COME ON SEPTEMBER!!! 

Danger pursued FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs, and she didn’t know that it was coming!

She’d worked in violent crimes against children’s division of the Houston FBI. This sounds like it is another thrilling novel by Best-Selling Author DiAnn Mills! It will release in September, and I’m giving you a heads up on this new romantic suspense by an author who keep telling me to expect an adventure and wouldn't you know-- DiAnn comes through at all times!

Pre-orders for FACING THE ENEMY are available on Kindle right now!  :) Paperback and Kindle, audio, and hardback are just a click away!  :)

 

FRONTIER CINDERELLA is a delightful story. It's not all sugar and lace, and it feels different than Regina Scott's other fictional offerings. Still, it fits in with the previous Frontier Bachelors series and warmed my heart. I love it when a new series has characters that link with an older one. Don't you? FRONTIER CINDERELLA caused me to reminisce about the stories leading up to this one, and when this story ended, I felt euphoric! 

Katie Jo McAllister has that quiet fire about her. I liked her immediately and celebrated her strength and growth as the story's difficulties progressed. Regina placed the right mix of unique character and beauty—in more ways than one—to make this story shine. Harry Yeager—I recognized him from former stories, and Regina gave him such a workout! Well done, Harry, and well done, Regina! 😊 

The Wallin support characters had me smiling. Regina, how do you keep all our fictional friends straight in your head because they were well-rounded and simply amazing! Zeke was inspiring, and Cole McAllister was quite challenging!

I loved the challenges and obstacles faced by Katie Jo and Harry. (Both internal and other.) I'm sure that some real-life people from the past experienced what these characters lived. So reader, if you want a clean historical romance with a story of substance, I'm sure you will enjoy FRONTIER CINDERELLA! Though I was given this novel for a review, I am giving you my honest evaluation and reactions to Regina's story. This one is well worth your reading time.

Questions for Regina:

This is not the most original question but what or who inspired you to write Katie Jo’s character?

Katie Jo just appeared one day as I was writing the previous book in the series, Her Frontier Sweethearts. I suppose I’ve always had a soft spot for Doris Day’s portrayal of Calamity Jane. Katie Jo’s that sort of gal—she may not wear frilly dresses, but she’d be the first one in line to offer help if you needed it.
 
Did you roleplay any of your scenes to create a different direction or choice for any of your characters?

Not for this book, though I have had my sons act out portions of my books in the past. They always loved the sword fight scenes in my Regencies. 
 
What is your favorite recipe made with anise?

I can’t give you one, because I actually hate the flavoring! But it was a common one in the Victorian age and on the frontier, so my characters tend to use it.
 
I would love to know what you would like for your reader to take away from your story since you don’t write fluff and always offer interesting historical information and relationships with resolution or wisdom.  
 
Thank you! I hope readers finish the story knowing they are loved, just as they are. We don’t need fancy clothes or a prestigious job to be welcomed at the table of our heavenly Father. He made us to love and be loved, and He loves us wherever we are.
 
What novel do you have lined up next and what do you want to tell us about it? 

Next up, in July, is Never Admire an Adventurer, the second book in my Fortune’s Brides: Guarding Her Heart series, about four elite soldiers trying to make their home in England during the Regency. Kristof Tanner’s assignment to guard an heiress is hardly the adventure he craves, until Julia Hewett concocts a pretend engagement to keep her father from matchmaking. But when danger arises, they must work together to uncover the culprit. Will they discover the greatest adventure of all is falling in love?

You can find out more about Regina Scott at her website:
https://reginascott.com/  

 

THE LOVE LETTER is a story that grips two time periods, merging them into a fascinating and relatable tale. One that I’m thrilled to promote to others. Let me tell you why.  

Rachel dives deeply into each of her main characters, bringing rich layers of personality imprinted with hurts that motivate other characters in a moving way. If asked which timeline I loved better, I would have difficulty choosing. I fell quite happily into both the historical and more contemporary times.

The beautiful gold thread that weaves these two stories together to make one beautiful experience is love. But not always in the way this reader would expect.

Esther Kingsley delightful personality made me eager to visit the pages that revealed her true nature. I found myself cheering her on. Her precious faith and loyalty touched my heart. Hamilton Lightfoot’s struggles and opposition caused me to ponder just where their story would lead. And then, for the contemporary novel, Chloe Daschel’s journey, drive, and talent were a beauty to behold. Last but not least, Jesse Gates, the writer who was seeking more, would have to face inward struggles that a lesser man would run from.

This story is moving, interesting and inspiring. I highly recommend this novel and this author. She gave a lovely interview, and I invite you to come to know Rachel Hauck as she shares her answers.

QUESTIONS FOR RACHEL

Rachel, you write historical and contemporary fiction equally well. What inspired you to choose the 1780s timeline for this story?

 

 

RH: It's been a minute since I wrote this book but if I recall, the premise was, "What if the unrequited love of our ancestors somehow fell on us."  If great, great grandpa and grandma couldn't be together, could their love for each find their descendants. Could they fall in love? I wanted some distance between the contemporary and historical story so no obvious family details could be known. I wanted Esther and Hamilton to be lost to Chloe and Jesse. Also, I love our Revolutionary history and the Battle of Cowpens was critical to Colonial victory. Also, it was a time when love letters were an important part of courtship. Since we had no official postal system in 1781, letters were difficult to send. 

 

I refuse to write spoilers for this or any other story, but still, I’m curious, who is your favorite character in this novel that links the past and present? Why?

 

RH: I love all of the characters and their connections are pretty intertwined. I think it's Hamilton's love for Esther that links the past and the present. I love how heroic he is throughout the story.  

 

 

I read online that you wanted people to know about this story. What message do you want to convey to your readers with these situations and characters?

 

RH: There was a sense while writing the book that love never really dies. I don't have any proof of that, or Bible, but I know God's love for us never dies. I try to weave in metaphorical ways to show God's love and care of humanity throughout the story. I also believe stories that glimpse at our history are great reminders of our blessings. 

 

So for a fun question, where is the craziest place you ever wrote down a scene or plot point that you used in a published story?

 

RH: Great question! I can't think of a crazy-crazy place but I've written on airplanes, in bathrooms, while walking, even jotted notes in the middle of church worship. (Though not when I'm leading.) I do have special moments with the Lord in prayer that leads me to a story point. Usually something that reflects who He is.

 

 

What is your next novel to be published, and what do you want to tell us about that gem in the making?

 

RH: My next book is The Best Summer of Our Lives, coming June 27th. I'm really excited about this one. I mused over it for a couple of years before putting together a proposal. It's about four best friends who have the power of their love and friendship tested one summer. It's set in the summer of 1977 and 1997 so I hope readers will enjoy the flashback to the past, whether they were alive or not. :) Go to my website for more information and how you can sign up for the Release Day Zoom Party! It's going to be fun. 

 

You may find Rachel on her website 

www.rachelhauck.com

 

 

Greetings All,

I’ve been away, yet you are not out of mind!
 
You are such an amazing group of writers!

We have had some requests to hold daytime meetings. So I put out an email asking if the 2nd Tuesday of the month would be okay. After a few back-and-forth emails from several writers, it sounds like 1:30 p.m. may work well. If we get a location that could support online, we can merge our Jitsi and in-person meetings. Let me know via email or on this post what your thoughts are!
 
Mega blessings and joy,
Sue

 

PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
                         
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 
 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
 
JITSI online MEETING
 
Meeting Held at Your Home - USA
Your sofa or chair. Your choice of refreshments—from your fridge—no running to Kathy’s house for treats! 😊
 
"Ideas, Ideas, Ideas...  What do I write next?"  How do you come up with and develop your next plot?  Sarah Grosskopf will offer some strategies and suggestions for finding ideas for your next project and developing a basic idea into a plot.  Where do ideas come from?  How much of a plot do you need to get started?  If you get stuck, what do you do next?
 
PROMPT:  Bring a list of ideas for your next project.  They can be as general or specific as you want.
 
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
           We are a safe place to share and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
 
 

BLOOMED TO DIE, by Johnnie Alexander a Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries from AnniesFiction.com

Orcas Island, Washington, Present Day 

Imagine a wedding about to take place beside Old Cape Lighthouse on scenic Orcas Island. This Pacific Northwest location, adorned with gorgeous sun-kissed flowers, rested near the water’s edge. James Stratford, a wealthy and handsome groom, and Brooke Edgars, a lovely bride-to-be, were full of expectations and the promise of a long life together. Picture Perfect. Unfortunately, death can interrupt the grandest of plans and break hearts without a thought or care. 

Kaylee Bleu, owner of The Flower Patch and the official wedding florist, was the first person to find the body. Her handsome bow-tied dachshund, Bear, arrived beside the body first, but he suddenly showed terrible symptoms. Kaylee’s past as a plant taxonomist and forensic botanist at Seattle’s University of Washington has been helpful during investigations. This time her skills were needed to help her beloved Bear. And then to discover what the murderer didn’t want anyone to learn. 

This story is well written, with plenty of twists and turns. I loved trying to discover who the killer might be! The characters have depth and personality. They feel like friendly neighbors who fit in nicely with their small town, Turtle Cove. And who can win your heart, if not a dachshund named Bear? I highly recommend this series and this story which can be a stand-alone, yet why miss the fun of the rest of the adventures? Secrets, surprises, and a very satisfying ending. 

Each of these stories is approximately 200 pages, so they are quick reads that deliver a full cozy murder mystery experience—lacking nothing. I love details, and depth and I’m quite satisfied with Kaylee Bleu and her Petal Pushers garden club members and the other regulars of Turtle Cove. This is Book 2 from the VICTORIAN MANSION FLOWER SHOP MYSTERIES series published by Annie’s. I have the hardback cover version with a ribbon bookmark sewn into the binding. What a lovely gift these books can make. There is also an E-book version available. You may discover more about the publisher and their other series at AnniesFiction.com. 

QUESTIONS FOR JOHNNIE: 

I love to let my readers discover who the author is behind the wonderful story presented in the review. When did you first fall in love with writing? 

Though I dreamed of writing stories, and certainly made up quite a few, from the time I was a tyke, it wasn’t until I approached one of those milestone birthdays that I told myself, “It’s now or never!” Fear often nibbled at my heart, and a few more years passed before I received a contract for WHERE TREASURE HIDES, my debut novel. God’s promise, given to me during a private devotional time at a writers conference, to “set my feet in a spacious place” helped me to persevere during that time and during other low points in my journey. I trust Him with my writing path. 

Do you have a favorite occupation that you secretly dream of doing, represented by one of your characters in this story? The Flower Patch florist, the handyman, baker, police officer . . . 

I absolutely love this question because I told my sister only a few weeks ago that creating characters allows me to explore hobbies that I want to know about but not necessarily do! LOL! For example, I recently created a heroine who is a glass-blower and another who is a wildlife photographer who also judges documentaries for film festivals. Doesn’t that sound fun?! One of my favorite characters is Chaney Rose, a con artist with a conscience, who uses her grifting skills to save a racehorse from death in THE MISCHIEF THIEF (currently the first and only novel in the Rose & Thorne Series). I’m loathe to admit it (because, after all, I do believe in following the Ten Commandments), but I’d love to be on the Leverage team. (For those who may not know, Leverage is an older TV show featuring a mastermind, hacker, hitter, grifter, and thief who ran cons on the rich and powerful to get justice for those in need.) 

Since Orcas Island is a real place (https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island) have you ever had the pleasure of visiting there?

That is definitely a dream, though not one that has yet come true. I’m still on the tourist mailing list, though, so maybe someday! Since I can’t travel to all the settings that show up in my stories, I research trees, plants, sunrises and sunsets, and often add the town (if it’s not fictional) on my weather app. 

What is your favorite drink while writing? 

I have a Pepsi in my favorite insulated cup, decorated with many of my favorite verbs, words, and phrases on my desk right now. Here’s a sampling: wonder, try, hope, flip flops, cherish, play, running barefoot in the grass, dream, laugh, dance, staying up late, cherish, pray. 

What is the title of your next book in this series, and approximately when will it be published? 

All twenty-four books in the Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries series, published by Annie’s Fiction, have been written. I wrote #2, BLOOMED TO DIE and #8, PINE AND PUNISHMENT. The entire series can be found here: https://bit.ly/VMFSMSeries I’m currently writing a historical novella set in Crooksville, Ohio for Guideposts’ new Love’s a Mystery series. Each book contains a historical and a contemporary novella (written by two different authors). After that, I’ll be writing a few more novels for Annie’s Fiction while planning more Rose & Thorne stories. 

You can find the author, Johnnie Alexander at https://johnnie-alexander.com/

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Tuesday, September 20, 2022 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Meeting at Naomi’s Office 208 E. Reed Ave. Manitowoc, WI 54220 "Lessons From One Genre Bolstering Others!" Susan Marlene is facilitating our meeting this month. Conversation and sharing will warm our conversation and inspire our writing journey! Assignment: If you can, bring a sample of your current work in progress and two more ideas of future writing projects. Let's get pen to paper and help each other complete our books and or projects. Congratulations to Susan Fink for getting her book published! PROMPT: What color represents your mood or goals at this time? Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers! We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com