Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Untraceable Evidence



Today I'd like to welcome Sharee Stover. She's a Love Inspired Suspense author, and her new book Untraceable Evidence is now available.



Hi Sharee, welcome to the Diamond Mine. I'm so excited about Untraceable Evidence. 

Hi Jackie! Thank you so much for hosting me!


What was your favorite book(s) as a child?
I still have the original copy of my favorite book, Rainbow Garden by Patricia M. St. John. When I was nine-years-old, my mom took me to a bookstore and I special ordered the book. I thought that was THE coolest thing ever.


What led you to write romantic suspense?
I have always enjoyed the genre and when I first got into romantic suspense, I devoured Dee Henderson, Irene Hannon, and Lynette Eason’s books. So, when I started writing suspense just seemed like a natural progression. Who doesn’t love nail-biting suspense and swoon-worthy romance?

Tell us about your newest release.

Untraceable Evidence is the first of three books in my ATF Agents series.

Scientist Ace Steele is hired by the ATF to develop a top-secret project named Ghost—a 3D printer gun that uses frangible ammunition. The components are comprised entirely of plastic, making the gun untraceable via metal detectors. The ATF is certain a mole exists who is working with a local militia. The militia’s leader will do anything to get Project Ghost. 


Name one trait your main character possesses that you wish you did.

Randee Jareau is fearless! She’s got mad fighting skills, is willing to rappel down buildings, and no matter how scared she is, she battles on.

Who is your real-life hero and why?

It will sound cliché I’m sure, but it’s the truth. My husband is my real-life hero. Not only because he’s a state trooper, but because he is willing to go running toward the danger when everyone else is running away. He’s a natural problem solver and has a huge heart to serve people. He’s dug cars out of snow drifts, helped move livestock off the highway, held a child’s hand after a car accident, and been the first person to notify a family member of their loved one’s death. He also has a teaching spirit, and he loves mentoring, encouraging, and instilling wisdom in those coming up in the ranks. But he’s also tenderhearted and very romantic (far more than I am). Most of all, he loves the Lord with all his heart.


Do you have a Pinterest board for each of your books?
I don’t! I do have a Pinterest account, but I am working on creating one for my books and hope to have it go live soon.

If you could visit anywhere right now without fearing catching COVID-19, where would you go?

So many options!!! Florida to be near the ocean or Colorado to be near the mountains.

Sharee, thanks for joining us today! 

Friends, here's the blurb for Untraceable Evidence:

Someone’s after a deadly weapon…

and only she can stop them.

It’s undercover ATF agent Randee Jareau’s job to make sure the government’s 3-D printed “ghost gun” doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. So when someone goes after scientist Ace Steele, she must protect him…before she loses the undetectable weapon and its creator. But with a mole inside Ace’s company and everyone a suspect, this assignment could become Randee’s last.

If you'd like to connect with Sharee, you can find her on social media.

Social media and buy links:




Buy link for Silent Night Suspect: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335232532
Buy link for Untraceable Evidence: https://amzn.to/2SrYfhn


Stay safe everybody. I look forward to seeing you back at the Diamond Mine soon!

Monday, May 11, 2020

Interview with Patti Stockdale - Historical Romance Author

Hello friends!

I pray you are surviving this quarantine season with lots of good reads and a big cup of whatever you like to drink. As always, I have a pot of tea read for the drink and scones for the eating. Today I have the incredible honor and joy of introducing you to my critique partner and friend, Patti Stockdale and her debut historical romance, Three Little Things.



Patti Stockdale has returned to her home state of Iowa after moving around the country for years. She's a freelance writer and previously worked as a director at a nonprofit, an administrative assistant, and a corn detasseler - a big challenge since she's five foot one. Love letters her grandparents exchanged served as the inspiration for Three Little Things.

It is such and honor and blessing to have you here to celebrate the release of your debut! So let's dive in! As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

PS: I either wanted to be a ballerina or operate the cash register at Van’s Grocery.
CC: That is so adorable! I can see a younger version of you dressed in a tutu playing with a toy cash register.

CC: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
PS: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Whenever I’m struggling, either physically or emotionally, the verse delivers peace.

CC: That is such a powerful verse. I agree it's one to turn to in times of struggle for a measure of peace.



Now for one of my favorite parts! Introducing your book! So here is the blurb for Three Little Things.

One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.

Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind.
Arno Kreger can’t leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He’s eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother’s death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He’s loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie’s pa.
One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he’s on his way to a war across the ocean, and she’s still in her father’s house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.


CC: So, Patti, which character was the most fun to create? What made them fun?
PS: My favorite character to write was Jeb, the protagonist’s brother. He dropped out of school early and starts reading the dictionary to expand his vocabulary.
CC: I did love Jeb and his sort of know it all attitude, too. Just like a brother.

This story has a special place in your heart. Can you explain why?
PS: Three Little Things is inspired by letters my maternal grandparents exchanged. Initially, I tried to tell their story. But there were too many gaps, and I couldn’t assign flaws to my grandparents.
CC: Grandparents are always perfect in our eyes aren't they. I love that they exchanged letters and you can follow their romance through it. What a sweet way to get to know them better.

How did you select the names of your characters?
PS: To honor my grandparents, I used their first names: Arno and Hattie in Three Little Things. Another character is named after my paternal grandmother: Lena. I also ask friends to tell me their grandparents or great-grandparents’ names. Then, I pick my favorites.

CC: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this interview. I just have one more fun question for you. What would be your writer mascot and why?
PS: I’d choose a sweet teddy bear as my mascot. They’re snuggly, friendly, and make me smile.
CC: Awww, that sounds like someone I know. Except we don't cuddle, but I'll take one of your hugs any day.

Thanks so much for stopping by to get to know Patti. If you'd like to enter for your chance to win an e-copy of her book. Tell us what YOUR mascot would be and leave us with an email to contact you. Use this format: name(at)place(dot)com -- that way no trolling bots nab your email.

Have a blessed day!