Ann Gabhart and Free Books!

Packed with history, bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart introduces readers to the fascinating and difficult life of frontier nursing in These Healing Hills.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of Any Man of Mine, by Carolyne Aarsen, is:

forest_rose@...

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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Ann Gabhart, author of the historical These Healing Hills (Revell Books, September 2017).

Ann H. Gabhart has been called a storyteller, not a bad thing for someone who grew up dreaming of being a writer. She has penned many novels, including her popular Harmony Hill Shaker series as well as historical novels like Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home, a Selah Book of Year winner. She’s also known for her Heart of Hollyhill books and Hidden Springs Mysteries (as A.H. Gabhart.)

Ann, a lifelong Kentuckian, likes dropping her characters down into Kentucky historical events and settings. So it may be surprising that Ann’s thirty-third novel, These Healing Hills, is her first historical novel set in the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains.

She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and enjoy country life in Kentucky.

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

I’m a rabid University of Kentucky basketball fan even though I didn’t attend UK. My kids did become UK students, but I was a fan long before that. I remember listening to the games on my little transistor radio when I was maybe twelve or thirteen. I still bleed blue. It’s a Kentucky thing!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of These Healing Hills.

When the soldier Francine Howard planned to marry after WWII writes to tell her he’s in love with a woman in England, Francine is devastated and in need of a change. She seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

In the mountains, Francine crosses paths with Ben Locke, a soldier still very much suffering from the horrors of war. With his future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he’s at a loss when it comes to envisioning what’s next for his life.

While Francine and Ben are from completely different worlds and possess very different values, they both learn that things don’t always go according to plan. Will they be able to accept the healing power of love…and step forward toward tantalizing new possibilities?

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

Like many of us, Francine Howard feels awkward and unattractive at times, especially after her high school sweetheart breaks off their engagement because he’s fallen in love with a petite English beauty. But Francine has a can-do attitude and strong faith that help her find a new start with the Frontier Nursing Service. The Frontier Nurses share a saying that nobody comes there by accident and Fran begins to see the truth of that. I hope readers will enjoy sharing Fran’s adventures as she rides a horse up into the mountains to “catch babies” as a midwife nurse and discovers God’s plan for her life.

Aw, just her losing her fiancé to a smaller, prettier woman makes her endearing. 

Have you attended any writers’ conferences in the past? What are your thoughts about their merits for up-and-coming, or even established, writers?

I’ve been to a few writers’ conferences, usually as an attendee, but occasionally as a presenter. I had been writing for years and had already published many books before attending my first conference so it was a different sort of experience for me than for a new writer.

However, I do often advise those new writers, who approach me for help in writing or publishing, to take advantage of how writing conferences can open doors for them. When I began writing long before anyone even imagined the internet, it was much more difficult to connect with other writers and those in the publishing companies. But now writers can attend conferences and brainstorm with other writers while getting valuable contacts when meeting editors and agents. That’s a good thing not only for the up-and-coming writers, but for writers like me. Nobody knows it all and we can always learn something new to inspire us on our creative journeys.

So true. Social media has made it easier to be in touch with other writers, even if one can't make it to conferences.

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

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. I enjoyed the history in this story and the unique way it was told–all through letters and telegrams. Some of the scenes are tragic with the World War II history and others brought smiles as the letters brought the people of Guernsey to life in my reader’s eye.

I loved that book! I recommend it as well.

What are you working on now?

Next up after These Healing Hills is another historical novel, River to Redemption. My initial idea for the story was a true event that occurred in the small Kentucky town of Springfield after the 1833 cholera epidemic. The citizens of the town collected money to buy a slave’s freedom in gratitude for him single-handedly digging the graves and burying the fifty plus victims of the disease after most of the able-bodied citizens fled the town to escape the disease, leaving the sick and dead behind. My book, which is completely fictional except for that initial true historical fact, is how I imagine that might have come about.

That sounds like a fascinating story, Ann. I would definitely read that book.

Where else can readers find you online?

Readers can find out about my books and me at my website, www.annhgabhart.com. They can find my blogs there, sign up for my newsletter and find the links to social media. I love it when readers join the conversation at my Facebook author page where I have weekly features like Friday smiles, Shaker Wednesdays and the popular Sunday morning coming down.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Have you ever had a disappointment in your plans that eventually led to something better for you? Have you noted God’s providential care in your life or your family’s?

Great question! Thank you, Ann, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Ann has offered to give away a signed copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Ann's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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. Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Carolyne Aarsen and Free Books!

Danielle needs to get away from the guys in her life. Leaving town is her only option.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The House Next Door, by Susan Page Davis, is:

happygrammaof3@...

Congratulations! I'll e-mail you for your snail mail address, and 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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Carolyne Aarsen, author of the romantic/chick lit novel, Any Man of Mine (Misty Ridge Publishing, August 2017).

Carolyne Aarsen, originally a city girl, was transplanted to the country when she got married. While raising four children, foster children, and various animals, Carolyne managed to find time for daydreaming and writing.

Her first book sold in 1997 and since then has sold over fifty books to three different publishers. Just recently she has moved into self-publishing and is excited to start this new venture. Her stories show a love of open spaces, the fellowship of her Christian community.

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

I won first place in a Moose Calling contest. Valuable life skill for sure!

I would imagine that success did not take place while you were a city girl.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Any Man of Mine.

Danielle needs to get away from the ‘guys’ in her life, and fast. Growing up, her world was full of them. Between her brothers, her father, her boss, and the guy that broke her heart, she’s had enough. It’s time to get out of Holmes Crossing, and hopefully, build a new life with new people in the city, but that’s easier said than done.

Terrified that her grand adventure will send her into the arms of a suit-wearing, no nonsense, too-smart-for-his-own-good man, her brothers draft a plan to find her the kind of man they think she needs. The only problem is, Danielle has already met the one. She just doesn’t know it yet. But when she finds out that her idea of Mr. Perfect and her preconceived notions of who to stay clear of don’t exactly go hand in hand, her dream of a happily-ever-after might just surprise her.

That sounds like a lot of fun! 

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

Danielle is a girl who has grown up with three brothers who used to stuff her Barbie dolls into their rockets, who used to tease her. All this hides a deep love they have for her which manifests itself in trying to find the ‘perfect guy’ for her. While she loves them dearly she wants to get away from their ideas of what kind of guy they think she wants. She is looking for a man. Someone who likes classical music, who cares about her and, even more important, who isn’t a cowboy.

Have you attended any writers’ conferences in the past? What are your thoughts about their merits for up-and-coming, or even established, writers?

I’ve been to a number though I haven’t gone for a few years. I think writer’s conferences are an invaluable place for beginning and established writers to connect with other writers, to meet editors and agents face to face. There is always something to learn and be challenged by.

I completely agree. I haven't been able to attend one for the last few years, either. I miss the one-on-one camaraderie. 

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

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. To me it’s an absolute gem of a book that is so well-written it makes me want to quit writing! It’s a loving treatment of one family’s tragedy shown through the eyes of a young boy trying to make sense of his life and of God.

What are you working on now?

I’m redoing a couple of older books that I got the rights back to, weaving them more closely into a series called Sweethearts of Sweet Creek. This is a self-publishing venture and I hope to put the first book, Homecoming, out in September or October.

Where else can readers find you online?

I am on Facebook.

If your readers want to find out about new releases, they can also follow me on Bookbub.

I also have a website – www.carolyneaarsen.com. If people stop by, they can get a free book by signing up for my newsletter.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

What kind of hero draws you into a story the most?

Thanks for this opportunity, Trish. Blessings to you and your readers.


Thank you, Carolyne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Carolyne has offered to give away a free e-copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Carolyne's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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. Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Susan Page Davis and Free Books!

As his wife Jennifer’s due date approaches, Detective Harvey Larson decides to invest in real estate, unaware of the terror this will cause his family. 

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of Engaged: Surrendering the Future, by Julie Arduini, is:

tumcsec@...

Congratulations! We'll e-mail 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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Susan Page Davis, author of the romantic suspense/mystery, The House Next Door (Tea Tin Press, September 2017).

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 70 published novels and novellas. She writes in both the historical romance genre and contemporary mysteries and suspense.

She’s won the Carol Award, two Will Rogers Medallions, two Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards, and was a finalist in the WILLA Literary Awards.

A Maine native, Susan now lives in Kentucky with her husband, Jim. They have six children and ten grandchildren, and two cats that don’t get along.

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

The closest I will probably ever get to a Pulitzer Prize is that many years ago, when I was a waitress, I once served Bob Dylan a cup of hot tea with lemon.

I don't think I would have remembered he had won the Pulitzer if you hadn't mentioned that! And I can guarantee that you have been closer to the Pulitzer than I have.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The House Next Door.

The charming stone house next door is for sale! How could there be a down side to that? As his wife Jennifer’s due date approaches, Captain Harvey Larson decides to invest in real estate, unaware of the terror this will cause his family.

The neighboring house seems ideal for Jennifer’s brother Jeff and his wife. A hidden cupboard isn’t so bad—in fact, it’s almost fun to try to solve the little mystery inside it. But the unexpected bonus some workmen find is an entirely different matter. Will any of Harvey and Jennifer’s loved ones want to live next door after they learn what’s in the basement?

 At last Jennifer’s baby arrives, and Harvey takes a little time off as his squad keeps plugging away on the murder case. The men of the Priority Unit might be wasting their time, trying to prove one dead man killed another. Or is the murderer still alive and ready to strike again?

Yikes.

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

Jennifer’s life as a detective’s wife is anything but tranquil. She’s got cops planning strategy over her kitchen table, armed intruders in the neighborhood, and sisters whose romantic turmoil pulls in the whole family. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Have you attended any writers’ conferences in the past? What are your thoughts about their merits for up-and-coming, or even established, writers?

I just returned from Killer Nashville, for crime writers. I’ve attended the American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference several times. I think conferences are great places for writers to network and to hone their writing skills and knowledge of their genre. At Killer Nashville, I sat in on sessions by accomplished writers and law enforcement officers. I made some great new friends and learned some practical things I’ll use every day.

You make me want to attend a conference right now! I haven't been to one in several years, and I'm sorry I'll miss ACFW again this year. Thanks for your feedback!

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

Lynnette Eason’s Always Watching was an enjoyable read. It’s in the romantic suspense genre, and Eason knows how to keep things tense.

What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up a cozy mystery that will be the 25th and final book in the Tearoom Mysteries series from Guideposts. Several of us authors collaborated on this series, and I personally wrote five of the books.

I’m also getting book 6 in the Maine Justice series ready for a December 1 launch. In that book, The Labor Day Challenge, Harvey and his squad compete against another city’s detectives in a crime-solving challenge, only the dummy in their staged “crime scene” turns out to be a real body.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.susanpagedavis.com
Twitter: @SusanPageDavis
Facebook
Newsletter




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

After we moved to Kentucky, I stepped on something in the shag carpet and pulled out a small item made of lead. At first I thought I’d found a bullet, but quickly realized it was a fishing sinker. Like Harvey and Jennifer, did you ever find something that a previous resident left behind in your house?

What a fun question!

Thanks, Susan, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Susan has offered to give away a signed copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Susan's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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. Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Julie Arduini and Free Books!

Trish Maxwell returns to Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot of apologies to make until paramedic Wayne Peterson comes to her rescue.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of What We Don't Know, by Sharon Souza, is:

dmh5858@...

Congratulations! We'll e-mail 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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Julie Arduini, author of the contemporary romance, Engaged: Surrendering the Future (Surrendered Scribe Media, May, 2017).

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of Entrusted: Surrendering the Present, as well as Entangled: Surrendering the Past. The last book in the series, Engaged: Surrendering the Future, is available now. Finding Freedom Through Surrender is her 30 Day devotional for the Surrendering Time series.

She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A Walk in the Valley. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, and also is a blogger for Inspy Romance.

She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

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

I can’t watch animal movies because I get too emotional and sob so hard I get a headache!

That seems to be happening to me too, especially as I get older!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Surrendering the Future.

Trish Maxwell returns to Speculator Falls with no job, no plan, and a lot of people in her hometown upset with her. She left without saying goodbye to take a job in New York City, and her neighbors haven’t forgotten. She gets a job at the department store and meets paramedic Wayne Peterson. They build a friendship and he doesn’t judge her. Just when she thinks a career plan is coming together, another opportunity comes along that could change everything, including her future with Wayne.

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

When Trish was featured in Entrusted, she was not a nice girl. In Engaged, she’s been humbled and really trying to change. Her story is about surrendering failed dreams for God’s plans, and I think everyone can relate to that. Trish has a great heart, and it was fun to showcase her as a redeemed character.

Have you attended any writers’ conferences in the past? What are your thoughts about their merits for up-and-coming, or even established, writers?

I haven’t recently, I confess that I am an introvert’s introvert and find myself drained fairly easy in those settings. However, the information and connections are valuable, and I highly recommend writers pursue them if they are able.

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

Healing Love by Jennifer Slattery. I loved it because it was not a typical missions trip story. There was a great backstory to the sisters and particularly the heroine’s personality. I thought it played well with conflict, career choices, romance, and family.

I featured Jennifer and her book in July! What are you working on now?

This summer I’m working with our teenaged daughter on a tween series about surrendering lies girls believe. She has Albrights Hereditary Osteodystrophy and has seen how people treat others and how unkind words can manifest.

This fall I start the Surrendering Opinions contemporary romance series. It’s about sextuplets thrust into the national spotlight with their unique births, but stay in the spotlight because of tragic circumstances. Now young adults, they are each trying to find their own identity and love like their parents had. There is a prologue included in the end of Engaged.

Where else can readers find you online?

I am very active on social media, including Snapchat, all found @JulieArduini. I’d love for readers to follow me on Amazon and Goodreads. I also have a contact page at juliearduini.com, where I invite readers to subscribe to my monthly newsletter full of resources and giveaway opportunities.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Are you interested in a free eBook? (If so, Entrusted is a free eBook at juliearduini.com.)

Thanks, Julie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Julie has offered to give away an e-copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Julie's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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. Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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

Here's a little something--a link--I'm going to incorporate into my weekly posts. You know how I love to feature inspirational authors and their new releases here. If you're coming to my blog, you're probably like me, always on the lookout for a good read (and the occasional special sale price). Besides the authors and books I feature here, I would also like to introduce you to Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

I'd love to hear what you think of this fun new resource for Christian readers. As always, happy reading!

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE