James L. Rubart and Free Books!

The Pages of Her Life is the story of a woman who stands up for everyone else in her life but hasn't ever truly done it for herself; until now.

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of On a Summer Tide, by Suzanne Fisher, is:

sarahmom335@...

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 revisit novelist James L. Rubart, author of The Pages of Her Life (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, May 2019).

Jim, how would you classify the genre of your new novel?

Tough question! No one really knows (not even me). My publisher and agent say I’ve created my own genre, which makes my stories unique, but often hard to describe. The closest definition is a genre called Slipstream, which essentially says, “Contemporary fiction where fantastical things often happen.”

I love that--it's good to know publishers are willing to allow authors to step outside standard genre boundaries.

Now for a bit more about Jim:

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man's body. He thinks he's still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons, and loves to send readers on journeys they'll remember months after they finish one of his stories.

He's the best-selling, Christy Book of the Year, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award-winning author of ten novels as well as a professional speaker, audio book narrator, the co-host of the Novel Marketing podcast, and the owner of The Rubart Writing Academy.

Jim lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington.

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

I’m a scuba diver and love sleight of hand magic.

I feel like I've maybe seen the occasional Facebook post about the diving. But the sleight of hand is definitely news to me!

 Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Pages of Her Life.

How Do You Stand Up for Yourself When It Means Losing Everything?

Allison Moore is making it. Barely. The Seattle architecture firm she started with her best friend is struggling, but at least they’re free from the games played by the corporate world. She’s gotten over her divorce. And while her dad’s recent passing is tough, their relationship had never been easy.

Then the bomb drops. Her dad was living a secret life and left her mom in massive debt. As Allison scrambles to help her mom find a way out, she’s given a journal, anonymously, during a visit to her favorite coffee shop. The pressure to rescue her mom mounts, and Allison pours her fears and heartache into the journal.

But then the unexplainable happens. The words in the journal, her words, begin to disappear. And new ones fill the empty spaces—words that force her to look at everything she knows about herself in a new light.

Ignoring those words could cost her everything . . . but so could embracing them.

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

From the early feedback I’ve gotten, Allison (my lead character) is so relatable. Most of us have had times in our life where we wish we’d stood up for ourselves and haven’t, or maybe like Allison, we never have and are desperate to do it. Allison’s struggles are real, and she’s vulnerable, but knows there’s a strength deep inside herself. It’s a matter of that strength rising to the surface and coming out. And that’s the heart of the story.

Let’s say someone wrote a novel based on your life. What would the title be?

Wow! Great question. Maybe, The Life Through A Broken Vessel. The “Life” is Jesus. So it’s his life, and the Life he gives, lived out through me, the broken vessel.

That's kind of beautiful. Go on and write it, Jim!

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

I’ll mention the novel that popped into my mind first, even though it’s been a number of years since I read it. It’s called, Long Way Gone, by Charles Martin.

It’s a beautiful interpretation of the Prodigal Son story set in modern times. It got quite dusty multiple times as I read the book and realized the love of the Father for me. Highly recommended.

I know his readers really loved that one.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a series starring a character named, Rembrandt Stone, who is a detective that solves cold cases by traveling back in time. I’m writing the stories with my great friend, Susie Warren and we’re quite excited about them!

What a fun duo!

Where else can readers find you online?

They can head for my website, JamesLRubart.com, where they can sign up for my newsletter which will inspire, encourage and hopefully bring them more Life. I’m also on Facebook , Twitter: @jamesLrubart , and Instagram

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Is standing up for others easier than standing up for yourself?

Thanks for having me once again, Trish! We’ve chatted about every one of my novels. I appreciate that so much.

Always a pleasure, Jim. Thank you for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Jim has offered to give away a free copy of his book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Jim'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, an 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

Suzanne Fisher and Free Books!

As his three young adult daughters grow increasingly estranged, Paul Grayson knows he has to do something bold to keep the family together…but when he buys a small bankrupt island in Maine, his girls are sure he’s lost his mind.

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Moments We Forget, by Beth Vogt, is:

jrs0350@...

Congratulations! I'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 revisit novelist Suzanne Fisher, author of contemporary fiction ("More specifically…a 'Calgon, take me away' genre, if there is such a thing"), On a Summer Tide, Book 1 in the Three Sisters Island series (Revell, April 2019).

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it.

With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels.

She lives with her very big family in northern California.

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

One of the joys in my life is being involved with puppy raising and breeder keeping for Guide Dogs for the Blind. You just can’t take yourself too seriously when a puppy is tearing through the house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

What a wonderful experience that must be (underwear and all). And what a fulfilling endeavor! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of On a Summer Tide.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island.

To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular.

Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, harbors more than a few surprises.

I love the premise of this series. 

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

Camden Grayson can’t be stuffed into a box. She’s bright, bold, ambitious, overly optimistic…and clueless when it comes to personal relationships. Her flaws—and there are many—make her thoroughly likable!

Let’s say someone wrote a novel based on your life. What would the title be?

Detective Mom. I just have a strange radar when it comes to people and trouble. Drives my kids crazy. As a mother of four, I consider it a gift. ;)

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

Just finished Laura Frantz’s A Moonbow Night (Revell). She has such a rich imagination, and wonderful grasp of pre-Revolutionary Colonial America. And wow, that girl knows how to create a romantic male lead!

What are you working on now?

Just opened a new document to start book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series. Each of the sisters will take a turn as the main character, so next up is Maddie, a newly certified Marriage and Family Therapist (who has never been married nor had children).

I imagine there are more therapists out there in that situation than we would hope, lol. 

Where else can readers find you online?

Well! I’m so glad you asked. I love connecting with readers. I work in a cramped laundry room with two big yellow dogs at my feet. Hearing from readers is like fresh air blowing through this tiny room!

Here’s lots of places to cross paths:

www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Facebook
Twitter @suzannewfisher
Instagram @suzannewoodsfisher
Bookbub Suzanne Woods Fisher
Goodreads Suzanne Woods Fisher
Amazon Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pinterest Suzanne W Fisher
Join my list


The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

What was the first book you remember reading that carried you to another time or place? For me, it was Hitty: Her First One Hundred Years, a story written on a little island in Maine. Of all places!

Thank you, Suzanne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Suzanne has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Suzanne'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, an 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

Beth Vogt and Free Books!

Can a trio of sisters move from declaring a truce to fully trusting one another?

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of The Erie Canal Brides Collection, featuring Johnnie Alexander's historical novella, "Journey of the Heart," is:

von1janet@...

Congratulations! I'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 revisit novelist Beth Vogt, author of the new women’s fiction release, Moments We Forget (Tyndale House, May 2019).

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, Beth’s first women’s fiction novel with Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters Series, released May 2019.

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015  RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers.

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

Funny story: I met my husband Rob in a karate studio when he knocked me down while I was working out – preparing for my brown belt exam. We like to tell people he swept me off my feet.

That almost sounds like the "meet cute" of romantic comedy, Beth. Kind of romantic!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Moments We Forget.

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped.

Can Jillian count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place—or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister?

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

Jillian wants more for herself … for her life. And we all want that at some point in our lives – something more, whether it’s an unfulfilled dream, or an unfulfilled promise we’ve made to ourselves or that someone’s made to us.

Let’s say someone wrote a novel based on your life. What would the title be?

Choosing the Beauty of Broken

Hmm. Intriguing! 

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

The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts – I stayed up all night reading this novel and I was on deadline at the time! She writes about the unlikely friendship between two women and the story – the issues Elizabeth delved into in such an honest way – kept me turning the pages.

What are you working on now?

I’m finishing book three in the Thatcher Sisters Series, where Johanna steps front and center into the plot. She’s had quite the journey from book one to book three.

Where else can readers find you online?

Website/blog: bethvogt.com
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page

The novel can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Whether they have sisters or know sisters, what do they find intriguing about sister relationships?

Thank you, Beth, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Beth has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Beth'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, an 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

Johnnie Alexander and Free Books!

A postmaster’s daughter risks her secret . . . and her heart . . . to rescue a runaway from a slave-hunter.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of my new romantic suspense novella, A Special Kind of Double, is subscriber:

rackylemaire@...

Congratulations! I'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 revisit novelist Johnnie Alexander, author of the historical novella, "Journey of the Heart," in The Erie Canal Brides Collection (Barbour, March 2019).

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget in a variety of genres. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is a CBA bestseller and has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian. Her first indie novella, "Match You Like Crazy," (Resort to Romance Series) released in April 2019. She's part of an international group of authors writing the Mosaic Collection, a series of contemporary novels releasing in 2019-2020.

An award-winning, best-selling novelist, Johnnie serves on the Serious Writer, Inc. executive board, co-hosts Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

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

Such a fun question. Here’s a random thing I don’t think I’ve used before—my parents actually moved from one house to another while I was at 4-H camp. I didn’t know until we pulled into the driveway of the new place. A big surprise!

What a fun thing to do! That's not a surprise one can pull off very often in a lifetime.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of "Journey of the Heart."

In public, Charity Sinclair masquerades as a self-centered dilettante while helping her father operate the post office located in the front rooms of their home. Behind closed doors, however, she works with the Underground Railroad and writes abolitionist pamphlets.

Tavish Dunbar, an architect with the Circleville Squaring Company, has a government mandate to design a new post office and lodgings. Unfortunately, Postmaster Sinclair and his attractive but vapid daughter aren’t cooperating with the project.

Neither Charity nor Tavish are thrilled when they find themselves traveling together on the nearby Ohio-Erie Canal. But when a slave-hunter threatens a runaway’s journey to freedom, the couple reveal their true hearts while risking their lives for the fugitive and each other.

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

Charity is smart, caring, and passionate about doing whatever she can to educate others on the evils of slavery. To protect her identity as the author of abolitionist pamphlets, she pretends to be something she’s not. As the story progresses, she shows her courage and willingness to sacrifice her comfort for someone who desperately needs her help.

A year or so ago, my book club read The Scarlet Pimpernel. You made me think of it with your description of Charity and her noble, clandestine efforts. I love when a character is far more than most others realize.

Let’s say someone wrote a novel based on your life. What would the title be?

She Smiled at the Future

Great attitude!

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

We Hope for Better Things, by Erin Bartels. This is an incredible novel that weaves together the stories of three women from different eras. It explores prejudices, family relationships, and the heartache of secrets. I can’t wait to read more books by Erin.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing another novella for Barbour. The story is titled “Blue Moon” and will appear in the Hometown Heroines Collection.

Where else can readers find you online?

I mostly hang out on Facebook but it’s also fun to connect on BookBub.
Connect with me at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr. Sign up for my newsletter on my website for updates and special giveaways.

The collection can be purchased online via the following button:



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

What would be your preferred mode of nineteenth century travel—canal boat, train, or horseback?

I can tell you right now that this woman would take the train whenever possible! Thank you, Johnnie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novella. Readers, Johnnie has offered to give away a free copy of the collection. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Johnnie'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, an 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