Writer's Life: Patricia Johns

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life, my interview series with authors of inspirational romance. Today, I'm hosting the lovely and super-talented Patricia Johns!! Patricia and I are Facebook buddies, and I'm thrilled to be her Love Inspired buddy now too! Her new book, The Rancher's City Girl, released January 1! Congratulations, Patricia!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

I love spinning tales! I'm the kind of person who can make a story out of a trip to the grocery store, so storytelling has always been a part of my makeup. But sitting down and writing a story from scratch, that's pure bliss!

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

Right now, my biggest hurdle is keeping myself to a daily schedule. I promised my family that I would write during my business hours, and then be there for them during evenings and weekends. I've been very good about it, and my family loves it, but it's not easy. It's hard to be disciplined in NOT writing during down time.

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

I read. It's a treat to sit down with a murder mystery or a historical novel about the Tudors.

4. What are you working on now?

Right now, I'm plotting a historical series that I'd like to pitch to my editor next. It's taking a lot of research and thought, but I think this one is going to be my best so far!

***

The schedule is always a problem, isn't it, Patricia? I made the same promise to my family. It's difficult to keep sometimes...unless I'm writing the first fifty pages of a new book--those are really challenging for me. Then I'm glad to have the no-nights-or-weekends rule! Haha! Murder mysteries? Perfect! I started reading Agatha Christie novels last year, and I am hooked. They're a fun escape from my daily romance fix. Speaking of fixes...ooh-la-la, love your cover!

***

The Rancher's City Girl ~

When Cory Stone discovers the father he never met is gravely ill, he brings the ornery man to his Montana ranch, along with his round-the-clock nurse. Once again Cory finds himself falling for the wrong woman—a city slicker, like the ex-fiancée who broke his heart. But in Eloise LeBlanc, Cory also finds a kindred spirit. The caring beauty knows firsthand about love and loss. Neither of them is looking for a new romance, and Cory certainly isn't searching for love. But can the independent city girl heal the heart of a broken cowboy?

Purchase The Rancher's City Girl here!

***

About Patricia ~

Patricia Johns began her writing career with a degree in English Literature and a tiny apartment in a bad part of town. She took her starving artist days seriously and quit her sensible full time job in favor of part time gigs, much to her parents' horror. It paid off, however, with her first published novel. That was more than ten years ago, and in the meantime, she has written several novels in other genres, but has always longed to write Harlequin romance. Her dream came true with her first release in July, 2013. This is her second Love Inspired release, with a third scheduled to come out in May 2015.

You can find her on Facebook, where she's always thrilled to meet up with other book lovers. You can also find her on her blog, where she posts about her life and the romances she concocts: http://patriciajohnsromance.com.

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Patricia!

Since it's the first week of January and we're talking about the woes of the daily schedule, please share your best tip for time management!

Have a great day!

Be sure to sign up for Jill Kemerer's newsletter HERE! All my latest news will come to your inbox several times a year. Your privacy is important to me. I never share your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Writer's Life: Candice Sue Patterson

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life, my interview series with authors of inspirational romance. Today I have the pleasure of hosting Candice Sue Patterson! Candice and I met online through ACFW, and I'm so happy to have her here! She has two beautiful Christmas novellas published through White Rose Press (Pelican Book Group), and she's graciously giving away a copy of her Christmas novella, Silver White Winters. Enter the contest below!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing is therapeutic for me. I’m an emotional person, I feel deeply, and writing is an outlet for all that craziness. I love creating three-dimensional characters who face real issues and learn lasting lessons. One thing about writing that surprises me the most is that I learn something through the story, whether it’s realizing that I’m struggling with the same hurdle as the characters or discovering something about myself I never knew before. God truly speaks to me through my writing.

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

Knowing what direction to take next. Do I continue to stay at home and write full-time, or work a part-time job now that our youngest is reaching school age? Things like that. I’m also seeking an agent right now, which takes patience. Something I’m not great at.  

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

I read! Inspirational romance is my favorite genre, but I also read historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies, and non-fiction on subjects I’ve always wanted to learn about. This sparks ideas for new stories and causes me to reflect on my own life.

4. What are you working on now?

I’m currently seeking a publisher for a novel I’ve been writing over the last two years set in coastal Maine. In the meantime, I’m working on the first draft of the next novel in the series.

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Candice! I completely understand about not knowing which direction to take. I reviewed all my options several times over the years. I hope you find your path soon! And I love that you grow with your stories. I do too. I'm often surprised by the spiritual applications that pop up!

***

About Candace ~

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes contemporary romance with threads of nostalgia. Her debut novella Bright Copper Kettles is available now. Connect with Candice on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

***

Click on the book above to purchase through Pelican Book Group! Other merchants linked below.

Silver White Winters ~

She thought she had it all. Until she discovered the treasures in the snow. 

          Country music singer/songwriter Raelynn Rivers is a has-been. According to the latest gossip magazines, that is. Her last number-one hit was six years ago, and her songwriting ability has vanished. Her foundering career is all she has left, and she’s determined to once again hold the title of “Country Music Queen.” But Raelynn’s dreams are derailed when a coal mine collapses in her home town of Eve Hollow, West Virginia, trapping her daddy and brother inside.

            The man in charge of the mine rescue is Lane Ryan, her childhood best friend and the former fiancé she abandoned twelve years ago for her career. In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one has inspired her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries around is as big as Coal Mountain.

            Will Raelynn sacrifice her title, or say goodbye to Lane forever? 

Available Now!!

Purchase through Barnes & Noble
Purchase through Amazon
Purchase through Christianbook.com

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read any Christmas books or watched any movies yet?

Have a wonderful day!! 

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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!!

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Writer's Life: Christina Lorenzen

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a 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!

I'm so excited to host debut author Christina Lorenzen!! Christina and I met online through our social networks, and we instantly bonded. Christina is super-supportive, honest, and upbeat. She just makes me smile! Her debut novel, A Husband for Danna, released yesterday!!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

For me, writing is an escape from the tragedy and sorrow that is just too prevalent in our world today. I am a HUGE Hallmark Channel fan because I need happy endings. I am also a lover of small towns, tight knit communities and happily ever afters. These are the things about my writing that make my heart sing. I realize that my characters will have to face setbacks and struggles, and no story is a good story without some conflict, but in the end I can guarantee my readers a happy ever after.

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

I would say that it’s a tie between self-doubt and procrastination. Or maybe it’s the self-doubt that causes the procrastination lol. I don’t outline but I keep a novel notebook for each of my books. I have a notebook going for my second story and I have a notebook for another book. But somehow I can’t seem to get started. In the back of my mind I keep thinking “What if I can’t do it again?” Writing a book, and completing it, is a huge accomplishment. Looking back at all the work it took to get this book to the point where it was accepted for publication makes me doubt I can do it again. And, of course, it’s my goal to be prolific so I have to find a way to move past the fear of becoming a ‘one hit wonder’.

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

This is such a fun question! I’m a cat lover so when I’m feeling stressed I like to sit down with a cat and let myself go into an almost meditative state listening to their purring. When I’m feeling a bit ‘dry’ I can fill my creative well with jewelry design. Back in 2012 I was having a lot of problems with writer’s block. I visited a local craft store with my daughter, who had taken up making these yarn bracelets that were a craze at the time. I wondered into the bead aisle and was stunned at all the gorgeous beads. I bought a few things, made a few pieces and slowly it became a regular habit. I now have a shop on Etsy (Addie Frank Designs) where I sell my jewelry. But I’m also very interested in helping others and my jewelry has let me do that. I’ve donated dozens of pieces to help raise funds for a woman battling breast cancer and a child battling leukemia. Jewelry design helps me fill my creative well and help those battling cancer if only in a small way.

4. What are you working on now?

Well, I’m working on getting myself past my self-doubt lol. But seriously, I have another book that’s based on my favorite fairy tale, Rapunzel. My grandmother used to tell me that story as a child on the nights she would babysit my brother and I. I even have a dedication page in it to her. I also have an inspirational story that I’m hoping to complete by the end of the year and pitch to Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. I love reading and writing inspirational stories and I believe they do so much more than entertain readers. This is a vital genre that offers people hope, builds faith and, I believe, brings them closer in their relationship with God.

***

Christina, I totally get the self-doubt!! Starting a new project can be daunting, especially for a plotter like me. One thing that helps? I take long walks and ask a lot of what-if type questions. And I try not to force or rush the story idea process. But I still struggle with doubt. Probably always will! Your "purr" therapy is my kind of relaxation! I love cats. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you, Christina. Thanks so much for being my guest!

***

A Husband for Danna ~ 

Off and running! In her frenzied quest to escape from a groom her father has chosen for her, Danna Rashba ‘borrows’ a limousine parked on Main Street. The last thing on her mind is finding a groom from another wedding in the backseat. What are the chances that the bride and groom from two different weddings running from the altar on the same day? The last thing Danna wants is a hostage as she tries to escape from her nuptials.

The last thing Eric Harmon wants is to be saddled with yet another spoiled, needy woman. He’s furious about this wrench in his plans, he accuses Danna of stealing. He wants to send her home in a cab as soon as they get to the nearest town, but Danna refuses. Much to Eric’s frustration, one thing after another seems to keep them tied together.

Soon the generosity of a local shopkeeper and several people in town have them mistaken for newlyweds. Danna and Eric find themselves stepping into the role as husband and wife leading them to realize they just may be each other’s ‘match’. But will Danna be able to stand up to her rigid, old fashioned father and choose her own husband?

Click HERE to buy at Amazon! 

Click HERE to buy at Barnes & Noble!

***

About Christina ~ 

Christina Lorenzen started writing as a young teen, jotting stories in wire ring composition notebooks. Her first typewriter made it faster to get all those stories out of her head and down on paper. Her love of writing has sustained her through a myriad of jobs that included hairdresser, legal secretary, waitress and door-to-door saleswoman. Luckily for her, writing proved to be successful and a lot less walking than going door to door. A Husband for Danna is Christina’s first novel. She is busy working on her next. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found walking her dog, talking to her herd of cats and spending time with her family.

***

Do you love happy endings? (I do!!)

Have a terrific day!

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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!!

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Writer's Life: Karen Witemeyer

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a 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!

I'm SO excited to host Karen Witemeyer today! Now, let me tell you, my friends have long raved about Karen's books. I've mentally added her books to my to-be-read pile for a few years. Ms. Jessica Patch urged me--really urged me--to pick up a KW book already. Then I met Karen at ACFW's annual conference last year and thought she was really cool. I read Stealing the Preacher and I wondered what had taken me so long to read her books! Karen quickly became one of my favorite authors, and I'm enjoying working through her back-list. Her latest, Full Steam Ahead, is so amazing, so unique--you have to read it! My review is below. 

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

When the words flow together in such a way that they affect me as if I were a reader and not a writer, that makes my heart sing. I love trying to craft original analogies to describe things through my characters' eyes, yet these are some of the hardest pieces I write. Cliches come far too readily to mind. After working for hours to find just the right descriptor, when I get it crafted so that it flows as if directly from the character's mind, I feel like shouting in triumph.

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

Time is definitely the biggest hurdle. I usually write one full-length novel a year, but this year, I added a novella into the mix. Add that to the demands of marketing a new release, still holding down a full-time day job, and having three kids at home as well as a husband who needs attention, and you'll find a writer trying hard not to pull her hair out as her August 15 deadline approaches with more speed than she would like.

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

Read. Reading has always been my favorite escape. As a writer, it not only allows me to escape, but on a subconscious level, it also inspires me and sparks new ideas that I can twist and turn in my mind until they become something fresh and new that I can bring to life in my own characters. Movies and television can have a similar impact, but since my imagination is more fully engaged while reading, the effects tend to be great with a book in hand.

4. What are you working on now?

I'm currently working on a full-length novel that pits a hardened bounty hunter against a woman who kidnaps three child prodigies from the academy where she teaches in order to keep them safe. My teacher has a touch of OCD and my bounty hunter falls prey to a little girl's hero worship, so there are plenty of fun moments to go along with the adventure of the chase. The next project to release, however, is the novella I alluded to earlier. One of the secondary characters in Full Steam Ahead is a young runaway named Jacob who is taken in by Darius and Nicole. In early 2015, Jacob's story will continue in an e-novella entitled Love on the Mend. Jacob is all grown up, and after serving as a Civil War doctor, where more soldiers leave his surgeon's table dead or missing a limb than mended, Jacob wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice somewhere and find peace. But peace will never be his until he buries the pain of his past. So he returns to Cold Spring, Texas for the first time in seventeen years . . . and discovers that his past is still alive and kicking.

***

Karen, your writing definitely doesn't have cliches! It really does feel like the descriptors come straight from the characters. I'm in awe! You sound really busy. Those kids and husbands--always needing attention. What's a writer to do? Maybe throw candy in the middle of the room when desperate. I might try it. Your next book sounds terrific! You had me at "a touch of OCD." 

Thanks so much for being my guest today! 

***

FULL STEAM AHEAD ~

When Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston from an eastern finishing school, she's stunned to find her father in ill health. Though she loves him, he's only ever focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run their family business, Renard Shipping.

Vowing to secure a suitable marriage partner, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure: a dagger personally gifted to Nicole's father by the pirate Jean Lafitte. Many believe the legend that the dagger is the source of all Renard Shipping's good fortune, though Nicole is sure her father's work ethic and honorable business practices are the keys to their success. Before she can board the steamer to New Orleans, Nicole finds her father's rivals--the Jenkins brothers--on either side of the gangplank, ready to grab her and steal the dagger. Quickly, she decides to instead travel north, to Liberty, Texas, where she can decide what to do next.

Darius Thornton needs a secretary--someone to help him get his notes in order. Ever since the boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana, Darius has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. The pretty young socialite who applies for the job baffles him with her knowledge of mathematics and steamships. He decides to take a risk and hire her, but he's determined her attractive face and fancy clothes won't distract him from his important research.

The job offer comes at exactly the right time for Nicole. With what Darius is paying her, she'll be able to afford passage to New Orleans in mere weeks. But Mr. Thornton is so reclusive, so distant, so unusual. He can create complex scientific equations but can't remember to comb his hair. And his experiments are growing more and more dangerous. Still, there are undeniable sparks of attraction between them. But Nicole is leaving soon, and if she marries, it must be to a man who can manage a shipping empire. Darius certainly doesn't fit that description. And the Jenkins brothers have not given up on kidnapping Nicole and seizing the Lafitte dagger for themselves.

***

About Karen ~

Christy Award finalist and winner of both the ACFW Carol Award and HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, andmakes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.    

***

My Review—5 Stars!!

Every time I open a Karen Witemeyer book, I smile. Then I relax and drift into a fictional world full of complex characters, spiritual insight, and fast-paced hijinks. I don’t know how Ms. Witemeyer does it, but this is the third book of hers I’ve read, and each one amazes me!

What I love about Full Steam Ahead? The spunky, get-it-done attitude of the heroine, Nicole. And I totally understood Darius’s obsessive need to prevent boiler explosions. He's a unique hero—very masculine, reserved, and so easy to fall in love with. The book oozed adventure, and I laughed throughout, even though it’s by no means a comedy. Another thing that stands out is the attention to detail and historical research. It’s like taking a crash course in riverboat history—and I’m all in!

I loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

What is keeping YOU busy this summer?

Have a terrific day!

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Writer's Life: Becky Wade

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!

Stalker Alert!!

Today we have the object of my author infatuation--the one I overly hugged two years ago, the one I gush about her books again and again--yes, I'm Becky Wade's super fan!! Can I tell you how much I love, love, love Becky's books? She writes contemporary romance novels for the Christian market, and I'm blown away--BLOWN AWAY--every time I pick up a new story of hers!

Meant to be Mine is her best yet. And, here's the thing, I thought her other two books were mocha frosting on a chocolate cupcake. She's outdone herself! You can read  my review later in this post.

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Dreaming up ideas!  If I had to put my finger on what I love most about writing -- it truly is the imagining.  It's so much fun to build my very own characters, places, and romances.  I fall asleep every night thinking about my story people.

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

Procrastination.  I can easily waste two full hours messing around with household chores, browsing social media, or dredging chocolate out of my pantry when I should be working.

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

Movies, TV shows, books, and writer's meetings all help me fill my well.  As do occasional vacations from writing.  But my very best well-filler happens every Sunday morning. 

Several years ago, my husband convinced me to attend the contemporary service at our church.  At the start, I didn't much like the rocking praise music.  But over time, I've become a huge fan of it. Huge! I listen to worship music in my car and at home now.

God meets me every single Sunday in that contemporary service.  He renews my inspiration to write for Him.  And He also fills me with fresh ideas.  Sometimes, I have to jot down notes, just to keep up with all the writing-related thoughts that occur to me during the songs and the sermon.

4. What are you working on next?

Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine are the first two books of my contemporary, Texas-set series about the Porter family.  I'm currently working on the third book in that series.  It stars Jake Porter, the dark and brooding brother.  Let me tell you, Jake's heroine has her work cut out for her! 

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Becky, I can't wait to read Jake's story! He's got such a tough shell around his heart--I'm looking forward to getting to know the special lady who can dissolve it! 

I love dreaming up ideas too! I had to leave my idea notebook next to the bed because so many things hit me before dozing off. :) 

Procrastination is an ugly beast. I'm guilty. Always guilty! Your words on church made me smile. I love how energized you are, and I totally get it. Our pastor played piano for two hymns this week, and it was so incredibly beautiful, it filled me up!

Thank you SO much for being my guest today!!

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MEANT TO BE MINE (linked to Amazon)~

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college-- still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

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Becky Wade ~ 

Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards.  Undeniably Yours kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series.  Her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine, has just hit shelves!

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My Review!! 5 Stars!!!

One thing I love about Becky Wade's books? They're all heart. She takes characters who mess up spectacularly and somehow makes me fall in love with them immediately! How does she do it? I have no idea. I'm convinced she's a genius. Meant to be Mine is laugh-out-loud hysterical and bring-you-to-tears emotional. I related to Celia's struggles and over-protectiveness to her daughter. And I flat out loved Ty, but then, I'm a fan of alpha cowboys! The secondary characters (especially Danny and Donetta) had me hollering in laughter, and the spiritual thread in particular resonated with me. I can't recommend this book enough! Go buy it!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

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Spill it--do you enjoy reading stories with cowboys? Why or why not?

Have a terrific day!!

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