Kindle Freebie and Author Interview with Lynne Waite Chapman

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops, then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with author Lynne Waite Chapman!

Born and raised in Northeastern Indiana, Lynne Waite Chapman is a lover of mystery and suspense, but most of all people. In September of 2016, she published her first cozy mystery. The debut novel Heart Strings—first in the Evelynton Murder series—was a 2016 semi-finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Association Genesis contest. The next three in the series, Heart Beat, Murderous Heart, and Caffeinated Murder continue the adventures of three friends in the small town Evelynton, Indiana.

Lynne Waite Chapman began her writing career writing weekly non-fiction content for the BellaOnline.com Hair site, drawing on her thirty plus years as a hairdresser. Retiring the Hair site, she spent the next fifteen years sharing her faith and penning weekly content for the BellaOnline.com Christian Living site.

She has been a regular contributor of devotions for several print publications and devotionals, and has written articles for many church bulletins and newsletters. She has also contributed articles to numerous internet publications.

For more information about current and past writing projects find her on Facebook, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads, Instagram, and follow on Twitter at @LWChapmanAuthor.

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Do I have to choose one? I’m fond of all three. Everything in its time.

Perfect answer! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

I’m a light eater. When I’m in a really good restaurant, I’ll order salmon or a creative salad.

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

Most of my time writing is done in my office. It’s a small room filled with book shelves loaded with my favorite books and some I haven’t read. The books inspire me to keep writing and reading. There is a really comfortable chair in my office that I’ve had for years. I may never replace it. The colors of the room are peaceful, white and gray, with accent shades of purple and maroon.

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

I often read a favorite book twice or three times. The second and third reading is to get to know the personalities of the characters or to catch a plot twist I’d missed. Is that odd?

It's not odd to me, LOL! What inspired you to write Death on Wolfe Mountain?

The main inspiration was to give my 3 main characters of the Evelynton murder series a new adventure. I’d been dealing with the subject of pride and how it reveals itself differently in each of us, so that would be a big part of it. The story begins with a hike through the woods and climbing an old bridge. I don’t do much hiking in the woods anymore but it’s one of my favorite things.

Cool angle! What led you to write in this genre?

I’ve always loved a mystery but not so much the sadistic crimes or evil criminals. Cozy mysteries are easy reads and are entertaining. If I can add a lesson or leave the reader thinking, all the better.

Love some cozy vibes! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

I want my readers to be entertained and maybe read just for the fun of it. But I also want them to see the inner beauty of each character. The protagonist, antagonist, and all their friends, have reasons for their actions. My characters may be in comical and improbable situations but they’re deeply human and full of human frailty. I hope my readers come away with something to think about that is beyond the story line.

Love those layered characters! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I’m currently working on the third installment of the Secrets of Twin Fawn series. I would like to see the citizens of Twin Fawn experience a mystery during the Christmas season.

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

The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:7

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

The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves. This is a second reading.

Nice, and I love your callback to a second reading! ;-) Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Lynne!

Check out Lynne's new release, Death on Wolfe Mountain, but keep scrolling for a kindle freebie offer - only available from January 28th through January 30th!

New Release ~

Three best friends reunite for a week of fun and festivities in this fifth installment of the Evelynton Series. A damper is put on the week when a casual hike results in the three stumbling onto a lifeless body.

Questions begin in the first chapter. Who was this man? Was his death accidental? Was it a suicide? Or was it murder?

Freelance writer and part-time receptionist, Lauren Halloren has unwittingly stumbled into a mystery that will once again pit her against local law enforcement, Officer Jimmy Farlow. When the three friends meet to delve into the circumstances surrounding the death, they find there is more than one mystery to be solved and many of the clues point to Lauren. One answer in their investigation leads to another question.

As Lauren continues to proclaim her innocence even friends begin to question her involvement.

Death on Wolfe Mountain is a fun mystery that will have you guessing and possibly leave you with a final question.

Check it out on Amazon! 

Kindle Freebie ~

The author is generously offering the kindle version of Heart Strings for free from January 28th through January 30th. 

Heart Strings is book one in the Evelynton Murder series. Grab your copy while you can at the link below!

Amazon.com: Heart Strings (Evelynton Murder Series Book 1) eBook : Chapman, Lynne Waite:

Kindle Store

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

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

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

Interview and Giveaway with Kimberly Burkhardt!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops, then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with author Kimberly Burkhardt!

Kimberly Burkhardt writes Christian historical romances with a mix of faith, love, and adventure. She enjoys researching American history and draws inspiration from the people and places of the Old West. Kimberly makes her home in Nebraska with her family and can usually be found with a good book or a great cup of coffee in hand. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, and visiting historical sites around the Midwest. 

Connect with Kimberly on her website, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram, and Facebook!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Coffee in the morning and tea at night.

Sounds perfect! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

My mom’s pot roast, with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. It might not sound fancy but it has always been one of my favorite meals and I don’t get it very often since I don’t live close to my parents.

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

Outdoors. I have a glider swing in my backyard that I enjoy sitting on when the weather allows it. My view looks out to a small grove of pine trees. Beyond that, is a small farm. The animal sounds provide a nice ambiance and help spark my creativity when it comes to writing about the Old West.

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

I am not aware of any odd habits but I’m sure my family would say otherwise. 

LOL! Those habits never feel odd to us, right? What inspired you to write The Carpenter's Schoolmarm?

I first began writing The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm in high school. At the time, I didn’t yet know where the story would lead—only that there were a few key moments I wanted to include. Like most new writers, I based my characters after people I knew at the time. But as the years went on and I kept revising, both the story and the characters grew right along with me. A lot of my inspiration came from reading Christian historical romances and watching old westerns. 

How fun! What led you to write in this genre?

I grew up watching Dr. Quinn, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke (thanks Mom and Dad) and I loved reading books by Lori Wick, Tracie Peterson, and Mary Connealy. Historical romance has been with me most of my life. It was only natural to want to write in this genre. Plus, I love learning about history in the 1800s.

We had similar childhoods! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

The message I want to convey to readers with this story is that no matter how our lives are going or want to go, we must trust in God’s plan. I am still learning this lesion and reminding myself that even though I might not see what’s ahead, God has and I need to trust His guidance.

So, so true! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

The second book in the Cooperton Brides series is with my editor and will be released March 2026. I am currently plotting the third book.

About The Blacksmith’s Songbird 

She longs for freedom. He offers hope.

Beneath the glow of the gaslight lamps and smoky haze of the Big Blue Saloon, nineteen-year-old, Laura Shining, feels like a songbird trapped in a cage. She longs for freedom, a life away from the leering eyes of the drunken cowhands and controlling saloon owners. As Laura dares to imagine a life beyond the saloon, a surprising source of strength arises from a group of faithful women in the town’s sewing circle. Through their wisdom and friendship, Laura begins to see her true worth.

Josiah Crawford took the job as blacksmith in Cooperton to help his family and to get away from the guilt of a friend’s death. He enjoys forging iron and is content spending his days shaping steel. It isn’t until a chance run-in with a spirited young singer that he begins to question his decision to stay a bachelor. A growing friendship blossoms, and Josiah soon feels himself wanting more than just a friendship.

When the saloon owner’s simmering jealousy turns violent, Laura must rely on courage, friendship, and the love of a man who has forged his way into her heart, to escape the saloon life.    

Will she be able to break free from her cage and finally sing the song that has been on her heart all along?  

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

At this time in my life, I have found John 16:33, to be a big part. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

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

Right now, I am reading Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears.

Fun! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Kimberly!

Giveaway ~

Kimberly is generously giving away an eBook copy of The Carpenter's Schoolmarm!

The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm

She’s running from her future. He’s hiding from his past.

Forced into an arranged marriage by her father, Samantha Baxter flees from the clutches of her fiancé and finds sanctuary in the small town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Although she attracts the attention of some of the single men in town, Samantha remains cautious, knowing any romantic relationship could put that man in danger of her fiancé and his fury if he ever tracks her down.  

Michael Brooks finally has enough money to purchase the land where he will build his future home. He can put his criminal past behind him and find peace in the solitary life of crafting furniture for the people of Cooperton. That is, until he meets the new schoolmarm. She stirs a dream inside him he didn’t know he wanted. A wife and family to call his own. 

Despite her efforts, Samantha finds herself drawn to Michael, unable to deny her growing love for the handsome carpenter. But when his past and her future collide, will the two be able to trust in each other and in God’s plan? Or will their secrets keep them apart?

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away an eBook copy of The Carpenter's Schoolmarm that will be distributed through BookFunnel to one US resident! 

This giveaway will close on 12/18/25 at 11:59 P.M. for all the night owls. 

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

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

Enter Giveaway HERE!!!

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

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

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

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Author Marguerite Martin Gray!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Author Marguerite Martin Gray!

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me-- Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Promise Me Christmas, novella, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, and Whispers of Wisdom, Gardens in Time Series Books 1, 2, and 3, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young. 

Connect with Marguerite on her Website/Blog, Newsletter, BookBub, Goodreads, Instagram, and her Facebook Reader Group!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Tea, please. English Breakfast if you have it.

Tea is always a lovely choice! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Steak and potato.

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

My old square table in front of a big window with a lamp and candle.

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

I want to learn something from every book that I read. I write down things I’ve learned or want to research.

That sounds fun to me! What inspired you to write Whispers of Wisdom? 

This series takes beautiful European gardens and sets the story there. I knew I had to include Chenonceau Chateau since it is my favorite place on earth and has awesome gardens that are highly functional even today.

Love this premise! What led you to write in this genre? 

I love history. My father is an architect. As a family we lived in England for two years during my preteens. We saw every cemetery, church, garden, manor house, and castle in our travels all over Britain and Europe. I’ve been hooked on travel and history since then. I started reading historical fiction by Lori Wick, James Michener, and Jean Plaidy as a teenager and never quit. 

How fun! What message do you hope to convey to your readers? 

In this world we will face man’s wisdom and God’s wisdom. We need to know and explore the difference. If we learn to lean not on our own understanding but on God’s, we’ll be OK.

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

I just turned in a Christmas novella to my publisher, Remember Me at Christmas. This is a companion to the Revolutionary Faith series set in 1785 Charleston, S.C. This month I am writing Dreams Revived, Year Three of the Suamalie Island Series.  This is a contemporary island theme of a community built on dreams.

Those books sound so good! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

“I have calmed and quieted myself…I am content.” Psalm 131:2 I am learning about contentment and joy as the way to live my life.

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

Worthy of Legend by Roseanna White and The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley.

Great reads! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Marguerite!

Scroll to check out Marguerite's upcoming release, Conversation Hearts, and the giveaway for her new release, Whispers of Wisdom!

July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

Giveaway ~

Marguerite has generously offered one print copy of her new release, Whispers of Wisdom, to a US winner!

Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen.

Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.

Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.

Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind.

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away 1 print copy of Whispers of Wisdom!

This giveaway is open to the US only!

This giveaway will close on 2/24/24 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

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

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Interview and GIVEAWAY with author Pegg Thomas!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with author Pegg Thomas!

A lifelong history geek, Pegg Thomas lives in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. She creates American stories with real history and fictional characters inspired by her ancestors who immigrated here in the early 1600s. When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at one of her spinning wheels creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls.

Connect with Pegg on her website, subscribe, Facebook, Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

It depends on the day and the time of day. I enjoy all three.

Good answer! ;-) If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

BBQ pork ribs.

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

In my office. I have it set up with my spinning wheels and other antiques, as well as my awards and framed book covers. It has the ambiance I need to get into the historical and writing groove.

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

I love wearing writer/reader-related t-shirts. 

Fun! What inspired you to write Freedom’s Price? 

I wrote this book 12 years ago. It was the book that got me an agent, in fact. However, while the agent loved it, and multiple publishers requested the full manuscript, nobody offered a contract on it. I started indie publishing in 2021, and this book—this series—was always there in the back of my mind. It seemed the right time to bring it out, so I edited it heavily (my writing has improved tenfold over that 12-year period), and now here it is.

That's awesome! What led you to write in this genre? 

I’m a total history geek! Freedom’s Price is historical fiction with a thread of romance. I never really wanted to write historical romance, but that’s what publishers wanted to contract, so after finishing this book, I switched to writing romance. But now that I’m indie-published, I expect there’ll be less romance in my books. There will always be some, because life includes romance, and my books are about the lives of my characters, but it won’t be the formulaic romance of most historical romance books. And it will always be true to the time period.

Love history! What message do you hope to convey to your readers? 

The overall theme of Freedom’s Price is the value of truth. I hope readers connect with Gwen Morgan and maybe see a bit of themselves in her, which would allow them to identify with her maturing and changing throughout the story. We all make rash decisions, and sometimes with the best of intentions, but in the end, it’s the truth that matters.

I love that theme! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

I’m currently more than halfway through the sequel, Freedom’s Pride, which releases on March 5, 2024, and already noodling where the third book in the series, Freedom’s Promise, is going. I plan to release that one in August 2024. After this series, I’m heading back into the American Revolution because the 250^th anniversary is coming up in 2026!

Lots of great stories coming! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

My verses are John 10:27-28 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. I love the absolute guarantee offered for those who believe in Jesus. It's the ultimate promise to stand upon.

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

I’m working my way through Joan Hochstetler’s American Patriot Series. It’s a good setup for the coming anniversary of the American Revolution!

Sounds like a good read! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Pegg!

Check out Pegg's new release, Freedom's Price! 

An indentured servant since the age of fourteen, Gwen Morgan longs for freedom. Her greatest wish is to find the sister who was sold to another master when they arrived in North Carolina from Wales.

Then Master Whiteford offers Gwen her freedom at a price—she must agree to live a lie and join a settlement of Quakers relocating to the Northwest Territory of Ohio.

Thomas and Betsy Baldwin have buried their three children and face their elderly years alone until they open their home and hearts to Gwen. Their quiet and steadfast faith touches Gwen and causes her to question her deception.

Torn between her freedom and the truth, Gwen struggles to find her place among the Quakers she's grown to love.

Giveaway ~

Pegg has generously offered 5 eBook copies of Freedom's Price!

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away 5 eBook copies of Freedom's Price!

This giveaway is open to the US only!

This giveaway will close on 10/05/23 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

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

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!