Keep It Sincerely Simple: Guest Davalynn Spencer

I'm excited to be hosting special guests for the next several Wednesdays! Please join me in welcoming Davalynn Spencer!

***

Do you ever wish you could banish the blitz of Christmas? The gotta-have-it, get-it-here marketing onslaught is enough to make a Scrooge of nearly anyone. What happened to the Christmas KISS?

Keep It Sincerely Simple 

Families today have come so far from more humble times when Christmas giving might have meant an orange and peppermint candy in a youngster’s stocking, a special dinner with roasted game, or songs led by a brave soul with a fiddle and the Christmas story read by candle light.

Sometimes I think I’d like to pool all our money earmarked for presents and spend it on a mountain hide-away in the luxury of simplicity. Another option could be giving it all to a local charity—as I was privileged to witness one year at our church. A family with four grown children brought in bulging envelopes stuffed with money they’d saved and gave it to the church’s water-well project. Their faces reflected a wealth of return from their giving.

Over the last several years, our eight-member family (not counting kiddos) has put a price limit on gifts and exchanged names. Rather than buying gifts for everyone, we each buy one. It has become quite a tradition, and as the official name exchanger, I receive phone calls and texts from family members starting in November asking whose name they have! Guess you know what I’m busy doing while stuffing turkey and baking pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving dinner.

When I recall my best Christmas memories, they never involve the gifts I received, though I garnered just as many as most children. The treasures I hold in my heart include the year my mother nailed our tree to the floor because she couldn’t get it to stand up straight. Or the year our Jack Russell terrier “anointed” the tree before we brought it inside. The smell of clove-studded oranges and the way cloud-like divinity candy melted on my tongue. My husband reading the second chapter of Luke to our children, and the year I gave a secret gift to a needy family.

As an author who loves Christmas stories, I took literary license and dispensed with all but the essentials of the season in my upcoming Christmas novella.

My heroine faces the holiday with no money to buy presents for the very important people in her life. No malls, internet, or last minute shopping in 1885 on a snowbound ranch in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. But oh, how I loved the feel of a home-made Christmas that wrapped around me while I wrote the story.

Options for Christmas giving are endless, and more meaningful, I believe, if we can avoid modern commercialism. After all, God nestled His gift in a feed trough, not a palace garden or courtyard.

This year as you give, open your heart to hear from the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Maybe He has a surprise in store, a lovely Christmas kiss He’d like you to help Him deliver.

***

What a beautiful post, Davalynn! I grew up reading the Little House books and The Bobbsey Twins. Both series featured homespun Christmases, and they had a big effect on my attitude. Simpler Christmases are special! Thank you so much for sharing the joy of Christmas with us today!

***

About Davalyn ~

Davalynn Spencer writes cowboy romance, a skill she’s honed since marrying a professional rodeo bullfighter and raising another. Her most recent title is “The Snowbound Bride,” one of twelve historical novellas in Barbour’s collection, The 12 Brides of Christmas. She is represented by Linda S. Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency and makes her home on Colorado’s Front Range with her handsome cowboy and their Queensland heeler named Blue. Connect with Davalynn on her website, Facebook page, Goodreads, and Twitter.

***

The Snowbound Bride ~

On the run from a heartless uncle, Arabella Taube hides in Nate Horne’s buckboard just as a blizzard sweeps into Colorado. Can she find her way out of the storm—physically and emotionally—or will the handsome mountain horseman steal her heart?

Purchase The Snowbound Bride from Amazon, Christianbooks, or Barnes & Noble!

***

Do you keep Christmas simple? What is your favorite tradition?

Have a wonderful day!!

Tweet

Share

Writer's Life: Dawn Crandall

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life, an ongoing interview series with authors of inspirational or sweet romance novels. Today's guest is Dawn Crandall! 

I met Dawn a few years ago at ACFW's annual conference. She's delightful! Last year, I was thrilled to find out Dawn was expecting her first baby AND she'd signed a three-book deal with Whitaker House! Her second historical romance in The Everstone Chronicles, The Bound Heart, released this week! Wow, what gorgeous covers!! Dawn is graciously giving away three ebook copies of either The Hesitant Heiress or The Bound Heart. The entry form is at the end of this post!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

I really LOVE to read my reviews! Every reader latches on to something different in my novels, and it thrills me to no end to learn what they specifically got out of them. There is so much complexity to writing a 90K word novel that takes a character from where she is and what she’s like at the beginning of a book and transforming her, stage by stage throughout the pages into who God wants her to be. I think readers love to see this. I certainly love to write it. Creating a character’s inner/spiritual journey and seeing their transformation by the end of the novel is my favorite part of writing books.  

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Writing books while having a seven month old baby around! I keep my notebook near, and also oftentimes write my chapters on my iPhone.

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I read books by my absolute favorite authors. Although I write historicals from first person point of view, I do like to read a lot of third person POV (how most books are written) books. My favorite authors are Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Julie Klassen, Julie Lessman, Elizabeth Camden and Sarah Ladd.  I also love to look through historical photographs and watching historically set movies usually gets my creative juices flowing again.

4. What are you working on now?

The third book in The Everstone Chronicles series, The Captive Imposter, will release February 2015. This book is about Estella Everstone, the youngest sister of the Everstone family—but instead of taking place in fashionable Boston and Bar Harbor like the first two books, it takes place at a resort deep in the green, hilly mountains of central Maine.

I also have lots of book ideas on the back burner. As soon as all this craziness of my publisher releasing my debut series—three full length books in six months!—is over, I’m going to write up a bunch of proposals for my agent to start pitching to publishers. I’d really love to continue writing stories about some of the other characters introduced in these first three books!

***

Wow, Dawn, you've been busy! I can't imagine how exciting (and stressful) it's been to raise your adorable baby while writing and launching books! You're doing a great job. The reviews have been outstanding! The authors you mentioned are my favorites too. :) Have fun working on Estella's story!

***

About Dawn ~

Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress (Book 1 of The Everstone Chronicles). Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.

The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn's first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW's prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.

***

THE BOUND HEART


One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.

When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption... and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've been squeezing reading time in at odd times during the day, including lunch and waiting in the car.

How do you find time to read?

Have a fabulous day!!

Tweet

Share

Writer's Life: Heidi McCahan

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

This week I'm so excited to share a NEW author with you! Heidi McCahan's debut novel, Unraveled, released this spring through Winslet Press. Heidi and I met online through blogging and, believe it or not, Google+! She makes me laugh and is always super supportive. Once again, we have a stunning cover to ogle!

Let's get to it.

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Wow, great question. I love the creative process: taking that initial spark of an idea and running with it, enjoying the journey of where these fictional characters take me. As a child, I loved using my imagination so I’m grateful I’ve found an outlet where I can still enjoy using my overactive imagination.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

I have a hard time taking the raw rough draft and structuring it into a plausible novel, making sure the different threads weave into something that’s an enjoyable, satisfying read. The obvious solution to that would be to embrace being a plotter. But I’m starting my third novel now and decided to try becoming a straight plotter and nearly hyperventilated. I tried to write a detailed synopsis before I started my rough draft and it just didn’t work. I think I need to find a happy medium … someone once referred to it as a plantser: half plotter, half pantser. That’s a more workable method for me.  

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I’ve discovered that being near the ocean really inspires me. I’m a few hours from the coast now, so I don’t go very often. But there’s something about being at the beach and watching those waves crash on the shore that brings out my inner artist. Someday I would love to attend a writing retreat at the beach or (dreaming big here) have access to a beach rental in the off-season for a big chunk of writing time. I also like to scrapbook and that’s a great hobby for feeding my creative side apart from writing.

4. What are you working on right now?

I have a few irons in the fire at the moment. I’m editing my second novel now, trying to re-write and shape it into a more enjoyable read. It’s a heartwarming romance about a reclusive American baseball player trying to re-start his pitching career in Japan after a terrible tragedy. A beautiful American female sportscaster is trying to prove she can make it in the profession by landing an interview with him. It’s a ‘love finds you when you least expect it’ story. Also, a dear friend sent me a text with a wonderful idea for a setting and plot, so I jumped into writing my third novel while I was on vacation. Lastly, I’m trying to find time to promote my debut novel, Unraveled, which released in April. 

***

Heidi, writing is the perfect outlet for an overactive imagination! And I've always said, you have to embrace your process. If plotting gives you the hives, don't do it. Your hybrid solution sounds perfect! As long as we're dreaming big, I'm all in on attending your beach writer's retreat. The ocean calms and inspires me too. I love the concept of your new book! Have you been to Japan? What a trip that would be! Thanks!!

***

Unraveled ~

Blind-sided by her questionable fiance, Lauren Carter returns to the one place she’s been avoiding, the place she used to call home. As she’s forced to look into the eyes of her past and even worse, her unraveling future she discovers that running only leaves you out of breath on a dead end street. Will she choose to unveil the secrets that haunt her? Or will she bury them once and for all and embrace a new life so different from the one she once held dear?

Blake Tully, wildly successful and breathtakingly winsome owner of a new rafting business, finds Lauren’s unexpected reappearance confusing. As he torments himself with what if’s and what should’ve been’s, he can’t mistake the feeling that crawls down his spine every time he looks at her. Although she broke his heart once, he longs to give his childhood sweetheart another chance, but can he convince her to stop running away when life gets tough? And can he forgive her when he discovers the reason she’s been hiding?

Follow the story of these two shattered hearts as they discover the beauty of grace and forgiveness.

***

About Heidi ~

I am a Northwest girl recently transplanted in the South, where I’m cultivating a writing career in the midst of mothering our three fabulous boys. When I’m not stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the fellas around suburbia or folding laundry, I like nothing more than to curl up with a great cup of coffee and a compelling read.

My husband and I come from a long line of seaside vacationers. We are happiest at the beach, for sure, and consider ourselves blessed to live within a few hours drive of several fabulous destinations. It is, however, about as far as I can get from the land I once called home (without actually leaving the country).

I was blessed to call Alaska home for the first eighteen years of my life. My family’s experiences there, combined with the Last Frontier’s rich history, inspires much of what I write.

***

Since I love romances between reunited childhood sweethearts, I have to ask--do you enjoy reunion stories? 

Have a great day!! And please stop by Friday for a BIG announcement!!

Tweet

Share

Rebellious Heart: Interview and Giveaway!

When I first saw the cover for Rebellious Heart, I couldn't wait to read it! Then I read the back-cover copy and really got ansty! I am a huge fan of Jody's writing and any novel set in America. This book is her best yet (my review is posted later in the post). 

Jody graciously agreed to answer a few questions about Rebellious Heart, so let's get to it!

1. Rebellious Heart is set in 1763 Massachusetts. Did anything surprise you when you researched this setting?

I was very fortunate that I was able to take a trip out to Massachusetts while I was researching the book. During my trip, I visited places like Boston, Braintree, and Weymouth which all are integral parts of the book.

I was actually able to take a trolley tour of the John Adams National Historical Park in Braintree. The trolley took us to John Adams's birth place and then to the home he lived in later in life (after he was president). It was fascinating to "go back to the colonial era" and get a picture of how people lived during that time period. I especially enjoyed getting to see John Adams's family library and the walls upon walls of books.

However, most surprising during the research trip was just how much the area had changed in the two hundred plus years since John and Abigail Adams had lived there. I was rather let down when I stepped off the trolley at the birth place to realize that it was smack dab in the middle of a really busy intersection of town with cars and buses passing and buildings all around it.

Since it used to be a farm and set in a rural area, it was a little hard for me to imagine what it must have once looked like since I found myself staring at cement slabs, chain link fences, and a sea of businesses in the place that had once been open, empty farmland.

All of that reminded me of how much historical writers have to rely upon biographies, diaries, and other books written during those early time periods in order to get the real flavor of what the setting was like.

2. If you could go back in fictional time, which of the characters in Rebellious Heart would you most like to have dinner with and why?

I'd probably like to have dinner with Mrs. Smith, Susanna's mother, just so that I could argue with her about the importance of educating women. Of course, like many women of her day, she didn't believe women needed an education. As was the custom, the mothers homeschooled their young children in the basics of reading and writing and math. Boys were then given the privilege of going on to a local school or having tutor (if from a wealthy family). But girls weren't so lucky. After the initial homeschooling from the moms in a dame school (held mostly in kitchens), girls weren't allowed in any of the formal schools (or at least very rarely).

I'd love to sit down with Mrs. Smith (and Reverend Smith) and present to them all the reasons why girls deserve an equal education to that of boys! Wouldn't they be surprised if they could step into our time today and see women as lawyers, doctors, and ministers?

3. What's next for your readers, Jody?

My next book is Captured by Love and it's releasing in the summer of 2014. It's set in 1814 when the British have taken hold of Mackinac Island (in Michigan) and its fort, forcing American residents to swear an oath of loyalty to the British crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a voyageur—a fur trader who left his family home to find adventure. He’s been gone five years and when he returns, his family’s farm is at the mercy of the British invaders.

Torn between the life he’s grown used to and guilt over leaving his brother and mother, Pierre’s drawn back into the loyalist fight against the British—and into a relationship with Angelique Labelle, a beautiful local girl who’s been befriended by the British commander's daughter. As tensions mount and the threat of violence increases both Angelique and Pierre must decide where their loyalties rest, how far they will go to find freedom, and how much they will risk to find love.

I'll have one other book releasing next year (probably in December). And that will be the first book in a Michigan lighthouse series that I'm writing.

***

Wow, Jody, the research trip sounds fascinating! I'm sure it must have been strange to picture a lonely farm where a city now rests. :) And if you need a back-up gal for your dinner with Mrs. Smith, I'm in. You're absolutely right. Wouldn't it be something for them to see how far women have come? 

We've vacationed on Mackinac Island many times, so I don't think I can wait six months for your next book! It sounds amazing!!

***

Buy This Book

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she’s ever wanted, except one thing: an education.

Because she’s a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She’s determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Ben Ross grew up a farmer’s son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn’t see how he’ll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he’s drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

***

My Review: 5 Stars!!

Every time I read a book by Jody Hedlund I say, "That was the best one yet." Rebellious Heart is no exception!! I loved this book!

Set in colonial America, the story follows Susanna Smith and Ben Ross as they work together to help an escaped indentured servant. Both have compelling reasons for marrying into wealth, thus keeping them from marrying each other. I think this was Ms. Hedlund's most romantic book to date!

The fall setting, suspenseful theme, and fascinating historical details all added up to a perfect read for me! I can't wait to read her next one!

**I was given an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own--and I loved it!!**

***

Jody has graciously agreed to give one lucky reader a copy of Rebellious Heart!! Just write your e-mail address (ex: jill(at)jillkemerer(dot)com) in a comment below to enter! I'll randomly pick a winner on Sunday, December 8, 2013!

**Contest open for U.S. residents 18 and older. Winner will be notified by e-mail.**

Do you like historical fiction? What time period is your favorite?

Have a wonderful day!

Tweet

Share

5 Easy Questions with Laura Frantz!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or  best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Laura Frantz!!

Major gushing alert! I first heard of Laura through my sister-in-law who recommended The Frontiersman's Daughter to me. Instead of that book, I ran across Courting Morrow Little and promptly picked it up. I was instantly smitten. Laura is so gifted in creating complex plots and deep conflicts. Imagine my surprise when I realized we are agency mates! We began e-mailing each other--my messages were, and still are, of the starstruck you're amazing, how do you do it variety, and Laura is so sweet to put up with me. Indeed, she graciously sent me an author copy of her new book, The Colonel's Lady, which made me a very happy woman.

I read it in less than 24 hours. I did not want it to end. I sat on the beach, ignoring the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, eating Pringles with one hand and turning pages with the other. I lost track of how many times I whirled to my patient (God love him) husband with an update. "Ooo, the Indian prisoners sent him a special present and he better not take it," or "Oh, no! Is he going to propose? Will she accept?" and "No wonder he's such a sweetheart to Abby..." and finally, "Tell her your secret!!"

More information and my review of The Colonel's Lady is at the end of this post. But for now... Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Sparkling water and cranberry with a twist of lime--I'm trying to wean myself off of Dr. Pepper Cherry!

2. Any pets?

Yes, too many! Our twin black cats just had two litters of four kitties each, and all are black but one. It's a beautiful gray and we think we might keep her. We also have a dog named Digger who made a brief appearance in Courting Morrow Little.

3. Dream vacation?

I love Scotland and its history and heroes so would have to name this first. I'd stay in a Scottish castle or those wayside B&B's and make time for plenty of writing, reading, eating, and historical sites.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Since one of my sons plays violin/fiddle, I listen to a lot of David Garrett. For my next series, I'm loving the soundtrack from The Mission, specifically Gabriel's Oboe. Lots of inspiration there...

5. What's for dinner?

Spaghetti! With lots of garlic, mushrooms, Italian sausage and French bread. I'd love to have you over for dinner, Jill!

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Laura! I have an addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper, so I understand your difficulties giving it up. Your baby kitties sound so cute! You should definitely keep the little gray one. I'm such a sucker for cats, I'd probably keep the entire litter! A few years ago, I read a series by Eloisa James, and one of the books was set in Scotland. I've wanted to visit ever since, and a Scottish castle would be my preferred housing too.

As for your invitation to dinner--I'm on my way! Spaghetti is one of my favorite meals, and your description just sent my taste buds into overdrive. Yum! Yum!

***

The Colonel's Lady

In 1779, a search for her father brings Roxanna Rowan to the Kentucky frontier - but she discovers instead a young colonel, a dark secret, and a compelling reason to stay.

Jill's 5 Star Review:
Laura Frantz does it again! I loved The Colonel’s Lady. Ms. Frantz excels at building deep conflicts, layering plot twists, and simmering the romance to a roiling boil, all against an exciting 1780’s Kentucky backdrop. I did not want this book to end!
 

Mild-mannered, moral Roxanna bravely journeys from Virginia to Kentucky’s Fort Endeavor, where her father works as a scrivener for the American army. Charismatic, lapsed-faith Cass is the colonel in charge of the fort and is honor bound to protect Roxanna at the request of her father before her father’s death. Roxanna takes her late father’s place as scrivener, just until spring when it’s safer to travel, and soon can’t get the handsome Cass off her mind, but Cass has a terrible secret—one that threatens their new love.

I enjoyed the struggles both characters dealt with. My heart sighed as Cass wrestled with guilt, and I related to Roxanna’s feelings of humility. The threads of faith throughout the book left me with a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

With meticulous historical details, a lyrical writing style like a breath of fresh air, and a fascinating plot, The Colonel’s Lady is a treat to be savored and shared with friends.

***

Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Her family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and settled in Madison County where they still reside. She's the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little. Her newest novel, The Colonel's Lady, releases August 1. Currently she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons and loves to hear from readers at http://laurafrantz.net and on Facebook.

So tell me, are you a fast reader or a slow reader?

Have a terrific Wednesday!!

Tweet

Share