Inspiration and a Closer Look at the Magi with Lana Christian

Welcome (or welcome back) to the Diamond Mine. I am so excited to introduce you to Lana Christian today. Lana's debut novel is about the Magi who traveled from Persia to Jerusalem in search of a star. I had the absolute privilege of reading New Star early as one of the editors, and there is such a powerful moment in this story that I will never be able to hear the story of the magi again without remembering this moment through the eyes of this author's magi.

About Lana Christian

Twenty years ago, a man said my writing was a sword and to keep wielding it. That comment galvanized why I write. Words can change the world—especially when applied for good.

I’ve seen that firsthand. As a master’s level counselor. As a clinician and educator. As a writer in multiple sectors of business, healthcare, and ministry.

For the past nineteen years, I’ve been a freelance medical writer by day and a faith-based writer by night.

Writing is an adventure—much like hiking, my favorite hobby. Often humbling, always exciting. You’re never the same afterwards. In one way or another, you go beyond what you were before. Like when I made it to Peyto Lake—a glacier-fed lake in Banff, Canada (photo at the top of this screen). I pray the same happens when you read my books.

Ever think about who and what shaped your approach to the world?

MY WHO: My dad, a mechanical engineer, seemed to be able to do anything by just figuring it out. He ignited my inquisitive mind—often to my mom’s chagrin. My aunt wrote children’s books for Simon & Schuster. My seventh-grade science teacher opened my eyes to the wonders of the universe.

MY WHAT: I survived a nearly fatal case of Lyme disease. At my sickest, my husband left me. Homebound, my only way to earn a living was to write—and figure out how to rise above the odds stacked against me.

When I was ready to give up, God called me to embrace life—not death. It gave me a new boldness. Like me (all of 5 ft. 1 in.) calling out a career CrossFit guy when he parked his truck in a handicapped spot at Kmart.

I’m living a life of faith. Sometimes stumbling through it but still moving forward. That resonates through my books. I’d love for you to join me in the adventure.

My friend, God loves us as we are, but He also loves us enough to not leave us where we are. He wants us to GO BEYOND what we can imagine for ourselves.

That’s my life theme. I pray you’ll experience it in my books. Will you step into the adventure with me? Enjoy what you discover and GO BEYOND!

Follow Lana Christian: Website | Twitter/X | Facebook

The Interview

Suzie: Welcome, Lana, and thank you for joining us today. Let's get started with a couple of warm-up questions (the first one is a bit of a literal warm-up question). What is your favorite warm winter drink?

Lana: Hot chai tea with a splash of almond milk.

Suzie: Yum. I love a good chai tea. Perfect drink for when the temperature drops.

What are three books on your tbr pile right now?

Lana: DiAnn Mills’s Lethal Standoff

Amanda Barratt’s The Warsaw Sisters

Naomi Craig’s The Weary World Rejoices

Tracy Higley’s Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time

Anne Graham Lotz’s The Daniel Prayer

Suzie: I've read the first two books on your list, and the others sound good. I've added them to my tbr too. Let's move into writing now. Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

Lana: In quiet. I get so laser focused when I write that I often don’t hear my timer on my stove. (I can’t just casually listen to music while I write. I have too many years of piano and vocal training under my belt. I do listen to music when I take a break from writing.)

  

Suzie: I'm the same (can't listen when I'm writing/working but listen to it when I am taking a break). 

Who makes up your writing tribe? 

Lana: I have circles of wonderful authors: the ACFW chapter I’m a member of, fellow Scrivenings authors, several private author Facebook pages, and authors I’ve connected with through writing courses and Twitter. I also have amazing, supportive high school friends. (Our high school class has a very active private Facebook page.) Finally, I have awesome church friends and prayer warriors.

Suzie: You have a lot of terrific support in your writing journey. Now I'd like to talk about your book.

What inspired you to write New Star?

Lana: A live Nativity. On December 17, 2017. I was home, sick, watching Shadow Mountain Community Church’s Sunday service online, which included a 17-minute live Nativity with incredible music. It was like God shined a spotlight on every part of the scene, starting with the star, and whispered, “There’s a story to tell here.” New Star is dedicated to everyone who made that live Nativity possible.

Suzie: What a beautiful inspiration. You took on a lot with a piece of a story that is so well-known.

What was the hardest part of writing New Star?

Lana: For me, the hardest part is making sure I understand why characters do what they do. For example, history and the Bible tell us Herod the Great changed his will right before he died so his son Antipas wouldn’t succeed him as king. Why did he do that? How did that affect Antipas and all his decisions after that?  History and the Bible only hint at the “why,” so I have to crawl around inside their heads to figure out their motivations. In that regard, I may do as much “noodling” as I do writing. But when I get the motivations right, truly authentic scenes start to write themselves.

Suzie: You gave each of your characters realistic and believable motivations in the book.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Lana: (1) The Wise Men were real people who risked much and paid a high price for what they did in searching for Jesus. 

(2) Our belief will cost us something, but the reward is much greater than any price we pay. 

(3) God is big enough to handle all our questions.

(4) There is absolute Truth. His name is Jesus.

Overall, I hope that gives people hope!

Suzie: As someone who has read your story, I believe you've successfully delivered that message.

Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

Lana: New Star is the first installment in my series, The Magi’s Encounters. That series comprises four books, so I’ll be turning in a manuscript every January for the next three years. In addition, I have several devotional books in various stages of development, a historical fiction novel and a contemporary retelling of a biblical story in early stages of drafting.

 

Suzie: I am looking forward to catching up with Akilah and the others in the next book.

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

Lana: Isaiah 64:3-4 has been my go-to ever since starting my writing journey with New Star. I paraphrased the verses like this: 

EXPECT the impossible. 

CELEBRATE the unseen. 

And PRAISE God for it! 

I printed that as big as I could and taped that where I could see it all the time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed through, claimed, and trusted those words from Isaiah.

 

Suzie: I love your paraphrase. What a wonderful reminder for each of us every day. I want to end with this question: How can we pray for you?

Lana: Pray that God would use New Star in ways I can’t imagine (see Isaiah 64:3-4). Pray that readers would find the book a safe place to explore their questions about God and finish the book with a new appreciation for the Wise Men—and for the Bible. I would love for a reader say, “This prompted me to crack open a Bible.” Also, please pray that I would keep writing even when I’m discouraged about it. God has a plan; I need to put in the sweat equity, co-create with Him, then watch Him do what only He can.

Suzie: Amen. 

Thank you so much for spending some time with us this week, Lana. It was a pleasure learning more about you, your inspiration, and what's to come.

About New Star

AKILAH, a highly respected priest-scholar in the Lower Council of Magi society, considers all his astronomy discoveries well-deserved stepping-stones to a more fulfilling life. But the appearance of a new star challenges his priorities. As Persia totters on the brink of an undesirable king coming to power, Akilah declines an Upper Council position that could turn the tide. Instead, he studies an elusive star that doesn’t appear in any almanac or other writings. Except Jewish.

 

His research makes him a target of Persia’s religious and govern-mental conflicts. As dangers at home and abroad plunge Akilah into circumstances beyond his imagining, he realizes his knowledge of Jesus could destroy Magi society, its influence on Persia’s government, and Persia’s official religion. Untrusting of his Council, a thousand miles from aid, and bound to his cousin in a potentially career-ending contract, Akilah must decide how far he will go to protect what he knows of Jesus—and whether the cost is worth the risk.

Amazon | Scrivenings Press | Goodreads

Giveaway

One of our readers will win an e-book copy of New Star to one of you. Giveaway ends Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST. Enter here or below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Holly Jolly Christmas on the Mine

 with Barbara Britton and Renee Blare

with

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

CLAIMING CANAAN: MICAH'S JOURNEY

Beginning December 23, 2020 @ 12:30am

Comment below in Blog Comment Section:

 Entry must include ALL of the following:

1. Name and Email
2. Respond with Your favorite Bible Character and Why
(Who knows? It may provide fodder for a new Britton novel!)

Award: One Print or E-Copy (Winner's Choice)

 

Drawing Date: December 29, 2020 @ 11:59pm

1. Winner announced December 30, 2020, by 6:00pm

2. Winner will also be notified by email and will need to respond within 72 hours to claim the desired reward version of the book they wish to receive (print or e-copy.)

3. Lack of response within the specified time frame will rule the winning selection as void and another winner shall be drawn from the eligible comments, regardless of preference and desire.

4. Author, the Diamond Mine, or Miner (blogger) is not responsible for any communication, email, or delivery complications during the Christmas season which may impact the delivery of the winning item. It is said to be nearly impossible to meet delivery deadlines right now.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

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Come on in, it's "Chat Time!"

RENEE: Hi there, Barbara! Welcome to the Diamond Mine. I'm so excited that you are with us today. For y'all joining us, my guest today is my great friend and Biblical Fictional author, Barbara M. Britton.

BARBARA: Hi, Renee, I am excited to be with you on the Diamond Mine. I cherish our meeting and the time we spent together in Deadwood, South Dakota. I can't wait to get started!

RENEE: Absolutely. Deadwood was amazing and I can't wait until we can spend more time together, professionally and personally. You are a great friend and writer. Your Tribes of Israel series captures Biblical characters in the Old Testament and gives them a day in the Christian Fiction sun. What drives you to start a book in a series such as that AND finish it? You must have true love and passion for writing or is it the story itself?

BARBARA: I would have to say both. When I'm working on a story that resonates with me, the characters grab hold of my mind and they don't let go. It's like I can't stop writing the story or they won't give me a moment's peace. Is that passion? Love? I think it's a blessing or some kind of special gift, but it can be very distracting as well. I write the "goings-on" of the scenes on a piece of paper, then I can obtain focus to accomplish other things. Once I finish the book, the characters leave me alone.

This makes me sound crazy, but other writers tell me their brains work the same way. This passion or constant character and plot brainstorming during the writing process is one reason that writers have notepads stashed in every nook and cranny from their nightstands to the consoles of the cars. It's because we never know when our characters are going to blurt some insanely perfect dialogue or when an ideal plot line or idea for a scene is going to pop into our heads. It's only when I pen the words, "The End" my life returns halfway to normal.

RENEE: How do you pick and then create your characters so they become "human" and deeper than the paper they are written on? After all, Biblical characters can be rather untouchable - unapproachable to most people today, at least at face value.

BARBARA: The Bible is filled with conflict. The Israelites were at war with several nations and they had conflict within their own tribes. Women didn't have the rights they do today, so when women were bold for God, they put their life in jeopardy, or at least their social standing. I try to understand how precarious life was in Bible Times and place the conflict within my characters. I draw on feelings and hurts I've experienced in my own life. I'm also a big music fan and I find that a song can capture the mood or feeling of a character.

You can mine character traits from people you meet or from friends. Don't make it obvious though, or people may be guarded around you. I've used perfume ads to find the personality of a character or what they look like. Perfume ads tend to be dramatic because they are selling a fragrance that is embodying a personality (or character). Being a visual learner, I can glean a lot from a picture more than a list of traits. Some authors interview their characters and write a list of "favorites" to flesh out their characters.

RENEE: Well, we all know the Bible has unique people and unique places. It must be truly amazing to have such an overflowing well to choose from for your books. Can you tell us how you chose this latest book's setting?

BARBARA: The tribe of Manasseh settled in the Promised Land among cities that had their kings vanquished, but their people survived. These Canaanites continued to worship idols and eventually led many Israelites astray in the tribe of Manasseh.

Biblically, the daughters of Zelophehad are descended from Joseph. Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, but he was not given the firstborn blessing. His brother Ephraim received the firstborn blessing from his grandfather Jacob.

In my series, I place my faithful sisters in a land filled with faithless people. It reminds me of the church today. How would Milcah and her sisters continue to serve God in a land that did not praise His name? The sisters live near the city of Megiddo. Some scholars think the final battle in Revelation will be near Megiddo. Good versus evil. What better place to end my series about girls who sought God for their needs and didn't forget His promises?

RENEE: Wow, you make me want to read all three of your books this second! I love the way you work, ma'am. In fact, the books I have read of yours are awesome, just like you are. What would you say is your biggest challenge as an author?

BARBARA: That is a great question. Like most authors, I split my time between being creative and being a businesswoman. Don't get me wrong, I love to write my stories and get lost in my story world, but I also need to make sure readers know I have books in the real world.

When I began writing, social media was not the force that it is today. Publishers did most of the promotion in the "old days." Now a lot of marketing falls onto the author's desk. It is easy to be swept away into the social media realm and not realize that hours are passing by. I have to set boundaries on such things as marketing and social media, or it will consume my day.

My advice for writers of any experience level is to do what you enjoy and limit the rest. Once I was asked why I wasn't on Pinterest. I responded that I didn't have time to create fun and fabulous boards because I'd never get any writing done if I did.

Writing has to be and is my first priority.

RENEE: Time management is a serious subject in anyone's life especially the writer, published or not. I know from experience that my life was turned upside down when writing became a career instead of merely a hobby. I was a pharmacist when I wrote my first novel and already had many demands on my time. The writing was a joy, publication a surprise, but marketing? That was and is a nightmare. I have one final question for you and we'll toast our way into acknowledging and celebrating Jesus Christ's birthday (with coffee or tea, of course.)

Would you mind sharing your testimony and how it impacts those around you?

BARBARA: Of course. It's ironic, or some might say, a "God thing" that I'm a Christian Fiction author. I did not grow up in a Christian home. I had wonderful parents, but they did not seek a relationship with Jesus. My mom became a Christian through Bible Study Fellowship. She brought my sister and me to church, and I became a Christian in the third grade.

I can remember as a child having this great fear of death and believing "luck" to be arbitrary and stupid. When I heard about Jesus, all my questions about life were answered. 

One of my favorite things to do is teach the Bible to kids. I also like to write Christian books for teens and adults. The Bible is one story, God's story, but it is made up of 66 books. We tend to focus on the New Testament and ignore the Old Testament. I'm always learning about new-to-me stories in the Bible and I want to share them with my readers.

RENEE: You are a truly amazing woman and author. I wish I could write biblical fiction like you but until God graces me with that ability, I will continue to read how your elaborate characters within your tremendous biblical settings live their lives facing evil and triumphing with God to do and be good.

BARBARA: Thank you, my friend. And thanks again for having me on the Diamond Mine, Renee. Milcah's story is the third in my daughters of Zelophehad series, but it can be read as a stand-alone story.

In honor of our Savior's birth and this blog, I'm offering a print or e-copy of "Claiming Canaan: Milcah's Journey" (Print copy available for U.S. Winner only).

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

To enter: please leave a comment beneath the post in the Blogger comment section, sharing your favorite Bible character and why that's the case. Who knows? The person may become the lead character in my next novel!

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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About the Guest, Barbara Britton:

Barbara M. Britton loves to bring little-known Bible characters to light in her fiction. She is published with Pelican Book Group and ventured into Christian Historical Fiction with "Until June" in June of 2020. Barb lives in Wisconsin, but her college days were spent in Waco, Texas at Baylor University. Barb has a nutrition degree but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barb and her books on her website or on social media.

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

BookBub

About the Miner, Renee Blare:

In the Black Hills foothills of Wyoming lives Christian Author and Artist, Renee Blare. She's a pharmacist of twenty-three years, but although licensed, is inactive and has not practiced for the last three years due to her disability. She is a published author with Prism Book Group, a subsidiary of Pelican Book Group, and is a best-selling author of Romantic Suspense and Mystery and Contemporary Christian Fiction.

Renee is an advocate for Chronic Pain Warriors including the Disabled and Elderly who must use Opioids. She also is politically active for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Warriors and all other Chronic Pain Warriors being persecuted by State and the Federal Government Agencies for needing to take opioids to control their pain.

She seeks relief from severe and uncontrolled pain through learning and developing new skills in art, crafts, music, and writing.

Discover more about Renee Blare at the following sites:

Facebook: Christian Books by Renee Blare

                  Do No Harm: Do Doctors Know How to Treat Chronic Pain?

                  Renee Blare - CRPS

                  Inyan Kara Studio

Instagram: @mrzgrizwyo

                  @crps4life

Email:       Gmail

                  Yahoo Mail

                  AOL Mail

Christmas Book Giveaway with Mary Alford

        Christmas blessings, my fellow readers! So many exciting things
happening around the Diamond Mine. As I write, snow is flurrying through my glass doors. Heehee, shhhh, don’t tell anyone, but I LOVE snow!

And, I love giving things away! Mary O. won my last interview's book giveaway with Ann H. Gabhart on Sept. 9th. Also, our $25 B&N Gift Card has found a home with a lucky reader, Roxanne C., and I personally am deep in the midst of planning SO MANY BOOK SWAG giveaways on my own website, I can’t begin to name them! And you are definitely invited to be a part of that. See details below the interview.

But, I digress. Yet I don’t. Because our guest this week, author Mary Alford, is giving away not just a book, but a Christmas book! How fitting is that? Covert Amish Christmas is this week's giveaway. Check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/Covert-Amish-Christmas-Inspired-Suspense-ebook

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! So, without further ado, lets turn our sleighs toward Mary Alford’s interview.

                        ____________________________________

PT:  Season greetings, Mary! So happy to have you this week. I have my fireplace DVD on. Come settle by the fake fire and tell us the basics, your background and your genre.

MA: I write Christian and Amish Suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. I was a bookworm for as long as I can remember. I devoured every book that interested me at our public library. Growing up on Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie and Hardy Boys to name a few. From there, I graduated to Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney’s tales of suspense and romance. When I was a “tween”, I decided to write my own story because I was so sure I knew exactly how to do it. Wrong! It was filled with cliches and sappy romance, but it lit a fire in me that did not die through my teenage years and into adulthood. I tried my hand at different genres, but what I loved reading the most were Christian and Amish suspense. And so, I found my home there.

In 2012, I entered a contest through Love Inspired Suspense entitled, Speed Writing. I was chosen to pitch, then Emily Rodmell requested a partial, then a full, and in December of 2012, I received my first contract with Love Inspired Suspense. Forgotten Past was published in 2014. Since then, I’ve published 10 books through Love Inspired Suspense. The last 3 have been Amish Suspense. In addition, I am an Indie author of several Christian suspense novels. And in 2022, my first Amish Suspense will be published through Revell. 

PT: Wow! Amazing. What a way to begin. I’m sure being chosen was like a gift. Such a fitting story in this gift-giving season. So, do you have a main reason/theme/mantra of writing? Include both Amish/Contemporary if you can.

MA: I think my love for both Christian Suspense and Amish drives me to write in these two genres. I learned early on to write what I loved to read, and it has served me well.

 PT: Are there any characters in your books that resemble you most in personality? What about in Covert Amish Christmas? Or are there any scenes in the book that are taken from reality?

MA: I put a little of myself into every character I write. I cannot say it is one particular trait, but more like how they react to situations they are thrown into. Victoria Kauffman, in Covert Amish Christmas, in particular. And I find my characters usually share my love for coffee and cooking.

 PT: Where did you get the idea for your Covert Amish Christmas?

MA: I love stories involving spies. There is just something about the danger they face that makes for a great book. Covert Amish Christmas is about a former CIA agent who is being hunted by the people she once worked for because of something they believe she knows about a failed mission in Afghanistan. What better contrast for the dangerous world of espionage, than the peaceful Amish community of West Kootenai, Montana, right? And a hero that doesn’t come from a military or intelligence background. Aaron Shetler is a simple Amish furnituremaker who refuses to let bad guys take Victoria’s life. And because of his willingness to help, a love story is born.     

PT: Ah, sounds like the perfect novel to curl up with under a fuzzy, snowflake blanket. What’s the next project you are working on?

MA: Covert Amish Christmas introduces the reader to Aaron Shetler, the oldest of 5 Amish brothers who will be featured in additional upcoming Love Inspired books. The next book, Shielding the Amish Witness, comes out in April of 2021 and features Eli Shetler’s story. And in 2022, my first book from Revell will be released. It is an Amish Suspense, and I am extremely excited to get it into the hands of my readers.   

PT: Exciting! Any special plans you yourself have for this year’s Christmas/or a gift you're planning?

MA: As I’m writing this, I’m preparing to decorate the house for the holiday. Usually, I am struggling with a deadline around the Christmas holiday, so it sometimes feels like I miss out on some of the beauty of the season. But not this year. I plan to enjoy every moment of the season. That, to me, is a gift.  

PT: Yes. That is one thing this year has taught me. Time to enjoy every moment of life. Now, my favorite. It's like yanking down your stocking and finding all the little surprise trinkets inside! Tell 5 things quick about you that have nothing to do with writing.

MA: I am a grandmother of three, a pianist, a HUGE coffee drinker, a want-to-be crafter, and a sometimes-successful gardener. 

PT: Let me ask you a very important question. Do you have a Bible verse that is your current favorite, one that speaks to you right now?

MA: My favorite verse of the Bible is John 14:1-3

 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

What an amazing promise that Jesus Himself is preparing a place for us in heaven. I love that.

PT: I love that verse too, Mary. It speaks peace to my heart in this turbulent time. Thank you so much for stopping by the Mine and sharing your news and exciting giveaway!

To enter the contest, please leave a comment AND your email address. If you don't leave an email address, you will be not have a chance to win.

Also: please go to peggytrotter.com and sign up for my newsletters and automatically be entered for all my 2021 Book Swag Giveaways!

                      ____________________________________

Want to know more about author Mary Alford? You've come to the right place:

Bio:

2-time USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.  

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.  

Mary lives in Texas with her husband, two very spoiled cats, and a sweet rescue dog name Cody. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

Links:

Covert Amish Christmas:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Covert-Amish-Christmas-Inspired-Suspense-ebook/dp/B086XFR3SS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32OGNHWSCDJL1&dchild=1&keywords=covert+amish+christmas+by+mary+alford&qid=1606576343&s=books&sprefix=covert+amish+christmas%2Cstripbooks%2C844&sr=1-2

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/covert-amish-christmas-mary-alford/1136826763?ean=9781335403155

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/covert-amish-christmas

 

Mary’s Website: https://maryalford.net 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryalford13

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7235798

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-alford

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryjalfordauth/_created/

Merry Christmas from The Diamond Mine

Hi everyone, Suzie here with you again. This week's post is different than what you're used to because, honestly, I lost track of the schedule and thought I was supposed to post later in the month! Since I hadn't heard back from either author I had reach out to about visiting with us this month (with the wrong date, anyway), I thought I'd take this time to say how much we appreciate each and every one of you. 

Because as authors, we wouldn't be anywhere without readers. And as authors, it means the world to us if our story impacts just one reader. When you stop by and say hi, share how much you are looking forward to a book or how much you enjoyed one of our author's books, it makes a difference. So thank you, readers.

Thank you for picking up our books. Thank you for sharing our books. Thank you for encouraging us online and, when occasions allow, in person. And thank you for spreading the word through reviews, social media posts, and word of mouth.





I want to pray for all of you this week. With the holiday hustle and bustle, sometimes we forget that there are hurting people out there. It's something that's been heavy on my heart lately. So whatever you are dealing with in your lives, this is for you.



Abba Father, 

During this season when we celebrate the sacrifice You made by sending Your son as a vulnerable babe knowing what His future held, may we take time to focus on the greatest gift we will ever receive. 

Today we lift up those who are hurting . Whether it's an empty place at the table because a loved one has passed away or spending the holidays in the hospital, financial struggles and worries about keeping a home, relationships in turmoil, or spiritual darkness, we give it all to You. Grant us peace in our pain, bring people into our lives to comfort us when we feel alone, and use us to be lights to those who don't know You.

As another year comes to a close, may we lean on You when we are beaten down and defeated by circumstances. May we praise You for the good times. May we live courageously real lives of faith so that others see Your love through us.

We ask all of this in your name,

Amen 


If you need someone to pray for you or if you have a request, please leave it in the comments. You don't have to give details and you can simply leave the word "unspoken" if you are more comfortable with that. God knows what's on your hearts and minds.

Life and A Dad for Christmas according to Wendy Davy (Giveaway!)

Christmas Arrives Early on the Diamond Mine

with Wendy Davy!

Please welcome award-winning author Wendy Davy to the Diamond Mine. She's celebrating the new release of her Christmas romance A Dad for Christmas and we want to celebrate with her! This book promised to be a diamond among the gems of Christian Fiction! I can't wait to get to know this writer. What about you?

Oh, by the way, she's giving away TWO (2) e-books of A Dad for Christmas after the interview! Make sure you check out the details below!

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Let's get started! This week's featured author is Wendy Davy, award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories.

RENEE: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Wendy! I'm excited you could join us.

WENDY: Thank you for having me on your BLOG. I’m glad to be here!

RENEE: I love your picture. It reminds me of some lakes around my home. I like to hang out at the water too. Do you have a special place or cherished spot as well?

WENDY: My happy place is sitting on the dock at Smith Mountain Lake, VA while reading a book. I grew up spending much of my summers there and am fortunate to be able to still spend time there. My mom used to love it too and I have very fond memories of seeing her sit in her happy place and relax with a book.

RENEE: What a great memory. I have to say, nature is such an awesome place to relax and get in touch with the Lord...and regroup. I recommend it to everyone who feels overwhelmed with the rigors of life. That includes releasing a new book! Your books are fantastic, by the way. What is your biggest challenge as an author?

WENDY: My biggest challenge is staying focused. Life has a way of interrupting at the most inconvenient times. Like when I’m in the middle of writing an action scene and a neighbor rings the doorbell to bring back my dog who happens to love breaking through the backyard fence to go visit the neighbors hoping for a treat. (She’s escaped so many times I’ve nicknamed her Houdini.)

RENEE: LOL I can relate to that. I have a hard time focusing on my writing for other reasons. You seem to compensate well though! Congratulations on your latest book, A Dad for Christmas. What makes this book unique? How did you pick your setting for this one?

WENDY: The setting for my new story is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful place that I’ve visited many times. I love nature and I enjoy using beautiful settings for my books.

RENEE: Oh, how gorgeous. I want to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains someday. I've heard they are wonderful. And your characters? How do you make them three-dimensional, realistic?

WENDY: I have a general idea of who my characters are when I begin writing a story. As I write I get to know them more and they come to life in my mind. They have strengths and weaknesses, fears and goals and I am sure to keep these traits in mind when writing about them.

RENEE: What do you have planned for our readers with A Dad for Christmas? I know I'm excited.

WENDY: I'm giving two e-books away! The first book goes to the first person who comments on this blog. The second book will be awarded by random draw from the rest of the people who comment thereafter! I will send the books out on December 1st when they become available. 

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A Dad for Christmas

GIVEAWAY

The first book goes to the first person who comments on this blog. The second book will be awarded by random draw from the rest of the people who comment thereafter! Wendy will send the books out on December 1st when they become available. 

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RENEE: Woohoo, what an awesome giveaway! Did you here that, folks? A great book, no, two great books, up for grabs! Sorry, back to the interview... I've had to face a serious question recently, and I'm curious. What would you do if you couldn't write anymore?

WENDY: I would read and review tons of books for other authors. I appreciate support from others and have learned how vital reviews are for helping people decide which books to read.

RENEE: Readers and writers, they tend to go hand in hand, don't they? Okay, I have one last question for you then you can go back to writing your awesome books. What's your life goal?

WENDY: Well, that’s an easy question to answer and here I thought it would be a tough one... to have my books made into movies!

RENEE: That's a great one. I think that's my new goal too. :) It's movie time or should I say giveaway time?

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Comment on the interview and you may win an ebook!

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About the Book:

Tis the season for unexpected gifts.

High school teacher Reed Mason wants a family to call his own. When his prayers seem to remain unanswered, he expects to spend Christmas alone working on home improvement projects. But plans change when a chance encounter with a child's letter to God touches his heart. Inspired to help someone in need, Reed sets his sights on assisting his beautiful new neighbor. Independent-minded widow and single mom Emma Richards wants a fresh start. When she moves to Shenandoah Valley with her son, she expects to handle life's challenges on her own. But plans change when her handsome neighbor takes a sudden interest in her well-being. As Reed maneuvers his way into her heart, Emma sets out to discover his true intentions.

About the Author:

Wendy Davy is an award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories.

Website: www.wendydavy.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.davy.90

About the Miner:

Best-selling author Renee Blare has hung her hat in several states but only calls home to one...Wyoming. A bookworm by nature, she began her writing journey late in life, but her first publication, Beast of Stratton was a semi-finalist in the 2015 ACFW Genesis Contest and a best-seller on Amazon. Her second and third publication joined the ranks as well. 

A pharmacist for over twenty years, she served the veterans, the Native Americans as well as those who lived around her everyday. A warrior of CRPS, she relaxes by fishing, hunting . . . well, if and when she can . . . and picks away on her classical guitar.

Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Wyoming Black Hills, she pens her stories about every day folks facing good and bad times as they travel along the paths of their lives. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check her out on her website, blogs, and social media.

Website: https://reneeblarebooks.com/

It's a Merry Christmas with Lisa Belcastro!

Merry CHRISTmas y'all! It's Rebekah here and boy, do I have a treat for you! Lisa Belcastro's GIVING AWAY TWO BOOKS! Shenandoah Nights and her latest release:

A Shenandoah Family Christmas

Where is Christmas?

Disease, freezing temperatures, and the Revolutionary War bring bitter reality to the Reed home in December 1777. Captain Benjamin Reed is ordered to sail a supply shipment south to General George Washington. Days before Shenandoah's scheduled departure, Ben's first mate succumbs to smallpox.

Rebecca Reed had never feared the dreaded disease until her one-year-old daughter Felicity breaks out in the telltale rash. In the cold, dark days of Advent, Rebecca, Ben, and the Reed family wait in prayerful hope as Felicity fights for her life and they wonder who could be next.

With the rest of the family at risk, they decide to obtain the forbidden cowpox vaccine. Ben's brother Jonah, his uncle Isaiah, and Shenandoah's cook Adam Greene venture off in search of the outlawed vaccine. A blizzard hits. A tree crashes. Jonah crumbles to the ground. A woman with the face of an angel aids Jonah, but is it too late? And where are Adam and Isaiah?

As the death toll rises throughout the Colonies, the Reed family prays for more than one Christmas miracle. 

 

 

Rebekah: What's your favorite thing about your genre?

Lisa:  I love romance! I'm a happily-ever-after kind of girl. That said, I'm blessed to write in multiple sub-genres so I can let my imagination play in all the areas I enjoy.

 

Rebekah: Describe your latest release, A Shenandoah Family Christmas in 3 separate words.

Lisa: Fear, Hope, Miracles

 

Rebekah: If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you cast as your main hero & heroine?

Lisa: I could see Henry Cavill playing Captain Benjamin Reed. I would love to see Anne Hathaway play Rebecca!

 

Rebekah: How long did it take you to write this book from first draft to final edit? How do you balance writing with other responsibilities (job, family, etc.)?

Lisa: A Shenandoah Family Christmas is a novella, so it only took about six weeks. Novels take four months or more, depending on "real" life. As I start the New Year, my home life has undergone dramatic changes. I'm going to have more free time, as all children will be out of the house on their own adventures. I'm eager to see how this next chapter in my life will play out.

 

Rebekah: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Lisa: When I was a teenager, I could lose myself in a story. I loved the idea of growing up and being a writer. I went to college and became a journalist. From there, it wasn't a far leap to fiction.

 

Rebekah: Do you stick to your TBR pile or are you an impulsive book buyer?

Lisa: Does anyone stick to their TBR pile? LOL! I buy books all the time, and then add them to the TBR pile. If a new book catches my eye, and I simply HAVE to read it, then I put it on top of the pile. Admittedly, I have books that have stayed at the bottom for some time. I'll get to them, but there are so many I can't not read right away, that my TBR pile never seems to get any shorter. And that is a blessing!

 

Rebekah: At some point an author has to torture their characters. Tell us the truth. Do you enjoy or hate it?

Lisa: I hate it!! Sometimes it's too much like real life, mine, a family member's, or a friend's, and I find myself crying while I'm typing. When that happens, I have to read something happy before I go to bed so I sleep well.

 

Rebekah: Who's your #1 fictional character crush?

Lisa: At the moment I'm in love with Captain Hook for ABC's Once Upon a Time. If we're talking about books, I'd have to pick Ryan Crandall from my summer release, A Dream for Love.

 

Rebekah: What's one thing readers would be surprised to know about you?

Lisa: When I was 44 I set a goal to run a full marathon (26.2 miles) in all 50 states. At the time, I had run 8 marathons in only 4 states. On December 8, 2013, I completed my 50th state - in Hawaii - with my daughter Kayla running the last half mile with me and crossing the finish line with me. Next month I'm running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World with a few girl friends who are as running crazy as I am. God willing, we'll be completing a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half-marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday. Guess I am a little Dopey about running. :-) 

 

 

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha's Vineyard. She loves time with her family and friends, running, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, chocolate, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat, Be, who keeps her company while she creates fictional lives for the numerous characters living inside her head.

 

Lisa runs as an ambassador for TEAM 413 (www.team413.org), and has completed a marathon (26.2 miles) in all fifty states.

 

Lisa's stories are set on the Vineyard amidst the magnificence of the ocean, the beauty of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and ancient cliffs, as well as the people and events that make the Island so very unique.

 

When she's not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter's school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, training to run the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in January 2016, walking the beach looking for sea glass, or enjoying a great meal while she pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style Magazine.

 

Connect with Lisa here:

www.lisabelcastro.com

www.facebook.com/belcastrolisa

www.twitter.com/VineyardRomance

 

TWO books are up for grabs! A Shenandoah Family Christmas and this little beauty, Shenandoah Nights. Your choice of paperback or eBook for both!