Welcome, Bettie Boswell

We're so happy to have Bettie Boswell join us today. 

Hi Bettie: Let’s find out your favorites in the Fast Four:

What is your favorite?

Coffee or Tea? I mostly drink water.

M&Ms or Reece’s Pieces?

Peanut M&Ms if I had to choose

Cat or Dog Person?

Both, but we are retired from animals. Now there is more time to write and travel. 

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

Spring or fall because I like moderate temperatures.

We’re excited to learn more about you:

Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales?

My newest book is a children's picture book called Lucy and Thunder. Its premiere will be May 1st. I will have it and my novels: On Cue, and Free to Love at the Mt. Zion Ridge booth, Jeffersonville, OH at the Ohio Author's Book Fair on May 27th.

What genre do you like to read?
I like Christian romance in any sub-genre including suspense, mystery, contemporary or historical. 

When you aren’t reading or writing, what do you like to do?

I enjoy taking pictures of plant life while walking. My three grandchildren keep me on my toes before and after school. Volunteering as a docent at the Mazza Museum of children's book illustrations satisfies my joy of teaching others about picture books.

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

On May 1st, Lucy and Thunder will be published.  It is the first picture book where I am author and illustrator. The story is about a young creature that is afraid of Thunder. When Thunder comes booming into her house, Lucy doesn't know what to do. Her family gives her good advice. Lucy tries, but it will take a prayer to help her realize what she needs to do. I had fun creating the characters for this book. I hope parents and teachers will read this one to their little ones and explore some of the suggested activities in the back matter.

This past July my split-time romance, Free to Love made its way into the world. It follows a couple in a forced marriage, and their friends (former owners) who travel north for freedom from slavery and freedom from living the lifestyle of slave owners. Ginny from my first novel, On Cue, plays a narrating role as she researches for the musical in the former book. The new book, Free to Love serves as a prequel to the first book. Those books may be read in any order. I've had many positive comments about both tales. I just submitted a sequel to complete a trilogy for Ginny's story. The future story is also split-time involving a post WW2 romance and Ginny's new marriage.

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

All the books about Ginny involved historical research. Both On Cue and Free to Love required knowledge of the Underground Railroad in northwest Ohio and a general understanding of the lifestyles during the early to mid-1800s. I originally did the research for a community musical I co-wrote for Ohio's bi-centennial in 2003. That research has been recycled for both of Ginny's books and a children's reader called Sidetracked. I put in several years researching northwest Ohio.

With my non-fiction children's book called Skateboarding. I had about three weeks to learn about the sport, and write the piece. That research included plenty of library books and an interview with some locals at a skate park. It is a hi-lo book which means high interest for upper grades with simple vocabulary readable at a lower grade level.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I've used names of family and friends in many of my novels/manuscripts, but sometimes I just pick a name that works with the other characters or situations in the book.

My manuscripts for children mostly have non-family names. In Lucy's case, the inspiration for the main character is a younger relative's fear of storms. However, the only Lucy I knew of was my husband's late aunt, and she wasn't the scared young lady in my life who loves to cuddle with her pets.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Check out the little bat in Lucy and Thunder. That's all I'm saying for now.

Just for fun:

If you could have any super power, which would it be?

The ability to stretch or shorten time would be a wonderful asset. Think of all the extra hours for completing a story and all those chores that get in the way. Once the book was submitted and accepted, waiting for publication could be shortened so the reader (and the writer) could get the book sooner.

Bettie Boswell has always loved to read and create stories. That interest helped her create musicals for both church and school and eventually she decided to write and illustrate stories to share with the world. Her first experience with Christian romance started when she spent a summer with her grandmother during her early teen years and read a Grace Livingston Hill novel. Now she reads a Christian novel every week and sometimes more than one. Her writing interests extend from children's to adult fiction and non-fiction. Her first romance novel, On Cue, debuted November 2020. The prequel to that novel, called Free to Love is also available from Mt. Zion Ridge Press. Her children's books include Skateboarding and Sidetracked. In 2023 she has two more children's books coming, where she will be both author and illustrator. They are Lucy and Thunder and Dottie's Dream Horse. She has also contributed to educational works, magazine articles, and devotional and short story anthologies. She has two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and a busy minister husband.

Bettie is giving away an ebook. If you are interested in winning one, comment on the blog and include your email address by May 3, 2023. We need five comments to choose a winner.

Family, Holidays, and Writing Journeys with Debut Author Erin Unger

This week we welcome a debut author to the Diamond Mine that you'll be seeing more of in 2019. Not only because of the books she's got releasing next year (which we'll talk a little later) but also because she's joining the Diamond Mine team!

Let's give a warm welcome to romantic suspense author Erin Unger.

Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her novel, Desolate Paths, releases January 11, 2019.

Connect online:
www.erinungerwrites.com
https://www.facebook.com/ErinUngerWrites/
 https://twitter.com/erinungerwrites

https://www.instagram.com/erinungerwrites/

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Erin. We are delighted you could join us for a visit.

An icebreaker is always a fun way to learn a little about a new friend, so let’s start with a game of Would you rather (I promise not to ask about eating anything disgusting)!

Would you rather win a million dollars in the lottery or never have to buy anything for yourself ever again?  

Erin: I’d rather not have to buy anything for myself. I bet that would equal tens of millions, lol.

Suzie: I agree (plus I'm not a huge fan of shopping to begin with). Would you rather be a contestant on a game show or a character in a soap opera?

Erin: A character in a soap opera would be so fun to over act.

Suzie: Would you rather sing like a diva or cook like a 5-star chef?

Erin: A 5-star chef is way more interesting. And it would make my family so happy to have all those gourmet meals every night.

Suzie: A 5-star chef would also produce something delicious. Would you rather have your own boat or your own island? 

Erin: Don’t you think an island would be such a dream come true? Then at least I could hide on it and get some writing done without a million interruptions.

Suzie: I am in complete agreement! Would you rather live a hundred years in the past or a hundred years in the future?
 
Erin: I’d go back to the past for sure. I’m dying to know all the little details of life that we can only guess about.

Suzie: Would you rather never be able to speak what’s on your mind or always speak the truth?

Erin: If I couldn’t speak what was on my mind, I think I’d go crazy!

Suzie: Ok, that was way fun! Now let’s get to some more personal questions. You have a large family. Five kids, y’all! As a single lady, I can’t even imagine! Can you share a couple of your favorite recent family moments with us?   

Erin: I’m so glad you asked Suzie. Last week, I went to visit my army son and his family in Texas. He just had a brand-new baby—my first granddaughter! I held her almost the whole time we were there. And playing with my three-year-old grandson made my year. Top all that off with seeing a bunch of iconic tourist sites and it was by far a favorite trip of all time. 


Suzie: Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, let’s talk about some of your family traditions for the holiday.

Erin:  Thanksgiving at my house is a crazy mix of family and fun. We cook for days. All my kids prepare a dish or dessert of their choice. And my whole extended family also contributes in potluck style. But I always do the turkey. We spend the whole day together, eating, doing puzzles, and playing games—and getting in a little nap too.






Suzie: Sounds like a great day of family and fun! By necessity (did I mention the five children?), you are a couponer. What advice or insight do you have for someone interested in saving money?  

Erin: I don’t coupon like I used to, but it’s a very important aspect of having a big family. The best advice I have is to always shop at stores which double every coupon. And match them to the sales in the sales ads. I’ve done it for years and saved about 65% on my grocery bill on a regular basis.

Suzie: Thanks for the tip! Now, tell us a little about your writing journey. 

Erin: My writing journey has been...well interesting. It hasn’t been easy or quick. But I’m so glad that God brought me through the difficult years and kept me from quitting many a time. I started writing nine years ago, but it isn’t until this coming year that all my hard work is going to come to fruition. 

Suzie: What a great testament to not giving up. With a full house (and then some), what kind of writing routine—or non-routine—do you have? 

Erin: I’ve been on sabbatical for a month but normally I write three days a week. I spend one day a week doing social media, guest posts, and writer maintenance or editing. And I write the other two days. I don’t always worry about word count because I have days where I work all day and still only get out 500 words.

Suzie: What drew you to romantic suspense? Who are your influences?

Erin: I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and suspense since I can remember. Even as a kid, I was looking for every Nancy Drew book and every mystery story I could find. I’ve been influenced so much by Harlan Coben, Stephanie Myers, Erynn Newman, Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, Ronie Kendig, Dani Pettrey, and so many more. They’ve helped to shape my writing more then I imagined possible.

Suzie Definitely some names I recognize on that list. Romantic suspense intrigues me because of the research into procedures and laws and more. What is an interesting tidbit or experience you’ve come across while researching your books?   

Erin: Because of my novel, Desolate Paths, I learned a lot about alcoholism and how it affects people so differently. Some people can drink regularly for years and not be addicted, while others can drink for only a short amount of time and become alcoholics. Even the types of withdrawal can vary in extremes. And they aren’t necessarily directly related to how long a person drinks.

Suzie: Share with us a little about your debut release (coming January 11, 2019).

Erin: When rehab is Brooke Hollen’s only chance at redemption, she runs straight to it. But can she survive the serial killer who hides amongst the damaged and healing? And can she trust Kyle Reston, another rehab resident, who wants to take her under his wing? Or is he responsible for the residents who keep going missing?











Suzie: Do you have anything else in the works?

Erin: I have five books releasing next year. It’s going to be an exciting year. And, I’m in the middle of writing a series about a tight-knit urban community and its secrets, and I’m so excited about it. I can’t wait to get it in my readers’ hands.

Wow, five books? That is amazing (and goes back to that persistence paying off). Erin, thank you again for your time today! I look forward to reading Desolate Paths soon!

Giveaway

Erin is giving one reader a $5.00 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite Thanksgiving family tradition. For a bonus entry, follow Erin on social media and tell us you did so in the comments.

 ***Must be five original commentors for giveaway to be valid. 

Sing Along with Caryl McAdoo on the Diamond Mine (Giveaway)

Caryl McAdoo

The Diamond Mine Welcomes the Joyful Caryl McAdoo

(Fabulous Giveaway!)

Howdy, folks! This week we have the terrific Caryl McAdoo on the Diamond Mine! I can't wait to get started. She also has an AWESOME giveaway for you. Check it out at the end of the interview. Without further adoo...heehee...let's get started.

Renee: Hi Caryl! Welcome, I'm so excited to have you.

Caryl: I want to thank you, Renee for inviting me! I’m so grateful to be at the Diamond Mine today! I hope I find a precious stone and I pray I can leave one for you, too! Thank you for having me! I say it all the time, how I’m so blessed and highly favored! And Voila, here’s the proof!

Renee: You are one my favorite authors, that's for sure. LOL And a great friend. I can't wait to jabber away and share all about you with everyone. Let's talk about your phenomenal writing first (and yes, folks, this lady knows how to write!). I love your characters. How do you keep them three-dimensional?



Caryl: This is done through learning the craft of writing creative fiction. I’d say Point of View is my biggest source for my characters seeming so real. Even the most perfect one always has flaws, too. I give my villains a little bit of good, too, because no one is all good or all bad! So that makes them more real.

And here’s a little secret not too many people know. My husband is also an awesome writer and we write together, so he controls all my awesome heroes’ actions and dialogues and leaves my strong girly-girl heroines alone! So there you go, third reason my characters are so ‘three dimensional’ that they feel like friends only a few pages in!

BTW, it was ‘our’ New York agent, Mary Sue Seymour AND the Simon and Schuster editor she sold VOW UNBROKEN to, book one of the Texas Romance series, who both told us it would be best to have only one author’s name on the cover. Since I’m the “mouth” of our union (49 years this June!) who never meets a stranger and LOVES talking to people—all people, it was only natural that we chose me to represent us. My Ron is much like the patriarch of my Texas Romance family saga . . . almost perfect! 

Renee: Oh, wow! Thank you for the resource. That is such a cool thing to pass along to the newbie (and old) writers out there. And writing with your hubby? That would be great. I want to do that with my own husband. We've started a project together as well...our first. I'll keep you posted on its progress though. (And ours!)

On a more personal note, what would you do if you couldn't write anymore?

Caryl: If someone told me I couldn’t write anymore, I have to pursue singing. One way or the other, I must give God glory. He has saved my soul and delivered me from eternity in hell and He calls me His own and He blesses me and gives me His high favor—for instance, my husband, four awesome children and seventeen grandsugars! 

My slogan or motto or tagline—I’m never sure what to call it (any suggestions?)—is “Praying my story gives God glory. If I couldn’t write, I’d sing of the wonders of the Lord. Worship and praise Him. BTW, He does give me ‘new songs’ to sing and you can hear a few of them on my YouTube channel. (LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_1hQx6UZbWi3OYwmKKxh6Q ) I still don’t know what He plans to do with them, but I’m overwhelmed every single time He gives me another one. See? Blessed and Highly favored!

Renee: You do love to sing, don't you? I do too, but I'm not much good. It's more noise but it's joyful! LOL But I love to read. Does that count? My favorite book is still Pride and Prejudice. What's yours?

Caryl: Oh, God’s Living Word, His Holy Bible is by far my favorite book, the only one that give me life and guides me into all peace and joy and wisdom. And I read it wherever I am, whenever I have the urge. I carry it with me all the time on my phone. I enjoy reading the New American Standard, but I’m a King James lady.  😊

Renee: Oh, I definitely agree there. His Word never fails. I like the NASB too and the NKJV the best. I have a King James Version but I prefer my NASB. I take it everywhere I go. It's on my phone! 

Speaking of traveling, I've only been to three other countries in my life, but I'd love to travel to more...mainly New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Caryl: If anyone talks to me long about travel, they find out the only place in the world I long to go, it’s Israel. I pray I get to go sooner, but I KNOW I WILL go. It may be when Yeshua sits on His throne in Jerusalem and reigns over all the earth. I’ll get to go once a year then. But I so hope I get to go while it’s so historical to my faith. Nothing will matter but Him after He comes again!

Renee: Israel would be an awesome place to visit. I have a few family members that would love to tag along. And yes, after all this craziness on Earth is over, nothing will matter but the Lord. Nothing matters but Him now. Is there a special quote or saying that comes to mind in times of adversity?

Caryl: I always say “God is on the throne and in control!” If we have confidence in that—which I definitely do—then no matter what happens . . . NO MATTER WHAT . . . you can walk in peace and be comforted in that knowledge.

Renee: That is a great saying, Caryl. That is Truth and we can cling to it. Thank you. As if nobody can guess this one, but do you have any quirks or habits that keep your family and friends on their toes?

Caryl: Ah ha ha ha ha! I burst out singing all the time. Does that count?

Renee: LOL I knew it! Why am I NOT surprised? You're an angel, Caryl. But as much I know you love life and the Lord, God uses life to teach us lessons. Would you share one of your life lessons with us?

Caryl: Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Remember that song? But it is SO SCRIPTURAL! To worry is nothing but an insult to God. I used to be the world’s biggest worry wart. I used to get so angry with Ron because he simply refused to worry—said I did enough for both of us. But when Holy Spirit impressed on me that worrying meant I wasn’t trusting my Father, Who proved Himself over and over so many times in my life, Who is always thinking of me and loves me so unconditionally, I put it behind me and now refuse to worry like my dear husband (the MOST Christ-like man I know, but not perfect). The devil has almost quit coming to whisper his lies in my mind about all the bad stuff that’s going to happen because he knows I don’t pay him no nevermind!

The other half of that song is Be Happy. Philippians 4:4 says we are to rejoice in the Lord always. Not some of the time or every now and then. Not if everything is hunky dory or blue skies and roses, but ALWAYS. Okay . . . I’ve lived long enough to know that sad things happen, heartbreaking things that may make you think you don’t even want to live another minute—that’s S.A.D.! But in the midst of it, knowing He’s on the throne and in control, we can KNOW He will get us through. He will never forsake us or leave us. We’re never alone NO MATTER WHAT, so I try my best to find a reason to rejoice in Him . . . not in the circumstances or my hurting heart, but IN HIM. I speak it out even if it feels like a lie, and before you know it, I’m truly rejoicing in Him, praising Him, and giving Him glory!     

Renee: That lesson is a very important one...for many reasons. I'm so glad you've shared that with us. You are truly a unique person. And if anyone is wondering, your books are special and reveal that about you as well. If you would like to say one thing to your reader about yourself and your books, what would it be?

Caryl: I want to bless you through my books.

Renee: And what is your life goal?

Caryl: I want to give God the glory.

Renee: See what I mean, folks? Caryl, you are an amazing woman, and I'm honored to have you here on the Diamond Mine. Thank you for stopping by and spending some time with our readers. I can't wait to read more of your wonderful stories and characters as well hear your beautiful praise. God has indeed blessed you.

Caryl: I want to thank you again, Renee. I love the opportunity to visit with you at the Diamond Mine every time I get the chance! I’d love to bless a few of your readers! I’d like to offer two copies of VOW UNBROKEN, book one of the Texas Romance family saga. AND I want to offer an e-book of THE BEDWARMER’S SON that won a 2016 Readers’ Choice Award at Celebrate Lit and has 86% 5-Star reviews, and all the rest are 4-Star! I’d love for y’all to follow me at Amazon (LINK https://www.amazon.com/Caryl-McAdoo/e/B00E963CFG ) and if you’re already following me there, please follow me at BookBub (LINK https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caryl-mcadoo

 ) to enter to be one of THREE winners! I hope y’all will enjoy the stories and be blessed!

Renee: Wow!!! Caryl, you are so generous! Thank you so much! Did you catch that readers? This is an absolutely AMAZING GIVEAWAY! The details are below so enter now. You will be one of 3 winners!

______________________________

GIVEAWAY

3 Books/3 Winners!

2 Copies of Vow Unbroken

1 E-copy of The Bedwarmer's Son

Enter

by

following

Caryl

on

Amazon

or

BookBub

Let us know 

in the

comments 

(leave your email!)

Winners will be selected by random draw on 3/22/17 and notified
by email.

____________________________

About The Bedwarmer's Son:

What if Abel had killed Cain, but there was no jury of his peers?

In 1928 Georgia, a black man who kills a white man is automatically guilty, but the bedwarmer’s son, an ex-slave, is no normal black man. And the dead white man is his half-brother. Once his lily-white lawyer lady learns the truth, everything changes. Can she save him from swinging?

Will the bedwarmer murder the one she’s been bought to serve?  

From the antebellum South, come travel the dusty trails of Jim Crowe Dalton, Georgia with slave and master, saint and sinner. See if God is really big enough, if He truly cares about His children. McAdoo has done it again, this time in a brand new way. A delightful morsel for the palates of Christian readers world round.  

     

Excerpt: 

Jasmine picked up a spud and turned it over, then put it back in the pile. Mammy worked at the table. 

She went and sat across from the old woman. “I don’t know why’s Mister William doing what he be doing, but I likes it.” She drew her shoulders back. “I ain’t never had such fine clothes on my back afore, and him being so nice? He done have me set up da screen in the corner to gets behind, so I don’ have to strip off naked right in front of him.”

The old lady pointed her paring knife right at Jasmine’s nose. “You be careful, child. Don’t go getting uppity on me now. Mister William’s been heartsick ever since Miss Coreena and her sweet baby girl passed.”

“Yes, ma’am. I understands. Why, can’t stand them folks what don’t know they’s place.”

“Good.” Footfalls turned the old lady’s attention to the stairs, then quickly back, she reached across and grabbed Jasmine’s arm. “When he does go to messing with you, promise old Mammy you tell me all about it. Gots me a secret ta help ya out.”

She nodded, but him messing with her weren’t going to happen. No matter how nice he be. She might just figure out a way to take off on that horse of his. Might not have to get wet in the creek after all when she run. She be dressed in these fancy clothes and have Old Tom’s note, them bounty hunters won’t mess none with her even if she did come across one.

Reviews:

Few authors could pull off the joining of both the Civil War era and the

Roaring Twenties in a single novel. Caryl McAdoo’s done it convincingly in her Christian Historical Fiction “The Bedwarmer’s Son.” A readers’ blessing, the author’s brilliant encompassment. –Alan Daugherty, columnist The News-Banner

The BEDWARMER’S SON is, I believe, one of Caryl McAdoo’s finest books. I love this period of history and emphasize the necessity of authors telling the whole story. Mrs. McAdoo has done her research and produced a book spotlighting lies and truth.

Mrs. McAdoo’s characters are well developed and multi-dimensional. The story line kept me on the edge of my seat. And Billy and his mama, Jasmine, win hands down as my favorites. The author’s word weaving skills warm the story with delicious southern vernacular and cultural traditions. While the author was faithful to include the gospel message of mercy, grace, and hope, she in no way crossed the divide into preaching. While Mrs. McAdoo writes serial type books, she always closes her book-baby-gifts pointing us to joy, hope and peace in Jesus Christ. And THE BED WARMER’S SON is no exception, but is perhaps the best of her best. 

– DiAne Gates, author of Roped and Twisted

A Chat with the inspiring, Elaine Stock!

I'm am so happy to introduce Elaine Stock to the Diamond Mine! I've known Elaine for many years, having first met her through our local Romance Writers of America chapter meetings. It's been an absolute pleasure watching Elaine's career grow from that of an aspiring to a published author. Elaine will be offering one Kindle digital giveaway of her book, Always With You, to one luck commenter. 

Elaine Stock is the author of Always With You, which released in January 2016 and has made the Kindle bestseller list. Her novels fuse family drama and psychological suspense. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and contributes to the international “Happy Sis Magazine.” In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.

Tracey: Elaine, tell us a bit about how you got started writing fiction.

Elaine: The two big influencers to the love of story were my mother and my aunt—both named Sandra. My mother was a voracious reader (and lover of all arts; she also dabbled in poetry writing) and my aunt told the most wonderful, entertaining stories. A taste of writing came in third grade when an article I wrote was published in the school literary paper (sorry to say, I have no recollection of any details)—and I was hooked! I started writing stories, loving the feel of creating different worlds and characters. In junior high I wanted to be the next playwright of comedies that made people laugh like crazy. Life 101 and interest changes occurred, like in anyone’s life, and here I am today, writing inspirational contemporary fiction.

Tracey: I know you and your husband live in an historic building. Would you care to share a little bit about your lovely home?

Elaine: Aww, thanks so much, Tracey. My husband purchased for cash years and years ago this shack of a dilapidated railroad station because we were young and the banks didn’t want to give us a mortgage. So, with much grit and determination we started out having my husband’s piano restoration business in it for 3 years while we continued doing the majority of building repairs ourselves and living elsewhere. When we decided to make it half home-half business, and needed to add plumbing, well, and septic, we finally succeeded in getting a mortgage and moved in, living wise. The place is paid off now—thanks be to God!—but LOL, we’re out of room and the place needs spiffing up like a new kitchen, refinished floors, too many etc’s. We’ll get there, eventually. But, a home is a home and I’m thankful for it.

Tracey: How did you come up with the story premise for your novel, Always With You?

Elaine: Tracey, remember out Saratoga RWA local chapter days? One summer meeting, during the racehorse season (note: I do not attend the races or bet), a list of racehorse names was distributed and we were asked to write a premise about the horse. My “horse” was named Don’t-Tell-Isabelle, which became my original title for Always With You. Right away I wanted to know who Isabelle was, what she wasn’t supposed to know, and why. The story stewed for several years. Then 9-11 happened. The concept of hatred settled heavily on my heart and led to Always With You, a story of how faith and love can overcome hatred and evil.

 

Tracey: Can you tell us how your faith journey is reflected in the stories you tell?

Elaine: Ever since I can remember I believed in Something/Someone bigger than me, bigger than all of life surrounding me. However, I did not grow up in a family or surroundings of faith. Hindsight shows me that perhaps this is why I searched for the One who wanted me, and I accepted Christ into my heart and was baptized at the age of 22. And baptized a 2^nd time (by immersion) 3 years ago. But, life isn’t easy, even for the believer. It wasn’t meant to be! That’s why my stories, so far, all have characters, especially teens and young adults, who come to embrace God despite their struggles.

Tracey: What is one thing readers don't know about you?

Elaine: I love to cook and bake. For one week back in my early twenties—a time when one doesn’t worry about the how-to’s—I went into the cheesecake business, offering to bake cheesecakes for private use and parties. Well, I did receive 1 order! Truthfully, I’m so glad that profession ended before it ever took off!! Ironically, between working a day-job and writing, I manage to cook simple and nutritional meals, but haven’t baked in years.

Tracey: What's next for author Elaine Stock?

Elaine: My stories are leaning more toward the fusion of family drama and psychological suspense. Family complexities fascinate me. I’m finishing up a story of how an 18-year-old girl may have her future ahead of her, if only she can survive to embrace it. And, lured by my own family mystery, I’m researching a story that will be my first venture into a time-slip structure, going back and forth in narrative between the present and past.

Always With You

Can she move forward without knowing her past?
Will he enjoy his present if he can’t free himself from what he left behind?

In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God. Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle’s father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith.

She wants it; she gets it; they marry.

And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices:
Staying could endanger her child.
Leaving could cost her life.

 Out now: ALWAYS WITH YOU, a Kindle best-sellerAmazon: http://amzn.to/21uGtGF  
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1PfRyXX

website/blog: Everyone's Story  http://elainestock.com
Twitter  http://www.twitter.com/ElaineStock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock
Goodreads  http://goodreads.com/ElaineStock