Hannah Hood Lucero Shares About Her Sweet Tooth for Just Desserts

Hello, friends! Today (Feb 28) is my birthday, and I'm tickled pink to introduce you to Hannah Hood Lucero. Hannah writes romantic suspense with military heroes and heroines. Keep reading to find out more about her "faith-filled fiction with a sprinkling of southern snark." Plus, find out about her giveaway!

A Little About Hannah

Hi! I'm Hannah. Christ-follower, wife, and mother are my primary roles. I've held so many titles in my lifetime that I can't remember them all. My favorite non-primary role is Author. I love to tell stories, which is something I learned from my grandfather. He told the most wonderful tales, usually in the form of a song. My favorite words to hear as a child were, "I'm gonna sing you a ditty."

I have roots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well as in the blue ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Both of my homes are rich with history and vibrant culture. Places you will have the opportunity to explore in my books include Asheville, New Orleans, Biloxi, Pensacola . . . and perhaps a sprinkle of the Rocky Mountains as well.

I love a good book. If there is conflict, suspense, and kissing . . . I'm there for it! That's what you can expect from my faith-based fiction. I write contemporary Christian Romance!

Connect with Hannah: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Hannah. We’re delighted to have you this week. I always like to start with a couple would you rather questions.

Hannah: Thank you for having me! I’ve been looking forward to it. Let’s roll!

Suzie: Would you rather live without internet for a year or without air conditioning and heating for a year?

Hannah: Oooh. This is tough for me. I live in south Mississippi and our air conditioning has gone out in the height of triple-digit temps. I suppose for survival’s sake, I’ll have to sacrifice all else. But living without the internet would crush me. I know we shouldn’t be dependent on it. As a homeschooling mom of three littles, I need my bookstagram and Christian Mommy Writer networks . . . desperately.

Suzie: I'm with you. Cold showers and fans would suffice over not being able to connect with my reader friends!!

Would you rather give up social media or eat the same dinner for the rest of your life?

Hannah: Do tacos ever really get old? There are so many variations (if that’s allowed…)Suzie: Excellent point. Plus, you can take all of the ingredients and make them into something else. Burritos, nachos, etc. 

Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Hannah: Hmmm. I really have most of it in my bio. OH! I’m a huge conspiracy theorist. My friends know this well. For marketing purposes, I haven’t made it part of my brand (HAHA!). I love digging into things and seeing what different people believe about aliens, the moon landing, assassinations, government corruption, etc.

Suzie: Seems about right for a suspense author, lol! What are three books on your current tbr?

Hannah: Only three? Okay. I’ve been eyeballing the second book in Heather Wood’s family saga, Until

We All Run Free. I know it’s about one of my favorite characters from the first book. I wanted to read it in January—but you know how beta and ARC promises sneak up on you…

Speaking of ARCs, I’m really excited for Kendra Warden’s debut romantic suspense. I’ve already read some of her work and love her stories, so I can’t wait to get Forged in Peril any day now.

JJ Samie Myles has written book 3 in the A Breed Apart series presented by Ronie Kendig. I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t gotten around to reading any of Ronie’s books until this year even though my mom loves them. But I recently read the first book, Havoc, and the action in it was right up my military vet alley. So my third on the list is definitely JJ Samie Myles’s RIOT coming in March!

Suzie: And here I thought that was an easier questions than "What's your favorite book."

What does your writing space look like?

Hannah: A colossal mess! I’m not exaggerating. Disorder doesn’t seem to help or hinder my creativity. But I really should get my life in order. There are stacks of books, notebooks, random art from my children . . . send life tips to Hannah.hood.lucero@gmail.com. HA!

Suzie: You are not alone. My desk really needs the stacks cleaned off the top! Let's just call ourselves disorganized perfectionists. :)

Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

Hannah: Yes! I’m actually pretty new to this entire world. My only connection to a real author or anyone “in the know” was Jamie Ogle. We worked together at a Family Christian Store the holiday season of 2009. Though our careers in retail rapidly dwindled, our friendship never did. I remember visiting her in Iowa after she moved away and sitting outside of one of her writing classes, wishing I had gone to school for writing instead of massage therapy. Before I wrote my debut novel, I had this mindset that I couldn’t be an author because I didn’t go to school for it—a bit antithetical to being a rebel, right?

When I finally got fed up with the content in the books my friends would recommend, I secretly sat down to write one I’d actually want to read. It was a story that had been in my heart for 20 years and it just flowed out of me. Don’t get me wrong . . . the first version was a step above garbage. That’s being too generous. It was a whole dumpster fire. Ask Jennifer Q. Hunt about that first draft of Cathey’s Creek Road.

Anyway, I had a big mess of a novel. Well over 80K words. I didn’t know where to go from there. Jamie gave me tips, the most valuable being to get plugged into the Christian Mommy Writer community. There I found so many tools and resources. Most importantly, I found encouragement and edifying friendships with women at all different stages of the process, both Trad and Indie authors.

I never knew about indie publishing before I started this journey. I thought everyone had to find an agent and a publishing house to get their book out. I truly dreaded the whole idea of that. For me, rules and hard deadlines take the joy out of things I otherwise enjoy. When I met women like Jennifer Hunt, Heather Wood, and Latisha Sexton . . . I thought, “Maybe I can really do this!” And then I did it!

Suzie: Yay!! Aren't other authors in our space so encouraging? I've made some wonderful friendships over the years.

What are some of your favorite things about writing romantic suspense?

Hannah: This is my passion and comfort zone. I’ve yet to write a book without a military element. It’s what I know and love. I was a combat medic in the Army and my husband was a Navy Seabee who still deploys about 8 months out of the year as a private contractor. I love spotlighting different jobs within the military and showcasing the heart of the heroes who are willing to lay down their lives for a righteous cause.

I also enjoy creating truly horrible people, just to kill them off. I’ve got a real sweet tooth for Just Desserts.

Suzie: Again, spoken like a true suspense author!!

Tell us more about your upcoming release.

Hannah: Crossfire at the Precipice is book 3 in my Sons of Vigilance series. This one was the hardest to write and developmentally edit. It’s my attempt to shine a bright light on the horrors of human trafficking, but I wanted to do it differently than other’s have, so it’s probably not what you expect.

My husband and I are very passionate about this issue. We’ve partnered with Rapha International for about 15 years now, so it’s not as new to us as a lot of people who are just now realizing the extent of the global evils of trafficking. It’s a huge spiritual battle, and that definitely showed up in the process of writing Crossfire.

If it weren’t for the prayers of the Christian Mommy Writers, I don’t think I would have been able to finish it. By the time it was all said and done, Jennifer Hunt (my developmental editor) and I both wondered if anyone would even like the book, because we were just so OVER IT. God really blessed our efforts. Two of my beta readers even say it’s their favorite in the series . . . TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Suzie: Isn't it amazing how God can take something that wrings us out and reach readers?

What are you currently working on?

Hannah: Several things! Finishing up copyedits and formatting of Dereliction of the Heart, book 4 in the Sons series. My personal favorite! And working on developmental edits of my first book with a female military heroine.

So far, I’ve done all men in uniform with sassy civilian women stealing their hearts . . . so it is definitely time for a hardened female Marine to meet her match on the treacherous streets of New Orleans. I’m hopeful to release The Glory of Light on the Marine Corp birthday (November 10th).

Suzie: Oh, I love the title!!

Before we wrap up, how can we pray for you?

Hannah: Thank you for asking! Please pray that my books always glorify God and draw people to Him. I know reading the right books can be edifying, and I want my stories to be included in the list. And maybe pray for husband and kids . . . they have me for a wife/mom after all!

Thanks so very much for having me on! This was even more fun than I anticipated! 

Suzie: You are so welcome. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!! We are praying God blesses you, your family, and your writing career. 

About Crossfire at the Precipice

Heading home in high spirits after securing a career-building business deal, Cynthia Sumrall encounters a grumpy—and handsome—ginger. What begins as two strangers traveling in the same direction soon spirals into dangers and uncertainties that leave Cynthia floundering. A few chance meetings shatter all her preconceived ideas about what she wants and leave her questioning everything she believes about God’s purpose for her life.

Liam Flynn is dutifully going through the motions until a tenacious redhead shakes up his mundane world with her sunshiny personality and adorable southern drawl. For the first time in his life, Liam wants something for reasons other than pleasing his family and rising above the stigmas attached to his questionable past. Real happiness seems within his reach until tragedy strikes and Cynthia disappears.

Will Cynthia and Liam be able to navigate through the headwinds of hard realities to find purpose and belonging together, or will the turbulence of fear and loss prove too much for their already tattered souls?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

To enter Hannah's giveaway, subscribe to Hannah's Newsletter, follow her on Instagram, follow Lantern Rescue on Instagram or Facebook, and/or Rapha International on Instagram or Facebook. One entry per follow. Grab an extra entry by leaving a comment here and telling us what the last great romantic suspense book you read was.

Once you've followed and left a comment, email (or DM) and let her know where you followed.

Giveaway ends 3/15/24. 

Writing, Reading & Ireland with Janet W. Ferguson

Welcome back, readers! I am thrilled to have Janet Ferguson with us this week. Her novella, Falling for Grace, was a finalist for the Christy Award last year, and she writes some moving, heart-felt southern fiction books. Her newest book, Star Rising, released earlier this month.

About the Author

Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

Connect with Janet: Twitter | Facebook | Bookbub | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | Website

SW: Welcome, Janet. Can you share with us a little of what your writing journey has been?

JF: I had a story idea for about seven years, but never sat down to write it. In 2012, I lost both my parents and my mother-in-law within sixty days. It made me realize how fragile life is, so I sat down every night and wrote the story that would become Leaving Oxford. It released four years later in 2016. I had a lot to learn about writing fiction. I still do!

SW: I think we all have a lot to learn but reading books by other authors helps. What three books are at the top of your TBR pile?

JF: Oh wow! So many! I critique with Misty Beller, Sarah Monzon, Heidi Blakenship, and Jennifer Rodewald on a regular basis so I’m always engaged with their writing. I’m in a Christian fiction book club so I often read those books. But I did pick up Becoming Mrs. Lewis because of it being featured at the Christy’s and I’ve started it. I’m also wanting to read more from my Mississippi friends Pam Hillman and Patricia Bradley because we’ve started plotting stories together. Oh, and I love biblical fiction, so I recently started trying to read all of Mesu Andrews novels!

SW: I've read all of those authors and they are each wonderful. What does your writing space look like?

JF: Another hard question. I’m all over the map. From my bedroom to the living room to recently trying out coffee shops. No set thing, but I often sit on the bed with papers spread all over it and my laptop, ha!

  

SW: Who are your writing mentors and/or partners?

JF: Well, I guess I listed those earlier :)

SW: Just for fun (and you can include unpublished works here), which of your male characters would plan the best first date? Which of your heroines would you like to hang out with for a weekend?

JF: Good questions! I’d have to go with Jess McCoy from Leaving Oxford and Josh Bergeron from Magnolia Storms for the heroes. They are both strong but caring and trying to do the right thing and handsome!—also maybe a little less baggage than some of my other heroes, ha! I think Cassie from Going Up South would be a great influence on me. She’s so mature and organized. Rivers from The Art of Rivers would be fascinating because she’s so artsy and creative.

SW: Star Rising starts in St. Simons, GA but a large portion of it takes place in Ireland. As you have visited the country before, tell us what some of the highlights for you were (and whether or not they were included in this book).

JF: I loved looking out at the Blasket Islands. They’re sort round and weird looking. The towns were so quaint and old. I love castles and ruins that just give me the feeling of oozing in history. In Dublin, the Chester Beatty Library held all these ancient scrolls. As a former librarian, I love books of all forms!

SW: How can we pray for you?

JF: Thank you for offering! I would ask that I only write what God wants—for my eyes, ears, heart, and spirit to be open to the Lord. I want to be teachable. For my next story, I’m still trying to listen and absorb what I need to learn and how it folds into a fictional story. I always learn so much when I study His Word and listen. The novels often surprise me when I do that, and I find that I need the spiritual lesson more than anyone!

Thank you for taking some time with us this week, Janet! We're praying for blessings in your life and writing.

About Star Rising

Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son.

After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star.

As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their hearts are at the greatest risk.

Purchase: Amazon | Goodreads