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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!
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As a special promotion, I'm going to give away ten copies of the audiobook version of my romantic suspense novella, A Special Kind of Double, to the first ten people who comment below that they will listen to the audiobook and take the time to post a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Your comment below needs to include your [fractured] email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com, so I can send you the free download code. I'm hopeful that your review will be favorable, of course, but that is not required. I'll be grateful if you simply post your review! Since subscribers get email notice of my blogposts, they are more likely to comment first. I'll be doing giveaways like this in the future. So, if you're too late to participate this time, please consider subscribing (to the right, above my list of books), so you'll get the email notifications early. Here's what the story is about: 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. I'm looking forward to getting the book to you! ALSO: After you leave your entry email below, be sure to read today's interview with Thomas Allbaugh, who is discussing his new short-story collection, a copy of which he'll give away next week!
 A man returns from a trip to Seattle convinced that his super power is subtlty. An English teacher finds he no longer has the language to communicate his love for his wife. Subtle Man and other characters in these stories sometimes are following—or are haunted by—a hunch they have of what their best life can be.
Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Lillian Duncan's suspense novel, Jane Doe, is:
christianbookreviewer@...
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 Thomas Allbaugh, author of the short-story collection, Subtle Man Loses His Day Job and Other Stories (Resources—Wipf & Stock, September 2020).
 Thomas Allbaugh is the author of Apocalypse TV, a novel, and The View from January, a chapbook of poetry available from Kelsay Publishers. His stories, essays, and poems have appeared in a number of publications, including Broken Sky 67 and Relief.
He is a professor of English at Azusa Pacific University, where he directs the writing program and teaches composition and creative writing.
How would you classify the genre of your stories?
My stories are somewhat literary and slightly satirical. They are character-driven. A plot or set of circumstances arises out of character issues.
Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I have played the guitar since 1970 and during the 1970s I often played in college coffee houses. During the 1978 spring semester, I played and sang during lunch hours, and after one session, a businessman approached me about becoming my manager. I declined because I was still finishing school. I have sometimes regretted that decision.
Aw, the pull of fame and the struggle with uncertainty! At least you made a decision. Many artistic people struggle with choosing a path altogether, and never get beyond that crossroad. I hope the occasional regret is easy enough to let go.
Since I usually feature novels, please focus on one of your stories and tell us a bit more about the plot.
There are two interconnected story lines in this collection. One concerns a young man who believes his super power is subtlety. With such a quiet, unassuming super power, he must emerge in the title story somehow as he wishes to be seen.
And then in the final story in the collection, we see his struggle through his girlfriend's eyes as he tries to figure out how to partner with a stronger superhero type--and his girlfriend has only so much time to convince him that she is his perfect partner. The collection ends with their growing romance.
What is it about the Subtle Man character that will make your readers care about him?
Winky, or Subtle Man, is a strange character who feels great empathy for others, and he expresses it in ways that not everyone sees or understands. Monica, his girlfriend, does.
He sounds intriguing.
Share with us a quote you like from a book by a different author. What do you like about the quote?
My favorite quote is this:
“He must have looked up at an unfamiliar sky through frightening leaves and shivered as he found what a grotesque thing a rose is and how raw the sunlight was upon the scarcely created grass.”
This is from the last part of Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Nick Carraway is here shown trying to imagine what must have been Gatsby’s late thoughts after realizing that Daisy would not call—just before he is shot. This passage tries to understand Gatsby’s last moments after his great dream guiding his life has ended and he is there seeing things as though for the first time. How strange everything is—the ordinary, or the rose, formerly seen as lovely but now as “grotesque.” This is an amazing passage to me.
I agree. His arrival at the reality of losing Daisy--both physically and theoretically, as he dreamed her to be--had to be horribly sad and devastating. Those words, frightening, grotesque, and raw, do not describe an ideal reality at all.
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
I would highly recommend An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones. This novel presents very positive, complexly drawn African American characters facing a situation that so many people of color face today. We need to read these stories to better understand and find empathy.
I found that book moving. The characters are absolutely believable, and Jones really knows how to tell a story. I would caution my readers that it's definitely not a book for the Christian-fiction-only reader. But I agree that the characters are complex. They're human in their failings and in their ability to forgive.
What are you working on now?
I am working on two projects now. My youngest son took his life in October, 2017, and I am finishing a grief memoir about him. I am trying to go where most Christians won’t go and ask questions about how this hurt and changed my family and me.
Second, I’m working on a second novel called Radio Eden, which is about a pastor’s search for men in his church who went in search of Eden in response to his preaching, and were taken hostage by a terrorist group south and west of Israel.
I'm so sorry about your son, Thomas. Absolutely heartbreaking. Thank you for being willing to share information that might help others. I hope there's some catharsis in that.
The premise of your new novel is fascinating. Blessings with it.
Where else can readers find you online?
I’m available on twitter at @tallbaugh1, and my newsletter sign up can be found at my website, at thomasallbaugh.com.
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
Readers, you can access a sample of the book HERE. Click on Look Inside.
Finally, Thomas, what question would you like to ask my readers?
How do you handle doubt? What you go through suffering, what helps you the most?
Thank you, Thomas, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Thomas has offered to give away a free copy of his book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to his 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
 She survived, but what if she isn’t his last victim?
Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Carol Nelson's Christian women's novel, Audra -- Dying for Life, is:
hayleyjturner78@...
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 Lillian Duncan, author of the suspense novel (with a little romance thrown in), Jane Doe (Harbourlight Books, June, 2020).
 Lillian Duncan…turning faith into fiction.
Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that demonstrate God’s love—and lots of action. Okay, that’s actually two things. She believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.
Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I’m short! Very short. I’m 4’8” or at least I used to be. The doctors are saying I’m a bit shorter than that now but I’m not acknowledging that in any way!
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Jane Doe.
Raven Marks survives a brutal kidnapping, but she’s haunted by the memories. First because she doesn’t have any and then because she does. She wants to move forward with her life but one thought stops her. What if she’s not his last victim? As more memories surface she has to decide whether to put it behind her or try to protect others.
What is it about Raven that will make your readers care about her?
Even though she’s hit rock bottom (literally and figuratively), she refuses to give up. She not only fights her way back to good health but is willing to do what she must to bring her kidnapper to justice so he can’t hurt anyone else.
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
I’ve been reading The Giver series by Lois Lowry and am loving them even though they were written as young adult novels. They’re quick to read but make you think. I’d highly recommend them to anyone who hasn’t read them yet.
What are you working on now?
To be honest, not a whole lot. I finished writing my Messenger series which is a dystopian novel set in NewAmerica where even saying the name of God is a crime. I think I was so focused on that series, I’m having a hard time starting another project. But I’m not worried. Another story will come when the time is right.
I hear you. I'm even under some deadlines, and the stories are not yet bursting forth. It happens sometimes. I suppose that "fake it 'til you make it" adage occasionally fits with writing. Sometimes I don't remember those moments were even happening when I read back over things I've published!
Where else can readers find you online?
I’d love to hear from them. They can visit me at my blog: Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. I also have a devotional blog called Devotions From Puzzle House. They can connect with me Facebook or on Twitter.
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
Readers, you can read a sample of Jane Doe HERE. Click on Look Inside.
Finally, Lillian, what question would you like to ask my readers?
How do you find new authors to read? What makes you buy a book? The cover? The blurb on the back? Or the name of the author?
Thank you, Lillian, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Lillian 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. I was unable to enter any of last week's commenters in the book drawing for lack of an email address. Only subscribers were entered.
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
 Audra meets the man of her dreams, but cancer may rob her of ever having a family.
Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Lori Benton's historical novel, Mountain Laurel, is:
perrianne.askew@...
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 Carol Nelson, author of contemporary Christian women’s novel, Audra – Dying For Life (Bookbaby Publishing, August 2020).
 Carol lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she spends most days writing her stories. Although she started writing in childhood, it took a lifetime to know what her heart truly desired and needed to write—stories that touch the fabric of women's lives with hope, grace, and faith, combined with the little spice of clean romance women enjoy. She took a writing course as a young mother, then laid all writing aside to concentrate on raising her three daughters.
Her daughters have blessed her with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. (An eighth grandchild is in heaven with her grandpa.) She served as an aid in a nursing home, worked in the purchasing department of a large corporation, spent time as the head cook at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and went full circle to become a care giver before settling in to her first love, writing.
Reading, gardening, cooking, and playing cards and games keep Carol busy. She’ll be glad when she can go to church without a mask.
Amen to that, Carol! Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I love to watch the large variety of birds attracted to the seed, suet, and water in our backyard. This summer, we also spotted a mama gray fox and her two kits jumping into the yard to drink the bird’s water. It seems like she prefers city living to the nearby mountains.
How cute those foxes must be! I haven't seen a fox in the wild since moving to the west coast. They're such pretty animals.
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Audra -- Dying for Life.
It’s not a routine visit when Audra Knight's gynecologist says, "I need to do a biopsy." It leaves her numb with fear.
Suddenly a potential cancer victim, it's not the time to notice Dann Day, the handsome new band-orchestra teacher at Chandler's Grove Academy. And why should he want anything to do with her? With her unresolved anger issues, the way she's strayed from God, and the fact that Heather Easton already seems to have claimed him for her own, getting involved would be stupid. Plus, cancer could certainly lead to heartbreak, and she won’t put a man through that.
When Dann asks Audra's help on a school project, Heather's jealousy flares. It's the catalyst that amplifies Audra's anger, sending her back to God and church to find peace and the courage to truly live. But when Audra admits to growing feelings for Dann, can she tell the man who wants a family that he might not be able to have one with her? As the pressure mounts, how will she know the right way to go?
What is it about Audra that will make your readers care about her?
Maybe it’s the patient caring she shows her sixth grade English class. Maybe it’s the way she’s loved by students and teachers alike. Maybe it’s seeing a lovely young woman stuffing her anger and hurt in the secret closet of her heart and hoping she’ll find freedom from its oppression. But just maybe it’s all of those because Audra’s no different than any of us, a complex human being in need of heart healing.
Share with us a quote you like from a book by a different author. What do you like about the quote?
I really wanted to pass on this question. I don’t collect quotes. I don’t even remember quotes. I read to escape or be entertained. However, during my quiet time, this quote from Augustine, a Church father, popped out at me, and I hope I can remember it:
“A great mystery, Brethren, God is above all: you raise yourself, and touch Him not: you humble yourself, and He descends to you.”
I like this because it’s a great reminder that man can never reach God on his own merits, but if we come to Him with contrite hearts acknowledging who He is, He will meet us with everything we need.
I wasn't able to find that exact quote, but I see that Augustine clearly spoke a lot about the importance (and power, really) of humility. Thanks for that, Carol!
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
I just finished A Bride's Journey to the Colorado Territory, by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. I’ve always liked a good wagon-train story, and this book not only has an engaging story line of traveling west, it’s been very well researched. This is Book 2, so I recommend reading Book 1, A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee, first.
What are you working on now?
I’m getting Book 2 of the Chandler’s Grove Series, Life Transformed, ready for publication this fall or winter, and I’m writing Book 3, Becoming Sisters. I also have two stand-alone books waiting to be published.
Where else can readers find you online?
My website: caroljnelson.com
Facebook
Twitter
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
The book is also available on Kindle. Readers, you can read a sample of Audra -- Dying for Life HERE. Click on Look Inside.
Finally, Carol, what question would you like to ask my readers?
What genre do you read most often?
Thanks, Carol, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Carol 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
For a limited time, these three Winged Publications romance sets are marked down to terrific prices!
 Want to tuck away a little Christmas reading for the upcoming holidays? The Love Reunited at Christmas set contains these fun Christmas romances:
CHRISTMAS IN CEDAR CREEK, by Mary Alford
Ava Richards lost her husband to the same war that took Donovan’s leg. Even after two years, Ava is still crippled by the loss. Unable to move forward with her life, she is stuck in the past. Yet the more time she spends with her husband’s best friend Donovan, the more Ava longs for a second chance at life and love. Can she convince Donovan he doesn’t have to leave Cedar Creek to come back to life again? And is it possible for two wounded souls to help each other learn what love really means this Christmas?
CHRISTMAS AT MOUNTAIN MIST, by Pamela Ferguson
Did you come here to visit or to hide?
Dr. Brady Thomasson has his hands full. Christmas is two days away and he’s the physician in charge at Lilac’s senior living community. A mysterious illness, blizzard conditions, and a skeleton staff would be enough to keep even the most seasoned medical professional on his toes. Will the unexpected arrival of his former girlfriend distract him from his duties?
With a brewing scandal about to crash down on her head, environmental lawyer Camille Zignetti drives through a snow storm to spend Christmas with her ailing grandfather. Certain she will pay a price for her employer’s bad behavior, could Brady blame her for wanting to hide from a situation she’d helped to create?
CHRISTMAS IN OAK CREEK, by Debbie Mayne
When widowed Erica Johnson finds herself face-to-face with her high school sweetheart during the holidays, she has to fight hard to resist the temptation to get involved with him again. After all, she has to protect her son’s heart. Andrew Blakeman knows he made a huge mistake by leaving Erica years ago, and now he wants to make things right. With Christmas coming soon, he pulls out all the stops to make things right. Will these two determined people ever find happiness in love again?
A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, by Trish Perry
When she attends a Washington, D.C. dinner party thrown by friends far wealthier than she, writer Maddie Travers is distracted by internal debates. Should she move back to D.C.? Should she seek work she might find more fulfilling? She meets the appealing “regular guy,” Dom Sebastiani, at the party and consequently wonders whether she’s ready to seek romance again. 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
SLEEPING THROUGH CHRISTMAS, by Sherri Stewart
If it weren’t for that unscheduled nap at Simon-Morrisey Department Store, Lily Rountree wouldn’t have met Justin Knight, or overheard his plan to rob the store, an art museum, and a bank. When Justin learns about Lily’s presence, their cat-and-mouse game begins, and the holidays take on a whole new meaning.
This set can be purchased via the following button:
Also temporarily marked down is In Danger's Path, a collection of these exciting romantic suspenses:
DARK OF NIGHT, by Alice K. Arenz
Determined to get justice for the brutal murders of her parents twenty years ago, Kelsey Carol returns to the scene of the crime—Seaton, Missouri. But what she quickly learns is that every clue brings more questions than answers. And, nightmares really do come true.
LOCAL BETRAYAL, by Cynthia Hickey
A murderer is closer than you think.
Kennedy Bradford returns home to come to grips with the violent death of her parents and witnesses a murder.
Dylan Lockhart, best-selling mystery writer, is roped into being Kennedy's bodyguard until the killer is found.
Neither one had time for romance. Both secretly yearn for love. Danger thrusts them into a fight of survival that may be the end of a future together.
AWAKEN THE PAST, by Mary L. Ball
Everything Laurel believed about her childhood suddenly changed.
During her mother’s illness, Laurel discovers unsettling things from her past. She travels to the small town of Silver Springs, North Carolina to search for the truth.
Laurel arrives in town and senses people watching her every move. Even the easygoing police office Chad Wilkes gives her a cold shoulder.
With trouble following her, the Lord is the only one she can trust. Can she find the secret to the past and open her heart to more changes?
WHAT SHE SAW, by Leann Harris
Carly Payton finally finished her latest job--auditing the Red River City Police Department. As she leaves the celebration, Max Doyle follows her out of the restaurant to ask her on a date. In the parking lot, they witness the murder of the Chief of Police. The killer turns on them and Carly and Max run. The two become the main suspects, and must work together to stay alive. As they try to clear their names, Carly sees Max as a hero, someone she can depend on and her feelings for him grow. With the killer hot on their trail, they flee into New Mexico, dodging the authorities. Will they be able to prove their innocence, or will the killer convince everyone that Carly and Max are guilty?
A SPECIAL KIND OF DOUBLE, by Trish Perry
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.
This set can be purchased via the following button:
 Finally, the Runaway Brides set is temporarily marked down, giving romance lovers access to these stories of weddings that have taken an unexpected turn:
RESCUE ME, by Mary Alford
After one failed engagement, Seth is pretty sure love isn’t in the cards for him until he meets the lovely Anna Logan. Anna has him believing there just might be a second chance at love possible for the both of them if only they are willing to let go of their past mistakes and trust each other.
JUST ONE KISS, by Debra Lynn Collins
Who knew jumping out of a window would change her life forever.
It’s the perfect plan. That is, until his twin sister and her best friend, Amber, show up and throw a wrench into his well-laid plans. Will he be able to keep his heart from falling in love again? Especially with a woman who harbors a secret that could change everything?
CINDERELLA'S BOOT, by Darlene Franklin
Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention.
How can Cinderella find a second chance at love?
NEVER TOO LATE, by Debby Mayne
They used to hang out together as friends before she left for college, and now they see each other in a completely different light. Will they remain friends, or will romance take over?
MISS APPREHENSION, by Trish Perry
What does she want? What is she afraid of? What does she not understand? And who would have thought that Spanx could play such a pivotal role in one woman’s destiny?
BRIDE ON THE RUN, by Martha Rogers
Kelly Morgan looks forward to her marriage to Darrell, but something isn't right and her childhood friend, Tyler, sees it. When a domineering soon to be mother-in-law takes over, changes honeymoon plans and dashes all hopes of Kelly decorating her own home, she falls apart and runs away from the ceremony. Who will be there to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and bring her home?
After one failed engagement, Seth is pretty sure love isn’t in the cards for him until he meets the lovely Anna Logan. Anna has him believing there just might be a second chance at love possible for the both of them if only they are willing to let go of their past mistakes and trust each other.
This set can be purchased via the following button:
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