Friday, February 15, 2019

MMMadness PARTY!




Welcome to  the Mid-Month Madness Party! We appreciate you coming by. We will be giving away 4 books so be sure to pay attention on how to enter. 

To enter to win you MUST leave a comment WITH your email and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you'd like to know about them, their writing, or their books. 

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you'll get to know us better, too!

BE SURE TO DROP BY THE FACEBOOK PARTY. IT RUNS FROM 7-9:00.



During the American Revolution in 1779, Aurinda Whitney lives with her cold and calloused father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Aurinda’s life changed forever when her father returned for her after that war, taking her away from the only place she’d ever experienced affection. Since her father blamed Aurinda for the death of his wife in childbirth, Aurinda is convinced she is unworthy of love.
Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.
When the couple meet, they are both challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Unexpected secrets of their past emerge that can change their lives forever. But can they look past their present circumstances to heal—and find love?



The remarkable lives of twelve sisters who changed the course of history.
Historians paint pictures of amazing men and women who influenced the world, but seldom do we hear about sister duos that forever altered the course of history. Whether fighting together—or against each other—these twelve women set armies to flight, guarded homelands from invasion, transformed countries and religious systems, and begat nations. From mythical Athena and Artemis, to the English thrones of Mary & Elizabeth Tudor, the influence these women left behind is taken for granted. Join us on an inspirational journey through time as we explore the extraordinary lives of Sisters Who Changed History.
*Athena & Artemis (Ancient Greek Mythology)
*Rachel & Leah (Ancient Palestine)                                                                 
*Tru’ng Trac & Tru’ng Nhi (Vietnam)
*Mary & Anne Boleyn (England)
*Mary & Elizabeth Tudor (England)
*Angelina & Sarah Grimke (United States)


  

Dr. Sadie Hoppner is no stranger to adversity. She’s fought to be taken seriously since childhood, when her father began training her in the healing arts. Finding acceptance and respect proves especially difficult at Fort Lyon, where she’s come to practice medicine under her brother’s watchful eye.

Cheyenne brave Five Kills wouldn’t knowingly jeopardize the peace treaty recently negotiated between his people and the Army. But a chance encounter with the female doctor ignites memories of his upbringing among the whites. Too intrigued to stay away, tension erupts with the soldiers, and Five Kills is injured.

As he recuperates under the tender care of the pretty healer, an unlikely bond forms. However, their fledgling love is put to the test when each realizes that a much greater danger awaits—a danger they are wholly unable to stop, and one which neither may survive.



Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

My novella in the collection isThe Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser
1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse 
Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.




About your Hostesses





Elaine Marie Cooper has two E-books that just released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling.. Paperback version of Love’s Kindling will follow. These books are the first two novels in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com





Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and has been awarded the Christian Indie Award in Historical Fiction twice. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers.  
Download a FREE story by subscribing to Newsletter & updates: https://amberschamel.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=10b2ff2328df677e9a91125a3&id=cb34a36b62




 Kathleen Rouser is the multi-published author of the 2017 Bookvana Award winner, Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and its sequel, Secrets and Wishes. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She longs to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives.  A former homeschool instructor, mild-mannered dental assistant, and current Community Bible Study kids’ teacher, she lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and the sassy tail-less cat who found a home in their empty nest. Connect with Kathleen on her website at kathleenrouser.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/, and on Twitter @KathleenRouser. 



Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has finaled and won in numerous writing competitions, and been on the ECPA best-seller list numerous times. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, college-aged son, and four fur children. 










34 comments:

  1. Hello ladies!! So excited for the party tonight! My question for everyone is: what is something interesting that you learned while writing your books?

    - Kailey Bechtel
    Kaileybehrendt (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Sorry for the delay in responding to your question, Kailey--my computer wasn't letting me respond on this site! I had the pleasure of researching all sorts of great information for Sand Creek Serenade--the history of the massacre, medical details, but my favorite was researching the Native American culture!

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  2. Hi Kailey! I learned mainly about the terrible attacks along the coast of Connecticut in 1779. It is so rarely included in any of the history books. I happened upon the primary source in an OLD Google document. I was mesmerized and knew I wanted to write this as a backdrop for a novel. Thanks for asking!!

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    1. I love learning about history! I think you did a great job writing about a difficult time in American history. You did it with grace. Thank you for sharing!

      - Kailey Bechtel

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  3. Hello to all, I'm so glad I connected with HHH and each author who loves Christian historical fiction. The blog posts are informative along with the history in each book I've read.

    Amber, what are you working on currently for your next release? Historical, Biblical or another mystery?

    Kathleen, Do you have a release date for the sequel to Secrets and Wishes?

    Elaine, Do you prefer writing about the 1700's vs. 1800's?

    Jennifer, Do you have a favorite Western period or movie star that played in old Westerns?

    Thank you for the giveaway and party. marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi Marilyn! I prefer writing about the 1700's. It was all about the wars involving Colonists, the growing tensions with England, the fledgling nation of America getting birthed. Much changed in the 1800's, although I very much enjoy reading about that century. Thanks for asking!

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    2. Hi Marilyn! No release date at this time. I'm still in the writing process. The working title though, is Scandals and Mercies, and the main characters are Nora Armstrong and James Cooper. You may remember them from the first two books. Thanks for asking. I'll keep you posted!

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    3. Hi Marilyn, my favorite time in the Old West was probably 1870-1875, when the west was still pretty wild. But I've written much earlier and much later. As for my favorite actor in westerns, Sam Elliot is my go-to guy!

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  4. Ladies, What do you MOST enjoy about writing?

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Hi Caryl, I love watching my stories birth and the characters developing into "real" people (in my mind and on the page) who have hopes and dreams, fears and memories, plans thwarted and prayers answered. I think that's why authors feel like their books are their babies. :)

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    2. It's making up stories that the Lord has for me to share and praying He will use them to touch people's lives, Caryl. It is fun to develop my characters. I agree with Elaine.

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    3. Hi Caryl, I am a creative at heart--I always have to be doing something to let that artistic side out. But my most favorite is the creativity of writing--creating characters, storylines, story worlds, and making it all make sense in a cohesive story.

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  5. Sorry I missed the party! My brain was just too tired to follow multiple posts after getting home from work at 7pm. You know that I love all of you ladies. Thanks for all you do to keep HHH going along and for your incredible books!

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    1. I know how that feels, Connie! Sorry you couldn't make it.

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    2. Connie, sorry you missed the party but feel free to contact us in the comments any time. Blessings!

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    3. Thank you so much for your faithfulness to read our posts, Connie! We missed you at the party, but we sure understand!

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  6. Missed the party. SO what are your hobbies ladies. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Hi Kim! I enjoy cross-stitching, watching historical series on Amazon Prime and PBS. And I LOVE spending time with my grands and singing to the littlest. :) Thanks for asking. :)

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    2. Hi Kim, I enjoy crafts, though don't take the time to do a lot of them anymore. One of my favorite crafts is paper quilling. I also enjoy coloring in those wonderful grown-up coloring books. Going to movies with my hubby. Traveling. Going through history museums. Frequenting craft and antique shows. Playing a few games on my phone or computer. And of course, reading!

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  7. Good morning, ladies. My question for each of you is, “What inspires your stories?” and “Do you ever get frustrated when doing research?”. Praying your day is blessed.

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    1. I'm usually inspired by little known events during the American Revolution that I "happen" upon. :) The only time I was quite frustrated doing research was when I tried to get information on the 1977 portion of "Saratoga Letters." Nothing was available on the internet and it took multiple calls and emails to various sources to get the info I needed. But because it was a challenge, it felt sweet indeed when I found everything I needed! :)

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    2. Hi Lucy, all kinds of things can inspire my stories. I have one (unfinished) story that was inspired when a cruise-ship employee I knew mentioned "jumping ship" at the last moment to be at a function on dry land...and my mind literally saw someone jumping off a ship, and I had to write it to find out why. LOL Most of my novellas have come about because I was given a "theme" to create a story around--The Oregon Trail, or women doing something courageous to save the men they love...

      The internet has made research so much easier, but I do get frustrated when I'm doing research, but it is usually because I am looking for some obscure detail that isn't easily found. When I'm researching broad topics, there's usually enough avenues to find the details I need that I find it more energizing than frustrating.

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  8. I would like to ask the authors of Rags To Riches how do you come up with an anology and do you write or brainstorm ideas with each other? Do you each get a topic to base your story on how does it work to get a collection of great stories in one book...thanks!

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    1. Hi Rory, The Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection was actually an idea that one of the authors, Gabrielle Meyer, came up with--a collection of stories based during the Gilded Age of Americal She invited each author into the collection personally, and we all agreed that we would explore themes and standards of that time in history, from technological advancements to forms of leisure, to the dichotomy between rich and poor, etc.. However, we also talked among ourselves to make sure that we covered different aspects of the Gilded Age. My story was on the railroad, Susie Dietze's story was on baseball, and so on. We worked hard to make sure we covered new territory in each story, but we had wide latitude to choose what we wanted to write about.

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  9. This is really a great giveaway! Each book sounds interesting. I would love to read them all. Christian Historical Fiction is always my favorite genre. I would like to ask Jennifer Uhlarik “ Did you ever feel like you were reading a man’s type of book when you read Louis L’Amour’s books? I read all my husbands Louis L’Amour’s books but always felt like I was reading a book that was written for the male audiences. But hey, I enjoyed them. Lol! grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Brenda, I never really thought about reading Louis L'Amour as reading more male-oriented literature. I grew up with two older brothers and I was a bit of a tomboy in my youth, so that was right up my alley.

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  10. Sorry I missed the party, but I do have a question....really for all of you. What do you enjoy doing when you aren't writing, taking care of family, working, etc.? I love to sit and knit in the evening - it helps me relax and gives my brain a chance to catch up on my day. I guess I really want to know if you have any hobbies or such that give you joy and relaxation. Thanks for the giveaway :)

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    1. Hi Betti! My source of pleasure is cross-stitching. I also love reading historical fiction from other authors. Thanks for asking! :)

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    2. Hi Betti, I enjoy watching movies with my hubby, crafting, coloring in those wonderful grown-up coloring books that are so popular now, traveling, frequenting craft and antique shows/shops. I used to sew, knit, and crochet, though I don't have as much time now to do those hobbies. If it is creative/crafty, I've probably tried it and enjoyed it.

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  11. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway, Ladies! All the books sound wonderful! I have questions for Kathleen and Jennifer:

    Kathleen, do you have a favorite lighthouse you have visited or one you would like to visit?

    Jennifer, what was the inspiration for your novella, Union Pacific Princess, in the Barbour 'Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection'?

    Thanks so much!
    ~ Alison Boss

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Alison, the idea for Union Pacific Princess was one I originally came up with for Barbour's "The Pioneer Christmas collection." That was probably seven or eight years ago. At the time, Barbour used to put out an open call for submissions on their novella collections--they would give a theme for the collection and allow anyone who wanted to submit an idea. When I read the description of what Barbour was looking for in that story collection, I thought of the pioneering spirit of those who created the railroad, not so much the actual pioneers who settled the land. I believe, because of that, the story was not selected for that collection--it wasn't a close enough fit to the theme they wanted. I adored the story--the final image in the opening chapter had grabbed my attention and wouldn't leave me alone. So I revamped the story so it didn't include a Christmas theme, and I intended to write it as a novel. However, when the opportunity to write for the Of Rags and Riches Collection came across my path, the story was an almost perfect fit. So I trimmed the story back down to a novella-length idea and wrote it for that collection instead.

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    2. Wow! That is so neat how 'Union Pacific Princess' came to life and to be a part 'Of Rags & Riches Collection'!! Thank you for sharing this, Jennifer! I look forward to reading this story!!! :)
      ~Alison Boss

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  12. Hi, everyone! We have our blog contest winners!
    Connie R won Amber Schamel's prize--Connie, could you please reply with your email address?
    Lucy Reynolds won Elaine Marie Cooper's prize
    Brenda won Jennifer Uhlarik's prize
    And Alison Bossman won Kathleen Rouser's prize
    Congratulations, and thanks so much for participating in Mid-Month Madness!

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