Free Today Only: 'Tis the Season!

For my subscribers: Today only, my Christmas romance novella, 'Tis the Season, is available for you to download free to your favorite e-reader.

As the result of a recent BookSweeps offer, many new subscribers signed on to my blog. In thanks, today I provided the new subscribers with the Amazon link below.

'Tis the Season

I wanted to provide the same thanks to my current subscribers. The novella will only be free today, so click now if you would like the free gift.

I hope you have all had a beautiful Thanksgiving, and I look forward to featuring more inspirational novelists and their books, including today's author, Johnnie Alexander. Just scroll down to read about Johnnie and the book she will give away next week!

Johnnie Alexander and Free Books!

When you need a new beginning, sometimes the best place to start is home.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Enchanted Isle, by Melanie Dobson, is:

Sonnetta_jones@...

Congratulations! I'll email 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 Johnnie Alexander, author of the contemporary romance, What Hope Remembers (Revell, May 2017).

Johnnie Alexander imagines heart-tugging stories in multiple genres whether she’s at home in Florida or Tennessee. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is a CBA bestseller which has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian. She’s also the author of the popular Misty Willow Series: Where She Belongs, When Hope Arrives, and What Hope Remembers.

Since Johnnie also enjoys talking about writing, she hosts Novelists Unwind, which features videotaped interviews with inspirational authors, and Writers Chat, a weekly online show. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy.

Johnnie volunteers as marketing director for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference. She is a founding member and past president of both the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Memphis and Central Florida chapters.

Sharing Johnnie’s vagabond life are Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

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

This past October, my sister and I spent a week traveling from one city to another on the Eurail. Then we spent a week in Lisbon. I wish I could say we were backpacking through Europe, but our backpacks were actually strapped to two-wheeled luggage carts. Even so, the experience was phenomenal.

How wonderful! I've only taken one trip to Europe--a single week--and the idea of having two full weeks to explore further sounds great. There's so much to see. Also, no judgment on the luggage carts! We stayed in pensiones all the way, and I remember constantly complaining about the mosquitoes and the heat. I can't imagine backpacking it!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of What Hope Remembers.

When Amy Somers loses her job as a lobbyist, she moves to Misty Willow, well aware that she’s crossing bridges she’d burned years before. With all the mistakes she’s made and the uncaring things she’s done–even to her own family–she can hardly believe that happiness will find her, especially when Gabe Kendall, her first crush and her first kiss, rides back into her life atop a buckskin mare.

A former Marine, Gabe is at loose ends after serving a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He sees beyond Amy’s hard exterior to the girl he once knew and loved, and he longs to see her open her heart. Yet with his vision clouded by shame for his past and fears about the future, he finds it difficult to see the path ahead.

But the memory of that long-ago kiss just may have the power to reignite a romance that brings out the best in both of them.

What is it about Amy and Gabe that will make your readers care about them?

Both Amy and Gabe feel unworthy of each other—Amy because of past choices and Gabe because of circumstances beyond his control. They come to realize that even though the past cannot be changed, it doesn’t have to define who they can become. Many of us hold onto guilt despite being forgiven. Like Amy and Gabe, we can trust in God’s steadfast love.

So true. Sometimes we believe in God's forgiveness but have a had time forgiving ourselves.

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

I recently talked to new writers at a conference about their story ideas. Christians are talented, imaginative, and creative. Even though it’s hard to break into traditional publishing, we’re blessed to have other alternatives so these wonderful stories can be shared with readers.

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

Murder Is No Accident is the third novel in A. H. Gabhart’s Hidden Springs Mystery Series. I read Ann’s first mystery in this series while preparing to interview her for my Novelists Unwind website. Though the series may be considered cozy mysteries, Ann breaks a few of the cozy mystery genre “rules.” The stories are fun, but also have emotional depth.

Yes! I featured Ann HERE in September, when she discussed one of her historical novels, These Healing Hills. She's multi-talented!

May I also mention Julian Fellowes' novel,  Belgravia? Many may recognize Mr. Fellowes as the creator of Downton Abbey. Belgravia is a lovely story with well-rounded characters who are affected by a long-ago scandal.

Fellowes definitely knows how to spin a good tale incorporating the social classes and secrets!

What are you working on now?

While waiting to get the edits back on two projects, I’m doing research for a novella proposal and another historical.

Where else can readers find you online?

My favorite place to connect with readers is on Facebook—both on my author page and my profile.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

What plot device or theme do you feel has been used too often in Christian fiction? (I’m speaking on this topic at a 2018 conference so I very much value your input.)

Thanks, Johnnie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Johnnie has offered to give away a signed copy of her novel. 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 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 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.

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

Melanie Dobson and Free Books!

Enchanted Isle is a historical romance about a young woman who visits England's magical Lake District in the 1950s and begins to uncover what happened to a treasure lost in an abandoned amusement park there.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of The Case of the Clobbered Cad, by Debra Marvin, is:

wpd_2@...

Congratulations! We'll get your e-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 Melanie Dobson, author of the historical romance, Enchanted Isle (Waterfall Press, August 2017).

Writing fiction is Melanie Dobson's excuse to explore abandoned houses, travel to unique places, and spend hours reading old books and journals. She enjoys stitching together historical and time-slip stories, and her novels have won awards for historical romance, romantic suspense, and historical fiction.

Melanie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two teen daughters.

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

I love hidden places, and I enjoy exploring the world both aboveground and underground by climbing and crawling through caves.

Just reading "crawling through caves" triggers my claustrophobia! That's very cool that you enjoy that.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Enchanted Isle.

My main character in Enchanted Isle is an aspiring photographer named Jenny who sees beauty in unexpected places. With paper and a pen, I built an amusement park from the 1930s for her to explore, set on an island in England’s magical Lake District with a dozen old rides inspired by the sea—a wooden roller coaster that once surfed through the trees, a boat excursion around sunken ships in an ocean cave, and the Magic Lagoon, a merry-go-round with brightly colored sea creatures instead of horses, the eaves of the carousel plated with gold leaf and stained glass.

In the novel, Jenny and a British man named Adrian search together for ancient coins his father purportedly hid on the island. As she learns the legends in this district, Jenny begins to discover beauty among the ruins of the park and she ultimately determines to restore all that’s been lost—the hidden treasure, shattered dreams, and relationships broken in years past after one of the park’s owners disappeared.

That's a fascinating premise, Melanie. 

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

Jenny is a unique young woman with a vivid imagination. Her grandfather is a domineering man, but her widowed mother wants Jenny to use the gifts that God has given her. In this novel, Jenny decides to embrace who God made her to be and her unique gifts ultimately lead to beauty and restoration.

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

When I was younger, there weren’t many novels being written that were founded in themes of faith. We are so blessed today to have a variety of well-written inspirational novels available online and through bookstores. As a writer, I’m continually grateful for the opportunity to be able to share the stories that God has placed in my heart.

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

I really enjoyed reading Lisa Wingate’s time-slip novel Before We Were Yours. I like stories that slip between the past and present, and I thought Lisa did a remarkable job pulling readers into her powerful fictional account of a true, heart-wrenching story from the mid-1900s.

Lisa's book has done so well, too! I'll have to put that on my massive TBR list.

And, readers, in case that term, time-slip, is new to you, time-slip is a plot in which a person or group of people seem to travel through time within the novel. Time-slip brings together different points in time, so events from one time might be experienced at another time.

What are you working on now, Melanie?

Fifteen years ago my husband and I backpacked across Europe, and our favorite place to explore was Hallstatt in Austria with its medieval village, alpine lake and castle. I’m now writing a time-slip story about Jewish heirlooms hidden near Hallstatt during World War II. The historical plot is about a young man and woman who determine to help their Jewish friends hide what the Nazis were trying to steal away. In the contemporary story, my main character discovers a list in an old book that connects her with the Austrian woman who was hiding this treasure for her friends—a woman who is guarding a secret of her own.

Where else can readers find you online?

The best places to find me online are on my website www.melaniedobson.com,  Facebook), and Goodreads.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I love stories! I’d enjoy hearing something miraculous or surprising that God has done in your journey.

I look forward to hearing those stories too! I'll post one of my own in the comments section.

Thanks, 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 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 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.

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

Debra Marvin and Free Books!

Can Heather Munro’s youthful devotion to The Girl Detective help her stay out of jail when she finds herself implicated in the death of a handsome professor?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of A Waltz for Amber, by Kimberly Rose Johnson, is:

stacey_dale@...

Congratulations! We'll get your e-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 Debra Marvin, author of the historical cozy mystery, The Case of the Clobbered Cad (Journey Fiction, August 2017).

Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and serves on the board of Bridges Ministry in Seneca Falls, NY. She is published with WhiteFire Publishing, Forget Me Not Romances, Journey Fiction and Barbour Publishing, and has been a judge for the Grace Awards for many years.

Debra works as a program assistant at Cornell University, and enjoys her family and grandchildren, obsessively buying fabric, watching British programming and traveling with her childhood friends.

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

I travel with a gnome named Gnorman.

How very Travelocity of you!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Case of the Clobbered Cad.

Inspired by the famous Girl Detective, the members of the Olentangy Heights Girls' Detective Society, affectionately known as the Nosy Parkers, spent their formative years studying criminology, codes, and capers. Unfortunately, opportunities to put their unique skills to work were thin on the ground and they grew up to pursue more sensible careers. Until...

Heather Munro’s youthful sleuthing led to a passion for digging around in history. Now pursuing her Master's Degree in Celtic Studies, Heather must balance exploring Edinburgh with her determination to excel in her classes. Unfortunately, on her first night working in the Archaeology collection, she discovers the dead body of a visiting professor, one she’d hoped never to see again.

As clues come to light, it’s clear someone hopes to frame Heather. Besides her quirky landlady, whom can she trust? The police and the American Consul have plenty of suspects, but only two seem to have both motive and opportunity: Heather and the quiet Scottish archaeologist she longs to believe in.

That sounds like a fun read, Debra!

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

Heather Munro is smart, kind and enjoys witty conversation. She could easily be the gal you’re glad to have as a good friend. She’s used to working hard toward her goal and while she’s always been open and giving, the pain of a recent betrayal causes her to be extra tough on herself when she almost falls for a charming professor. Things get worse when he’s murdered and she has to face too many embarrassing reminders!

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

Christian fiction continues to provide entertaining and thought-provoking fiction with a Christian worldview and its genres are ever-widening.

I agree. That widening has increased with the emergence of independent publishing, I think. 

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

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho, by Susanne Dietze. Susie found just the cutest way to make a simple complication in a mail-order bride story into a super entertaining and sigh-producing novel!

What are you working on now?

I’m plotting my second mystery with Heather, which will be published n 2018 and set in Ireland.

Where else can readers find you online?

Far too many places! I’d suggest my Facebook Author page or my Amazon Author page. Both are under Debra E. Marvin, and easy to find.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Do you find you have an abundance of options for reading Christian fiction, and if so, does it make you more likely to put a book aside and start a new one?

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

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

Ends Tonight! Win a new eReader and 30-Romance Collection!

Today is your last chance to enter BookSweeps 30-Romance give away!

There will be two lucky winners, and the Grand Prize winner will receive a brand new eReader.

You can win my novel, Local Girl, plus books from authors like Elizabeth Ludwig, Debby Mayne, and Elizabeth Goddard.

Enter the giveaway by clicking here: http://bit.ly/inspy-oct2017 Good luck, and enjoy!