made me want to know everything about the Iconoclastic Fury. I’m a huge fan!

—Laura Anderson Kurk, author of Glass Girl and Perfect Glass

In her eloquently-written debut novel, Rachelle brings a story of grief and restoration, heartache and redemption. Dirk’s love for Gwyn kept me flipping the pages, and I found it to be the perfect illustration of God’s adoration for His children: Gentle and unconditional, despite our anger and misjudgments. This well-researched historical novel accurately portrays the language of the sixteenth century, enticing the reader to be swept away on a journey from the very first page … one that they will certainly not forget.

—Tessa Emily Hall, YA author of Selah Award Finalist Purple Moon

BOOK TWO

The Sound of Silver

The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One fights for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

Links: Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Goodreads

ISBN: 1939023610                                                                           

ISBN-13: 978-1939023612

In The Sound of Silver, Rachelle Rea Cobb weaves a tremendous tale that takes flight with vivid prose and lands with complex characters caught up in the turbulent times of the Reformation. Like a cup of tea on a cold winter’s night, The Sound of Silver hits the perfect spot. It warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling beautifully contented while the wind howls deliciously of danger outside your door. This, my dears, is one novel you won’t want to miss.

— Gillian Bronte Adams, author of Orphan’s Song and Out of Darkness Rising

In her much-anticipated second novel The Sound of Silver, Rachelle Rea Cobb invites readers to step into 16th century life through her irresistibly rich prose. Rea continues the story of Dirk and Gwyneth as they navigate loss, fear, and love at a time marked by intense turmoil and faith-shaking questions. A deeply moving, historically accurate, thrilling adventure for all!

—Laura Anderson Kurk, author of Glass Girl and Perfect Glass

BOOK THREE

The Sound of Emeralds

What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?

With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God had brought together…

As the date of Dirk’s trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth’s parents’ murders—or separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?

Links: Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Goodreads

ISBN: 1939023637                                                           

ISBN-13: 978-1939023636

New Members Join in the Merry-Making!

Merry Christmas! May this season be more than your favorite gift. 'Tis the season of our Savior's birth! I hope that thrills your heart like no other news.

We have Christmas excitement here at the mine as well! Heading into the 2017 year, you might have noticed some changes. Several of our previous writers have went on to other pursuits, and we will sure miss them. But we are welcoming in five new contributors. Let me introduce them to you.

What a great gallery of Christian Writers! I know you, the readers, will enjoy getting to know these ladies over the next year. But enough of all the preliminaries. Let's unwrap some questions!

Welcome ladies! We are so blessed to have all of you. The readers are like children at the foot of the sugar plum tree, drooling over the goodies of Christmas. They can't wait to get to know you. Let's start the celebration!

All right, ladies. Tell us, what started all of you writing? 

Julie: Pure economics. When my husband was alive, we moved a lot for his job, and each time I found it harder to land a job. So at the suggestion of three friends, I began freelance writing eight years ago. As a thanks for the income, I promised God I’d tithe my writing time to Him first each day. Eleven fictional works later, I also write and edit for seven publications and websites regularly.

DiAne: From grade school forward I knew God gifted me to draw and paint. But in our household such things were frivolous, a girl needed to get a job at the phone company ‘til she married and had babies. But together with all that creative bent came a streak of rebellion. I’d show ‘em and I did. I entered art shows much to my mother’s horror—she referred to those years as my gypsy lifestyle.

At fifteen I won a local writing contest with the theme “The Basis of a Great Nation Is a Christian Home.” I still have the original and shudder at my grammar, but it wasn’t until I pursued every other brand of creativity known, moved to Texas, grabbed my camera and did some eyeball to eyeball photography with barrel racers and bulls in the rodeo arena that my ROPED series was birthed—and I won’t tell you how many years that took, but I have five other children’s books in the closet I’ve written and illustrated. My someday books.

Angela: I've been writing since I learned to read. I've always loved to do it and would spend time in my room crafting stories, which would concern and frustrate my parents.

V. Joy: In high school I realized that I actually liked writing assignments. . .and that, as they say, is history. By the way, who says that?

Abigail: I’ve always been an avid reader and wrote several books as a child, but about four years ago I read a book that had a predictable, boring ending, and I thought, I could write something better than that. So I started brainstorming and came up with a few ideas. I wrote the first chapter and just kept going until I finished my first book. In my heart, I believe God planted the idea and the desire to continue.

And what's your overall purpose of your novels? 

Julie: To help people find God in their daily lives. Too often people don’t “see” that. By reading how He moves in a fictional life, it might help them relate and start noticing Him in theirs.

DiAne: My purpose for writing is teaching. Years ago, I learned you can’t teach what you don’t know. And we have at least two younger generations who do not know the Word of God. Their parents didn’t teach them either because they didn’t know or became preoccupied with urgent things and forgot what was important.

Our young people face so many life altering circumstances each day. And we’re not talking about them until we find ourselves forced to react rather than act. The Roped series deals with difficult family issues good “church folks” refuse to believe can affect their children—‘til they’re forced to. Two Texas families and their generational feuds brings to light the differences faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ makes in the home, the school and their town. Of course, with a background in the arena with shoot-‘em-up cowboy flavor!

Angela: My overall purpose for my novels is to connect with readers who may not have any or very little acquaintance with the Gospels and try to open that door for them.

V. Joy: It's to write fun stories that don't just entertain, but that God would use to transform lives. Even if it's just my life.

Abigail: I write my books mainly to entertain. Regencies, but with a Christian message. Through them, even in a small way, I hope the reader can come away with a glimpse into the heart of God as well as an escape into the past.

Tell what your favorite thing is about writing. 

Julie: I write mostly by the seat of my pants (panster) and I love where my mind, guided by the Holy Spirit, takes the story. It’s like opening one of those Russian dolls.  Each one leads to another surprise. Isn't that what our earthly walk is? We know the beginning and kind of how it will end ( in eternity), but the joy is in the journey.

DiAne: Allowing my imagination to run wild! To sit in front of that blank page, like I sit in front of a canvas, and watch either the strokes of my paint-filled-brush or my words fill the page with color, movement, excitement, and purpose. Sometimes I succeed, other times I don’t. But like life in Christ, there are do-overs when we miss the mark.

Angela: My favorite thing about writing is how when I get "in the zone" an entire day can go by, and I haven't noticed, which beats the clock watching I used to do at work.

V. Joy: I think it's how the characters and their stories come alive. I feel their hurts. I fight to understand them. I love them.

Abigail: . Writing is my creative outlet where I am able to go on an adventure with my characters without leaving my home. And, the community of other writers is pretty wonderful.

How about letting us know a favorite thing about your readers? 

Julie: They are loyal and encouraging, and several pray for me. That means a lot.

DiAne: Now that’s a no-brainer for me—when a reader applies the story to their lives and says, “I saw myself in your words. Thank you.”

Angela:  Since I've only published one novel so far, I've not had much reader interaction. But it has been nice when someone reads my novel and the first question is when is the next one coming out? 

V. Joy: It's how encouraging and supportive they are! Each message blesses me so much!

Abigail: Well, I’m an unpublished writer, so I’ve had few readers yet, but already on social media and other platforms I’ve been able to meet such wonderful heartfelt people I’ve been able to connect with—because we’re all readers.

Given the season, I can't resist asking you all to reveal a secret Christmas wish!

Julie: As a widow dependent on freelance writing to make ends meet, I usually can’t afford to buy gifts. That’s okay because I have learned anew the importance of the season beyond all the materialistic hype. So my wish isn’t really a secret—that more people would discover Jesus and draw close to Him. What better gift is there?

DiAne: Our family is small and scattered. My son is an Air Force Fighter Pilot Colonel. My son-in-law is a retired Army Lt. Colonel. I would love to spend one Christmas with our whole family together. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But with military life things are rarely simple. That’s the price of freedom! Always appreciate the privilege of living with family close by; and remember Christmas is often difficult for families who’ve lost loved ones.

V. Joy: For someone to get me all the books in my Amazon wish list. Seriously. . .No, I am serious. 

Angela: I don't really have a "secret" Christmas wish, just that my family is happy, healthy, and living their lives in a way that is Godly, yet makes them happy.

Abigail:I’d love to sell my first book this year. J 

Now aren't these ladies awesome?! They've won some prestigious awards as well! (I'll let you dig those out on your own!) Now for the drum roll. In honor of the addition of these five gorgeous ladies, and in keeping with the Christmas theme of giving during this, our Lord Savior's birthday, we are giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate! As usual, there must be 5 responders (please leave your email!) or it renders null and void, yada, yada, fine print as interesting as a three-hour monotone university lecture on the effects of caffeine on oral floral. (Which may, or may not have been the topic of my collegiate senior paper.)

Thank you all for joining us! We are very thankful for our faithful readers. May these authors touch your lives profoundly, enriching and entertaining you in the Christian spirit. And may it ever draw you closer to the One who is the very meaning of life. Jesus Christ.

Now if you win the $25 bucks, and you need a few suggestions on good books, I just happen to know of a few. . . .

Merry Christmas!