Interview with author Katy Eeten!!

 

 

Today we welcome author Katy Eeten to The Diamond Mine!! We're going to be finding out some things about her, and her romantic suspense novel,"A Stalker to Die For."
Here' a bit to get us started:

Ashley Morris thought the worst part of online dating was awkward small talk. She was wrong.

After one disastrous date with Ashley, Nick won't take no for an answer. His calls and texts escalate into threats, break-ins, and a terror that shadows her every move. Desperate for safety, Ashley hires Jackson Russo—a talented painter with a kind heart and a protective streak—to renovate her home.

But as their friendship deepens into something more, Nick's obsession turns deadly. Caught between a stalkers rage and a love she never expected, Ashley must trust God's protection and her own instincts to survive. With Jackson by her side, she'll fight for her life—and for a future worth living.

Wow, Katy! Sounds like a great read! What else would you like us to know about the book?

This story is relatable for anyone who has dipped their toes into the online dating world or who has ever had a blind date. Ashley is just trying to get her love life back on track after caring for her ailing mother, but Nick has other plans. She calls it quits after their very first date, but Nick doesn't take it well.

As his stalking escalates, Ashley finds love in the form of the painter she hired to spruce up her home. Jackson is cute, caring and endearingly protective. But their growing relationship only fuels the fire of Nick's dangerous infatuation.

How did you get your idea for this story?

This is the first romance I've published that includes a suspense element. I love reading romantic suspense, so I thought it would be fun to try my hand at writing it. The inspiration behind this story was purely imagination, though! Thankfully, I have never had a personal encounter with a stalker, and I have never dated someone I hired to work on my house, lol. I've been married to my husband for 24 years now, and I'm happy to report no stalkers for either of us! :)

Well, that's good to hear!! 
What made you decide to be a writer?

I've always loved writing. It started with poems and short stories as a young girl, but even in high school, I was the oddball who didn't mind cranking out an essay. Later in my adult  life, I found that putting together a full-fledged manuscript was incredibly fulfilling, so I decided to submit one of my books to a publisher years ago, which turned into a publishing contract.

Wow! We have a similar trajectory in how our writing progressed! I'm curious. What was your first story?

My first ever story was probably some magical tale about unicorns I wrote when I was six years old. But my first published book was called Blast From Her Past, an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance set in North Dakota in the middle of winter. It's still available on Amazon.

Great! So, what is your writing style? Do you write from an outline, or just inspiration, or both? 

Definitely both. I start with a general path of where I want things to go, but the story really takes shape on the fly, and new subplots and  specific scenes are inspired as I go. 

Sounds like a very familiar process to me! Do you have any underlying themes  that you want your readers to come away with?

I would say the overarching theme is God's protection and the importance of community. Ashley would not have made it through her ordeal without friends and loved ones by her side. She relied on her faith, her friends, her brother, and her new love interest to help her deal with the monster stalking her. No matter what trials we are facing, God provides what we need to make it through, even if it's not what we would have chosen for ourselves if it was up to us.

That's a wonderful point and a great theme!
Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Subconsciously, I'm sure the answer is yes. It's hard for me to write a character that's completely opposite to how I think and act, so inevitably there is a part of me or my friends and family in my books. Occasionally, I purposely weave a specific personality trait into a character based on real life, but those people shall remain nameless. Ha!

That's a smart policy! Do your characters ever surprise you?

Oddly, yes. Sometimes I have a vision of where I want the storyline to go, but as I'm writing the dialogue or fleshing out the character's thoughts, I realize it's headed somewhere totally different than I intended. Putting thoughts on paper doesn't always yield the results we anticipate!

Absolutely! It probably sounds odd to people who haven't experienced a character that surprises the writer, but after seeing  many answers to that question, it is a common occurrence!
Do you have a favorite character in your books?

I think my favorite is Sarah from Christmas is Meadow Creek. She's just a friendly, down-to-earth gal—someone you'd want to spend time with in real life. Nothing flashy, but someone you can relate to and who you want to find happiness.

One more question: What are you working on now?

I have been working on a women's fiction that alternates points of view between  four former college friends who are united four years after graduation. It's written from a first person, present tense perspective. Although it involves romantic subplots, it's definitely the most unique manuscript to my name. Writing is a slow process for me though, as I have a full-time job and a family, but I do enjoy it so I will continue working on this one until hopefully one day it gets published.

I hope it does, too. I really enjoy writing stories with the first person present tense perspective. 
Thanks so much for the interview, Katy! I really enjoyed it!

Now readers, here is a short bio, and some links from Katy:

Bio: Katy Eeten lives with her husband and two teenage sons in southeast Wisconsin. She writes contemporary Christian romance, including several Christmas novellas. A Stalker to Die For is her first romantic suspense. When she's not writing or working at her day job as an Office Administrator, you can find her taking walks, playing board games, baking, dreaming of her next vacation, and spending time with her family.

Social media links:

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

X: http://www.x.com/KatyEeten 

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

Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katy-Eeten/author/B0796L1CVK 

Purchase links:

https://www.amazon.com/Stalker-Die-Katy-Eeten-ebook/dp/B0GS7ND8LC/

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-stalker-to-die-for

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stalker-to-die-for-katy-eeten/1149674389?ean=9781522305477

A Stalker to Die For - Illuminating books from Pelican Book Group

Interview and giveaway with Author Clare Revell!!

 Today at the Diamond Mine we welcome author Clare Revell to tell us about her book, Unchained Melody! She is offering a free copy to whoever wins the drawing. All you have to do to enter the drawing, is to scroll down and click on the "leave comment" button at the end of the interview. 

So now, let's get started on the interview with Clare! But first, a bit about her book!

Unchained Melody is the story of Raven Faulkner and Isaiah Beringer.

Candlewick is the only home Raven Faulkner has ever known-- one her family has run from 1820. When the bell--which according to legend, rings to warn of danger--chimes just before a tree falls on the lodge, Raven tells herself it's a coincidence. Just as well, because Raven doesn't have time to decipher supernatural messages. Her biggest worry is keeping her family's legacy alive.

Fame and fortune are not all they're cracked up to be. Just as well, after Isaiah Beringer's meteoric music career nosedives. He's sure God wants him on the mission field, but every mission society he's applied to thinks otherwise. Needing someplace secluded and peaceful to lick his wounds and figure out what God wants of him, he books into Candlewick. The problem? The woman who runs the lodge turns out to be his biggest fan.

Rising repair costs and failing health make the future uncertain. Unless Raven and Isaiah can work together to write a new ending to the unchained melody of the Lodge.

Wow! Sounds super interesting! Clare, how did you get your idea for this story?

This one had been floating around for several years. The characters changed names several times before finally ending up as Raven and Isaiah. The actual Lodge itself came from a pub in a village we drive through quite a lot. My mind immediately turned it into a hotel and dropped a tree on it purely because I could. And the tree came from a book I read as a kid. Although the main characters were sent away at that point and not left with the clean-up. Raven just has to get on and deal.

And that makes the story true to life! I'm curious: What made you decide to be a writer?

I've never wanted to be anything else. Creative writing was my favorite subject at school and I used to spend all my free time as a child writing stories. Still have some of them around somewhere.

Wouldn't it be fun to read some of those again? What was your first story?

First one ever written or first one published? First one written was called Island in the Sun as part of a school project when I was fifteen. Handwritten with a proper fountain pen and ink and illustrated by my sister. 

First one published was called Season for Miracles by Pelican Book Group back in November 2010. Island in the Sun has since been much revised, polished and published by Pelican as a three book series called Signal Me---November Charlie, Delta Victor and Echo Foxtrot.

I think it's pretty cool that your first story has grown into a series! Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Both. My basic outline gets much manipulated and changed as I write. The characters take over, change their names, occupations, do stupid things that I have no idea how to fix. Sometimes I get inspiration from TV shows, or dreams, just real life stuff I put my own spin on. 

I love how you describe the way your characters take over! I find that so interesting, and mostly fun and challenging when that happens. Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

No matter how bad things get, no matter if we can't see a way forward, God knows the answers. He always has a plan, even when it doesn't match ours.

Well said, and so true!                                                                             Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Dad always says he can see a little of me in all my books. A turn of phrase, characters who hold hands in church, somewhere we visited on holiday one year, or a story they'll tell each other.

Can you share with us more of the ways your characters have surprised you?

They pick their own names. Isaiah for example was originally Sam. Easy to spell, but no, he had to change it to something I still struggle with now. I think the spell checker actually changes it automatically now.                                                                                                           I had one character I had to threaten to delete after she completely ruined the storyline. That actually worked, surprisingly enough. I had one decide he was no longer a carpenter, he was a Lord and lived in a mansion. That change I did keep, even though it demanded an entire rewrite.

That's so humorous!! I love it!                                                               Do you have a favorite character in your books? 

That's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. Is it a cop-out to say it depends which book I am currently writing? In Unchained Melody I think my favorite is Raven. But don't tell the others that!

I won't! :)                                                                                                What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on a series of three books called Midanbury. They are all handwritten and I am typing up book two. Think angels and demons and spiritual warfare and a town standing on the brink of destruction with only a single pastor and a few prayer warriors between the town and the evil surrounding it.

Sounds intense and very interesting! Thanks so much for the interview Clare. I found it quite delightful!

Okay readers, I'm going to include a short bio of Clare, then her social and purchase links. Remember, if you want to be in the drawing for a free copy, click on 'leave a comment' which will be after the links, and leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her now grownup children. Writing from early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American, the books contain British language and terminology.

The first draft of every novel is handwritten.

Links: 

Pelican - https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=1714

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unchained-Melody-Candlewick-Lodge-Revell-ebook/dp/B0DW8Z8Q4Y

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Unchained-Melody-Candlewick-Lodge-Revell-ebook/dp/B0DW8Z8Q4Y

Interview with author Heidi Glick!!

 

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

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

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

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

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

So, tell us a bit more about the series.

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

How did you get your idea for this story?

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

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

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

Then, what was your first story?

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

That sounds cool!

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

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

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

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

Such important themes for every person to experience!

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

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

Do your characters ever surprise you?

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

I love it when that happens!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

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

So, what are you working on now?

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

I love that title! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

eight pets.

Readers can learn more about Heidi on her 

Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Social Media Links:

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

·       https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1

·       https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

Interview with author Kirsten Clark!!

Today we welcome author Kirsten Clark to The Diamond Mine! Her wonderful Holiday Book "A Christmas Cup of Joe" will be out this November!  Here's a little taste of it. 

He’s a lost soul. She has faith. God has a plan for them both.

Simon Jenkins is a lost soul. Struggling to process a deep loss, he survives one day at a time on the freezing streets. So when a beautiful woman with ruby-red lips thrusts a blessing bag into his arms and shares a message of faith, Simon is dubious. But her eyes twinkle with the promise of hope and love.

Sandra Williams leads a life of faith. She has a great job and a cozy apartment, but her life hasn’t always been this way. And, to be honest, she’s lonely. So when she’s called by God to take a blessing bag to Dickensfield Park, she’s taken aback by the handsome man she meets, but is also excited about God’s plans.

That sounds wonderful, Kirsten! Now here we go with the interview:

Can you tell us a little more about your book?

Sure! A Christmas Cup of Joe is a cozy Christmas romance, but one that doesn’t shy away from exploring meaningful themes.

Simon and Sandra are brought together by nothing less than divine intervention and a cup of joe thanks to their local coffee shop, Holy Grounds. Can Sandra convince Simon that he’s worthy of giving God’s love, and their budding relationship, a chance? You’ll have to read on to find out 😉

How did you get your idea for this story?

When I decided to write Christian fiction, I challenged myself to write a story with a character that truly personified what it means to withhold judgment and offer grace. Sandra is that character.

 How interesting! What made you decide to be a writer?

At age four, I was inexplicably drawn to the light-blue boxed set on the top shelf in our basement that was the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I convinced my mom to read them to me. At first she tried to explain that I wouldn’t like the books because there were no pictures, and she was right: I didn’t like them. I loved them!

While I didn’t explicitly want to be a writer then, those moments spent listening to my mom read established a deep, abiding appreciation for the power of storytelling and literature as the foundation of my innermost self.

Those books were my favorites, too. I not only read them to my children, but have reread them periodically as an adult! I bet a lot of writers had them as favorites.

What was your first story?

I wrote a terrible story about a brown calf with a heart shaped mark on his forehead named Valentine that was (you guessed it!) born on Valentine’s Day. While based on true events on my Grama and Grampa’s farm, it lacked a plot of any kind.

It does sound cute, though! :) 

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

I’m a huge planner. But once I’ve set out the important plot points, inspiration always takes over. 

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

I think it’s important not to write didactically, but I do hope A Christmas Cup of Joe makes readers think about trust, hope, worthiness, and what it really means to be a Christian.

Well, those are beautiful goals! 

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

Ohh! That’s an interesting question. My Dad is a grumpy guy, so maybe some of those traits found their way into the version of Simon we meet at the beginning of the story.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

I don’t know if surprise is the right word. Sometimes I ignore my characters and write them into situations that just don’t work. When I pull a manuscript apart looking for the problem, I always learn that I should’ve leaned into the character’s motivations and listened to them more closely. They know.

That's a very astute observation. They do know!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

That would be like picking a favorite child! I have a soft spot for each of my characters. Bridgette the barista with her clicky-clacky nails is such a fun character.

Yes, some characters are such fun to write!

Tell us what you're working on now.

I never want to lose momentum, so I’m always moving forward to new projects. Currently I’m working on a full-length novel, as well as the next installment in the Holy Grounds series.

Well, I hope you have plenty of stories in you! Thanks for the interview, Kirsten!

And now readers, here's a bit more about Kirsten, and her links, too!

Author Bio: 

Kirsten Clark developed a deep and abiding love for stories at a young age, and has been plotting how to become an author ever since. When not writing sweet romances, she can be found in the classroom teaching at her local college, curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book, or baking chocolate cake while listening to podcasts. A graduate of the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia, she lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and two children, who keep her on her toes.

Purchase Links: not available yet - Release Date: November 1st, 2024

Social Media links: 

Website - https://www.kirstenclarkauthor.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560555721535

Instagram - @kirstenclarkauthor 

Visiting with Christian Author Suzie Waltner!

Welcome, readers! Today, we have the pleasure of getting to know the talented Christian author, Suzie Waltner. So, grab a cozy seat, your favorite beverage, and join us for this delightful conversation!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, Suzie?

Bio: Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and first and foremost, a reader. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. After twenty-two years in the corporate world, Suzie now helps other authors finetune their work as an editor. She resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Her book, Midnight Blue, is an Angel Award Winner as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and Maggie Award.

Let's start with a couple fun ice-breakers! Do you have a preferred writing implement?

I am particular about which pens I write with. My favorite are the Pilot G2 gels pens (in any color but black).

That IS very particular. Love it! How about your go-to writing snack or drink?

I alternate between water and diet coke during the day. I don't allow myself a diet coke until I've drank at least double the ounces of water.

Good girl. :) Okay, what is your most embarrassing or funny author moment that you're willing to share?

I'll go with embarrassing. When I started writing about twelve years ago, I did everything wrong. I hadn't heard about ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and didn't know there were rules to writing a good book. The first year I did NaNoWriMo, I was so excited I had finished a book, I put it out there. Y'all, that book is horrible. Point of view changes, most chapters are only a page or a page and a half long, there's even an incomplete sentence (like, the second half of the sentence is just missing incomplete) in the book.

Rewriting and republishing that book is on my to-do list (which gets fuller and fuller every year!)

I understand that! Aside from writing, do you have any other hobbies or creative outlets that you enjoy pursuing?

I get on creative kicks every now and then. I've taught myself to sew book cozies (because I can do straight lines but nothing more complicated), make candles (which gets expensive), and lip balm. The lip balm is the only one of those that I still make a few times a year.

Oh, fun! Sounds like something I'd enjoy trying myself. Can you share a specific instance where you felt God's guidance or provision in your writing journey?

While this isn't specific to my writing journey, it is adjacent to it. Last November, I learned that my division of a bank was shutting down and we were all being laid off. I have worked for this company for the past twenty-two years. I was stunned at first, but as I started praying about it, I realized this was something I needed. I hadn't been truly happy with my job for several years but because it was comfortable, I stuck around. When that job safety net was gone, I decided I didn't want to find another job in finance. I wanted to do something I was passionate about.

My editor for the Love in Color series was amazing and taught me so much through the four books we worked on together. I want to be able to do that for others. So, as of March 1 of this year, I have started a freelance editing business, and God has already been so faithful, connecting me with people and bringing me work and opportunities I couldn't have imagined when I got the news of losing my job last fall.

Awesome! Sounds like it's a NEW CHAPTER for you! ;) Do you have a favorite/life verse? Why is that one meaningful to you?

My favorite verse (one that has become my life verse in the past year) is Micah 7:7: But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Patience is not one of my virtues, so waiting is hard. This verse reminds me that even in the waiting, God hears me. He will answer my prayers and pleas in his perfect time.

I love that verse. It's a beautiful encouragement. Can you give any hints about what you're working on now?

On April 23, Ever Green, which is the last book in my current series, releases. Andi was the hardest character in this series for me to figure out, but once she started talking to me, I realized how much pain she carried with her. I don't have the cover for the book yet, but you can see some images of Andi and Noah and get a sneak peek at the opening scene here.

I am currently writing the first book in a new series about a woman who strives to be everything to everyone.

Oh, that's just a couple weeks away! How exciting! Tell us about your recent release, Yellow Roses!

Mia Mason has always strived to meet others' expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she's never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires. During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia's secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe. As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi's true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they'll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning?

You can find Yellow Roses on Amazon and Goodreads.

It's been such a pleasure chatting with you, Suzie! Where can readers connect with you and find more of your work?

Website: https://suziewaltner.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzieWaltnerWrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suziewaltner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashpredsfan
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzie-waltner

And don't forget to sign up for Suzie's newsletter and get a free novella: https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/

Thanks for joining us today, friends! Until next time, happy reading!

INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY WITH AUTHOR M. JEAN PIKE!!

Today on The Diamond Mine we welcome author M. Jean Pike. She is offering a free copy of her book, The Little Things. 

All you need to do is click on the comment button at the end of the interview and leave a comment with your email and you'll be entered in the drawing!

Let's get a little taste of the book now: 

He’s everything she never knew she wanted.

 A decade ago, Rochelle Delany made a decision that changed her life forever.
Wanting more than just football games and potluck suppers, she boarded a bus for California and didn't look back. But instead of a glamorous life, she became trapped in a nightmare of labor trafficking. Now, she's made a daring escape and returns home to Ohio.

Sandy Fairbrother has a problem with trust.
Twice betrayed, he now puts his faith only in God. He' s a single dad doing his best to grow his construction business and raise his young son. But haunted by an impulsive kiss Rochelle gave him fifteen years ago, her unexpected return has him rethinking things. He' s been given a second chance to win her heart. And this time, he plans to succeed.

Sounds like a great read! On to the interview!

Can you tell us a little more about your book?

Thanks so much for the opportunity! I’d love to share a little about my book. The Little Things is a modern take on the parable of the Prodigal Son. As a young woman, Rochelle Delany leaves her small Ohio town of Redford’s Crossing and her family in search of glamour, fame, and fortune. Like the prodigal, things don’t turn out the way she’d hoped. After nearly a decade enslaved in human trafficking, she makes a daring escape and returns to Ohio, realizing that all she ever wanted was right there all along. But when her past catches up to her, she finds herself desperately in need of help from a man she rejected ten years before. And from the God she’s forgotten how to pray to.

How did you get your idea for this story?

After watching a documentary on the horrors of human trafficking, and how so many young people are deceived by vultures online, I felt compelled to write something that would bring awareness to this terrible condition.

Good for you!! That's great!

What made you decide to be a writer?

As far back as I can remember, I have used words in the form of poetry, short stories and journals to try and make sense of life. In college, an English instructor encouraged me to pursue writing more seriously but it was years before I started sending my work out. It just seemed too personal to share. But when my work started getting published in magazines, I was hooked! I wrote short stories and inspirational essays for about ten years before I decided to try my hand at novel writing!

I'm glad you made that decision! What was your first story?

The first one I can remember was a three-page mystery called Mac the Mysterious Mutt. I wrote it when I was in the third grade!

I bet it was cute!

So, do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

I always start with a very basic outline, or at least a skeleton of what my major plot points will be. It keeps me from getting off track.

Good idea! Sometimes it's easy to get off track!

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

Mostly, I hope my readers will see in my stories portraits of how amazing the Lord is, and what a beautiful adventure life can be with Him in it! Sometimes you go miles out of your way to get to where you need to be, but nothing takes God by surprise.

That is SO true!!

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

My characters are usually a combination of many people that have crossed my path. In one scene my heroine might possess my best friend’s astounding capacity for kindness. In another scene she might borrow the sharp tongue of a stranger in an overheard argument in the supermarket. Basically, my characters are a big, beautiful, messy, melting pot made up of human nature as I have experienced it.

Wow!! What a great way to describe the process of developing characters!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Oh, all the time, lol.

Mine, too! 

What are you working on now?

I’m currently writing another romance set in the small town of Redford’s Crossing. I’m a New York girl who fell in love with Ohio and I love setting my stories in its small towns!

I'm looking forward to it!

Well, that's it for our interview. I'm so glad we had this chat today! Thanks so much!

Here's a little more about our author, and don't forget to leave a comment for the free book drawing!

Author Bio: Changing seasons. Unexpected blessings. Love that lasts forever. These are a few of M. Jean Pike's favorite things. With a writing career that has spanned two decades, Jean combines an insatiable curiosity about humans and why they do what they do with a keen interest in the quirky and offbeat things in life to bring readers unforgettable tales of life, love, and the inner workings of the human heart. 

Author Blog:

https://mjeanpike.wordpress.com/

Buy links: Amazon : 

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Things-M-Jean-Pike-ebook/dp/B0C1ZYD5VB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12CWJE4SFID0O&keywords=m+jean+pike&qid=1685235087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C523&sr=8-1

Pelican:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=162

2023 Brings in New Blood to the Diamond Mine

As you know, dear readers, the end of a year and the beginning of a new one brings both melancholy and overflowing hope. And so it is here on the Diamond Mine. We will be saying goodbye to Karla Akins, Crystal Caudill, Jill Chapman, and Kathleen L. Maher. We pray their writing careers will continue to excel as they lift the gospel through fiction.

But it is with great joy we bring in new blood into the Diamond Mine. Please give a heartfelt welcome to Janet Morris Grimes, Carlene Havel, Laura V. Hilton, Lianne Bruynell Lopes, Michelle Massaro, and Mindy Steele.

Janet Morris Grimes

Janet Morris Grimes may not have realized she was a writer at the time, but her earliest childhood memories were spent creating fairy-tale stories of the father she never knew. That desire to connect with the mysterious man in a treasured photograph gave her a deep love for the endless possibilities of a healing and everlasting story. 

A wife of one, mother of three, and Tootsie to four, Janet currently writes from her quiet two-acre corner of the world near Elizabethtown, KY. She has spent the last few years preparing to introduce her novels and children’s stories to the world. 

Stories that stretch your heartstrings. 

An unforgettable combination.

 Find Janet on her website: http://janetmorrisgrimes.com/

 Janet's book:

Click pic for Amazon link.

Carlene Havel

Carlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels. She has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US states. After a career in human resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels live in Texas, surrounded by their extended family. She is currently hard at work on a sequel to Song of the Shepherd Woman.

Check out Carlene on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarleneHavel/

                                    Carlene's latest release:

Click pic for Amazon link.

Laura V. Hilton

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Hidden Springs Series, The Amish Wedding Promise, The Amish Christmas Gift, and The Amish Secret Wish. She also has the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series.

Join Laura on her Faceobok page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraVHilton/

Laura's latest release:

Click pic for Amazon link.

Lianne Bruynell Lopes

Lianne Bruynell Lopes writes stories that meld her passion for God, history and romance. Her WW2 novel, Shadow of the Wolf, won Treble Heart Books, who published it, the book of the year award as well as ACFW’s Carol award for historical e-book in 2002. It also received a four-star review from the Romantic Times magazine. For ten years, Lianne taught middle and high school English and history at a Christian school in sunny Florida where she lives. Before that, she and her husband served as missionaries in Brazil. They have two beautiful grown daughters and a wonderful new son-in-law. When not writing, Lianne can be found reading, crafting, volunteering at the Miami hospital where her husband is director of pastoral care, and doing anything else that will get her out of cleaning the house.

Website: www.LianneBLopes.com

Facebook.com/lianne.b.lopes

Twitter.com/lianne_lopes

Pinterest.com/mercywriter

instagram.com/mercywriter

Stay tuned for Lianne's next release!

Michelle Massaro

Michelle Massaro writes contemporary fiction soaked in grace. A Southern California native, she and her husband now proudly make their home in East Tennessee. While raising their four children, she’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, snuggling her Pomeranian, and scouring Zillow for investment properties. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy. And if you need a hug, she's your gal!

Find Michelle on her website: https://www.michellemassarobooks.com/

Michelle's latest release:

Click pic for Amazon link.

To celebrate onboarding these authors I am giving away 3 prizes. 1. Daisy Journal 2. Handcrafted earrings, and 3. Hand Crocheted Flower Crown. Leave a message or fill out our contact form to be entered. And don't miss anymore of my giveaways! Sign up for my newsletter today @peggytrotter.com.