Thursday, October 31, 2024

"Visible" by Darlene Corbett -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Visible

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release date: May 15, 2024

Therapist Rachel Karem is accustomed to helping emotionally wounded individuals navigate the murky waters of dealing with complicated family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions. When individual therapy hits a brick wall for five successful professionals, she persuades them to engage in a ten-week group therapy program. But working through these sessions with her clients reveals Rachel’s own brokenness.

Widowed, childless, and estranged from her family, Rachel wonders if she will ever have a second chance at love. She is amazed when her own therapist advocates for her to “get back in the game.” To her surprise, Rachel enrolls in dance classes where she learns the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual, dramatic, the Tango embodies everything that is missing in Rachel’s life. As she grows more confident in her dance steps, her life becomes more entwined with her handsome dance partner, Michael. But past betrayals haunt Rachel’s emotions, and current rivals for Michael’s affections feed past rejections.

Even as her clients in the therapy group learn to support each other in their quest for personal wholeness, Rachel yearns for a deeper connection within herself to propel her into the next stage of her life. But will it be with or without Michael?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
Great question. I’d say 85 percent pantser with 15 percent plotter. I write but have an idea
where the story is going.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
Being inspired and away I go. I also love thinking about metaphors or similes that fit with the
situation.

3. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
If it’s quick, I email myself. Otherwise, I write them in a journal of sorts.

4. What is your writing space like?
My downstairs office overlooks the backyard where I see rabbits, birds, squirrels, chipmunks,
and if I’m lucky, a deer or two.

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
My characters come from my vast imagination, except in Visible, the therapist has some of my
traits. How can it not? We don’t sit with other therapists unless it’s our own therapy.

About the Author

Darlene Corbett views herself as a lifelong learner, a pursuer of excellence, a work-in-progress, and a truth seeker.

Serving others as a licensed psychotherapist has been her primary professional position for over thirty years.

Now, she includes Author/Writer and Speaker.

Her wealth of experience in human behavior prompted Darlene to write her ideas on paper, which set the stage for her book, “Stop Depriving the World of You,” published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

Darlene wrote her first novel, Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and plans on writing two more books in this series.

And right now?

Also, she’s finishing a contemporary romance, the first in another series.

Besides being an avid reader, Darlene loves animals, especially dogs, which you’ll see in her novel. Also, she treasures learning another language, yoga, fitness, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle.

She belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and AWSA.

She makes her home in Central Massachusetts with her beloved Shih Tzu and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

I created the protagonist, Rachel, with a Jordanian background. I’m half Syrian/Lebanese, so I thought I’d share an easy but delicious recipe given to me by my mother:

Hushwee:

1 lb. of ground lamb or lean beef

1 stick of butter

2 cups of white rice

5 cups of water and 5 chicken bouillons

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1 table spoon of allspice

A handful or 2 of pinenuts

On medium heat, stir-fry the beef with the butter.

Once it’s browned, mix in the dry rice, cinnamon, allspice, and pinenuts

Put aside

Boil 5 cups of water with the bouillons.

Once water has boiled, spoon in the mixture, bring the heat to low or one above, and cover.

20-25 minutes and should be done.

You may adjust according to your preference and stovetop.

This can be a side dish or the main mean with a nice Syrian salad such as Tabouli or Fattoush.

Bon Appetit

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Stories By Gina, November 2 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a winner’s choice of a paperback or eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5476/

Saturday, October 26, 2024

"The Road to Chidarra" by Keith B. Perrin -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: The Road to Chidarra

Author: Keith B Perrin

Genre: Christian Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: December 14, 2016

The Road to Chidarra, is a Christian fantasy novel based in an age when men worshipped at the altar of their cruel masters the gods, and feared the monsters and strange beings who plagued their lands with malice and terror. The cries of the people are heard, and a stranger is sent from afar to guide, protect, and bring peace to the lands. This however, comes at great cost, for the dark powers do not give in so easily, and the struggle for freedom as always, is paved with blood and sacrifice.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

What is your least favorite part about writing?

The least favorite part about writing always for me are the revisions and the editing. It’s so laborious and tedious.

Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?

The way I keep track of my story ideas is by writing them down in a word document and when I need to check if I'm being accurate and consistent I'll check it out.

What is your writing space like?

My writing space is in the den downstairs close to my fire place for the secluded ambiance to help my imagination flow. It’s a renovated den, very neat with brand new furniture and booming sound bar to play eerie instrumental, relaxing jazz or whatever the mood hits. Many times its absolute silence.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

My ideas for books come from dreams, news casts and clippings, testimonies, biographies, sitting and
enjoying nature, people I know and there situations, you name it.

What is your work schedule/routine when you write?

My work schedule/routine for writing is whenever I can that time permits. The variables are my lack of sleep, errands to run and working around the house. I work weird hours so I play it by ear. When my schedule is more conducive then I love to write at night. Im a night owl by nature.

About the Author

Keith Perrin, is a Christian Author who loves to tell biblical truths in an entertaining imaginative way, without compromising the reality of the scriptures, which will inspire people to discover the Bible and The Lord Jesus Christ for themselves. Growing up he watched tons of super hero cartons, Saturday afternoon science fiction and monster movies, plus reading marvel comics. His day dreaming and wild imagination would have him experience all sorts of adventures. Soon he would put those adventures to paper, drawing and writing stories of all sorts. By far his biggest inspiration was reading the bible and bible stories at a young age that drew him closer in his relationship with this awesome God who worked might miracles and showed redemption and forgiveness to the flawed people in those stories. Flawed people just like himself. Keith’s calling is to love God, share the Gospel to all who would hear and use his talents to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God!

More from Keith

I am so excited to have readers experience my book. If you are a fantasy, sci-fi, quest or supernatural lover of fiction like myself, this should be a treat, and it is topped off with biblical under and overtones to boot. Creating this world and its characters is fun and rewarding as it helps to bring my imagination alive for others to hopefully experience it in a fun , interesting and thought provoking way. The Prophet Feneer is faced with many trials on his journey through strange lands. He must rely on the faithful invisible hand of God to guide him through heartache, uncertainty, and terrors that await him. Like all of us he has his faults, doubts and sins he must overcome to complete his assignments. The question is, will he survive long enough against the forces set against him and the inner doubts that plague him to bring the light of God to lands held in the grips of horrific darkness!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Through the Fire Blogs, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Blossoms and Blessings, October 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 30 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 31 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, November 1 (Author Interview)

Just Your Average reviews, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Keith is giving away the grand prize of a $150 Amazon card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5472

Thursday, October 24, 2024

"Fiancé Finale" by Angela Ruth Strong

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fiancé Finale
Series: Love Off Script #3
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary.

But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for.

Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

More Books from this Series:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this book (and the whole series). It is definitely a romantic comedy, but there are also deep truths given throughout the book as well. The characters are flawed and we get to see them grow and change. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I didn’t want to put it down once I started and read when I should have been sleeping. I love the quotes at the beginnings of the chapters. They are fun little insights into love. It was fun to see Kai and Gemma again and their significant others. I look forward to reading more books by Angela Ruth Strong.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Fiancé Finale JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

"Preach It, Grace" by Susan Count -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Preach It, Grace A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5)

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Middle-Grade

Release date: February, 2024

Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I use both techniques on my writing journey. Once I figure out who my character is and what
she wants more than anything, I make post-it-notes for plot points. Every writing session, I read
some of what I wrote previously and, with my sights set on the goal, craft one obstacle after
another. If the progress gets sluggish, I’ll set a modest, daily word count goal. It’s a wonderful
thing to be walking in God’s gifting.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
While I love the initial composing of story, my super power is editing story. Making sure the
character has a clear goal and that the obstacles are real and relatable.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
When the first edit comes back from my editor, there are an overwhelming number of
punctuation errors to deal with. I’ve never met a comma I can place properly the first time.
Thankfully, I have an exceptional editor and she doesn’t let anything get by her.

4. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I have a stash of story ideas and articles of interesting happenings tucked into a file. I’m a
sucker for a touching story about a horse and rider. Real life tragedies and triumphs are the best
inspiration for fiction.

5. What is your writing space like?
Sliding glass doors to my writing room allow me a forest emersion experience. An expansive
area thick with pine trees flows down a slight incline covered in knee-high grasses and beauty-
berry bushes. It’s the favorite spot of a trio of fawns still covered in white spots. When the heat
relents, an assortment of birds will visit the bird bath until the Blue Jay claims it as his personal
spa. The sun is filtered by the tree canopy and its rays dance with joy on the forest floor.

6. When did you become a writer?
Composing was always my gift, but I wrote my first novel in 2013. Now I have ten novels for
children and one more in the works.

7. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I can knock out a thirty-five thousand word, rough draft in less than three months. It will take a
year to work it through my critique group and then get it professionally edited.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Inspiration comes from the magnificence of the horse, the glory of the forest, and
my granddaughter who has the gift of being able to establish rapport with horses.

9. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
When the sun comes up, I head out to the barn to feed. There are always barn chores.
If the conditions are good, and my horse is willing, I could take a ride through the forest.
By late morning, I’m at my desk wearing any number of hats from writing to managing
my ads.

10. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
If so, it is entirely unintentional.

About the Author

Susan Count is a Kingdom Scribe who has published nine books in two equestrian series. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas Association of Authors, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously. Revision is her super-power.

Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing horse adventure stories and she invites you to saddle up and ride along.

Read an Excerpt

Saturday started early for Grace’s family. Serve Out Saturday was the church’s biggest outreach event all year, and everyone who could turned out to help. Grace manned the church’s front-door sign-in desk. After everyone got their work assignments, she ran with her clipboard for the van headed to the retirement home. When they arrived, many residents were already gathered.
She lined up with six other girls, and they sang the gospel songs the residents requested. She searched their faces until she found Mr. Harvey in the last row. Giving him a quick wave, she sang directly to him.

He didn’t sing along like many of the residents, but he stayed for the program. That counted as a victory. Did he recognize her? She couldn’t tell.

She stepped to the microphone. “Hello. I’m Grace. That means blessings from God.”

She grinned at the residents, and they smiled back at her. “Horses are my favorite thing, and they’re also blessings from God. If you’ve ever seen a horse, then you know they are magnificent, mighty creatures.”

Grace held a booklet high, then pointed with it to the residents. “This explains how we can know the God that blesses us. And how we can go to heaven to be with him someday. It says he sent his Son, Jesus, to teach us about eternal life.”

She placed her hands over the open Bible on the podium. “No matter how hard we try, we can’t be perfect, but because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all the things we do wrong. He suffered and died on the cross, was buried, then raised to life on the third day.” She looked into Mr. Harvey’s eyes. “He loves us that much.”

As she closed the Bible, she softened her voice. “Pray to your heavenly Father—ask him to help you believe in Jesus.”