Monday, May 15, 2023

Mid-Month Madness!!

We really appreciate you coming by!

We will be giving away books so be sure to pay attention about how to enter. To enter for a chance 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 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1770933813056488)  for a chance to mingle with the authors, and nab even more great giveaways!

The party is today from 5:00 to 7:30 PM Eastern Time.




Aaliyah's last chance at winning her husband's love is destroyed when she is banished from her home as an 'unclean' sinner. Her husband has branded her as an adulteress and threatens to kill her if she comes near the town. Struggling to survive amidst the fear, grief and bitterness of living in a leper colony, she would give anything just to see her son again. Is God really punishing her with this disease? When rumors of a Healer from Nazareth reach the colony, Aaliyah wonders if this man could really heal her, or if He would despise her like the rest of her people. It is now that Aaliyah must make the most difficult decision of her life: risk her life to appear in public, or die a leper.




Collina battles insurmountable odds to rescue Shushan.

Franklin lost what money couldn’t buy. Is it too late to make right his failings?

Ruby McConnell Meir leaves for the prairies of Colorado hoping the climate might cure her husband’s illness. Confusion and uncertainty hover around her skirts like the dust storms, rattlesnakes, and droughts, consuming her energy and weakening her faith. Will her husband live—or die?

The Roaring Twenties dive like a wounded eagle into
 the Great Depression, placing the McConnells in a battle for survival.






As her husband’s evil deeds haunt a mail-order bride from the grave, can she learn to trust again and open her heart to true love?

On visitation rounds as a lay preacher, the last thing rancher Jed Holt expects is to be shot at from the barn next to a burned-down homestead. But the soot-covered woman hiding inside needs protecting, and Jed is the man to do it whether she likes it or not. Jed has his own nightmares from a POW camp and understands Delilah better than she knows. Can two broken people form a forever bond?



In 1882, Tina’s family is so poor they live in a covered wagon outside the brand-new town of Loveland, Colorado. When her parents die within two weeks of each other in an outbreak of the influenza, Tina is left to raise her two younger sisters.

Will Tina go from broken home to broken heart to broken reputation—or will God intervene and save her from herself? Will Paul realize too late that his choices affect not only himself—or will his Lord reach into his heart in time?



A marriage made in Heaven between a bootlegger’s daughter and a hard-hearted sheriff go together like moonshine and bad decisions.

A hopeless romantic, Abilene is on the run again, dreaming of her happily ever after- an understanding husband, a house in the country, and peace.

Sheriff Mark Joseph believes that love only leads to heartache and is not worth the risk. The last thing he needs is a wife. Long work hours with a healthy dose of danger are the best antidote to a broken heart.

Will Abilene find a way to penetrate the barriers of the sheriff’s heart?




Pledges can’t be broken, can they?

Finally, out from under her father’s tyrannical thumb, Maeve Wycliffe can live life on her terms. So what if everyone sees her as a spinster to be pitied. She’ll funnel her energies into what matters most: helping the less fortunate and getting women the right to vote. When she’s forced to team up with the local newspaper editor to further the cause, will her pledge to remain single get cropped?




Roxy Silva is completing her mail route in her small Florida town, when a sinkhole suddenly opens up and drains a retention pond, revealing the hiding place of the damaged car used in her husband’s unsolved murder. Roxy - determined to find her husband’s killer - turns amateur sleuth and uses her amazing photographic memory to piece together clues. Her relationship with Kyle, the town’s handsome detective, heats up as they uncover shocking secrets. When the killer takes Roxy captive, she must use her wits to survive.



Ezekiel is struck mute and paralyzed as he begins his prophetic ministry, and Shirel devises a plan to get the Lord's message back to the unfaithful people of Judah. Shiriel struggles with discontentment as serving the Lord looks nothing like she'd imagined. Can she provide for her family and carry out her husband's ministry when her joy is gone and her own dreams are placed on hold?



Métis hunter Bemidii Marchal’s thoughts of courting a maiden at the Great Rendezvous are cut short when he kills an important man in self-defense and flees to an island fort on Lake Superior. There he encounters Camilla Bonnet, a French-Canadian beauty reeling from recent tragedy. Left alone and carrying hidden burdens, she fears Bemidii but is forced to trust him. Their uneasy friendship soon leads to stronger feelings. But as the hunter becomes the hunted, Bemidii’s secret is exposed. As the truth is revealed, it might turn Camilla’s heart away—and demand his life.



Orphaned as a toddler in 1922, Lilly Sampson pursues a nursing career in hopes of redeeming the arson she committed as a child. When her self-sabotaging choices only build the ash heap higher, Lilly prepares to sacrifice everything for the sake of a child she tried to abort.

2019: While unraveling a mysterious link in her ancestry, Diana DeWitt is fear-stricken by the two most staggering invitations of her life: to adopt a teenager’s baby, and to marry her best friend. Will the truth Diana uncovers about her Grandmother Lilly release the grip of rejection and free her heart?






Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales 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 near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!





Catherine Ulrich Brakefield is an award-winning author of the inspirational historical romances Wilted Dandelions and Destiny Series: Swept into Destiny, Destiny’s Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, and Waltz with Destiny. Her newest book is Love’s Final Sunrise.

She has written Images of America; The Lapeer Area, and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County.

Her short stories have been published in Guidepost Books, Baker Books, Revell, CrossRiver Media, and Bethany House Publishers.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the Great Lakes Chapter (ACFW GLC). Catherine lives with her husband of 50 years, has two adult children, and four grandchildren. Visit her at https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com





Cindy Ervin Huff is a multi-published author who loves to bring her imaginary characters to life. When she is not writing or talking with her imaginary friends, she takes walks with her husband and binge-reads. Her main goal and passion is to encourage other writers in their journey and believers as they grow in faith. http://www.cindyervinhuff.com





A hybrid author, Donna Schlachter writes squeaky-clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She also coaches writers at any stage of their manuscript. Learn more at http://www.donnaschlachter.com/Tapestry

Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!




Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson, a former teacher and coach, now a pastor. They have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and have a passion for encouraging others with family members with special needs.

"I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book, an outlet, and an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome." Fans of historical romance set in the late 19th century will enjoy stories combining, History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends, and Good Clean Fun. https://kimberlygrist.com/





Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com




Mary Dodge Allen has won a 2022 Christian Indie Award (First place, Mystery/Suspense), a 2022 Angel Award and two Royal Palm Literary Awards. She enjoys writing fast-paced adventure with humor and heart. She and her husband live in Central Florida, where she has served as a volunteer with the local police department. Her Minnesota childhood sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. She has worked as a Teacher, Counselor and Social Worker and as a USPS mail carrier during a college break. Her quirky sense of humor is energized by both coffee and chocolate. Website: http://www.marydodgeallen.com




Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor's wife, Naomi Craig loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church or trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes, you'll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory on YouTube and helps facilitate Biblical Fiction Aficionados Community on Facebook. When not writing or trying to wrangle social media, Naomi attempts to get her rescue dog to be cute on command for the many pics she takes throughout the day. https://naomicraig.com/





Naomi Musch’s heart beats for historical fiction. She writes to bring hope that will change the story. Author of numerous novels and award-winning short stories, she is at home in the Wisconsin Northwoods, where a perfect day is spent writing, roaming her family’s farm, snacking from the garden, relaxing in her vintage camper, and loving on her passel of grandchildren. Visit her website and get a free short story when you sign up for her newsletter at https://www.naomimusch.com/




Terrie Todd is the award-winning Canadian author of six historical and split-time novels: The Silver Suitcase, Maggie’s War, Bleak Landing, Rose Among Thornes, The Last Piece, and Lilly’s Promise, and one nonfiction book, Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humour. Since 2010, she has written a Faith and Humour column for the Daily Graphic and is currently teaching a Creative Writing course for Red River College. Terrie lives with her husband, Jon, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where they raised their three children. They are grandparents to five boys. http://terrietodd.blogspot.com/





62 comments:

  1. Congratulations to all of the authors on the blog, and to those who are featured this month. There are a lot of really great stories here! I'd like to ask the authors, any and all who care to respond, what is the hardest part of writing for you, or what is your biggest stumbling block? Your answers will help us pray for you!!

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    1. For me, the greatest challenge is just hammering down the first draft. Once that's done, I enjoy self-editing and then editing with a professional editor is my absolute favorite part of the process.

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    2. Agre with Terri. I'm a oantster so getting that first draft nailed down is tough sometimes. The other is deciding which other stories in my head should be next

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    3. Hi Connie, what a great question. I outline my stories, but coming up with each scene as I'm creating the outline can be challenging. I'm not crazy about self-editing either!

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    4. What a great question, Connie. Thank you for asking that.

      I think for me it varies with the different books and stages of life. My biggest stumbling block with my current project is juggling all of life's stuff, and still having creative energy to write. Maybe because I have a toddler running around me. Lol.

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    5. For me, the hardest part is the editing. I usually have a goal in mind--increase or decrease word count; increase or decrease suspense, romance, tension, or something else--and I find changing anything difficult.

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    6. great question Connie. I love doing the research, but sometimes that first draft is difficult. if I've got an idea of where the story is going next I do well, but if I haven't planned it out well I get stuck!

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    7. Fabulous question, Connie! My hardest part is the opening chapter. I feel like it's never "good enough" and sometimes I doubt whether I started the story in the right place. I do plot, so there's that. I couldn't write it without at least a minimal outline. It helps if it's a story I'm very passionate about. For some I am more than others.

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    8. Connie, for me its editing. I always spend time praying and asking God, "What next." Then, I write, write, write, and then comes the hard part, what to keep and what to leave out.

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    9. Thank you all for your answers! I LOVE being able to interact with all of you! And, that was a great party last night!!!

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    10. You are welcome! It was a great party, wasn't it?

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  2. Congrats to all the authors especially those featured this month! My question is do you need music or a background noise to write or is total silence best?

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    1. I've tried writing to music, but unless it's very basic "elevator" music--instrumental and not a song I know--my mind goes to the lyrics and I can't focus on my writing. Silence or white noise works best for me. Thanks for asking, Erralee!

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    2. I'm with Terrie, silence or white noise. I have an "ocean" channel that I listen to.

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    3. Hi Erralee, I choose a soundtrack for each project, and then I write with that going in the background. It really helps me focus and feel what's going on with the characters.

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    4. Not me. I like general although not absolute quiet. If there's music, sometimes I find myself getting distracted by that.

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    5. Hi, Erralee! Except when I write in my vintage camper--which is really a pleasant place to focus--I do like something on in the background. I listen to "classical study music" on Pandora.

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    6. When i was writing Ezekiel's Song, I discovered a current Hebrew group, Yamma Ensemble. I would listen to their hebrew playlist over and over. It helped my characterization of Shiriel and the Music as a character

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    7. I agree. I like silence, my inner voice is doing enough talking.

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    8. This is so interesting! Thank you all for responding.

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  3. It's an exciting day for you ladies! Congrats on this new release! I know a few of you (Terrie & Naomi M) and am glad to get to know the rest. What does your current 'writing day" look like? tracy.krauss@gmail.com

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    1. I set a goal of thousand words a day(Monday-Friday) on a WIP. I may also have a blog to do and always stuff for social media. Emptying h my email can take more time then expected if I'm following g up on wrierly things

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    2. HI Tracy! I have a full time job, so my writing "day" is actually split in half. I write for about an hour and a half before leaving for work, then I often do writing related tasks in the evening such as research, writing blogs, or creating my newsletter.

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    3. Hi Tracy! These days, I've been doing very little writing (except my weekly newspaper column and monthly for this blog). I've been kept busy teaching a Creative Writing class (for which I had to come up with the curriculum) at a local college. It's been great, but I'm glad this week will be our final class. My writing day is typically 8:30 a.m. until lunchtime.

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    4. Hi Tracy, thanks for stopping by today!
      I write best during my son's afternoon nap. I have a goal of 500 to 1000 words per day.

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    5. I tend to write for 2 hours per day, particularly when I am on a deadline. Sometimes, I manage to squeeze in a little more time, if I need to finish a chapter. Right now, my goal is 2 chapters per writing day, or about 3,000 words.

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    6. My writing day has struggled lately. I prefer right after coffee and Facebook in the morning, but my hubby is home in the morning too, so it varies. I do hope to start a new story very soon.

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    7. hi Tracy, I have specific writing time blocked out in the morning, and then work on other aspects in the afternoon (marketing, newsletter etc.) Wow I'm so impressed with everyones's word counts My goal is 800 words per day

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    8. Tracy, I like to write between 10 am to 4 pm. And I never end at the end of a chapter. Because the next time I start, I know where I left off and there are no moments of "where do I go from here?"

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    9. I enjoyed hearing about everyone's routines. (or lack thereof!)

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  4. Hello Ladies! Congrats to those who have new releases!

    Do any of you have any Summer travel plans, either for research or recharging your spirits?
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Hi Caryl! We'll head to my dad's in Florida in June, but we won't travel again until the fall. Our 40th wedding anniversary is in October and we're still trying to figure out what sort of trip to taken as a celebration.

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    2. I expect to be traveling to South Dakota to celebrate my mother-in-law's 90th birthday. Whether I do any research or have my spirits recharged remains to be seen, I guess. LOL.

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    3. Hi Caryl,
      We just took a trip to Navarre, FL over Spring break, and that was a great time of R&R. I'm also planning to attend a writing conference at the end of August.

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    4. Hubby and I are heading to Louisville, KY for a ministry convention, hoping to stop and see grands in Kansas either on the way or on the way back. Maybe a pause in Branson, Missouri, just for us :)

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    5. Hi, Caryl. We're heading to Indiana in July for our son's wedding. Other than that, just camping. That's my favorite thing to do.

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    6. My family will be going to the four corners area for a couple weeks! I love road trips

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  6. Good afternoon! What a wonderful lineup of authors and books! My question is to everyone. When you are not researching for the books you write, what genre do you prefer to read? Thank you so much for providing wholesome and faith-filled fiction for us readers to enjoy.
    Luvthots (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hello, Roxanne! My favorite genre has always been historical fiction. I enjoy a lot of eras. I like a dual timeline occasionally, but I usually prefer straight historical.

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    2. Hi Friend! I love historical fiction - any era - as long as it's romance! Love those HEA's.

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    3. Hi Roxanne. I love historical and split-time (which I also write).

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    4. IHi Roxanne, I read a wide variety. Lately it has been Christian or sweet and Clean contemporary romance. My brain has needed something fast paced and easy to read lately

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    5. I am addicted to reading. When I'm not writing I'm reading Historical and Contemporary romance , mysteries, westerns and romantic suspense.

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    6. Roxanne, mostly historical, but sometimes mystery.

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  7. Thank you all for putting the event together. Have you all always wanted to write books?

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    1. Hi, Careed! My answer is yes! I was ten years old when I announced to the world that was my goal. I did get sidetracked for a long time, but the desire remained.

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    2. Welcome Careed! I sure did. I've been scribbling stories since I was about 8-years-old when my parents gave me a big notepad that featured a bouquet of pencils on the cover. Like Naomi, I got sidetracked bit but I knew I always wanted to write.

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    3. I'm not sure when I first thought I wanted to, but I was 50 before I actually tackled one!

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    4. Hi Careed. Actually no! I love catching the interesting tidbits in the Bible as I read. I had the thought what if one of the un named spies Rahab hid in Jerichoturned out to be her Biblical husband. I read a lot of articles and took a couple of editing classes and just kept pursuing the story.

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    5. Yes. But I wrote many other things before I started writing my first novel at 50.

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    6. Careed, I never thought I would. I loved reading, but also loved the outdoors, like swimming and horseback riding. Besides, I wasn't very good in school, I I always prayed that I would pass! So riding was strictly a God thing!

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    7. I forgot to add my email. Charissawisler@gmail.com

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  9. So many wonderful books to add to my reading list this year and I would like to know how the authors find the inspirations for their books?

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    1. Hi Steph! I get my inspiration from many different places: snippets of overheard conversation, the Bible, scenes from TV, movies, or books, magazine or newspaper articles, historical events or people. For example, my novelette A Doctor in the House was inspired by a Foyle's War episode that took place in a requisitioned manor home and the fact that Dr. Margaret Craighill was the first commissioned female officer in the Army Medical Corps.

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    2. Hi Steph: You are one of our winners! Please contact me at lindasmatchett(at)yahoo(dot)com to make arrangements to receive your prize.

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  10. I adore historical fiction and Christian fiction, but I'd also love to know whether any of you guys have ever written in another genre? Contemporary, nonfiction, etc. All of that counts! :)

    lilylyu7@gmail.com

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    1. My newest release New Embrace is Contemporary Romance.

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    2. Hi Lily! In addition to my historical romance, I've published five historical mysteries. I've also published a handful of contemporary romance novellas.

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  11. I have one nonfiction book out: "Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humor." It's a collection of columns from my newspaper column that I released for its 10th anniversary in 2020. I've also written plays, Chicken Soup for the Soul stories, and devotions for Guideposts books.

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