WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?

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

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

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

Monday, January 8, 2018

DeAnna Dodson and Free Books!

Drew Farthering goes to Scotland for the 1935 British Open, but instead of a week of world-class golf, he finds himself involved with murder, betrayal, family intrigue, and the possibility of Nazi spies.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of Jerusalem Rising: Adah's Journey, by Barbara Britton, is:

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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 DeAnna Dodson, author of the historical cozy mystery (think Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham or Dorothy L. Sayers), Death at Thorburn Hall (Bethany House, November 2017).

Julianna Deering has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity.

A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey.

Her series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted from Bethany House with Rules of Murder (2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (2014), Dressed for Death (2016), Murder on the Moor and Death at Thorburn Hall (2017).

Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and several contemporary mysteries for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).

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

I love doing hand sewing, particularly needleturn applique. I just got one of those fabulous cutting machines, so I can cut out patterns perfectly. I’m so excited!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Death at Thorburn Hall.

Drew Farthering arrives in idyllic Scotland for the 1935 British Open at Muirfield hoping for a relaxing holiday, but he soon finds a mystery on his hands. Lord Rainsby, his host at Thorburn Hall, fears his business partner may be embezzling and asks Drew to quietly investigate. Before Drew can uncover anything, Rainsby is killed in a suspicious riding accident.

Thorburn Hall is filled with guests, and as Drew continues to dig, he realizes that each might have had a motive. Together with Madeline and Nick, he must sort through shady business dealings, international intrigue, and family tensions to find a killer who always seems to be one step ahead.

What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about him?

I love Drew! He’s such a gentleman, the old-fashioned kind who stands when a lady comes into the room. Besides being kind and honorable, he’s funny and adventurous and wants to help people in difficult situations. He’s learned from his own mistakes that people are never quite what they seem. Best of all, he was educated at Oxford and loves classic literature, especially cozy mystery. Plus, as Madeline says, he always smells like freshly laundered linen, new books and tea and honey What’s not to love?

I love the "classic" feel of this entire concept. 

What special effort do you want to make in 2018 to improve your writing?

I’m determined to find a way to plot my stories more quickly. James Scott Bell has a wonderful book called Write Your Novel From the Middle which has an extremely useful fourteen-point list to ensure you have good structure. I highly recommend it, but I want to read more of his craft books (and those written by others) to help me get done faster.

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

I just finished The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was without question the queen of Regency romance back in the 1930s and ’40s, and her stories (with a few exceptions) are clean, humorous and so romantic! The Talisman Ring is one of my many favorites of hers, and any fan of Regency romance just has to get the three Georgette Heyer audio books that Richard Armitage has narrated: Sylvester, The Convenient Marriage, and Venetia. Swoon!

You're inspiring me to dive back into Regency reading! Thanks for those suggestions.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a book for Guideposts’ Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard series (under the name DeAnna Julie Dodson), Water Flows Uphill. The main character, Priscilla, has concerns about the stranger who has quite suddenly declared his love for her cousin Joan. Is he sincere or just using her to cover up something illegal? It’s a fun contemporary cozy mystery.

Where else can readers find you online?

On the web: www.juliannadeering.com
www.deannajuliedodson.com
On Facebook: AuthorJuliannaDeering and
julie.dodson
On Twitter: @DeAnnaJulDodson
On Goodreads: Julianna_Deering

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I would ask them “What kind of book would you like to read that nobody seems to be publishing right now, at least in Christian circles?”

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


10 comments:

Cathy said...

Honestly, I really can't think of a type/period of book which is of interest to me that is not covered by a Christian publisher. I just wish there were even more writers and publishers! This new book sounds very interesting, particularly with the addition of the pre-WWII intrigue. Thank you for the interview. I am also a newsletter subscriber. dobeworld at sbcglobal dot net

Paula Shreckhise said...

As Cathy said: I can’t think of a genre or topic that hasn’t been covered in Christian Fiction. I absolutely adore Drew and Madeline. Love the witty banter and the time period. I could use more of that! Please write faster! I have read all of this series except Thornburn Hall. And I caught one of your books in the Annie’s Attic series. I get that you are trying to write faster because of the James Scott Bell books! Thanks for the chance to win this book! I am a newsletter subscriber. Blessings!

Caryl Kane said...

I agree with Cathy and Paul. I see that Christian fiction is lacking in genre or topic.

I adore Dashing Drew! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I'm a newsletter subscriber.

psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

Babs said...

I am excited to read your books, you are a new author to me.

DeAnna Julie Dodson said...

Trish: Thank you so much for letting me visit your blog! :)

Cathy: I love the period before WWII, especially in England. Things were getting very complicated. I hope to eventually get Drew into the war and all that involves. Wouldn't that be great?

Paula: Thanks for reading all the books! Yes, I'm trying to write faster. I'd love to get to at least #10 with Drew (oh, the plans I have!).

Caryl: Thank you! I'm so glad you like Drew.

Babs: Hi! I hope you get a chance to read the series. I'd love to know what you think. :)

Julianna Deering/DeAnna Julie Dodson

Faith Creech said...

There really isn’t anything I can think of that hasn’t been written about. I love your books! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

faithdcreech at gmail dot com

DeAnna Julie Dodson said...

Thank you, Faith!

Maybe I should have asked if anyone had anything in particular they'd like for ME to write. :D

Julianna Deering

MJSH said...

Can’t think of any subgenre that I can’t find in the vast sea of Christian fiction out there right now. I do sure love mystery, suspense, historical, speculative, and Biblical fiction!

mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

Kelly Blackwell said...

I'll be honest, most of what I read is covered by Christian publishing. I would like more more more more cozy mysteries though! I am grateful that most are clean reads even if they aren't Christian but I'd take a pile of Christian ones all day long!

kellyblackwellwrites(at)gmail(dot)com

PS I will definitely be checking out the Guidepost Martha's Vineyard one. Ruth Logan Herne writes for that series too I think.

Cindy W. said...

I enjoy Christian novels set during WWI and WWII, also the Civil War but one war I don't think has been covered is the Vietnam war. Since that is the era I lived in I would love to read books set during that time period. Maybe some books have been set during that time and some of you can steer me to them.

Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52(at)yahoo(dot)com

 

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