Interview with Author Rachel Chamberlayne!

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 Rachel Chamberlayne!

Rachel is a Christian romance writer who lives in the heartland with her husband and two children. With a Bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing, Rachel loves crafting love stories that will make you swoon, sigh, and give you all the butterflies. When she's not daydreaming about her book characters, you might find her reading, writing poetry, or spending time with her family. 

Connect with Rachel on her website or her Instagram @authorrachelchamberlayne!

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 all the way!

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

Sausage and pepperoni pizza :)

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

Anywhere! As long as I get to write.

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

I like to chew on highlighters while I write. I don’t know why, but it helps me stay focused.

That's a new one, and I love it! What inspired you to write It's Only Ever Been You?

I wanted to write a story about the raw, realistic struggles of a Biblical marriage. Marriage is often depicted as the happily-ever-after in romance, especially Christian romance (and it is to a certain degree). But it is hard, too. I wanted to explore that from a Biblical perspective with my favorite characters.

They say time heals all wounds, but some wounds have left scars that refuse to fade for Genevieve Wright.

Despite their rocky beginning, Brandon and Evie Wright found their happily ever after. But when a very beautiful reminder of Brandon’s promiscuous past pops the bubble oftheir newlywed bliss, Evie must confront an insecurity that’s rooted in her childhood—her fear of abandonment.

After all, Brandon left once before. What makes her think he won’t do it again?

It’s Only Ever Been You is a fade-to-black/closed-door companion novella to Brandon and Evie’s stand-alone Christian romance novel, It’s Always Been You. Physical intimacy between a married couple is implied.

Nice! What led you to write in this genre? 

It was natural! I have always wanted to write romance, and after I became a Christian, I couldn’t separate my faith from my writing. It all happened organically.

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

My hope is that readers see themselves in my characters. Not just the good parts, but the messy, raw, relatable parts, too. The parts that aren’t talked about, especially in Christian spaces. I like to shed the light of Christ in dark and taboo places.

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

I am currently writing a story about a woman named Daisy who loses her husband unexpectedly early in their marriage. Her late husband’s estranged twin moves back to town after his death, and as former childhood best friends, their messy past is unraveled as they spend more time together.

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

Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. This verse reminds me that I don’t need to be perfect, or do things perfectly all the time to be called His, which tends to be my heart’s default setting. This verse reminds me that He is my strength, and He will never forsake me.

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

I am currently reading We Drank the Dawn by Ashley Dill, and I am about to start Stay With Me by Becky Wade. :)

Awesome! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Rachel! 

Check out Rachel's other books! 

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. 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!

Let's Meet Meghann Whistler

I'm excited to have Meghan Whistler join us on Diamond Mine. She authors sweet Christian romance. 

Comment by December 14 for a chance to win a copy of The Baby’s Christmas Blessing (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)

Let's get started with some of Meghann's favorite things:

What is your favorite?

Coffee or Tea?

Neither! Caffeine makes me jittery, and I don’t like herbal tea 😊

M&Ms or Reece’s Pieces?

Peanut butter M&Ms!

Cat or Dog Person?

Neither! I’m allergic to both!

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

LOL—any season except winter! After living in California and South Texas for 15 years, I can’t take the cold!!! ❄️

Tell us a bit about you:

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

I love playing badminton and rollerblading, although I haven’t had the chance to do either in a while. I also enjoy taking my kids to the trampoline park, walking on the beach with my husband, and playing cards.

What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

The biggest challenge for me was a 15-year dry spell! I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and I actually went to graduate school and got an MFA in creative writing. I completed a novel during graduate school that I tried to get published, but it didn’t happen.

After that, I worked a day job as a marketing communications professional. I did a lot of writing—case studies, white papers, ad copy—but none of it was fiction. I would start different creative writing projects, but I never got very far. I was busy working and raising my young kids, but I always had this desire in my heart to get back to doing the kind of writing that I loved: fiction.

I discovered the Christian fiction genre in 2017 and started writing my first Christian romance in 2018. That book, Falling for the Innkeeper, was published in 2020, and it has just been a dream come true to see my books make it into readers’ hands!

I feel like God made me wait to get published until I’d found the genre He wanted me to write.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

I love 2 Corinthians 12:9, which reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect to live a life of meaning or value—I just have to let God work through me.

Tell us about your latest release:

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

Yes! The Baby’s Christmas Blessing just came out two months ago, and it’s perfect for a December read. 😊

Set in a charming small town on beautiful Cape Cod, this book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish!

Here’s what you can expect:

• · ⭐️ A feel-good second-chance romance… at Christmas!!!
• · 🚹 A strong & caring hero with a shockingly sad (and secret!) backstory
• · 👦 A snuggly newborn baby who needs a nanny
• · 💕 A big-hearted heroine with amazing friends
• · ✝️ An uplifting inspirational message about love, family & forgiveness

I’ve been touched by all the positive feedback the book has gotten so far, but I think my favorite comment has been that the romantic relationship portrayed in The Baby’s Christmas Blessing is the kind of “romance that I would want for my son or daughter.” (C.Y., Goodreads)

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

This book was inspired by Galatians 5:1, which says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Both of the main characters in this story have some trauma in their past that’s holding them back in the present. They need to learn that God doesn’t want them to live in bondage to the past; He wants them to be free to live and love and do great work for His kingdom.

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

One of the scenes in The Baby’s Christmas Blessing is set on the beach on a night when there’s a blood moon, which is a lunar eclipse that makes the moon look red. I have a very vivid childhood memory of being on the beach with my family at night during a blood moon, and my mom actually did comment on that after reading the book!

Just for fun:

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

Greece! I’ve wanted to go there ever since I studied World History in high school. I’d love to see all the ruins, and the beaches don’t look too shabby, either!

More about Meghann:

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won't make your grandmother blush.

Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and was also a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.

Her next book, The Billionaire’s Secret, was a #1 bestseller and #1 Hot New Release across multiple categories on Amazon.com, including Christian Romance, Christian Women’s Fiction, and Contemporary Religious Fiction, among others. It won the 2022 Selah Award for Contemporary Romance, placed second in the romance category of the 2022 Christian Indie Awards, and was a finalist for the 2022 HOLT Medallion.

Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.

She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWJ9834

Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/babyschristmasblessing


MEGHANN ON THE WEB

· Website: https://www.MeghannWhistler.com

· Newsletter: https://bonus.meghannwhistler.com/blogtour

· BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghann-whistler

· Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20039853.Meghann_Whistler

· Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Meghann-Whistler/e/B086YBHV9J

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMeghannWhistler

GIVEAWAY

Comment by December 14 for a chance to win a copy of The Baby’s Christmas Blessing (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)

Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions Spotlight and International Giveaway!

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she's lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material.

Then Kaylee's ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he's been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he's in need of a new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe's offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them...and the hope that maybe God's rewriting the conclusion to their story.

Read a sample HERE!

Available now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and WhiteFire Publishing's READ Store!

Find Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions on Goodreads and BookBub!

Interview Question ~

"What message do you hope to convey to your readers?"

I like to ask this question when I interview other authors, so I wanted to share my own answer in light of Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions' release this week!

With all of my stories, I hope readers enjoy the story and cackle with glee! However, my deepest hope is always that God blesses readers through my stories. It's my hope that readers see how completely God's mercy, grace, and forgiveness breaks the chains of shame and past sin. It's my hope that readers experience how the wondrous gift of unconditional love sings of God's freedom. It's my hope that readers see how God's love can rewrite the conclusion to any story that we're living.

This is what I hope is conveyed to the readers of Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions!

Giveaway ~ 

I'm giving away one Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions Ebook! 

Rules, Info, and Such ~ 

1. This is an international giveaway. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. 

2. This giveaway will close on 11/26/20 at 12:00 AM.

3. Winner will be chosen within four days of the close of the giveaway. If the winner does not respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, then a new winner will be drawn in their place.

May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 little girl. 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!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Toni Shiloh Interview and Giveaway

I’m so happy to introduce you all to Toni Shiloh! She’s a wonderful friend and fellow writer. Her newest book, The Trouble With Love, recently released, and it's an excellent read. Let's jump right in and see what she has to say.

Being a writer is a busy life, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re working on something new to intrigue your readers. What’s in the works for you right now?

I’m working on a few novellas. The one I’m currently writing is a Christmas novella and will be in a box set available this fall. I can’t wait to share the story with my readers. 

Do you ever base your characters off real people?

No. I may pull little pieces here and there, but no character is based off a real person. I’d be terrified of doing them an injustice.  

Do you have a set writing time every day or do you write in a more organic way?

I have a time period I work in. Some days I may be able to start writing earlier if my to-do list gets scratched off earlier and some days I have to write a little bit later if distractions prove too much. 

What is the nicest encouragement a reader ever sent you?

Honestly, I’m not sure I could pick just one. I do know that when I get them, they always come at the right time. Either I’m in the midst of battling feels that my writing is terrible, or I’ve read a bad review that I can’t shake. Whatever it was, I’ve received a note from a reader who sees right into the heart of my story and it’s like a God wink. 

What are the most number of words you’ve ever written in one day?

Good question. I think it was a little over 5,000. One day I hope to be able to pull a 10k day.

Toni is giving away an eBook of her newest book The Trouble with Love to one blessed winner who comments below. Email address is required to be entered into her giveaway.


Author bio –

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.


The Trouble With Love Blurb –

I, Holiday Brown, have it all. A platinum record. Multi-million dollar home in Manhattan that I share with my two best friends. Life is looking fantastic until my roommate’s brother decides to bunk in our guestroom while his house gets renovated.

W. Emmett Bell has always been the bane of my existence. He’s annoying, stubborn, a know it all, and just might be the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. But I refuse to fall for him. Then his sister’s threatened by a stalker and dynamics change. His unwavering faith isn’t quite as self-righteous as I’d always thought, and maybe he has a good side I’ve overlooked all these years.

Or maybe it’s all too much trouble.

The Trouble With Love is the first book in the Christian Chick Lit series: Faith & Fortune. 


Endorsements —

“In her iconic soulful fashion, Toni Shiloh has penned another heartfelt page-turner...this time with a dash of suspense thrown in!"- Sarah Monzon, award-winning author of Finders Keepers

“Swoony, sweet and a little sassy, The Trouble with Love is Toni Shiloh's best novel yet! A beautiful story of friendship, romance, and brokenness meeting grace.” – Carrie Schmidt, Reading is my Superpower

“In The Trouble With Love, Toni Shiloh offers a fresh take on modern romance that will twirl you about the New York City high life, yet still manages to keep the characters completely relatable with their fears, longings, and faith struggles. The romance between Holiday and Emmett is flirty, fun, and completely squeal-inducing. Enjoy this escape from everyday life and dive into Shiloh’s world of faith and fortune!” – Janine Rosche, author of This Wandering Heart


Buy links –

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083S2SBVB
Shortlink: https://amzn.to/2NonmyR
Review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0892HSZHD
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50426006-the-trouble-with-love

Social media links –

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
My BookCave: https://mybookcave.com/profile/toni-shiloh/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gcMfqT
Blogs I’m part of: www.inspyromance.com  ; http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com

Would You Rather (and More) with Tanya Eavenson + a Giveaway

Hello, reader friends. Welcome back! This week I'm excited to introduce you to author Tanya Eavenson! And she's generously offering one of our readers an Amazon gift card (you'll have to keep reading to find out those details, though).

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Connect with Tanya

Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub





Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Tanya. I’m so excited to introduce you and your books to our visitors!

Let’s begin with a short round of Would You Rather. I promise that none of these are disgusting questions.

Aww, thanks for having me, Suzie! And I love the game Would You Rather! We play it all the time as a family and yes, some of the questions can get disgusting. The things my kids can think of eating is beyond me! 

SW: Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life?

TE: Pause button. The reason, my life is very blessed where I am. I won’t change it for anything.

SW: Would you rather be stuck on a broken ski lift or in a broken elevator?

TE: Oh, my! Can I just say, I’m TERRIFIED of heights, but I’m also claustrophobic. I would be a mess in either situation. However, if I was to pick, I guess it would have to be the broken-down ski lift so I’d be able to breathe. Breathing is a good thing. LOL!

SW: Would you rather lose your keys or your cell phone? 

 

TE: Keys, hands down.




SW: Tell us a little about yourself. What does a typical day (if there is such a thing for an author) look like for you?

TE: Since most of Americas are sheltering in place from COVID-19, my typical day isn’t very normal. It’s hard to explain. My day job has allowed me to work from home, which is a blessing, but it’s a little hard to work with a house full of people. 😊 I’m sure several of your readers can relate! Then there’s writing, and for some reason with everything that’s going on, I’m not able to concentrate to put down on single word. I’ve decided instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything, I will give it to the Lord day by day. Honestly, now I have more peace as I sit at home with my family. God’s got this virus, He has my family, and my writing, He has everything is in the palm of His hand. 


SW: Yes, I know many of us can relate. It's hard to concentrate on routine right now. 

If you weren’t writing, what would your career involve?

TE: If I wasn’t writing, I’d have to say something with social media or with finances in some way. But honestly, I can’t see myself not writing. It’s a part of me. 


SW: What three books are at the top of your TBR?

TE:

1) Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano
2) Above the Fold by Rachel McDaniel
3) Loving the Mysterious Texan Series by Mary Connealy 


SW: I've read the first two and your are in for some laughs with Jen's book and some great banter in Rachel's. 

You’ve got a busy 2020 with a few book releases. How do you balance writing different stories in different settings and time periods?

TE: It’s a busy year for sure! For me it’s not hard to write different stories. Each story plot and character is different from one another, they’re easy to separate. The hardest part is not being able to write fast enough because a lot of my time is doing research. Yes, even for contemporary stories, there’s a lot of background work that takes place before writing that first word. 

Book One of the All Roads Lead to Texas series

SW: To Gain Forever in the Love is in the Air Romance Collection is your upcoming release (readers: this is only $0.99 until the May 10 release day so grab your preorder before the price goes up. More details and order links are below). Can you share a little about the collaboration process for a multi-author collection like this?

TE: It’s fun working with authors to make a project come alive. Having a vision and a goal is so important because there are many deadlines. My partner in crime, Candee Fick, and I, have taken different admin roles for this set, and we’ve had a great time getting to know one another. I love how God brings people together! I’ve certainly enjoyed getting to know these ladies and look forward to more projects in the future.


SW: I think we can all agree that we’re here because we love words and stories. There’s a lot that goes into those and life/the world is so different right now than any of us ever imagined. How can we pray for you during this season and even throughout the rest of the year?

TE: I certainly appreciate the prayers! Please pray that God will heal those with COVID-19 and protect the ones who do not. For my writing, that the words will flow. And in all things, God will be glorified. 

SW: Thank you so much for you time today, Tanya. It's been a pleasure chatting with you and getting better acquainted. We're praying for God's blessings for you this year.

About Love Is In The Air

All you have to do is look up.

This collection of five brand new romances is sure to send your heart soaring. Journey from Canada to Georgia and Colorado to Paris by way of Michigan as these couples find love is in the air. All they had to do was look up.

First Class Wrong Flight by Laura V. Hilton

Candi Walker is excited to attend her former college roommate’s wedding. At least it’s a direct flight across the country and the potential of messing up is next to impossible…until she crashes into a handsome pilot. Now it’s a dream-come-true or her worst nightmare.

Alex Kuklewski has one last flight before he attends his stepsister’s wedding. Desperate to escape his tagalong ex-girlfriend’s clutches, Alex prays that his future wife would drop into his path. And she does. Too bad he and Candi aren’t headed to the same destination.

Emotional baggage on both sides exceeds the weight limit, and the flight to happily-ever-after seems grounded. What will it take for them to launch true love into the air?

A Castle in the Clouds by Candee Fick

Aspiring romance novelist Miranda Scott has her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. Raised by a single mother, extravagant trips to castles overseas are only a fairy-tale…until a co-worker’s accident has her boarding a plane to teach creative writing on an all-expenses-paid school-sponsored trip. Family responsibilities kept Joshua Clark close to home, but it’s finally time for the history teacher to spread his wings. Hopefully his time chaperoning an overseas trip and seeing history in person will reveal what the next chapter holds.

However, falling in love surrounded by teenagers was never the plan.

Flying Into Love by Kathleen Rouser

Unable to say no when others need her, Talia Sampson took on her deceased aunt’s advice column and the care of her special needs niece. Then new veteran, Ben Tanner, shows up unexpected on her doorstep. Hurt many times, he wonders where home is. Talia isn’t happy finding a hot-air balloon with him, but she treasures the old journal with it. Ben hopes restoring her family’s antique will please her, until he discovers a secret that shatters his trust. And Talia hates flying. Will she trust God—and Ben—enough to go airborne?

To Gain Forever by Tanya Eavenson

Karianne Bennett, small-town wedding coordinator, has always believed in happily-ever-afters. That is, for everyone but herself. Her fiancé’s alcohol-related death put an end to her own dreams and turned her career into a weekly reminder of all she’s lost. Hope comes when she adopts a retired service dog and a newcomer catches her eye.

Trey Scott has been fascinated with fireworks since he was a boy. If he can land the account for a hot-air balloon festival in an out-of-state town, he’ll be that much closer to achieving his lifelong goal. But his dreams never included a beautiful dog walker who also happens to be the stranger he’s been praying over for years.

Written in the Clouds by Kathleen Friesen

A mysterious cloud formation, a nerve-wracking introduction for JR and Serena, an unexpected reunion for Jim and Blythe, a few traumatic memories, a pilot for the company plane, and another afraid of flying. Mix them together…and what in the world is God up to? Is it love at first flight?

Can love—for two generations—be written in the clouds?

 Amazon | D2D | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Goodreads

Giveaway

Tanya is giving one of our readers a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card.

To enter, leave a comment and tell us one thing you are thankful for. Be sure and leave a way for us to contact you in case you are chosen as the winner.

Surprising Facts about Delia Latham And Her New Release

It’s so nice to have Delia Latham on the Diamond Mine today! Wait till you read what she’s been working on. Take it away, Delia.

Give me one fact about you as an author that most people don’t know.

Once upon a time, in a far and distant land…well, at least in another time and place…I was the lead singer in a Country Western band. Even then, I wrote—songs, of course, both gospel and country. (I was also working as a Staff Writer for the largest daily paper in Kern County, California, and freelancing numerous articles to a regional magazine, so I was writing a lot.) Had a grand time with the band, but it was just a curve in the road of life that brought me to where I am now.

As Christian writers, we long to share God’s love, goodness, and grace with others through our writing. But quite often our stories speak to us as much as our readers. How did God use this story to help you stretch and grow as a person?

I’ve been blessed all my life to have people who love and watch out for me—friends and family who are always there to help with whatever I need and wish only the best for me. It’s easy to forget that not everyone has that—some people are forced to scratch and claw, with no help from anyone, just to have the basic necessities. This book awakened me to a couple of things that are all too easy to overlook. 1) Be grateful for what you have, be it ever so humble. As the Apostle Paul said, “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” 2) Keep an eye out for fellow “travelers” in this world who could use encouragement, a hand up, or even a kind word and a smile. You never know when your kindness will literally change someone’s world.

What is the quality you like the most about your heroine?

Norah is smart, determined, and tough. Nothing in life is handed to her on a silver platter. She knows the world doesn’t “owe” her a living, and she’s willing to work to better herself, and do whatever it takes to make a home for her son. I’m not sure I’d be so strong and self-sufficient in the same situation, but I admire women who are. Norah’s character was created to be a little like a sweet, godly woman who is very dear to me, someone I love, admire and respect. In many ways, she’s who I want to be when I grow up. 😊

Being a writer is a busy life, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re working on something new to intrigue your readers. What’s in the works for you right now?

Sweet Scent of Forgiveness, available now for pre-order, will release April 14. I’m working on Book 2, Radiant Rays of Grace, which will be followed by Glorious Gift of Hope. Potter’s House Books all have themes of hope, redemption and second chances. I love the concept, and I’m always grateful for projects that provide an opportunity to touch the hearts of hurting, desperate, searching people—those who, even if they don’t know it, are looking to fill a God-sized hole in their lives. I pray these books will fulfill that goal, touching hearts and stirring souls to look up…to Christ.

Delia will give away an electronic copy of Sweet Scent of Forgiveness as a special, "early" gift to the winner who comments below and leaves their email address. She also has a novella in a Christian fiction anthology that releases the same day! Speakeasy: Collection 1 is three novellas by three different authors. She'll give an electronic copy of her Speakeasy story, Something Almost Heavenly if there are five comments or more.   

Book Blurb:

Norah has a delightful seven-year-old son, owns a thriving nursery business in the Sierra Blanca Mountains of New Mexico, and adores both. She’s past the horrors of earlier years and life is good.

Then Marcus Corman walks into her nursery looking for a couple of special rose bushes. For the first time since she met her late husband, Norah finds herself drawn to a man. Even so, she’s not ready to trust love again.

Neither is Marcus. His ex-wife abandoned him and their infant daughter years ago. Why bring another possible source of pain into little Juliet’s life?

Still, Norah and Marcus find themselves thrust together when their children meet and become fast friends. But as their attraction becomes undeniable, a dark shadow from Norah's past finds her and her son. Will Marcus turn away as all is revealed?

Within the petals of a rose lies a profound message. Will they find it in time to save Norah's life and open the door to love?

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https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Scent-Forgiveness-Potters-House-ebook/dp/B085X6FP5L/

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Author Bio:

Delia and her husband Johnny live in East Texas, where their pampered Pomeranian, Kona, kindly allows them to share her home. The author enjoys multiple life roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but above all, she loves being a princess daughter to the King of kings. She admits to a lifelong, mostly un-battled Dr. Pepper addiction, and loves hearing from her readers.