A Special Kind of Double and Free Books!

To celebrate the release of the audiobook version of my romantic suspense novella, A Special Kind of Double, I'm giving away a free copy of the audiobook to one of this week's commenters!

But first I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Gayle Roper's romantic suspense novel, Hide and Seek, is:

amybooksy@... 

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, here's a bit of information about the plot of A Special Kind of Double:  

Franny and Grace Otterbridge were always the closest of sisters. But after their father’s death, Grace veered off in a different direction. Now Franny feels she’s lost her. Literally—Grace has gone missing. Franny assumes she’s taken off on another wild hair, but signs soon suggest otherwise. 

Franny accepts amateur sleuthing help from new flame Nevan Burns, a young fine artist (who’s also a fine young artist). He proves himself more than good company, and Franny finds herself swinging from one emotion to another, from joy to fear, from anticipation to dread. She’s not equipped to search for Grace alone. She’s even less prepared for what she finds.

With this release, I'm finally starting to make audiobook versions of all of my books available to readers. I'm an avid audiobook fan, so I'm very excited about this development, and I hope you will be too. 

The audio version is now available for Audible subscribers, or it can be purchased via the button below. 

An audio sample is also available via this button:

In the meantime, I have a question for you: During the lockdown, I find I do less driving than normal, but I still listen to audiobooks daily during my morning walk. I love the experience of enjoying nature while having a fascinating story told to me. So, what are you usually doing when you listen to audiobooks?

If you would like to be included in the drawing for a free audio copy of A Special Kind of Double, leave a comment below with your answer to my above question. "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 and the audiobook will be delivered to you from Amazon via 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.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; 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

Gayle Roper and Free Books!

When does being found become safer than remaining lost?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Ane Mulligan's historical southern women's novel, In High Cotton, is:

rbooth43@...

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 visit with novelist Gayle Roper, author of the romantic suspense novel, Hide and Seek (December 2019).

Gayle Roper has been in love with story for as long as she can remember, whether reading one or writing one.

She has authored more 60 books over a fifty year career in Christian publishing. She has won the Carol Award, the RITA Award, a Romantic Times Book Report Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finaled repeatedly in the Christys. She has won the Holt Medallion three times and twice her titles have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award.

Her nonfiction title, A Widow’s Journey, won the Golden Scroll Award as the best nonfiction of the year. Romantic Times Book Report has given her the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Several writers conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, Florida CWC and Greater Philadelphia CWC have cited Gayle for her contributions to the training of writers. She lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where she enjoys her family, her friends, and eating out.

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

I love to eat out (which is a companion to the truth that I don’t enjoy cooking).

I hope you're still managing that, despite the lockdown. Here in California, we're only able to enjoy outdoor dining, so the choices are relatively limited!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Hide and Seek. 

When Ellie runs away to protect her then nine-year-old son, Nick, she never expects to return. When her grandmother is dying, her heart demands she come home, despite the danger.

Gabe, small town police chief and high school football coach, is impressed with Nick’s talent on the gridiron but aware Ellie is keeping secrets. His responsibilities and his growing affection for both Ellie and Nick create massive conflicts.

Joey, Nick’s father, has been looking for Nick ever since Ellie spirited him away. When he finds the boy, his goal is to make Ellie pay.

Ellie’s fear, Nick’s growing independence, Gabe’s questions, and Joey’s vendetta force clashes and confrontations. Each individual must decide whether to continue hiding from past conflicts or seek the freedom and resolution of trusting in God.

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

Ellie has made some foolish choices in her life, but she has determined they will not define her. While they force certain limitations, she works hard at reaching beyond them. She’s gutsy and strong. She loves Nick and does everything in her power to keep him safe. She cares for underdogs like Nick’s friend, Kenny, and Avery, the poor little rich girl next door.

When Ellie becomes a Christian, she learns to trust God to redeem not only her soul but her life situation. As she falls in love with Gabe, she can’t believe something this good has happened to her. She will not let Joey ruin what God has provided.

How much prep work do you typically do before you start writing a novel?

This particular novel was almost ten years in the writing. My problem was a good one to have in that I didn’t know enough about the emotional ramifications of abuse. My first editors, both survivors of abuse, laughed at my lack of understanding. I had to read and listen and learn to be able to realistically portray a situation I have not experienced. But this is what we do as writers. We get in the skin of people so we can tell their stories. Just as it takes longer to understand some real people, it takes longer to understand some characters. The struggle is always worthwhile.

How smart of you to use as your first editors people who are survivors of abuse. Experiencing abuse is a unique circumstance (not unique enough, of course), and one that sometimes comes about so insidiously that one can't fake its damage to a victim's emotional makeup.

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

I just finished listening to Lynn Austn’s If I Were You. (I’m a huge fan of audio books.) Great concept—a friend assumes the life of a British war bride/widow with the American family she’s never met. Then the story goes back to World War II and the experiences of the two women. The depth of historical detail is woven in so naturally you don’t realize the research Lynn must have done. Well written and fascinating. I’d love to know what you think of the ending.

I love audiobooks too! Because I walk every morning, I always have an audiobook going. I'll have to check into If I Were You. It sounds wonderful.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my eighth Seaside, NJ, book, SeaChange. I’ve been writing this setting since 2000 in novels, a novella, and a short story. In SeaChange Janine has lost her job and been forced to return home to live, and Ross has had his life upended by events beyond his control. Family and its impact on our lives is an important thread as Janine and Ross learn to trust the Lord even when things don’t go well.

My favorite Seaside character, Clooney, appears with his usual gift that somehow saves the day.

Where else can readers find you online?

I’m on Facebook and have a website, www.gayleroper.com. There are a few A Widow’s Journey segments on Youtube.com that some might find interesting or helpful.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample from the book HERE (click on Look Inside)

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

What makes you decide to read a specific book if you aren’t familiar with the author?

Thanks, Gayle, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Gayle has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her 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.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; 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

Ane Mulligan and Free Books!

Southern women may look as delicate as flowers, but there’s iron in their veins.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Kathleen Y'Barbo's true crime/historical romantic suspense novel, The Black Midnight, is:

janibabe59@...

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 visit with novelist Ane Mulligan, author of historical southern women’s fiction, In High Cotton (Heritage Beacon, August 2020).

Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown.

But when Ane saw Peter Pan on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged.

She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler.

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

I sat in Maggie Thatcher’s seat in the House of Lords in England.

We'll assume you simply sat in her chair--you didn't fill in for her while she was away.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of In High Cotton.

While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her.

Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression?

Since I read Ane's book (and really loved it), I'm going to share my short review of it here: 

A delightful slice of American life during the late 1920s. Set in South Georgia as the Great Depression descends upon the country, this novel focuses on the admirable, strong women of River’s End and their loves, enemies, challenges, and successes. Magnolia Parker and her colorful, close-knit circle of friends embody the best in people, resilient against the prejudices and injustices they suffer. Ane Mulligan writes as if she were one of Maggie’s contemporaries, teaming with charm and grit. A very quick, compelling read.

Ane, what is it about Maggie Parker that will make your readers care about her?

Maggie Parker is a plucky gal who doesn’t take flack from anyone. She’s fiercely loyal, giving, and determined.

What’s the most positive thing you can tell my readers about the state of Christian fiction today?

Christian authors have been on a campaign to write books that equal or surpass that of the secular world. I know I’ve been working hard to grow in the craft with each book I write.

I agree. Honestly, it seems the emergence of indie publishing frees traditionally published inspirational authors to explore genres, styles, and subjects previously avoided by traditional houses. That does level the "playing field" somewhat. 

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

Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderlah. This is her debut book and the characters are so fully well-developed, and her writing has a depth of emotion normally seen in seasoned novelists. I couldn’t put it down! Not only that the end was not what I expected, which for a multi-published author doesn’t happen often.

Who doesn't love being surprised by a book's ending? That's great.

What are you working on now?

I just finished first round edits on the second book in my Georgia Magnolias series, On Sugar Hill, and I’m writing the third one, By the Sweet Gum. They are stand-alone novels, but all set in Georgia during the Great Depression.

Where else can readers find you online?

They can find me on my website, my Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and The Write Conversation.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, Ane has posted the first chapter of In High Cotton on her website. Click the following link, then scroll down to Downloads. anemulligan.com/georgia-magnolias-series

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

What is your favorite setting for a book? Small town? Big city? Beach? Mountains? Country?

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

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; 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

Kathleen Y'Barbo and Free Books!

From Texas to London, The Black Midnight navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as former Pinkerton detectives Annie and Ike ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted—by a killer who very well could be Jack the Ripper.  And it won’t be their first run-in with the man, as they believe he began his murderous spree in Austin four years earlier.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Ann Gabhart's historical novel, An Appalachian Summer, is:

eclitton@...

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 Kathleen Y'Barbo, author of the true crime/historical romantic suspense novel, The Black Midnight, Barbour Publishing, August 2020.

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than 100 books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Student and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Her latest novel The Black Midnight is a historical mystery based on the true stories of the infamous murderer Jack the Ripper and the Midnight Assassin, a serial killer who terrorized 1880s Austin, Texas. Neither was brought to justice, and some theorize they are one and the same.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical, true crime, and cozy mystery novels as well. Recent historical releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride, set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride, set in 1836 Texas, and The Chisholm Trail Bride, set in 1880s Texas and Louisiana, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books. 


Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They now make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a family of very adorable Londoners.

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

I attended a Mick Jagger concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a riot broke out outside the stadium. While Mick sang, people were burning cars and throwing Molotov cocktails. We didn’t find out what was going on until after the concert was over and we walked outside to see what looked like a war zone. Possibly my most memorable concert experience.

My goodness. That's one time it was safer to be in the midst of a rock concert than not!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Black Midnight.

Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds in similar circumstances as The Midnight Assassin terrorized the citizens of Austin, Texas. Now, with suspicion falling on Her Majesty’s family and Scotland Yard at a loss as to who the Ripper might be, Queen Victoria summons her great-granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, a former Pinkerton agent who worked the unsolved Austin case, and orders her to discreetly form a team to look into the London matter.



The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find the The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.



Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.

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

Annie may be the great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, but she is determined to make her own way in the world, even if joining the London Metropolitan Police and then moving to America to work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency gets her in trouble with her family. When the queen—known to her as Granny—calls on her for help in solving a crime spree occurring in London that no one else seems able to solve, she readily says yes without fear of becoming a target of the killer.

Reading your descriptions brings to mind the series, Victoria, which I love. It's fascinating to imagine your stories wrapped around Queen Victoria's granddaughter.

What’s the most positive thing you can tell my readers about the state of Christian fiction today?

Christian fiction is reaching more people now than ever before. As witnessed by genres like fantasy and true crime, there is something out there for every reader interested in the Christian market.

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

I just finished The King's Justice, Book 9 of the Maggie Hope series by Susan Elia McNeal. I loved that entire series so much that I binge read all nine of them in a row. And by read, I mean I mostly listened to the books on Audible during my daily commute to my office but also read on my iPad and phone. I guess that makes me a hybrid reader.

I'm always listening to an audio book when I walk (or, in the good old days, when I went to the gym). I'm a big fan of audio books and am going through the process of having audio versions made of all of my books now.

What are you currently working on?

I am finishing up a cozy mystery for Guideposts Books that is set in Charleston, South Carolina. The story centers around good friends, a missing statue, and an old hospital, and I cannot wait to share it with my readers in 2021.

Where else can readers find you online?

All my social media links are listed on my website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, if you would like to read a sample from the book go HERE and click on Look Inside.

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

If you got to choose the plot of my next book, what would it be?

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

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; 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

Free Copy of A Midnight Clear on Alexis Goring's Site!

On August 30 we'll give away a Kindle copy of my romantic novella, A Midnight Clear, through Alexis Goring's God is Love blog. Visit Alexis's blog to enter!

A Midnight Clear: When she attends a Washington, D.C. dinner party thrown by friends far wealthier than she, writer Maddie Travers is distracted by internal debates. Should she move back to D.C.? Should she seek work she might find more fulfilling? She meets the appealing “regular guy,” Dom Sebastiani, at the party and consequently wonders whether she’s ready to seek romance again. So many decisions! At the stroke of midnight, a shocking turn of events sets Maddie on a path that holds at least as many questions for her as it does answers.



Alexis A. Goring, MFA, is the founder of "God is Love" blog. She invites you to celebrate her blog's 10th birthday this August 2020! Every day in August, author friends who have been featured on her blog over the past 10 years will give away one or more copies of their books. These may include signed paperback copies or e-books for your Kindle! Visit "God is Love" blog on August 1 through August 31 to join in on the fun. Giveaway contests will end on Sept. 2, 2020 and winners will be notified via email.