Author Megan Besing's New Book Lights Up the Shelves

 

(Photo by Matt C./unsplash.com)

All right, readers, you're firefighters! Pull on your gear, grab your helmet, (those things are heavy so pump some iron before you start!) and jump in the firetruck. We're about to find out more about the next fire and rescue book Rescued Heart by an author near and dear to my heart, Megan Besing. Sound the alarm and break open the garage door—don't forget Dally the Dalmatian—and let's get right into the hot spots of this new release!

PT: Let's jump right into the fire, Megan. Tell us how you got started as a suspense author.

MB: After I had two published historicals, I saw how Sunrise Publishing had a call out for an opportunity to potentially be mentored by a great suspense author, Lisa Phillips, and I thought I’d like to learn how to write suspense. So, I tried out and was chosen. I got to have a weekend retreat with Lisa and Susan May Warren where I learned lots and that lead to my next three suspense books through Sunrise Publishing.

PT: Everyone's dying to know, do you have a day job besides writing?

MB: I’ve spent the last two years teaching 7th and 8th grade at a small Christian school. Yes, all the subjects, including Latin the first year (which I did not know). My favorite subjects to teach are Bible and believe it or not, Math.

PT: So is there any genre you secretly want to write in?

MB: I have several YA/YA fantasy/ Dystopian stories on my old computer and in my head. I think being a current junior high teacher has me longing to see those stories in print. But I just want to find books for my students that I know they’ll love, and I don’t have to fear what’s inside of them. However, I don’t see that happening tomorrow at least. 😊

PT: Hobbies? Pets? Favorite vacations? Favorite foods while writing? Work with silence or music or other?

MB: Reading, that counts as a hobby, right? Pets, we have a dog and three cats, plus some chickens all of which live outside and actually enjoy there. Though my cat, Novella, is actually sleeping on my lap right now. We’ve gotten to travel a fair amount, and I love things about each trip, but my favorites are probably: Ireland, Hawaii, and Lake Superior. And yes, I love water it seems. My favorite foods while writing tend to be on the crunchy/salty end like Chex-Mix and Cheese-Its, but I also love chocolate. Usually, I work outside in my “writing room”. It’s really a little shed by our lake that gets really hot in the summer.  I tend to listen to creation, but if I’m inside where it’s loud, I’ll listen to instrumental music—like The Piano Guys.

PT: Did you ever have a book review that really inspired you?

MB: I try to read all my reviews. Generally, they are good, but occasionally I’ll get a review that beats me or my book up (or both) and for some reason those bad reviews seem to stick out in my brain more than the good ones. But I love reading a review where the reader “got” the story and when they mention the spiritual aspects of the book, I’m like: “Yes, this is why I do this.” It’s very encouraging.

 PT: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

MB: My original dream destination was Ireland, and we actually visited there a few years ago. And yes, it’s beautiful and lovely. I think now I’d like to visit England and see the beautiful coastline. Drink some yummy tea. However, don’t tell my daughter, but we’d love to take her to Paris—her dream—for her senior trip. But… life doesn’t always allow our dreams. So only time will tell if that adventure will happen or not.

 PT: Tell us a quick synopsis of your new book, Rescued Heart.

 Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

 But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

 Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

PT: Your new book, Rescued Heart is part of a series, correct? Tell us a little about the series and how many books are included.

MB: Rescued Heart is actually book seven in the Last Chance Fireand Rescue Series which is a branch from the original Last Chance County Series that Lisa Phillips wrote ten books in. Each book in the LCF&R series are all stand alones, where they follow a different firefighter either on Rescue Squad Five or Truck Fourteen. Or the fire chief like I got to write about in book two, Expired Hope. There will be one more book releasing in a few months to finish out the series the LCF&R series. It’s been so fun bringing the crew their own happily-ever-afters.

PT: I’ve just started reading the book. I can’t wait to see which direction Bianca will go next. Do you have a character in this, or other books, that is most like you?

MB: I usually don’t mirror a character after anyone specific. A character may get a few random traits or I might borrow from people I know. But if anything, sometimes I borrow favorite things—Like Bianca enjoys a certain kind of milkshakes, and the reason I chose that flavor is because my dad likes that kind, too. She’s also partial to flipflops and sweatpants, and I’m guilty of that as well.

 PT: What’s the Bible premise or verse that Rescued Heart centers around?

 MB: I chose Palms 139: 23-24 for Rescue Heart’s verse: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It talks about our heart, and it touches on some trials the characters have to endure doing the story.

 PT: What Bible verse keeps you centered right now?

MB: My favorite verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting in the Lord covers most things we go through in life. But the verse I’d chosen for my classroom this past year was Proverbs 4:23 which says: Above all else, guard your heart; for everything you do flows from it.  I also need to pick a new verse to memorize for the month. It will probably be another verse in Proverbs because that’s the book I’m currently in. 

 PT: Drum roll for my favorite prompt. Name 5 things that have nothing to do with writing.

 MB: 1. A Vanilla Coke—because I’d like to drink one right about now. 

        2. Packing—we’re about to go camping. (Which is not what I consider a great vacation. Lol. But it is good family time.) 

        3. Orchids and tulips—because I think they’re my favorite flowers. Though, I do enjoy Gerber daisies too.  

        4./5. Bedtime I’m wondering how much farther is bedtime because I’m tired. And I’m thinking I might need another hummingbird feeder.

 PT: What’s next on your author chalkboard? Writing? Editing? Marketing? All three?

MB: It looks like I’m going to have another book release next spring. More details can be found in my newsletter and social media when everything because more official.

(Photo by Tak Kei Wong/unsplash.com)

PT: And the fire's out. Enter Megan's book giveaway by leaving your email address and a inspiring
comment, or use our contact form. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Megan for joining us today!

Want to know more about Megan Besing? Keep reading!

purchase links:

https://books2read.com/rescuedheart

 https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Heart-Chance-County-Rescue-ebook/dp/B0DFY2YVCZ

 https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-last-chance-fire-and-rescue-rescued-heart/

 

bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, with her husband and their children, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

 

Links:

 https://www.meganbesing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganbesing/

https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

 https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-Besing/author/B073X2W8CV

Covers that Captivate

Covers that Captivate

Welcome friends! This week I am highlighting the authors here on the Diamond Mine. This group has some great fiction. I especially wanted to highlight a few of their great covers! There is a giveaway, my newest eBook, Spun is the item up for bid for one lucky reader! Please leave a comment or fill out our contact form to enter. 

Also, please read to the end. We are saying goodbye to a couple of dear authors for 2025, one of which, sadly enough, we are saying our final goodbye. 

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The first cover I want to highlight is Yellow Roses by Suzie Waltner. I simply love all the Love in Color covers. Take a look:

Yellow Roses (Love in Color)

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?

 Bio:

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is, first and foremost, a reader. When she’s not at work, reading or writing, you can find her cheering on her hockey team or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. 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. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie 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.

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Next up is Carrie Walker's book Right Before Their Eyes. Such a gorgeous cover and part of a series!

Right Before Their Eyes

Clare Martin thought nothing of agreeing to live with her dementia-ridden grandmother when her parents left on mission. Balancing that with her job as a social worker and the expectations of her career-driven boyfriend proved doable—until Grandma started a house fire.

Mason Hughes has loved Clare for years, but the time was never right to tell her and now she’s dating someone else, fixing Mason firmly in the friend zone. He’s working to be a pediatric neurologist, a dream inspired by a special boy with a terminal brain condition, and must choose a medical school. Finances are so tight he’s forced to consider a program across the country, a troubling fact he’s kept secret.

Lucia Roberts, a seventeen-year-old on Clare’s caseload, loses her foster home and is placed in an unwelcoming group home. At every turn she’s met with rejection and becomes desperate for any proof she has value—enough to make choices that could affect the rest of her life.

When Grandma Dottie and Lucia's paths take a dangerous turn, Clare frantically tries to save them. As their lives knit together, will they find the love that’s right before their eyes?

Bio:

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

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

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

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Our newest member, Christina Sinisi has some awesome covers, too. Here's Another Outer Banks Christmas. I admit my love for the series Outer Banks drew me to this one! And besides, who doesn't like to read a Christmas novel all 12 months of the year?!

 

Another Outer Banks Christmas

As the daughter of missionaries, Kerrie Alexander has lived on Hatteras—an island in the Outer Banks—longer than any other place she’s been. When her parents inform her the family is slotted to go overseas again, she balks. Her life on the island—her job, her friends, even the handsome hero in her Sunday School class—makes her want to put down roots. But to do so, she’ll need to find a place to live, face being on her own separated from any close family—something she’s never done before.

Firefighter and EMT Wade Hampton can face pretty much any emergency, except his matchmaking grandpa threatening him with disinheritance if Wade doesn’t get married in just three months. Not that Wade objects to the idea of marriage, but how does a guy who has no problem running into burning buildings find the courage to ask a girl like Kerrie out for a date? She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. Not to mention, Christmas is right around the corner!

Bio:

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christina Sinisi writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. Her works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest and the American Title IV Contest where she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include Christmas Confusion, Sweet Summer, and Christmas on Ocracoke. By day, she is a psychology professor and lives in the Low Country of South Carolina with her husband, two children and her crazy kitten Zeta Belle.

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 Now for V. Joy Palmer, known as Joy and her book Love, Lace and Minor Alterations. There is just something about that pink/purple that I absolutely love!

Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations

Isabel “Izze” Vez, bridal consultant extraordinaire, has been helping brides find The Dress for years. She loves nothing more than helping make wedding dreams come true…but sometimes the happy endings grate on her. How many times can a girl discover someone else’s gown without dreaming of the day it’ll be her turn to wear one?

When James Miles Clayton walks into her life, he represents everything Izze can’t handle: change. He’s determined to bring the Ever After Bridal Boutique into the black…and to prove to Izze that she should give him a chance.

But if there’s anything Izze handles worse than change, it’s trust. She may have a few issues—fine, she knows she does. But will they keep getting in the way of any chance of her own Happily Ever After? She wants to trust God to give her those dreams of love and lace, but that’s going to require some…minor alterations.

Bio:

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that reveal God’s deep love for us. Her books are closed door romcoms that are full of romantic tension, snark, and written from a Christian worldview. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid reader. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable children. Connect with Joy on her website!

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 Then Regina Rudd Merrick has the next captivating cover of Carolina Dream. Good golly, Miss Molly there is very little I don't like about this cover. Victorian southern mansion, check, beachline, double check.

Carolina Dream

A Southern Breeze Series – Book One

Sarah Crawford wants more from life than to attend the wedding of her ex-fiancée. An unexpected inheritance in South Carolina comes at the perfect time, just as Sarah is willing to use any excuse to get out of town. When she meets potential business partner Jared Benton and discovers that a house is part of the inheritance, she is sure that God has been preparing her for this time through a recurring dream.

But will a dream about an antebellum mansion, many rooms to be explored, and a man with dark brown eyes give her the confidence to take a leap of faith, leaving friends, family, and her job behind?

 

Bio:

Regina Rudd Merrick has written all her life. From the scribbling of a young child writing "I love you" notes to her mother, to the teenager who tried to write a more satisfying sequel to Gone with the Wind, she developed a distinct love of "happily ever after." That love of fiction parlayed into a career as a librarian, and she is the former director of a small public library in Marion, KY. She began attending local writing workshops and continued to hone her craft by writing several short and novel-length fan-fiction pieces published online. In fact, it was after writing Christian-themed stories based on a television show that ended too soon that she decided to pursue original fiction. With encouragement from some writing friends, she attended her first ACFW conference and met like-minded writers that were as concerned with building others up as with their own careers. Regina is now an active member of the Ken-Ten Writing Group, which has participants from Western Kentucky and Western Tennessee, and helps plan the group's yearly conference. She is an instrumentalist and vocalist in the music program of her church and has participated in many areas of ministry over the years. Married for 30+ years, Regina and her husband, Todd, have two grown daughters who share her love of music, writing, and the arts. They live in Marion, in Western Kentucky, in a county where there are, literally, more deer than people. Her hobbies include watching other people work on houses on HGTV, decorating, antiquing (otherwise known as "picking"), cooking, reading, playing music, and dreaming of the beaches of South Carolina.

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Here's Gay N. Lewis's (also G.N. Lewis) charming cover for Sarah and the Angelic Magical Makeover. Who doesn't love the aqua-marine (teal, turquoise~you pick your color label, LOL) cast?

Sarah and the Angelic Magical Makeover

How can a dyslexic, low-esteemed, inexperienced angel help Valerie, an insecure, overweight woman with a poor image of herself? To complicate matters, two men present themselves as possible mates for Valerie, but only one is the real deal. Can Sarah achieve a makeover while discovering the true love for Valerie?

Bio:

Gay N. Lewis, a Texas minister's wife writes about angels and romance. She has two women's fiction books. Clue into Kindness and Mattie's Choice. Mattie's Choice is historical. Often called upon as an inspirational speaker, she uses humor with Biblical teaching.

With the exception of one year in Oklahoma, Gay N. Lewis and her pastor husband served churches in Texas. Before becoming a full time author, her livelihood embraced interior design, photography, and communication. She's written and produced videos for the retail market and for local churches. These videos include Psalms from the Mountains and The Canadian Rockies.

Prism Book Group signed her in 2012 to a three book contract for the Sarah Series. Sarah is a dyslexic angel who romantically links couples together, but she does it with a lot of whacky goof ups along the way. The Sarah Series is a bit of I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeanie, and Touched by an Angel rolled into one. Sarah provides chuckles and a bit of inspiration on her missions. The Sarah Series provides uplifting and feel good moments.

To date, Pelican Book Group, the Prism Imprint continues to sign Gay Lewis to book contracts. Books are available in eBook, print, and audio.

Gay Lewis says, "Parsonage life requires angels, and I've seen one or two. Without a sense of comedy, life is too dull."

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My friend, Nancy Shew Bolton is up next to show you her hippy-flippy cover of her book entitled The Flip Side of Love. I'm a sucker for the 70s vintage look!

The Flip Side of Love

In the unsettled days of 1972, music is the steady focus of Ruth's life and the high point of each college day. But when her happiness derails in the span of a few seconds time, Ruth is left to piece together a life that becomes fraught with confusion and emotional turmoil.

Paul has worked hard to school his stormy personality into a career that satisfies his love of music and a desire to teach. Yet his own actions threaten to rob him of his vocation, his reputation, and his view of himself. Confronting his own shortcomings was not part of his plans. But when he meets Ruth, everything changes.

Amid the challenges of life in the politically and socially turbulent 1970s, both must find comfort and support through the music they love and each other.

 

Bio:

Nancy Shew Bolton is a widow after 44 years of marriage, a mother of five grown sons, and grandmother to a boy and girl. Ever since she learned to write, she would jot down her thoughts and impressions in little snippets of inspiration in the form of poetry, song lyrics, or short essays. About 10 years ago, she decided to try her hand at writing a full length book. She's since written 8 more works of fiction, one non-fiction, and is working on an idea for a children's book, as well as more fiction manuscripts.

Writing a full-length work is much more challenging than she thought, and she has received so much valuable assistance from other writers, especially from the ACFW critique groups. Her husband had been supportive of her long hours spent at the keyboard. Many thanks to her beloved Johnny! And now she's under contract with Pelican Book Group's Prism Imprint. What a journey!

Nancy loves to write character-driven stories about relationships of love and faith, since she is fascinated by the complexities within this emotional terrain. She thanks God and His Son for her life, her loved ones and the spark of creativity inside every person. She believes each person is a unique creation, with their own special voice and place in this amazing universe. God's handiwork amazes her every day!

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Lastly, let me toot my own horn, thank you for your patient indulgence. From the moment I saw this cover, I knew, KNEW it was Maggie, my main squeeze in Spun. Little side note, this story is a spin off of Rumpelstiltskin. The more you know....

Spun

No. No more fairy tales. Widow Maggie Robbins would be a fool no more. She’d married a thief believing him to be her gilded deliverer during her mother’s unexpected illness and death. Now, tucked in her cabin, Maggie and her eight-year-old son, are surrounded by the gang who killed her thieving husband. They demand her dead husband’s last heist—gold—and lots of it.  Among the evil men is Maggie’s childhood love, Hank Sutter, who’d abandoned her years ago. Time and circumstance has curdled the love she once held for him and she dare not trust him.

 

   Hank’s only thought is of Maggie who he never stopped loving. On a mission to become a Ranger to be worthy of her, he’s infiltrated a gang of bank robbers. He’s torn between extracting information from Maggie and his desire to keep her safe. But when he discovers his bogus contact is merely measuring out revenge on Maggie and her son, Hank must recover the boy and protect Maggie at all costs. Can he and Maggie find the child before he’s gone for good? Or will Maggie forever blame him for abandoning her again when she needs him most?

To find my bio, check the tabs at the top where you can access any Diamond Mine Author's info. Thanks for checking by and reading up on our current interviewers. Please leave a comment or use our contact form to enter the drawing to win my newest book, Spun!

Doubly Talented Author and Artist Jenelle Hovde

Hard cover copy of Winter Weather to be given away to one blessed reader! Stay tuned!

PT: Hi, Jenelle! Tell us a little background on yourself, how you started writing, and why you write in the genre you write in. And, for my curiosity and maybe for a few readers, how you pronounce your last name. 😉

 JH: Hi Peggy! Thank you so much for the chat! My last name is Norwegian, and it’s pronounced Huv-dee. I write in several genres, including Regency romance, historical biblical fiction, and World War II cozy mysteries with a time-split element. I’ve always loved reading and writing! My mother taught high school English and passed her passion for literature on to me.

 PT: What part of the country are you from, and what part of the country appeals to you the most? 

 JH: I’m a Canadian now living in Florida. My husband is a pastor of a small church, and we love the beach life! Florida truly feels like paradise.

PT: So jealous! I LOVE the beach. Okay. Fast get-to-know-you questions: country girl/city slicker? Pets/no pets? Coffee, tea, or something else? 

JH: I’m a Saskatchewan farm girl who also loves nature and shopping—I want both city and small-town living! I have two cats, Annabelle and Shadow. Shadow is a rescue kitty. I drink both coffee and tea! Mostly coffee, with a dash of heavy cream or coconut oil. My favorite authors include Mesu Andrews, Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, Mimi Matthews, and Laura Frantz. I have a desk, but I’ll write anywhere I can find a good seat.

PT: I know the readers will be interested to know that you are not only are you gifted in writing, you also have a talent for art. Tell us more about that.

JH: I started painting to relax after a long day of homeschooling and writing. Several authors reached out to see if I offered commissions. Right now, I’m booked into October 2025 with clean fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction commissions. As long as I can tell a story with the art, I’m happy. I have the best clients! Readers who subscribe to my newsletter also get special prints just for them. Authors can find my portfolio at jenellehovdeauthor.com and reach out with any questions. I illustrate novels, book covers, character cards, and posters!

PT: And your paintings are amazing! I hope readers check them out. Now, several of your books are published by Guideposts. How can a reader be sure to get one of your books through Guideposts? 

JH: Two of my Guideposts novels are offered on Kindle Unlimited through Amazon: Eve’s Story: The First Daughter and Ruth and Naomi’s Story: A Harvest of Grace. Otherwise, readers can purchase my cozy mysteries at shopguideposts.org. Readers can buy individual books or sign up for the whole series! My upcoming Tyndale Regency Romance, No Stone Unturned, is available wherever books are sold. It releases July 15, 2025. 

PT: You’ve had several books come out recently: Ruth and Naomi's Story: A Harvest of Grace came in August,  Eve's Story: The First Daughter in September, Winter Weather comes out soon, and yet another, Among the Giants: Achsah’s Story, will release in early 2025. How do you manage such a heavy writing schedule? 

JH: Honestly, I had to make significant changes because my brain felt like mush. I stopped reading the news and scrolling social media. I cut all sugar and highly processed foods, focusing instead on natural foods like meat and fruit. I also started working out to take care of my body and mind. I’ve learned to say yes or no to opportunities, no matter how amazing they seem. I’ve made some mistakes along the way, especially while homeschooling. I’m still learning to balance my life better, but cutting distractions and taking care of my health has proven helpful. I stick to a tight schedule as well. 

PT: Let’s focus on Winter Weather. Give a rundown of what this Christmas novel is about, where it’s set, its cast of characters, and where readers can get a copy. 😊

JH: Readers can purchase Winter Weather at shopguideposts.org. It’s book nineteen in the Whistle Stop Café Mysteries series.

Christmas in Dennison is a magical time, and Debbie Albright is determined to make this holiday season perfect. To kick off the festivities, Debbie and her friends will be performing in a live Nativity on the Christmas train, which will be filmed by the TV show Days of Yesteryear! When local businessman Ricky Carosi shows her a Nativity scene his great-uncle painted, Debbie is thrilled to display such a beautiful piece in the Whistle Stop Café. The painting’s history reveals the Carosi family’s involvement with the Italian resistance in the 1940s. But then the painting is stolen! With a list of suspects—including Ricky’s contentious cousin, Leo, and high-handed TV host, Maurice Devons—will Debbie and her best friend, Janet Shaw, be able to recover it? Or will Debbie’s Christmas gift to Ricky be the news that she lost his family’s priceless heirloom?

PT: What Biblical concept would you say Winter Weather focuses on?

JH: Winter Weather focuses on standing up for what’s right, even when societal pressures make it hard. Defying the Nazis took tremendous courage. The novel also touches on forgiveness and grace when family lets us down. 

PT: Tell five things fast about Jenelle Hovde that have nothing to do with writing.

JH: I’m a pastor’s wife and teach Sunday school to amazing kids! I was once a doctor of Audiology but chose to leave my career to homeschool—no regrets! I’m still Canadian. I married a Marine. And I love Jane Austen films.

PT: What direction are you going in next?

JH: I’m currently writing book two of my Bluestocking Series for Tyndale. My first book, No Stone Unturned, releases July 15, 2025, wherever books are sold.

It’s about a vicar’s daughter who discovers a Roman mosaic in a field. She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. Set in the rolling hills of West Sussex, this Regency romance follows two opposing wills as they discover that their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history defies social conventions, even in her small village. 

When a farmer uncovers an elaborate mosaic in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name for herself by restoring the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey. Captain Rafe Hawthorn, recovering from wounds both physical and emotional, is determined to restore his neglected ancestral home. His plans to revive the abbey’s orchards require a road straight through Bridget’s trove of artifacts. He won’t—can’t—fail again, no matter how moved he is by Bridget’s passion. Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. 

A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten their plans and the livelihood of the villagers who depend on them. With their dreams on the line, Bridget and Rafe must join forces to fend off an unexpected enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined.

It's a sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic—perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson. I also have another biblical fiction piece, Achsah’s Story: Among the Giants, releasing next year with Guideposts Fiction.

PT: Wow, so many books for readers to enjoy! Thank you, Jenelle for stopping by and sharing your books with us.

Jenelle is giving away one hard cover copy of Winter Weather! Please comment that you are interested in being entered into our giveaway or leave your info on our contact form.

 

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Ruthie Madison Chats about Writing

Chatting with author Ruthie Madison today! (And of course we have a free book to give away this week!) She's a California girl with her heart firmly planted in Montana. Take a break from gardening, cleaning that garage, or whatever spring chore you're working hard at and sit back and relax a few minutes. Let's get to know this week's author!

PT: Hi Ruthie! Let all the reader know how  you become interested in being a writer?

RM: Writing is in my genes as my grandmother Ruth McCleod was one. I started writing as a young girl for fun, and it grew into my adulthood. Also writing stories helps me escape from my present circumstances and fills my time to keep me from being dissatisfied with life.

PT: Books are a great means of escape which is why we all adore them! What genre do you write in? 

RM: I write whatever I am inspired to write. Sometimes I like to write outside of my box and experiment with different genres. Most of my stories have romance and a few contain suspense. Other genres are fantasy, Christian horror, and what I am working on now,  women sleuthing mysteries.

PT: Let's talk location. Where is home and any other place that is dear to your heart?

RM: I live in central California, but home is where my heart is and that is Montana.

PT: Are you a full-time writer or do you do double duty for work?

RM: Haha. I wish I did have a full time job. Writing  is more like a hobby right now.  I’m a consultant for two companies: Tupperware and Norwex.

PT: What is your favorite color, place to write, snack, and hobby?

RM: I have more than one favorite color, but I would go with pink. I love to write on my desk and I enjoy eating fruits and nuts as a snack. I play apps on my Kindle to pass time and go for walks and if the mood hits, I read my books.

PT: So let's get to your books. Tell us a little about the setting of Baby Blues and how you started the series?

RM: Baby Blues is a sequel to The Past Hunter. It starts three years after Julie married her hero Eric Young. She is desperate to have a baby, but her inability to have a baby causes her to feel hopeless and she gets a little sad. At the same time, her husband’s half brother escaped prison and Eric is worried that he could be seeking to destroy him by taking away what is precious to Julie.  Baby Blues is full of suspense and inspiration. I didn’t originally plan to write a series. I just wanted to write The Past Hunter and move on to another story, but a reader  encouraged me to turn it into a series and thus I began.

PT: Interesting. Will there be another book in the Second Chance Series?

RM: I already have three other books in the series: The prequel Love in a Diner (free for subscribers), one I already mentioned, A Man For Beth, and Holly Christmas Wish. I have a fifth book coming out when my finances improve.

In case any readers need a Christmas book in April. :)

PT: What are you working on now? Writing? Editing? Other? More than one?

RM: I am working on a mystery called Who Killed Sylvia Moon.

PT: Tell 5 things about Ruthie Madison that have nothing to do with writing.

RM: 

1. I was once a substitute teacher.

2. I am big on faith

3. I have an empathetic sister

4. I want to live on a ranch in Montana

5. I am big on Norwex.

PT: And there you have it! You've just met another great author here at the Diamond Mine. And we're giving away a free copy of one Ruthie Madison's books. The winner can pick between Baby Blues and Holly's Christmas Wish! Sweet!

But the only way you can be entered is to leave a comment (and your email) for Ruthie or enter your info on our contact form. We'd love to give a free copy away! Tell your friends and let's load up the comments. 

Find Ruthie here: 

www.ruthiemadison.weebly.com

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A Visit with Author Kathy Cretsinger!

Happy Wednesday!

And welcome to the blog!

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

And now, the interview! 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Salad or Sandwich?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What is your favorite movie and why?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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