Deborah Raney and Free Books!

Reeling from the death of her mother and the loss of her dream of becoming an attorney, Joanna Chandler is falling for a man whose circumstances might take her even further from the life she’s dreamed of for herself.

Before we talk with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of Kathy McKinsey's children's Christmas book, Millie's Christmas, is:

fishingjan@...

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 revisit novelist Deborah Raney, author of the women’s fiction book (with a strong romantic thread), Chasing Dreams (Kregel, October 2019).

Deborah Raney's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, thirty-five books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist.

Deb is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Thursday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.

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

My husband spent almost a year trying to convince me to sell everything we own, buy a (tiny!) RV, and travel the country with him for a year. I love the man with all my heart, but I told him that idea wasn’t even on my Top 1000 list, let alone my top 10!

We finally reached a compromise we’re both happy with. I got to keep my stuff, we moved to Missouri where our two daughters live, and in September, we embarked on our first more-than-overnight trip in Meriwether (what we call our Winnebago Travato camper van, named after another explorer who wanted to experience the grandeur of this beautiful country.)

So far, so good… (You can follow our adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/raneydaytrippin/

What a great compromise. A little of both. And I can attest to the emotional benefits of living near the kids and grandkids!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Chasing Dreams.

Joanna Chandler always dreamed of becoming an attorney. But when she left law school to help care for her dying mother, stepping away from her single-minded pursuit gave her space to reconsider. The only question is, if not law, what should she do with her life?

To keep her mind off an uncertain future, Joanna helps her older sister, Phylicia, throw an amazing outdoor wedding on the charming Missouri property the three Chandler sisters own together. That's when she realizes wedding planning could be a thriving business of its own. And Lukas Blaine, the handsome wedding DJ, opens her mind to the possibility of love on the horizon.

But there's more to Luke than meets the eye. The young boy he's been mentoring has lost his mother and become Luke's ward. Mateo is sullen and angry and needs constant attention. How can Luke possibly find the time to start a new relationship or saddle someone else with a wounded child? He may have to let go of the woman of his dreams--and crush her dreams at the same time.

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

Joanna Chandler is still grieving the death of her mother and the loss of her dream career. Now, she’s fallen in love with a man whose circumstances will surely take her even further from the life she’s dreamed of for herself.

I think we can all identify with the difficulty of changes in our life plans!

Author Robin Jones Gunn once said all inspirational authors eventually get a sense of an overall theme God has given them for their stories. What do you think your overall theme is?

I couldn’t agree with Robin more! Very early on in my career, I realized that the theme of nearly all my books—even when I try to steer to a different theme!—is redemption: the idea that God can take a life that is a mess and redeem it to become something beautiful.

That's a lovely theme to look forward to in one's reading.

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

I was honored to endorse Jim Rubart’s The Pages of Her Life, and I highly recommend it (and any of Jim’s books!) I loved it because it is brimming with wonderful characters and it surprised me at several turns!

He really is so talented and creative.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing the third book in the Chandler Sisters Novels series, Finding Wings. I’ve loved writing these sisters stories and exploring sister relationships like the one I have with my own sweet sisters.

Where else can readers find you online?

DRreadergroup
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Amazon Author Page
Inspired by Life and Fiction
Goodreads

Here’s the link to the first chapter of Chasing Dreams, from ACFW’s Fiction Finder: FictionFinder.com

The novel can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I would love to know what kind of information you’d like to hear from your favorite authors on social media? I’m always looking for new ways to interact with my readers, and I love social media for that reason, but I also don’t want to bore readers with the mundane details of my daily life. So what kinds of things do you want to know about the authors you read? Do tell, readers!

Thank you, Deborah, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Deborah 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.

Remember that Winged Publications is having a sale on its Christmas-themed novellas, novels, and collections. See the details HERE.

And for a couple more days (through October 31), you can get my romantic suspense, A Special Kind of Double, for only 99 cents:



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

99-Cent Sale on A Special Kind of Double!

She’s not equipped to search for her sister alone. She’s even less prepared for what she finds.

I'm reposting information about my romantic suspense novella, A Special Kind of Double, because from now through October 31, Amazon has the book marked down to 99 cents!

Here's the book's teaser:

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.

Because I usually ask authors to tell us why readers will care about the protagonist...

Franny is bouncing back from a recent, crushing betrayal by her boyfriend and her best friend. She might not have fully forgiven either of them just yet, but she's working on forgetting them. She cherishes the support her mother and her sister, Grace, have given her. The three have always held a tight bond with each other.

But recently Grace has been wilder in her life choices and, in that respect, she's distanced herself from Franny and their mother. When Grace goes missing, Franny's sense of responsibility for her younger sister returns, and her initial annoyance turns into a bit of shame, a lot of concern, and downright fear.

Like all of us, Franny would like to be a better, more unconditionally loving Christian.

The book is available for purchase online via the following button:



I hope you'll check out A Special Kind of Double!

And remember that Winged Publications is having a sale on its Christmas-themed novellas, novels, and collections. See the details HERE.

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

Kathy McKinsey and Free Books!

Millie, an orange kitten, believes her best friend Ruthie when she says Millie will love Christmas, but why does Millie keep finding Ruthie and her big brother Jake crying?

Before we talk with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Veronica Heley's gentle crime novel, Murder for Good, is:

myersalicem@...

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 novelist Kathy McKinsey, author of the children’s book, Millie’s Christmas (Mantle Rock Publishing, October 2019).

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for nearly 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl. She’s been married to Murray for 32 years, and they have five adult children.

She’s had two careers before writing—stay-at-home-Mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.

Kathy lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.

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

My two favorite vegetables are coffee and cocoa beans.

A veggie lover after my own heart.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Millie's Christmas.

Millie, an orange kitten, shares about her first Christmas. Her best friend Ruthie, six years old, teaches Millie about Christmas—food, decorations, music, presents, and Jesus!

Millie’s friend Bruce, the family dog, also helps her celebrate Christmas, and sometimes gets her in trouble.

When Ruthie’s big brother Jake breaks his ankle, Millie learns about sad things, like divorce, when Jake can’t visit his mommy for Christmas. Millie watches Ruthie’s family love each other through the sadness, and find joy in Christmas.

That sounds like a gentle way to broach delicate subjects with children. 

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

Truly, Millie is a fun, cute kitten. But I believe readers will grow to love all the members of this family.

Author Robin Jones Gunn once said all inspirational authors eventually get a sense of an overall theme God has given them for their stories. What do you think your overall theme is?

Jesus’s love and truth remain solid through sad times.

We all need reminding of that, over and over, I think.

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

I am in the middle of re-reading the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson. These are fascinating and comforting stories, about family, faith, romance, and mystery.

I have yet to read any of them, but I remember my best friend raving about them years ago. So many excellent books and so little time!

What are you working on now?

I normally write women’s fiction. Currently I am working on a story which takes place on a farm. A woman returns home after twelve years of separation and finds love and encouragement from her family.

We'll have to have you back to feature one of your women's fiction novels, Kathy!

Where else can readers find you online?

www.kathymckinsey.com
Facebook
Twitter
All My Tears ebook

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Tell me one of your favorite Christmas stories and why you love it.

Thank you, Kathy, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Kathy 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.

Remember that Winged Publications is having a sale on its Christmas-themed novellas, novels, and collections. See the details HERE.

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

Veronica Heley and Free Books!

Ellie investigates when her retired minister husband receives not one but five bequests from people, some of whom he didn’t know at all . . . which leads her into danger.

Before we talk with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of DiAnn Mills' romantic suspense novel, Fatal Strike, is:

rochelle017@...

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 talk with novelist Veronica Heley, author of the gentle crime novel, Murder for Good (Severn House Publishers, August 2019 UK, October USA).

Veronica Heley celebrated the publication of her 83rd book in August, having been in the business for over 40 years. She is currently writing two gentle crime series set in different areas of London and some short stories for the Methodist Recorder. She has also written children’s and resource books, a biography, and some historical fiction, along with many articles and reviews.

Veronica is involved with her local church and community affairs, likes to break for coffee with friends, and does the garden when she has time.

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

My favourite holiday place is the beautiful city of Bruges in Belgium, where I can spend time with friends, buy well-made clothes, and stock up on the best chocolate in the world.

That looks like such a charming city.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Murder for Good.

Ellie’s husband Thomas, a retired minister, is perturbed when he receives not one but five letters advising him that he has been left money by different people in their wills. He barely knew three of his benefactors and what could possibly connect him to the other strangers?

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

Ellie is a widow who was always put down by her first husband and scheming, ambitious daughter. She has inherited money, which she has learned to administer through a trust, but she has never learned to drive a car. Now happily remarried, she likes people and is good with them, though not easily taken in by liars. A spot of gentle humour helps her through the day.

Author Robin Jones Gunn once said all inspirational authors eventually get a sense of an overall theme God has given them for their stories. What do you think your overall theme is?

That by keeping in touch with God you can tackle the difficult problems that life throws at you – and even manage a smile.

So true. I remember a friend of mine who handled a very intense conversation with a supervisor once, and afterward she mentioned feeling God's calming presence and guidance through the entire experience. She said she was so used to constantly listening for God's guidance that she didn't even have to work at it anymore--it had become a part of her every-day behavior. Keeping in touch with God makes more sense than so many other uses of our time and energy.

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

A Man Called Ove, by a Swedish writer called Fredrik Backman. A curmudgeonly old man, at odds with everyone around him, tries unavailingly to commit suicide when his wife dies . . . and is rescued by the community and a stray cat who need him to help them. I laughed and I cried. It’s a wonderful book.

That's absolutely one of my favorite books. I recommend it all the time, too.

What are you working on now?

I have am working on another Bea Abbot story, called False Conclusion. Bea’s fourteen-year old ward Bernice is brought back from boarding school by the elegant, acid-tongued April Trescott, whose niece has been rooming with Bernice. The niece is a monosyllabic Fatso and Bernice can’t wait to get rid of her . . . only the girl is then dumped on Bea in the wake of a Trescott family tragedy.

It turns out Evelina Trescott is in deep trouble. She embroils Bea and Bernice in a spider’s web of lies in which it is not clear whether she is the spider or the fly. And Bea’s long-divorced ex-husband arrives to help – or perhaps to hinder? – Bea’s attempts to find out the horrifying truth.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is at www.veronicaheley.co. I send out a monthly newsletter with lots of news and views on it. A shortened version of this is later posted as a blog on my website, blog.veronicaheley.com Both can be accessed through the home page of my website, and if you would like to hear a sample from one of my audio books, you can also access that through the website.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

Most of my readers like the fact that Ellie Quicke is now happily remarried. Now my other heroine, Bea Abbot, has had various men showing an interest in her over the years but has always drawn back from commitment. Now her ex-husband wants her to think about it seriously. I think this marriage will work second time round but I’m aware that some of my readers may have reservations about this. What do you think?

Thanks, Veronica, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Veronica 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.

Remember that Winged Publications is having a sale on its Christmas-themed novellas, novels, and collections. See the details HERE.

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: 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

99-Cent Christmas Novella Sale Through Christmas Day!

Looking to get in the Christmas mood early this year? Looking for Christmas books to gift to others? From now through Christmas, these novellas from Winged Publications are on sale for 99 cents each, and the collection sets (at the bottom of the list) are $2.99 each! Take a look at the available books.

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. AMAZON

Can Christmas Eve lend a wandering writer a real reason to put down roots? Only if true love can be garden grown and traced to a banquet of the heart. AMAZON









Can Christmas Eve lend a wandering writer a real reason to put down roots? Only if true love can be garden grown and traced to a banquet of the heart. AMAZON

Ben and Suzette grow closer as they realize how much they have in common. And, somewhere in St. Joseph, there’s a murderer who isn’t finished. AMAZON

As they search for answers to end the horror, Jess learns who she can and cannot trust, but it may be too late when she finds her own life in danger. AMAZON 

As their relationship grows, Witt realizes that he and Addy share something more, the worst day in each of their lives—one that goes far beyond the betrayal of daily white lies. AMAZON

What she doesn’t bargain for is the handsome livery-stable owner, who understands the true meaning of family and Christmas. Will love conquer lavish? AMAZON 

Before long, her heart strings are so drawn by his melodious ballads, she's compelled to discover what lies behind such sweet, sorrowfully beautiful music. AMAZON 

She’s determined to see these missives published—even if it means battling with Marcus Taggert, the handsome guardian of her grandfather’s estate. How far will Christmas go to put things right? AMAZON 

When Thanksgiving arrives, Pastor David Allen looks over his faithful congregation in despair. How can families with holes in their shoes and no food to put on the table be thankful during the holiday season? But David has no idea how God will use him to give hope to those in the Hollow and beyond. AMAZON 

After gazing into the little snow-globe she purchased from Hardwicke's Drugs and Gifts, she finds herself transported to another time—her grandmother's era. Perhaps go to Birmingham to see the Christmas lights in his brand-new orange and white '53 Pontiac Pathfinder. Can love span the fifty-year gap standing between them? AMAZON 

Garry has only until Christmas to win back her trust or lose her love forever. Will she listen or keep her heart a closed door? AMAZON 

With Christmas just days away, will Hannah and Mason unravel the secrets from their joined past and find the love they’ve both been searching for? Or will their dangerous history take away their chance at happiness…along with their lives? AMAZON

These two contemporary Christian romance novellas, Silver Bells and Mistletoe and Holly, bring hope for love and happiness during the Christmas holiday season. AMAZON

Is this a murder for hire, a revenge killing, or a political assassination? Is the man with no memory a drug dealer, an FBI agent, or a billionaire? Can Misty solve the mystery before they both end up in the morgue? AMAZON

Will Harbor find the Christmas Angel and reveal his true identity and will she and Drake be able to civilize the town, each in their own ways and together. AMAZON 

After she convinces Cole that she’s not a mistletoe poacher, he surprises her with an offer. Give him a copy of her detailed orchard map and he’ll help her decorate Main Street. AMAZON 

Seeking Isabella’s help unlocks a greater fairy-tale than either Mitch or Isabella can dream up. Secrets, laughter and ‘happily-ever-after’ abound in this novella of a Fairytale Christmas. AMAZON

She falls in love with Snow Globe, Montana. Right after arriving to the small town, she comes face to face with her learning what it means to truly forgive someone. Can Ethan help London in her quest of forgiveness? Will London be the help Ethan needs for his deaf son? AMAZON

Joy Carlstrom had just received an answer to her prayer, a miracle in the form of a young cowboy. AMAZON 

Jack would do anything to help his beautiful friend, even teach her how to catch a man. Between secret pen pals, match-making grandparents and passionate kisses, they can’t help but wonder if they’re been caught in their own trap! AMAZON

When Jack hears Bette singing The Little Drummer Boy in the church nursery, he knows he’s found the singer his band needs. Convincing her to join them is only the beginning. When success comes, Bette has to decide whether to leave the known behind to follow the man she loves. AMAZON 

When Justin learns about Lily’s presence, their cat-and-mouse game begins, and the holidays take on a whole new meaning. AMAZON 

Amid snowball fights, snowmen, and snow angels, Josie's life changes when she falls in love with the little girl, but Ellie wants a mommy. Even though Chris is a great guy with wonderful attributes, Josie has absolutely no plans to marry, or can this four-year-old change Josie's plans? AMAZON









BOXED SETS

 

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