Meet Kate Breslin

I met Kate Breslin through our agent, Linda Glaz, and I'm excited to introduce you to her today. Her book, For Such a Time, is one you don't want to miss.

For Such a Time

Powerful Retelling of the Story of Esther

In 1944, Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, her Aryan-like looks allow her to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, to maintain her cover as von Schmidt’s secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself?

Kate, welcome to Patterings. I have to say (again) that your book, For Such a Time, is probably one of the books that I have most looked forward to reading!

Patty, thank you so much for hosting me today and letting me share with your readers!

The Holocaust is a tough topic, particularly today. What made you decide to do a historical on such a difficult issue?

I got the idea to write For Such A Time while reading Queen Esther’s story in the Bible. I realized how much the Jewish people had suffered at the hands of one tyrant or another throughout history; I began to see similarities between the wicked Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews and Hitler’s more recent Holocaust of WWII. I wondered if I could superimpose the life and challenges of Esther into this more recent time period. I knew little about WWII or the Holocaust when I began my research, but it soon became an emotional journey as well as a spiritual one. I was shocked to read first-hand accounts of Nazi brutality, yet moved, too, by tales of courage and faith-keeping in those who faced death. And there were so many real-life heroes and heroines who risked all to save others. Needless to say, I felt compelled to try and write their story.

How long did it take you to write For Such A Time and what did your research involve?
The entire research and writing process took me about five years: I studied WWII history in the European theater; the Nazi party, including Himmler’s evil SS; I also pored through personal accounts written by prisoners of the camps, including Dachau, Theresienstadt (Terezin,) and Auschwitz. I read memoirs of German Wehrmacht soldiers who fought from North Africa to Stalingrad, and I also attempted to become knowledgeable in the tenets and traditions of Judaism. At final count, my bibliography stood at close to thirty books, including several documentary videos and substantial online information. It was important to me to treat this horrific period with the sensitivity and accuracy it deserved, while crafting a fictional romance between a Jewess and an SS-officer.

What was a highlight of the research?
Much of my research was emotionally exhausting, but I do recall a story that stands out, written by one of the prisoners: about a former Luftwaffe pilot who, because of an injury, had to earn his living as an SS-guard at the camp of Dachau. He saw the plight of the prisoners and many times would bring from his home in the village food and medicine for them. When the Americans liberated Dachau in 1945, they were shocked to see a crowd of sickly, emaciated prisoners circle the guard protectively, so that he would not be hurt. The humanity in that moment touched me; like a glimmer of light in the darkness I’d been reading. It gave me hope that even amidst such evil, goodness could exist.

Did you travel to the region For Such a Time is set in? If you did, how did that affect you?
While I would like to visit the camps I wrote about, I’ve never been to these places. Instead, I “saw” my story setting through reading, viewing pictures, videos, and other imagery. I know that when I do go, it will affect me deeply!

Who is your favorite character in the book? How did their story impact you personally?
Well, I confess I love them all (except Captain Hermann, of course!) I admire little Joseph, because of his bravery and his child’s willingness to love, yet I think Stella (Hadassah) resonates with me most. Her journey became mine, and as we both struggled with the big question of “Why?” I gained a better understanding into the strengths and weaknesses of my own faith.

What was the main thing you learned from writing For Such a Time?
I learned that unconditional love is the surest weapon against evil; it was how Jesus destroyed death. And while evil may take the body, it cannot take the soul, so long as we hold fast to our heavenly Father.

What would you like readers to take away from the book?
I hope readers will gain better insight into the real events of WWII and Hitler’s reign of terror. It’s also my wish they’re inspired to stand a little more courageously in their daily lives. It only takes one to make a difference!

Where can people find you on the internet?
Either my website: www.katebreslin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kate_Breslin‎
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor
I’m also on Pinterest and Goodreads!

If you like, you can sign up on my website to become a “Kate’s Crusader” and receive information on future events, books, giveaways, and/or blurbs from me. There’s also a contact form, or you can email me direct at katebreslinauthor@hotlink.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for being here with us today, Kate!

Here's an excerpt from For Such a Time...

For Such a Time by Bethany House Publishers

You can purchase For Such a Time at Amazon.

Tweet

Children's Book, The Potowatomi Boy

As a homeschool mom, finding good historical fiction for my kids has always been a priority. I've found it's the best way to teach history because it makes it come alive to the kids, and these books by my friend Lisa Lickle are great for just that. I've read and reviewed them and wish they had been around when my kids were younger. Green Leaf is perfect for boys, and that's a true treasure because it seems there's more books geared toward girls than boys. A story about an Indian boy has always been a sure way to capture the interest of my boys.

These books have my recommendation and I'm so glad I get to share them with you!

Green Leaf

The Potawatomi Boy

Lisa J Lickel, illustrated by Brenda Hendricks

About the Book:
Green Leaf’s cousins are all older than he and don’t like to play fair. He longs for a friend his own age he can play with, explore and fish with. When he meets a Luxembourger boy, Henri, Green Leaf is sure they could become friends, but Henri’s words are strange to Green Leaf. How can they play and explore together?

Green Leaf’s mother says, “Friends learn to speak one another’s words.” But will Green Leaf learn to say his friend’s words well enough to save Henri when he falls into danger?

Kindle - on special sale during December 1- 16, $.99
Also available in print from online retailers or from your favorite bookseller. $5.95

Ten years in the making, The First Children of Farmington series of early reader books has finally reached book sellers. I spent two years researching and writing this series. Several years after I worked with other community historians to collect and record our early pioneer history, I realized that we had quite a diverse ethnicity to Farmington, Wisconsin. Although these stories are based on real people and real events, they are representative of issues and struggles and joys families face every day everywhere.

The Potawatomi Boy is a character with a running thread through all the books. When I first started out with the project I was taking classes from the Christian Writers Guild. I set out to put together a series of picture books and connected with a couple of different artists. I wrote the text, but learned over several years that it’s harder to get the attention of a publisher for children’s books than it is for adult books. I’d never considered self-publishing, but through connections with my current illustrator and publishing partner, Brenda Hendricks, and others at the John 316 Marketing Network, learned a lot about not only self-publishing options, but how to publish well.

The second book in the series, The German Girl, is now available, as well, about a curious young girl who becomes lost while searching for the family cow, and the third book, The Saxon Boy, about a young boy who must learn to accept a stepfather, may be out by Christmas. I was quite surprised and pleased to have won a prestigious Jade Ring award for the Saxon Boy from the Wisconsin Writers Association. The other three stories, The Yankee Boy, The Irish Girl and The French Girl, are planned for release in 2014.

The books include references, glossaries, and special illustrations and a picture search. They are suitable for early to middle grades, ages 7-9 or so.

Also at Barnes and Noble and Booksamillion

From December 1 through December 16, the John 3:16 Marketing Network is hosting a Christmas Book Launch and The Potawatomi Boy is a featured book. As part of the event, the Network is offering a $200 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky winner. For a chance to win, go to Christian Books and enter the Rafflecopter toward the bottom of the page.

About the Author:

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her published novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She has penned dozens of feature newspaper stories, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. She is the editor in chief of Creative Wisconsin magazine. Lisa also is an avid book reviewer, a freelance editor, a writing mentor, a hostess at Clash of the Titles.com, and enjoys blogging at theBarnDoor.net and AuthorCulture.blogspot.com. She loves to encourage new authors. Find more at LisaLickel.com.

Tweet

Shocking the World with Generosity

Shocking the World 

with Generosity

by Dineen Miller

I stood on the knoll of a grassy field, watching my youngest daughter, Leslie, then only five years old, as she kicked off her shoes at the starting line. No shoes? How would her little feet grip the grass and propel her forward? Several of the other children in her age group had done the same thing, so I resisted the urge to run over and make her put her shoes back on.

We’d moved to Switzerland in the spring and had spent the summer adjusting to our new surroundings before school started, thus immersing my girls into a culture and language they’d just barely begun to grasp. Today’s event was a big part of kicking off the new school year. I watched Leslie stand there, looking around at the other children so eager to start and win this race. The prize? A round ornately stitched patch declaring the bearer winner of the race for their age group.

Did she even stand a chance?

The starter shouted the Swiss version of “get set, ready, go!” and off went this group of five and six year olds, sprinting down a grassy field. Little legs pumped madly and arms swung back and forth. Seemed like minutes instead of seconds passed as the fastest runners pulled away, and to my amazement my daughter was one of them.

I think my mouth about fell open as my daughter took the lead and won!

Full of pride for my girl, I waited until she’d followed protocol to receive her award and came running toward me. One of her new friends trailed behind her and as my daughter hugged me, I could see her friend was struggling not to cry.

Leslie had noticed too and turned to face her. She held out her new prize to her friend, whose eyes grew almost as big as the patch Leslie held. The little girl looked at me as if to ask, is this okay? My same question—I’d watched Leslie work so hard for this prize, yet there she stood, ready to give it way.

So I asked Leslie, “Are you sure you want to part with that?” I think I was the one struggling with parting with it, not her.

“Yes, mommy. I want her to have it.”

Her friend took the patch and threw her arms around Leslie. The two skipped off together to play. My pride in my daughter grew even larger.

I think at times our children know how to be more generous than we do. I’ve watched my daughter grow into a generous teenager who was always quick to give away what she had and spend her allowance on her sister or her friends before buying herself anything. My biggest challenge as her mother—to let her. To support her in her generosity, even when she gave away a Visa gift card she’d received for her birthday to a homeless person. As I had asked at that race so many years ago, I asked again, “Are you sure?” She said the joy of giving the card away was better than anything she could have bought.

Some kids just get this, others need to be taught. Either way, we as parents have a wonderful opportunity to help our children grow into generous teenagers and adults who shock the world with their generosity. Just as Jesus came into this world and continues to shock us with His.

Along with Jesus, my daughter has become my teacher and inspiration to give more of my resources, my love and my time. I love watching her shock the world with her generosity.


In Not Alone, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration from Scripture and true-life stories from other spiritually mismatched moms. Plus, find practical tips for capturing teachable moments with eternity in mind, and discovery questions to help you grow as a parent.

This is a parenting book, but it’s much more. It’s a love letter to all mothers—a message that changes our homes, our kids and our lives. It’s about the Father’s love that impacts those around us and changes ordinary moms into women of extraordinary grace, beauty and wisdom.

You may sometimes feel you’re on your own when it comes to godly parenting, but Jesus promised to be with you always. You’re not alone!



Dineen Miller is passionate about God’s Word and truth. She’s been featured on the Moody Radio Network, Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson’s FamilyTalk and FamilyLife Today. Dineen lives in the Bay Area with her family and is the coauthor of the award winning book, Winning Him Without Words and author of the ACFW Carol Award winning book, The Soul Saver. Visit Dineen online at MismatchedandThriving.com.

Tweet

Brave New Century

Brave New Century

an Inspirational Historical Romance

Stories of four young women who are each braving challenges at the dawn of the 20th century in the big city. Will they overcome their hardships and find love?

Three Rings for Alice by Lisa Lickel

Love and respect in 1899 Milwaukee is as close as a phone call.

Forgiven by Paula Mowery

When Henry and Jessie meet it seems to be classic love at first sight until a shocking revelation tears them apart.

The Pocket Watch by Kathleen Rouser

Searching for the past an orphan and a young doctor find love for the future.

Flames of Hope by Teena Stewart

Love ignites in the midst of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

More about Three Rings for Alice:
Our opening story, Three Rings For Alice, shows Alice Smith’s struggles to be a modern woman at the turn of the twentieth century in America. Orphaned, she must make her own way in an age when women are just coming into the workforce. Despite a proposal of marriage from a long time friend, she determines to marry for nothing less than love, even if her love is a voice over the telephone.

About the author: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. A muti-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio-theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and magazine editor. Visit LisaLickel.com.

More about Forgiven:
Henry Smith has little interest in the plans his parents have for him when it comes to his career and who he will marry. His world is turned upside-down when a shoot-out ends in fatalities.

Jessie Lee Capelle and her sister strike out from the orphanage their father mysteriously abandoned them at to make a life for themselves. Shamed by her background, Jessie struggles with Henry's attention.

Just as Henry and Jessie decide on a life together a shocking revelation could force them apart unless true forgiveness can be found.

Paula Mowery is a published author, speaker, and acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group. Her articles have appeared in Woman's World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living. She reviews Christian fiction for several authors. She is a member of ACFW and on their author interview team. Paula is a pastor's wife who lives with her husband and daughter in East Tennessee. Find her at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com or connect with her through her author page on Facebook.

More about The Pocket Watch:
Isabel Jones, an orphan, receives a ruby ring left by the mother she never knew and wants more than ever to find her roots. When a young physician, Daniel Harper, rescues her from an oncoming automobile and she finds his pocket watch in a puddle, her circumstances take a turn. She begins to consider what life outside the orphanage could be like. Daniel’s heart has been broken before and the attractive young lady who finds his treasured timepiece wouldn’t be deemed suitable by his social climbing parents.

When Isabel and Daniel work side by side, caring for the orphanage children during an influenza epidemic, she becomes gravely ill. Compelled to redeem the time by helping her find the past, Daniel finds a buried truth that creates an unbridgeable chasm between them. Where will they find hope in a hopeless situation?

About the author: Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. The Pocket Watch is Kathleen’s debut novella. She has been published in Homeschool Digest and An Encouraging Word. She currently enjoys interviewing authors for the Novel PASTimes historical fiction blog. Her desire is to bring to life endearing characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She lives in southeast Michigan with her hero and husband of 31 years, Jack, who not only listens to her stories, but also cooks for her. Find her at:  www.kathleenrouser.com, www.novelpastimes.com and https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser

More about Flames of Hope:
Young San Francisco police officer Gideon Light is smitten the moment he sees Lily McMinn rolling down the awnings on her father’s mercantile. Lovely, petite, and spunky, Lily had to grow up quickly after her mother passed away. She not only oversees the welfare of two younger siblings, she also helps run her father’s business.

Gideon and Lily are immediately attracted to each other and soon become good friends. It doesn’t take long before Lily realizes her feelings for Gideon have changed to something far deeper. He secretly harbors dreams of advancing in the force to earn a substantial enough income to make Lily his wife.

Before either has a chance to pursue each other, however, an earthquake of unthinkable magnitude shatters their world. With a raging fire fast in its wake, tragedy and triumph await as Gideon, Lily, and her family flee for their lives with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Set during the time of the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, this tale of great loss, incredible human courage, and sweet romance, will inspire and warm your heart.

About the author: Teena Stewart is a published author, an accomplished artist, and a ministry leader. In addition to Brave New Century, her recent published books include Mothers and Daughters: Mending a Strained Relationship and The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father. Brave New Century represents Teena’s first fiction inclusion in a book. She and her husband Jeff are involved in “out-of-the-box” organic church ministry in Hickory, NC. For more info on Teena visit www.teenastewart.com



Brave New Century available at: Amazon.com and Smashwords and
Barnes and Noble, Prism Book Group, All Romance eBooks, Sony Reader Stores, KOBO

Tweet

Phoebe is here!

I'm so excited about today! Not only is it my sister's ahem-mumble-oh birthday (no foolin'!) but today is the day I get to kick off a very special tour. Four or five years ago (girls, remind me...how long has it been now??) God put me with an incredible group of ladies. We've adventured together over many miles and today we get to celebrate. Yvonne Blake's book, A Home for Phoebe, is HERE and we're beyond excited.

To help us celebrate, Zeke the peddler has promised to get us safely from one home to another.

Meet Zeke...

Zeke the Peddler wears a floppy hat and a gray coat, whose sleeves seems much too short for his arms. His eyes sparkle and his mustache twitches, and he seems as tall as a weather vane on the top of the barn. Removing his hat, he bows low. “Well, good day, folks. What can I help you with? This here is a regular gen'ral store on wheels! Anything you want or need. I have it. Needles or tubs, buttons or pans - jewelry and fancy perfume, too!" As you walk around the strange wagon, your eyes widen with wonder. There are pans, kettles, tools, and things you never saw before hanging on the sides. At the back is a door that opens at the top. You can see bolts of cloth, kegs, wash tubs, and hundreds of little boxes.

One of the treasures he carries is a very special book by one of my near-and-dear friends, Yvonne Blake. The book? A Home for Phoebe.

Meet Yvonne Blake...

God has blessed Yvonne with an interesting childhood. She's lived in the deserts of Arizona, the tropic islands of the Bahamas, the rugged hills of New York, the farmlands of mid-Maine. Her father was a school teacher and pastor, and her mother was a nurse. Yvonne's memory is a parade of settings, experiences, and characters to use in her writing.

Yvonne's husband is her steady rock, loving his Lord and family. Raising a family of eight children, in Searsport, Maine, has been her focus over the last thirty years, also giving her storerooms of material to draw from. Striving to do their best, regardless of the opinions of others, they have often lived out of step with the rest of the world.

Now that Yvonne's children have grown, she's chosen to stay home and write, releasing all the stories bottled in her mind. Her prayer is to be used of the Lord, to encourage and bless others with her writing.

A Home for Phoebe

A Home for Phoebe is an historical novel of an Indian woman and a young girl wandering the hills of the Hudson Valley during the mid 1800's.

One flees prejudice, while the other yearns for a home.

Through the friendship of a peddler, a blind granny, and blacksmith's family, they learn of forgiveness and faith.

You can purchase A Home for Phoebe on Amazon.

 Find Yvonne online at her website, her blog, and on Facebook.

 Yvonne will be giving away a free copy of A Home for Phoebe at the end of the month, drawing a name from those whose comment on the blogs or on her author page on Facebook. 

 Be sure to travel along with Zeke the peddler to learn more about Yvonne and A Home for Phoebe. Their next stop will be at Catrina Bradley's blog, on Wednesday, April 3rd. 

You never know what surprises you'll discover when you travel with Zeke, so don't miss out!  See you at Cat's place on Wednesday.

Tweet

Linda Glaz, Published!

Whooping it up with friends and for friends is something I positively LOVE doing!! Last month I celebrated with Lynda Schab for her debut Mind Over Madi. This month I'm doing back flips for my agent, Linda Glaz. So very, very thrilled to share this with you today--the official launch date for Polar Bear Plunge....

First a little about Linda...

I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

Polar Bear Plunge

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

Congrats, Linda! So very happy you!
If you missed Linda's visit here last summer, check out A Few Apparently Needed Hints and Tips.

You can purchase the ebook of Polar Bear Plunge for 99 cents!
Talk about a Christmas gift! =)

Tweet

Lynda Schab, Published!

Although I don't do author spotlights on my blog anymore, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have Lynda for a visit. Lynda is a fellow FaithWriter and when one of us publish, we all cheer. =)

Lynda Lee Schab got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

Mind Over Madi

Madi McCall admits her husband lacks a little in the romance department, but all in all, he’s been a good husband, a good father. Now, though, she suspects Rich is having an affair with Fawn Witchburn, the mother of one of his fourth-grade students. To say Fawn shows of her “assets” more than should be legally allowed
in public is an understatement, and Madi’s insecurities kick into high gear. When, in a heated moment, she asks Rich to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues of love and trust she’s tried so hard to avoid. Issues that trail all the way back to her childhood and make her act like a total moron.

Let's talk with Lynda...
How did FW play into getting published?
I’d had a few non-fictional things published by the time I joined FaithWriters in 2004, but it played a huge part in my fiction. I was addicted to The Weekly Writing Challenge for a couple of years, and built up a library of fictional pieces. I went on to sell several of them to national magazines. I also entered Mind over Madi in the 2008 Page Turner contest and ended up taking 2nd place. FaithWriters administrator, and now dear friend, Deb Porter, showered me with support and encouragement, which spurred me on to finish my manuscript. The writers that make up the FaithWriters community are so positive and uplifting. They truly rejoice over each other’s accomplishments and do whatever they can to help other writers to use their gifts and achieve the calling God has placed on their lives.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. Discipline has never been my biggest strength, but that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” I recite this verse often! Because my mind is always so busy and distracted, I tend to stress out a lot. I need to keep reminding myself that God is God. He’s in control. And everything will be okay.

On the cover photo, “Madi” is wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?
Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess – the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme, even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.

What do you want readers to take away from reading Madi’s story?
An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers our weaknesses, our mistakes, our ignorance.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I am currently writing the second book in the Madi series, titled, Madily in Love. Basically, Madi really wants to rekindle the romance in her marriage, so she signs up for a Revitalize Your Marriage with Romance class at church. There, she receives great suggestions on spicing up her relationship with her husband, but when she tries the tips, things don’t go as planned. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m already having a lot of fun with the storyline.

Looking to enter a book drawing for Mind Over Madi? Swing by the Book Loft for a spotlight and interview and two chances to win the book.

Tweet

Spotlights

This week as I've been helping decorate our church for the Christmas season and program, I found myself in the spotlights a couple of times. Honestly. I was in the limelight. (Amazing, huh?!) My moments of glory came as I stood on the platform and looked for the next thing to do or listened to directions about bows and lights in the wrong place. LoL. That's as close to the lime lights as I wish to come, too! Those spotlights hurt the eyes! ;-)

But as I stood there in the spotlights I remembered I hadn't told you where the spotlights were and what's going on with them. This month the author spotlights are being hosted at Reflections in Hindsight. Come New Year's a new site is opening: The Barn Door Book Loft and it will be for author spotlights, interviews and book giveaways. I'll keep you posted, but it's gonna be a hopping site. =]

For now, here are the spotlights and book giveaways still open. Be sure to leave comments to be entered in the book giveaways!

Book Giveaways!

Enter to win A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant:

meet Cathy Bryant

Cathy Bryant interview

Enter to win Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis:

meet Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis interview

Tweet

Author Spotlights and Winners

Are you looking for the Author Spotlight? It's posted over at Reflections and this week is Cathy Bryant and her book, A Path Less Traveled.

Last week's spotlight was on Linore Burkard and her giveaway is still open. You can find Linore's spotlight and her interview at Reflections.

WINNERS!
Holly Heisey is the winner of Paul Baines' book, Alpha Redemption and
Rita has won A.K. Arenz's book, Mirrored Image.
Congratulations!

How do you deal with stress? Do you deal with it like Jesus did? Yesterday I posted at the Internet Cafe on Dealing with Stress Like Jesus. I'd love for you to stop by!

Tweet

meet Margaret Daley

...at the Barn Door today and tomorrow. She's an incredible lady who wows me with all she does. Her books are favorites here at my house. Be sure to go to the Barn Door to meet her and enter the book giveaway.

ALSO, don't forget, there's two book giveaways still current here at Patterings...

Spotlight with Paul Baines
Interview with Paul Baines
Spotlight with Alice Arenz
Interview with Alice Arenz

It's hard to believe it's November already. After a week or two of cold, we're in a warm week and let me tell ya, it's WONderful! It's warm enough that we're going to wash the van today, one last time, so we can get some pictures and list it in the paper. A bittersweet thing since it closes a chapter in our lives. It's good but sobering at the same time. I'm on the verge of buying a huge wall calendar for the family simply to keep track of who and where.

Since Esther is the one who posts the author spotlights for me (both here and at the the Barn Door now) here's a picture of her with one of her birthday presents last week: a NaNo t-shirt. She has her first book: last year's NaNo project and she's writing furiously this month, too, working on book 2. =] Esther is my younger daughter, number 3 in my line-up of kids. She'll also be getting her permit next month, but until then, I'm enjoying the driving and think time I've been getting. Trust me, I no longer take that time for granted. LoL

Happy Tuesday! Friday's coming! ;-)

Tweet

with P. A. Baines

Welcome to Patterings, Paul!
Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.
For me that moment happened about thirteen years ago. I was looking for something I could do for God and I spent a lot of time in prayer. Not long after that, an idea for a Christian speculative novel started rattling around in my head and wouldn't go away. I decided to write it down and was surprised that it wasn't as dreadful as I thought it might be. It wasn't polished but I sent it out anyway. It was accepted by a well-known agency in New York but, although it "came close" (their words) they could not sell it. By then I was hooked and have been writing ever since.

Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? Why?
I am busy writing a humorous space opera called "Hanzet, the Universe, and Everything" which I am enjoying way too much. I enjoy writing humor because you get to have fun while you work. My favorite character in Hanzet has to be Malcolm, an ordinary Earth human six million years from now. His life revolves around television and food, until one day he gets caught up in an adventure that takes him to the farthest reaches of the universe. He is flawed but has a good heart and ultimately ends up saving the day in spite of his best efforts to avoid trouble.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I struggle to get started. I'm fine once the first few words hit the page, but I really have a problem with that first sentence. I get around this by reading a few lines from one of my favorite authors at which point the urge to write usually grabs me.

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Alpha Redemption has two main characters. Brett is an astronaut taking part in a prototype mission to Alpha Centauri. Jay is the computer program that controls the ship. Although the story centers around Brett's physical and emotional journey, Jay stole the show for me. He is like an innocent child with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Brett treats him badly at first and I really found myself feeling sorry for Jay. One aspect of the story I enjoyed the most was exploring life and the human experience through the eyes of a computer.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Singing "Climb Every Mountain" from the Sound of Music on stage during a school play is probably the quirkiest thing I have ever done. This is for two reasons. Firstly, I am normally a shy person. Secondly, I cannot sing.

Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
I tend to like peace and quiet, so a trip into a busy town center is something I will try to avoid if at all possible. Filling in my annual tax return is something I dread and always end up leaving until the last minute. I find any kind of formal occasion a chore and will drag my feet when going to one of those (not so much dread as discomfort).

What would a perfect day for you look like?
Realistically or in my dreams? Well, maybe I'll settle for a mix of the two. Waking to the sound of birds singing on the first day of a long summer holiday. A blue sky on a warm day spent at the beach with my family followed by a barbeque under the stars. Later, on our return home, an envelope is waiting on the doormat containing a publishing contract for my latest novel. Add cheesecake in there somewhere and you have my perfect day.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I write Christian speculative fiction but don't read very much in the genre. I tend to look for any story that is well-written with a strong voice. The story is paramount to me, no matter what the genre. As an example of the kinds of books I like, I recently finished A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Both of these stories pulled me in and made me think about life and my place in the world. I think a good story becomes part of you and changes you a little bit.

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
I used to nibble a lot of biscuits when I first started writing. These days I don't nibble much when I write, but I do like to keep some mixed nuts and raisins handy.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
I think redemption is a big theme for me. I am drawn to imperfect characters who believe but who have doubts about their faith. Life has pulled them away from God but He still has a plan for their lives. I like to show the unfolding of that plan as God reveals His perfect love. I don't identify with flawless characters because people like that do not exist in the real world. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, yet He is always faithful. This, to me, is an amazing thing.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
Something He has been teaching me for a long time now is to trust Him, even when things seem to be going wrong. I used to think that, as a Christian, I should never have problems and that my life would go smoothly if only I prayed. Now I understand that what I think should happen and what God wants to happen do not necessarily agree. Through this I am learning to align my will with God's. I used to get irritated if something happened to break my daily routine. Now, instead of getting annoyed, I thank God for whatever the reason is for the delay. Simply put, I am learning to let God take the reins of my life and not fretting when we take a route I did not expect. I have a lot more peace now.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I have a finished novel that I hope to show to my publisher soon. It is called Hour and involves the discovery of another planet just like the Earth on the other side of the Sun. A team is sent to explore the planet where they discover a civilization caught up in a terrible ecological disaster and harboring a secret that has spiritual consequences for everyone on Earth. For this story I spent a lot of time and effort researching space travel to make it as authentic as possible, including reading through an actual Shuttle accident report. I like this story because it has an ending that I think many Christians will enjoy.

You can purchase Alpha Redemtion from Amazon:




P. A. Baines is giving away a copy of Alpha Redemtion. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 15th and check back on Tuesday, November 16th to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on yesterday's spotlight with P. A. Baines. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Tweet

meet P. A. Baines

P.A. Baines is the author of Alpha Redemption, a Christian speculative fiction novel that asks the question: “If a man-made artificial intelligence became self-aware and developed a belief in God, would God recognize it as having a soul?”.

Educated in Africa, he works as an analyst/programmer and is studying towards a degree in Creative Writing through the Open College of the Arts in England.

He currently lives in a small corner of the Netherlands with his wife and two children and various wildlife.

You can find P. A. Baines at his website www.pabaines.com and on the blog newauthors.wordpress.com

 
Alpha Redemtion

From despair he fled, through tragedy he lived on, and journeyed to innocence.

His trajectory: the stars. His companion: a computer poised at the brink of sentience.

An unlikely friendship on a prototype spaceship at lightspeed towards Alpha Centauri, and redemption.







Here's an excerpt of Alpha Redemtion:

The ship loomed overhead, its shadow engulfing them. Its smooth white skin filled the window, slowly obscuring their view of the Earth as the elevator rose. It stopped, and pneumatic seals hissed and whirred into place. Brett followed the technician through the airlock, pausing only to get a final glimpse of the planet he would not see again for almost a decade. He craned his neck to get a look but the ship's hull now blocked his view. All he could see was a sliver of atmosphere and a handful of stars.

It was his first time inside The Comet, but he knew it intimately from months of training. They were in the cockpit but there were no instruments: no joystick or control console, or even a windscreen--at least not in the usual sense of the word. There was nothing for him to do other than get into the hyper-sleep chamber that crouched in the middle of the floor like a grotesque, mutated iron-lung. He climbed the steps, turning to look towards the open airlock while the technician helped him connect the hoses, checking and double-checking the seal around his mouth. His initial discomfort at having something attached to his face faded as he relaxed the way they had taught him in the swimming pool, focusing on breathing slowly and deeply.

He slid into the chamber and his legs, hips, torso and chest became weightless in the clinging embrace of the syrupy goo. It covered his head and he opened his eyes, blinking uncomfortably into the yellow haze. He knew it was vital to immerse the eyes; they had stressed that many times. Remember to open them wide and have a good look around.

He could see the airlock from here, and the technician, now an amorphous blob, moving around the front of the bath, back and forth, back and forth. Brett felt a shudder as the lid closed and sealed over his head. A vague fear surfaced in the deepest recesses of his mind—what if. . .? then vanished again like a puff of breath on a chilly autumn morning.

The technician disappeared through the airlock, leaving Brett alone in his bath, breathing filtered air through a hose, listening to the muted sounds of the ship as it prepared to launch him towards an impossibly distant point of light.

In his dream-like cocoon, Brett could sense very little. Everything seemed muted and far away. He heard distant hisses, cavernous booms, and the ghostly shriek of metal on metal. Vibrations passed through the liquid and nudged at his body as if to alert him to some impending danger.

He could see the hoses drifting. His legs floated like odd-shaped creatures in a yellow sea. Then the vibrations stopped and there was no sound other than his heart beating softly in his ears. The taste of the air being fed to him through his mouthpiece changed. It reminded him of something. Was it watermelon? He could not remember the last time he had eaten a watermelon. He could not remember the last time he had seen a watermelon. Maybe they were extinct. Like dinosaurs. Hit by an asteroid; drowning in the mud; arms too short to take out the seeds. . .

Brett became aware that he was no longer thinking clearly, but that was fine. He watched his thoughts tumbling along like pretty little shards of plastic in a kaleidoscope, tumbling, tumbling, ever changing, never the same picture twice.

And at some point--he did not know exactly when--his thoughts faded as darkness washed over him and he slipped into hyper-sleep.

You can purchase Alpha Redemtion from Amazon:




P. A. Baines is giving away a copy of Alpha Redemtion. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 15th and check back on Tuesday, November 16th to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on tomorrow's interview with P. A. Baines. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Tweet

with Alice K. Arenz

Welcome to Patterings, Alice! 
Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.
It happened when my husband (now ex) said I needed to stop filling all our notebooks with partial manuscripts and finish something, or decide to be serious about writing and learn how to do it properly. That’s when I started getting Writer’s Digest Magazine and compiling info to write and submit.

Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? Why?
I love all my books – each of them are just a bit different, with the Bouncing Grandma Mystery series, which are cozies (The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, The Case of the Mystified M.D.), TOTALLY different from my serious mystery/romantic suspense that I usually write (Mirrored Image, which releases Oct. 1)

Glory Harper, the “Grandma” in the Bouncing Grandma books, is a total nut, and I can’t help but love her and the other characters. But Cassandra Chase and Detective Jeff McMichaels from Mirrored Image have been living so long in my imagination that they have become a part of me in a way only another writer could understand.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Not wasting time – but that’s my major obstacle whether I’m writing or not. As for overcoming it . . . I guess I’m a work in progress. ;)

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Um . . . Lynette Sandler. I wouldn’t say she “interested me most,” but she was certainly intriguing. Lynette dies at the beginning of the book, but without her murder--and the subsequent discoveries made as the book progresses, you’d definitely lose a lot.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Or what is your strangest habit?
Became a writer. I think that’s pretty quirky.

I have a touch of OCD, so I have a routine I go through every day before I can start writing—checking email, playing a few games of Spider Solitaire while it downloads, and such. I’m trying to break the “need” for this, but without a lot of success so far.

Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
Um, yep, there are. Sometimes my OCD comes in handy.

What would a perfect day for you look like?
A day I could spend with my family—husband, kids, grandkids—without having to think about going back home and resuming the same old same old.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Mystery, suspense, thriller, historical, time travel (this fascinates me). But if the book is good, it doesn’t make any difference what genre it is!

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Nope. If the words are flowing, I don’t even want to take a break to eat!

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
The necessity of forgiveness crops up a lot in my writing, as does the power of good over evil—though it sometimes seems like evil triumphs for a while, there is always hope and faith. I don’t know that I deliberately put these in my books, but I know they’re in them.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
As I said earlier, I’m a work in progress, so I feel I’m constantly learning. Mostly, though, it’s that I need to listen more to Him and not think I can do “it” on my own. I KNOW this already, but sometimes He has to shake me to get my attention.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
Mirrored Image officially releases Oct.1st. It’s a mystery/romantic suspense, with the most awesome cover!

Thanks so much for having me here today! If you’re interested in finding out more about me, go to www.akawriter.com or www.sheafhouse.com. My books can be ordered at any bookstore and online at www.amazon.com, www.christianbook.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and most online book sellers.

You can purchase Mirrored Image from CBD, Barnes and Noble and Amazon:



Alice Arenz is giving away a copy of Mirrored Image. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 8th and check back on Tuesday, November 9th to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on yesterday's spotlight with Alice. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Tweet

meet Alice K. Arenz

Alice K. Arenz, author of October 2010 suspense Mirrored Image, has been writing since she was a child. Her earliest publication was in the small, family-owned newspaper where her articles, essays, and poems were frequently included.

In the mid-nineties, her writing earned her a stint with a well-known New York literary agency, and although it failed to produced the hoped for results, her determination to become published eventually led her to Sheaf House.
 
Arenz also writes cozy mysteries under A.K. Arenz. The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, 2008, was a finalist in the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year contest. The second in the Bouncing Grandma Mystery Series, The Case of the Mystified M.D., 2009, was the February 2010 ACFW Book Club choice, and also won the 2010 ACFW Carol Award for Mystery.

She lives in Missouri with her husband and two Himalayan cats.
You can find Alice online at www.akawriter.com and www.sheafhouse.com

Here is the back cover of Mirrored Image:

Eccentric newspaper columnist Cassandra Chase and by-the-book Detective Jeff McMichaels clash over the murder investigation of Lynette Sandler - a woman who looks eerily like the popular columnist.

The uncanny similarities of the two women's lives and a rash of attacks on Cassie, lead her to the conclusion that she, not Lynette Sandler, was the murderer's original mark.

For McMichaels, the Sandler case becomes more than just a test of his mental acumen. Despite departmental regulations and his own common sense, he finds himself drawn to a woman he was determined to dislike. But can he keep her alive long enough for their relationship to grow?

Here's an excerpt of Mirrored Image:

A dull ache near the center of her back accompanied the gradual return of consciousness. What began as a hot, searing pain was now a nondescript thudding, like an overactive pulse point.

She tried to focus on her surroundings, to move, but her limbs remained frozen to the floor where she had fallen.

A sudden onslaught of memory brought back the shock and horror of the cold steel blade plunging into her flesh. She closed her eyes and fought the vomit rising in her throat. She would not be sick, could not allow such an indignity.

She knew she was dying, could feel her life force drain from her as the blood oozed from the wound in her back. There was no fear of death; it would be a welcome release into the arms of friends waiting on the other side—friends who had not betrayed her.

Betrayal, treachery, and deceit. Ugly words for an even uglier deed that conjured images of the man who accepted thirty pieces of silver to deliver his Lord into the hands of His enemies.

Tears of anger and resentment stung her eyes as rage over the act of disloyalty spurred a primal instinct geared toward survival.

The person who violated her must be punished.

You can purchase Mirrored Image from CBD, Barnes and Noble and Amazon:


Alice Arenz is giving away a copy of Mirrored Image. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 8th and check back on Tuesday, November 9th to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on tomorrow's interview with Alice. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Tweet

with Michelle Sutton

Welcome to Patterings, Michelle. Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.
I had found Cynthia Rutledge on the internet and contacted her as a fan. She was my favorite Love Inspired author at the time. She wrote pretty hot and interesting inspirationals and told me how she got started. I thought if she could do it, so could I. But without God continuing to inspire me, I would have dropped out long ago. There are a lot of things to discourage authors in this world, so without God behind me (and my husband and kids) I'd be sunk.

Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? Why?
Honestly, they are all fun in there own way. And like any mother, my latest baby is my favorite, but I love them all. So First Love is high on my list. It's edgy and risky regarding the topic and subject matter, but it's all from my heart.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Discouragement is definitely high on the list. I just call one of my writing buddies on the phone and ask them to tell me I don't suck as an author and to remind me why I am even doing this. They always have just the right words to say. I also read reviews people have written that are truly heart-felt. That always gives me more creative energy.

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Probably Tara, because she was a responsible and loving character who wanted to do the right thing but had a weakness for Josiah resulting from some past insecurities. She was so real I kept forgetting she was created in my imagination.

What is your strangest habit?
I don't know how strange this is but I usually read at least five books at the same time and I have books in every room in my house. I even have books at my office.

Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
When it comes to writing? Not really. I only write when I get the muse. If I force myself to do it then it is no longer enjoyable to me… Wait! I just thought of something. Paying taxes on my earnings. Yeah, I tend to drag my feet on that and wait until late March to send it in.

What would a perfect day for you look like?
Eating calorie free (but scrumptious) chocolate while writing the most amazing novel ever that was sure to hit the best-seller's list, and all of this to celebrate signing my latest six figure digit deal with a large publishing house. (You didn't say it had to be achievable, right? So my dream-fantasy is outlined above.)


Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I tend to favor historical romances over all others. I also enjoy contemporary romances. It just has to be original and fresh. Interesting is always good. Sizzlings gives it more weight. I am a romantic at heart, so it's hard to avoid favoring those types of books. However, I have been known to enjoy books that are not in any way romantic. They have to be really good, though, and hold my attention. Not an easy task…

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Not really, but water and coffee are always good. Plus, if I drink enough of them both I am forced to take occasional breaks and go to the bathroom, which is necessary to prevent me from getting so stiff I can't move after typing for hours on end.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Redemption and forgiveness are my favorite themes. I like to wreck my characters' lives and then show how God binds their wounds and carries them through some of their hardest trials. When everything looks bleak, that's when God's love shines the brightest.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
That I need to write the stories He has inspired me to write without worrying about how to justify things if asked. Fortunately I haven't been challenged by people very much at all (no puritanical folks condemning me to hell for story content so far.) Also, not to worry about selling more books. God is taking care of me and I've got books releasing through 2012 so there is no rush. He is teaching me the beauty of patience.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
First Love releases in October 2010 (e-book)
Letting Go (Sheaf House) releases in Feb 2011
First Response releases in June 2011 (e-book)
Their Separate Ways releases in July 2011
Finding Love releases in Sept 2011
Keeping Promises releases in Feb 2012
Untitled releases in July 2012
Moving On releases in Sept 2012
Also, please check my website books page for current release dates.

You can purchase First Love from Amazon:



Michelle Sutton is giving away a copy of First Love. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 1st and check back on Tuesday, November 2nd to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on yesterday's spotlight with Michelle. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Tweet