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21 April 2011

Getting to Know you Thursdays with Marianne Evans, Review and giveaway

Please welcome Marianne Evans to my blog today. She has just released a short story A Face in The Clouds which is a wonderful story. My review is after the interview. There is also a giveaway chance further down the page. 

AUTHOR BIO:

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of contemporary romance novels. Her professional career began when Kensington Publishing purchased her book, Friends & Lovers. Her second offering, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from reviewers and in the local media.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – an award-winning novel entitled Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of a four-book Christian romance series: The Woodland Series. Book 2, Hearts Surrender, released in late 2010 with Books 3 and 4 – Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, slated for late 2011 and early 2012 release. A Woodland Series Bonus Story, A Face in the Clouds, is an Easter-themed short story, also from White Rose Publishing.




  1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’d love to! I’m a Michigan native who calls suburban Detroit home. I’m married to the most wonderful man in the world, and I’ve got two completely awesome kids (and a beloved daughter-in-law!) who make my life rich and full. Beyond that, I’ve been in love with the process of writing stories for as long as I can remember. I feel like writing is my gift from God, and returning it back to Him by sharing stories that illustrate not just a great romance, but the truth of His grace, mercy and redemption is the best thing going!

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series when I was a child. As a young adult I began to read romances. I’m completely drawn in by the idea of characters who take a journey together toward love and fulfillment!

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?
Yes, I do! I love Christian romance and Christian fiction. In fact, I write it because I love reading it so much. My favorite author, hands down, is Karen Kingsbury. She’s amazing – such beautiful stories and characters and I always finish her books with the  best feeling of Christian affirmation.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
Not so much as I grew up…I enjoyed reading all kinds of books in my youth—by all kinds of authors—I suppose you could say I was influenced by many authors, not just one or two.  J

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
When I was in grade school and I’d pass around chapters of stories I’d written to my friends. They always came back for more, and writing took over my heart!

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
I joined my local chapter of RWA and became very active. I helped chair conferences, served as treasurer and President, and from there I connected to an agent who believed in me very strongly (even when I didn’t believe in myself and nearly quit!) She helped me sell my first three books to Kensington, and from there, I decided to switch genre’s and explore the world of Christian inspirational romance, and I absolutely love it!

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be? 
I’d love to have a job where I could travel all over the world and experience different places and cultures. I’d love to be able to do that!  (Jenny here I would love that type of job too)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
I love to antique shop! I collect antique salt cellars, which are small bowls, with spoons, that held salt cubes on a dinner table in the era before pourable salt. They’re gorgeous and fun to find. (wow that’s interesting I seen these but didn’t know what they were called)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? 
My dream is to visit the Holy Land, and my favorite place(s) I’ve been, to date, are Hawaii and London. Such wonderful, exciting places! (Our pastor and his wife and a few members of our church have come back from a tour of where Jesus lived and places Paul went and had a great time. I agree with Hawaii loved it)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
 Hmmm…kind of like Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, right?  Well, I’d love to ‘rise and shine’ with Karen Kingsbury because I’d love to pick her brain, writer-to-writer and share our love of God! For lunch what could be more fun than an entertainer? I’ve always admired the work of Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Frequency) and I admire his boldness of faith, for dinner someone thought provoking and interesting and active on the world stage? I’d love to share a meal with Pope Benedict the XVI.
(wow an interesting day install for you. But would be cool to do)



BLURB – A FACE IN THE CLOUDS

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

My Review:
This is a short story but very moving. I loved the characters and how although Sandy and Paul are going out I like that going into the relationship we know Sandy is a Christian and Paul isn't and he makes no secret of this fact. It does cause Sandy some worry and she feels she shouldn't continue the relationship with a non christian. They have to go to cover a story at the church which causes Paul alot of issues. I love the story and now really want to read more of Mariannes books.



Giveaway
Marianne has kindly offered to give one lucky commenter a chance to win a copy of the first book in this series Hearts Surrender. For a chance to win as it is Easter tomorrow do you have any easter traditions?  Please leave a comment and way to reach you by Friday April 29, 6pm australia time.

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers for deeper meaning in her life. Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church. He's adjusting to life as a widower and copes by keeping as busy as possible with his parish and missionary work. A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share-and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns-a love that takes them to a place neither expected. Can they trust God's hand enough to surrender their hearts to one another...forever?

34 comments:

Marianne Evans said...

Thank you so much for being a fantastic hostess, and what a lovely review!! I'm honored, and so appreciative. :-) God bless, and happy Easter!!!

Tanya Stowe said...

Marianne,
Your favorite peole are mine too! Can I got to breakfast, lunch and dinner with you!

Marianne Evans said...

Any time, Tanya! It's a date! :-) Now, to make it come true! LOL!! Thanks so much for your visit! Have a wonderful Easter!!!

Donna B said...

Wow, that's quite the list for people to share your day with. I've met Karen Kingsbury. She's an amazing lady!

I love your stories! Keep it up!

Marianne Evans said...

Oh, Donna, you know how I'd love to meet her!! :-) She's a marvel. No other word for her.

Anonymous said...

I have never read a Marianne Evans book and have been wanting to for some time! Please accept this as my entry into the giveaway. Thank you!

Blessings,
Molly
molly AT reviewsbymolly DOT com

Marianne Evans said...

Hi, Molly, and consider yourself entered. If you'd like to read something I've written, PLEASE dash over to www.whiterosepublishing.com before Sunday night and get your FREE copy of A Face in the Clouds (on Monday it'll be a dollar download...) I notice you do reviews...I'd be honored to have you read and review it! :-) God bless, and happy Easter! Good luck with the contest!

Nancye said...

Our special Easter traditions include taking turns hiding the Easter eggs and then looking for them. Since the last few Easters have been rainy this has taken place inside our house. We've had LOTS of fun!

I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! It sounds wonderful! I just downloaded "A Face in the Clouds" and I am looking forward to reading it!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

apple blossom said...

nice post thanks for sharing

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Ausjenny said...

Hi all and thanks for visiting. Thanks Also to Nancye for actually reading about adding an easter tradition in the contest information. I bet it would be fun searching the house for the eggs. I use to hide my brothers egg and him mine. one year I knew he would find it so I put it under his pillow it had to be in his room he was so annoyed he almost sat on it cos he couldn't find it.

Sarita Leone said...

This looks like a lovely story!

Please enter me.

snowdance1(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

We have an Easter breakfast at our church that we attend before we go to Easter services. We always have so much beautiful music at our services. I love the special Easter message we have to celebrate Jesus dying on the cross and rising again. I'd love to be entered for this book. Thanks! Have a joyous Easter.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Heidi from the LIH Goodreads group said...

Great interview Jenny! :) I also liked hearing about Marianne, and this great new book!

In our house, when I was growing up, we always got a stuffed bunny. The bunny would be placed by our bedroom door, and we would wake up early and open the door to the bunny and take him back to bed to snuggle. Then later we would wake up and enjoy our Easter baskets :)

pol said...

Seems like you ask some great questions AusJenny, and what wonderful answers, loved the breakfast-lunch-dinner people she would see. I remember fondly the Easter egg hunts my mom and dad would have ready for us when we got in from church on Easter, great times that will never be forgotten, Mom made all the holidays special as Mom's do..

Patsy said...

The tradition really has to do with church. Every Easter we have an early morning breakfast then a worship time. Then we go to Sunday School and on to regular worship service. Makes for a long day though! We've done this for years.

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Wendy Newcomb said...

Would like to read this book, sounds pretty good. Carman sent me.

wfnren at aol dot com

MaureenT said...

Would love to read your book! Collecting salt bowls sounds like fun!
Carman sent me!


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Marianne Evans said...

What a fantastic group of visitors! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. REMEMBER: A Face in the Clouds is FREE through Easter Sunday at: www.whiterosepublishing.com If you love romance, with a miraculous twist, I think you'll enjoy it! At the price of FREE, what do you have to lose? :-) Happy Easter, and God bless!! Happy reading everyone!

Charity U said...

No, we really don't have any special traditions. We participate in all the Easter services at church, and usually we color Easter eggs just for fun. :)

photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

Carrie said...

I love Christian romance! I'm an avid reader and am always looking for new Christian authors. Thanks for the chance.

On Easter morning before church, Mom hid Easter baskets somewhere in the house. We usually found them pretty quick. I continue this tradition with my 10 yr. old son.

Carrie


happyasalarks at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

this book look really good
vjpineda[at]sbcglobal dot net

windycindy said...

I really enjoyed your interview with Marianne Evans...She is a new author to me and her books sounds delightful! Our Easter traditions are church, egg hunts, a wonderful get-together of family and fabulous
food...Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

When our children were little I alway made them Easter dresses and usually made our son a vest and tie. Then we all went to church. When we got home, they were allowed to 'find' their basket. They are all grown up now so we don't really have a tradition other than a family meal after church.

karenk said...

my easter tradition always includes attending mass on easter sunday...

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Marianne Evans said...

My Easter traditions include attending Easter mass as well, and, after three years apart, my favorite 'return to tradition' this year was my son and daughter-in-law's return to Michigan to live, so they were with us for the celebration! Such a happy mom moment!! :-) Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by! Hope you enjoy A Face in the Clouds as well as the other Woodland Series romances at White Rose!! God bless!

Faith said...

For Easter we always eat Turkey, not ham.
And eat those Cadbury cream eggs like they're going out of style!

Please enter me

crazi.swans at gmail dot com

Laetitia :-) said...

I like to have hot cross buns on Good Friday morning (and mornings after that since I can't go through a whole pack by myself in one sitting). I also try to get to Easterfest (Christian music festival in Toowoomba) each year. Despite the rain washing it out on Saturday night, I'm still looking to camp next year.

Ausjenny said...

Laetitia I saw that it had been washed out this year looks like there was alot of rain. Here we actually had a warm weekend.

Jordan said...

Great interview! Marianne, Karen Kingsbury is hands down my favorite as well, and I would LOVE to share meal with her. :)

Things change in my family too often to have really set traditions. Haha. Our extended family is on the other side of the country, so we usually just go to church and have a nice dinner.

Hearts Surrender looks awesome. I would love to win it.

Jordan
lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

wow this looks like a great book. I have not read any of her writing, and would love to. trishbazin(at)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I read Marianne's short story 'A Face in the Clouds' and it is wonderful! I would love to have a print copy of this one!
Blessings.....Joy
ibjoy1953{at]yahoo[dot]com

Nia for Jesus said...

'd love to win this one!

niastrong21 at gmail dot com

Courtney said...

Sounds like a really cute story! I would to win this! Thank you for a chance!

kcmelone(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I work in food service providing a Happy Easter for others. Carmen sent me

true_sheila at yahoo dot com

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