my point of view: Fall Flip by Denise Weimer plus a ~*Giveaway*~
October 17, 2019 in my point of view
The tragic death of Shelby Dodson’s husband—her partner in a successful Home Network house flipping business—stole love, status, and career. Now a bungalow redesign thrusts Shelby into the company of a new contractor. Scott Matthews remembers high-and-mighty Shelby from high school, and her prissy, contemporary style goes against his down-to-earth grain. When the house reveals a mystery, will its dark secrets—and their own mistakes—cost them a second chance at love?
my point of view:
Okay, first of all I am going to admit it, I am a huge follower of home renovation shows…I absolutely love them. I truly do not watch a lot of television, but if I am not watching a football game, you can pretty much depend on either a cooking show or a home reno show being on my television, lol!
So when I had the chance to read this story, I jumped all in! I have to be honest, when I first started reading it I was trying to compare, or ‘picture’ my favorite reality TV reno stars in their place, but it did not last long, as the story’s characters truly shined in their own right. Which is a great thing, because I just fell in love with Scott Mathews, lol. All of the characters were well worth the read, and the writing style of Denise Weimer was right up my alley, so this makes it very easy for me to recommend this story.
The best part of the novel, for me, was seeing Shelby really come into her own. It is not easy leading a life that is shadowed by those around you, Shelby’s deceased husband was a ‘larger than life’ personality, and it seemed like Shelby was not only along for the ride, but had her own wishes and desires put on hold to fulfill her husbands.Watching her grow more confident day by day (page by page?) as she learned to trust herself and trust in God was truly wonderful. The same for Scott and his insecurities being addressed. It was fun to watch him learn a little about relationships and cooking, lol, from an older generation!
This story also had a bonus sideline – a mystery to follow and solve! I enjoyed how Shelby became determined to piece together the unsolved case of the former owners of the home they renovating….had me a little frightened sometimes about the outcome, but the resolution was quite surprising for me!
About Denise Weimer: 
Represented by Hartline Literary Agency, Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. She’s a managing editor for Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Historical Fiction imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and the author of The Georgia Gold Series, The Restoration Trilogy, and a number of novellas, including Across Three Autumns of Barbour’s Colonial Backcountry Brides Collection. A wife and mother of two daughters, she always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses! Connect with Denise here:
I am so excited that one of will get the chance to win an ebook version of this great story! Thank you to Denise Weimer for being so generous! Please comment on this post and tell us what your favorite type of home design is – modern, contemporary, traditional, etc. The contest will run for one week after the post and winner will be notified via email!
PM: What was your most beloved book to read as a child?
SS: Oh, wow…thats hard. I think I was born with a library card in my hand. I read Tom Sawyer multiple times, Harriet The Spy, and by seventh grade I’d discovered Victoria Holt. I read most everything she wrote.
PM: I have loved every one of the books I have read by you – and while I can’t claim to have read every one, I have read many! One of the the common things I enjoy most is the intense friendships among the women. Do you draw from your own close friends to apply to your writing?
SS: I do. I’ve attended the same church since I was 14. A lot of the women there have been friends almost that long. That’s been Fift–hand over mouth, stifling the rest of the answer–years! These women have taught me the meaning of “forever family”.
PM: That is absolutely lovely! I love hearing that. What is one thing about you that your readers would be shocked to know?
SS: I’m a die hard Star Trek fan. I have uniforms in my closet.
PM: If you could have dinner with anyone from history, other than Jesus, who would it be, and why?
SS: There are a lot of people I’d have dinner with, but few of them have been born yet (Star Trek—remember) I’d have to go forward in time. I’d have dinner with Spock of Vulcan.
PM: That is too funny! If you couldn’t be a writer, what career path do you think you’d choose to be on?
SS: Well, I just retired from federal employment. (32 years of service) so I’m past dreaming of another career. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a nurse, an airline hostess, or an astronaut. Not really in that order.
PM: Do you create your characters with all their personalities in place, or do they evolve as you are writing the story?
SS: They evolve. When I wrote the first book, I just knew it was going to be about 4 friends. I developed their personalities and jobs as the story had need of. I needed someone fairly good with computers…Pam became that person. I needed a day care worker…So Terri owns the day care.
PM: Tell us what you enjoy doing the most when you are not writing or reading?
SS: I love to travel. I love DOING things instead of just watching them done. I don’t want to be the person who experiences God’s creation through a screen.
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?
SS: I write contemporary so I don’t have to research. LOL Really…There are bits and pieces of me in all of the main characters. I try to give them all interesting jobs, but the job isn’t the story. I do just enough research to be able to write a couple of work scenes for each of my women without making a total mess of it.
PM: Who was your greatest influence when you decided to become an author?
SS: Not who…what. OCFW the Oklahoma chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers was a godsend. They too a newbie wanna be and molded a writer.
PM: What is your most favorite thing about living in Oklahoma?
SS: Probably my husband. The beach is my happy place. I’d retire to a little house on the water if he’d go with me, but my husband is Oklahoma grounded so I guess I’m staying right here.
PM: That is so sweet….maybe someday you can create a man-made lake and have the best of both worlds, lol! How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
SS: The best thing they can do is sign up to receive my newsletter. They can find the link on the first page of my website: sharonsrock.com
I promise not to flood their inbox. I send a newsletter once a month, twice if I have something important to share.
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
SS: Cold: raspberry tea.
Hot: coffee with lots of creamer and sweetener.
I generally drink equal amounts of both through the day.
Sharon Currently has two books FREE on Amazon, I have read both and absolutely loved them! You need to check these out and fall in love with her writing as much as I have! Just click on the covers and it will take you right there!
She can’t escape the mistakes of her past…
Callie Stillman has done everything she can to bury the memories of a tiny, baby-sized coffin. She lives life one day at a time, basking in the love of a good man and doting on her grandchildren. Until she crosses paths with a little girl who is obviously in trouble—but tries to hide it.
They can’t trust anyone…
Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned, betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.
He’s praying for a miracle…
Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching for the family he abandoned ten years ago…
When Callie can no longer ignore the signs that Iris needs help, her interference sends four people on a collision course that will force her to face the past she’d rather forget.
After separating herself from the oppressive cult where she was raised, Mackenzie Soeurs has two dreams: to give her son Riley a better life than she had, and to live in peace, as far from the harsh God of her past as she can get. At least that was the plan until her son got hauled to jail for theft and she lost the mother she never truly understood. In the darkest moments of her life, Mac finds herself surrounded by a group of Christian women she can’t understand and a handsome man, willing to take her son under his wing.
Dane Cooper, Garfield’s former bad boy and groom left at the altar, can’t deny his initial attraction to Mackenzie. Neither can he resist the urge from God to mentor her delinquent son. How can he guard his battered heart and still give Riley the same second chance he was given?
When Jesse, Charley, Randy, and Alex signed up for Mac’s first fitness class, they were looking for someone to whip them into physical shape. What they found was a woman bound by a cruel history, suffering through a tragic present, and in desperate need of a friend…or four.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to this new release!!
Responsibility—that one word sums up Wade Spencer’s existence since his father’s death. Thrust into the role of head of the family, he’s keeping the farm running and his younger siblings in line. When a life-threatening illness attacks his momma, he readily steps in to support her. Sure would be nice to have someone by his side to help carry the load, but all that responsibility hasn’t left much time for dating. Or maybe it’s just his reserved nature holding him back.
Dani Connor had gotten everything she ever dreamed of as a child. Married her high school sweetheart, had a sweet little girl she could shower with all the love she’d been denied by her own parents, and built a life far away from the farm. When those dreams come crashing down, she realizes that back at home on the farm is where she should have stayed.
It doesn’t take long after Dani’s return to Shiloh for Wade to realize she’s the one God has in mind, but Dani will have to get over past hurts and take another chance if she wants Wade to be part of her new dreams.
About Andrea Boyd
my point of view: Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley PLUS a PRINT ~*Giveaway*~
in my point of view
Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. A victim of sex trafficking, she’s been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can’t even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she escaped her captors and is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn’t bring herself to report to police for fear of reliving her captivity is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.
When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has before it’s too late. When that proves to be not enough, she’ll have to go after the perpetrators herself.
Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps the suspense taut and the stakes high in this fast-paced story that will have readers turning pages long into the night.
my point of view:
I am doing it again, folks – bringing you a ‘new to me’ author today! This book had me hooked from the first page, and what a thriller! I was so caught up in the story, that I think I may have skipped a meal or two (which is really okay for me, lol) and may have been late going to bed a night or two as well, lol! I will be honest with you, I try not to read too much news (totally depressing most of the time, right?) and so I was completely blown away about how prevalent human trafficking is, so sad!
Carly’s tenacity is amazing, she fights so hard to lead a ‘normal’ life and help young girls in trouble – just don’t ask her to help a girl who has been through what she has. It’s amazing how we can delude ourselves sometimes, and it takes so much courage to actually admit God is in control. Once we do, though, the world has a whole new meaning! I love a story that has a journey for the characters – especially a journey to find a relationship with God. This part of the story would have kept me entertained by itself….now let’s toss in the intrigue, oh my!
The suspense of this novel truly had me guessing at who the bad guys were from the get go, and I changed my mind at least half a dozen times before I was finished! There were times I was literally holding my breath and wanted to shout at the characters, like I do at the TV during a football game – “No, don’t go there….or turn around, look behind you”! You are probably laughing at me now, but it’s true, lol! It truly had my heart pumping! I am so glad I had the opportunity read this amazing book, and now I want to share this recommendation with all of you!
About Patricia Bradley 
Winner of an Inspirational Readers Choice Award, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi and is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum.
But her heart is tuned to suspense. Patricia’s romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series set in Mississippi and two sweet romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, Matthew’s Choice and The Christmas Campaign that are available on Amazon.
The first Memphis Cold Case book, Justice Delayed, released February 2017, and Justice Buried, the 2nd in the cold case books releases September 2017.
A Heartwarming Christmas, an anthology written with eleven Heartwarming authors debuted at #81 on USA Today’s Top 150 Titles. The Gingerbread Pony is her contribution to the anthology. October 3, 2017, Revenge releases in the anthology, The Kill Zone: Ten Deadly Thrillers. In Revenge, Andi Hollister and Will Kincade’s story from Justice Delayed continues…
Her workshops on writing include two online courses with American Christian Fiction Writers and workshops at the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference in Collierville, TN. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I am so excited that Patricia Bradley is offering a PRINT copy to one of our US Readers!! Simply comment on this post and let us know whose photo you’d place in a locket you would wear daily? Contest is open for one week from published post to all US readers, if winner is international you will receive an ebook! Winner will be notified via email!
Our wonderful reader, Trudy sent me these photo’s of her mom’s picture jewelry to share with all of you!
PM: In your humble opinion, what do you think is missing in Christian Fiction today, or at least what would you like to see more of in Christian Fiction?
SM: I’d like to see Christian Fiction continue to expand into different molds, so to speak. I think we are seeing that more lately, with stories that break outside of what was once a somewhat formulaic and predictable story structure. There have been some crossover genres, speculative, and hard-issue books come out in recent years and I think that’s great. I would also like to see character diversity continue to grow.
PM: If you couldn’t be a writer, what career path do you think you’d choose to be on?
SM: I have a degree in Animal Science. I once wanted to be a veterinarian, and then chose to be a horse trainer. I enjoyed both, but my true passion bloomed with writing. If I didn’t write, however, I think the coolest job in the world would be an international food critic. I would love to travel around trying different foods.
PM: I love your details in the historical novels, how much research do you think you have to put into a single book, in terms of hours, just for those details?
SM: Wow. I’m not sure. A lot. I spend a couple of weeks in deep research for the general time period, then I narrow down specific elements I’ll need for the story. Even after all of that, I am constantly pausing in a draft to look things up. All in all, I would say that each book probably takes at least 50+ hours of research.
PM: What was your favorite subject in school?
SM: History. Are you surprised?
PM: What was your most beloved book to read as a child?
SM: That’s super hard. I was the girl who went to the library, came home with a paper grocery bag full of books, and then took all those back for new ones the next week. I do remember as a child loving Gilbert Morris books. I read every one of the House of Winslow series.
PM: If you could have dinner with anyone from history (other than Jesus), who would it be, and why?
SM: Well, since you took away the best answer… ha! I would like to have a chat with Mrs. Lincoln. I’ve written several Civil War stories, and I’d really like to know the real couple behind what the history books teach.
PM: I am sure you get asked this all the time, but people want to know – what inspires your writing and characters?
SM: It comes from different places. The Whistle Walk was inspired by Cedarwyck and the writing I saw on the walls in the rooms above the kitchen. In His Eyes came from some very vivid dreams I had. The story for The Heart of Home is based on an article I’d read about a soldier who asked to die on a family’s front porch. The characters themselves are often based on people or events I read about during my research. Evelyn from Eternity Between Us is inspired by Civil War spy Belle Boyd. There are so many great stories from the past and I love being able to weave them into my own tales.
PM: What was the last movie you went to see/favorite movie/favorite song?
SM: The last movie I went to see was Toy Story 4. My favorite movie of all time is The Princess Bride.
PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
SM: The best way to get the inside scoop is to join my newsletter. Every month I have behind the scenes information, talk about what’s happening in my world, and have monthly giveaways. Newsletter subscribers are also the first to see new covers and get updates on new books. You can join on my website www.StepheniaMcGee.com and as my thank you for being a part of the fun, I’ll send you a free book.
I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepheniaHMcGee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StepheniaHMcGee
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepheniahmcgee/
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
SM: Both. Coffee with vanilla creamer, and iced tea with plenty of sugar.
About Stephenia H McGee
Now, for a HUGE giveaway:
One winner will receive the Blog tour giveaway(US mailing address only): Signed paperback copies of The Whistle Walk and Heir of Hope (Ironwood Plantation Family Saga books one and two), Mississippi made cheese straws, handmade leather Jer. 28:11 bookmark, handcrafted specialty soaps, Southern Sisters mandarin orange pepper spread, and Thomas Jefferson quote “I cannot live without books” spiral earrings.
The first two stories in this series are available! I already purchased mine, you can get yours here:
Enslaved by culture, liberated by courage.
A Mississippi Plantation: Civil War pits countrymen against one another and tears a nation asunder. Life and death are held in the balance where everyone is a slave to something.
One is born free, yet lives as a soul in bondage…
Lydia Harper never intended to purchase a slave. But when she witnesses a woman being beaten in the street, all her pretenses begin to unravel. A bride to a man she barely knows and bound by her secrets, Lydia will risk everything to save a stranger. Amid the War Between the States, the mistress of Ironwood faces the battles in her own heart and discovers strength in a way she never imagined.
The other is born to serve, yet holds the spirit of freedom…
Ruth, standing on the threshold of desperation, has lost everything she holds dear. After being pulled from the dirt, she is no longer a field hand but the personal maid to the lady of Ironwood. Ruth soon realizes adversity pays no mind to the color of skin. When propriety slips, she discovers they have more in common than she dreamed possible. In a time when fear brings the South to its knees, two women will forge a friendship in the fires of redemption and thrust Ironwood into a new future – where the battle for freedom has merely begun.
You come to me in my dreams and we talk of things that cannot be explained in this life. How we have been brought together is a great mystery, but I wish to someday see you again….
Emily Burns grew up an orphan, so she never expected to inherit a southern plantation. When she discovers an old diary hidden in the attic, her life becomes strangely entwined with her Civil War ancestor and she soon begins to wonder how a woman long dead can keep showing up in her dreams.
Torn between her strange desire to honor Lydia’s wishes and practicality, Emily cannot decide if she will keep Ironwood. Yet the house calls to her like a melancholy siren, and Emily cannot resist its tune. Resolving to stay only for a little while, and telling herself her decision has nothing at all to do with the handsome handyman helping with restorations, Emily begins to unravel the history of Ironwood – A tale of love and loss, hope and redemption. When the story seeps into her heart, Emily finds that two women separated by centuries can share the unique bonds of family ties, and that both her past and her future reside in the soul of Ironwood.
my point of view: Missing Mercy by Stephenia McGee & HUGE Giveaway!
October 3, 2019 in my point of view
The venture ahead could leave their friendship behind.
Made a safe-haven after the Civil War, Ironwood Plantation is a refuge of equality for former slaves. But twenty years and a new generation later, they have become an isolated community with little contact with the rest of the world.
Mercy Carpenter is everything the world thinks she shouldn’t be. Educated and adventurous, she longs to make a life for herself beyond the beautiful prison of Ironwood. When she secretly submits an article to the Boston Globe under a man’s name and receives an enthusiastic response and an offer for employment, she’s determined to take advantage of the opportunity. But she isn’t prepared for a startling world that won’t accept her color or her gender, and her ambitions soon land her in grave danger.
The privileged daughter of a plantation owner and an aspiring suffragette, Faith Harper is determined not to marry. Especially not her father’s opportunistic new business partner. She doesn’t want any man telling her what to do, least of all the annoyingly chivalrous Nolan Watson. But when Mercy goes missing, Faith will do anything to find her best friend, even if it means trusting a man she doesn’t understand. In a time where prejudices try to define them, Mercy and Faith must push the boundaries of their beliefs and trust in the God who holds the keys to freedom.
my point of view:
This is a wonderful story full of friendship, intrigue, suspense and most of all forgiveness! Stephenia never fails to give a fantastic historical novel, and this was does not disappoint. Her research skills are outstanding, and her faith in God comes through in every page.
Two women – Faith and Mercy, are raised on the same plantation as the very best of friends, but race and segregation cause them to have vastly different outlooks at the world around them. The girls mothers are the closest of friends and try their best to provide a safe environment where there is no prejudice and everyone has equal rights. But is 1887, not 1987, and life just wasn’t that way in this time period.
Mercy has ‘stars in her eyes’ and has come to believe that all things are possible in the world of the “North”. They fought against slavery, after all, so, surely, they would be accepting of a colored female journalist, right? Sadly, Mercy makes the grave mistake in believing this to be true and embarks on adventure of a life-time – one that puts her in grave danger and leaves her bitterly disappointed in people – and God.
Faith, on the other hand, thinks that women must be treated equally, but has more objectivity and knows her friend is in for a serious awakening when she turns up missing from the plantation. Faith and her father take it upon their shoulders to tract Mercy down and bring her back home to the safety of Ironwood and the love of her family.
This journey becomes an eye-opening look at life for both of these young ladies as they learn to forgive and trust in the One God who will always steer them in the right direction. Along the way they learn just how dangerous the world can be. They also manage to find one another and true love in the end! I am blessed to have been able to read this amazing story!
About Stephenia H McGee
Now, for a HUGE giveaway:
One winner will receive the Blog tour giveaway(US mailing address only): Signed paperback copies of The Whistle Walk and Heir of Hope (Ironwood Plantation Family Saga books one and two), Mississippi made cheese straws, handmade leather Jer. 28:11 bookmark, handcrafted specialty soaps, Southern Sisters mandarin orange pepper spread, and Thomas Jefferson quote “I cannot live without books” spiral earrings.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER:
PLUS The first TWO stories in this series are on sale for Just 99 cents each! I already purchased mine, you can get yours here:
Enslaved by culture, liberated by courage.
A Mississippi Plantation: Civil War pits countrymen against one another and tears a nation asunder. Life and death are held in the balance where everyone is a slave to something.
One is born free, yet lives as a soul in bondage…
Lydia Harper never intended to purchase a slave. But when she witnesses a woman being beaten in the street, all her pretenses begin to unravel. A bride to a man she barely knows and bound by her secrets, Lydia will risk everything to save a stranger. Amid the War Between the States, the mistress of Ironwood faces the battles in her own heart and discovers strength in a way she never imagined.
The other is born to serve, yet holds the spirit of freedom…
Ruth, standing on the threshold of desperation, has lost everything she holds dear. After being pulled from the dirt, she is no longer a field hand but the personal maid to the lady of Ironwood. Ruth soon realizes adversity pays no mind to the color of skin. When propriety slips, she discovers they have more in common than she dreamed possible. In a time when fear brings the South to its knees, two women will forge a friendship in the fires of redemption and thrust Ironwood into a new future – where the battle for freedom has merely begun.
You come to me in my dreams and we talk of things that cannot be explained in this life. How we have been brought together is a great mystery, but I wish to someday see you again….
Emily Burns grew up an orphan, so she never expected to inherit a southern plantation. When she discovers an old diary hidden in the attic, her life becomes strangely entwined with her Civil War ancestor and she soon begins to wonder how a woman long dead can keep showing up in her dreams.
Torn between her strange desire to honor Lydia’s wishes and practicality, Emily cannot decide if she will keep Ironwood. Yet the house calls to her like a melancholy siren, and Emily cannot resist its tune. Resolving to stay only for a little while, and telling herself her decision has nothing at all to do with the handsome handyman helping with restorations, Emily begins to unravel the history of Ironwood – A tale of love and loss, hope and redemption. When the story seeps into her heart, Emily finds that two women separated by centuries can share the unique bonds of family ties, and that both her past and her future reside in the soul of Ironwood.
This collection of Christmas stories and fairy tale retellings was so much fun, I did not want them to end! I loved every single story by these amazing authors, a few of whom I have been fans of for a long time, and a couple of new to me authors!
If you are a fan of fairy tales, you will absolutely enjoy this collection, I highly recommend!
Embrace the magic of the Christmas season with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.
Upon a Dream — A rare sleeping disorder keeps Talia from performing, but when Philip recognizes her gift, he’ll do whatever it takes to see her onstage.
Claim My Heart — Li Na and Colin Wen face off in a Mulan-esque courtroom battle where the real win might be losing their hearts.
A Snow White Christmas — Sheltered heiress Amala White flees her conniving stepmother’s plans and finds refuge with a handsome orchard owner and his seven quirky uncles.
Christmas Ella — Reality TV meets Cinderella story when a location director is swept off her feet by a rising star.
A Splash of Love — Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in A Splash of Love, a modern twist on the Little Mermaid.
Multi Author Fairy Tale retellings all with a Christmas Theme! Who could ask for anything more??
Thank you so much for joining us today, Patricia! I appreciate you taking the time to chat with myself and our readers!
PM: What was the most unique inspiration you have had for one of your stories?
PB: Hmm…probably my first book. I’d put writing on hold for a few years as I worked in the abstinence program in our state, but one morning as I sat on my sofa reading my Bible a woman popped into my head. She told me someone was trying to kill her. I pumped my fist–God had given me my suspense stories back! You see, the whole eight years I worked in the abstinence program I hadn’t had one creative fiction thought. I’d been writing, but it hadn’t been fiction.
PM: If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
PB: I probably should say something that would bring world peace, but since I don’t know what that would be, I’ll go with what I’ve always wanted to do since first seeing Superman– I’d love to be able to fly!
PM: What is it you hope most to get across to your readers in your books?
PB: To never give up hope and that even when it doesn’t seem like it, God is with you.
PM: I am extremely shy and cannot speak in front of crowds, I see you do a lot of speaking engagements. Is this something that comes natural to you, or do you need to “work up the courage” to get in front of a group?
PB: I am an extrovert–never met a stranger. That doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous before I speak sometimes, but once you’ve stood in front of 30 seventh graders to talk about abstinence, you can talk to anyone about anything. lol
PM: What’s your favorite song?
PB: It would be hard to narrow it to just one…how about my favorite hymn–“In the Garden”– and one more–Say “You’ll Love Me” from the Phantom of the Opera.
PM: When researching information for your suspense novels, do you ever feel a little ‘creeped out’ about what you are looking up, lol?
PB: Absolutely! Especially when I research things like autopsies and how to blow up a car…and I’m not the only one creeped out–I got a strange look from a mechanic one Saturday morning when I showed up at his garage at 7:30 to ask how to loosen the bolts on the tie-rod on a car…
PM: Did you realize at a young age you wanted to be a writer?
PB: No. I was a reader first. It wasn’t until I was thirty-five that I got the writing bug.
PM: What is your favorite go to snack, midnight or any time?
PB: Cheetos!
PM: What was the last movie you went to see/favorite movie/favorite song?
PB: I’m not much of a movie-goer, preferring to read when I get the chance, but the last movie I went to was I Can Only Imagine. I loved it!
PM: Tell us your favorite part of living in the Deep South of Mississippi.
PB: The people. Mississippians are the friendliest and most caring people ever. That and knowing if I don’t like the weather I know it’ll change in a day or two. lol
PM: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
PB: That’s usually my prayer time, especially on trips. Or, I work on my story in my head–try to see it, Sort of like watching a movie.
PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
PB: Sign up for my newsletter! http://eepurl.com/bHjhWj Or visit my website, www.ptbradley.com. Every Tuesday I have a Mystery Question for my readers to solve and on Fridays, I review a book I’ve recently read.
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
PB: Coffee in the morning with Bailey’s Vanilla cream, Earl Grey in the afternoon with a dab of honey.
Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. I look forward to visiting with your readers!
About Patricia Bradley:
A 2018 Carol finalist and winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in Suspense, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi with her rescue kitty, Suzy and a new arrival, Tux. Her romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series and the Memphis Cold Case Novels. Justice Delivered released April 5, 2019, and she’s hard at work on Standoff, book one in the Natchez Trace Park Ranger’s series.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers online courses, workshops at the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen Retreat, and Memphis ACFW. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
A reformed party boy wants to make an honest woman out of his baby’s mother in this second chance romance.
Dixie Wayling thought she’d found love with her third child’s father until the guy found Jesus. Right. Like she wanted anything to do with killjoy religion, especially when Dan issues his ultimatum: get married… or one of them moves out. Wasn’t going to be her.
Dan Ranta can’t give up his newfound faith to keep Dixie, but after she leaves the kids to go drinking with friends, he turns the tables and boots her out of the house he’s paying rent on. She declares her own conditions: give up Jesus and she’ll take him back.
What will it take for Dixie to overcome her past and find a deep faith of her own? How can Dan stand strong? Sorrow has certainly come for the night, but will there truly be joy in the morning?
”This story has crawled inside me and given my heart wings.”
“…masterful storytelling and realism…”
“I will read this story again and again in the years to come because we all need the reminder we are never good enough for God’s mercy, that is why there is Jesus…”
DANCING AT DAYBREAK is the seventh story in the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series, an off-shoot of the original Farm Fresh Romances. If you love Christian contemporary romance series that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances — you’ve come to the right place!
my point of view:
I cannot state with mere words what this story has meant to me. I adore Valerie Comer’s books and have read every thing she has ever published. And, yes, I always say “this one” is the best so far, “that one” has touched me in a special way, or I loved “this hero or heroine”, etc.
But seriously, this story has crawled inside me and given my heart wings. The title is fitting in so many ways you cannot comprehend until you have read the entire story. The Bible references are awesome and are so centered into the story, it was as if the book was written just for them. One Bible verse is repeated in the story and has stayed with me for days now:
and everyone celebrated with overflowing joy.
For some it may be difficult to read a story with two pretty well flawed main characters….but hey, no one is perfect, and personally, I prefer a little reality in my fiction…lol! Dan has come to find Jesus in his own life, but by doing so it sheds a whole new light on his life with Dixie. While he cannot imagine her not being in his life, he is forced to look deep inside himself and learns to trust the God has His own ideas for what best in Dan’s life. Add in three children – two of whom are not even Dan’s biological kids – and that is a whole other can of worms. You grow to respect and appreciate Dan for turning his life around and trying to be the best dad he can for all three of these young children all while hoping and praying for Dixie’s salvation.
I will read this story again and again in the years to come because we all need the reminder we are never good enough for God’s mercy, that is why there is Jesus, and no matter where we have been or what we have done, He will always welcome us home with arms open wide while…everyone celebrated with overflowing joy. I wish I could write like Valerie Comer so that I could fully express how much you all need to read this story, lol!
About Valerie Comer
Please join me in welcoming Cathe Swanson in for coffee this morning!
PM: When do you find the time to write? Where is your favorite place to write?
CS: Theoretically, I can write any time I like, because I have a wonderful husband who supports me. I don’t work outside my home, and all my children are grown. But we have frequent houseguests and make trips to visit our family, and somehow time flies past too quickly, and I don’t get as much writing done as I ought.
I move around the house while I write on my laptop. In the morning, the sun comes in the family room, so I like to sit in there. I actually get most work done when I sit at the kitchen table, but I try to use the treadmill desk my husband rigged up for me. I walk very slowly, but it’s better than sitting all day.
PM: Which book would you tell a first-time reader of your to start with out of all your stories, and why?
CS: My first book is still my favorite – Snow Angels. It makes me laugh and cry.
PM: If you couldn’t be a writer, what career path do you think you’d choose to be on?
CS: I think I would be an occupational therapy assistant. That’s always interested me. Several years ago, I went to the local community college to see if I could get into the program, and the woman there let me know (kindly) that I was probably too old to start and finish it before retirement age. So, I made the hero of Baggage Claim a physical therapy assistant, in school to become a full-fledged therapist.
PM: What was the last movie you went to see/favorite movie/favorite song?
CS: I haven’t been to a movie in so long… I can’t think of a favorite one. I think my current favorite song is “Even If,” by Mercy Me, but I also love “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin. God has always revealed Himself to me through his created world.
PM: I see you live in Wisconsin – someplace I have always wanted to see since I read a book many years ago that took place in Door County! You list so many wonderful activities on the ‘about you’ page, which is your favorite out of the kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and fishing??
CS: I’d rather be kayaking than any of the others, but it’s something that requires warm weather and several hours. I have a birdfeeding station right outside my living room window, and I get a wide variety of birds there. This year, I saw my first-ever scarlet tanager!
PM: Tell us what you enjoy doing the most when you are not writing or reading?
CS: Sewing or quilting, probably. I only have a couple years left before my youngest granddaughter won’t want to wear the cute outfits, so I love to make things for her. I also enjoy gardening and papercrafting. And watching the Packers, of course. I DO live in Wisconsin, after all.
PM: What is one thing about you that your readers would be shocked to know?
CS: I haven’t been shocking in a long time, but they might be interested to know that I raised and homeschooled three sons and my favorite subject to teach was math. We all survived, and now all my grandchildren are homeschooled.
PM: What gave you your start in quilting? I have always admired this talent, but never attempted to try it myself, lol!
CS: I’ve been sewing clothing since I was seven years old, but I didn’t make my first quilt until I was pregnant with my second son. We lived in Germany at the time, and my fabric selection was limited, but I knew right away that quilting was something I would do for the rest of my life. It’s part of who I am, now. I’ve incorporated that part of my into my last two novels, designing quilts and drafting patterns to go with each book. Combining the two has been very satisfying.
PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
CS: Please sign up for my newsletter at www.catheswanson.com/newsletter. I mean to send one out monthly, but I get busy with other things, and lately it’s been every 2 or 3 months instead.
But you can find me online, and I love to connect with readers on social media.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatheSwanson
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/catheswanson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/CatheSwanson
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/catheswanson
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
CS: Coffee. Just coffee, uninterrupted.
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