Fiction Full of Faith

my point of view for Not Until This Day by Valerie Bodden

June 4, 2020 in my point of view

“A heartwarming story about fresh starts: about finding the courage to hope and trust again; the grace to forgive; and a faith not only for the future, but for ‘this day’ as well.” -Advance review

Three kids. Two broken hearts. One chance to become a family.

Isabel has three simple rules: Keep moving. No friends. No men. It’s the only way to keep herself and her daughter safe. But when she arrives in the small town of Hope Springs, she finds that she suddenly wants to break all the rules. Especially when it comes to a certain sweet single dad.

Tyler has one goal: Keep his boys from ever getting hurt again. That’s why he avoids dating, women, or anything having to do with love. So why does the mysterious single mother who works at his family’s orchard have him rethinking everything?

As Isabel starts to think of Hope Springs as home, Tyler starts to think of her as more than a friend. But when Isabel’s past comes to light, her fears and his doubts are tested in new ways. Will they give in to the fear and pain of the past–or can they turn it all over to God and trust him to give them a future?

Not Until This Day is an emotional story of faith, forgiveness, and most of all, trust in God’s perfect love.

my point of view:

I cannot begin to tell you how powerfully this story has touched me…the very core of me! I have had the pleasure of reading all of Valerie Bodden’s series to date, but this one went straight to the heart of me. Sadly, the story of Isabel’s circumstances is not a new one, parts of which I have experienced first hand. Seeing her bravery in trying to keep not just herself safe, but her daughter as well will, as the saying goes, ‘give you all the feels’.

Not just for Isabel, either, but Tyler will get you straight in the heart too! If you have read the previous Hope Springs books you will remember Tyler well, and the amazing cherry orchard! Ah, what I wouldn’t give to visit Wisconsin in cherry season! The setting is of course wonderful, seeing a glimpse of the previous friends in the stories past is lovely, but this book can certainly stand on it’s own as well! Both of these amazing characters must face their past in order to look forward to the future God has in store for them, and believe me – it’s not an easy journey!

Valerie’s books are wonderful Christian romances, but God and Faith are ALWAYS at the center of the story! I cannot give away too much, as I want you to read it for yourself, but I promise you, if you have a love of Christian romances (and if you don’t, why are you here?? lol!) then you will truly adore this series and story as much as I did!

About Valerie M. Bodden:

Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children in snowy Wisconsin. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get your free short story today.
Valerie is offering one of our readers a free ebook of any one of the stories in her Hope Springs series! Just comment below and tell us what you like best about series books vs stand alone! Winner will be notified via email after contest is closed one week from publication!

 

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my point of view of Changed Somehow by Chloe Flannigan

May 28, 2020 in my point of view


Is her change of heart real, or is it just another role?

New York City actress, Natalie Rivers is a taker. She found out years ago that she has to look out for herself because no one else will. But when she loses a coveted role and her home in the same day, she is forced to take a painful look at her life and attitude. She struggles through her crisis alone, until her path collides with an eccentric pair of friends who show her the unexpected beauty of caring for others.

In the midst of finding love and a sense of purpose, Natalie’s perspective is changing. But when the heartbreak and mistakes of her past catch up with her, she will have to answer an important question: is new life possible or is she simply playing a part?

my point of view:

I have been a fan of Chloe’s work for a while now, and even had the great pleasure of meeting her in person in January 2019! This lovely author has a really unique way of getting inside your heart and soul! This is her first Potter’s House venture, but she brings us the tale of a character that is so flawed and in need of redemption that it fits this series perfectly!

Most of us who enjoy Christian Fiction like the stories of wholesome characters that have a deep relationship with Our God….sure, they stray and need to be led back on the path at times, but rarely do we come across a character like Natalie. I’ll be brutally honest here – I didn’t like Natalie – at first – and kinda wanted to hold on to my attitude towards her behavior. You know, selfish, maybe spoiled to a point, very proud of her looks and self centered. We get enough of that in real life, who wants to read about it from her own point of view, lol?

Well, let me tell you – this book had me crying real tears! The faith journey is different for everyone, but going along for Natalie’s redemption was absolutely wonderful. I am so grateful that I had the chance to get to read this amazing book of faith. There is romance in here too, but honestly, the redemption journey that Natalie goes through is so touching you don’t even need the love story. We all can take a lesson from this book and look into our hearts and maybe learn to be a little more tolerant of others, we never really know what they have been through to bring them to this moment in time. I highly recommend any of Chloe’s novels, but if you need a starting off point, jump right in here!

About Chloe Flanagan

 

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my point of view for Always You by Jennifer Rodewald

May 21, 2020 in my point of view

They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.

Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.

Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.

After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other…well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.

Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?

my point of view:

Hello, everyone! If you are a regular follower of this blog, it will come as no secret that I am a fan of Jennifer Rodewald’s books, as I am sure you would be as well once you read one of them! Jennifer has a such a wonderful way of writing the characters that you feel as if you are on the journey with them. This is also part of The Potter’s House series, second round, and even though I have not read all of the series books, I have enjoyed all the ones I have read so far. Naturally, as you can imagine by the blog name, I am all about Christian Fiction, and I truly like to read stories where you see God’s Hands on the characters.

This story really went straight to my heart…both the main characters are essentially running away from issues in their life – only to literally run straight smack into each other – in a most unusual way to say the least! I could definitely relate – how many times in my life have I wished I could run away? Lauren actually runs clear across the country, but you know what? She learns, as we all must, that you cannot runaway from your issues – they always manage to come with you no matter how far we go.

This Potter’s House book really focuses on the “Hope” for Matt and Lauren more than anything else, and I loved that. We all need to have hope or we will wither away and die. Hope comes from our Lord, and it is always a beautiful reminder for me to read it in stories such as this one. I cannot be more thankful to have had the opportunity to read this Murphy Brother installment, and I am seriously looking forward to the next one in July! Thank you, Jennifer!

About Jennifer Rodewald   

Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.
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Love Me by Alexa Verde is FREE for a Limited time PLUS a chance to win a $5 giftcard!

May 18, 2020 in my point of view

The biggest disaster of her life or the beginning of something wonderful? A single dad, opposites attract faith-filled romance to warm your heart!

Growing up, Kristina Vela never imagined she’d meet her fortieth birthday divorced by her cheating, manipulative husband, and without a house, degree, or career. Back in her hometown, Chapel Cove, to start anew, she’s given up on men. Then she meets grieving widower Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter and helps them renovate a house. Just when Kristina feels she can love again, her ex gives her an ultimatum. Can she choose between her own happiness and Greg’s?
Former snowboarder Greg Matthews is moving to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. After his wife died, his heart closed to romance. As caring and compassionate Kristina helps him repair his house and his life, he might be falling for her. But if she decides to leave, will he survive a second heartbreak?

Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
As their fortieth birthdays loom, three childhood friends return unexpectedly to their home town. Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await them. Hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures; reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams, they’re offered a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, a second chance at love. Will they allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home, or will doubt and uncertainty drive them to repeat their old mistakes?

Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove Romances, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian stories from three bestselling authors.

my point of view:

This wonderful story is FREE from 05/18/2020 through 05/22/2020 only, so get it now while you can!!  All the other Chapel Cove books are only 99 cents for a limited time too!!

Welcome to Chapel Cove, a sleepy little beach town on the coast of Oregon that I would gladly move to  – if it were real! These books are all about “life begins at forty” and I couldn’t be happier about a mature group of characters! These beautiful girls are friends from childhood and after trials and tribulations, all return to their hometown at about their fortieth birthday.

This is the second installment of the series. We first met Kristina in Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann, but she has the starring role in Love Me. I could so identify with Kristina as she married young believing in the fairy tale, and ends up being married to a man who is emotionally controlling. This book is bittersweet in some areas and incredibly joyful in others. I fell in love with Chelsea immediately – who can resist a precious, motherless five year old?

I am a sucker for second chance at love and children in the story, so you had me from the get go! But I would have to say, my favorite part was when Kristina finally finds her way back to her true self – thanks to God – and is able to stand up for herself, I practically shouted out loud I was so thrilled! I don’t want to give to much of it away, because you all really need to read this book for yourself, lol!!

About Alexa Verde      

Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She’d love it if you subscribed to her newsletter http://www.alexaverde.com/contact.html#newsletter (every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift). She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had twenty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her popular series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for interest in her books!
Alexa is being so incredibly generous as to offering this ebookfor FREE, but she also giving away a $5.00 Amazon gift card!! Please comment on this post and tell us what you love most about a mullti author series to enter!
This contest will run through 6pm EST 05/25/2020 and winner will be notified via email!

my point of view of Whatever Happens Next by Jaycee Weaver

May 14, 2020 in my point of view

She needs to stay. He has orders to go. They’ll have to trust God with whatever happens next.

Growing up in nowhere Oklahoma gave US Air Force vehicle maintainer TSgt Dyson what his momma calls itchy feet. His wanderlust has kept him from romantic entanglements for years, until the day an over-dramatic, strawberry-scented chatterbox slams into him and turns his world upside down.

Jenna Davis was a quintessential good girl, deeply rooted in her family and faith until one mistake three years ago changed everything. Unable to admit her failure, she goes through the motions watching everyone else live their dreams. But it’s hard to find her purpose when opening up to anyone—even God—feels impossible. Then she meets Dyson, who personifies the strong, silent type.

Dyson gets her to open up and begin dreaming again, rebuilding the trust she’s lost in men and especially in herself. But Dyson has something important to tell Jenna, and he knows it’ll be the end of everything they’ve built. After all, how can he ask her to leave everything and everyone behind when he can never stay?

The Everyday Love Series is a contemporary romance series set in Albuquerque, featuring ordinary people in lifelike stories that inspire, uplift, and share hope. Stories in which a very real God shows Himself in everyday ways to carry His people through any circumstance.

my point of view:

I have loved every one of these stories in this series, and this finale pulls it all together in such a special way! Jenna stole my heart in the previous books, and I knew there would have to be a special story just for her, thank goodness Jaycee gave us one! 

I connected so well to Jenna, as I often felt when I was younger that I, too, put on a brave face for my friends and family. It’s so hard when you feel like you have failed – even if no one else knows of the failure – you must present one face to the world while suffering in silence. Dyson, for me, was her perfect match….well, except for the fact that he is in the military and will be shipped all over the world at any given time…sigh. Not so easy for a homebody girl who wants nothing more than to be close to her family ties, right?

I admit, I had no clue how Jaycee was going to pull this off, and give Jenna her happily ever after, but she managed to surprise me indeed, and I loved every moment of it! Now while this is a series of books, you can read it as a stand alone, but I promise you, the other stories are just as wonderful and you do not want to miss out on any of them!

About Jaycee Weaver     

Jaycee Weaver lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her amazing husband, three daughters, a crazy shih-tzu, and a dwarf rabbit. When she’s not writing, she’s probably in hot pursuit of her 90 million other hobbies or shuttling the kids around. Jaycee loves to read books in multiple genres, drink too much coffee (honestly, when are they going to make the coffee IV a real thing?!), sing, take landscape and floral photos, sew, cook, bake, and craft nearly anything. She considers herself a recovering perfectionist and sometimes hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action, being open, honest, and real; letting God be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
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Second Chance at Love by Alexa Verde

May 11, 2020 in sump'n speshul

Get ALL three stories for JUST 99 cents!

Three fun, feel-good, uplifting romances where childhood or teen sweethearts encounter each other and second chances when they least expect it! Be prepared to be swept up by these heartfelt stories into the world where past wounds can heal, humor is abound, and love is found again. This set includes a reunion romance, a single dad and best friends romance (previously published), as well as a never published before fairy-tale retelling.

SEASON OF JOY. A successful travel reporter returns home for the holidays, and sparks fly between her and her first crush, now a single father. When his youngest son writes a letter to God asking for a Mom for Christmas, she agrees to help him find the right woman. But can this reunion be a second chance for these best friends?

HOLD ME. Can she win the heart she shattered?
Divorcee Aileen McKenzie only wants to have a fresh start in her hometown with her son and their pets and to see her fledgling pastry store thrive. When she nearly drowns in a flood and her house and store are damaged, her first love-and the man she’d left over two decades ago-Roman Vela comes to the rescue. Old feelings resurface.
Over the next days, Aileen and Roman grow close until she might have to leave town-and Roman-again. Will a once-shy, risk-averse girl choose a safe life with guaranteed income or risk it all for love?

NOT YOUR CINDERELLA TYPE. Run away or claim her prince… what will she choose?
Once heartbroken and abandoned, Allie Reyes watches her former childhood sweetheart and the head of the corporation, Rodrigo Garza, from the shadows of cleaning the offices. Blackmailed to go to a masked ball, she meets him incognito and has the best evening of her life… until she leaves in haste. When she is later accused of a theft she didn’t commit, will she have the courage to stay and claim the love she didn’t hope for?

I adored all these stories, and the bonus is a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella – beautifully done by Alexa! Honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything Alexa has written, but the chance to get three entire books for only 99 cents is a Sump’n Speshul indeed!!

About Alexa Verde           

Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She’d love it if you subscribed to her newsletter http://www.alexaverde.com/contact.html#newsletter (every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift). She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had twenty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her popular series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for interest in her books!
Alexa is being so incredibly generous as to offering this ebookfor FREE, but she also giving away a $5.00 Amazon gift card!! Please comment on this post and tell us what your favorite fairy tale is to enter!
This contest will run through 6pm EST 05/25/2020 and winner will be notified via email!

my point of view of Atoning for Ashes by Kaitlin Covel with a print giveaway!!

May 7, 2020 in my point of view

Kaitlin Covel has so generously offered an autographed, paperback copy of this story one of readers! See below to enter!

Atoning for Ashes: A Novel by Kaitlin Covel

Josie Chadwick dreams of marrying for love in Cornwall, England, but with her father’s debt threatening to destroy all she holds dear, her romantic options are dwindling. When her elder sister Delia is disowned, Josie finds herself heiress of Chadwick Park, torn between dreams and duty. After sacrificing her heart to atone for Delia’s sin, Josie clings to the hope she will learn to love a distant husband, whom she fears is incapable of requiting her affection.

Charles Radcliffe’s heart has been scarred and hardened by rejection. He fears hurting his new bride, but his fears of betrayal and rejection are stronger, making it impossible for him to trust her love―let alone the love of her God.

As Josie and Charles face their new life together, ominous events warn of dark family secrets that could shatter them both. More than a loveless marriage is at stake if they cannot stand as one. Will they learn to trust God and each other before it’s too late?

my point of view:

What a wild ride this story will take you on! I am always down for a fun romance, a historical timeline and a suspenseful mystery – but to get all three in one amazing novel is such a treat! This story starts off as being a story of obligation by a young woman who feels like her entire family’s survival depends upon her. This is a huge burden for one young girl to carry, but Josie feels like she is up for the task. Willing to sacrifice any dreams she may have of a future in order to secure her father and sister’s fate, Josie manages to get herself married in order to save their family’s home.

She always dreamed of marrying for love, and she is not ready to give up on that chance with her husband. They must go through some very serious personal journeys – and many twists and turns – and the surprises just kept coming! The adventure gets quite scary, and some may even say “dark” but I wouldn’t take it that far…I mean, we all go through difficult times in our lives, and I, for one, enjoy reading how others can face the struggles and come out on the other side! What I truly loved most about this story is the faith element, even when the characters faith gets tested to the very limits, they still manage to come back stronger in their beliefs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great faith based historical romance – with a good dose of suspense thrown in!

About Kaitlin Covel          

Kaitlin Covel has a thirst for adventure much like the heroines of her stories and resides in her beloved state of Maine. She is an old-fashioned romantic, and if she could time travel to any historical period, it would be the Regency Era. Kaitlin is a certified Nutritional Therapist Technician, but writing is her passion. 

To win your own autograped paperback copy of this amazing story, simply comment below and tell us what your favorite time period for historical novels is! Winner will be notified via email.

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my point of view of When The River Runs Dry by R. Marshall Wright

May 1, 2020 in my point of view

We return to the strange little town of Glencoe with another story of redemption, grace, and second chances. God’s grace flowed forth like a raging river. Lives were touched, and families were changed, and one man was at the center of it all. Did the grace of God suddenly stop flowing when tragedy struck Glencoe? And what do Reagan Lamb, Kyle Shaw, Marisa Fields, and Jenny Wade have in common? All of their lives had been devastated in some way. Each of them watched their dream of living happily ever after disappear into the mess of their lives. Although feeling alone and abandoned, God was still at work in their lives, intertwining their lives to the lives of other Glencoe residents we’ve already met. As one chapter of their lives ends, a new one begins if they are open to God’s leading. God shows each one of them that He’s still writing their stories.

my point of view:

I admit I was quite impatient waiting on this sequel to Grace Like a River Flows – an amazing book you really should read!  (You can visit mpov on that story here:)

http://fictionfulloffaith.com/my-point-of-view-grace-like-a-river-flows-by-r-marshall-right/

I was so impressed with the deep faith and story telling by this author that I was wanting more almost immediately! Thankfully, he has provided us with this amazing follow up story that will take your breath away. Not only do we get to return to Glencoe and revisit these amazing people, but we see how even the most faithful of God’s kingdom suffers from life’s struggles. This story will break your heart, have you crying and grieving with the characters, and cheering them on while shouting for joy at God’s faithfulness to each of His children.

All of the characters have their own journey of faith, but they all come together when one of their own is hurting. The way they lift one another up is truly beautiful.The author shows us how God can reveal Himself to us in the smallest and most powerful of ways….and brace yourself from falling in love with Beasley, he is a true treasure!

This writer truly takes you on an emotional journey, and his style of writing is – as he likes to say – truly ‘story telling’. I have had the pleasure of reading all of his novels, and am blessed to be able to help launch this newest novel’s release! I am thrilled to bring you all this amazing book and hope you will take a ‘chance’ on a new to you author!

About R. Marshall Wright      

Richard Marshall Wright writes under the pen name of R. Marshall Wright. He graduated from the University of Maine in Orono, Maine in 1969 and Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey in 1972. He is a retired evangelical pastor, and a retired U.S. Army Chaplain with 23 years Active and Reserve service to our country.

He has been married to his wife, Lynn, for fifty years. They are blessed to be able to spend summers on a lake in Michigan and winters in Sebring, Florida. They have two children and five grandchildren. Marnie is married to Arick and is the eldest and has been a stay at home mom rearing three active boys…Luke, Levi, and Loden. She holds a Masters degree from Northwestern in communications and is a writer. Trevor is married to Lori and is a successful pastor in Findlay, Ohio. And he too writes. His two are Emma, who is the oldest grandchild, only girl, and her brother Cole. They are extremely proud of everyone in the family.

Coffee with Valerie Comer today!

April 27, 2020 in coffee with paula marie

PM: Thank you so much for joining me a second time here on the blog, Valerie, and allowing me to ‘pick your brain’ for another Coffee with Paula chat! You are without a doubt one of my most favorite authors – and a dear friend now as well!

VC: I’m delighted to be back! And now that we have met in real life, we really are friends. Although online friends are real friends, too, of course. It’s just different. Never mind. I think I might be talking myself into a corner here…

PM: I completely understand, i felt close to you even before we met in person – that was a blessing and a bonus, and I treasure it!

I just adore reading your books, I fell in love with my very first one – Raspberries and Vinegar – and just knew when I came to the end of Jo and Zach’s story that I had to find more books by you! I have read everything you have written and feel as if I came to know you through your writing. Do you feel as if you “leave” a part of yourself in every novel?

VC; I’m sure that’s true to a certain degree. Even the characters that are as different from me as possible still have something that I can identify with. It might be a hobby, maybe, or a relative like one of mine! Either way, I know my (strange) sense of humor and my worldview shine through regardless.

PM: I believe we have become friends over the years of knowing each other, and you continually surprise me in every book you write. You have told me that you your writing style is giving it over to God and letting him lead you, which is one more thing I love about you! I know you have told me that the characters have actually surprised you with their stories, can you elaborate on that a little so your readers can better comprehend?

VC: Writers tend to classify themselves as either plotters or pantsers. Plotters think through a story and have a good understanding of the high and low points of the story before writing it. Pantsers don’t. We write “by the seat of our pants,” which is just as messy as it sounds!

I do quite a lot of setting and character work before starting a story and have a general idea of the themes, since these often come from the title. But the details of the plot come to me as I write, and I’m very aware of the lack of road signs ahead. It’s vital I remember God knows the story, knows what the readers will need, etc, and I just need to be faithful to show up and put my hands on the keyboard.

This means I don’t always know what makes my characters tick. What childhood trauma may come back to haunt them, or that sort of thing. I usually don’t know what the black moment will be about until I get close to writing it. (The black moment is that part of the story toward the end when everything seems lost.)

I hate to give specific examples because they contain spoilers, but I’ll say I had one character who owned a health food store. Through the course of the story, amid the black moment with the heroine, he decided to sell the business. At first, I thought he would only think about it but something would come up to deter him.

When I realized the sale would, in fact, go through, I spent a couple of hours pacing my office railing at him. While it seemed inevitable and necessary, it surprised me, and I didn’t know where the story went from there! Since then, I’ve come to realize that if I don’t see it coming, probably the reader doesn’t, either. So maybe it’s a good thing.

PM: Your many novels have a running theme of locally sourced food…the “farm to table” movement, if you will. Can you tell us how you have become so passionate about this and why?

VC:  A little family history. Both my husband’s parents and mine were self-sufficient farmers. Both of us were raised with gardens and home-canned fruit and meals from scratch and bread fresh from the oven. Our parents didn’t have money for eating out or fancy ingredients. We didn’t, either, as newlyweds or young parents. In fact, cash wedding gifts bought us our first deep freezer! We grew a garden from the very first summer – I think we have missed twice in 40 years. So, at first, our lifestyle was a combination of necessity and what we knew.

But as time went on, we began to realize we ate much better than many folks who had a bigger budget. It became a bit of a crusade to source the freshest ingredients! In the early 2000s, we became involved in a local food coalition, and I sat on the board for two years. Around that time, our son and his wife graduated from university, and our daughter-in-law was hired as the manager of our local farmers market. I was astonished to discover that their friends were jealous they were moving out of the city to live on a farm and grow their own food!

That’s about when I began writing. They say to write what you know, and with my newfound knowledge that urban twenty-somethings were eager to connect with their food sourcing, the Farm Fresh Romance series was born.

PM: In a lot of your stories the characters have a close relationship with Jesus, sometimes they have veered off the path a bit, but they always come back around. How hard is it for you to write a character that has not had any sort of Christian background? Do you struggle with the character’s journey just as they do?

VC: Since I can’t control the story’s plot… sigh… I do my best to make sure the characters are unique so that each story will have an arc I haven’t written before. So I really try to mix up their backgrounds and their faith experience. I just think it is more realistic to have characters who struggle with faith or, in some cases, haven’t been exposed to it much before, rather than write only believers.

Is it hard to write? I do my best to get inside my characters’ heads. Their education, their family, their personality, their belief system, everything. So I wouldn’t say the faith journey is harder to write, specifically.

And yet, the outcome of that journey is a deal-breaker in Christian fiction. I can’t, in good conscience, write a cheerful happily-ever-after without the couple both confessing their faith and desiring to follow God’s will. So that additional story arc needs to come to an unforced conclusion before the final chapter or two.

PM: The ever powerful community in your books is another running theme – something I truly wish I had in real life – is this something you have in your everyday life, or do you write it from a position of longing for that type of environment?

VC: You’re going to hate me. It is not something I have in my daily life, and it’s not something I would enjoy. I’m an introvert through and through, and having so many people in my business would drive me crazy!

I can see the appeal of living in community. I can see why my readers are drawn to it. Sometimes I think it would be cool, and then I remember who I am and that I need far more solitude than that.

PM: Hahaha – I could never ‘hate’ you! Most everyone knows about your health scare in 2017, I am pleased you are recovering so well, can you tell our readers what changes you have been through since then?

VC: Sure. For those who don’t know, I had a near-fatal heart attack in October, 2017. I’d been having undiagnosed health issues for two and a half years at that point, and my energy levels were way down. I was writing (that doesn’t take too much physical stamina!) but I’d drawn a lot into myself just to survive.

After the heart attack, it took a few months to begin feeling like a normal human being again. By then, I’d been out of the loop for nearly three years, and it was hard to relearn how to market books with all the changes on Amazon and other retailers.

But I’ve also really worked hard on work-life balance. I tend to be a workaholic, which isn’t healthy. But more importantly, my family and my church need my full attention at times, too. I can’t run on business fumes alone.

PM: Your family is so important to you, and I love the closeness you have with your children and grandchildren. Working with your son and daughter-in-law daily on the farm must be challenging, just as working long distance with your daughter, who happens to be your cover artist. How are you able to balance the working relationship and the personal parent / child dynamics without issues?

VC: Yes, our son and his wife have lived on our forty-acre farm for the past eight years. It has been far more of a delight than a challenge to have them next door and to see our seven-year-old granddaughter nearly every day. They have gone through phases of raising pigs and chickens – we just let them have at it when they want to!

Due to a variety of circumstances, our farmland is leased out to a neighbor at the moment, so there are few conflicts. Everyone has day jobs off the farm except me – my day job is at home! Of course, right now with the pandemic, things have changed in our family dynamics, and I’m thankful my DIL offered to be my personal shopper. A couple of weeks ago I taught her how to make sourdough bread via Facetime. We have a good relationship.

Right now it seems forever since I’ve seen our daughter’s family, but in reality it was early March. They live a couple of hours away, so it’s not unusual to go a few weeks. I definitely miss grandgirl hugs! But they will happen again.

My daughter has done all my covers except the cowboy series. We have a good relationship, too. I enjoy having unique covers with her illustrations, and it’s impossible to know whether (ultimately) they’ve helped or hindered sales. Some readers comment they love them, while others say they look like kids’ books. We talk shop about sales and conversions and trends, and I know my daughter wants my books to sell well whether she has a hand in them or not. I think it works out.

PM: What would be the one (main) thing you would like for your readers to take away after reading one of your novels?

VC: The main thing? I hope and pray each reader finds something that speaks to her deep in her heart, whether it’s a major revelation or a little nugget that resonates.

PM: I always find something in your stories, and they stay with me forever!  Here’s a tough one – if you weren’t a writer, what would you see yourself doing day in and day out?

VC: If I could talk to Past Valerie, the high school graduate, I’d encourage her to become an architect specializing in alternative construction like straw-bale houses. But, you know, I met my husband in high school and we married three years later. Then we lived in a small town, far from a university, so higher education didn’t happen. I can’t bring myself to be too sad about that. I like my life.

So… I don’t have an answer!

PM: I adore the unusual homes you create in story land, especially in the Farm Fresh Romance series!  I have so enjoyed getting recipes and food tips in your novels – to this day I drink my Sunday coffee with honey and mocha, mmm, yes! I also know you have some amazing recipes on your website – have you ever entertained the thought of writing a cookbook? I’d be your first buyer, just so you know, lol!

VC: I’ve thought of writing a cookbook. I’ve also thought of half a dozen other ideas for related nonfiction. But then, every time I finish writing a novel, I start writing the next one, so I’ve come to accept that I’m a novelist. Maybe someday a nonfiction project will demand to be the next thing on my list, but so far, they’ve been easy to brush aside.

PM: I love how you have different series in your writing – but what some people may not realize is your characters will pop up in other series, cross-over style, if that sounds right. I, for one, get so tickled when I come across them – it’s like finding a hidden treasure! What I am curious about is how in the world you keep them all straight?

VC: I only hope I actually do keep them straight! But the real answer is, I have one spreadsheet to rule them all. I have a timeline that is color-coded by series with the major events marked on them, both the months that each story covers, but also all relevant births, marriages, and deaths, as well as other major events that might be significant to other books or other series.

That’s the ‘when.’ The ‘where’ and ‘who’ I just keep in my head. It’s a strange place in there. So far it’s worked out. 😀

PM: I work with spreadsheets daily, i can only imagine what your’s must look like, lol! Thanks again for joining me today, Valerie, it means a lot to me! How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?

VC: Thank YOU! The best place is my newsletter, which generally releases twice a month. The next best place is Inspy Romance, where I blog monthly. The third best place is at my own website, which is actually the best place for finding all my books, all my series, all my links.

I am terrible at social media. I was better at it before the heart attack, but I’ve never quite gotten as involved as I was before. I don’t know why.

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

VC: Coffee with cream and a non-glycemic sweetener! I’ve been completely off sugar since not long after the heart attack. My current favorite sweetener is a monkfruit-erythritol blend such as the one made by Lakanto. Try it! Tastes like sugar with none of the harmful, addictive stuff.

Erm. You didn’t invite me here to proselytize my sugar-free life!

PM: I love how you share your sugar free life, and maybe it will help others as well, thank you!

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my point of view for All My Goodbyes

April 16, 2020 in my point of view

my point of view for All My Goodbyes By Jan Cline

Spring, 1941: Europe’s troubles were far away and not of concern to Martha Watkins. The United States was neutral, and the last war had claimed enough American lives. If war did come, Martha declared, she would never settle down with a soldier. “I’m not interested in anyone enlisting to go off to war.”Clarissa Wilding paled at the thought. “James will be of age soon. Knowing him, he would enlist, just so he could fly a plane.”Then came the day that would live in infamy, and the call to duty threatens to tear all their hopes of happiness apart.

my point of view:

I am thrilled to bring you this amazing historical story by Jan Cline. While I will be the first to admit, WWII is not among my favorite genre’s for historical fiction – this one certainly touched my heart. This is a time period that my grandparents spoke of very little, the tragic happenings in my own family were too much to talk about in everyday life, so I truly did not have much of a background to rely on other than history books. This story made the time and people come to life for me. The struggles that every American when through were many, from the young to the old, and being taken on this very personal journey by Jan will stay with me forever.

Martha is a character that knows her own mind and does not want to be forced out of her own opinions, but the times are “a changing” and she learns the difficult lesson that sometimes she just needs to follow her heart as God leads the way. Clark is an extremely engaging hero, he stole my heart the moment he fainted…lol…you will have to read the story to get the full understanding! Seeing the Wilding family again from the first two stories in the series is wonderful, and Jimmy has grown into quite the young man. You will certainly enjoy his pivotal role in this book! Getting a small glimpse in the struggles of the Japanese Americans at his time period in history is riveting as well.

I promise you will not be disappointed in this amazing look into the American history of World War II. I sincerely encourage you to read for yourselves, and if you want to see about the previous two books, well, i have reviewed them previously on this blog as well, take a look here: 

my point of view: Heaven’s Sky and The Pruning by Jan Cline PLUS a ~*Giveaway*~

About Jan Cline      

I’m an author and speaker from Post Falls, Idaho, eager to share some American history with you.

I write Historical fiction from events in American History and the lives of those who lived in our nation’s past. My debut novel is Emancipated Heart, a story about a family living in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. My passion for history started when, as a kid, my father would stop at every roadside historical marker and every small town museum as we traveled on vacations. And my love of writing makes a good combination for great stories.

My latest publications is the American Dreams series set in the Great Depression era through WWII. Follow the Wildings and their friends and family as they maneuver through the trials of American’s difficult periods.
Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter and/or blog to receive a FREE short story. www.jancline.net/subscribe/

 

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