An Interview with Andrea Byrd

Happy October to you all! 

We're entering what I like to call the season of reading. Studies show that most books are purchased during these last few months of the year. As temperatures cool and nightfall arrives way too soon, we crave all that is cozy, which whets our appetite for escape and our favorite indoor activity - reading while drinking something warm and satisfying. 

What better way to start this season than by getting to know a new author?

Today, we're joined by historical fiction author, Andrea Byrd. Not only has Andrea released two books with Wild Heart Books in the past few months, but she visits the Diamond Mine of Fiction blog from her home in rural Kentucky with her precious one-month old nestled in her arms. 

That's quite an impressive thriple threat - celebrating two book birthdays along with the birth of her third child. Congratulations to you, Andrea, and thanks for taking the time to join us today. I'll jump right into our questions - recognizing that she is most likely sleep-deprived and her time is precious. 

Andrea Byrd, Author

First, meet Andrea. Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them. For more information, visit her Facebook page at: 

Andrea Byrd, Facebook

Janet: Let's start at the beginning - what were your writing and reading habits as a child?

Andrea: I have always been an avid reader, voraciously reading a ride range of books all through school. Writing, however, was something that I despised until middle school. I had a teacher at that time that helped me discover my love of writing.

Janet: When did you first know you wanted to become a writer?

Andrea: I started writing in middle school and have written off and on ever since. For the longest time, though, it was kept as a hobby with a "one-day" dream of publishing a single book. I only decided to truly pursue writing and publishing as a career a couple of years ago.

Janet: How did you choose your genre? Has it always been historical romance?

Andrea: For quite some time, my preferred genre to read has been historical romance. I've always been fascinated with that simpler way of life. My mother even joked that I was born in the wrong time. I particularly enjoyed reading books that filled my love of learning as well by included real historical people, places, and events. When I started writing, I wrote contemporary romance because I was intimidated by the research involved with historical novels. But the more I read, the more inspired I became and I decided to take the leap into historical.

Janet: You've recently signed with Wild Heart Books and already released the first two books in your series. Describe your writing journey so far, and how has it changed with this publisher?

Andrea: My writing journey began in 2021 with self-published contemporary Christian romance novellas. In 2022, I decided to pursue historical Christian romance and found Wild Heart Books. The change from self-publishing to traditional publishing has been wonderful because the WHB team handles everything for me from cover design to editing and marketing.

Rescue in the Wilderness

Janet: Do you know how your stories will end when you start them? Or are you as surprised as your readers?

Andrea: I used to be a total pantser, so there were definitely suprises. But after reading The Story Equation by Susan May Warren, I started doing more plotting andso I at least have a general idea of what will happen.

Janet: Are your characters based on real people?

Andrea: Yes. Though they may share nothing more than a name, the female characters of my Frontier Hearts series are inspired by my real-life ancestors who first settled in Kentucky.

Janet: Are your settings based on real places? If so, where?

Andrea: All of the settings are real! In Rescue In The Wilderness, the story follows the journey settlers would have taken along the Wilderness Road. All of the locations mentioned are real buildings or landmarks along the trail. And in Redemption In The Wilderness, the Forts and Stations are all real places that existed at the time. In fact, Martin's Station and Fort Harrod are both places that readers can still visit today. Then, the entire setting, located near the Green River in the Mammoth Cave area, is the real area in which my family settled and in which I live. The rich description of these hollers and hills comes from personal experience.

Redemption in the Wilderness

Janet: What do you wish you'd known - something that there was truly no way to have known - before you published.

Andrea: That is was possible. It seemed like such a far-fetched dream that I pursued a completely different path for my life. 10 years of my life went in another direction, only to come back to this same place of pursuing writing as a career.

Janet: When you're not writing, what do you do for fun?

Andrea: Spending time with my family. I enjoy cross-stitching, reading, and anything outdoors, especially walking and hiking.

Janet: What is the most satisfying part of writing?

Andrea: The reviews that show me I have truly made a connection with a reader.

Janet: What happens next?

Andrea: There will be two more books in the Frontier Hearts series. I am working on the third, Reverence In The Wilderness now, and the fourth will feature the sister from Redemption In The Wilderness as the main character. I am currently in the plotting and planning stages for it.

Welcome~ Author, Kathleen Friesen, to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction

I met Canadian author, Kathleen Friesen through the ACFW critique groups. She has written several novels and has a heart for women’s fiction.




Let’s get to know Kathleen with a few quick get to know you questions:

Which do you prefer—M&Ms or Skittles?

M&Ms, once in a while.

Are you a cat or Dog Person?

I like both but am allergic to cats. My sweet dog is Lacy, and we got her just after Christmas last year.

Do you have a favorite Song?

It’s hard to choose, but the first one that came to mind is Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Let's learn a bit more about Kathleen's writing and her process:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always doodled little poems to express my feelings or investigate them, and my first published piece was a poem. Novels grabbed my “wants” when I took an online writing course that included starting a novel. The characters wouldn’t leave me alone, so I had to complete their story, which led to another, and another. And here we are!

Where do you like to write?

Usually, I’m sitting in our living room with my laptop, where I can see bits of our neighborhood.

What is your favorite childhood book?

I’ve always loved reading and read many, many books. I’d have to pick two: Little Women and Beautiful Joe.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

That also depends of what’s happening in my life. I may write for several hours, or it may just be a few minutes.

Which is your favorite book you’ve written so far? Why?

They’re all my favorites! Melody’s Song is the story that began it all, so it holds a special place in my heart. Like grandchildren, the first one grabs your heart first, but you love them all.

If someone were reading your books for the first time, which book would you recommend they start with?

Either Melody’s Song or Hearts Unfolding, since they each begin a series. Melody’s Song is followed by Nila’s Hope and Redemption’s Whisper.

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

Hearts Unbroken, book 2 in the Rockwell Chronicles, is my new release, and it shares Logan Rockwell’s and Paige Donnelly’s story. Paige has had a crush on Logan for years, but a choice she made has destroyed her dreams of ever being worthy of love. Hearts Unbroken deals compassionately and honestly with the touchy subject of abortion and its aftermath.

Hearts Unbroken releases in e-book form July 1, 2022, and I hope to have the print version ready a month later. I’m also re-releasing the first book in the Rockwell Series, a second edition with a new cover. That’s supposed to happen this summer also. When they’re all ready to go, I plan to have a sale on both!

Here is a blurb for the book:

Hearts Unbroken:
To Logan Rockwell, Paige Donnelly is his younger sister’s flirty friend—nothing more—until he rescues her from a horrific accident and yearns to be more than her hero.

Paige’s crush on Logan and dreams of catching his attention began years ago. Although the crash brought them together, her dreams died with a choice she’d made and would always regret.

Can Paige find forgiveness for what she feels is an unforgivable wrong? Can Logan be her forever hero, or will his ambition destroy their chance at lasting love?

Hearts Unbroken embraces the aftermath of abortion in this story of faith, love, and abundant grace.

Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ulq2mq

Do you find yourself returning to a similar theme in your novels or do you have a new message with each release?

In each of my books, faith, forgiveness and hope are vital, and I love watching my characters grow to realize that God is waiting to heal their brokenness.

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of your book?

2 Corinthians 7:10 talks about the difference between a godly grief that leads to repentance and salvation and the worldly grief that can lead to death – such a vital difference! Paige needed to learn this lesson.

Ephesians 1:7 goes with the theme, too: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Did you enjoy creating one character more than another? If so, why?

Because Paige was a troubled character, I loved watching her grow, but I’d have to say I enjoyed Logan more. He appeared in Hearts Unfolding, and this story gave me the chance to get to know him better.

If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?

Tough question! I guess I’d love to be more like both Miss Glorie and Stacey Rockwell. Their wisdom and compassion inspire me.

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

That depends on the topic. For the Rockwell series, because the family runs a concrete business, my research is asking my in-house expert, my husband, any question I may have about that subject.

Online research is a favorite source of information, and for previous books, I interviewed police officers, social workers, tree-planting crew bosses and others.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I look up baby names for the years they would have been born and try them out. Some I have changed mid-story, because the original names didn’t fit their emerging personalities.

Thank you, Kathleen, for joining us today!

I’m excited about your book and can tell readers I enjoyed Hearts Unbroken. I love how Paige and Logan’s story begins and ends. The way God’s love and forgiveness works through Paige and Logan’s life is beautiful. Kennedy’s little boy, Levi, is a favorite of mine, he’s a sweet boy with a caring heart. Kathleen has written a wonderful story of forgiveness and starting over as Paige walks the path of grief and redemption.

I’m giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card. Make a comment by August 10, 2022 to be entered to win.

Interview and Giveaway with Author Peggy Trotter

I'm excited to introduce you to one of Diamond Mine's authors, Peggy Trotter.

When Peggy Trotter’s not crafting or DIY-ing, she’s immersed in a story scene of some sort, always pushing toward that sigh-worthy, happily-ever-after ending. Two kids, two in-law kids, and four grandchildren are the delight her life, as well as her Batman of 37 years whose cape is much worn from rescuing his wife from one predicament or another.

 

On a dusty shelf lies a couple of writing honors like the prestigious ACFW Genesis Award, Novella category, even though she writes full-length historical and contemporary Ransomed-Ever-After Fiction. She strives to bring characters and storylines alive to reveal God’s guiding providence and unending love.

 

Always on a search to find one of her many pairs of glasses, Peggy’s a smoldering pot of determined discombobulation who, by the grace of God, occasionally pulls it together to appear in public as a normal, confident woman while privately craving a few hermit hours to woo the printed word.

A few fun facts about Peggy--

Given the choice of:

Coffee, tea, or water? Water

M&Ms or Skittles? M & M’s

Cat or Dog Person? Bothish~I have 5 cats but love my son’s Great Danes!

Favorite Song? Right now is Until Grace by Tauen Wells and Gary LeVox

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? SUMMER!!!

What genre do you enjoy reading?

Mostly I read Historical fiction. But, I have found I really enjoy biographies as well. So when I’ve had enough petticoats and wagon wheels, I peruse the biography section.

Which is your favorite book you’ve written so far? Why?

I have two. Year of Jubilee was super fun because it was the first one and that story had lived in my brain for at least a decade. But also The Lowborn Lady. The main character actually had its start in Year of Jubilee, so I waited several years to put her to page. I enjoyed giving Rhapsody pluck, boldness, and just a dash of arrogance. But mostly, I love redeeming her ugly character, watching her grow into this person who really saw and cared for people.

Tell us about your latest release:

The Lowborn Lady came out in December and it is the second book of the series Society of Outcasts. Rhapsody Hastings carries a deep set guilt about the death of her first husband. So when her carriage breaks down on a dark country road, and she’s caught in the arms of a ruffian, Cavanaugh Blackledge, she must wed him to still rumors and save her reputation. So, she accepts the arrangement as her own personal penance. Yet, her new husband’s unexpected mission wakens her dead heart despite the fact that a high society lady shouldn’t be involved with such…dangerous illegal conspiracies. 

Do you find yourself returning to a similar theme in your novels or do you have a new message with each release?

I like to redeem unredeemable characters. Personalities that are at the end of their rope, the bottom of the pit, at the point of no return, completely desperate. Because that is usually where God meets us, isn’t it? I love the quote from the Bible about the prodigal son when that proverbial light bulb explodes in his head. The KJV says, “When he came to himself…” Luke 15:17a. Isn’t that just the way it happens? We finally, after searching, trying, working, striving, realize that all our ambitions and effort are useless and futile without God.

Did you enjoy creating one character more than another? If so, why?

Rhapsody possessed some haughty, arrogant undertones at the beginning of the story and it was fun to create her personality. I found myself having to rewrite certain sections to give her more snootiness. But in reality, she’d had a very important epiphany, and it was a joy to transform her character to be more like Christ.

Just for fun--As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot? Why?

A horse, or rather a trotter, LOL. Mainly because I have always adored horses. My childhood and adolescence was spent reading books about horses, both fiction and nonfiction, and because thoroughbreds were my favorite, following the Triple Crown winners. I remember poring over a particular book that displayed the various breeds of horses in full color. That was a treasured book.

If you'd like to win a copy of The Lowborn Lady:

Say hello to Peggy in the comments, and we'll choose a winner.

Where to find Peggy:

 

peggytrotter.com

peggytrotter.blogspot.com

diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Peggy_Trotter

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

Amazon Author’s Profile Page: amazon.com/author/peggytrotter.com

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

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-trotter-44a29b95/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-trotter

MeWe:  mewe.com/i/peggytrotter

Parler:https://parler.com/profile/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Usa.life:https://usa.life/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Gab:https://gab.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor

 

Interview with Candace West and giveaway!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This is Kathleen L. Maher here with you today. Up here in New York State this is week 11 or thereabouts of sheltering in place. What is all this free time, anyway, but an awesome opportunity when there are so many good books to read? 

One of the best books I read last year, Lane Steen, has a sequel that just came out in March, just as all the global brouhaha began. But each of these stories can be read as a stand-alone, and if you are a fan of historical fiction with a true old-soul vibe, intelligently written but heartwarmingly unpretentious, with a transcendent message, you are in for a real treat.

My guest today is Candace West Posey, a name you will hear more and more as time goes on. Today you get the privilege of saying you discovered her wonderful story world of Turn of the Century Ozarks, and the brilliant, endearing characters that populate her rural valley town.

Welcome, Candace! Please share your secrets. How do you do it? How do you transport a reader from 21^st century modern back in time to your beloved Valley Creek, Arkansas? Tell us about your story world, and what it means to you.

Thank you for having me, Kathy! I’m thrilled to be here!

I always like to joke that I was born in the wrong century. Growing up, I soaked up stories told by my grandparents who were raised in the Ozarks. We spend most of our vacations there, and I love visiting old cemeteries and homeplaces.

My story world is a very real place, a mix of past and present, of reality and imagination. Exploring those places, falling in love with the characters, and picturing them in those surroundings are my secret. When I stand beside a bubbling stream, I see Lane sitting beside it. When I visit an abandoned country church, old hymns drift on the breeze, the singing voices imperfect yet beautiful. On an empty lot, I see the sawmill, hear the voices of working men, and smell the spicy scent of sawdust.

By the time I finished book one of the Valley Creek Redemption series, the characters and places felt so real to me that I had to remind myself they were imaginary. I hope readers feels the same by the time they reach the last page.

Would you share a brief synopsis or blurb of your latest work, Valley of Shadows, and where it may be purchased?

Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.

As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?

While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?

But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.

Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena's heart?

Amazon (Kindle and Paperback): https://www.amzn.com/1951246268

In your debut Lane Steen, we meet a character that is as appalling as he is intriguing. My favorite in the story, a real scene stealer. Tell us about Lane’s father, Earl Steen, and how he came to have his very own story.

I hated Earl Steen from the opening scene, just as Lane did. A few critique partners wanted me to kill him off. As the story progressed, I started wondering who this angry, embittered man was. Only a few times did Earl offer me a glimmer of something buried deep inside. Was there anything redeemable within? Did he have secrets? I knew then that Lane needed those answers as badly as I did. By the end of the book, my hatred for him had evolved into tentative love. I had to know more about Earl. He needed a chance to show that God could take a villain and transform him into a hero. 

And then, there is Lorena Steen. Elegant, ladylike, noble and honorable. But hiding a scar inside her serene heart. Lorena reminds me so much of my mother. Is there a person in your life that inspired her character?

I’m honored by your words, Kathy. Yes, Lorena is a mixture of the strong, Christian ladies who taught me and poured their light into my life…my mom, my grandmothers, and my aunt. My mom’s gentle ways and piano playing inspired Lorena’s. Her wisdom came from my grandmothers. My aunt inspired her bravery. Though each one of them had scars, they showed me how to glorify Christ through those scars and live victoriously.

A storm creates a turning point in the story. It is written so realistically, I could hear the growl of its ferocity. Have you lived through weather like you depict to guide your creative process?

Yes. Every year, I dread tornado season. We’ve been fortunate, but several tornados have torn through our area. A few times way too close. We’ve rushed many times to the closet or hallway, praying the whole time. I’ve witnessed the damage afterward in the communities nearby. I’ll never forget passing where a church once sat. Nothing was left but a light pole and a butane tank. Not a piece of wood in sight. It was as though the building vanished. Chilling.

Wow, chilling, indeed. Aside from  near-death first hand experiences with weather, what was the hardest thing to research in this story for you?

It’s funny you should ask that. The hardest thing was finding the price of a sawmill in the 1910’s. After lots of digging, I found a working sawmill in California that is now a museum. I called and talked to the owner. He told me the sawmill had been in his family since it was bought new in the early 1920’s. After I shared the reason for my call, he answered my questions and told me the price they originally paid. I did the best I could to adjust the price for 10 to 15 years earlier.

new cover coming soon!

What was the hardest emotional scene for you to write or to put your characters through? As an author do you laugh at funny moments or cry at sad ones?

Yes, I do, and I love it when that happens! Without giving away a spoiler, one of the hardest scenes to write was the scene with Edith after the tornado strikes Valley Creek. Earl wasn’t always an easy character to write either. He had buried a lot of things deep inside. I cried through the scene where he and his sister Ella are returning from a supper at a neighbor’s home. On the other hand, I laughed when Lane visited Doc Brown’s office.

What’s next on your writer’s slate? And where can readers find you?

I’m working on book 3, and I’d love to share my working title for the first time here. Dogwood Winter. I’m excited to feature two characters who appeared in Valley of Shadows. Look for it sometime next summer!

I love building friendships with my readers! Please take a moment to connect with me at these links.

Facebook Author page: www.facebook.com/inspirationnovel

Website/Newsletter: www.candaceweststoryteller.com

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/candace-west-afcba060-cca9-4d77-9dc8-23c330b29f9b

Instagram: www.instagram.com/candace.west.posey.10

Twitter: www.twitter.com/candacewest111

Candace, thank you for sharing with us, and for your warmth and generosity. 

CONTEST ALERT! Speaking of generosity, Candace is offering an e-copy of Valley of Shadows to one lucky commenter here. Please share this post for extra entries, and let us know where you shared (FB, Twitter, etc)

 A winner will be drawn by random dot org and announced here on Saturday May 30^th. Don't forget to leave your email in the comments so I can contact you if you are selected. 

Good luck!

******* 

Where every underdog has his day.
Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-L-Maher/e/B00D8EXO80/
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2531698-kathleen-l
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-l-maher

INTRODUCING AUTHOR AND FRIEND, LINDBERG CORNELL!

AUTHOR LINDBERG CORNELL

Lynn, I’m thrilled to have you on The Rough Diamond Mine blog today And please thank your wife, Beverly, for encouraging you to write! She was right—you are indeed a writer—an excellent word weaver! So, let’s get on with this interview so all the folks can find out what I already know—your first novel The Color of Redemption is beyond Five Stars! I’ve included my review of your book at the end of this interview.

Q. Readers want to know, beyond the back-of-the-book biography, about the authors they read. Will you share a little about yourself and your family?

Thank you DiAne. I’m glad to be visiting with you today. As for me, I’ve been a Christian for forty years and have a passion for teaching verse by verse through the entire Bible. I’ve been married for twenty-four years to my second wife, my first wife passed away. We have five children and thirteen grandchildren. I’m an avid cyclist when not writing.

Q.  With thirteen grandchildren I don’t see how you have the time to cycle and write. LOL. I have three and when they were little they wore me out! When did you know God called you to paint a canvas of words? How did you know and tell us about your journey?

My wife encouraged me to write. Of course, as a typical man, I blew her off, but she kept encouraging me. Finally, and I don’t remember why, she signed me up for a Write to Publish writer’s conference in Wheaton, Illinois. That’s when the writing world opened up to me. From that time, I began the process of learning to write. Of course, now, I don’t have enough time in the day to write everything that’s in my heart. I will say to new writers…learn the craft of writing first. That’ll save you yards of time in rewrites. I had written the entire first draft of The Color of Redemption without knowing how to write.

Q. Don’t think you’re alone. I finished the first draft of Roped (then entitled Silver Buckle Dreams) before knowing I had no clue. And my first conference was Write to Publish in Wheaton also. Small world! I’ve read and reread The Color of Redemption and must ask, is this, in part or whole, about a relative or someone you’ve known?

No, I wrote the book because of current race relations I saw in the church—among Christians in the modern church. I was surprised and saddened how Christians thought and felt ethnically, both black and white Christians. And I was saddened the one place that should have been a refuge for me was actually a place I had to be guarded among my heavenly family. I was surprised how much one’s culture trumps their faith. I guess that might make The Color of Redemption a fantasy book. LOL!

Q. Your characters leaped off the page and into my heart. This novel is a timely and riveting account of life’s reality—then and now—fear, prejudice, tribulations, hate, forgiveness, and love…God’s love for us…in spite of our faults. Do you have a life verse that brought you to and carried you through writing this powerful story?

1 Corinthians 11:17-34. I realized as we celebrate the Lord’s table, we don’t all recognize every believer as partakers of His body and blood. This scripture, of course along with many others, should wake us up that we all have one source of eternal life—Jesus!

Q. In my early teens I read a new book in our church library entitled Red Like Mine. And I know exactly what you mean. The church librarian must not have read the book. My own mother asked what I was reading and when she heard and I returned the book, it suddenly disappeared out of our church library. Shameful! And that book has remained with me all these years. I grew up in the deep south—in the ‘50’s…a few years before Katie’s story and know firsthand the need for telling Katie’s story. The bondage, white hoods, and burning crosses were as despised and feared then as they are now. I saw them. And the silence of multitudes who disagreed, yet feared speaking. What is your purpose in writing The Color of Redemption? What do you want the reader to take away from this incredible story?

I was naïve to think I could walk into any church and be welcomed as a fellow believer. But sadly, this is not true. Blacks speak disparately of whites and whites avoid blacks—not all, of course. But the divide in many churches is too wide and shouldn’t even exist. My hope is Christians will one day realize we should be bold examples to the world of God’s love abd what a unified body looks like.

Q. And finally, a very selfish question…well, not so much a question as a hope…please tell us there’s going to be a sequel. Or at least a WIP? And, how long do we have to wait for more from Lynn Cornell?

Interesting! I could have written a three-book series focusing on Katie’s life in the south. In earlier drafts, I explored her husband’s journey and the town they lived in. And I have enough in my head for a sequel, but at present, I have no plans for a sequel.

I have finished two first drafts—God’s Pearl, Man’s Find—just a working title. This story is about a gold-digger who finds God’s worth in her and finds love God’s way. In God’s Honor—the second book tells a story about a zealous Muslim (a female Paul), an Iranian secret police officer who comes to faith, falls in love, and marries the Marine who smuggles her to America.

First drafts, hmmm? That means at least another year to wait? Well The Color of Redemption was certainly worth waiting for! Do you have any closing comments for your readers? Oh, BTW, Lynn is giving away a signed copy of his marvelous novel. So be sure to leave a comment to toss your name in the hat for this copy.

DiAne, I’d like to close by urging Christians to pray for our nation. Pray for our President. Whether we agree with him or his politics, God has placed him as head of our nation. I pray God would give him wisdom, grace, mercy to lead our country. And I urge everyone to pray for the victims of the shootings in Las Vegas and for all the victims of the hurricanes that have hit our country hard.

Thank you for having me on The Rough Diamond Mine. Sure hope your followers will read The Color of Redemption and leave me a review.

Lynn, the pleasure is ours. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Consider yourselves reminded, folks. After all, that's the way you all can let us know you've enjoyed our writing. 'Cause writing can sometimes be a very lonely occupation. And don't forget to leave a comment here so you can be entered in the drawing for a signed copy of Lynn's book!

Lynn’s book is available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.dovechristianpublishers.com. 

You can contact Lynn at his blog site:  http://journeythroughthebibleversebyverse.lynncornell.wordpress.com

And here's my review of this spectacular book...

"Scrolling through FB friend invitations I found Mr. Cornell’s request and looked at his page. And as I clicked through his posts there was a picture of his book, The Color or Redemption, and the voice in my soul whispered You must read this book. So I purchased it.

The rest is history. After reading the first page, I couldn’t put the book down. I’m sure part of the attraction was the period and place in history. I grew up in the deep south during this time. And while some of Mr. Cornell’s words were gritty and difficult to read, I know first-hand they are absolute truth. Evil has been with us since the Garden, but certain times in our history have screamed the ugly reality of evil more clearly than others—and such is the time and story of The Color of Redemption—and such are our times.

In light of the current national and world crisis of anger and hate, this book should be on everyone’s must-read list. Mr. Cornell weaves a story painting pictures you can touch, smell, and feel, other scenes there is nothing to do but weep. And still in other chapters the Spirit of God touched areas in my life God desires to change.

Mr. Cornell understands and writes about real solutions. Eternal solutions…for anyone with ears to hear and a heart to forgive in Jesus name. God gave us the answer, but that answer requires the humility of dying to self and living in complete obedience to Christ because He died for you and me.

How does that play out in everyday life? Read The Color of Redemption, an inspired up-close and personal searching of my heart. Wish I could give ten stars! Five is all they allow. Great book. Thank you, Mr. Cornell."

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO READ!