Nike Chillemi and Free Books!

Acts of Malice is a taut and compelling classic murder mystery with an underlying national security theme, complex interpersonal relationships, greed, dry humor, love and unrequited love, and it's uplifting.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Suzanne Woods Fisher's contemporary Amish romance, Two Steps Forward, is:

gonjessica76@...

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, 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 Nike Chillemi, author of the inspirational mystery/crime novel, Acts of Malice (Crime Fictionista Press, November 2019).

Nike N. Chillemi writes classic murder mysteries/detective novels. It's been said she writes literature that reads like pulp fiction. Plenty of action, a dash of grit, and wry humor as her characters navigate through situations and relationships. There's usually a national security/public safety underlying theme to her work with an uplifting message. She likes her bad guys really bad, her good guys smarter and better.

Nike is the founding board member of the Grace Filled Fiction Spotlight (formerly the Grace Awards) and its Chair, a platform to promote excellence in Christian fiction. She has been a judge in mystery and thriller categories in the Carol Awards, Genesis Awards, First Impressions Awards, and also the Inspy Awards. She has a very active blog that delves into murder mystery writing, Christian fiction, and many of the challenges we all face in life.

She lives in NE coastal Florida and revels in being a Floridian. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the John 3:16 Marketing Network.

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

I used to be an animal rescuer in Brooklyn (NYC) and had a small kennel in my basement. I rescued about 50 animals over several years. I still have five fifteen-year-old cats and a fifteen-year-old dog from that time. I presently feed a colony of eight stray cats who come to my door every morning and then go away after eating.

The murder mystery writer with a soft heart!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Acts of Malice.

Lavender Raines gets the 'doorbell ring' no wife ever wants to get. Her husband has been brutally murdered, and the FBI is more secretive than helpful. The problem is, his body was found in Caracas when she thought his business trip had taken him to New Orleans.

Mackenzie just opened a second beach resort-town restaurant, this one in Ribault Beach, Florida…but now the clandestine national security organization that from-time-to-time sends him on covert missions wants him to find Lavender's husband's killers.

Forces from within the "Deep State" have shaped circumstances that will alter the course of both their lives. Then a local man is murdered.

Lavender and Mackey are polar opposites. He is emotionally shut down about his life, but protective of others. She is a pillar of strength in her family, but distrusting of Mackey and guarded around him. Can they find common ground amidst this treachery and turmoil?

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

Lavender has calm and calming strength. She's protective of her family, especially her college-age daughter. Thrust into the nightmare of her husband George's brutal murder, she tries to navigate through the pain with dignity, but sometimes fails. This most often occurs when she's in the company of Mackenzie, former special ops war-fighter, now restaurant owner who still has his hand in the clandestine game.

In Lavender's voice, give us a statement of what she thinks about romance (or love).

"I learned what not to do in love from my mother. I guess I do the opposite, but with her intensity."

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

I've been trying to get through my TBR list. I'd recommend Secrets and Lies by Janet Sketchley. I'd recommend it because the author does a fine job with characterization. From the same list, I'm presently reading Alias Raven Black by Barbara E. Brink, and I'd also recommend that…as an exciting detective story read.

What are you working on now?

I'm writing Last Days, the second in the Katerina "Kat" Andruko/Dimitri Garmonin series, also set in a Florida beach resort town. Mackenzie shows up in this one as a secondary character.

Where else can readers find you online?

Blog: Nike N. Chillemi
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter: @NikeNChillemi

The book can be purchased online via the following button:




You can read a sample of the book HERE

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

Have you considered reading in the classic murder mystery genre? Not necessarily my novels, even though I'd very much like that, but any good mystery where the story is driven by the main characters' search for a killer(s).

Thanks, Nike, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Nike 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.

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

Suzanne Woods Fisher and Free Books!

Back and broke in Stoney Ridge, Jimmy Fisher has coasted through life as long as he could on charm and good looks, but his smile has no effect on the violet-eyed beauty he’d met at the Bent N’ Dent.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Amanda Stevens' contemporary fantasy novel, From Sky to Sky, is:

maiajohn1@...

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, 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 Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of the contemporary Amish romance, Two Steps Forward (Revell Books, February 2020).

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading them.

With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels.

She lives with her very big family in northern California.

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

I play tennis. Quite often. My son told me recently that if I don’t respond to a text message right away, he knows that I’m either on the tennis court or I must be dead.

I have family members who are pretty much addicted to the sport, so I can imagine your passion.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Two Steps Forward.

Sylvie Schrock’s choice to raise her sister’s son as her own was a hard pill for her father to swallow. After he called the little boy Willie Jitmit (say that three times fast) a few too many times, she left her ultra conservative Amish community and moved to Stoney Ridge.

Next door neighbor Jimmy works on Sylvie’s farm and grows intrigued by his lovely new boss—so unlike other girls. The problem is that Jimmy’s mother can’t abide Sylvie, for many reasons, especially knowing Sylvie is, according to Jimmy, a ‘hillbilly Amish’.

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

A church like Sylvie’s might seem backward to outsiders like us. Those kinds of churches hold tight to tradition, resist change more than other Amish groups, and are the most restrictive to technology. They’re also more isolated.

But Sylvie Schrock’s upbringing defines her outlook in some wonderful ways. She’s kind to all and content with little, a rare quality that comes from one who has lived without creature comforts.

In Sylvie’s voice, give us a statement of what she thinks about romance (or love).

"What I need is a man of substance to help me run my business. What I got…is Jimmy Fisher."

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

Just finished the book Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens. It pulls you forward with that question, “What happens next?” Didn’t see that ending come, either.

I enjoyed that one as well. I look forward to the film version.

What are you working on now?

On an historical novel set in 1911 in Eastern Appalachia. It’s based on a true story about a remarkable woman, an unsung heroine. My favorite kind of story!

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.suzannewoodsfisher.com, and I can be easily found on Facebook and on Instagram @suzannewoodsfisher.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I get a lot of reader email, which I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoy. Connecting with readers is the best part of this author gig. But I’ve always wondered about something: What would make you take the time to write to an author?

Thanks, Suzanne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Suzanne 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.

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

Amanda Stevens and Free Books!

As far as Zac Wilson knows, he can’t die—and he’s not the only one. When he meets two new ageless folk claiming others like them have died, Zac must discover if their time is finally up, or if they are being targeted by someone who knows what they are.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Nancy Moser's historical time travel novel, Where Life Will Lead Me, is:

jarning67@...

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, 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 Amanda Stevens, author of the contemporary fantasy, From Sky to Sky (Barbour, February 2020).

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now she writes speculative fiction.

She lives in Michigan and loves trade paperbacks, folk music, the Golden Era of Hollywood, and white cheddar popcorn.

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

I’m a classic “old soul.” My favorite decade of mainstream music is the 1970s, and my favorite Christian music is from the 80s and 90s. Most of my favorite actors and films are from the Golden Era. My favorite TV show is Gunsmoke (the Dennis Weaver seasons).

That's a pretty eclectic combination!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of From Sky to Sky.

Daredevil Zac Wilson isn’t the first celebrity to keep a secret from the world, but his might be the most marvelous in history: Zac doesn’t age and injuries can’t kill him. What’s more, he’s part of a close-knit group of others just like him.



Holed up in Harbor Vale, Michigan, Zac meets two more of his kind who claim others in their circle have died. Are their lifetimes finally ending naturally, or is someone targeting them—a predator who knows what they are?



The answers Zac unearths present impossible dilemmas: whom to protect, how to seek justice, how to bring peace to turmoil. His next action could fracture forever the family he longs to unite. Now might be the time to ask for help...from God Himself. But Zac’s greatest fear is facing the God he has run from for more than a century.

I really love this premise. I enjoyed the film The Age of Adeline, but the addition of a Christian level gives this idea so much more depth. 

What is it about Zac Wilson that will make your readers care about him?

Writing Zac Wilson’s point of view is both a delight and a challenge. He has lived a long time and accumulated wounds (as we all do throughout life in a broken world, but Zac’s extended lifespan means extra hurt along the way). He has outlived all his children and has fought in two wars, one of which left him with some pretty serious mental scars. But Zac is so much more than the sum of his struggles. He has a deep and tender heart that he hides behind a nonchalant façade until he can trust you. He has an insatiable sweet tooth and a need for open spaces. He loves music and physical activity.

In Zac's voice, give us a statement of what he thinks about romance (or love).

“I’m probably not the best person to quiz on that topic. My love life has been fairly stormy for longer than you’ve been alive.” < chuckles > “But in the abstract, I’d say it’s a rare and good thing. If you’ve found a person who challenges you and who’s worth that depth of soul-sharing, then you’ve found a gift worth fighting for.”

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

I’m currently working my way through The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, by Dorothy L. Sayers as fast as I can. I absolutely love these books! The characters are drawn with subtle nuance and psychological accuracy, and I love Lord Peter and Harriet Vane. The dialogue is witty and realistic. The plots are classy and smart. Everything about this series is a win for me.

The only Dorothy Sayers novel I've read was Gaudy Night, set at Oxford. It's in the Lord Peter Wimsey series. Sayers is  excellent--as you said, smart and witty.

What are you working on now?

The third book in the No Less Days series.

Where else can readers find you online?

Facebook: Facebook
Goodreads: Goodreads

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



You can read a sample of Amanda's book HERE

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

I’m always up for book recommendations! Has anyone else read Dorothy L. Sayers? If I love Lord Peter Wimsey (and the mystery genre in general, more noir less cozy), what should I read next?

Thank you, Amanda, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Amanda 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.

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

Nancy Moser and Free Books!

1879: Justine Braden brings an evil man to justice by traveling back in time to get evidence against him, setting his victims free.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Lorena McCourtney's cozy mystery, Desert Dead, is:

Libbysdragonfly@...

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, 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 Nancy Moser, author of the historical time travel novel, Where Life Will Lead Me (Mustard Seed Press, January 2020).

Nancy Moser’s award-winning books will inspire you to discover your unique God-given purpose. Her genres include both contemporary and historical stories, inspirational humor, and children’s books.

Her newest release, Where Life Will Lead Me, showcases a woman who uses her gift of time-travel to fight injustice. Other titles include the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series, and the sewing/fashion-inspired Pattern Artist series.

Nancy's historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: Just Jane (Jane Austen), Mozart's Sister (Nannerl Mozart), Washington's Lady (Martha Washington) and How Do I Love Thee? (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)

Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three married children and seven grandchildren. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She knits voraciously, kills all her houseplants, and can wire an electrical fixture without getting shocked. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.

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

I’m an obsessive multi-tasker. I can’t watch TV without doing something else at the same time, I can’t take a car trip without purposely thinking of some plot-point I want to work out. I keep my mind and body busy to the point of not being able to relax easily!

I'm sure that seems like a curse at times, but I wouldn't mind more of that going on in my mind while I'm relaxing!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Where Life Will Lead Me.

When Justine Braden turned twenty she received the family gift of time travel. Its purpose? She is to follow God's directives and travel back in time to facilitate justice.

In 1879 Justine and her family move from New Hampshire to Lawrence, Kansas to be near her fiancé’s family. Will Justine be called upon to use her gift of time travel in this new town?

The answer is yes. Justine travels into the past to right the wrongs of one very wicked man who has brought pain and suffering to many families. The man fights against Justine’s interference, but God's justice prevails. Good conquers evil. And the victims revel in their newfound freedom.

Watch the transformation of Justine as she goes from being a spoiled socialite in 1870s New York, to a courageous woman of faith, living out her special God-given purpose.

I really love the idea of time travel to historical times. It reminds me of the popularity of the Outlander series. 

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

Justine was a spoiled socialite in 1870s NYC, yet when God calls her to action she steps up and uses her very special gift to facilitate His justice, growing in her faith, and as a woman of purpose.

In Justine's voice, give us a statement of what she thinks about romance (or love).

"I grew up wealthy, with no cares in the world. I was groomed to be the wife of a rich man-of-industry. Love involved flirtation, conquest, and submission to my parents’ choice. I never knew love could make me want to give more than take or make me willing to sacrifice my happiness for another."  

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

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I love stories of women who become more than they ever knew they could be by living through trials they never thought they could conquer. In this case, on the prairie of Nebraska in the 1800s.

What are you working on now?

I’m starting a contemporary novel called Beck & Call that takes characters from my previous novels—fifteen years later—and shows them heeding God’s beck and call to follow Him and change lives in ways they never expected.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.nancymoser.com
Facebook
My Bookbub Page
Goodreads
Pinterest

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



A sample of the book is available HERE

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

How have your reading habits changed in the past five years—or have they?

Thank you, Nancy, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Nancy 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.

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