Getting to know Janet Chester Bly with giveaway

Please help me welcome Janet Chester Bly to my blog today. Janet has a new book out Down Squash Blossom Road and has kindly offered to give away either a paper back copy to a USA reader or a PDF to anywhere else in the world. Just comment on the blog with a way to contact you by next Monday.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I love Matt Damon and the Jason Bourne movies and anything starring Tom Selleck. I don’t drink coffee, except if I go down the mountain to the big city to shop. Then it’s a latte or frappuccino or an ice cream flavor. Never black. I’m a city girl with a country heart who doesn’t corral horses or mow my own lawn. But I enjoy my Idaho mountain top small town on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, where I rake lots of pine needles and cones and survive the long winter, one snowstorm at a time. (Jenny here I don't drink coffee either but I dont like it at all)

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

Not really. Our home was small with five kids and not much room for extras like books. However, I don’t remember the title or author, but I found a novel on my grandmother’s bookshelf when I was staying with her and will always remember this scene … the female protagonist cutting up the baby clothes she just knitted and flushing them down the toilet. The poignant sadness remained with me all these many decades later. When I finally grow up as a writer, I’d like to create memorable scenes like that.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?

I love mysteries of all sorts. Wind in the Wires and Down Squash Blossom Road are the first two in my new novel series. These stories are contemporary western mysteries with a touch of romance. Some folks call them CowgirlLit. (Find out more about CowboyLit and Cowgirl Lit here: http://www.blybooks.com/cowboy-lit/ )

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Here’s some books on my shelves that I’ve had since the early days that I’ve marked up with the phrases and scenes I’ve liked. I’m sure their stories and styles have had some sort of influence on me. Authors include  Eugenia Price (Stranger in Savannah), Daphne du Maurier (Rebecca), Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), Dorothy Sayers (The Nine Tailors), P.D. James (Devices & Desires). My mom’s favorite suspense writer was Mary Higgins Clark and she got me reading most everything she wrote. One time I got hooked on Anne Perry (The William Monk Mysteries) and I’ve got all her books read too.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

After my husband graduated from seminary and began to pastor his first church, I sought what my main ministry should be. He had found his, so I asked him about mine. "That's easy," he replied. "Do stuff for me and stuff for the church."

I wanted a more specific job description. So, I did try most everything the church offered in the way of being useful. And got very involved in the community. I also took numerous classes and went to a diversity of conferences and seminars. One of these was a writers' conference at Mount Hermon in California. I was intrigued with everything. The idea grew to try writing as I became excited about the process and received some affirming encouragement that I could do this.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

From what I learned at the writers conference classes about the nuts and bolts and the contacts I made, I soon got articles, poems, and fillers published. I describe this journey more in my book, Managing Your Restless Search. One day, while transcribing my husband’s sermons from tape to hardcopy at request of the congregation, I realized some of his stories and sermon themes could be edited as articles and short stories for magazines. I asked his permission to send them out, along with mine. When he also received acceptances, he began to focus on writing himself. Which was great for both of us. We made a good team with different strengths that made each of our projects better. He stretched me with fresh ideas. My editing skills made him a professional. He developed the first book length project, which got us both going into that side of the business.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

Retired. Taking it easy. Being bored stiff with nothing to do and no more deadlines. Not! Can’t imagine doing anything else.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I used to have all sorts of hobbies, such as making wreaths, pottery, and embroidery. But all of those fell to the wayside when I started writing. Besides, I overdid it on all those activities. I made so many items for friends and family and myself, yet wasn’t interested in traveling to fairs and bazaars to sell them. There was no point in continuing.

Any extra time these days is given to library board (as president) and church board (as clerk) and ministering with the church worship team and choir (as director).  

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I loved going anywhere with my husband. We traveled all over the western U.S. down every dusty trail we could find, then to every state in the Union, including Hawaii. We toured across Canada and all over Europe, with my favorites being Paris and anywhere in Scotland. I’m so thankful we went to all those places. Great memories. But travel doesn’t appeal to me as much without Stephen. Now, it wouldn’t be the place as such. I’d need some purpose for going. To see someone. To do research. To go to a reunion or conference. (I could imagine how hard it would be to go without him now I guess you would be thinking Stephen would love to see this etc.)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
That’s easy. Any of my three married sons or their wives, or any of my four grandchildren, or three great-children. And they all live within fifty miles of me. I am blessed.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

Here’s my two most recent book releases …

1) Wind in the Wires, Book 1, Trails of Reba Cahill series

Cowgirl Reba Cahill searches for love and family. Ninety-one year old Seth Stroud seeks justice for two cold case murders. Their journey together exposes lies and betrayal. Will the truth be too hard for either to bear?

Sign up now for the Almost Monthly Bly Books News!
Download Now! 5 Free Chapters of Wind in the Wires, Book 1, Trails of Reba Cahill
http://www.blybooks.com/contact/stephen-bly-books-newsletter/

2) Down Squash Blossom Road, Book 2, Trails of Reba Cahill series

What secret lies down Squash Blossom Road?

Cowgirl Reba Cahill’s schedule is full. Save the family ranch. Free her mom from a mental institute. Take another road trip. Solve a murder and kidnapping. Evade a stalker. Can she also squeeze in romance?

Download now! 5 Free Chapters!
Click here: http://www.blybooks.com/genre/contemporary-fiction/

I’ll be working on Book 3 soon with the working title: Beneath a Camperdown Elm.

Find me here:

Website: www.BlyBooks.com

'Like' Bly Books on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BlyBooks   

Bly Books Blog: http://www.blybooks.com/blog/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetchesterbly 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetcbly/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/269265.Janet_Chester_Bly 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blybooks/

I’m also on Google+ and LinkedIn

RABT Blog Blitz of Captain No Beard The Series by Carole P Roman with giveaway

Children’s Fiction

Date Published: July 3, 2012 -  December 31, 2015

The Captain No Beard series has nine published books in the series.  They all take place in the imagination of a young boy who pretends he and his friends are pirates.  Each book teaches valuable lessons. The Captain No Beard series can open discussions on important subjects such as sharing, bossiness, bullying, responsibility, and stranger danger. Using imagination, the crew of the Flying Dragon navigates the waters of the world, learning valuable lessons along the way.  Whether the topic is sharing, tolerance, stranger danger or bullying, the crew resolves their issues together with humor and sensitivity.

                              

About the Author

Award-winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons and combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. She has two highly successful series and is launching this new exciting series about civilizations throughout time. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Email: cnbbook@gmail.com

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog tour of Crossroads by Cathy Bryant with giveaway

Interview With Cathy Bryant

Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, Nana, daughter, mini-farmer, and Christian writer. I enjoy just about anything outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and gardening. I also enjoy creative activities—home improvement projects, scrap-booking, painting, composing, and of course, writing. I love to watch movies and read, though since becoming a writer, I can’t stop analyzing what I’m watching and reading. I’m a big reality TV fan, my favorites being Survivor and The Amazing Race–both great material for analyzing human behavior for my books! In addition to fiction, I also write Bible studies and devotionals.

Where do you write?
We currently live in the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico, but will soon be making the move eastward to get closer to our family. Our current home has an upstairs sleeping loft that has served as my writing space. It’s one large open room with the best view in the entire house. My writing desk is there, but I force myself to write in a corner facing a wall to keep myself from being distracted. (It works most of the time…)

What are you writing now?
I just finished writing Crossroads, the sixth book in the Miller’s Creek novels. The book tells the story of a bitter single mom and atheist and the former soldier who battles for her soul. Her little girl’s life-threatening illness forces her to re-think her beliefs of Carter Callahan and his God. Will she return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

What inspired you to write CROSSROADS? All of the Miller’s Creek Novels feature a spiritual theme that is relevant to me for different seasons in my life. In Texas Roads it was Christ being our home rather than placing our security in a place or building. A Path Less Traveled was about finding enough faith to follow God even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. (Boy, has He used that lesson in my life, and proven His faithfulness through it all!) The Way of Grace was my spiritual journey of learning how perfectionist tendencies can be a real hindrance to spiritual progress. The spiritual theme of Pilgrimage of Promise followed right along with my hubby and I stepping out in faith in a bad economy and high unemployment rates to do what we sensed God telling us to do, and the resulting joy and peace spurred on by the Lord’s faithfulness. A Bridge Unbroken follows my own quest to be obedient to Christ in the matter of forgiveness. The spiritual theme of Crossroads came from watching the movie God’s Not Dead and realizing that we all know someone who has defected from the faith. As believers, we need to love them unconditionally, pray for them consistently, and never give up in our efforts to lead them back to God.

What do you want readers to take away from this book in particular? I hope that readers will realize the importance of living out the faith we profess. My prayer is that God will embolden us and make us ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15), so that we can win back these prodigals from the faith.

Tell us how you come up with characters. The characters actually introduce themselves to me. (I know, I know, they’re not real. I promise I’m not certifiable…) After they make their appearance, I fill out extensive character charts, including taking online personality tests for them! (Hmm, maybe I am certifiable…) But no matter how much preparation I put into the characters in the pre-writing process, they always reveal another facet of their personality during the actual writing of the book.

Of all the characters you’ve created, which is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt the answer would have to be Mama Beth, the wise woman/matriarch of Miller’s Creek who makes an appearance in all the books. She’s also the main character in the fourth book of the series, Pilgrimage of Promise. She is everything I want to be when I grow up—wise, kind, and loving. Just so you know, I’m not alone in choosing her as the favorite character. When I asked this question to the Miller’s Creek Reader’s Group on Facebook, the majority’s answer was Mama Beth, followed closely by Matt Tyler, the hero from The Way of Grace.

Have the books received any special recognition or awards?                                                                            I’ve been blessed to have all the Miller’s Creek novels make the Amazon Kindle Best-Sellers list. The first book Texas Roads was an American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis finalist. The fourth book Pilgrimage of Promise was reader-nominated for the 2013 Grace Award.

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? I want my writing to honor and glorify God. If only one person is touched and moved closer to God as a result of my writing, then the hours of hard labor (and numb backside!) are worth it. One early reader of Texas Roads (the first book in the series) told me the story brought healing to her life. I can think of no higher compliment.

To purchase a copy of CROSSROADS, click here: http://www.amazon.com/CROSSROADS-Christian-Contemporary-Romance-Millers-ebook/dp/B00U8KE12K/

About the Book

CROSSROADS

A Miller's Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance

A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal...

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

About Cathy Bryant

Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. All the Miller's Creek novels have been on the Amazon Best-Seller list and are rated at 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist. Since then five other stand-alone novels have been added to the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee (PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE). Readers have compared her work to that of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks.

A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. She's written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books in collaboration with other Christian authors, and for online sites. She also has released a Bible study book, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift store shopping, romping in the great outdoors, and mini-farming. To learn more about Cathy and her books, visit her website at www.CatBryant.com or make contact with her in these places:

 |Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

YOU'RE INVITED! 

What: CROSSROADS Book Launch Party

Where: Facebook (from the comfort & convenience of your own home) 

When: April 30, 2015 ~ 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central time)

Why: To celebrate the book launch of CROSSROADS (a Miller's Creek novel and Christian Romance by Cathy Bryant) 

LOTS of Fun, Games and Prizes! 

Prizes Include: Miller's Creek pens, tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, digital books, autographed print books, Amazon gift cards, and

an Amazon Kindle Fire HD6!

Click here to RSVP and enter the Kindle Fire drawing.

 

One lucky reader who posts a comment with a way to contact you will win a digital copy of this book. Please comment by April 23rd. 

Shelley Shepard Gray is heading back to Sugarcreek in JOYFUL! With giveaway

Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's newest book in the Return to Sugarcreek series, Joyful. USA Today raved: "A sweet, straightforward story about how love can be tested by family, faith, and personal insecurity. Enjoyable and heartwarming."

Click the banner for a chance to win books 1-3 in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series! 
Winner announced on Shelley's blog on 9/30.

Getting to know you with Narelle Atkins with a giveaway.

Please welcome Narelle Atkins back to my blog today. Her new book The Nurse's Perfect Match has just released. She is also offering a giveaway.

(Thought it would be nice to include one of when I met

Narelle in April)

How does it feel to have your second book just released?

Book releases are exciting! The first one is special, but I feel more relaxed with my second book release because I know what to expect. I really love this story, and I’m thrilled to see The Nurse’s Perfect Match in print. It doesn’t feel like three months since my debut book, Falling for the Farmer, was first released. This year is flying by too fast!

What was your reaction the first time you saw a physical copy of your first book in Australia, did it make it feel more real?

It was an emotional moment when I first opened the box of books from my publisher. To see, hold, touch, and smell the books. Yes, I’m one of those people who likes the smell of print books, and the tactile experience of reading a physical book rather than reading on a screen.

A very special moment was seeing Falling for the Farmer on the shelf for the first time in the Koorong book store in Adelaide. It was wonderful to share that moment with you, and my husband. That’s when I felt like I was a real author. (Jenny here I was there and I can vouch for her excitement. Also a sales girl got quite excited when she saw our excitement and I told her Narelle had just seen her book for the first time in a store in Australia. She was jumping out of her skin I think more to meet an author than anything).

Does this book have a theme?

The Nurse’s Perfect Match is the second book in a continuity series set in Snowgum Creek, a fictitious town in Australia. The series theme is coming home, and finding love in the small town community near the Snowy Mountains. The Nurse’s Perfect Match is a single dad romance story. Amy and Ben come from different worlds, and Amy’s heart’s desire is to have a family of her own to love.  

Your latest book The Nurse’s Perfect Match has just been released. What do you hope readers take out of this book?

I hope readers will find the story entertaining and inspiring. I hope they’ll enjoy journeying with Ben and Amy as they fall in love, and overcome obstacles to achieve their romantic happily-ever-after ending.

Can you tell us a little about the hero and heroine?

Ben Morton, my hero in The Nurse’s Perfect Match, is an apple farmer and single dad who lost his wife to cancer. He struggles to understand why a loving God would take away the mother of his children. He shared a strong marriage with his late wife, who was also a Christian. My heroine, Amy Wilkins, is a widow who lost her husband when her marriage was in crisis. Amy moves back home to Snowgum Creek, and works as a nurse in the medical clinic owned by Ben’s younger brother, Luke.

Have you got a fun tibit you can tell us about this book?

My sister has an adorable dog named Lily. In my story, Ben and his children also have a dog called Lily. She is based on the real Lily, although my sister’s dog is better behaved than my Lily in the story.

What will be happening next for Narelle Atkins?

I have four upcoming releases over the next twelve months. The Doctor’s Return, the third book in my Snowgum Creek series, will be released in August 2014. Her Tycoon Hero, the first book in my Sydney series, will be released in November 2014, followed by two more books in the series, releasing in February and May 2015.

http://www.narelleatkins.com/

NURSE AMY WILKINS HAS COME HOME

After her marriage ends in tragedy, Amy returns to Snowgum Creek to rebuild her life. There she meets widower Ben Morton, who's not looking for romance, though his young children are eager for Amy's attention. She's given up on her dream of being a mother, but can't ignore how she's drawn to Ben's little ones, and to their handsome farmer dad.

As love kindles between Ben and Amy, she worries how she'll ever measure up to the wife he lost. And Ben is concerned about how Amy will ever truly fit into life on the farm. They could be the answer to each other's prayers--if the secret Amy is keeping doesn't tear them apart.

Narelle is offering one copy of her book to one of my readers you can enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting to know you with Shannon Taylor Vannatter and giveaway

Please welcome Shannon Taylor Vannatter to my blog today. I first read one of Shannons novels about 2 and a half years ago and love it. Have connected with her on the new goodreads group at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/129196 and she is also giving one copy away.

1.    Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a pastor’s wife/stay at home mom. We live in very rural central Arkansas. Our son is twelve and is very active in sports. Our church is twelve miles west of our house and his school is twelve miles east of our house. We spend a lot of time running back and forth in a twenty-four mile radius.

2.    When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved the Dr. Suess books when I was little. When I was nine or so, I read The Little House on the Prairie books. The show was on then and I was an avid fan. In my teens, my mom introduced me to clean romance novels and I loved them. (Jenny here I loved Little House on the Prairie books also)

3.    Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

Inspirational Contemporary Romance. When I first started writing, I wrote romantic suspense. I think I went in that direction because I watched a lot of detective shows as a teenager and young adult. The problem with my romantic suspense was the bad guy got caught and the suspense got wrapped up long before the romance did.

I finally heard a speaker at a writer’s conference say that whatever genre you read the most is probably the genre you should write. It was an Aha moment for me and I hit my stride writing straight romance. A few of my books have a suspense element, but the romance is the focus.

4.    Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

I wish I could remember the authors of those first romance novels I read. I know it was Harlequin and it was a clean line, but that’s all I remember. That first taste of romance definitely influenced me. And it’s surreal that I write for Harlequin’s inspirational line now.

5.    When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I was in my thirties. My husband’s work hours changed and my evenings were free. Our son wasn’t in the picture yet, so I suddenly had free time in the evenings. I went to the library to get some clean romance books and couldn’t find any.

At the same time, I’d had a story in my head since my teens. I’d move scenes around and add complications over the years. I thought it was a movie, but I didn’t want to go to Hollywood, so I’d pushed it to the back of my mind.

Not being able to find clean romance novels and that story collided. It finally hit me that it was a book. But I didn’t have a computer and I wasn’t that great of a typist. I decided that if I ever got a computer, I’d write it. Three years later, my father in law got a new computer and gave me his old one. As soon as it was plugged in and operational, I was writing the book. It got 52 rejection letters in 1999.

In 2013, I totally rewrote it from scratch, using all the knowledge gained from years of writer’s groups and conferences and Rodeo Queen was published.

6.    How did you go about becoming an author?

I wrote five books without ever attending a writer’s group meeting or conference, without ever reading anything about how to write. I just did it. Over two hundred rejection letters, a Print On Demand published book, and lots of frustration, I joined two writers groups and started attending conferences. I bought several books on writing, Writer’s Digest, and The Writer magazines.

After three years, it seemed like I wasn’t learning anything new, but I was still getting rejections. I googled Christian Writers Conferences and found American Christian Fiction Writers. I attended the conference for three years, before I finally joined the online group, and joined an online critique group. In 2008, I pitched a book to an editor with Heartsong Presents, which was owned by Barbour then. I got a request for the full and an offer for a three book contract in early 2009.       

7.    If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I can’t imagine being anything else. I dallied with the idea of being an interior decorator several years ago. But then a friend of mine went into that business and it didn’t sound as fun or glamorous as I’d imagined. But I made the heroine in my latest release an interior decorator. With writing, I can have fun careers through my heroines.

8.    Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family. I’m a homebody and I’m at my happiest doing something crafty.

9.    Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

My husband has family in Texas and we love visiting there. I have cousins in Georgia and I spent some growing up years there, so I love going to see them. I’m not a vacation to somewhere I’ve never been just for the fun of it type. Vacation to me is visiting family I don’t get to see often.

10.  If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

My son, my husband, and my parents. That’s four, but I can’t leave anyone out. I’m pretty much about family. We live across a hayfield from my parents. My cousin lives across the dirt road and my aunt and uncle are moving to the end of the dirt road. I told you it’s rural. We do live on a paved highway, but you turn on the dirt road to get to our driveway. All of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and in laws live in a 20 mile radius except for the Texas, Georgia, and Missouri branch. (I have had a few say family and it refreshing to see, as it shows how much they mean to a person. Its also interesting to see how people read the question as it says 3 living people not 3 famous people although my 3 are not family I needed a 4^th to even out the numbers a bit)

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon.

Rodeo Song is another of my early attempts at writing. Back in the eighties, I went to a Michael Bolton concert. I loved his raspy voice. Halfway through the concert, he did his famous lobby run and sang Georgia on My Mind at the opposite end of the arena from the stage. That night, I dreamed I was in the lobby and he grabbed my hand. You know how dreams are—I wasn’t married. He took me on stage and sang Georgia to me. I thought the dream was funny and told my husband, family, and friends about it.

Years later, when I started writing, I decided it could be a book. It got several rejections. Last year when Harlequin gave the opportunity to continue my Texas rodeo series, I decided I could rewrite the one about the rock star. I rewrote it from scratch and the hero became a country star to fit the Texas theme and added a twist—the heroine he takes on stage was his high school sweetheart.

Also where we can find you on the web.

Website: shannonvannatter.com

Blog: shannonvannatter.com/blog

Facebook: http://facebook.com/shannontaylorvannatter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29672798-shannon-vannatter

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stvannatter/

Twitter: @stvauthor

Rodeo Song
JENNA WENTWORTH FOUND THE MAN OF HER DREAMS 
But when silken-voiced Garrett Steele set out for stardom, he left Jenna—and his cowboy past—far behind. A chance encounter at one of his concerts propels him back into Jenna's life. But, once burned by love, Jenna must guard her heart against the captivating singer. 


Once upon a time, Garrett vowed he'd be a success, no matter what. But that path shattered his soul. His reunion with Jenna makes him long for things he once took for granted. Now he must show her that he's found what he was looking for all along…right here in his hometown.


Bio
Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/award winning author. She lives in rural central Arkansas in a town with a population of around 100, if you count a few cows. Shannon writes inspirational contemporary romance and it took her nine years to get published in the traditional market.


Shannon hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as her characters struggle with real-life issues. Their journeys, from ordinary lives to extraordinary romance through Christ-centered relationships, demonstrate that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and doing craft projects.

Giveaway
Shannon has offered one copy to a reader of my blog (international) if you would like to win this book please leave a comment either asking Shannon a question or a comment on the interview. Entries saying looks good or good interview please enter me will not be accepted. Please leave a way to contact you. You have til Friday 11th. April to enter.

Christmas Memories with Pam Hillman

Please join me in welcoming Pam Hillman to my blog today to talk about Christmas Memories.

Remember is you can get a further 8 entries in this weeks giveaway which you will find here.

1.      What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Ah, Christmas way down in South Mississippi, in the good ol’ USA. I’ll just say that it rarely ever snows in Mississippi, so a white Christmas with lots of beautiful fluff is not on the agenda. But it can be fairly cold. As I write this, it’s 28 degrees. But some Christmases, we’re in shirt-sleeves. The things I associate with Christmas: Jesus’ birth. Family. Laughter. Joy. Children. Practising Christmas plays, and then my own children being on stage in plays. And nativity scenes acted out by adorable little children. Those kinds of memories make me smile! I close my eyes and think about the smell of my mother-in-law’s house on Christmas morning, the laughter and the squeals of excitement as my kids and their cousins open their presents. Lots of hustle and bustle, not necessarily shopping, even though there is some of that, but family get-togethers, Christmas parties, Christmas plays and cantatas. Precious memories! 

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

As families change, so do traditions. As a newly-wed, I had visions of making hot chocolate, playing Christmas music, and decorating the Christmas tree with my husband. My Norman Rockwell fantasy died a quick death. My Cowboy doesn’t drink hot chocolate, and he’s simply not into decorating! Later, when my children were small, I tried again. When 20 ornaments ended up on one poor beleaguered limb, I decided those boys were just like their daddy and a career in decorating was not in their future. Fast forward several years and my daughter-in-law decorated my Christmas tree this year! A tradition is born! Yes!!!!

(Jenny here it became my job to do the tree otherwise we would not have had a tree. mum would have been happy to not have a tree so I would do it when she was in bed)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I love Christmas music and as I write this, I have a Christmas cd playing. Generally, I work all year long in the quiet of my office, but occasionally I’ll listen to music. Today is one of those days. I used to wonder why we didn’t  listen to Christmas Carols all year long, but then I came to the conclusion that the very fact that we don’t play Christmas music until right around or right after Thanksgiving Day is what makes it so magical. Even though We Three Kings isn’t the most popular song at Christmas, I’ve just always loved it. I don’t know why, I just like the rhythm, and the words. Silent Night is a favorite, too. And The Little Drummer Boy.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

At first, I read this question to ask anywhere, so I’ll answer it that way first. I’d be right where I’ve always been. Home. At my mother’s house. At my in-laws. At church. With my family. While I don’t actually make a lot of crafts, I like the idea of doing it. I think it would be fun to gather all my family in an old farm house somewhere (think The Waltons) where family members have to hand craft all the gifts. Rocking horses, sleds, carved animals, rag dolls for the children, homemade cookies, crafts and keepsake boxes for the adults. Children would make popcorn balls and craft paper ornaments. Cell phones, television, computers and electronic games would be banned for the duration. (Jenny here that is how I meant the question how would you spend a Christmas if you could do anything. I think I would like to have that sort of Christmas, I will be home alone and I miss having the excitement of being with a big group of people)

5.      Do you have any special memories of Christmas?  

I remember one year when my cousin and I decided to cut trees for both of our families. This was way before Christmas tree farms became popular. I was about 14. He was 12. Standing at a distance, we found these perfectly shaped trees. We chopped, and chopped, and chopped. It wasn’t until we got those trees on the ground that we discovered both were about 8-10’ tall and 6’ in diameter at the bottom and would never fit in our homes. Not to mention that we wouldn’t have had nearly enough ornaments to decorate them! We had to trim them at the bottom. Practically ruined the big, bushy look of the trees, but all that work taught us to pay attention to the size of a tree out in the woods the next time we got a wild hair to cut down a tree. (Jenny again Oh I love it and its amazing what looks smaller outside is often bigger.)

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

We have a quiet Christmas Eve mostly, sometimes at my mothers, depending on when my nieces and nephews come to visit. If Christmas Eve or Christmas day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or Wednesday, we don’t dismiss church. We carry on services as usual, but celebrate Jesus’ birth singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story, sometimes by candlelight. Simply beautiful. Now that my children are grown and we don’t have little ones around, Christmas morning at my house is fairly quiet as well. Things start hopping around 10 am when we go to my in-laws for a huge breakfast, then exchange gifts there. I have some great-nieces and nephews, so the excitement of Christmas morning is fresh and new with children around.

7.     Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Over the years, as I’m sure all of us have, my Christmas has run the gamut of over-the-top commercialism to tough years where we tightened our belts a bit and did without, from the abundance of health to having loved ones hospitalized or at death’s door on Christmas day. From year to year, the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other. But no matter our circumstances, no matter if there is no money to buy toys or extra food, no matter if you or a loved one is sick and the doctors have given up hope, no matter if you’re sitting in a foxhole in a war-torn country, or wondering where the money for rent will come from…Jesus was born on Christmas morn to wipe it ALL away. All sickness, all financial troubles, all worries, war and strife. No, answers might not come today. Answers might not even come in this lifetime. But He is the answer. He’s the reason for the season. Now and for always.

BIO: Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel. www.pamhillman.com