Fiction Full of Faith

Giveaway Plus Q & A with Marion Ueckermann about Recovering Hope

November 13, 2018 in coffee with paula marie, my point of view

First up, my point of view:

Reading, for me, has always been a great love. You can travel to places I would never get to any other way, you can find humor and literally laugh out loud when no other person is around you. You can learn about history, sports, maybe science….the world is at your fingertips when you love to read!

Every now and then you may come across a book that simply grabs your heart strings and carries you along for a ride. Recovering Hope is such a book. It has happy moments, joyful celebrations, beautiful characters….and heartbreaking despair. Yes, I said despair.

Recovering Hope is a book that gives you all of these things and more…it also gives you HOPE. Hope for a future when your whole world is crashing down around you. Hope that someday, no matter what has happened, there will be light in your life again. Hope that resonates throughout your soul that there IS a God, and that He does love us.

I always say that God has a plan and a reason for everything, even if we cannot see it at the time, one day we will have something so wonderful happen in our lives and realize that we would never be in this exact moment if that crushing situation had not taken place.

Recovering Hope is that story….please read and be ready to cry….and rejoice!

Thanks for sitting down with me today, Marion! I must tell you, Recovering Hope truly knocked me off kilter, in a good way though! This is one book that really packs a lot of emotions into it, and addresses a serious issue in today’s day and age – depression. I can only imagine how many people will benefit from reading this amazing story!

Thank you for having me, Paula. It’s great to be back on your blog. It is my prayer that Recovering Hope will help to bring healing to some readers out there. Already, I’ve seen it impacting lives in a positive way, so that’s encouraging.

Can you tell our readers what first inspired you to write Hope and Tyler’s story of heartbreak and subsequent depression?

Yes. When The Potter’s House books wanted stories in the series with flawed characters in desperate need of hope, redemption, and second chances, I knew that a heroine struggling with depression was one of the stories I needed to write. Several women in my family suffer from / or have suffered from depression—some closer to home than others. So in some ways, Recovering Hope is their story.

That is amazing, and so heart felt for you to write this with them in mind! I loved reading about Hope’s vocation with Marine life, and Tyler’s underwater robots! I honestly do not think I have ever read another story with those types of careers and frankly, found it quite interesting! I can only imagine the research you must have gone through to write such details, care to tell us more about that?

How I came to choose their careers was truly interesting and I believe a God-encounter. Shortly before I started to write Recovering Hope, I visited my son and daughter-in-law in Stellenbosch, in the beautiful Western Cape (South Africa). One day we stopped by our favorite wine farm to do a chocolate and wine tasting. As we got out of the car, two women and a guy had parked just two cars up from us. Turns out it was a young woman who works with the youth in our church (some 1700 kilometres away) and another young woman who was in the youth when my son was several years ago. They’d been friends. We chatted and it turned out this young lady had moved to the Cape as she was getting married the next month, plus she was studying marine biology.

When it came to choosing careers for Hope and Tyler, I knew they had to have careers involving the ocean because Hope was from Hawaii and she and Tyler now lived in Florida beside the sea. I remembered my encounter a few weeks before, and began investigating marine biology and other oceanic careers. I decided to go with marine vet (no not the military kind…that brought up some interesting internet searches) for Hope. I wanted a different career for Tyler though. My son has been busy building a small underwater robot for a few years, and so when I saw Ocean Engineer as a career, I knew that Tyler would work with underwater robots.

Wow! I must tell you, when I first read what Tyler did, I thought of Titanic the movie…but to know your son has actually been making one, that is fantastic! I grew up watching Flipper, so I love dolphins! I even once went to Florida Keys and was able to pet a dolphin! May I ask what quirky things you learned about dolphins that took you by surprise?

Oh, some made me blush, like the whole reproduction aspect (although it was interesting and fascinating). What took me by surprise was that dolphins are very amorous creatures, mating not only for reproduction but for pleasure too—either with the opposite sex, or the same (males).

Another theory that was fascinating to read about was dolphin suicide and whether they can actually plan an intentional death. I do refer to one of those intentional deaths (actually, one of the dolphins who played Flipper) in Recovering Hope.

Yes, i was so sad when I read that part of the story, they are amazing creatures! So many writers are afraid to tackle hard hitting issues, and this must have been very difficult for you…not just the heartbreak that Hope and Tyler suffer in their loss, but the way in which they each suffer in the days ahead. 

Doubt was one of the hardest things to deal with while writing Recovering Hope—would readers want to read a book about a depressed woman? It was also a very research intensive book—from depression (and how it affects both the sufferer and the one living with the sufferer) to suicide, medicines, pregnancy and births, oceanic careers, Hawaiian language and culture, and hurricanes to mention the bulk of my research. And because the subject matter hit home personally, Recovering Hope was difficult to write. But I knew it needed to be done.

I, for one am so glad you did. I know this book will be very emotional and a blessing to many people. I was impressed with so much medical knowledge you imparted in this story! Did you google all of that, or were you able to talk to medical professionals about it as well?

LOL, whenever I have a character that involves a medical issue, I take them to my doctor. Seriously, I do, but as a tag on to an appointment I have for myself. My doctor loves it, and we chat for ages about different scenarios for my character/s. I’m also fortunate that treating depression is one of my doctor’s passions.

Then of course, there was a lot of online research after my doctor’s visit.

I also have a close friend who was a midwife and has personally experienced some of what Hope had. She was a wealth of knowledge which she freely shared with me. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for being so open and honest with me so that I could write the best book possible.

Please tell her thank you from me as well for sharing. That must have been difficult for her, but will be such a blessing to others. The epilogue…honestly, had me seriously crying, to see how this couple not only comes full circle in their lives, but how what they went through can help others…in ways they never dreamed of! How amazing is it that God has truly used your ability to reach so many others in such a compelling way!

The amazing thing about the epilogue is that I had envisaged some of it quite differently. I’d planned to finish writing the book one Friday night, but the last chapter’s last scene took much longer to write. As such, I had to put off writing the epilogue to the Saturday. That night as I tried to fall asleep, the idea I used for the epilogue which gave Tyler the platform he had, drifted into my mind, and I knew why writing that epilogue had been delayed.

That is absolute GOD timing! Finally, is there anything I did not address that you would like for everyone to know about Hope and Tyler’s journey?

Yes. For those suffering from depression, there is hope. It is treatable. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. So don’t try to face this terrible illness alone. Get the help that you need.

The same goes for any difficult situation you might be going through—lean on God, and those around you who want to help.

I pray that you will be blessed through Recovering Hope.

Marion has generously offered to do an ebook GIVEAWAY of Recovering Hope to one of our amazing readers! Simply comment on this post and let us know what your dream vocation would be to enter to win! Contest will remain open for one week from today!

7 Comments

Today’s review: Faith Departed (Remnants Book 1) by Elizabeth Maddrey and a ~*GIVEAWAY*~

November 8, 2018 in my point of view

Starting a family was supposed to be easy.

Twin sisters June and July have never encountered an obstacle they couldn’t overcome. Married just after graduating college, the girls and their husbands remained a close-knit group. Now settled and successful, the next logical step is children.

But as the couples struggle to conceive, each must reconcile the goodness of God with their present suffering. Will their faith be strong enough to triumph in the midst of trial?

Faith Departed is the first book in a Christian Women’s Fiction series that walks along side two couples as they navigate the sometimes-painful, sometimes-hopeful waters of infertility. Buy your copy today to begin a journey with characters so real, you’ll want them for your friends.

My point of view:

I must start off by saying this book was a wonderful “departure” from the romance stories I am so very fond of reading ! Don’t get me wrong, romance is still my favorite genre, not likely to change anytime soon – or ever – but every now and then a good, heart warming friendship story can be a wonderful break! “Faith Departed” is just what I needed at the time I received it – a nice gift, one that was a surprise and greatly appreciated!

I am an only child, always wishing I had sibling, but I have had to make do with my amazing cousins instead, several of whom feel like sisters to me having grown up together. But a twin? I imagine that could be even more exciting, and well, frustrating at times? Elizabeth gives us a great inside look into friendships, sister-ship (is that word?), and relations between spouses when we struggle with circumstances beyond our control.

I cannot pretend to know what it must feel like to struggle with becoming pregnant, and I would never want to offend or upset anyone with the ‘platitudes’ often spouted for women in this position. I have had a few friends go through this, unfortunately, all three with different results and outcomes. I prayed for all them in their times of need and was a shoulder to lean on, but, again, could not imagine the suffering they went through.

What I gained form this beautifully written book is that sometimes all we can do is be there for a friend…I gained some real perspective in having faith and how to look at situations at times…honestly! Sometimes when we are going through struggles, we want to say what’s wrong with me…why did God make me “broken”…..what did I do or not do to deserve this situation, right? I loved how the sisters and their husband’s challenged one another with simple questions to regain their faith……..I won’t spoil it for you readers, though, get your copy here and see for yourself!!

I am excited about checking out the next two in the series!


Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who loves a good happily ever after.

She began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of computers, math, and organization steered her into computer science at Wheaton College, she always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. This continued through a Master’s program in Software Engineering, several years in the computer industry, teaching programming at the college level, and a Ph.D. in Computer Technology in Education. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity.

She lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys.

Elizabeth also has a brand new book out – Pathway to Peace – book 5 of the Grant us Grace series!

You can find ALL of Elizabeth’s books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NyyHKW

Elizabeth has graciously offered to have a free ~*Giveaway*~ to one of our blog members!! Simply comment on this post and tell us how many (if any) siblings you have to be entered to receive any ebook of Elizabeth Maddrey’s! Giveaway is open for seven days from today and will be notified via email!

 

4 Comments

Coffee with Jan Thompson Today PLUS a GIVEAWAY!!

November 5, 2018 in coffee with paula marie

PM: Jan, I am so thrilled to have you here to day for Coffee with Paula Marie! I need to admit I
may be a little bit of a “girly” fan here, I have been a fan of your books for a long time! The setting
in Savannah series is my favorite, as that city is in my top ten places I have ever visited. I see you
are a graduate of UGA – GO DAWGS! Have you spent a great deal of time there yourself?

Jan Thompson: How about them Dawgs! Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today. It
thrills me to hear that you have enjoyed my books. Yes, Savannah and Tybee Island are two of my favorite places to visit, even for just a weekend, and I can’t help but write about these coastal towns. Another place I love to visit is St. Simon’s Island, so you can pretty much guess I have at least one series set on that island as well.

PM: If there was a news story about your life, what would the headline say?

Jan Thompson: Oh this feels like an obituary! Haha. But at the end of the day, I pray that I have
fulfilled the calling that God has placed in my life. My heart’s desire is that in everything I do—
whether as a wife or mother or author—will glorify God. It doesn’t mean everything is perfect.
When I trip and fall, God picks me up and puts me on the right track. To God be the glory indeed!

PM: Your characters have such amazing artistic talents; do you have any secret artistic talents as
well?

Jan Thompson: Thank you for noticing that! I don’t want to go too far back in time, but ever since I
was a little girl, I have loved to draw and write. Mostly, I painted still life and whatever came to
mind.

My series, Savannah Sweethearts, does reflect a lot of my interest in art. In Ask You Later (A
Savannah Sweethearts Prequel) and Draw You Near (Savannah Sweethearts Book 3), I explored
the world of painting. I also did some wheel pottery, which led to Smile for Me (Vacation
Sweethearts Book 1).

I’m also interested in other fine arts as well, such as photography and music. For example, in Wish
You Joy (Savannah Sweethearts Book 9), I decided to have a photographer as my main character. I
was a bit of an amateur photographer back in the old days. These days, I primarily take pictures of
the countryside and whatever catches my attention.

With music, I’d like to remember the days I took piano lessons. That led to an entire series, Seaside
Chapel, with an orchestra as the backdrop.

PM: What are you reading for fun right now?

Jan Thompson: I would say that when I am writing a book, I spend a lot of time reading non-fiction
than fiction. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s a lot of work. Right now, I’m researching about
medical things for Books 7 and 8 in the Savannah Sweethearts series. No spoilers, so I won’t say
anything more beyond that. Suffice to say that I’m learning all sorts of new things about being sick
and getting well.

When I am not writing, I do read widely, from non-fiction to books outside my own genres. Even
though I don’t write historical fiction anymore (at least it’s on hold), I do like to read historical
romance novels from time to time. I also read mystery novels and thrillers in subgenres that I don’t
write.

Most importantly, I like to read the Bible as a reminder of what matters in the eternal scheme of
things. My son is now in college, so that leaves my husband and me as empty-nesters, with perhaps
a tiny little bit more time to pray for people and seek the Lord.

PM: What is the inspiration behind the church on the riverboat? I love it, so unusual and inventive!

Jan Thompson: I’m glad you mentioned the riverboat church! The beginning of it is in Know You
More (Savannah Sweethearts Book 1). In the book, the church does not want to into debt. When a
riverboat owner offers a free space to hold church services on Sundays, the Riverside Chapel
church leadership can’t pass up the opportunity to save monthly rent.

How did I come up with that idea? I already have a church on the beach in my Seaside Chapel
series (set on St. Simon’s Island, about an hour south of Savannah). It’s the sister church to
Riverside Chapel in the Savannah Sweethearts series. When I was looking for a place to plant the
Savannah church, I didn’t want to repeat what I had done in the related series.

One day, my husband and I were in Savannah, having lunch on River Street and walking about the
waterfront. As I thought about the crowd of people and tourists, I realized that Pastor Diego Flores
(my main character in Book 1) would have thought of nearly the same thing: location, location,
location. And voila! I wanted a church on a riverboat, and I decided to make it happen.

PM: When do you find the time to write? Where is your favorite place to write?

Jan Thompson: Even though I have written and published 16 books, and I am writing my 17th book
to date, I have done all of that part time while staying at home and homeschooling my son. In his
high school years, he attended a college preparatory academy, which freed up a lot of time for me. 

Having said that, please look forward to Kiss You Now (Savannah Sweethearts Book 7), Wait for
Me (Vacation Sweethearts Book 3), and Once a Hero (Protector Sweethearts Book 2). Coming
soon in due time!

PM: What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from different ethnic backgrounds?

Jan Thompson: Writing multi-ethnic fiction is easy for me because of the diversity in my own
family and that of my husband’s. If we combine our family trees, our genetic makeup is more
diverse than our biracial marriage. Our son has at least five ethnicities in him: English, Irish,
Native American, Chinese, and Japanese.

When I first started writing, I wanted to create a story world that is more realistic for my son and
the environment he is growing up in. My own church has diverse members, people from all over
the world and ethnic backgrounds. In the end, there is only one human race, and God the maker of
us all.

PM: What is your favorite go to snack, midnight or any time?

Jan Thompson: I like fruits and nuts! I am trying to avoid starchy snacks when I am writing
because I often forget how much I am eating, you know?

In the last several months of decluttering our home, I found myself carrying boxes to and from the
garage and basement through the…kitchen! Needless to say, I had to make pit stops for snacks—I
mean, healthy stuff—right?

PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?

Jan Thompson: The best way to keep in touch with me is to sign up for my book news newsletter.
Whenever I have a new release or a special sale, I will notify my mailing list subscribers first. So if
your readers want to be the first to know when my next books are available, please subscribe to my
mailing list at: JanThompson.com/newsletter 

For readers who might not have read any of my Savannah Sweethearts books (there are 11 books in
this series, and the last three books will be coming soon), how about a free book to get you started?

Know You More (Savannah Sweethearts Book 1) is free on these book retailers:
AMAZON: JanThompson.com/know-amazon
GOOGLE PLAY: JanThompson.com/know-googleplay
APPLE iBOOKS: JanThompson.com/know-ibooks
KOBO: JanThompson.com/know-kobo
B&N: JanThompson.com/know-nook

PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?

Jan Thompson: Tea! No cream, no sugar. I make hot tea and drink it with milk, almost like in those old British colonial days. Nothing like a hot cup of tea and writing or reading a book!

Thank you again, Paula Marie, for this exceptionally wonderful set of interview questions! It’s
been fun! I mentioned some of my series in my answers above, so let me give you some links as
reference points for your readers.

Savannah Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/savannah
Vacation Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/vacation
Protector Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/protector
Seaside Chapel: JanThompson.com/seaside

I write in multiple genres, and other than contemporary Christian romance beach reads and
romantic women’s fiction, I also write Christian romantic suspense, and inspirational romantic
thrillers. I will have a new series coming out in 2019. Stay tuned!

All my published books are on these major retailers below. One caution is that there are multiple
authors with the same name, Jan Thompson, so you might want to check my website at
JanThompson.com (or ask me directly) to be sure you’re really reading my books!

AMAZON: JanThompson.com/amazon
APPLE iBOOKS: JanThompson.com/ibooks
GOOGLE PLAY: JanThompson.com/googleplay
KOBO: JanThompson.com/kobo
B&N: JanThompson.com/nook

Thank you!
In Christ,
Jan Thompson

Sweet Jan has offered up a giveaway of her Prequel to Savannah Sweethearts series – ask you later!

To enter, just comment on the blog and tell us what your favorite go to snack is! Contest will be open for one full week from today and winner will be notified via email!!

20 Comments

Review of Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson

November 1, 2018 in my point of view

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson


Allison Doll’s mother is rebelliously turning fifty, her two best friends have started dating and a gorgeous injured relief pitcher named Ashton Boyd has joined her Sunday school class, rocking her world into confusion, heartache and temptation, places she hasn’t visited in a long time, much less all at once.

But with the help of family, old friends she really hasn’t lost, a new friend she really can count on, and God, she begins to find out whether she’ll always be a girl waiting for life to happen or a woman who’s ready to commit to her best catch.

My point of view:

This book was so much fun, honestly! I was laughing out loud so many times I lost count! I love how Allison deals with everything around her spinning off kilter…she just manages to roll with the punches. The humor Lindi gives this character is amazing, I could so see myself saying (thinking) the same things! Allison makes a wonderful heroine, and Austin keeps her on her toes as her leading man….or he is just her good friend? Honestly, the book keeps you guessing how it really will end the whole time….in a good way, of course!

The supporting line up, er characters (little baseball humor there, hahaha) are not to be left out either. Allison’s mom is a hoot, I love her funny manners and independent ways! Grandma had her moments as well! Allison’s friends – close and not so close – are adorable, and almost deserve a story all to themselves!

I am so glad I had the chance to read this book, the memories will definitely stay with me for a long time to come!

Lindi Peterson definitely believes happy endings are just the beginning. She lives out her real life romance with her husband in a small Georgia town. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, bowl and spend time with her family.

 

Leave a Comment

Chloe Flanagan Joins me for Coffee and TWO giveaways!!!

October 29, 2018 in coffee with paula marie

Chloe, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me and our readers today for coffee! I see on your bio that you attended school in NY, is that the area you grew up in? I ask as Jersey Girl native, lol!

And thank you, Paula, for inviting me to chat. I love reading your reviews and chats, so it’s great fun to take part in one today. I did not grow up in New York. I was born in Oklahoma, where my extended family is from, but my parents moved around the country quite a bit when I was growing up, so we lived in different places like Atlanta, Hawaii, and the Gulf Coast. I went to college in NYC because I’d always been a little enamored with the city after visiting a few times when I was young. I love the energy and diversity there!

It’s so cool that you’re a Jersey Girl! As you might imagine, I knew quite a few Jersey folks in school and even rode the Path train over there a few times. 

That is wonderful, Chloe! I have never lived anywhere but NJ and Florida. I always wonder where author’s get their ideas, do you write stories more from your own experiences, or do you spend a lot time doing research on the type of characters your creating?

The plots don’t have much correlation with my real life, but most of my characters tend to be mixtures of people I know. I will do some research also to try to make the characters and stories impactful. 

I see you love music – what type of music do you enjoy?

My tastes are pretty eclectic. I like a lot of classical music, Broadway tunes, contemporary Christian music, and various popular music from over the decades. I’m especially fond of vintage jazz, and Ella Fitzgerald is my favorite singer. 

Oh, I do love Ella Fitzgerald, too!  When did you first feel the call to write fiction?

That’s an interesting question. You see, I’ve had scenarios, dialogue, and “what ifs” running through my head for almost as long as I can remember. But I tended to try to suppress all that because it seemed like daydreaming. It wasn’t until last year, after I’d been exploring other types of writing like blogging for awhile that I felt a pull to start writing fiction. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the fact that numerous great Christian novelists I’ve read and interacted with have played a big role in inspiring and encouraging my calling.

Well, I for one am glad you started, I have enjoyed your writing very much! If you could go anywhere in the world you have never been for 24 hours, where would that be?

Since you say 24 hours, I think I’d like to go to Northern Alaska or Iceland when there are almost 24 hours of sunlight. That’s such a fascinating idea to me. 

Where (or when) is your favorite writing place?

I like writing in the public library. It’s really easy for me to concentrate there, plus I love being surrounded by all of those books. 

Ah, yes, I could be lost on a library or bookstore for days on end, lol! What was the last Christian novel you read?

I just finished Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky. That was an entertaining read. I love Historical Fiction, and this one really immersed me in early 20th Century life. 

Can you tell us more about your blog?

Sure! I started The Candid Corinthian blog two years ago because I wanted an outlet for my thoughts about God and the faith journey. The posts were meant to be honest, sometimes challenging reflections rather than devotionals. I’ve also done occasional interviews with Christian creatives such as authors, podcasters, and film makers. Being part of the blogging world has given me the chance to interact with some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. 

If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell us a little bit about your family?

Right now, I’m happily single. I have a close relationship with my mom and grandparents, and I’m also blessed to have a large extended family and a cat named Sméagol. 

They’ve all been really supportive of my writing, although I think Sméagol  thinks it takes too much attention away from him sometimes.

What is the one thing you’d like for readers to take away from your novels?

I want readers to walk away with the message that God’s grace is offered to everyone and it can show up in many different packages. 

How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?

They can follow me on social media or my blog. Also, I have an author website, where they can read about my books and what I’m reading. They can sign up for my newsletter there also.

https://candidcorinthian.blogspot.com

https://chloesflanagan.weebly.com/

Finally – Coffee or tea? Cream? Sugar?

In the mornings, I’ll usually drink one cup of coffee with cream and sweetener, just to get my brain moving. Besides that, I love ice tea in the warm months and Earl Grey in the cold ones. 

Thank you so much for spending time with me, Chloe, it has been a pleasure and I cannot wait to read more of your novels!

Sometimes being strong isn’t enough.

Ever since she was a teenager, Regina Whitman has relied on her tough, independent spirit to survive and to protect the ones she loves. Even when heartache and disappointment strike, she finds the strength to press forward, rebuild her life, and do meaningful work.

But just when her outlook seems brightest, a tragic and shameful secret from the past catches up with her, jeopardizing her future and threatening the lives of the people around her.

In the face of overwhelming danger and darkness, can Regina learn to trust God and embrace the love she doesn’t think she deserves? Or will the painful guilt of her past destroy her?

Seven years ago, Madeline Pine went mad. At least it seemed that way. She traded in her fast-paced New York City lifestyle for a quiet small town existence. On the upside, she now has faith and a sense of purpose.

Yet her tranquil world is upended when her nephew witnesses a murder, and she is faced with the challenge of keeping him safe. Compelling and enigmatic business mogul, Hiram MacArthur offers to assist her, but their growing attraction makes him more distracting than helpful.

New dangers, old memories, and a potential romance will all challenge what Madeline thought God wanted for her life. Will she trust His plan enough to embrace a new season?

NOW for the big giveaway!! Chloe is so generously offering a digital version giveaway of EACH of her books to one winner! YAY! I promise you, you want to win these!! Simply comment on this blog and tell us who your all time favorite singer is to enter for a chance to win both of Chloe Flanagan’s novels! Contest will be open for one week from today and winner will be notified via email!

8 Comments

TWELVE Christmas Stories by THREE Authors in Box Sets on SALE!

October 26, 2018 in sump'n speshul on sale

That’s right, TWELVE sweet, faith-filled romances in three boxed Christmas sets by Marion Ueckermann, Autumn Macarthur, and Alexa Verde all for just 99 cents a set! Get all THREE of them TODAY while at this bargain price!

I have honestly read 10 of the 12 of these but for two (not telling you which ones, lol, as I will have them read soon too!) And I can promise you that you will not find a better deal any where on this many beautiful books!

Love is all around: A collection of Christmas stories from around the world

By Marion Ueckermann

A COLLECTION OF CHRISTMAS STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD ~ ENGLAND, HUNGARY, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, LAPLAND

A HUSBAND FOR HOLLY – A TIME TO LOVE – GINGER & BRAD’S HOUSE – MELBOURNE MEMORIES &
POLES APART

Together for Christmas: Four sweet and clean heartwarming Christian romances at Christmas

By Autumn Macarthur

Four sweet and clean Christian romances to warm your heart this holiday season! Snuggle up with these faith-filled stories of hope and love, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Visit London for a series of Christmas dates, experience New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh, fall in love all over again in lake-side Idaho, and discover home and healing in small-town Oregon, all within the pages of these complete and standalone romances. No need to have read other books in the same series. If you love Hallmark movies, Love Inspired Books, and happy-ever-afters, chances are the Together for Christmas collection will encourage, uplift, and inspire you!

In Love by Christmas

By Alexa Verde

Sweet, wholesome Christian romances to warm your heart! Three full-length Christmas novels about faith, love, and second chances, together for the first time in this collection. Let a book trip to Rios Azules, a small town in south Texas with quirky residents and caring community, bring you joy and put a smile on your face! Join three unlikely couples as they let God work miracles in their lives and find love, hope, and futures together.

6 Comments

Review of Valerie Comer’s Newest Series!

October 25, 2018 in my point of view
The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion: A Christian Romance (Montana Ranches Christian Romance)

Cowboy Santa: helping his ex-fiancée have a merry little Christmas…When Kade Delgado joins his buddies in a Cowboy Santa program to shower Christmas blessings on old folks and single moms, he doesn’t expect his former fiancée to return to Saddle Springs, in need and with a child in tow. Does God really expect him to treat Cheri the same as the others on his new Christmas list? Cheri Mackenzie has never forgiven herself for the pain she caused Kade by fleeing a week before their wedding, but undoing the past is impossible. Circumstances force her back to her aging grandparents’ Montana ranch, where Kade, now a widower with a toddler, is making himself cheerfully indispensable. When she receives kindness instead of the hostility she surely deserves, she can’t help but pray for a Christmas reunion with the cowboy she’s never stopped loving.Is there any hope for a second chance at love?

About the Montana Ranches Christian Romance series

Welcome to Saddle Springs, the fictional western town that’s home to the Montana Ranches Christian Romance Series! Revel in the lush mountain scenery with rocky peaks, tumbling rivers, and peaceful lakes. Meet the cowboys who ride the ranges, mend fences, and are lassoed by romance in this new series by USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer.1. The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion2. The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up MatchmakerJoin USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer in this new Christian romance series… with cowboys!

my point of view:

If you are new to this blog and this is the first review you are reading of mine, let me tell you up front – I love Valerie Comer. There I said it, I am not ashamed! I will also admit to having read every single one of her books…and many more than once. I mean, everyone needs a little Green Acres boost in their life once in a while, right??

That being said, I was so excited that Valerie has decided to start an entirely new series – and this one has cowboys! Who doesn’t love a cowboy?? Valerie was also kind enough to bring us back Cheri….a secondary character straight out of Arcadia Valley, having made her appearance in Rooted In Love!

I fell in love with Kade from page one, and he only get better as I continued to read! Both he and Cheri are wonderful characters that have been through pain and heartache. Kade can look too good to be true to an outsider, but he has his own demons to wrestle. Not to mention a couple of brothers who give him a hard time over just about everything, lol! I simply cried over Cheri’s struggles with her self worth over what she felt she was unforgivable in her past choices. How many mistakes have we ALL made, but God is always there to pick us up and forgive us. Sometimes it is harder to forgive ourselves, and this book shows us how Cheri has to fight herself while those around her forgive and accept her with open arms.

Harmony and Jericho are just about the two cutest kids i have ever read in a story…I am sharing Valerie’s vision for them here too…

 

Valerie Comer never fails to draw me into her story world so deeply I feel like I am a part of the places and people, and now i want to live on a ranch, lol! Bring on Book two, quickly, please!!

This story is also part of a fabulous box set from many fabulous authors ALL for just 99 cents right now or FREE in Kindle Unlimited!!

 

The second book is already up for pre-order at JUST 99 cents! Grab it while you can at this price:

I hope you all take advantage of the pricing for these books while you can, I promise you that you won’t spend a better dollar on books in a long time!!

Oh, one more thing!! Did you all know that Valerie Comer has her own readers group on Facebook? If you haven’t done so already, please click here to join her. There is always book discussions and fun things happening there!!

1 Comment

A Tuscan Legacy Review and Sale of Books 7, 8 & 9!

October 21, 2018 in my point of view

Welcome to the next installment of my review of A Tuscan Legacy! This week we are focusing on books seven, eight and nine.

Solo Tu: Only You by Narelle Atkins, A Tuscan Legacy Book 7

On Sale for JUST 99 cents from October 21st through October 27th!

Home means everything to Sienna Rossi.

Four years ago, Sienna defied her father by moving to Australia to obtain her teaching qualifications. Her grand plan is shaken by her father’s unexpected death and a trip back to Tuscany for her grandmother’s eightieth birthday where she renews her close bond with her sister, Alessa.

Teacher Dave Maxwell likes the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. He works contract-to-contract, moving to different high schools around Australia. He’s in Sydney for a season, caring for his grandma while his aunt is on an extended overseas vacation.

Back in Sydney, Sienna moves in with her Aussie cousins and starts her first teaching job, torn between her dream for a future in Australia and her longing for home. Sienna and Dave work at the same school, attend the same church, and quickly become friends. They are drawn together by circumstances and an undeniable attraction.

Dolce Vita: Sweet Life by Autumn Macarthur, A Tuscan Legacy Book 8

On Sale for JUST 99 cents from October 27th through November 2nd!

La dolce vita, a sweeter life of love, awaits Rachel. But can she accept it?

Rachel Golding loves her uncomplicated life in Wales. Teaching art, a close-knit group of friends, and a strong and loving bond with her mother. But the trip to Italy to meet her Italian grandmother for the first time stirs unwelcome emotions — reluctance to forgive Nonna for a lifetime of rejection, and longing to know more about the father who died before her birth. Between her cousin’s accusation she sent a series of mysterious unsigned paintings to get revenge on the family, her mother’s wedding, and her realization she feels way more than she should for her best friend Jonathan, Rachel’s carefully planned life is spiraling out of control.

Always ready for adventure, especially with the woman he loves, Jonathan Davies gladly accompanies Rach on an impulsive return journey to Tuscany. Okay, so he also hopes the time together might give him the chance to tell her how he really feels. But now she needs his friendship and support more than ever, revealing his love is a risk he dare not take. Not without some sign she wants more. A sign she may never give.

In the haze of a sunflower summer, can Rachel learn to surrender her hurts and fears to God and so embrace the life He intends for her? La dolce vita, a sweeter life of love.

La Risposta: The Answer by Autumn Macarthur, A Tuscan Legacy Book 9

On Sale for JUST 99 cents from November 2nd through November 8th!

One marriage ends, as another begins.

Or can faith and forgiveness bring a hurting couple back together?

When the harvest celebrations and a family wedding bring the eight cousins back to the the villa at summer’s end, along with their new beloveds, the final secrets are revealed, along with the solution to the puzzle of the unsigned paintings.
But can these secrets be forgiven, healing old wounds and mending broken hearts, or will the mistakes of the past be repeated?

The future of a marriage about to crumble depends on the answer!

my point of view:

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this entire series! These three books brought it all together, while we get to see the last two cousins find their one true love, and FINALLY, all of the grandchildren come back to Tuscany and Nonna Isabella has all her grandchildren under one roof. We have the added benefit of the conclusion to the mysterious paintings, and I do not want to give away any spoilers here, but WOW, what a conclusion it is!

In Solo Tu, we get to visit Australia, and oh how wonderful that was! i adore the way Narelle makes me feel as if I am right there enjoying the country I wish to someday visit! What fun to see how these two come to terms with Dave’s nomadic lifestyle, and another grandmother in the picture, this time Dave’s. 

Dolce Vita just happens to be one of my favorite Italian sayings – the Sweet Life…I especially enjoyed this one, as

I got to know Rachel in her mother Maggie’s story Least Expected, which I loved! So seeing Rachel with her best friend again is so much fun! I also love the troupe friends to romance, so this fits my favorite types of books in so many ways. 

Finally – or is it final?? La Risposta – The Answer…….all is revealed and we now have the answers to this great family mystery. Forgiveness is the theme throughout all of the series, but it truly comes to a head in this book nine. I literally cried reading it, I mean messy sloppy tears, yes. My hubs thought someone had died…seriously.

I found myself looking deep into my own past hurts and grudges and realized how much unforgiveness I was still holding on to…and it wasn’t pretty. All the same, it needed to be brought to light, and I thank ALL of the authors who helped to make this journey a real part of my life!

 

4 Comments

Review of A Sparkle of Silver and a Giveaway!

October 18, 2018 in my point of view

A Sparkle of Silver

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.

my point of view:

I am so happy that I had the chance to read this great story….it’s like getting a little historical and contemporary at the same time! I love stories that have a history to them, and this also takes place in one of my favorite places to visit, St. Simons Island, GA. The character of Millie Sullivan hits home in so many ways for me, she has a wonderful sense of humor, loves to read romance stories, talks to herself all the time, and loves her grandma with a passion.

I adore old houses that have a past, and when you can walk along the halls and enter rooms and know that your very own ancestors walked the same paths! I had as much fun following Millie as I did her great grandmother, Ruth, through journals and a search for hidden treasure! Ben Thornton makes the perfect partner in the treasure hunt, and these two are so much fun! 

They all have their bumps in the road along their journey, and I am so glad I was able to have a part in it! One particular line from the novel jumped out at me, and it has found a very special place in my heart: “you are more than the worst thing you have ever done”. I needed to hear that very much so these last few weeks, and it will resonate with me in the weeks to come. 

I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Johnsons books in the near future!

About Liz Johnson 

19 Comments

Coffee with Jan Elder today!

October 15, 2018 in coffee with paula marie

I am so excited to have a new to me author joining us today for coffee! Please grab a cup of your favorite beverage and help me welcome Jan Elder to Fiction Full of Faith!

PM: Good morning, Jan! I see you have quite an interesting line of books set in Maine, and you live in Maryland. I am originally from NJ, but visited Maine several times and absolutely loved it! Is Maine a favored vacation spot for your family?

JE: Maine is indeed “Vacationland” and I have visited many times. My mother’s family is from Maine and I still have many relatives up north, especially around Lake Sebago—where my parents honeymooned. Growing up, I remember my grandmother still clung tightly to her slight Maine accent despite have moved to Maryland in 1923! My mother also has a lot of Maine in her—the stoic attitude, the reserved manner, the pragmatic way of looking at life. Want to know what our family motto is? I’m so glad you asked. “Strength through adversity.” That right there should tell you a great deal about the philosophy I grew up modeling. Gracious! We’re ready for anything. Throw in the proud, majestic moose and we’re good to go!

PM: Do you have any family pets that currently own you?

JE: I am so glad you phrased your question as you did. I am definitely “owned” by two cats, a svelte sixteen-year-old tortoiseshell named Shu-Shu, and a ten-year-old tuxedo beauty named Jamie Lynn. All of my books feature an animal or two (usually cats/and or dogs). Adding fabulous felines, or curious canines to a story livens up the action and makes the non-animal characters more human. I don’t how I would get along without my girls, and my husband is finally on board in that department (he thinks Jamie Lynn is his, but she’s really my girl, and sweet Shu-Shu is my lap cat and follows me around like a puppy).

PM: Do you write stories more from your own experiences, or do you spend a lot time doing research on the type of characters your creating?

JE: A bit of both, I think. All of my female lead characters seem to have a bit of me in them, but I definitely research the situations I put them in. In my latest, Moosed The Boat, a Christian contemporary romance, sixty-something Clare Evans was raised in Maine and has that stoic, sensible attitude. It’s hard to keep her down for long. She resembles my own mother in many ways so she was a lot of fun to dream up.

Clare is a recurring character in the four book Moose Creek series. Moosed The Boat will be released at the end of September and is part of a five-book boxed set called Somewhere Beyond The Blue along with Marion Ueckermann, Clare Revell, Mary Manners, and Cecelia Dowdy.

Here’s that all-important blurb:

Moosed The Boat

Clare Evans, church secretary, Malamute breeder, and single lady of a certain age, resides in Moose Creek, Maine, where men are men and moose are enormoose. Her life is full to the brim, or almost. There’s only one thing missing—one of those manly men with a desire to love, honor, and protect her.
Travis Gibbs, forest ranger and recent widower, is grieving a broken heart. With his son off to college, he’s tired of being alone and ready to rejoin the living. When Clare invites him to a dinner dance and follows up by sending him home with a puppy, his interest is piqued.
Next, the two senior citizens win a cruise in a bowling tournament. But will they make it to the ship on time? Or, moose the boat and their chance at true love?

PM: What was your most beloved book to read as a child?

JE: One of first books I remember reading was Island of the Blue Dolphins—an early sci-fi about dolphins that learned to talk. My husband found a copy online and gave it to me as a Christmas present a couple of years back. How cool is that? I also remember one of my best gifts ever. My parents bought me the entire set of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. I reread them every few years. Makes my heart happy.

PM: What’s your favorite color? Any reason why?

JE: Great question. I’m going to have to go with one of characters favorite colors, Didi O’Brien, in Love, Lies, and Fireflies. It’s called twilight blue—that moment when the sky vibrates with the last ray of sunshine shooting out a golden glow behind the azure sky. Glorious!

PM: What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite gender?

JE: Since I’m not a male, sometimes it’s really hard to think like a guy. If I have an iffy passage, I run it by my husband. He is definitely from Mars and makes my men sound like men!

PM: Tell us what you enjoy doing the most when you are not writing or reading?

JE: Right now, I’m spending the vast majority of my time with my mother in a nursing home. She is a writer too and I read to her (she’s written several books—one about how her parents met in Maine with actual letters!) and we watch a lot of cat videos and sermons by her favorite preachers. Just imagine. There is internet in her room at the care facility! While she is sleeping, I am able to write and that’s where I have conjured up my last two books.

PM: Who was your greatest influence when you decided to become an author?

JE: Probably Jan Karon. I love that she created the village of Mitford and it helped me think up my own little town of Moose Creek, Maine.

PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?

JE: My website is https://janelderauthor.com/ and my author page on Amazon is https://amzn.to/2xHG9fZ

PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?

JE: Depends on the day and the time of day. I like both, but I tend to drink flavored coffee with cream in the morning, and tea with sugar anytime! Current favorite coffee is salted caramel, favorite tea of the week, Plantation Mint.

Thank you for having me on your blog today. I truly enjoyed it!

About Jan Elder:

JAN ELDER is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.

Happily married for fifteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

2 Comments