Author Interview and Giveaway with Tammie Edington Shaw!

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 Tammie Edington Shaw!

Tammie Edington Shaw loves all things history. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and has published numerous daily devotions and articles, including short fiction. She was editor of a weekly newspaper, production coordinator of a magazine, and a project coordinator for David C. Cook Publishing. She served on the staff of the Write-to-Publish Conference for fifteen years. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband of thirty-one years.

Connect with Tammie on Facebook at Tammie Edington Shaw!

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?

Unfortunately, none of the above. Due to health restrictions water is now my only beverage. I never thought I could give up coffee, but I did and don’t miss it.

Totally get that! Yay for health! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Grilled salmon. Love it.

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

At home in my office, which is our former dining room. After my husband goes to work, it is quiet, just me and my characters.

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

I don’t know but maybe when I watch a true crime show on television, I mute the previews and coming up segments because I want to be surprised. I rarely read back cover copy when I buy a book. I go by the title, author and subtitle. I want to be surprised.

How fun! What inspired you to write Callie's Redemption?

I grew up next door to an old home which served as a stagecoach inn when the National Road went through Indiana in the mid1800s. I imagined my hero and heroine meeting there and the challenges they struggled with, relationally and life in the 1800s. Setting is usually my inspiration for stories.

That's a cool setting! What led you to write in this genre? 

This book is historical romance, but I’ve not been a long-time romance reader, but more of a reader of historical fiction, but the romance is nice for a happy ending. I like my readers to think about the time period and how people struggled with things that we take for granted. I think my books are evenly distributed between romance and history.

A great mashup of genres! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Overall, in all my writing I want the message that Christ makes a positive difference in our lives. In this book, I want readers to see that He can redeem everyone no matter where they are in their lives.

What a great message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

This book, Callie’s Redemption is Book One of the Sweet Valley Promises Series published by Winged Publications. I am working on Book Two, Emily’s Hope which comes out in Spring 2027 and I’m also thinking about Book Three, Lily’s Faith which follows in Spring 2028.

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

I’ve been adding the verse reference Jeremiah 31:3 when I sign my books, “. . . I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

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

For a few years I was pursuing publication in the Amish fiction genre, although historical is my first love. But I still enjoy reading the Amish books. I am reading Courting the Amish Widow by Emma Miller. I’m also reading a nonfiction book I picked up last week at the Write to Publish Conference, Sacred Margins, On the Spiritual Life of a Writer by Steve Laube.

Interesting! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Tammie!

Check out Tammie's new release, Callie's Redemption, and the giveaway for it below!

About the Book ~

Callie’s Redemption

Book One of the Sweet Valley Promises Series

The year is 1840 along the National Road in Indiana at a stagecoach inn.

Will two rejected young people learn to love and trust again, or will their diverse pasts

keep them apart?

Will Callie learn to trust a personal God, and will Josh be able to put his failures

and stuttering behind him and pursue his calling to be a preacher, even if it

means leaving Callie behind?

Giveaway ~

The author is giving away one print copy of Callie's Redemption to one US resident! 

This giveaway will close on 7/2/26 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls. 

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

And may the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter Giveaway HERE!

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon Author Page!

Meet Debut Author Janell Goodrich York and Find Out About the Inspiration Behind The Day Sarah Ran AWay

 Today, I am thrilled to welcome debut author Janell Goodrich York to the mine. Janell's debut release last month, and I enjoyed traveling with Sarah and her new friends in this story. She is generously offering one of our blog readers a paperback copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away and some bookish swag (US addresses only). Keep reading to find out how to enter.

About Janell Goodrich York

Janell Goodrich York is a retired high school guidance counselor. She was born in Indiana, but raised in a small town in Southwest Missouri. Janell loves to travel, especially to beach destinations. She loves to hang out with her family and spoil her two dogs. Janell is a girl mom of three awesome adult daughters and Meme to five “perfect” grandkids. Janell lives in Missouri with her wonderful husband, Jim. Her first book, The Day Sarah Ran Away, was published by Scrivenings Press in August 2025.

Connect with Janell: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Suzie: Welcome, Janell. Thank you for taking time to visit the Diamond Mine this week and share a little about yourself and your book. To start off, can you tell us a little bit about yourself (something that’s not in your bio)?

Janell: My husband and I recently finished traveling to our 50th state. It was my goal to do something each state was known for––not just travel through. We’ve experienced some amazing and funny things accomplishing that goal. In May, we flew to our last state Hawaii.

I’ve been blessed with many female friendships. My three best friends and I have been together since the fifth grade. 

My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year. He’s my rock and biggest fan. 

My favorite color is Red. I’m drawn to it like a bee to honey. My husband will ask, “Do you really like that blouse, that car, etc. or are you drawn to it because it’s red?

Suzie: I love that you and your husband visit local events together and you sell books while he sells fishing lures. 

Let's talk about your book. What was the inspiration behind your story?

Janell: I missed my kids, so I started journaling my feelings about being an empty nester. Then, I started reminiscing on the numerous past conversations I’d had as a high school counselor with the parents of senior students. I found most dads were excited to have their kids out of the house, but most moms were tearful thinking about their kids leaving home. I didn’t truly understand their sadness until it happened to me. It’s a different kind of grief––A letting go of something that has been a joy. As I wrote down my feelings––Sarah and her story began forming in my imagination. At first, the story was turning out like Tom Hanks with his soccer ball friend, Wilson, so I decided she needed interaction with other people. Now, there’s a host of loveable characters in her story. 

Suzie: I loved the characters in this story. They are funny, real, and memorable in the best kind of way. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Janell: I began writing stories in the first grade. My teacher commented to my mom one day she enjoyed my stories and hoped I would continue to write as I got older. Her compliment encouraged my love of writing.  

Later, my middle and high school English courses were my favorite classes to attend. I always loved when we would have a creative writing project assigned. My junior year, my English teacher told me the school would be offering a year-long creative writing class, and I needed to sign up for it. I was thrilled! I still have the box of short stories and poems I wrote in that class. 

Suzie: I wish I still had some of the silly poems I wrote when I was younger.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Janell: Neither, lol. It takes me awhile to wake up in the morning, and I’m ready for bed around 9 p.m. I’m most productive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Suzie: I'm the same way, but my most productive hours are in the afternoon. Back to your book, who was your favorite character to create? 

Janell: Delores - Sarah’s new best friend. I love her personality. She’s so fun, supportive, and encouraging. I think we all need a “hype girl” like Delores in our life.

Suzie: I agree. Are you a plotter or a panster?

Janell: I’m a panster. I write the beginning and the end first. I have some idea of how I want the middle of the story to go, but honestly, the characters dictate what comes next. I try to do an outline, but I’m terrible at sticking to it.

Suzie: It is the same for me with an outline! I feel like the newest term for a pantser is a good one. We are intuitive writers. What are your three books on your current tbr?

Janell: What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, Birds Alive by Jen Dodrill, and My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Suzie: Those all sound like good reads. Do you have a favorite author or book?

Janell: Harper Lee, Richard Peck, and Fredrik Backman to name a few.  I love how they write about everyday people experiencing relatable, difficult situations with humor and empathy. I want to be that kind of writer. I hope my readers will be able to see themselves in one of my characters––to go away after reading my book with the feeling I’m not alone – someone gets me. 

Suzie: I think many readers will see themselves in Sarah. What’s next for you as an author?

Janell: I’m currently writing the second book in my Sister Pie Pact Series. It will focus on Sarah’s neighbor, Olivia. It will have the same host of characters with a few new ones added.

Suzie: I can't wait to read it. How can we pray for you?

Janell: I’ve never taken creative writing classes. I’m learning as I write. It’s a slow process for me, so I get a little anxious trying to meet deadlines. Pray for peace in my spirit and the right words to entertain as well as encourage my readers.

Suzie: We will pray for balance, peace, and inspirations as you write more books. It has been a pleasure spending some time with you. Thank you for sharing with us this week.

The Day Sarah Ran Away 

A heartfelt tale of discovery and resilience when plans fall apart.

Sarah Goodwin loved her life as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into every moment with her only daughter, Emma. But now, Emma is off at college and rarely visits or answers her calls, leaving Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more.

When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming.

As Sarah journeys west, questions loom. What will her husband do when he discovers she’s gone? Where will this journey lead her? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Sarah now?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Janell is giving one of our readers (US addresses only) a print copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away. To enter, leave a comment and tell us about your favorite vacation. Be sure to let us know how to contact you if you win the giveaway. The winner will be randomly drawn on Thursday, 9/25/25.

Our Own Carrie Walker Releases Her Newest Book!

Ah, readers. Take a break from snow, sleet, and sub-zero temperatures, (as I write this, it is 2º F outside my window)~even if you're only looking at pics of all that wintery stuff in someone else's yard!

Because this week, I'm highlighting one of The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction's very own, Carrie Walker! Her second book Right Before Their Eyes released just two days ago. Wahoo! We're all so proud of her accomplishment and here is where you get the scoop on Carrie and her newest release.

PT: Welcome Carrie. You're usually behind the scenes here at The Diamond Mine, but now you've released your second book this past Monday. Tell us all what started your writing journey?

CW: It was my first book, actually. J I always loved reading and would often think “what if I wrote a book” but I never sat down to actually do it, until God gave me a story. Once I had the story idea of a baby that doctors deemed “incompatible with life” living to change the life of a troubled teen, I had to figure out this writing thing and realized I loved it.

PT: You have seven kids, correct? How you manage to squeeze in time for writing and share the coolest thing about a big family.

CW: Yes! Seven kids definitely keep me busy. The ages of my kids are 20, 20 (they aren’t actual twins, my eldest we adopted at the same time I was pregnant and they are 6 months apart), 18, 15, 13, 10 and 7. It’s an interesting balance, squeezing in writing, but I feel like God carved out that time with my first book when I really needed time to learn what I was doing. Now, I don’t let any open time go unused. It’s not unheard of for me to be typing in the car while waiting for one of my kids to come out of an activity!

PT: I think a lot of moms squeeze in me-time that same way. What’s the most fun place you and your family ever visited and why it is a favorite?

CW: Oh, that’s a tough one. I love to travel with the family, and I always want to pick somewhere new because there are so many amazing places to see. I would say one of the most memorable would be the Grand Canyon.

One of the most fun was an Airbnb we stayed in while in San Diego. It was 107 year old house that had a real tree house in the back yard. So fun for the kids.

PT: A little bird told me that you love snow, right? How much snow did you get this year so far and your favorite snow activity?

CW: I just love snow, and especially the first snow. It’s so magical to see the world covered in a blanket of white. We have gotten disappointedly little the last few years (this year included so far), but I’m anxiously awaiting making a snowman with the kids. I really want to take them sledding too. We got new sleds two years ago and haven’t been able to use them yet.

PT: Let’s get down to writing. What’s your favorite writing aspect: idea creation, character creation, writing, editing, marketing, or in-person book signings?

CW: I love the brainstorming phase with ideas and characters. It’s so fun to start to feel a story come together in your mind and see that vision and realize “yes, there’s a story here.” With writing and editing, I like whichever one I’m not doing, LOL. If I’m writing and get stuck, I dream of the day I’ll be editing. And then when I’m editing and can’t get it figured out I wish to be drafting again. The grass is always greener I guess.

PT: So let’s talk about your newest release. Where did the idea come from for Right Before Their Eyes?

CW: I always envisioned Emma’s Hero to be the first book of a 3 book series, in that we can see Mason’s character grow from a troubled teen into adulthood with an underscoring glimpse of how this baby, that doctors counted out, changed the world—even years later. So, for this book, Mason walked on the page already telling me where he was at in his life, struggling with love and deciding on medical school.

But the cross-over storyline of a foster teen who lost her foster home and is transferred to a group home definitely was an inspiration. I knew that Clare would be a social worker, but then the thought of showing this subplot through the eyes of that teen really felt right. I wanted to walk through this trying time with her and learn.

PT: Do you use any real-life scenarios from your own life in your books?

CW: Not always, but this book does have a nugget from real life. There is a story that Grandma Dottie tells Mason at a time he’s struggling to make a decision that is a true story from my own grandparents. Every time I hear it, I smile…and I hope you do too.

PT: Inquiring minds what to know who your favorite character is in Right Before Their Eyes, and which character is most like you?

CW: I just love Mason. He’s so real to me, the way he’s trying to seek God and do what’s right, but struggling with his own weaknesses and being bold. I feel there are so many times his struggles are so relatable and it’s so easy to cheer for him when he succeeds. The character most like me, would probably be Clare. I often bite off more than I can chew in life, and with it all being good things it’s hard to say “no” to them, and so I can find myself having to figure out how to do it, and needing to find the help God is providing for me.

PT: Drum roll…tell 5 things about Carrie Walker that have nothing to do with writing:

CW:     I love playing board games.

            I have a pet Labrador-Retriever Mix.

            I love to travel.

            I love old houses.

            I met my husband when I was fourteen (started dating when I was fifteen).

PT: On to the future. What’s the next book idea or direction?

CW: The third book in the series Someone to Lean On will release in the spring of 2026, so I’m working on the edits for the final story in the Faith Endures Series along with drafting a new story that isn’t tied to this series.

PT: And that wraps it up. Now, if you can stand the wait to see if you win our drawing~please leave a comment and email or leave your info on our contact form to enter~BUT if you can't bear to wait, go, GO, GO right now to this link to support Carrie and get her newest release Right Before Their Eyes.

Thanks Carrie for the peek into your family and writing world!

Want to know more about Carrie? Of course you do!  Read on and check out her links:

LINKS:

www.carriewalkerwrites.com

www.facebook.com/cwalkerauthor

www.instagram.com/cwalkerauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48336857.Carrie_Walker

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48336857.Carrie_Walker

https://www.amazon.com/author/cwalkerauthor5.10

BIO

Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, placed in the International Book Awards, ACFW Crown Award, Monroe Walton Center for the Arts Award, and won the 2020 ACFW First Impressions Contest.

Happy 2025 Readers!

We here at The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction want to wish you the best year in 2025! 

We will be losing 2 members, but will continue to move ahead to bring you fresh authors and new fiction releases that glorify our Savior! 

Enjoy the first day of 2025 and may God richly bless you throughout the new year!

GIVEAWAY and Interview with Jenelle Hovde

I am thrilled to introduce The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community to author Jenelle Hovde! Jenelle sat down with me and took the time to answer some of my questions on her author journey AND WE'RE DOING A GIVEAWAY. Comment on this post to be entered for a chance to win either a hard cover copy of Jenelle's novel Eve's Story: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls! I am excited to share with you my interview with Jenelle. 

Here is a little bit about Jenelle:

Jenelle writes Biblical historical fiction and historical romance. After years spent in South Dakota, Jenelle and her family moved to the Florida coast. When she isn't scribbling on scraps of paper, you can find her within used bookstores perusing antique romance novels and historical journals. You also might find her at the beach with a favorite read. 

Comment on this post for a chance to win The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

Thank you for spending the time to chat with me Jenelle! Do you have a favorite author or book that has influenced or inspired you? 

Jenelle: I especially love Laura Frantz’s poetic writing. I remember reading her first novel when I was on bedrest with my first child. I thought, “Wow. Christian fiction reads as beautifully as any secular award-winning historical fiction.” I think Christian fiction often hits the high notes of artistry and depth. It just keeps getting better and better.

I absolutely agree! I can get so lost in a Christian fiction story sometimes I forget it's not "mainstream!" What were the highlights or key challenges you faced when writing your last book? 

Jenelle: I had three novels all at once, including edits. The novels were set in ancient Canaan with giants, Mussolini and the Italian resistance, and Regency England with archeology and secretive societies! I am blessed to have a remarkably supportive family who cooked and cleaned through my deadlines. That said, my Regency novel was a bear to write. Since it’s a newer genre for my readers, I had to wrestle with all the inner angst, along with a nasty bout of flu.

Three novels at once! I can't even imagine! I struggle with just one deadline! I'm interested to know, why did you chose to write Christian Fiction? 

Jenelle: I love a strong faith message in my fiction. I’ve been so encouraged by the characters I read about, especially when I encounter similar situations such as a death in the family or a health diagnosis. Writing really is a wonderful ministry that entertains and uplifts the reader. Great books remind me of God’s faithfulness and bring wisdom! It’s like getting a hug from an author who whispers in your ear, “I’ve been there, too.”

I love that. Writing is absolutely a ministry. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer? 

Jenelle: Read as much as you can. Write every day, even if one page. And tell yourself, “Why not you?” What if you told yourself you couldn’t get published and then never really tried because of the odds? Writing is also a spiritual journey where we must release our results into God’s hands.

It's so difficult to put your work out there, but there is beauty in allowing yourself to be vulnerable and releasing the results into God's hands. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you? 

Jenelle: Psalm 121:1, 2, the song of ascents. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I can’t do anything without His guidance and help. Actually, I find releasing my weakness and leaning into His strength so very encouraging.

Amen! What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Jenelle: I paint every day. Currently, I’m working on several Christian historical, YA fantasy, and speculative art projects for authors! I absolutely love translating my authors’ dreams into a painting that might be a book illustration, cover, or a character print for marketing.

I have to admit this was kind of a trick question. I am an ABSOLUTE fan of your artwork and wanted the opportunity for you to share about it (and for me to promote it!!) I'm especially excited that you do YA Fantasy art projects for authors as Fantasy is the genre I like to write in! So what’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Jenelle: I recently sent in my bluestocking Regency novel to Tyndale House publishers! I’m ridiculously excited to work with my dream publisher and write a romantic story full of adventure. Readers can join my newsletter for exclusive Regency art, giveaways, and lots of sneak peeks into Regency life and books! I’m currently working on book two in the series. 

Jenelle!! That's HUGE NEWS!! CONGRATULATIONS! This is very exciting! One last question! What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Jenelle: As a pastor’s wife, my goal is always to entertain AND draw others closer to Christ. I hope my books touch hearts no matter the geographical distance. 

Thanks for taking the time to share with our Christian readers a little about you and your work Jenelle!

Sign up for Jenelle's newsletter to receive a copy of her Snow White retelling, Raven’s Heir, here! You can learn more about Jenelle and find links to her books and to her social channels on her website: https://jenellehovdeauthor.com/.

Don't forget to comment below for a chance to win one of Jenelle's novels: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

A Visit with Author Kathy Cretsinger!

Happy Wednesday!

And welcome to the blog!

Are you enjoying Spring? Where I live, in Kentucky, we have a lot of false starts to the season, but the flowers and trees are promising us that warm weather is making a comeback. 

Today I'm so pleased to bring you one of my favorite people, and the reason I'm a published author today! Kathy Cretsinger!

Kathy and her husband, Jerry, moved to Western Kentucky from the hills of East Tennessee several years ago to be close to their children and grandchildren. This brought another change in their lives. Kathy began publishing her books and then decided to help other authors who were having a hard time in the publishing industry by starting Mantle Rock Publishing. Kathy loves being close to her family and enjoys growing orchids, which continue to multiply. Kathy is a board member at the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and a member of ACFW. She has a bi-weekly blog on her website http://www.kathycretsingerauthor.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Kathy Cretsinger, and at Kathy Cretsinger, Author.

 When the writing bug bit me and I began hanging out with writers online, I was repeatedly told, “You’ve got to meet Kathy Cretsinger!” When I finally did, out-of-state at a conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she invited me to attend her writing group, and I discovered she lived less than 30 miles from me. She, Susan Page Davis, and the late Sandra Robbins, along with several other amazing writers, took me under their generous wings, keeping me going until I was ready.

 

In the years since I’ve known Kathy, she’s written a series of historical fiction novels and is in the middle of a romantic suspense series. Both are based on places or situations near and dear to her heart, and I love them. She and her husband, Jerry, as mentioned earlier, are the former owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, where my first books were published. When they decided to retire, the new owners renamed it Scrivenings Press, LLC, and it continues to grow. Kathy and Jerry built a publishing family that continues today.

 

So, I call Kathy my “Book Mama,” and I’m thrilled to bring you an interview! She has generously offered a signed paperback copy of the third book in her Shady Valley Series, Shady Connections, as a giveaway to one of our readers -- all you have to do is comment to be entered!

 

And now, the interview! 

 

Regina: Kathy, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you on the blog today! I know you’ve got a lot to share, so here goes!

 

Real-life stories make the best foundation for events in a novel, I think. What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?

 

Kathy: This is the first time I’ve put this in a book. When my daughter, Diane, was in first grade, she had to ride the bus. I had to drive about two miles to pick her up. When the bus came one day, the bus driver got out with her and walked to my car. He told me he couldn’t let her ride his bus anymore because she was fighting. When we were settled in the car, I asked her what happened. She said, “That boy kept pulling my pigtails and I told him to stop. He kept on. You always told me to treat other people like they wanted to be treated, so he wanted me to hit him, or he wouldn't keep on pulling my pigtails.” We had a talk that night about doing to others. 

 

Regina: I would love to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation! LOL!! I can see the serious expression on her face!

 

Now to something to satisfy our readers’ curiosity … ;) 

 

Salad or Sandwich?

 

Kathy: Salad. Bread does not agree with me, but I do eat a Reuben and Big Mac occasionally.  

 

Regina: Going gluten-free has been a life-changing habit for you, I know, and one you’ve used as a catalyst for the characters in your “Shady Valley” series!

 

Here’s one of my favorite questions: What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?

 

Kathy: Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  This has been my favorite verse since college. We have something to look forward to if we live according to God’s word. Nothing can harm us here on earth, we have a great reward in the end. 

 

Regina: Amen! Now let’s find out about what you like for entertainment!

 

What is your favorite movie and why?

 

Kathy: My favorite movie is “Dirty Dancing.” I like a movie that shows good in the end. This movie does. Two people are misunderstood, and they come to terms with themselves in the end. The movie is set in the mountains of North Carolina, cold creeks, beautiful scenes. You watch both main characters grow up in the movie.

 

Regina: Would you believe I’ve never watched it? I know. At 60, I have no excuse. I’ll try to watch it before we get together again! LOL! 

 

A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. That’s just not fair! What has been the most recent book you’ve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?

 

Kathy: The last book I read was The Songbird of Hop Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer. It releases in April. I’ve always loved reading Kim’s books. This one did not disappoint me. When I started reading it, I never thought I’d enjoy reading a book about a prostitute. She was so desperate with no family. It tells of faith, changes, love of others. I highly recommend it.

 

Regina: I’ll keep that one on my radar!

 

If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no Wi-Fi what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?

 

Kathy: The first one would be my Bible. If I’m stranded, I’m not going to be writing books, but I will be reading them. My Kindle app will have to be full. I may be there a while.

 

Regina: Bible apps are wonderful! I think, with the book count on my kindle at over a thousand, I’d be okay for a while. If we could be stranded together, we could SHARE! ;)

 

Thanks for the interview, Kathy! I love getting to share you with our readers!

 

Now, here’s some information about Shady Connections, the third in Kathy’s Shady Valley Series!

 

Nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley, Tennessee, but shady things happen everywhere.

 

Bruce Howard and Grace Manis decide to elope in November, and they find they are expecting a baby soon after their marriage. They are in their 40s, and they never expected to have a family.

 

Bruce is having dreams of being abducted. A stranger suggests Bruce is a dead-ringer for his brother who was murdered and his son abducted. Can Bruce be that child?

 

An old acquaintance enters Shady Valley and memories flood back. Is he the abductor?

 

Daisy Greer is also expecting, and someone is trying to steal her baby and Grace’s. Can the perpetrator be found before the babies are born? Well, nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley. Or does it?

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, and will comment below! Thanks to Kathy’s generosity, one commenting reader will receive a paperback copy of Shady Connections! I loved it, and I think you will, too!

If you can't wait until the drawing, you can purchase Shady Connections HERE!

 

Until next time, enjoy a good book – or ten! 😊

Visiting with Peggy Trotter

 

Visiting with Peggy Trotter

By G.N. Lewis

I had the pleasure of chatting with Peggy Trotter, author of nine novels, plus one to be published soon, and she is currently writing another.

Peggy married her college sweetheart almost forty years ago. She considers her husband a jewel and says, “He cooks better than me, cleans the house, and fixes various items. This man does everything with the patience of Job, and the poor guy needs tolerance to put up with me.”  The Trotter’s have two married children and four grandchildren. Peggy says, “I call these four grandchildren my rays of sunshine, and number five will soon be here.”

Peggy loves cats and she feeds five and a half. Five are hers, but a stray tom stops by every day for food.  She says, “My better half says, ‘No more cats!’”  Peggy laughs and admits she can’t help feeding a little starving kitten if one shows up at her house.

A perfect day for her would be sitting on the back porch of a beach house with her entire family gathered around, eating cheesecake, and drinking Code Red.

Now for the interview.

Q. What other jobs have you held or do you hold besides writing?

I taught for 25 years, mostly at second grade. I have also worked in a library and at a non-profit that benefits kids in foster care.

Q. When did you know you wanted to write?

In first or second grade we had a writing contest. It was so basic, just a quick story and you had to fold the paper and make a cover on the front. The winners were hung on the window of the local attorney’s office. I think I came in third, but I’ll never forget standing there in front of that window, holding my Mom’s hand, and seeing my “creation” published for the world to see. That was the very first seed planted in my writing obsession.

Q. You write Christian Romance. What was the inspiration for your genre?

I read romances in junior high and high school and became fascinated. But the stories became less wholesome and after becoming a Christian, I just didn’t want to read that type of novel. Then, one day at the library, I discovered Christian Fiction! Since I’d always dreamed of becoming a writer, it wasn’t long before I knew the genre I wanted to write.

Q. How hard was it to find a publisher?

Well, I found my first one through word of mouth. I heard this small publisher was accepting manuscripts so I sent in a proposal. But now, I self-publish, which I love.

Q. What’s new with your writing? Anything in progress?

I just released the second book of the Up From the Miry Clay Series entitled Wild Daisies Bloom. This series follows women who left their bawdy occupations of being “soiled doves,” embraced a new life through Christ, and embarked on finding their happily-ever-afters. Now, I’ll be finishing up their third one in the series, Flawed Roses Flourish, set to release later this year.

Q. Authors need reviews. Do your readers respond with reviews for you? If so, what was the best one you have ever had?

 Getting reviews is very difficult. As a matter of fact, there’s very little you can do to build them up other than reminding readers how important they are to us as authors. But I especially loved one review by a reader who claimed she didn’t get her laundry done because she couldn’t put my book down, LOL. I’ve been there—so enraptured by a book that everything stops until you finish it! Those are the books you never forget.

Q. What is the most difficult thing about writing?

Hands down, marketing. I love the writing, love the work-at-home thing, and tolerate editing, but marketing is this unknown nebula of trying to get your book discovered by interested readers.

Q. Do any of your books contain events from your real life?

Yes, some of my books contain actual occurrences from my family life and even my husband’s family life. One book has a character, as a child, being forced to lick a shoe. It really happened, but I won’t tell you what family it came from, LOL. One Christmas scene was almost true to a T. A couple of characters are loosely based on some friends and family members.

Q. Tell me about your latest book.

On Amazon

Wild Daisies Bloom focuses on Tyne Ciders and her illegitimate child, Daisy who is quite a handful but more a blessing in so many ways. Tyne, (long I sound like in Clementyne, which is her full name) breaks free from the saloon where she works and pretends to be a mail-order bride, hoping to hide from her sordid and criminal past. In the long run, they become homeless, and she must marry to provide a roof over their head. Just as she’s trying to figure out her new husband, she’s arrested for murder. Here’s the blurb to tell you more:

Tyne Ciders is a widowed, single mother. At least that’s her story when she arrives in town as a mail-order bride. But when she learns the arrangement was only a part of a newspaper scam, Tyne is stuck once again without a cover for her sordid past. With no marriage in her future, no job, and no money, she and her small daughter are forced to hole up in a nearby barn—the very barn of the man who’d witnessed her appalling encounter with the frightening old coot she’d thought to marry.

Agony is Zephaniah Rowley closest friend. He’s lost everything that mattered to him. His wife, his children. Now, living as a hermit, every day is a horrible cesspool of penance for his own selfishness and guilt. So when he encounters a needy woman and her charming child on the dusty road, he makes a quick bee-line to drop them off at the nearest boarding house. He can’t afford to let his heart get involved. Or what’s left of it. Yet, he finds them living penniless in his barn, and he rashly offers a permanent solution. One that will change everything. For better or…for worse…

Visit Peggy at these links:

peggytrotter.com

peggytrotter.blogspot.com

diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Peggy_Trotter

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

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

Amazon Author’s Profile Page:  amazon.com/author/peggytrotter.com

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

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

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-trotter-44a29b95/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-trotter

Thanks, Peggy for visiting with me. Your book, Wild Daisies Bloom sounds fascinating, and I look forward to reading it. I'll leave a review!

Leave a comment and email for Peggy's book giveaway of Wild Daisies Bloom or leave your information on our contact form.