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

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

About the Author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gina: They tell me. 😊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

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

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

They’re players.

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

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

Enter Here

Romance, Road Trips and Recipes with Nancy Lavo

 This week, we welcome Nancy Lavo to the Diamond Mine. Nancy writes contemporary romances. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of her newest release.

About Nancy

A lifelong love affair with romance novels and a fiction writing course at the community college started Nancy on the road to publication. She’s published in sweet and inspirational fiction. After a decade-long hiatus to care for her family, Nancy decided to answer the tug of her heart and rejoin the ranks of writers.

When she’s not writing, which happens more often than it should, she can be found taking long walks or lunching with friends. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have three children.

Connect with Nancy: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Nancy. It’s a pleasure to have you join us this week. I always like to start with a couple would you rather questions.

Would you rather live without internet for a year or without air conditioning and heating for a year?  

Nancy: Easy one! Goodbye, internet. I might survive without heat, but Texas air conditioning is a must.

Suzie: Same in Tennessee. Summers tend to get unbearable.

Would you rather give up social media or eat the same dinner for the rest of your life?  

Nancy: Tough call. I could cheerfully eat a diet of tacos the rest of my life, but if I wasn’t on social media I might get more writing done. I frequently gripe about social media, but the truth is I have a wonderful community there who I would miss terribly.

Suzie: I have a love-hate relationship with social media. Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Nancy: I love a good road trip. I love to hop in the car, gps at the ready, and head to someplace new. And I’m a bit of a tea snob. My husband and I travel with an iced tea maker and tea bags to insure a decent glass or cup along the way.

Suzie: I enjoy a good road trip too. What are three books on your current tbr?  

Nancy: The Do-Over by Bethany Turner; Finding the Road Home by Tina Radcliffe; and The Right

Kind of Strong by Mary A Kassian

Suzie: And I just The Right Kind of Strong to my tbr. :)

What does your writing space look like? 

Nancy: Chaos. 

Nancy: I write out my manuscripts in longhand—I use pretty Vera Bradley notebooks, then I type it into the computer and print a hard copy. I make changes on the hardcopy and type them into the computer and print a new hard copy. And on and on. By midway through the book, I’ve created a mountain of papers. Chaos!

Suzie: I can imagine!

Would you share with us a little about your road to publication? 

Nancy:  I started writing back in the nineties. I published six books over the next ten years then quit writing completely. It felt like that season of my life was over. After that, I worked in a library, surrounded by books, and in time, felt the pull to come back to writing. I joined a critique group in 2015 and have been writing ever since. 

Suzie: What are some of your favorite things about writing romance? 

Nancy: I love watching the character’s relationship and attraction develop. The first time their eyes meet… the first time they kiss… I just love it. Funny that even though I’m writing the story, they sometimes surprise me. And I love happy endings.

Suzie: As a reader of romance, I love everything you just said (especially the happy endings).

Tell us more about your latest release. 

Nancy: A Slice of Paradise is a sweet, light-hearted romance—enemies to lovers. I had so much fun writing it. Some books are a battle to get down on paper and others just flow. A Slice of Paradise just flowed.

Suzie: In A Slice of Paradise, Eden is a baker. Would you share a favorite recipe from your kitchen (or Eden’s) with us? 

Nancy: Eden first wowed her new friends with blueberry muffins, so here goes:

6 TBSP butter, melted and cooled, plus extra for greasing the pan

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 TBSP baking powder

Pinch of salt

Heaping ½ cup light brown sugar

1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 TSP vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Grease a 12-hole muffin pan. (Or line pan with muffin papers)

Sift together flower, baking powder, and salt into large bowl. Stir in sugar and blueberries.

Beat two eggs lightly in a large bowl, then beat in the milk, butter, vanilla extract.

Suzie: Yum! And it's berry season. The perfect time to try these out.

Thank you for spending some time with us and sharing more about yourself.

About the Book

Can a taste of love cure the scars of yesterday?

Single mother and baker Eden Lambert arrives in quaint Village Green looking for a home for herself and her 18-month-old son, Jake. Her warm welcome by her elderly hostess, Mary Jo Piermont, is offset by the cold disdain of Mary Jo’s self-appointed protector, Joe Wolfe.

At first, the long-legged blonde and her kid look like trouble to Joe. Mary Jo saved the builder’s life years ago, and he will do no less for the woman he considers a surrogate mother. But as he keeps an eye on the unwanted guests, Joe’s suspicions soon become replaced by admiration and respect for Eden’s resolve and dedication to her son. With his background of abuse and abandonment, Joe is aware of the dangers facing the vulnerable and wants better for Eden and Jake. He offers her a business arrangement—he’ll build her a bakery, and she can run it.

As they join forces to start the bakery, can they overcome the scars of the past to find a recipe for love?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Nancy is giving one of our blog visitors a print copy of A Slice of Paradise. To enter, leave a blog post comment and let us know what you enjoy baking. Giveaway is valid with 5 entries. Open to US addresses only. Giveaway ends on 5/14/24.

Meet Judith McNees, Romance Author

I’m excited to welcome Judith McNees to Diamond Mine. I enjoyed reading her Christmas novella, A Christmas Blessing, over the holidays. This sweet story is part of the Tranquil Shores Romance series. Judith is happy to offer an ebook of the winner’s choice of any of her novels or novellas 😊Leave your email address in the comments to enter to win.

Let’s find out a bit about Judith:

What is your favorite?

Coffee or Tea?  Flavored teas

M&Ms or Reece’s Pieces?  Reece’s Pieces

Cat or Dog Person? Dog

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Spring or Fall

About the Author:

What genre do you enjoy reading most? I’m a mood reader, so it changes. I usually read contemporary Christian romance (sweet romances are my favorite!) and Christian or clean regency romances.

Your love of romance shines through in your books.

When you aren’t reading or writing, what do you like to do? I travel a lot with my husband. We’re working on visiting all 50 states, and so far, we’ve been to 33. When I became an author, I also discovered I enjoy creating my own graphic designs, so when I have time, I play around on Canva.

Wow! You’ve traveled to a lot of states.

Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales? Right now, I’m working on Book 3 of my Tranquil Shores Romance series, A Heart to Redeem. It will be out sometime in March.

I love the title of the series. Tranquil Shores sounds relaxing.

About Your Books:

Do you find yourself returning to a similar theme in your novels or do you have a new message with each release? My novels each have a different focus, but they always turn readers back to the message of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The Christian walk is not always easy, and Christians are not perfect. It’s my prayer that, through my characters, people will see that there is no one who is too lost, too damaged, or too far gone to be found by Jesus.

That’s a wonderful message.

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of your book? The Scripture focus for my second novel, A Heart to Trust, is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. I chose this particular passage because the story follows two people who have had their trust broken by people close to them. Through their trials, they have to learn to trust each other and God.

One of my favorites. Trusting can be a real challenge, especially if trust has been broken.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? I include references to things I’ve done in my life and places I’ve traveled (with the names changed). Only my closest friends and family will know which parts are based on real life! 😉

That’s fun!

Just for Fun:

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel? This is a tough one, because I love traveling so much, and there are so many places I want to see! I would say probably Ireland or Iceland. Can I say a Northern European cruise? Lol

Yes, you can. That sounds like it would hit all the places. Thanks so much for joining us today. Best wishes on your upcoming book.

Author Bio:
Contemporary Christian romance author Judith McNees lives in southwestern Michigan with her husband and four of their seven children, along with their three dogs. Her family loves to travel together, but she still believes that her home state is one of the most beautiful states there is. She is a proud stay-at-home mom, stepmom, foster mom, adoptive mom, and grandma, which gives her plenty of fodder for her writing. She holds a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can connect with her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Judith is happy to offer an ebook of the winner’s choice of any of her novels or novellas 😊Leave your email address in the comments to enter to win.

Welcome Sarah Loudin Thomas

Win a signed copy of Sarah's book by leaving a comment.

I've read several of Sarah's books and loved them all. Her latest, The Finder of Forgotten Things is a wonderful story she'll tell us about in this interview. She's also giving away a signed copy of her new book. Post a comment about the book or the interview and be entered to win.

I asked Sarah a few fun questions. I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I do.

Do you prefer coffee, tea, or water?

Tea. I drink cups and cups of hot tea. Real tea, not that herbal stuff. Decaf, no sugar. My dad called it, “aggravated water.”

M&Ms or Skittles?

WHY would anyone choose little balls of sugar coated with food coloring over chocolate??

Cat or Dog Person?

I’m a mammal person. If it’s warm-blooded I want to get my hands on it. That said, I’m MORE a dog person. I have to leave the room if there’s a service dog I can’t pet. We just gaze at one another longingly mourning all the belly rubs and ear scratches going to waste.

Favorite Song?

Theme from a Summer Place by the Percy Faith Orchestra. It’s the loveliest thing I’ve ever heard. I just went and played it because of this question.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

I used to be all about fall but as I get older, I’m leaning more toward spring. I adore wildflower hunting in Appalachia and April/May is the best time for that.


Here we'll hear more about Sarah's latest book:

Do you have a new release you'd like to tell us about?

I recently released The Finder of Forgotten Things—a story about a water dowser who’s really more of a scam artist. The story is centered around the Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster in West Virginia—the worst industrial accident in US history that hardly anyone has ever heard about. I’d been wanting to build a story around it for a long time and finally found the right one. It was challenging since the tragedy of the tunnel was never really redeemed, but several readers have commented on how hopeful they found the story in spite of its sad background—so I like to think I did alright!

Did you enjoy creating one character more than another? If so, why?

My favorite characters are always the ones that are most flawed! Which means, in Finder, it was Sulley Harris. He’s loosely based on my great Uncle Celly (Marcellus) who was quite a scoundrel in our little community. My great Aunt Bess, who remembered him, once told me he liked to draw pictures but only of the devil and naked ladies. Her brother asked Celly how he knew what the devil looked like, and he said, “Seen him many a time.” Now that’s a character I HAD to put in a story! Of course, I sanded some of his rough edges and gave him a chance to be redeemed.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I started writing stories set in the 1940s and 1950s because it meant the bulk of my research was simply listening to my parents, grandparents, and their peers talk about the “old days.” I’d always loved doing that anyway and now when I needed to know, say, what sort of wood stove my character might cook on all I had to do was call up Dad and ask him what Grandma’s stove was like. Of course, Finder is set in the 1930s and, I’m sorry to say, all of my grandparents as well as my father are gone now. I still have their stories stored up in my heart, but now I need to do some actual research to go along with that. Which is no hardship since I LOVE reading about West Virgnia history. I found several books dedicated to the tunnel disaster that offered excellent information as well as online videos, articles, and more. I suppose I researched this book for several years because I kept coming back to it and reading more. And once I was writing, I’d look up specific details. I often don’t know what I need to research until I get into the story so ideally, I develop a general foundation then build on it as needed. This was the first time I offered a list of books for additional reading at the end of the novel. There’s excellent information about the tunnel disaster for anyone who wants to dig deeper.

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Sarah is the director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live in western North Carolina. To learn more, visit www.SarahLoudinThomas.com.

Catch up with Sarah and her latest news @

Facebook - www.Facebook.com/SarahLoudinThomas

Instagram - www.Instagram.com/SarahLoudinThomas

Mission-minded Messages with Shirley Gould + a Giveaway

Welcome back to the Diamond Mine, friends. We are so grateful you continue to visit us each week and hope you have discovered some new favorite authors through us.

This week, I am tickled pink to introduce you to Shirley Gould and her latest books (yep, you read that right. Books, plural), and she's giving one of our readers copies of both.

About Shirley

Shirley Gould is an inspirational speaker, an African missionary, and an author. She’s the founder of Kenya’s Kids Home for Street Children, an orphanage in Kenya. Shirley has written non-fiction for thirty years and is presently writing Christian Fiction novels. Her debut novel, The Sahar of Zanzibar, was released in May 2021. Her first children’s book, Tubby Can’t Swim, was released in February 2021. She lives in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Connect with Shirley: Amazon | Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram

And Now for the Interview

Suzie: Welcome, Shirley, and thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to spend the week with us.

Let’s warm up with a few “would you rather” questions. Are you ready? Here goes: Would you rather live somewhere it is constantly summer or constantly winter?

Shirley: I’d rather live where it is constantly summer…in fact, I’ve already done that while serving as a missionary in Kenya for ten years. You can eat watermelon all year around!

Suzie: One of my favorite things about summer is the abundance of fruit.

Would you rather always say everything on your mind or never speak again?

Shirley: I would rather say what’s on my mind than to never speak. 

Suzie: Would you rather be without internet for a week, or without your phone?

Shirley:  I would rather be without the internet for a week than to be without my phone because of keeping in touch with my family.

Suzie: Sometimes taking that break from the internet is best for our sanity, anyway.

Ok, now that we’ve learned some random truths about you, give us some of the basics. Tell us about your family, day-to-day life, hobbies, etc.

Shirley: I’m a widow…I have three daughters, three sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.

I run a ministry that helps orphans in Kenya. I write as often as possible. I also love oil painting.

Suzie: What are three books on your tbr right now?

Shirley: Three books on my tbr pile right now are

*DEAD EVEN by Susan Sleeman in the Truth Seekers Series

*SOME BRIGHT SOMEDAY by Melissa Tagg

*Rereading the 3rd book in The Bradford Sisters Series, by Becky Wade…I’m watching how she wove the characters of each book into the other volumes…like I’m doing in my African Skies Series

Suzie: Some good choices there. Can you share a little about your journey to publication? Who are your mentors and cheerleaders?

Shirley: I’ve studied the craft of writing for eight years with Susie May Warren and Novel Academy. I write my novels according to her The Story Equation method of writing. 

My late husband was the first to love my prose…now my family and friends are my faithful
cheerleaders, but the teachers of Novel Academy have been my mentors on this publication journey.

Suzie: Your newest release, The Sahar of Zanzibar, is set in Africa (as the entire African Skies series will be). Will you share an experience or two you’ve had with the country?

Shirley: As missionaries, my husband and I were one of three missionary couples that held the first open-air Christian Crusade in Stone Town on Zanzibar Island. 

While setting up for the service, a Zanzabarian grandmother brought her granddaughter to me. “Can your God heal?” was her question. I answered her in Swahili, “Yes, He does.”

She said, “Ask Him to heal my granddaughter.” I explained how the afternoon would transpire, there would be music and singing, the minister would preach, an altar call would be given asking those who want to give their lives to Jesus to come forward. Then He will call for those who need to be healed. It is then that you can bring her forward to be prayed for.” She nodded and said she would wait. I asked her the child’s name and why she needed healing. She said, “Her name is Happy and she is completely deaf.”

When the minister gave the appeal for those who wanted to be saved, the grandmother came forward with Happy. I was playing the keyboard for the altar time…watching Happy. Suddenly, she covered her ears with her hands. Her eyes were wide. She had been healed before anyone prayed for her.

Happy became one of the most successful witnesses on the island. Without fear, she would speak to Muslims. “Why are you praying to a dead god, my God heals. I was deaf—now I can hear.”

I put Happy in my novel. She is working as a tour guide in the story.

Another story…After the crusade, we had no place to build a church. All land was owned by Muslims…except one plot of land. 

In the late 1800s, a Protestant missionary martyr, anti-slavery crusader, David Livingstone, lived in Zanzibar. Since it was a law that every person who lived there had a place to be buried…the Parliament gave a plot of ground next to the Anglican Church so  David Livingstone and any other Christians would have a burial spot. They had the Anglican church take care of the property…mowing the lawn and keeping the perimeter fence secure. 

After our Crusade, leaders in the Anglican Church came to the man who was sent to pastor the new converts and gave him this plot of ground. They were tired of taking care of it for over one hundred years…

That is where the church is in my novel…

Suzie: Such powerful stories!

In addition to writing romantic suspense, you also published a children’s picture book in 2021 and you are a popular speaker. What is/has God teaching/taught you in each of those areas?

Shirley: Yes, Tubby Can’t Swim was published this year. It’s a colorful book that encourages children to be the best they can be, tell them that everyone is different, and shows friends trying to help each other. It is the first children’s book I’ve written in a series of ten books featuring African baby animals. 

Speaking gives me a great opportunity to share my passion for the Lord. I also can tell about my writing and have book signings after I speak at churches, ladies retreats, and women’s conventions. 

So many that have followed our mission career are interested in the many adventures I share as I speak with the purpose to challenge them to make a difference with their own lives.

Suzie: What can readers expect next from you?

Shirley: I’m doing edits on my next novel, Escape from Timbuktu, the second novel in my African Skies Series. I’ve written the second book Ollie Tries to Fly in my series of Children’s books. It is ready to go to the illustrator.

Suzie: Goodness, you are one busy lady! The final question I have for you today is: how can we pray for you?

Shirley: I would ask for prayer as I market and sell these books. I’m finding marketing is much harder than writing the book.

Suzie: Boy, isn't that the truth? 

Thank you again for taking the time out of your packed schedule to share some of your experiences, your heart, and your writing with us. We look forward to learning where God takes you next.

About The Sahar of Zanzibar

In a scary case of mistaken identity, Olivia Stone is threatened by Aga Kahn, a powerful Indian ruler, because she could pass as the twin of the missionary's deceased wife. Kahn calls her the Sahar of Zanzibar who has returned from the grave to torment him and demands that she leave the island or face his wrath. She'd come to exotic Zanzibar in search of adventure, but she experiences much more.

A handsome widower, Missionary Eli Deckland, steps between Olivia and the angry Indian, rescuing her. There's an instant connection between Olivia and Eli that escalates when he comes to her rescue again and again. Amid the chaos, Eli tries to prove Kahn murdered his late wife. After several attempts on Olivia's life, she's kidnapped. Eli joins the police to find her before it's too late.

As every moment passes, Olivia's life is in more danger... Will she be saved in time? If she is rescued, would it work between her and Eli? With an ocean keeping them apart, will their feelings fade? The answer is in the African skies... 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | IndieBound | Goodreads

About Tubby Can't Swim

A hippo who needs to know how to swim because hippos stay in the water all day. His friends teach

him how to swim, but it won't work. The wild owl tells him hippos don't swim, they just stay in the shallow waters.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | IndieBound |Goodreads

Giveaway

One winner will receive autographed print copies of The Sahar of Zanzibar and Tubby Can't Swim! by Shirley Gould. Giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only and ends at 11:59 PM EST, Tuesday, 8/31/21.

1.

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“Ride With Me” By Marion Ueckermann and a GIVEAWAY

 

  Please give a warm welcome to my special guest at the Diamond Mine. She has traveled all the way from South Africa to be with us today. Ms. Marion Ueckermann. I have had the privilege of reading many of her charming books.

USA Today bestselling author MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape. 

 Email: marion.ueckermann@gmail.com

 Website: www.marionueckermann.net

 Facebook Personal : https://www.facebook.com/marion.ueckermann

 Facebook Author page : https://www.facebook.com/Marion.C.Ueckermann

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marion-Ueckermann/e/B00KBYLU7C

 Bookbub : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marion-ueckermann

Goodreads:

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5342167.Marion_Ueckermann

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_f4NDDO8p9YhwIMbdN9DNw

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/marion.ueckermann/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/ueckie

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ueckie

Renette:  Let’s not waste time as she needs to get back to South Africa soon. Would you please tell us a bit about yourself?

 

Marion: I’m a wife to one hubby, mother of two sons, mother-in-law to two daughters-in-law, grandmother (or Ouma as they call me) to two grandsons and a ginger-haired granddaughter, sister to three siblings (one sister, two brothers), aunt to nine nieces (including the one in heaven) and two nephews, great-aunt to four grand-nieces and seven grand-nephews, great-great-aunt to two great-great-nephews … and this excludes all the men and women married to my siblings and nieces and nephews. Despite being spread across three continents (Africa, Europe, Australia) and five countries (South Africa, UK, Finland, Australia, New Zealand), this large family, manages to stay close (well, most of them).  

I was born in Zambia, but have lived in South Africa since I was six (excluding the eighteen-month stint in Ireland). I started writing about twenty years ago and pursued it as a full-time profession nearly five years ago. Renette; Wow, what fun to have such a diverse family. I love to travel. But with things in our world right now it is kind of limited. We need to rely on GOD more.

Renette: Do you have a life verse? 

Marion;  Jeremiah 29 v 11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

That verse is a reminder each day that God has got my life and my future in the palms of His hands. I can face today, and I can face tomorrow, no matter what.  

Renette: Definitely an encouraging verse for these times. Besides the LORD who has had the biggest influence on your life 

Marion: My mother. Because of her, I am the woman I am today. 

Renette: I think most of us could say the same. Mothers are special. There is something so comforting about a mother. What and where is your favorite way to relax?  

Marion: Most nights you’ll find me relaxing in bed with my hubby binge-watching our next favorite new series until the early hours of the morning. After a long day in the office writing or designing, I need to just switch off. 

Renette: I can understand, we all need down time. Did you have an occupation before writing? 

Marion:  For decades, I worked in the corporate world as a Personal Assistant/Executive Secretary.  

Renette: Does it influence your writing?  

Marion: Working in that environment for so long has definitely helped my grammar and spelling.  

Renette: I bet it did. Spelling is not one of my strong suits. What was your inspiration for this story?  

Marion: Tash Thornton, the heroine of Ride with Me (Book 10 of the multi-author Chapel Cove Romances), was a secondary characters in the previous book I’d written in the series, Accept Me (Book 8). She played a minor part in the story, being the owner of the stables in Chapel Cove. 

At the time I wrote Accept Me, I visited my brother. His wife owned a beautiful black Friesian named Myrtle, who subsequently also played a small part in Accept Me. But I knew I wanted Myrtle to play a larger role in a story, which she did (as herself) along with Tash in Ride with Me. When I found that cover image, I knew I had Tash and Myrtle’s book. My only regret is that it wasn’t Myrtle on the cover. You’ll need to read the book though to find out whose horse made it to the cover of this story. 

Renette: “Accept Me” was so good. I know this one will be as well. Can’t wait to read it. I’m curious, do you listen to music or do you prefer a quiet room while you write?  

Marion: Usually, the room is quiet when I write. Mostly because I just plain forget to put on music. But when I do, I will go to Spotify and start a playlist of worship songs beginning with my favorite, Dancing on the Waves. Spotify just keeps playing similar songs — most are so awesome. 

I have been known to play Michael Bublé ad nauseam when writing a Christmas story LOL.  

Renette: I like your choice in music. And Michael Bublé on repeat would be wonderful for me. His music is sure memorable. What do you hope your writing leaves the reader with?  

Marion: Most of my books have themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the fact that God will work all things for good for those who love Him. I hope my stories will leave readers with a stronger faith to trust God in their own circumstances.  

Renette: When I read your stories, I see hope and forgiveness. Especially when you chose to write your heroines as women beyond their teenage years. 

Fall for someone who could destroy her livelihood? 

Never! 

Hotel magnate Henry Scott lives life in the fast lane. True to form, when his great-uncle leaves him property and a Victorian house in Chapel Cove, he takes a weekend drive, only intending to stay long enough to evaluate his new found assets. If they aren’t a viable option for the next Scott Leisure Resort, he just might consider selling to the couple who’d expressed an interest in buying the old place. After all, if not for them, he would never have known about this last part of his great-uncle’s will, sealed for almost a decade. 

When her new neighbor rolls into town, Tash Thornton is less than impressed. Not only is the man presumptuous and audacious, he’s downright egotistical. His grand plans for the property adjoining her stables, tack shop, and riding school do not bode well for her business. 

Love thy neighbor, the Bible teaches—those people who cross your path each day. But with Henry Scott owning the land right next door, Tash fears God may expect her to show him a double portion of love. 

Purchase a copy in these places: 

www.marionueckermann.net

 or directly from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Marion-Ueckermann/e/B00KBYLU7C

 

Marion: 

I hope the readers of Diamond Mine enjoyed getting to know me a little better. But in conclusion, when I’m not writing (or flying back and forth to Cape Town to look after and homeschool my grandkids), I’m either designing book covers for myself or other authors. And very occasionally, you’ll find me crocheting a square for one of the two large Star Wars blankets I promised my grandsons for Christmas. Um, I didn’t say which year!

I’d also like to give away an ebook copy of Ride with Me to THREE randomly chosen readers who comment on this post. 

 Renette; I enjoyed getting to know you better and I’m sure those here did as well. Thank you so much for joining me here today on the Diamond Mine. May your pen continue to be blessed by His SONshine. I look forward to reading many more of Your stories.

Everyone be sure and grab your copy of “Ride With Me” 

Or comment below for your chance to win a great read! 

Renette Steele 

Lady SONshine