my point of view for Christmas Love & Joy: Three Sweet, Clean Christian Romances Set in a Small Town by Alexa Verde & a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!!
October 31, 2019 in my point of view
Three faith-fulled, heartwarming romances to bring you Christmas Love & Joy!
SEASON OF LOVE. Feuding co-chefs have to put their differences aside before Christmas to give their siblings a great reception. A ruined wedding and failed business are not on the menu. But romance just might be…
SEASON OF MIRACLES. New beginning or new heartbreak? A shy nurse starts over in a small town after breaking up with a demanding celebrity. The last thing she wants is to fall for her patient’s grandson, a pro football player set on reaching sports glory.
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?
my point of view:
Tis the season….or it will be soon enough! I am so honored to bring you all a review on this amazing deal! These three books are so special and being centered around Christmas is just what I wanted right about now! Each book is its own stand alone story, and they all take place during the happiest time of the year.
Personally, I can read a great book with the Christmas theme any day, and these are certainly no exception. What I loved best is each book also has something else I enjoy: cooking, football and children….seriously, who could ask for anything more? I cannot give a favorite, you will have decide that on your own, lol. I honestly cannot recommend this set highly enough, and at this price it will make for awesome gifts for all your reading friends!
About Alexa Verde 
Alexa is doing a $5 Amazon gift card giveaway to one randomly chosen commenter to the post. Giveaway will be open for until November 13th to 6pm EST to readers with www.amazon.com account. So comment below and tell us why you love to read Christmas fiction to enter!
PM: Thank you so much for joining us today, Denise! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me!
DW: Thank you for having me!
PM: If you couldn’t be a writer, what career path do you think you’d choose to be on?
DW: Probably the one I almost chose rather than a degree in journalism with a history minor — preservation/restoration. My parents took me to historic sites across the Southeast as I was growing up. They expected me to be bored during long-winded tours, but I was listening intently and would start asking questions. I just love old houses and how they whisper the stories of the past. In fact, my Restoration Trilogy and my new contemporary release, Fall Flip, are romances centered around restoration projects.
PM: I have a love for old homes as well, I always enjoyed looking at them and wondering about the people that used to live there! If we were to open you your refrigerator right now, what would we find in it?
DW: LOL. Not a lot, because my college age daughter and my high school age daughter keep it cleaned out. Eggs, fresh fruit, two casseroles, lunch meat and cheese, and, um, a whole shelf of various flavors of coffee creamers.
PM: I see you write both historical and contemporary fiction – which genre do you prefer?
DW: I enjoy both for different reasons, but my roots are with the historicals. Especially since I’m also an editor for historical fiction and romance.
PM: What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite gender?
DW: That question makes me smile because I just taught a class at the North Georgia Christian Writers’ Conference on that very thing. I actually love writing from the male POV. The differences in the way a masculine hero and a feminine heroine think and communicate makes for great romantic tension.
PM: I completely agree with you on that! I love getting the different perspectives, too. If there was a news story about your life, what would the headline say?
DW: Construction Zone: Work in Progress
(me AND my stories)
PM: That is so well said! Do you ever get “too attached” to your characters? And if so, do you want to share which one?
DW: Too attached in terms of not wanting them to be edited, or too attached in that I want to have conversations with them and I miss them when they’re gone? LOL. I’ve gone through enough editing rounds that I realize all characters need some polishing, but I did become rather sad when I finished writing my most recent work in progress this past spring. It’s about a mixed-blood Cherokee son of a chief — he’s actually a student at the mission school in The Witness Tree, my recent historical release — who grows up to fight in the Cherokee Regiment against the Red Stick Creeks in 1813-14. Sam falls in love with his colonel’s daughter, Susanna. It’s an exciting frontier romance that my publisher is shopping right now. It was hard for me to “come in from” the Alabama wilderness back to modern life.
Thankfully, I’m not the only one who seems to have trouble keeping my characters on the page. My Restoration Trilogy was inspired by the renovation my parents did on a doctor’s house and apothecary shop. They frequently have visitors who ask if their bedroom is “Michael’s room.”
PM: You have got me so interested in reading these books now! I take it you live in Georgia, which is where my hubs is from, have you lived there all your life? What would you tell someone who has never been there is the best part of Georgia?
DW: Oh, how neat! Where is your husband from? I have lived in Georgia my whole life — except for a brief stint at Asbury University in Kentucky. The thing I love most about our state is its varied topography — from the mountains to the coast to the piedmont to the South Georgia pines.
PM: My hubs is from a little near Augusta….GO DAWGS! What are you reading for fun right now?
DW: I’m part of Elva Cobb Martin’s endorsement/launch team for her November release, Marisol: Spanish Rose. When I’m not writing or editing myself, a lot of my fiction reading is to help endorse, beta read, and promote for author friends.
PM: That is so generous of you! I know they must appreciate your assistance so much. When do you find the time to write? Where is your favorite place to write?
DW: Whenever my family is gone to work and school — because I work from my kitchen island. One day … sigh … one day, I might have an office with a door that closes. 🙂
PM: How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
Thank you so much for asking. I’d love to connect with new readers on social media.
Connect with Denise here:
Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored over nine novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor at Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Fiction, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
DW: Coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. And for sure, Stevia and flavored creamer!
my point of view: Grace Like a River Flows by R. Marshall Right
October 24, 2019 in my point of view
Grace Like a River Flows is Christian fiction. Glencoe, by another name, is real and I pastored there for five years. Many characters are based on real people I knew. But the great story? It’s all made up. Well, almost.
”The tracks have separated this town for a hundred years, but one day God’s grace began flowing like River. And, like a mighty, raging river, you can’t control it and you can’t stop it. God’s grace goes where He wants.
Grace Like a River Flows is about very flawed people who live on both sides of the tracks which run through Glencoe. Lives are changed. Families are transformed. And an old mainline church is renewed. Come meet the cast of characters who will be touched by God. Charlotte (featured on the cover) has seen the tracks. Will God’s grace touch her life? Look for the surprise ending! You’ll never see it coming.
my point of view:
I must tell you, I actually requested this book from the author – this is not something I normally do, honestly! In fact, it is so rare for me, that I think it was only the second time I ever asked an author for their book! I’m going to tell you why I asked, too…I had been seeing him and this book pop up in a lot of places in social media, but never having read anything by him, I was a little ‘leery’ for lack of a better word, lol!
Anyway, I asked, he gifted it to me, and I was taken on the ride of a lifetime!
This story is amazing, there are several different points of view, from characters that come form all different walks of life and in many different phases of their spiritual journey. I was hooked from the very first page and could not stop reading it for anything else. I have been known to read more than one book at a time, but nothing could keep me from getting back to this book every chance I had. There is mystery, love, heartache, tragedy, romance, friendship…seriously, this story has all of these facets and more – it is all centered around GOD!
About R. Marshall Wright 
I am so thrilled to have Tanya Stowe in for coffee with us today! Please help me give her a warm welcome!
PM: I must tell you, I was so surprised when reading your bio on your website! What a fascinating life you have! One of my all time favorite authors from back “in the day” was LaVyrle Spencer! In fact her book Bittersweet was one of my absolute favorites, I was only in my twenties when I read it the first time and I searched high and low to get it in hardback after reading the paperback to the point of destruction, lol! Did you get to meet her in person?
TS: Yes, I did meet LaVyrle Spencer at a conference many, many years ago. She was a very gracious, kind lady who did not enjoy the spotlight.
PM: That is so nice to hear! I was also shocked about you having 20 grandchildren! Are you able to spend time with most of them?
TS: I actually have 21 grandchildren, my youngest is 3 and the oldest is 28. In the past I was very close to my grandchildren. It has been more difficult to sustain that closeness since we’ve been on the road. But we always spend Christmas with the family and we’re working on spending time in the summer with our grandchildren. We like to take them on the road with us whenever we can and we always take the high school graduates on a road trip. I look forward to those especially!
PM: I bet they will have some wonderful memories! When do you find the time to write? Where is your favorite place to write?
TS: I used to have an office which gave me a lot of silent time. My husband is very good about giving me time and space to write but we’re in a small space and he can’t help but rattle around. So I get up at 5:30 every morning to write in that silence, just to get me started. Once I get rolling, nothing stops me.
PM: What was your favorite subject in school?
TS: I had two. English and history. I took every English class available at my high school and usually ended up working ahead because I loved it so much.
PM: Do you have any family pets that currently own you?
TS: No. Our dog passed away while we were still overseas and since we knew we would be in transition when we returned, we decided to leave things the way they were. Because we are always on the move or sight-seeing we have no regrets.
PM: Aww, so sorry for your loss! What have been some of your favorite travels in the motor-home?
TS: Once we were parked on a high mesa on the Navajo reservation with no electricity or running water. Our camp looked out over the vast flat lands south. When the sun set the sky turned pink and mauve and purple and in the distance, we could see storm clouds and lightning that streaked the sky downward and seemed to hit the ground. It was beautiful. Last summer we were in Oklahoma City after a beautiful day. Later that night when we were preparing for bed, I saw lightning in the sky, flashing like a strobe light. A storm with 60-80 mile an hour winds and hail the size of softballs was headed our way. Fortunately, it passed us by, but it gave me a taste of what life in tornado alley is like. I love feeling, smelling and tasting our country at its grass roots. Those are the things that add depth to my stories.
PM: That sounds absolutely amazing! What’s your favorite color? Any reason why?
TS: Mauve. I have no idea why. I do know my favorite color has changed over the years. Maybe it has something to do with what colors look good on me. LOL. When I was younger, I loved red and purple…all those jewel tones. Now I like something a little softer.
PM: If you couldn’t be a writer, what career path do you think you’d choose to be on?
TS: I don’t know. I’ve wanted to write since I was eleven years old and I’ve worked toward that goal ever since. I suppose it would be something to do with public relations. I love meeting new people and I do a pretty good interview. I suppose that would be the way I would go.
PM: Can you tell us what was the one thing that stood out to you most when living in the Middle East?
TS: That’s a really hard question because there were so many amazing things that stood out. Looking back, I was part of a very large international community and knew people from India, Russia, Europe, Australia, the Philippines and China. We all had very basic fundamental differences in how we saw the world. At the same time we were all people who loved our children and our parents, wanted security and a good quality of life. It was important to accept people where they were and to find that common ground. When I did that, I found those differences weren’t so very important after all.
PM: With so many published novels, what book would you tell a new to you reader to start with of yours?
TS: I laughed when I read this. Like most authors I’m basically insecure. I like to think I’m always improving so the latest book is always the best. Read Fatal Memories!
PM: I know what you mean, I am always so insecure, lol! How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?
TS: I have a monthly newsletter where I share my latest travels as well as my releases, book signings and social media adventures. You also receive a short read just for signing up. Here is the link if you’re interested. https://www.subscribepage.com/c7i1q9
You can find other ways to contact on my website https://tanyastowe.com
I’m also easy to find on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
PM: Finally, coffee or tea? Cream, sugar?
Latte. Coffee with lots of cream and a little sugar.
Tanya’s newest release:
She was framed! Or was she?
If only she could remember…
Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects—her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?
About Tanya Stowe
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.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- …
- 18
- Next Page »