An Informal Introduction

            

                                                                               

Series: Informal Romance Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: Ladybug Lit Publication date: May 2, 2016 Number of pages: 229 ​Lily Ziminski is an ICU nurse near the nation's capital where politics are a regular part of hospital policy. Assigned a series of high-profile patients, she finds herself an unwilling focus of the media. Lily would much rather do without all the attention... except where one cowboy-hat-wearing state trooper is concerned. Caleb Graham runs into the same captivating nurse twice in one day, and he's not a man who believes in coincidence. When problems at a local impound lot force him into the middle of a bizarre case that threatens Lily, Caleb will stop at nothing to protect her.

​From a stranger in a parking garage to Secret Service agents, surprise chases Lily around every corner. In the midst of the chaos, she has two constants - her longtime faith in God and her growing attraction for a silver-eyed trooper.

The Books in the Series

Heather Gray loves coffee, God, and her family – not necessarily in that order! She enjoys people who embrace God even when life is hard and who aren't afraid to laugh out loud. Like her, the characters she writes are flawed…but loved anyway.

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1. How did you get started as an author?  What or whom inspired you? 

“You should think about writing. That eulogy you wrote was something else.”

It was the week after my daughter’s memorial service, and I was having lunch with a friend. My world had been turned upside down and sideways, and I was walking around in a fog of confusion and pain.

Those words, though, they resonated deep down in my soul. Writing had been my friend for as long as I could remember. Sorting through emotions – messy or otherwise – was always easier with a pen in my hand. Fiction wouldn’t be that different…right?

I went home and started writing that very afternoon.

Five months later, I had my first book contract.

I know that’s not a normal story. People don’t just one day decide to become a writer, and nobody gets a contract as quickly as I did.

All I can say is that it’s from God. It’s as though God Himself wrapped it up in paper, tied a bow on it, and handed it to me. “Here. This is going to help you.” Writing will always be this spectacular gift that God gave me during a very dark and difficult time in my life. I hope I always treasure it as much as I do right now and that, in everything I write, I remember the Giver of this gift and that I honor Him with every word I write.

 

2. What writing project are you currently working on?  What can you tell us about these projects? 

An Informal Date will be out in September as part of the Falling In Love box set, and An Informal Affair will see publication in March 2017. That one’s also going to be in a box set, but we’re still working on a name for that set.

In An Informal Date, we run into Dr. Owen Pratt. He had a small part in An Informal Christmas, and now we get to step into his world and get to know him better. He’s a medical researcher with a very by-the-books personality – which lends itself to a chuckle or two when he starts to fall for Kimi, a bohemian artist who works at a coffee kiosk. Of course, there’s a lot more to Kimi than meets the eye, but I don’t want to give the whole story away… ;)

An Informal Affair involves an ER nurse, an IT guy, and an online dating experience for the books. Or maybe the newspaper. Definitely the newspaper – in the comics section, of course. 

 

3. What authors inspire your writing?

That’s such a tricky question! I almost feel like I’m going to insult somebody by not naming them. Of course, I could prevent that by only naming classical authors who are long-since dead. I admit -  I do like Geoffrey Chaucer.

However, when it comes to modern writing, my inspirations are mostly contemporary.

I love the way Karen Kingsbury develops her characters. It’s subtle and yet oh-so-intricate. I aspire to master character development like she has.

I enjoy Steven James and the natural rhythm of life that his characters experience. His plots unfold at a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat but still feels entirely natural. He keeps the tension high without making his readers tense, and that, too, is a skill I admire.

When it comes to humor, I think of Rene Gutteridge. She doesn’t publish as much as she used to, but she’s fantastic at bringing the hilarity of everyday life to the printed page.

4. What period of history interests you the most?  Does this influence your writing? 

Is this a good time to admit that I minored in history in college? Honestly, I really do enjoy most periods in history, but my favorite is the medieval period. Oddly enough, I’ve not written anything that takes place in medieval times, and I have no plans to do so in the future. I can’t say why exactly. I’ve written western romances and regency romances, but medieval…I’m not sure. I don’t see a direct influence of history on my contemporary fiction-writing, but I will say this: The ideals that we like in history are the same ideals that we embrace in our world today. Honor, hard work, defense and protection of the weak and innocent. In days of old that might have looked like a knight on a horse, but in today’s world those same ideals can show up in a police officer, a doctor, or a homeless person. Gallantry is a bit part of what shapes modern romance novels, and I do think that can be traced back in literature all the way to the medieval period.

 

5. What inspired the idea for An Informal Introduction? 

I attended a writing conference in 2014. As I drove home, my radio kept dropping stations (because I’d driven out of range) and picking up new ones (because I’d driven into range). It seemed like every time a new station filled the air waves, it played the same song.  I must have heard Dierks Bentley and “I Hold On” a dozen times on that fourteen-hour drive. I don’t even normally listen to country music, but that song captured my imagination and got me to wondering.

Could I write a hero who was steadfast, loyal, and solid like that? Could he be all those things and not be boring? (After all, nobody wants a too-perfect hero.) What would his romance story look like if she didn’t swoon at his feet the first time they met? How would he convince her they were meant for one another?

By the time I made it home from that conference, I knew my hero inside and out. It took a few more months before I started to get an inkling of who my heroine might be, though. She was a little more complicated. She needed to be someone who wanted to follow God but who was having a hard time hearing Him in this situation, and she needed to have spunk so her personality wouldn’t get swallowed up by the hero’s.

Eventually, An Informal Introduction made its way onto paper (or the computer screen). They were a fun couple to write, and I enjoyed being able to bring their story to life.

 

 

6. What other hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?

Ha! Who has time for anything else?

I homeschool a teenager, but his classes are primarily online now, so I’ve been relegated to supervision and moral support.

I volunteer at a couple different activities, such as my church’s community food pantry.

I read, I play Sudoku, and I’m great at bossing people around. (Now if I could just get them all to listen and do what I say…) ;)

Life is busy and full, and I’m content. Plus, I don’t think I could squeeze anything else into my schedule, so there’s that, too. ^_^

Favorite quote: “You cannot amputate your history from your destiny, because that is redemption.” (Beth Moore)
Favorite candy: Chocolate
Favorite flower: Tulip (red, of course)
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite movie: My Fair Lady
Favorite comic book character: Batman
Favorite place to visit: A friend’s home. Any friend, really. I’m easy to please like that.
Favorite Restaurant: Any of them. (Hey, if I don’t have to do the cooking or the cleaning up afterward, I love, whatever it serves and wherever it is.)
Favorite author: This changes all the time, but then I change, too, as do my tastes.  Right now it’s Steven James. Ask me again in six months, and we’ll see if I have anything different to say. ^_^
Favorite holiday: Christmas

Book 1: An Informal Christmas

Rylie ran for the elevator. A man in a faded denim jacket stood inside with the back curve of his left shoulder facing her. He didn’t acknowledge her high-speed sprint in his direction. Nor did he stop the two brushed steel panels from sliding closed between them.
She thought of pushing the button and forcing the doors to reopen. Honestly, though, did she want to get stuck in a metal box with a man who didn’t care about basic courtesy toward his fellow mankind? Not likely. Rylie huffed out an exasperated breath as she started up the stairs. Three flights up. It could be worse.
With a shove to the door, she exited the stairwell and stood on a narrow landing with skylights above and a view of the hospital’s lobby below. Ten steps to the left, and she broke through to the hallway-of-no-return. Nobody came up to this floor unless they worked in one of the three departments exiled here. The first door belonged to the chaplaincy. The second led to the main office for the hospital social workers. The third door, decorated with construction paper butterflies and cotton ball caterpillars, was home sweet home — Child Life.
“I can’t believe how rude people have become!” Rylie vented about the man in the elevator as she stepped past the colorful decorations and into her domain. Suzie, the part-time department head who kept their ship running tighter than junior size spandex on a burly linebacker, wasn’t at her desk. Their offices were anything but spacious, though, so she was likely still within hearing distance. After all, what was a good venting without someone to listen?
“I was running for the elevator, but the guy inside didn’t even wait for me. He let the doors slide closed. Because obviously it wasn’t big enough for two of us.” She left out the part about his back being to her. Absolving him of guilt wasn’t high on her priority list at the moment.
Suzie emerged from The Vault, a nether region of their office used for storage. She dusted her hands off and frowned at Rylie. “We have company.” She waved at the man following behind her. “This is Mr. York. He brought several boxes of stuffed animals for our kids.”
No way. Not… Lots of guys wore denim jackets, right? It couldn’t be the same…
“Sorry about the elevator. I got wedged into position by my dolly. I thought I heard someone calling, but by the time I turned myself around, the doors were closed and I was on my way up here.” His voice reminded her of a lemon tart, decadent smoothness with a sharp aftertaste. For some reason, she found herself tempted to savor the sound rather than pucker. Too bad her mind was already made up about him. He might have proven interesting.

Book 2: An Informal Arrangement

Holden tried to twist around in the chair to see her, but she was lost in the shadows. “I keep a spare key hidden in a ceramic frog by my back door. If you climb up on top of the air conditioning unit on the side of the house, it’s easy to get over the fence.”
“Are you for real?”
He patted his chest and arms. “I think so. At least, I feel real, but I suppose if I wasn’t real, I might think I was anyway.”
“How long have you lived around here?”
“Four years. Long enough to build a business but not so long that I’ve lost my countrified ways.”
“Did someone forget to tell you that only crazies hide keys? People are skilled at finding those. You’re lucky the place hasn’t been burglarized.” That had to be the same voice she used to lecture patients on the importance of brushing their teeth. Compassionate and incredulous.
Holden shrugged. “I’m notorious for locking myself out. I had a choice. Put a key somewhere outside or put the locksmith on retainer.”
She hopped off the side of his porch rather than try to get back by his wheelchair. “I’m still not convinced you’re for real. If it turns out you’re a closet serial killer, I don’t want to be groomed as your partner or anything. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll cancel the order for the serial killer training manual.”
The sound of her shoes on the air conditioning unit was loud in the still night. She grunted as she pulled herself up over the fence. Then the muttering started. “It had to be a frog. Couldn’t be a cute puppy, could it?”

Book 3: An Informal Introduction

As if the flashing lights in her rear view mirror weren’t enough, the trooper turned on the siren, too. Lily cringed and slid down in her seat like a teenager hiding from prying eyes. Of course, her teen years were long behind her, and any eyes intent on prying would need night vision goggles to see her. The sun hadn’t yet kissed the eastern horizon.
She slowed and sought a place to pull over, no small feat on this narrow stretch of Lee Highway. Spotting a patch of grass to her right, she steered her silver two-door sedan as far over as she could and cut the engine. Her fingers drummed a rhythm less beat on the steering wheel as she waited for the trooper. He was probably busy checking with dispatch to make sure she wasn’t a mass murderer. Because, clearly, rampaging homicidal maniacs drove nondescript cars on the way to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning.
In all her years traversing this road, Lily had never seen a state trooper on this particular stretch. Until today. Good thing she’d left early for work.
Thank you, God, for getting me up and out the door when You did.
The trooper climbed out of his cruiser and approached her parked vehicle. She hit the button and listened to the almost imperceptible hum as her window slid down. The grey of his uniform would have blended into the night were it not for the illumination of his headlights and his car-mounted spotlight. As it happened, they blinded her enough that she couldn’t catch much more than the color of his clothes and a hint of his shape.
“License and registration, please.” The voice was impatient. Tired, too. He was probably at the end of his shift, which meant she had little chance of winning the argument, but she wouldn’t let that stop her from trying.
“I wasn’t speeding.”
“License and registration, please.”
So much for the serve part of public service.
“Can you at least tell me why you pulled me over?”
“Give me your license and registration, ma’am.”
Heat swept through Lily. It’s not like she’d asked a difficult question. “How do I even know you’re a state trooper and not some crazed rapist who’s trying to get my address so he can break into my home?”
The trooper’s shadowed mouth hinted at a smile, and his eyes morphed from intense pinpoints to… Hm. Eyes couldn’t be huggable, could they?
Who was she kidding? She couldn’t even see his eyes. Her imagination had to be on overdrive.
“Well, ma’am, most people consider those flashing red and blue lights as proof enough that I’m one of the good guys, but if it would make you feel better, I’d be happy to go turn the siren back on, too. I doubt crazed rapists announce themselves with police sirens.” Now that he was speaking in actual sentences, Lily picked up a hint of honeyed Southern drawl dancing along the edge of his words. She never could resist Southern charm — real or imagined.

I gave this book a 5 star rating because it's a can't put down book and is in a series with an informal introduction 
Heather Gray is an excellent storyteller.
I can only say good things about this book
Holden is a believer and Maddie isnt. 
The two have a lot to overcome and through God's grace they can do it. 
I wish that I had a nurse like Maddie when I was stuck in the hospital recently. 
Maddie doesn't realize it but she is serving the Lord by helping patients get better. 
Holden is struggling as well. I love that he asks God for his everyday need and that is something that we need to remember but don't always do!
I love this series. when I picked up an Informal Introduction I was pleasantly surprised. 
Will the two overcome their obstacles and learn to trust in the Lord for their everyday needs? Will Holden especially keep his faith throughout the story,?
Readers you will have to read this book to find out!!! 
I received this book through SLB blogger for an honest review 
Thank you for giving me a chance to read and review this book. I really enjoyed it!!!!

HERE'S MY THOUGHTS ON AN INFORMAL CHRISTMAS

I liked this book. I had to snicker, cry, and rejoice through it.
This is told from a kids hospital of view. We have a very special nurse (Riley). She likes to speak before she thinks about how it would sound to others. She also knew that from early on what she wanted to do. I admire her work ethics and especially her faith in God. 
I loved how she talked to him on a daily basis which us what some of us forgets to do.
Then we have Zac who loves donating to the children. 
I think it's weird how you meet your love in places unexpected. I met mine at Walmart through my cousin. 
I gave thus book 5 stars because it certainly deserves it. it keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next

HERE'S MY THOUGHTS ON AN INFORMAL INTRODUCTION

I must say this is a different book than what I'm used to. 

I like it because its action packed and it even has a bit of mystery. I love the characters. Especially Caleb and Lily. I really enjoyed getting to know them.
I like a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Li!y has a sweet personality a and I love her bedside manners as a nurse. She has always known why she has wanted out of life and stuck with her as a child and as she was growing up.
Caleb also knew what he wanted out of even as as he was growing up. 
I admire these two wonderful people that have the Lord in their life!
Sometimes we get so busy with our lives that we tend to shut God out of our lives and when things go wrong we tend to blame Him. 
Bottom line is God has a p!an for each and every one of us. Without Him we are nothing.
I'm loving Caleb's mom and I believe shed be a wonderful Grandma and mother in law to Lily.
I received a copy of this eBook from SLB Bloggers in exchange for an
honest review
Thank you Heather for an awesome story and I love the information you gave us at the end

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d26850c594/?

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June 13--Colorimetry
June 14--Faithfully Bookish
June 15--Singing Librarian Books
June 16--Getting Your Read On
June 17--Simple Harvest Reads
June 20--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Bukwurmzzz
June 21--Wishful Endings
June 22--Zerina Blossom's Books | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 23--Red Headed Book Lady
June 24--Smiling Book Reviews

Dawn of Liberty by Amber Schamel

Dawn of Liberty by Amber Schamel

                                                              

                                                                 Purchase your copy here.

About the Book

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence, or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams’ shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King’s wrath in the hearts of his countrymen?

Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.                                             Click to purchase

Dawn of Liberty

Liberty hangs in the balance. With Pennsylvania’s vote divided, the declaration may not pass. Samuel Adams has two hours to convince the delegates to pass the document, or the lives sacrificed for freedom will be worthless.

A Shot at Freedom

“The Regulars are coming!”

Samuel Adams is awakened by Revere’s cry of alarm. A large force of British soldiers are marching on Lexington to seize him and his compatriot John Hancock. Adams and Hancock encourage the militia to make a stand against the Regulars, but should they stay and join the fight, or escape to safety?

Travail of a Nation

Samuel Adams felt the weight of the nation resting on his shoulders as he and his cousin entered the Pennsylvania State House. If the declaration did not pass today, their chances at ever truly gaining independence were all but lost. The British forces bound to arrive in New York any day would crush their revolution if it was not bolstered by a formal declaration. The “Travail Of A Nation” has begun… 

MY THOUGHTS

Hmmm what can I say about this book? 
it's a great read for those who love historical fiction. I for one do!!! 
I love how Amber brought the Sons of Liberty to life. 
this is one of my favorite time period. It tells how they took matters into their own hands wanting the right to think for themselves and govern themselves. 
I especially enjoyed the Boston Tea party. 
I thought it was terrible how the British king made them pay those taxes. This is another reason they wanted their freedom. 
I almost wished that I lived back in to see times. I think I would've loved to see what was napping and I would have loved to meet Sam Adams. 
I think the bottom line here is they wanted their freedom so they can live in peace and worship whenever they wanted to. 
Amber will added to my list of favorite authors 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
ps I wonder what John Hancock and Samuel Adams think of out country today? would they be pleased or saddened at some of the things going on in today's America? 
I think that some of America has forgotten our fight for love, liberty and a safe place of worship

About the Author

Author of over half a dozen books, Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call “historical fiction at its finest”. She lives in Colorado and spends half her time volunteering in the Ozarks. Visit her online at www.AmberSchamel.com/

                           

Guest Post From Amber Schamel

On July 4th, 2016, Americans across the nation will celebrate the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration

of Independence. Besides the basic overview you got in history c

lass, how much do you really know about the document and the men that signed it?

As an American and a history nerd, I was upset when I realized how much I didn’t know the struggle these men went through, who they really were, what they felt, and what they were putting on the line when they signed their name to that document. There are SO many inspiring stories in the signers and founding fathers, so when I began looking at which signer to feature in Dawn of Liberty, it was a tough decision to pick only one. One of the signers was terminally ill and rode unthinkable miles through the rain to be there in time to sway the vote. Most were away from their homes and families for incredible amounts of time. Some sacrificed fame and fortune.

But after looking through all of the names, I ended up with Samuel Adams. Sam is such a passionate and inspiring character, and I really related to him. He voiced his passion for freedom and independence before the idea was popular, spent countless nights writing articles and pamphlets promoting the cause, always held faith and optimism that someday the Colonies would be free from the tyranny of England. His character is so intriguing and inspiring…Yet, Sam is only known as a beer brand.

Talk about infuriating a history nerd!

Sam Adams is a patriot and a hero. The more I learned and read about him, the more I liked him. Americans should know Sam for who he really is, rather than as the icon to sell liquor. That’s why I am so excited for people to meet Sam in DAWN OF LIBERTY. These stories give folks a chance to experience the tension in Philadelphia at the time of the signing, meet some of the signers, and feel the weight of the decision placed in their hands. It is my hope that this collection of short stories will make the signers more than just portraits in a history book. By the time you finish reading it, my prayer is that you feel you know Sam and his compatriots as friends.

Blog Stops

June 21: inklings and notions

June 22: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 23: Petra’s Hope

June 24: A Greater Yes

June 24: Simple Harvest Reads

June 25: A Holland Reads

June 26: bigreadersite

June 27: Red Headed Book Lady

June 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 29: History, Mystery and Faith

June 30: A Northern Belle

July 1: Singing Librarian Books

July 2: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

July 3: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

July 4: Cassandra M’s Place

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amber is giving away a signed copy of The Healer’s Touch and a $15 Amazon Gift Card! Enter to win here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9ccf

Hold me Close by Marguerite Martin Gray

About the Book

Louis Lestarjette, a Frenchman, arrives in Charles Town, South Carolina, in 1772 without purpose or plans. He encounters a society on the brink of revolution and is forced to make decisions that include finding meaning and direction in his carefree life. Who can he trust in his endeavors to prosper? Will he be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence? When decisive events confront him, will he stay or leave? Running from God and commitment is a constant option.

Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of a prominent British citizen, believes God will hold her close in uncertain and changing times. Faced with making difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, her role in the political battle is challenged. Can she trust her heart in volatile situations?

Set in pre-revolution Charles Town, Hold Me Close takes the reader into the lives of immigrants, ordinary citizens, and prominent historical figures at a time in which decisions are made that will change the world.

MY THOUGHTS

I thought this was a great read!!! I enjoyed meeting new characters and I loved the setting in which this story took place. 
Charles Town is struggling to become independent from the British. 
I liked how Louis wanted to feel neutral but he soon realized that it was next to impossible. Lizzy is struggling with emotions of her own. 
I can't imagine living in those times but I think if it weren't for those men fighting for our independence from the British we might have been totally different than what we are today. I admire these characters because they also know that God is in their struggles with them. 
I liked this book for many reasons. I believe the title of the book means that the ppl of the times held God close to their hearts as well as a budding romance is becoming apparent. 
I strongly recommend this book and I would reread it in the near future 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review 
Thank you for letting me read and review.
Marguerite will be a new author for me to look forward to reading. I do so hope there will be a sequel to this book.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Recently, she received a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband and Cleo, her cat, in Abilene, Texas.

Guest Post from Marguerite Gray

I’m very happy to be a part of Celebrate Lit! Thank you for the opportunity to present my book Hold Me Close and to share a little about my journey. It has been a journey of faith, a very exciting one for me. Hold Me Close is Book One in the Revolutionary Faith series. The book’s journey is my journey.

Six years ago I finally put on paper some of the stories forming and rambling in my imagination. My grown children left me some time to let God lead me into a writing career, well part-time. My husband and I decided I could work part-time and write part-time. During this period I wrote six novels. The next part of the trek took me to American Christion Fiction Writers (ACFW). I joined and have been an active student for six years. I attended three conferences and loved every minute, even the harsh criticism and “helpful” words of encouragement. Also, I became a contributing member of several critique groups within the organization. Needless to say, Hold Me Close went through many changes before it was published. My growth in faith expanded as much as my book. I thank all who had a role in the needed transformation.

I went back to work full-time after a three year sabbatical and pondered over the future of my novels. Where did God want the books to find a home? Or did they remain my little hobby? The journey was not over for Hold Me Close. The book was published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan in December 2015.

Quickly, I landed far outside my comfort zone in a world of social media and personal appearances. Even though I am a teacher and stand in front of 120 students every day, there is something intimidating about audiences of professionals and my peers. Rotary Clubs, Book Clubs, Writers’ Guilds, Church Groups! What a journey….and it hasn’t stopped.

My tagline is “Entertain. Educate. Encourage.” I entertain through fiction. I educate through the historical genre. I encourage through faith journeys of my characters. It’s exciting and I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I have.

Facebook Party

Join us at the FB Party to celebrate Marguerite Gray’s Hold Me Close. RSVP here.

Blog Stops

June 20: Proverbial Reads

June 21: Lane Hill House

June 22: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

June 23: A Northern Belle

June 23: Cassandra M’s Place

June 24: History, Mystery, and Faith

June 25: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 26: His Grace is Sufficient

June 27: Big Reader Site

June 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 28: Splashes of Joy

June 28: Mary Hake

June 29: Pause for Tales

June 30: Red Headed Book Lady

June 30: Bows and Basketballs

July 1: Just the Write Escape

July 2: Jeanette’s Thoughts

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away a fun themed prize basket! Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9cc8

Spotlight for The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald

 

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction Publisher: Rooted Publishing Publication date: April 15, 2016 Number of pages: 349 Sarah Sharpe has grown up as a carpenter’s daughter, knowing only the rough and work-heavy world of her father’s blue-collar profession. Abandoned by her mother as a baby, she’s lived twenty-one years content to drive nails at her dad’s side. Following her father into the world of construction was a natural path, and she took it without a second thought. But a harsh comment about her “butch” appearance sends her on a search for identity. Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work

for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.​

Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?

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Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

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Link to giveaway HERE.

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Loving A Lawman by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sheriff Seth Langston is head over heels for local wild child Jessie McAllen and has been for years. The trouble is she has eyes only for Seth’s rodeo star brother, Chase. Even though he considers Jessie his girl, Chase is an incorrigible ladies’ man with a wandering eye and no chance of settling down soon.
 

Jessie is ready to move away from Cattle Creek to put her feelings for Chase behind her, but after she shares a white-hot kiss with Seth, things get a little complicated. Jessie realizes her heart should have been his all along. And in the face of sudden tragedy, they’ll discover if their newfound passion will tear the Langston men apart or make the family stronger than ever. 

MY THOUGHTS

I really liked the book! it was certainly different than what I'm used to reading and I most definitely skipped the bedroom scenes (sorry Amy). But overall, the characters were certainly well developed and I loved the cover of the book. 

I like Jessie because in a way she reminds me of me if that makes any sense. I loved her stubborn streak but I also loved her sensitive side as well.

Seth was equally determined. I like a man who admits he's wrong and tries to make it right! 

I came from a small town so I know what it's like. Everyone knows your business before you do! that's really the only thing I don't like about a small town. 

There were some parts that I laughed at and wanted to cry because I can relate to Jessie so much. 

I just wonder sometimes about ppl why it takes them so long to appreciate what's right in front of them! 

Thanks Amy for a wonderful story. I will read this again. You truly made Seth and Jessie come alive. I can almost see them in a movie!!

I received a copy of this book from Amy Lillard in exchange for an honest review.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances. 

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.