Dianne Miley and The Crystal Falls Series

Please join me in welcoming one of my dearest friends, Dianne Miley, who was a writer before I even met her. We met in our local LowCountry Romance Writers of America. Then, we both switched to American Christian Fiction Writers once we learned there was such a group--and we're charter members of our relatively new local chapter. Hello Readers, I’m Dianne Miley, author of The Crystal Falls Series. I grew up and raised my family in Northeast Ohio, but after they graduated, we all moved to sunny South Carolina. I now live near Charlotte, North Carolina. People most often notice my smile and I’ve been nicknamed Smiley Miley.

Please tell us about your book—or in your case, books? Life isn’t always pretty in picturesque Crystal Falls. Amid family saga and an active gossip mill, murderers, stalkers, and kidnappers lurk to torment the idyllic small town, but God and romance always win.

LILACS FOR LAURA: Among fragrant lilacs, florist Laura James finds herself SUSPECTED OF MURDER when her hero Brett Mitchell discovers her brother-in-law’s dead body on the creek bank behind her house. Does Laura have a chance at love—and freedom? And who will reveal the killer in a shocking twist? ROSES FOR RACHEL: Widowed sister Rachel Santos struggles to raise her young daughters as a single mom. WHEN A DEMENTED STALKER THREATENS HER LIFE, sabotages her job, and vandalizes her home, Rachel relies on kind coworker, Elliot Truman. Can she summon the courage to risk her heart again? And can mild-mannered Elliot protect her? VIOLETS FOR VANESSA: Brother Chad James rescues sweet Vanessa Gallagher from the wrong side of the creek. STRUGGLING TO BE FREE OF HER ABUSIVE FATHER, Vanessa protects her mother and gains independence. When her father meets his doom, Vanessa’s mother is suspected of murder. What unexpected turn does Chad discover? And will Vanessa choose love over independence? SUNFLOWERS FOR SARITA: Brave sister-in-law Sarita Santos testified against her homicidal ex, refused the abortion he demanded, and accepts refuge with wealthy Max Carter. THE VENGEFUL EX-CON KIDNAPS HER CHILD from the beach hideaway and Max risks his life to search for the girl. Can new love endure this tragedy? And will Sarita’s faith survive if her daughter doesn’t? Find the books at: https://amzn.to/4jX9HfC Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing the books. On Roses for Rachel, I had several suspects for the stalker and couldn’t decide. Thank goodness for writer friends! A critique partner made a suggestion, and I immediately knew the perfect character to be the stalker. Let's get to know the readers a bit better. Ask a question and let's share your answer, too. How did you find true love? Mine was my very first date at age 16. It was a blind date set up by a high school friend. We’ve been together ever since! Now married for 42 years, we have two married children and two grandchildren!

Share your social media and buy links... I’d love to connect with you! DIANNE'S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RZe39t Website: https://www.diannemiley.com Blog: https://www.diannemiley.com/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordiannemiley/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2885135.Dianne_Miley Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dianne-miley Find the books on AMAZON. GIVEAWAY! FREE NOVELLA, Velma & Clarise when you sign up for my newsletter at www.diannemiley.com. Crazy opposites, Velma & Clarise take a road trip to ditch their problems—if only for a few days. When a roadside diner serves up vittles with a side of violence, the women vroom off in fear for their lives. Will the beach be the getaway they hoped for … or their final destination? Readers, do you know of any other "deals" like this, where you subscribe and receive a free novel/novella? Please feel free to share below!

Author Interview with Author Donna Schlachter!

 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 Donna Schlachter, author of Cactus Lil's Next Chapter!

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers. Learn more at The Purpose-Full Writer Coaching Programs! Check out her Coaching Group on Facebook!

Check out Donna Schlachter's website! Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

You can also connect with Donna Schlachter on Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and her 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?

Coffee, with heavy whipping cream. Both for taste and for the fact the cream is “free” on the Keto plan.

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

Unlimited crab legs. With shrimp and lobster.

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

I love writing in coffee shops because there are so many weird and wonderful folks hanging out there. Plus, it’s easy to eavesdrop on conversations. And, of course, there is coffee.

Coffee shops are so much fun! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

I love smelling old books. Love the smells of ink, old paper, and musty covers.

It's a great smell! What inspired you to write Cactus Lil's Next Chapter? 

It all began with a compilation project for Barbour Publishing. I wrote a story about a rancherwoman who wrote romance stories, although she’d never been in love. When the rights reverted back to me, I decided she needed more stories, so I wrote about her debut book in Cactus Lil’s Big City Debut. This past year, I had to take a look at my writing schedule to make room for other things I wanted to do, and this series felt like it needed an ending. And thus was born, Cactus Lil’s Next Chapter. While it is still a work in process, I’m hoping it comes out in time for summer reads.

How fun! What led you to write in this genre?

I started writing historical romance because of another compilation about romance along the Pony Express Trail. And, as you know, one story led to another and another…

That's awesome! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

My characters are all flawed, and my message is: no matter how far we’ve strayed, our second-chance, third-chance, fourth-chance (and more) God is always there to pick up the pieces and set us back on the right path to find Him.

So good! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

After I finish Lil’s story, not sure what the next project will be. I have an idea for a dual-time story connecting a past crime with a contemporary story. We shall see.

      I'm intrigued! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse. I pass everything that happens through it, and I find it a huge comfort when things don’t seem to be going well. Simply knowing God has this is huge!

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

The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker, and Abandoned on the Ice about an Inuit girl in the 1840s who accompanied an ill-fated Arctic expedition and was the sole survivor.

Those sound interesting! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Donna!

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!