WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?

What book should you read next? What words should you write next? Whether you're a reader, a writer, or both, you need look no further for ideas and pointers to help you make up your mind. You might even get your next book for free!

Sometimes I even give away my own novels. My Inspirational romances and devotionals are pictured below and are detailed on my Books page. You can always count on a trace of humor in my novels and nonfiction. Whether you're a teen or a woman mature in years, I think these stories will ring true.

Read on, and discover some of today's most appealing Inspirational novelists, their latest books, and their words of wisdom and imagination. Enjoy!

Monday, September 24, 2018

Melanie Dobson and Free Books!

Hidden Among the Stars is a time-slip mystery about a young Austrian man and woman who hide heirlooms for their Jewish friends and a bookstore owner almost eighty years later who finds a cryptic list about this missing treasure.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of the Inspirational Romance novel, The Call of Indian Summer, by Linda Hannah and Deborah Dulworth, is:

carrie@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Melanie Dobson, author of the time-slip novel, Hidden Among the Stars (Tyndale House Publishers, September 2018).

Writing fiction is Melanie Dobson’s excuse to explore abandoned houses, travel to unique places, and spend hours reading old books and journals. The award-winning author of almost twenty books, Melanie enjoys stitching together both time-slip and historical novels including Hidden Among the Stars, Catching the Wind, and Chateau of Secrets.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

Dancing makes me happy! Every week, my daughters and I attend at least one dance class at the YMCA. Not only is it great exercise, it sparks a whole slew of ideas in my mind.

What a wonderful idea! I love the concept of such a creative way to exercise.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of your novel.

In 1938, as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life.

But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan―even their very lives―in jeopardy.

Eighty years later, Callie Randall is content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister in Ohio and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even love.

What is it about Annika that will make your readers care about her?

Annika Knopf lost her mother when she was young and has taken over the housekeeper role at Schloss Schwansee (Castle of Swan Lake). She’s loved Max Dornbach, the son of the estate owner, since she was a girl, and she will do almost anything to help him. When Max brings home Luzia Weiss, a Jewish violinist from Vienna, Annika must decide whether or not to help this woman that Max adores.

Those triangles! So intriguing.

How do you restart the creative flow when you feel a block coming on?

Usually I push myself to write through the walls standing in my way. The words may not flow well at first, but the best way for me to overcome the affliction of writer’s block is to put something—anything—on paper. When the words begin to flow again, I’ll go back and edit my initial work.

As difficult as that can be, I've done that before and actually found in reviewing my work, I wasn't able to see where the block was. 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I really enjoyed reading Charles Martin’s novel Long Way Gone. It’s a beautifully written story about a prodigal son who runs far away and then slowly begins to find his way back home.

What are you working on now?

I recently returned from the Netherlands and am finishing up a time-slip novel based on an incredible rescue mission that happened in Amsterdam during World War II. The heart of this story is about forgiveness, and I hope it will capture again the power of seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things to fight evil and rescue those in need.

Where else can readers find you online?

The best places are on Facebook and @MelBDobson on Twitter.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

I’d love to know: Where in Europe would you enjoy visiting on the pages of a novel?

Thanks so much, Trish!

Thank you, Melanie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Melanie has offered to give away a signed copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Melanie's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

23 comments:

kim hansen said...

Since both my paternal grandparents are from Norway I would love to visit and see what the country is like. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

I visited Sweden and Norway when I was 6 - my parents were Scandinavian missionaries. It would be a dream to go back. Both countries were beautiful. I live in South Africa.

Gail H. said...

Iceland may not be in Europe but wouldn't it make an interesting setting? I'd be sure and read it!
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

windycindy said...

Calais, France! My paternal grandmother came over here; with her parents on a cattle ship. She was an only child, and was 11 years old... I have a copy of her ship’s manifest, from Ellis Island. Her dad and mom, had 6 more children, after arriving here!!!!! The Three Musketeers, hid out in Calais.
Thank you, Cindi

Anonymous said...

Sweden. I've read about Norway jrs0350@yahoo.com

Pam K. said...

When we lived in Germany for a year, we took a trip and passed through Liechtenstein. I think it would be interesting to read a book set in this small country. What role did this country play in World War II? This is a country we don't hear much about and I'm pretty sure I've never read a novel with it as a setting.

pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

Lori Smanski said...

this is a beautiful cover. I would love to visit Switzerland in the pages of a novel. My mom and I did different kinds of dance together growing up. It is still with me, the special times I had with my mom.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Velma said...

I have been looking forward to this new novel. I would love to read a novel set in Italy or Greece. I have always been fascinated by these two countries.

Velma said...

I forgot my email address.
donvelma[at]gmail[dot]com

arletta said...

One of the main reasons I want to read this book is because it takes place in Austria. We visited Austria last September and were blown away by its beauty. We flew into Salzburg and drove up to the Mauthausen concentration camp. There is so much more to explore so I curious to know how Melanie has described Austria in her book. So since I can't say Austria as my choice, I'll go with Greece. I'm actually good with reading any CF book that takes place anywhere in Europe. It just makes me want to go back even more than I already do!
arletta(DOT)boulton(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read a book that was set in Belgium. I haven't read any books that took place there. I think it would be an interesting setting and country to read about and discover.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann

Cathy said...

I think Holland would be interesting, particularly a novel with a WWII focus. I have read quite a bit of WWII non-fiction while working on family genealogy, as I had several family members who were involved in the European Theater of Operations. Enjoyed the article! I am a subscriber under a secondary email but prefer to use this one for contact - ramblingphotographer at gmail dot com

Lane Hill House said...

The United Kingdom and Ireland ~ two country expanse across the waters ~ mystery; lost relatives reuniting after being separated for a generation. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I would pick either Holland or Belgium since that is part of my ancestry that I know little about. I think it would be awesome to see the tulips blooming.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
Perrianne Askew

Patty said...

I think I would have to pick Italy! Would love to see the beautiful countryside...

pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alison Boss said...

I would enjoy visiting Italy on the pages of a novel! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Hidden Among the Stars!!

Caryl Kane said...

I would enjoy visiting France on the pages of a novel. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Hidden Among the Stars.

psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

Trish Perry said...

Funny, with each successive comment, I find myself thinking, "Oh, yes, THAT country!" and then doing the same with the following suggestion. I once met a man from Estonia who told me his country was notable for having been occupied more often than any other country in the world. I know nothing else of the country, but I'd like to, via a good story...

Maddy said...

Definitely France! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway. :)

maddycroneATgmailDOTcom

Alison Boss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alison Boss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alison Boss said...

I would enjoy visiting Italy on the pages of a novel! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Hidden Among the Stars!!

Oops! I forgot to leave my email in my earlier post. It is :

nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

Melanie Dobson said...

Thank you all for your comments! So many wonderful places and ideas to consider.

Grateful, ~Melanie

 

HOME | MEET TRISH | BOOKS | CONTACT | LINKS

Content Copyright Trish Perry | Graphic Design and Layout Eagle Designs