Mark Medley and Free Books!

A far-off continent, a remote village, an impossible coincidence… is this what it takes to discover what’s inside a man?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Katherine Barger's YA dystopian novel, Fortune's Fall, is:

somi19ad@...

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 visit with Mark Medley, author of the contemporary romantic action novel, The Same River Twice, Every Soul Longs for a Father’s Love (Thrive Ministries, May 2020).

Mark Medley is a husband, father, pastor, teacher, author,  and recording artist. Native to East Tennessee, USA, Mark works developing leaders in dozens of countries through a cooperative called Thrive Ministries.

Mark holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, Studio Music and Jazz, and Theology. He has been on Pastoral staff at Trinity Community Church since 1989, overseeing mission efforts, worship and the arts, discipleship, house churches, leadership development, and teaching in many different capacities.

Mark and his wife, Melissa, are the parents of four awesome children and delight in their grandchildren.

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

I worked as an engineer at a nuclear power plant. So if you see a great glow about me, you may think it’s my personality or the Holy Spirit, but it’s probably just radiation!

You actually have a bit of a glow about you in your author pic, Mark. I hope your writing is as illuminating as you are!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Same River Twice.

The death of his wife, a painful past, and the promise of bringing hope to a distant people plunges James Merritt into the rhythms of the Tsanga Valley in Central Ghana.

In this tale of fathers and sons, orphans and mentors, James embeds with the Suti tribe on the mighty Volta River and must face his own fears and learn to love and be loved. 

James’s ingenious water invention promises to bring a new quality of life to the Suti. But a volatile land dispute between tribes, a fiery female mission worker, and a shocking revelation from his past will cause the Suti to alter James’s life in more ways than he will alter theirs.

James risks everything to gain redemption from a checkered past and find the true heart of a father. But just as he discovers what to live for, he faces the ultimate question. Is it worth dying for?

Wow, that really sounds like a fascinating read, Mark! What is it about James that will make your readers care about him?

He has suffered much in his life: abandonment from his father, being responsible for his younger siblings when his mother couldn’t cope mentally, rising to a successful career, but now stunned by the premature death of his loving wife to cancer. 

Through all this, James always tries to do what is right, yet finds himself not knowing what to do. He travels to Africa to bring help to the people of a remote village, but finds that he is the one who is rescued through relationships with an African Chief and a young orphan boy… and through a shocking revelation from his past that calls him to action.

What have you learned about yourself as a result of your writing career?

I’ve learned to trust the life message that God has built into me through the years and to work hard at getting that message out in creative ways. The unique way God has made us, our personalities and abilities and passions, fuses with our experiences and relationships (good and bad) to forge a message that only we can carry to others. For me, that is the most exciting part of the creative process, whether I’m writing a novel, a song or poem, or a sermon. It’s humbling to know that people need to hear what I have to say.

And when you have that attitude, it's rather amazing to look back at things you've written and not remember actually writing them. As if you were truly guided. At least that's what I've experienced on the rare occasion. It's very cool.

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

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. This book is brilliant historical fiction based on the events of the battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Shaara writes beautifully of the internal struggles of the major players on both sides of the war. His character development is captivating. The reader comes to love every major character, whether you agree with that character or not.

It's been years since I read that book, but I totally agree. Excellent writing.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on creating non-fiction materials that will be used to foster, enlighten and encourage church leaders in many countries of the world. I am also developing the framework on a book on spiritual disciplines.

Where else can readers find you online?

They can go to my website, www.markmedley.org, for more information about my international ministry to leaders.
They also can go to my amazon author page at www.amazon.com/author/mark-medley
and to Facebook: Mark Medley
Twitter: @markmedley_
Instagram: markmedley_

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample of the books HERE by clicking on Look Inside.

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

What are you doing to actively pour your knowledge and experiences into the next generation?

Thank you, Mark, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Mark has offered to give away a free copy of his book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Mark's above question. "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

Katherine Barger and Free Books!

A dream interpreter races ahead of the president’s deadly pursuit to bring an antidote and a dream interpretation to her poisoned family.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Allie Pleiter's inspirational romance novel, His Christmas Wish, is:

caseycollins9149@...

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 visit with Katherine Barger, author of the Christian YA dystopian novel, Fortune’s Fall (Anaiah Press, November 2020).

Katherine Barger is a stay-at-home mom and writer who previously worked as an attorney. She writes stories about characters of faith in a world where faith is challenged. 

When she’s not busy wrangling kids, she’s writing, eating Mexican food or snuggling with her family’s two rescue pets: a dog named Queen Elsa and a cat named Princess Jasmine. 

Katherine and her forever-forbearing husband live in Mississippi with their two daughters.

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

When I binge watch shows (which, let’s be real, doesn’t happen that often in this stage of life), I inevitably begin to dream I’m one of the characters, at which point I know it’s time to do something productive.

At least you dream you're one of the characters. When that happens to me, I'm not usually a key player. Calling Dr. Freud...!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Fortune's Fall.

In Fortune’s Fall, 17-year-old Nyssa Ardelone, dream interpreter to the American president, learns that her mentor lied about the president’s latest dream to save the residents of Nyssa’s hometown, where the president ordered a gas attack to thwart a suspected rebellion. Nyssa’s parents are among the survivors.

Nyssa flees the security of her own well-planned life to bring the survivors an antidote as well as an interpretation of another dream only she can give. But the president launches a deadly pursuit, and Nyssa must evade him at all costs, learning on her journey that faith in God is the only thing that can save her.

I love that she's a dream interpreter. That's a cool job to have in a dystopian novel, and it's also reminiscent of Biblical times. 

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

Nyssa has been brought up in a world that believes logic and science and cleverness are all that matter. Through her journey, however, she’s forced to question everything she’s been taught, to analyze truths and lies and come to her own conclusions about what’s real and what’s not. It’s relatable because it’s something many of us have experienced.

How wonderful that you're encouraging young readers to do more than simply swallowing information without doing research. It's so important, especially these days, to delve deeper into issues as they're presented on television and social media, especially while applying one's faith to the equation. 

What have you learned about yourself as a result of your writing career?

That I’m not the only one who talks out loud to my characters! But in all seriousness, I’ve learned that God gave me a passion for using my imagination to bring clean, faith-based books to Christian girls. I love Jesus, and I want my books to reflect that. I want to take readers on an adventure both in a physical and a spiritual sense. Following Christ can be daunting, especially today, and I hope the characters I create encourage readers to be bold in their faith.

Amen to that! 

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

The last novel I read was The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I read it as a teenager—pretty sure it was required reading—but I re-read it recently and definitely recommend it! Kit, the protagonist, is so relatable. She has to figure out how to live totally out of her comfort zone, and she does it with grace and strength.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the second book in The Exiled Trilogy.

Where else can readers find you online?

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @kbargerauthor, Goodreads, Amazon, and my website: katherinebarger.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, Katherine, what question would you like to ask my readers?

My main character, Nyssa, can interpret dreams. It’s not really a superpower, but we’ll say it is for the sake of the question ;-) What superpower would you want to have?

I love that question. Thank you, Katherine, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Katherine has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to my 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

Allie Pleiter and Free Books!

Bachelor Jake will need all the help preschool teacher Emma can give to make Christmas special for his young nephew.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Alexis Goring's devotional collection, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, is:

mauback55@...

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 Allie Pleiter, author of the inspirational romance novel, His Christmas Wish (Love Inspired, November 2020).

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. 

The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. 

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

After directing a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in college 27 years ago, I can still name all 29 colors in correct order.

What an unusual ear worm!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of His Christmas Wish.

After his nephew, Cole, is orphaned, Jake Sanders vows to give the little boy the best Christmas possible…except Jake doesn’t know the first thing about kids! So when Cole’s preschool teacher, Emma Mullins, offers to pitch in, Jake’s grateful for her guidance. 

But while Jake and Emma share an immediate connection, their blossoming love must first survive the secret she’s hiding…

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

Readers returning to the Wander Canyon series will remember Jake from Winning Back Her Heart. He’s not exactly emergency parent material for his nephew Cole, but his heart is in the right place. He is determined to help his nephew survive the little boy’s first Christmas without his parents, and will do whatever it takes to help Cole find hope for the holidays.

It can be very heart melting to see a man provide solace to a young boy like that, especially if it seems out of character for him.

What have you learned about yourself as a result of your writing career?

I’ve learned how to trust in the creative process, even when I can’t see the final output. As a productivity expert, I help writers find the systems they need to meet their deadlines with dependability. Sometimes I’m not so great at taking my own advice and trusting the system I know works.

I live for deadlines, as much as I hate them--best motivation I know!

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

Now that I will be writing mysteries as well romance starting next year, I just finished Still Life by Louise Penny, the first of her series with Chief Inspector Gamache. I love the complexity of her characters and the detailed way she creates a community.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the final Wander Canyon novel (there are two more still to be released) as well as the revisions of On Skein of Death, the first of my Riverbank Knitting Mysteries for Berkley coming out June 2021.

Where else can readers find you online?

alliepleiter.com
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads
BookBub
Amazon

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, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What are you doing to make sure the holiday season still feels special in this difficult year?

Thanks, Allie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Allie has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to my 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

Alexis Goring and Free Books!

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Thomas Allbaugh's short story collection, Subtle Man Loses His Day Job and Other Stories, is:

kayenderes@...

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 Alexis Goring, author of Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God (Soaring Beyond, an imprint of Winged Publications, April 2020).

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

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

While lost with my friend and her fiancé on the cobblestone streets of Italy, we stumbled upon a beautiful bridal shop and in the front window display was my DREAM wedding dress (at that time)! I took a photo with it and my friend’s fiancé said, “That’s your wedding dress!” However, I was not engaged at the time so there was no need to buy it.

One never knows what the future holds...

Please tell us a bit more about Stories and Songs of Faith.

My devotional book is filled with stories and songs to encourage you on your journey with God. These are treasures of truth that God used to uplift me and teach me more about Him, His grace, His mercy and His Love for humankind. 

There’s a song directory at the end of my book that lists all of the songs I mentioned in each devotional. There are direct links to my favorite versions of those songs that you can look up and listen to on YouTube, if you have a mobile phone or computer that’s connected to the Internet.

What a great idea! Why will readers enjoy your book?

Readers – especially those who are music lovers – will enjoy my devotional book because the messages within are inspired by God and aimed at their hearts. Reading this book will be heartwarming, encouraging and helpful for each person who wants to learn more about God’s love.

I love the idea of having the applicable song in your head all day after reading the devotional and listening to the song.

What facet of the writing craft comes easiest to you? What do you struggle with?

Writing devotionals comes easier to me than writing fiction stories. I don’t struggle when writing nonfiction/devotionals but I do struggle with the technique of “showing” vs. “telling” when writing fiction stories. I think part of the reason why is because of my training as a print journalist where I learned to write stories that are “precise and concise.” 

Of course, you do get to be more creative and use the “showing” technique when writing feature stories for print and online publications. However, it’s still a struggle for me to “show” my reader certain feelings and reactions of my characters when I’m writing fiction stories. 

However, I’m teachable. I’m doing my research and homework so that I can improve my craft as a storyteller!

What is the last book you read that moved you? How did it affect you?

The last book I read that moved me was Always, by Sarah Jio. It affected me because the story was so beautifully told and it inspired me to hope that true love always wins.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a Contemporary Romance (fiction) story about the best friends of two of my favorite main characters from a previously published book that I wrote. I will showcase their budding romance that neither of them expected to happen.

Where else can readers find you or your writing online?

Facebook
Twitter
My Website: alexisagoring.jimdofree.com
Pinterest
Goodreads
“God is Love” blog:

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access a sample of the book HERE. Click on Look Inside. 

Now, readers, I have a question for you. Do you usually read from a book of devotions each day? Which one are you currently using, and what do you think of it? 

Thanks, Alexis, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Alexis has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to my 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