Interview with author Carrie Walker

 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 Carrie Walker!

Winner of the 2025 Faith Hope and Love Reader's Choice Award, Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

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

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the silver medal in the Selah Awards, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, was a double finalist in the International Book Awards. 

Connect with Carrie on her website, Facebook, Instagram, 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?

Coffee!! (Though I like all 3 haha)

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

That’s a tough question, as I enjoy many things. Today a turkey sub and a smoothie :)

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

I really enjoy sitting on my sofa, with a footrest and a lap desk and writing there. It’s relaxed and cozy.

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

Hmmm. I do have random piles of notebooks dedicated to each of my stories. If anyone were to open them up they literally make no sense. I often will just open to any page and write down whatever random thought/idea/quote/character name pops in my head. It 100% only makes sense to me.

I love that! What inspired you to write Someone to Lean On?

It was a combination of things. Firstly, the underscoring theme in this series is the impact of each human life. So I always envisioned, a story that showed in a small way how the baby from book one of the series, Emma’s Hero, was still touching lives years later. For this story, specifically, I really connected with Lucia as a foster teen in the second book and I see in her what I’ve seen in so many teens and adults. A good person, trying hard to do the right things, but being dealt a rough hand and struggling. So I really wanted to walk in her shoes, and watch her grow and find her happily ever after.

What a journey! What led you to write in this genre? 

I was led to write Romantic Women’s fiction because it’s my favorite genre to read. I love a story with depth and an inspirational message . . . but, for me, every story is better with romance :)

I wholeheartedly agree! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

That even when things in life are hard, and not going the way you’d hope, that God can still work in the mess. Also, to follow the peace.

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

My next story is the beginning of a new series. In this story, a cosmetologist searching for the daughter she placed in safe haven adoption years ago joins a dairy farmer on a quest to find the nameless love of his life. But she's been hiding under a false identity and this venture might risk their lives and their hearts.

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

I really love Lamentations 3:22-24. There is something so hopeful in remembering that the Lord's mercy is never spent and that we can always hope in Him. 

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

I’m currently reading “Not what we pictured” by Becca Kinzer. I love a good rom com. When life is really busy (and it is SO busy in spring), laughing helps. And Becca is so, so funny.

So fun! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Carrie!

Check out Someone to Lean On below!

About the Book ~

They're seeking a peace they can't seem to find...

Aged out of the foster care system and struggling to raise her young daughter, Lucia Roberts loses her only source of income. When she’s offered a position caring for a four-year-old foster child, Timothy, it feels like the answer to a prayer—except for one catch. She must work in the home of Jordan Nowak, Timothy’s overly vigilant foster father who scrutinizes her every move.

Jordan has built his life around one promise: protect a foster child until they can find a happily ever after. But while Jordan fights to keep Timmy safe, his own world spirals out of control. The music store he co-owns with his brother is on the brink of bankruptcy after months of mismanagement. Torn between protecting Timmy, saving the store, and guarding his heart, Jordan grasps for any possibility to fix it all.

Mason Hughes is in his final year of medical school, on rotation under a difficult neurologist, and doubting his call to be a doctor. As the walls between Lucia and Jordan soften, Timmy starts displaying puzzling symptoms. Soon Mason must choose whether he trusts his medical instincts enough to fight an ethical battle.

As three adults seek control in their lives, a young child with no guarantees teaches them to trust.  

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!

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 with award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker!

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 before heading 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 award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker!

Award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Connect with Sarah on her website, newsletter, Facebook, Book Bub, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

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?

Hot tea all the way! I love a good cuppa of black tea. Some of my favorite blends of black tea are Earl Grey Supreme, cranberry black, blueberry black, and Scottish Afternoon. Add a little sugar and a splash of cream—the perfect drink for writing.

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

This is a hard one for me because I’m not a huge foodie—I’m more like my late father in that he ate to live, not lived to eat (not that I don’t like to eat, just not super picky about what I’m eating). But if I could order anything in the world, it would be a juicy cheeseburger made with grassfed beef and cooked medium rare with crispy, lightly breaded onion rings on the side.

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

My office because I have a comfortable chair, a split keyboard and large monitor. I can also shut the door if I need a little peace and quiet. But I do my best thinking there.

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

I have a reader’s vocabulary. At least, that’s my mother’s explanation for the fact that I have trouble pronouncing (and spelling, if we’re being honest) some words. I wasn’t taught phonics as a child and always read above my grade level, so I’d pronounce things in my head and usually that was not how those words are actually pronounced. Even today, I’ll substitute a “smaller” word for the “bigger” one in my head because I’m not sure how to correctly say it.

I can definitely relate. What inspired you to write Justice Denied? 

The story. It’s always the story that needs to get out of my head and onto the page. In Justice Denied, which is book two in my Seeking Justice series, I wanted to give the hero, Seth Whitman, his own story because I liked him as a side character in Justice Delayed, book one. Seth needed to find his own happily-ever-after and was the perfect complement to my heroine, Jetta Ainsely.

A father’s tarnished legacy drives a daughter to untangle a web of deception with the help of a photojournalist. 

Jetta Ainsley’s life had been complicated enough as she navigates cleaning out the family home while her mother recovers from a car accident. When her dog is hurt, her next-door neighbor, Seth Whitman, offers his help. Seth would like to do more for Jetta but the walls she’s placed around her heart are unsurmountable.

Then she learns her late father had been accused of embezzlement, drawing Jetta into a web of secrets that could prove his innocence—or destroy her. When digging into her father’s past brings danger to their doorstep, Jetta turns to Seth for assistance in uncovering who stole millions before someone gets hurt. 

Seth tries to protect Jetta and her mother from the increasing danger, while clues lead them ever deeper into a tangled conspiracy. Unraveling the sinister plot will require all their courage, faith, and trust in each other.

But will uncovering the truth clear her father’s name—or destroy their growing love for one another?

Everyone, check out Justice Denied! What led you to write in this genre? 

I love weaving the romance around the suspense part of the story, probably because I read way too many mysteries as a kid and teenager. I started with the Happy Hollisters and Nancy Drew, then graduated to Agatha Christie and other gothic mystery writers. Frankly, I doubt I could write anything without the dash of mystery and suspense!

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

That our God is a God of second chances and redemption. All of my main characters are believers and it’s important to me to have them live out their lives as authentically as possible on the page so that readers can see how faith in action in sometimes hard circumstances looks like.

That's awesome! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

Right now, I’m finishing the rough draft to a short novel for a collection next summer, then I’ll move on to editing the first book in a new series featuring 911 dispatchers as the heroines. Like my husband says, I’ve always got something on my writing plate.

Exciting stories are coming! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?

One of my favorite verses is Psalms 37:4, which says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” All too often we focus on the latter part of this verse about how God will give us the desires of our hearts rather than the vital first part about delighting ourselves in the Lord. When we focus on the former part, our desires and God’s will align, and God’s desires for us will be what our hearts desire too.

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

I’m currently reading Honor, book three in the Long Hot Summer Christian Romantic Suspense collection. I enjoy anthologies and these short novels are a great way to sample many different authors.

Anthologies are so much fun! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Sarah!

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!