Melanie Dobson and Free Books!

Hidden Among the Stars is a time-slip mystery about a young Austrian man and woman who hide heirlooms for their Jewish friends and a bookstore owner almost eighty years later who finds a cryptic list about this missing treasure.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of the Inspirational Romance novel, The Call of Indian Summer, by Linda Hannah and Deborah Dulworth, is:

carrie@...

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 Melanie Dobson, author of the time-slip novel, Hidden Among the Stars (Tyndale House Publishers, September 2018).

Writing fiction is Melanie Dobson’s excuse to explore abandoned houses, travel to unique places, and spend hours reading old books and journals. The award-winning author of almost twenty books, Melanie enjoys stitching together both time-slip and historical novels including Hidden Among the Stars, Catching the Wind, and Chateau of Secrets.

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

Dancing makes me happy! Every week, my daughters and I attend at least one dance class at the YMCA. Not only is it great exercise, it sparks a whole slew of ideas in my mind.

What a wonderful idea! I love the concept of such a creative way to exercise.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of your novel.

In 1938, as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life.

But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan―even their very lives―in jeopardy.

Eighty years later, Callie Randall is content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister in Ohio and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even love.

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

Annika Knopf lost her mother when she was young and has taken over the housekeeper role at Schloss Schwansee (Castle of Swan Lake). She’s loved Max Dornbach, the son of the estate owner, since she was a girl, and she will do almost anything to help him. When Max brings home Luzia Weiss, a Jewish violinist from Vienna, Annika must decide whether or not to help this woman that Max adores.

Those triangles! So intriguing.

How do you restart the creative flow when you feel a block coming on?

Usually I push myself to write through the walls standing in my way. The words may not flow well at first, but the best way for me to overcome the affliction of writer’s block is to put something—anything—on paper. When the words begin to flow again, I’ll go back and edit my initial work.

As difficult as that can be, I've done that before and actually found in reviewing my work, I wasn't able to see where the block was. 

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

I really enjoyed reading Charles Martin’s novel Long Way Gone. It’s a beautifully written story about a prodigal son who runs far away and then slowly begins to find his way back home.

What are you working on now?

I recently returned from the Netherlands and am finishing up a time-slip novel based on an incredible rescue mission that happened in Amsterdam during World War II. The heart of this story is about forgiveness, and I hope it will capture again the power of seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things to fight evil and rescue those in need.

Where else can readers find you online?

The best places are on Facebook and @MelBDobson on Twitter.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I’d love to know: Where in Europe would you enjoy visiting on the pages of a novel?

Thanks so much, Trish!

Thank you, 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 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, 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, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Linda Hannah, Deborah Dulworth, and Free Books!

Widowed Sue North is determined to avoid any hint of romance, but to her chagrin, two very different men begin to challenge her resolve.

Before we meet today's authors, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of the Southern Historical Romance novel, Magnolia Summer, by Melanie Dickerson, is:

bmrawlins@...

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 meet novelists Linda Hannah and Deborah Dulworth, authors of the Inspirational Romance, The Call of Indian Summer (Mountain Brook Ink, September 2018).













In addition to their four novels, co-authors, Linda Hanna (left) and Deborah Dulworth (right) have jointly and individually written magazine articles and devotionals. They feel called to share uplifting messages of faith, family, and love within the framework of lighthearted novels. In addition to entertaining through these stories, they hope to inspire and encourage readers on their own spiritual journey.

Linda and Debbie are well-known for their humor, word play, and unpredictable plot twists. The two always find themselves writing poems, song parodies, and stories with funny scenarios and eccentric characters.

Even though the past several years have taken some unexpected turns, they cling unswerving to their faith - and God continues to bless as He works in their lives.

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

Linda: One of my childhood friends grew up to be a serial killer.

Deb: We adopted our son from the Philippines.

Oh, my goodness, Linda, that's horrible! That's so shocking. And Deb, yours is wonderful. 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Call of Indian Summer.

Recently widowed Sue North leaves her Vermont home to help her daughter and son-in-law care for orphans near Apache Pointe, Arizona. The last thing Sue wants in her peaceful new life is to catch the eye of another man. But, in one jaw-dropping moment, suave attorney, Brian Campton, saunters into her path. After dealing with her husband’s abuse, can she find the courage or desire to begin a relationship with someone as serious-minded as Brian?

Meanwhile, Stuart Drake, the handsome survivor of a loveless marriage, is on the lam from the dogged church ladies keen on his availability. He chooses the tuck-tail-and-run method to guard his battered soul, while yearning for affection he’s never known. Has finding the joy of a shared love eluded him? Enter Sue North. Stuart finds himself tripping over his heart. She’s beautiful, vibrant, and too young. The age gap haunts him. Can he compete with the flirtatious lawyer’s money and sophistication?

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

Even though she’s made wrong decisions in the past, Sue North is a survivor and strives to make better choices in her new life. She’s a devoted mother and friend. Readers have told us her humble nature and wit are endearing.

How do you restart the creative flow when you feel a block coming on?

We find that praying for guidance and taking a break from work to read a similar genre gets us back on track.

Good point. Sometimes stepping away from the thoughts will free up that censor.

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

We recently critiqued Rifle by the Door by Dan Fuller, soon to be published by Lighthouse of the Carolinas. Fuller uses great word pictures and the storyline draws you into the drama.

What are you working on now?

Updates on our future projects are under wraps right now... But please follow our blog for any announcements!

Where else can readers find you online?

Facebook
dulworthandhanna.wordpress.com
Pinterest (Linda)
Pinterest (Deborah)
Linda's Amazon page
Deborah's Amazon page

The book can be purchased online via the following button:




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

Do you prefer contemporary or historic romance?

Thank you, Linda and Deborah, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Linda and Deborah have offered to give away an e-copy of their novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Linda and Deborah'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, 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, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Melanie Dickerson and Free Books!

Magnolia Summer is a story of love, heroism, and secrets so dangerous they could change this sleepy Southern town forever.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of the Christmas cozy mystery novel, A Caffeine Conundrum, by Angela Ruth Strong, is:

Myersalicem@...

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 learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Melanie Dickerson, author of the Southern Historical Romance, Magnolia Summer (September 2018).

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who writes Inspirational Historical Romance and Inspirational YA, including Regency Romance and Fairy Tale Retellings. And now she’s drawn upon her Southern heritage growing up in Alabama with her new book, Magnolia Summer.

She is a Christy Award winner, a two-time Maggie Award winner, and winner of The National Reader's Choice Award and the Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine.

Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

Wow, not only prolific, but quite an award winner, as well. 

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

I once killed a rattlesnake with a stick because my puppy was wandering up to it.

Brought out the mama bear in you, eh? It's amazing how that instinct kicks in when we have someone or something innocent to protect.

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

Truett Beverly’s hometown needed a doctor, so after finishing medical school, he returned to Bethel Springs, Alabama. Fighting a secret war with a corrupt lawman wasn’t in his plans, but Sheriff Suggs thinks he’s above the law and can lynch anyone who crosses him. When Suggs threatens his childhood friend, Truett dons a cape and hood and becomes the Hooded Horseman—becoming Sheriff Suggs’s enemy in the process.

Celia Wilcox arrives in Bethel Springs in June of 1880. She’s come from Nashville to help her sister care for their younger siblings. She must return to Nashville if she ever hopes to fulfill her dream of opening her own dress shop. Her attraction to Dr. Beverly terrifies her.

Celia catches Truett’s eye, and he finds himself wanting to impress her. But she flatly refuses to flirt with him or to fall for his—if he does say so himself—considerable charm. What will happen when Sheriff Suggs discovers Truett is the Hooded Horseman? Will Celia be able to prevent the sheriff from carrying out one last lynching?

What is it about Celia and Truett that will make your readers care about them?

Celia gave up her dream, perhaps forever, to help her family. And Truett risks his life to save people from the corrupt sheriff, and he takes care of Celia’s family when their father dies.

How do you restart the creative flow when you feel a block coming on?

It depends on what’s causing the block. When I’m just distracted by being at home, I go write at a coffee shop. When I don’t know what’s supposed to happen next in my story, I brainstorm, either by plotting in my head, or by talking out the story with a friend or one of my daughters.

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

One of the last novels I read was The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. I recommend it because it is a thoughtful, well-written romance with authentic historical details. Go read it!

What are you working on now?

I’m writing a Pied Piper of Hamlin fairy tale retelling, which will be the 10th book in my Hagenheim/Fairy Tale Romance series.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.melaniedickerwson.com. I’m on Facebook and Instagram and you can follow me on Amazon or BookBub .

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

What makes you recommend a book to a friend?

Thank you, Melanie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Melanie has offered to give away an e-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 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, 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, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Angela Ruth Strong and Free Books!

A prissy tea drinker and sassy coffee connoisseur fight over the perfect location for their new beverage business until the current owner is murdered and they must join forces to prove their innocence.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of the inspirational romantic suspense novel, Camp Hope, by Sara Foust, is:

smincer10@...

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 learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Angela Ruth Strong, author of the Christmas cozy mystery, A Caffeine Conundrum, from the series, The CafFUNated Mysteries (Mountain Brook Ink, September 2018).

Angela Ruth Strong (pictured here with her own personal Santa) studied journalism at the University of Oregon and published her first novel, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2010. With movie producers interested in her book, she's rereleased it as part of a new series titled Resort to Love. She's also written for Love Inspired Suspense and is excited to combine her enjoyment of a good mystery with the quirky style of her romance novels in the new CafFUNated Mystery Series.

This Idaho Top Author and Cascade Award winner started IDAhope Writers to encourage other aspiring authors. She currently lives in Idaho with her husband and teenagers where she teaches yoga and works as a ticket agent for an airline when not writing.

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

I once won a television and Xbox in a hamster ball race where I was the hamster.

Not bad for a day's work!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Caffeine Conundrum.

Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to the small town of Grace Springs to start a coffee shop, never imagining she'll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dreams of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects.

The unlikely pair team up in an attempt to discover the real killer, though with the secrets in Tandy's past and Marissa's infamous clumsiness they could be their own worst enemies. Despite their differences, they follow clues to question a sweet, apple pie baking antique store owner, a GQ Santa in the retirement center, and a hipster millionaire with no social skills. Will they be able to figure out whodunit and prove their innocence before one of them goes to jail...or worse?

What is it about your characters that will make your readers care about them?

Tandy was abandoned by her mom and tries to act tough and independent though you see her soft side with her love of dogs. Marissa was raised by controlling parents and often embarrasses herself when trying to prove her worth.

What will make the readers care about them is their relationship in how they balance each other out even while trying to push each other over the edge.

How do you restart the creative flow when you feel a block coming on?

I put myself in my character’s shoes. My worst block came when writing Finding Love in Big Sky, and I realized it was because I know nothing about horses. I called my friend who owns a farm and asked if I could visit. That was just the inspiration I needed. So when I got blocked in A Caffeine Conundrum when writing the scene on the riverboat, I tried to get my husband to spend the weekend driving to Portland to go on a riverboat cruise. As supportive he is, he also has to keep me grounded. I visited riverboats on Youtube instead.

Can't say I blame you for wanting to try the actual riverboat. Sounds fun. I'm always impressed with my writer friends who go overseas to research (usually for historical novels). I'm not the globetrotter they are.

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

I really enjoyed Kara Isaac’s Then There Was You. So fun, so full of chemistry, a powerful message, and it had a great ending. Those are my main requirements of a good read. But don’t just take my word for it. Kara won a Rita for the novel, and it’s been nominated for many other awards.

What are you working on now?

The next book in the series is A Cuppa Trouble. There will be four books, all set during holidays. This one is set during Valentine’s, and the mystery involves car thieves. So expect some love connections and high-speed chases.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.angelaruthstrong.com where you can sign up for my newsletter to be the first to see cover reveals and enter contests. I also enjoy hanging out on Facebook where readers give me feedback on ideas or suggest names for characters. Join at Facebook

The book can be purchased online using the following button:



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

Which do you prefer—coffee or tea? And why?

Thank you, Angela, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Angela has offered to give away an e-copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Angela'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, 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, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE