Interview and Giveaway for "No Other" by Shawna Williams

NOTE: BE SURE AND SCROLL DOWN AND ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR "WHITE PICKET FENCES" BY SUSAN MEISSNER.

This will be the second giveaway for the month of August! I am so excited to have Shawna with us to share about her debut book "No Other" which is out in ebook form. Thank you so much Shawna for sharing your precious time with us. I have a Nook which I got for Christmas and I have throughly enjoyed it. There will always be paper books, but I think ebooks are going to be very popular in just a few years.

Shawna has graciously offered a free ebook of "No Other" as well as a bracelet she made to go along with it. Also, anyone who signs up for the two giveaways this month will be entered into a special giveaway I'm going to have when I reach 100 followers. I am 95 so it is not far away. We have lot's to talk about with Susan so without further ado here is Shawna Williams!

BACK COVER: In the aftermath of WWII all Jakob Wilheimer wants is to get over his pain, get on with life, and if at all possible, forgive those who've wronged his family -- including himself. But it's hard to do when there are constant reminders. One of them being his former schoolmate, now teacher, Meri Parker -- Miss Port Delamar Pearl, Mayor's daughter, Belle of the town -- Meri Parker.

After enduring the stigma and isolation associated with the internment camp, the awkwardness of going back to school should've been a cake walk. But Jakob didn't expect to find himself inexplicably drawn to Meri. Or to discover that the pain and loneliness of her life surpassed his own. She needed to be rescued from the wretched people seeking to control her life. And more than anything, he needed to be the one to save her.

I'm a lot of things: a Christian, wife, mother, friend, author, artist, rock hound, science geek and animal lover. The first four take priority. The rest tend to jostle for my attention. Since I'm always a dreamer, author usually wins.

Indeed, my first two books are the result of a dream -- an actual dream. It nagged me for six months as I mentally tried to fill in all of the gaps. I finally had to write it down. Since then, God has continued to bless with me inspiration at times of His choosing.

Technically, I'm an Inspirational Romance writer. But I like to think that romance includes more than the relationship between two people. It can also be about the era or place, or even a single moment in time, when an elusive whisper reaches inward and ever so gently taps the soul, saying, "This. Remember this."

It's my desire that my stories create such a moment.

Some of my methods for filling my creative reservoir are reading about the histories of small towns, pouring over old photos in antique shops and people's homes (if I'm at yours, I'll ask to see your picture albums) and asking prying questions about your best family stories. Oh! And if you ever see a lady on the side of the road, taking pictures of old, dilapidated houses and buildings, it's probably me.

MY TAKE: Once again, as I started reading "No Other" I wasn't sure what I was in for. From the very beginning I fell in love with the characters in this book. Shawna possessed great ability to make this story come alive. She took me to a place many of us are not familiar with - because we were too young, or we were not aware of what was going on right in America at that time. What and when was this? It was during WWII when many Americans of German decent were rounded up and put into interment camps to wait out the end of the war. "No Other" gives an inside view of what happens to someone who looses everything through no fault of their own. Watch the anger one young man, Jakob, holds onto melt away when he falls for his teacher, Meri, who is going through her own prison. You will be taken on a journey of freedom for both of these young people. The journey will not be smooth, but they begin to trust in the One who is stronger than both of them. I am really looking forward to the next installment of "No Other".

INTERVIEW WITH SHAWNA WILLIAMS

1. Did you always want to be a writer?
No. I actually didn't. I've always had a knack for writing, but it wasn't something I considered doing. About eight years ago I had a dream that was a really great story, and after thinking about if for six months I started writing. At first it was just so I could make sense of it. I still didn't consider trying to get published until almost three years ago.

2. How did you come up with the story and the characters for "No Other"?
It was that dream again. The dream was in scenes, and sometimes I was one of the characters and sometimes I was watching. But it mainly broke down into a young couple falling in love, parents with young children, the struggles of career vs family, and an old woman in a chair, watching a family who didn't know her. Some of this you'll recognize in No Other, and some in the sequel, In All things.

There were some things I always knew about the story, like my characters' names. I also knew that Meri was slightly older than Jakob, and somehow was his teacher. I knew that Jakob's family had been discriminated against, and last – and this goes with In All Things, which comes out in November – I knew that Meri eventually became an actress. Filling in all the gaps was an interesting experience, and that's how I came to really know and love the characters.

3. What have been the biggest challenges in your writing and what advice would you give novice writers like myself?
The biggest challenge is balance. Writing isn't something I can work on one minute, go cook dinner, and then come back and pick right up where I left off. I have to have quiet, and get myself focused on my characters' situation and state of mind. This takes me a little while, but I feel like this is one of the reasons my characters come through as believable. I usually write at night, and take care of my family during the day. The last few months have been demanding though because I've had two more books with deadlines. My family is great, and has helped a lot. But I'd like to become more disciplined in finding a way to balance writing and promotion with family and home life. I hate having a dirty house and right now mine is driving me bananas!

As for advice for new writer, I do have some. I've said this in other interviews, but I’m going to say it again because I think it's that important. Find your voice, and learn how to use writing guidelines (not rules) to compliment it, instead of impede it. Also, critique groups are great! And always pay attention to the criticism, but be mindful that suggestions on how to fix it are coming from someone with his or her own unique style, so listen, and see how a story can be tweaked with your unique style in mind. In the end you have to trust in God, and the ability that He gave you. I recommend praying for His direction every time you sit down to write. You'll be totally amazed at what happens.


4. What do you have planned for your next book/project?
In All Things comes out in November. It’s the sequel to No Other. I love No Other, but I think I might love In All Things a little more, probably because of the completeness. No Other and In All Things were originally one story. Now, the story has morphed quite a bit, but the core message has always been the same. I explained that in a previous question. Everything from my dream is still there.

Orphaned Hearts comes out in December. It's a sweet story, set in 1930s Arkansas. It's inspired by my granddad, who grew up in an orphanage during this era.

I've got several ideas brewing at the moment, but I'm not sure which one I'll tackle first. One of them is another historical, one is a contemporary, and one is science fiction. Lol! I actually love scifi, and intend to write one at some point under the pen name Dene' Stone (my middle name and mother's maiden. Hubby picked it out) I'm involved in edits right now, but once I'm done I'll start working on rough outlines and see which story gels first.

5. Can you tell us a little about the bracelets that you make and do you sell them? If so where can we go to learn more about them?
Since No Other is only available as an ebook at the moment, I thought something tangible might be a nice addition to the giveaway, so I've made these bracelets, and there's a story behind them that relates to why I chose to describe my stories, like No Other, as "Grace-Inspired."

A pearl starts as an irritant within the shell of an oyster. It's shape is determined by the way the oyster coats it so that it will be easier to live with -- not unlike people, and how our experiences -- good and bad -- mold us. Freshwater pearls are imperfect, but each is unique; and when they're strung together by an artist they form something beautiful. I like to think that God takes each of us and uses the experiences of our lives to do the same thing. We are transformed through His Grace into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Imperfect, but lovely just the same. So I plan to keep making these bracelets to go with my books, because as people read I want them to remember this, not just for the characters in the story, but for themselves.

I do plan to sell them. I may start on my blog, but I want to eventually have a site up. I actually make a lot of jewelry, and all of it will be for sale. These bracelets are special though, and I want to link them to my writing. Though one will not have to buy a book to get a bracelet. I just feel there's an important message there with the bracelet and the stories God gives me, and I hope that both can be used to glorify Him by touching someone's heart.

6. What do you want people to take from this story?
I wrote "No Other" because I wanted to tell an inspirational story about getting up after you fall. About how Christians don't just struggle, sometimes we blow it, but God doesn't abandon us. Even when our efforts to right things fail, He's still in control. Him, and No Other.

"In All Things" continues with this theme, by reminding us that we see the little picture, but God see the big one. And sometimes tragedy serves a purpose further down the road. I love this story! Sorry, I just do.

I love them both. They have been with me for so very long and it feels wonderful to have them out in words and to be able to share them with others.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Be a follower or sign up as a follower.

2. Visit Shawna's website at

http://shawnakwilliams.com/Home_Page.html.

3. Leave an email address so you can be contacted.

4. Tell me what you think the future holds for ebooks.

Contest ends Saturday, August 20th, 2010. Be sure and tell your friends!

HAPPY READING!

Interview and Giveaway for "White Picket Fences" by Susan Meissner

I am so excited to have Susan as a guest on my blog. Lets begin by posting the back of "White Picket Fences" and go from there. There will be a giveaway of a copy of this book so please look for the instructions later in the post. Thank you Susan for taking the time to spend with us!

Also, I'm having two giveaways this month and anyone who signed my blog this month will be entered into my special giveaway when I reach 100 followers!

Back Cover: The Janviers have the idyllic life -- a beautiful home, great jobs, two wonderful kids -- and surrounding it all is the proverbial white picket fence that protects them, offers them a serene sense of security... and hides all their secrets.

When her black sheep brother disappears, Amanda Janvier eagerly takes in her 16-year-old niece Tally. The girl is practically an orphan: motherless and living with a father who raises Tally wherever he lands-- in a Buick, a pizza joint, a horse farm -- and regularly takes off on wild schemes. Amanda envisions that she, her husband, Neil, and their two teenagers can offer the girl stability and a shot at a "normal" life, even though their own storybook lives are about to crumble.

Seventeen year old Chase Janvier hasn't seen his cousin in years, and other than a vague curiosity about her strange life, he doesn't expect her arrival will affect him much -- or interfere with his growing, disturbing interest in a long-ago house fire that plagues his dreams.

Tally and Chase bond as they interview to Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won't make the go away.

Will Talley's presence blow apart their carefully constructed world, revealing the hidden past that could destroy them all -- or can she help them find the truth without losing each other? From the author of The Shape of Mercy, one of Publishers Weekly's best religious fiction books of 2008, comes a tale of family secrets smoldering behind a white picket fence.

About Susan: Susan Meissner cannot remember a time when she wasn't driven to put her thoughts down on paper. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, winner of the Christian book award for fiction, and Blue Heart Blessed. Susan and her husband, a pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force reserves, make their home in Southern California. They are the parents of four grown children.

My Take: I won "White Picket Fences" quite a while back from another blog giveaway. I have to admit I had so many books to read that this one went into my "to be read pile" where it stayed for quite a while. The other day I was looking through those books for my next read. For some reason this one caught my eye. I really had no idea what the genre was or what the book was about. I just started reading.

The protagonists were three cousins as well as a friend to one of them. When I first started reading I thought it was geared to young adults, but after reading a while longer I discovered this was a story for all ages! It is a story of people holding onto secrets and not wanting to let them go for fear of what might happen - but in the long run the secrets begin to come out and effect those who are involved. This story is about the Janviers family who appear to have the perfect life to those who know them, but inside of their home more than one person is holding onto a secret that is beginning to destroy their lives from the inside out. Can an unexpected visit from their niece/cousin be the catalyst that begins a healing for this family. I urge you to read the book and find out. I believe this is something everyone can relate to at one time or another in their lives. I love it when I am pleasantly surprised.

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN

1. How did you choose the plot/subject for White Picket Fences? How about the characters?

Five years ago I was a court-appointed advocate for children involved in protective services for the state of Minnesota. There were times when I saw that even in a less-than-perfect home, a child could be loved there. Just because a parent is unconventional or unsuccessful career-wise or makes choices that buck societal norms, it doesn’t mean that he or she is by default a “bad” parent. Likewise, parents who we would traditionally call “good” -meaning they provide, they protect, they don’t hit, they don’t ridicule - can still make decisions regarding their kids that have hugely negative effects and yet their outward appearance would never lead you to suspect it. Even if you live behind a white picket fence, you still have to deal with the reality of a living in a broken world. You can’t hide from it. The perfect, idyllic life is an illusion. Life is a weave of both good times and hard times and it’s precisely these things that give it definition and depth. To ignore what is ugly is to cheapen what is beautiful.

2. At first I thought the book might be geared to YA, but the more I read I realized this is a book for all ages. Was this your intention or did it just happen?

Because I have a couple of young protagonists, the feel of the voicing might seem like a YA read, but I intended the book to speak across the generations. Jodi Piccoult often has young protagonists in her novels and I read once that this is intentional on her part. The young have a perspective the mature often lose sight of.

3. When/How did you start writing? What is your next project and when will it be out?

Though I’ve always love to write stories, I let fear of rejection keep me from doing anything serious for a long time. I didn’t concentrate on a writing career until 1998, when I was named editor of a small weekly paper in southwest Minnesota. I was honored to win several awards over the years, but the best part of my four years as editor was having my paper named the Best Weekly Newspaper in Minnesota by the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 2002. That year became a rather pivotal one for me as a writer. My beloved paternal grandfather died in July 2002 and his passing had a profound effect on me. I knew I didn't want to come to the end of my life having only dreamed of writing a novel, and was ready to live with rejection, instead of regrets. I resigned as editor of the newspaper, which was a very hard decision to make, and set out to write Why the Sky is Blue. It took four months to write and ten months to be accepted by a publisher. That first book was published in 2004. White Pickets Fences is my eleventh novel.

My next book, Lady in Waiting, will release in September 2010. I like to weave a historical thread into my contemporary setting. For this one, I chose the tender and remarkably moving story of Lady Jane Grey. She was queen of England for nine days at the age of 16, during the mid sixteenth-century.

You can check out a book trailer on Vimeo right here, if you wish: http://vimeo.com/13889642

4. I always like to ask what advice you have for novice writers like myself.

The advice I give most often is don’t give way to disappointment. Writing is an isolating art and often one that fails to win you a large audience or much affirmation. But writing because you are good at it and love it is enough reason to keep at it. Writing to be published is a fine aspiration but one that you can only control to a point. You can write the best that you can and make every effort to seek publication but you cannot control the market or the industry. Do your best at the part you can control. Leave the part that you can’t to the God who loves you. I also have more writer’s encouragements on my website:http://www.susanlmeissner.com/writers.html

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

1. Be a follower or sign up as a follower.

2. Leave your email address so I can contact you.

3. Can you tell us about a book that pleasantly surprised you? We might want to read it!

4. Visit Susans website at

http://www.susanlmeissner.com and let me know if you've read any of her books.

5. The contest will end on Saturday, August 20th. Be sure and tell your friends!

HAPPY READING

UPCOMING INTERVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS!

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TWO UPCOMING INTERVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS.

"NO OTHER" BY SHAWNA WILLIAMS

AND

"WHITE PICKET FENCES" BY SUSAN MEISSNER

ALSO, I'M AT 93 FOLLOWERS AND I PLAN ON HAVING SOMETHING SPECIAL WHEN I REACH 100. I SO APPRECIATE ALL OF MY SUPPORTERS!

Two Reviews "Hometown Proposal" by Merrillee Whren and "A Gift of Grace" by Amy Clipston

Back cover: Before single father Seth Finley became a full-time dad - and a Christian- he wasn't exactly responsible. But now he can't seem to convince his former girlfriend that he's changed. Nothing is more important to Seth than family, faith and love. And since he's found Elise Keller again, he has another shot to show her what kind of man he truly is. A man who'll love, honor, and cherish her the way she always deserved. But will the once-burned, twice-shy Elise ever accept his hometown proposal?

Meet Merrillee Whren

I was born on my mother’s birthday, July 3rd. Of course, I’m sure you’re thinking I was the best birthday present she ever had. Sharing birthdays seems to run in my family. My two daughters were born a year apart on June 18th, the birthday of a great-great grandfather. The girls are now grown. The older one lives in Baltimore and the younger one in Tucson, AZ. I arrived while my parents lived in Rapid City, South Dakota, but they soon moved to Montana. This would be the first of many moves in my life. I graduated from high school while we lived in Spokane, Washington. I went back to Huron, South Dakota, to attend Dakota Bible College. Then I went on for more schooling at Milligan College in Tennessee. After graduating, I got a teaching job near Cincinnati, Ohio, where I met my husband two years later. We were married on Valentine’s Day and had our wedding reception in Loveland, Ohio. No wonder I became a romance writer. The moving I did as a child prepared me well for life with my husband. We started our married life in Greenfield, Ohio. I taught elementary school and my husband was a pharmacist at the local pharmacy. However, his work would eventually take us on a journey from small town Ohio where our girls were born to the cities of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Chicago. When my husband decided to start his own company, we could live any place we wanted. So we picked one of the best places in the world, in my opinion, an island off the northeastern coast of Florida. We live in a vacation paradise with the beach, tennis and golf right out our back door or just down the street. When I’m not writing, I enjoy walking on the beach, playing tennis and bridge or doing a little yard work. Living in so many different places gave me the opportunity to visit all fifty states. I traveled to my last state several years ago when my husband and I celebrated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise. My many moves have given me a lot of settings for my stories and the chance to meet many other writers through the chapters of Romance Writers of American located in each place we lived. I wrote my first novel and shared it with my friends when I was in high school, but many years passed before I thought about writing anything with publication in mind. In 1984, after reading dozens of romances, I decided to write one of my own. How hard could that be? Twenty years worth of writing taught me how hard the publishing business can be. During those years of writing, rewriting, lots of rejections and unkind critiques, there were numerous times when I was ready to quit, but I didn't. Through that time, I believe God was teaching me a lesson in perseverance. He was also teaching me to give my writing over to His will. Because I kept writing even when the hope of selling seemed far away, in July of 2003, I won the Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of America for my inspirational romance manuscript, A Place To Call Home. I didn't sell that Golden Heart winner, but on February 20, 2004, I got "THE CALL" and sold a different manuscript. The Heart’s Homecoming was published by Steeple Hill for their Love Inspired line in August 2005. Thanks for taking the time to learn a little about me. I hope you’ll visit again soon. Merrillee My take: Seth Finley and Elise Keller have a past. After a break-up that destroyed Elise's faith in Seth she thought she would never see him again. That is until he shows up in her hometown as the new Recreational Director. Her family takes Seth and his little girl under their wing, which makes it near impossible for Elise to avoid Seth - and her feelings she has for him. When Seth is seriously injured in a car accident she realizes how much she still cares for him. But this confuses her even more. While she helps care for his little girl while he recovers she begins to wonder if a relationship could work out. Has Seth really changed? This little romantic book packs a big wallop. Seth is paying the price for past sins. He has made a lot of changes in his life, but he can't seem to convince Elise that he has seriously changed. Even though it is pretty obvious what the outcome will be in this story - the journey to get there is a sweet ride. Rebecca Kauffman longs to fulfill her quiet Old Order Amish life by giving her husband, Daniel, a child, but for years she has been unable to conceive. When her older sister, Grace, who left the Amish community for the modern world, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Now Rebecca wonders how she is going to take on this daunting task of being an Amish woman raising two English teenagers. Rebecca struggles to give the girls the guidance they need as she tries to fulfill her duties as an Amish wife. The strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as the girls search for their identity in this new home. Caught between her husband's disapproval and her niece's unhappiness, Rebecca begins to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God. Will she be able to reconcile differences in her home - or will the clash of cultures tear her world apart? About Amy: Amy Clipston is a first-time author and member of American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW). She holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time as a public informations specialist for the city of Charlotte, NC. Amy live in North Carolina with her husband and two sons.

My take: This is only the second Amish book I've read - I have to admit it is not my genre of choice. But since I've been reviewing/influencing books I've tried to keep a very open mind. I've been pleasantly surprised in doing so, as I was with this book. I couldn't tell if this was the girls story or if it was Aunt Rebecca's story. I suppose it could be both. It seemed that Rebecca's husband Daniel was being very hard on the girls as well as his wife, while they all tried to adjust to the lose of their mother and sister and their new surroundings. Rebecca got the children she had always wished for - she just didn't think they would come in the form of teenagers. I felt they were being especially hard on Jessie (the oldest girl and having the hardest time adjusting to Amish ways) and I had no idea how they were going to handle the situation that had unbearable for all of them. Rebecca's mother-in-law kept telling her to "listen", but she didn't understand what that meant - not until Jessie runs away and finds herself in an accident. I must admit I never saw the ending coming and I was pleased and surprised with how Rebecca decided to handle things. It was worth reading the book just to get to that part. There is a lesson to be learned - our desires may not be what is best for others around us.

Happy Reading!

New Releases for July!

Check out the new releases for July on the American Christian Fiction Writers List. You can go to my online bookstore located on the right hand side of my blog and click on the book you would like to order. It will take you directly to Amazon.com. There is something for everyone. Here we go..........................

Terry Wilson

A Former Rodeo Queen Josie Turner spends her days at the local dog grooming shop pampering the pooches of Angel Springs, Texas. When rodeo season rolls around again, the townfolk are excited about who their new Rodeo Queen might be. Josie, on the other hand, finds herself reminded all too often about a night she’d just as soon forget. A Former Rodeo Cowboy Luke Anderson lived for three things – riding, roping and rodeos. Until the day he met Josie Turner, the girl who gave his life meaning, and whose heart he was destined to break. Now, ten years later, he returns to Angel Springs to find the town hasn’t changed much, but the girl he left behind has become a stranger he hardly recognizes. What, he wonders, will she think of him, and the man he’s become? A Rodeo Weekend Determined to break through the wall Josie has erected around her heart, Luke must face his demons while at the same time helping Josie overcome hers. With the whole town cheering them on, can Luke mend Josie’s heart and can one rodeo weekend help them both find redemption?

Lisa Wingate

National bestselling author Lisa Wingate returns with an uplifting novel set in Blue Sky Hill, where unexpected challenges and new relationships give deeper meanings to "home".

When Tam Lambert learns that her family’s upscale home is in foreclosure, the life she’s known is forever changed. Tam and her family must move to a changing Dallas neighborhood called Blue Sky Hill...

New resident Shasta Williams knows nothing of real estate schemes when she and her husband purchase a home in Blue Sky Hill. To her it’s the perfect place to raise her children. Better yet is getting to know Tam, who lives next door. When neighbors realize that a corrupt deal could force them from their homes, friendships and loyalties are tested. Over the span of one summer, two young women discover the strength and maturity to do the impossible. They find that even in Blue Sky Hill, life-altering relationships and amazing possibilities can begin to blossom...

Kelly Ann Riley

Caring for his traumatized son is widowed FBI agent Luke Tanner's number one priority. But when he becomes temporary fire chief in a small mountain town, a case sparks out of his control. Luke suspects the late former chief of arson and murder—until the man's daughter returns to Pine Lake. Kitty McGuire is determined to prove her father was framed. As they work together, Kitty connects with Luke's troubled family in a way that surprises Luke—and fills him with hope. Maybe they have a chance at happiness after all…until their investigation ignites a firestorm that could engulf them all.

Julie Carobini

Callie Duflay just isn’t like the rest of her family. While they’ve built white collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with children and local California causes. When Callie learns that a beloved piece of untouched property in her town of Otter Bay may soon be developed, she confronts the architect assigned to the project.

Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional, but he’s not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie or her pet pooch, Moondoggy, may be.
His reasons and hers are noble, both have a heart for protecting God’s creation, and the truth is these two would be perfect for each other outside of this face-off.
But will they ever find common ground?

Ann Gabhart

Charlotte Vance is a young woman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers - a religious group that does not allow marriage - she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte's sister, it is more than she can bear. With the country - and her own household - on the brink of civil war, this pampered gentlewoman hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road to unforeseen consequences.

Loree Lough

In June, 1888, Kate Wellington is taken hostage by outlaw Frank Michaels, who makes her an unwilling participant in a brazen bank heist that leaves three men dead in a San Antonio bank. After escaping, she sees her likeness on a wanted poster. Realizing she's wanted by the Texas Rangers AND the killer, she adopts an alias and heads for Mexico. One dark night, she stumbles hungry and cold into a cowboy's campsite.

Rancher Josh Neville has been edgy since witnessing a violent bank robbery. Against his better judgment, he agrees to help the battered, bruised young woman get to the border. But when she's injured on the trail, he's forced to bring her home to heal. Though his gut tells him to send her packing, his heart can't let go of the secretive beauty who calls herself "Dinah."

When Kate aka Dinah unwittingly leads the killers right to his door, trust and forgiveness are put to the ultimate test in this wild West adventure that's rich with Texan vistas, laughter, tears, and family loyalty.

Myra Johnson

Who says you can’t go back home?

Jilly Gardner left Blossom Hills ten years ago with a broken heart, determined never to return. But the ache in her heart has never healed, and when Cam Lane calls to ask for her help…she finds she can’t say no.

Cameron doesn’t know what came between Jilly and her foster family, but whatever did, he feels it’s high time she set things straight. Her foster parents never recovered from her abrupt and permanent departure, and now—when her presence might encourage an ill woman’s return to health—she refuses to even see them? But how can Cam address the unforgiveness in his friends’ lives when his own is paralyzed with self-inflicted guilt and shame?

With all their striving focused on themselves and the events of their past, will Cam and Jilly ever realize that unconditional, forgiving, forever love comes only from God the Father, whose mercies are new each morning?

Ronie Kendig

Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure--in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again--this time to end his life--he is offered a thread of hope. Are covert government operations the answer for him, or will they only bring more danger and dissension upon his broken family?

Elizabeth Ludwig

A young seamstress weaves her own story in a world run by men. After hearing news of a silver strike in Calico, California, Abigail Watts packs up her needles and thread and follows her beloved father out West. But when she’s suddenly left alone in the rough mining town, Abigail finds herself pressed into a marriage of convenience with the local livery owner, Nathan Hawk. Determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her father’s death in the mines, Abigail agrees to stay in Calico. But when the truth sets her free, she must decide whether to leave the town - and Nathan - for good.

Erica Vetsch

A Kennebrae keeps his word...but Grandfather made the promise, and Eli Kennebrae is expected to carry it out. Josie Zahn has admired Eli from a distance for years, but Eli hardly knows she exists other than as just 'one of the Zahn girls." If only she could get his attention... When Father announces her older sister Clarice's engagement to Eli, both girls are crushed. Is there no way out of this nightmare? Through deception, intrigue, and danger, the Zahns and Kennebraes must learn that Divine engineering is far better than human manipulation. Becky Melby and Cathy Wienke How will three modern Minnesota women cope when asked to concede their doubts and learn to trust? Is love strong enough for Sydney to forgive the past of an ex-con? Can the man April blames for her sister’s death help her fulfill a dream list? When Sara’s ex-husband returns with lofty promises, will she open her heart? Find out in this three-book collection by an acclaimed author team. Cara Putman During World War II, attorney Audra Schaeffer travels with the Hollywood Victory Caravan---but she's more interested in finding her sister's killer than selling war bonds. Then two people are found dead on the train, including star Robert Garfield's ex-wife. Are the deaths related to her sister's? Could the murderer be the man Audra loves? Deborah Lynne Samantha Cain isn’t the type of woman who gets unnerved easily, but late one night while on the job she hears a strangled cry coming from outside and races out to help. Interrupting a killer at work, seeing his face, makes her his next target. Now she’s on a run for her life. The killer leaves no witnesses. Who can she trust? Certainly not the police department who didn’t protect her before, and especially not Detective Matthew Jefferies, the man in charge of this serial killer’s investigation. Gail Martin And Puppy Makes Three Perfectionist Martin Davis's life is in turmoil. The lonely businessman's search for companionship led him to adopt a dog--a rather rambunctious terrier. And now Martin's at his wits' end. When dog trainer, Emily Ireland offers to help, Martin is grateful--and intrigued. But he's wary of getting too close to the sweet, pretty Emily, especially when he learns of her scandalous past. Can Martin ever open his heart to the possibility that Emily just may be his perfect bride? Susan Page Davis A female Navy cryptographer seeks to save lives...and uncover her father’s killers. In 1915, German sympathizers escalated acts of sabotage in the United States to keep the nation from joining in the war. Following the mysterious murder of Emma Shuster’s father, Lt. John Patterson invites Emma to become a Navy cryptographer because of the expertise she gained in helping her father develop a cipher system. Emma finds new strength in her faith as she strives to outwit her adversary, known only as Kobold - German for goblin. Can Emma and John find love in the midst of turmoil as America plunges toward war? Carolyne Aarsen Veterinarian Cara Morrison is planning another walk down the aisle with her ex-fiance - except she isn't the bride and rancher Nicholas Chapman isn't the groom. With their best friends' wedding looming, the last thing maid of honor Cara wants is to rekindle a romance with the best man, Nicholas. But when he needs her help to unravel the illness that's descending on his herd, she discovers that the sparks between her and Nicholas still burn bright. Is it possible to heal the wounds of the past and start over with the cattleman she never stopped loving? Mary Ellis Leah Miller would rather cook than milk cows. After saving money from selling pies, she invests in a diner catering to locals rather than tourists. She's quickly promoted to partner when her recipes draw in customers. Unfortunately, her boss is a better cook than businesswoman, and the partnership throws them into a tangle with the law. The venture also puts Leah at odds with the bishop when all the marriageable men beat a path to Leah’s Home Cooking. Leah enjoys the attention, but things change when Jonah Byler moves to town. An experienced cheese-maker, Jonah knows good food but isn't interested in the daily specials. He’s found the girl of his dreams, if she’s willing to leave her fans…and cook only for him. Matthew Miller's talents land him a position as trainer at an English horse farm. But when he witnesses unethical practices, his beliefs are put to the test. Never before has doing the right thing cost him so much. Kaye Dacus To get to her secret fiancé in Jamaica, Charlotte Ransome disguises herself as a midshipman and joins the crew of one of the ships in the convoy led by her brother William. First Lieutenant Ned Cochrane has only known his captain’s younger sister for a brief time, but is sure she’s the wife he’s been praying for—except he’s about to leave for the Caribbean for at least one year. An attack on the convoy gains Ned the promotion to commander he has long dreaded—especially once he discovers one of his midshipmen is actually Charlotte Ransome in disguise. After seeking Julia’s advice, Ned decides to keep Charlotte’s secret… and hopes to win her love. Charlotte will soon discover that losing her heart to Ned is not the greatest danger she’ll face on this Atlantic crossing. Margaret Daley Ten years ago Jordan Masterson left her hometown heartbroken--and pregnant. Now, yearning for connection with her family, the single mother returns to Tallgrass, Oklahoma. But she's shocked to find her son's father--unaware he has a child--a vital part of the community. Zachary Rutgers owns the ranch that the local homeschoolers use for riding and recreation. Which means little Nicholas, Jordan and Zachary will be sending a lot of time together. Jordan must tell Zachary the truth about their son--and ask for answers herself. Hoping the heart of her cowboy will still be hers for the taking. Darlene Franklin Sally Reid is a Patriot. The Tuttles have already lost one son to the hated Patriot cause. How can Josiah both honor his grieving father and protect the woman he loves? When called upon to take a stand, which side will he choose? Denise Hunter Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she? When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own. Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane? Stephanie Newton With his first major case, fire-cop-in-training Matt Clark finally has the chance to shed his image as the Clark family's goofy youngest son. Then an explosion lands Matt and his partner Lara Hughes in the hospital and the investigation--and the fires--gain momentum. Lara's a witness, needing all the protection Matt can give...if she'll accept his help. Lara works hard to keep her distance from Matt until a desperate choice to save the investigation leaves her with nowhere else to turn. Stephanie Morrill Senior year is over and Skylar Hoyt is ready to forgive and forget. Or at least forget. She wants a fresh start where people don’t know about her partying past or her younger sister and her baby. A place where she won’t run in to her ex-boyfriend every time she leaves the house. When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Hawaii with her grandparents, Skylar jumps at the chance to get out of town. But when her sister needs her, Skylar has to swallow her pride and come back home. Will she be strong enough to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants for her? Mary Connealy In the wake of a stagecoach accident, doctor Alex Buchanan and Beth McClellan—who no one will allow to be a doctor even though she'd trained, discover that they're both skilled healers who work well together. Other than that, they have nothing in common! She's an idealist and he's a jaded army deserter fleeing a bounty hunter. Surely their alliance ends here . . . or does it? Roland March is a disillusioned homicide detective with one last chance to save his career. All he has to do is find the beautiful missing girl every cop in Houston is already looking for. He has an inside track -- a murder scene nobody else thinks is connected -- but he's battling a new partner, an old nemesis, and the demons of his past. Getting to the truth might just cost March everything. Even his life.

Congratulations!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Apple Blossom as the winner of "It Had to Be You" by Janice Thompson. I will be sending your name on to Janice so she can send you the book.

I want to thank everyone who stopped by and left a comment. I appreciate your support!