Posted on 2 Comments

Christmas in July Book Giveaway

PeterSalm-Bookstore

I hope everyone’s having a great summer so far! July’s turned out very busy, but a lot of fun, as we’re enjoying the sunshine and the flowers, and perhaps the pool too.

Since we’re doing a Christmas theme this month—having missed these installments back in December—I’m happy to introduce these authors to you! There will be two winners, and both books have e-book option, so this giveaway is also for international readers!!

Here’s a little fact about books during WWII:

Publishers Gave Away 122,951,031 Books During World War II.

First Author + Book

ace collins bio photo tisha martin author editor historical fictionAce Collins

Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith.

In 2017 new episodes from In The President’s Service continue to be released by Elk Lake Publishing. The most recent is The Cat’s Eye with another novel, The Red Suit Case, set to hit the market at Christmas. Others in this series include A Date With Death, The Dark Pool, Blood Brother, Fatal Addiction, The Devil’s Eyes, The Dead Can Talk, Bottled Madness, Shadows In The Moonlight, Evilution, Uneasy Alliance, The 13th Floor and The White Rose. 

Collins’ hobbies include sports, restoring classic cars, Wurlitzer jukeboxes and running. He and his wife live in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and have two grown sons.

The Book: The Red Suit Case

Red Suit Case lobby card

Second Author + Book

Barb-warner-deane-author-photo-tisha-martin-author-editor-historical-fictionBarb Warner Deane

Barb Warner Deane was born and raised  in the beautiful Finger Lakes area of New York. She graduated from Cornell University and the University of Connecticut School of Law. Barb, her husband, and three daughters have lived in the Chicago area for the past twenty-five years, other than two years in Frankfurt, Germany and two years in Shanghai, China. She draws a lot of writing inspiration from her experiences as an expat. On The Homefront, her historical women’s fiction novel, was inspired by a trip to Normandy, France. After giving up the practice of law, Barb has worked mostly as a mom, but also as a paralegal, bookstore owner, travel writer, high school library media guru, and IT tech specialist.  She has also volunteered for Girl Scouts, the American Women’s Club in both Frankfurt and Shanghai, as President of the Windy City Chapter of Romance Writers of America, and high school PTA president. In addition to writing, Barb is a genealogy and WWII buff, loves to read, of course, is a huge fan of The Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter, and is crazy for both U.S. and international travel. Now that she and her husband are empty-nesters, she’s making plans to expand on her list of having visited 47 states and 41 countries on 6 continents.

The Book: On the Homefront

On-the-home-front-barb-warner-deane-tisha-martin-author-editorIn 1941, WWII begins for the United States, and life will never be the same for three women as they send their husbands, brothers, and friends off to war.
Ruth, a young wife and teacher, Lilly, her teenaged sister-in-law, and Helen, a British war bride, learn to cope with rationing, change, fear, loss, humiliation, and brutality while they forge an impenetrable bond and grow to be stronger than any of them ever dreamed possible. They lean on each other for support, aided by the family and friends who surround them, but when one decides to go to the front lines as part of the American Red Cross Clubmobile program, how can they cope with her absence—and more telegrams reporting loss? 

Where to Find Barb:

Website – https://www.barbwarnerdeane.com

Will you give away a paperback or ebook?
If the give-away is limited to US readers, I’ll send a paperback. If it’s international, an e-book.
Who is your favorite character from your book, and why?
Although I originally thought Ruth would be my favorite character, it turned out to be Helen. As a British war bride, who lived in London’s East End, but moves to a small upstate NY town, she is out of her element in many ways. She’s unwanted by her new in-laws, ashamed of her illiteracy, awkward, and alone, but so kind and genuine. When she makes friends with Lilly, she becomes a part of the Walker family in every way but blood and it changes her life, as well as theirs.

The Giveaway:

  • open to US and international readers
  • both books are e-book giveaways
  • you must have valid email address
  • you must be 18 or older to enter
  • no purchase necessary to win
  • giveaway not affiliated with any online entity or social media
  • giveaway ends Midnight, Thursday, July 26, 2018, and winners announced July 17, on the blog
  • to be eligible, you must click the link below and comment on the question
  • that is all!

Enter Here:

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Photo Credit: booksforvictory.com

Posted on 13 Comments

Author Interview: Liz Tolsma + Giveaway

The Melody of the Soul (002)

Anna has one chance for survival—and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy. 

Excited to introduce Liz Tolsma’s The Melody of the Soul and the chance to get to know a few of her characters. Plus, stay tuned for a Rafflecopter giveaway of Liz’s book, as well as winners from last week’s multi-author giveaway!

About The Melody of the Soul

It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe—a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

Why does Horst love art? 

He’s a very creative person. He understands and appreciates beauty, whether it’s in music, architecture, or drawing. It’s God’s gift to him, and he uses it.

What drew him to it in the first place?

His troubled past was haunting him. He knew what he’d done when he was young was very wrong. Like King Saul in the Bible, he was tormented, and the music and the architecture took him away from his demons and brought beauty back into his life.

How does Anna remind Horst of his mother?

Her gentle spirit, her love of music and all thing beautiful, her kind her. All of these are traits that Anna shares with Horst’s mother.

What are you working on next?

I just finished book two of the series, What the Heart Sings, which comes out in August. That one is set in Poland. Next up is book three with the working title of The Music Within. That one takes place in Hungary.

Thanks for coming, Liz, and for telling us about your book and your next projects! I’ve just received my copy of The Melody of the Soul and can’t wait to start reading! Readers, here’s a chance to learn more and Liz and to enter a giveaway for a copy of her latest book.

About Liz Tolsma 

Liz Tolsma headshot (2)Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels and prairie romance novellas. The Rails to Love collection released in October 2016. The Matchmaker Brides collection releases in February 2017, and her next WWII novel, The Melody of the Soul, is scheduled to release in April 2017. She is a popular speaker and an editor. She has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband and their two daughters. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), and LinkedIn. She is also a regular contributor to the Pencildancer blog and the Midwest Almanac blog.

Connect with Liz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.tolsma.9

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizTolsma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-tolsma-64992ab7?trk=hp-identity-name

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/liztolsma/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorliztolsma/

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaj5gp7Yvk4

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christianbook.com

Giveaway Details:

  1. No purchase necessary to enter the giveaway.
  2. Giveaway runs from Friday, January 26, 2018, to Thursday, February 1, 2018.
  3. Winner will be contacted via email.

Click the link below to enter the giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bde8b9369/?

 

Multi-author book winners from last week:

  1. Breanna P. — won Sharlene MacLaren’s Their Daring Hearts.
  2. Becky S. — won Joyce Valdois Smith’s Grandpa Forgot My Name.
  3. Brenda M. — won Daisy Townsend’s Sarah’s Legacy, an e-book.
  4. Connie S. — won Pegg Thomas’s A Bouquet of Brides Collection (my story being “In Sheep’s Clothing”).

Congratulations, winners!!! You have been contacted via email.

Posted on 38 Comments

January 2018 Multi Book Giveaway

chloe-ridgway-181789

When the weather’s so cold you have frost on the windows, it’s time to curl up indoors with a fuzzy blanket, burning candle, and a good book for a good, long afternoon. Check out these great reads—and enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway at the end! Four books, four winners!

Author: Sharlene McLaren

sharlene maclaren daring hearts tisha martin author editor giveaway 2018 januaryBook Giveaway: Their Daring Hearts 

Blurb:
Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War.Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Gordon Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of sheer desperation. Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship. But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?
sharlene maclaren author photo tisha martin author editor january 2018 giveawayAbout Sharlene:

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. In 1975, she married her childhood sweetheart. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren!

A Christian for 45+ years, and a lover of the English language, Shar has always enjoyed dabbling in writing–poetry, fiction, various essays, and freelancing for periodicals and newspapers. Her favored genre, however, has always been romance. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, and always with the teacher’s back to the class, “Pass me the next page.”In recent years, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further and in 2006 signed a contract for her first faith-based novel; thereby, launching her writing career with Through Every Storm. With a dozen books now gracing store shelves nationwide, she daily gives God all the praise and glory for her accomplishments.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings, television and radio appearances, and countless interviews. She loves to speak for women’s organizations, libraries, church groups, women’s retreats, and banquets. She is involved in Apples of Gold, a mentoring program for young wives and/or mothers, and is active in her church as well as two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their beautiful white collie, Peyton and their rag doll cat named Blue.

Visit her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren

Visit her website: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com

What is your 2018 goal?

We were just discussing this on my Facebook page the other day. My 2018 goal is to dig deeper into my daily Bible reading. Too often, out of busyness and my sometimes hectic life, my Bible reading becomes more of a task than a treat. I do too much “surface” reading and not enough “in depth”. I want to read it more for content and truly understand what I’m ready through study and concentration. I’m praying the Lord will guide me in this because I tend to get distracted by so many other things that vie for my attention.

Author: Joyce Valdois Smith

Joyce-Smith-My-Grandpa-Forgot-My-Name-Tisha-Martin-author-editorBook GiveawayGrandpa Forgot My Name (a children’s book) paperback
Blurb: Grandpa has become forgetful. Adam is sad Grandpa has to leave his farm, but he’s excited to have him come to stay at his house. Adam doesn’t understand why Grandpa is confused, however, he realizes the only thing that matters is that he loves Grandpa, and Grandpa loves him. Adam’s happy to be Grandpa’s little boy.

Joyce also has a new-releaseRomance Along the Rails releases January 23, 2018. It will be available for pre-order on Kindle this week, and you may purchase it here:

What is your 2018 goal?

My 2018 goal is to finish the manuscript for my second novel, (working title, Accepted in the Beloved). Romance Along the Rails is the first of a series of 4 books entitled The Harvey House Legacy. The first is set in 1885, the second in 1900. I also want to publish another children’s book in 2018.
What was your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite thing about the Christmas Holiday was spending time with family and friends. We had Christmas dinner at our house with two of our daughters and their families including six grandchildren, then we traveled to Columbia, SC to spend a week with our son and his family, two more granddaughters.

joyce-smith-january-2018-giveaway-tisha-martin-author-editorAbout Joyce:

Joyce Valdois Smith is the wife of Bob, mother to four married children and grandmother to twelve amazing grandchildren. She is a retired public health and school nurse Writing has been her longtime passion. Joyce is an author of Christian historical and contemporary fiction as well as children’s books. She is active in her church. She lives with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lady Catherine (Katie), in Southwest Missouri.

Facebook: Joyce Valdois Smith
Twitter: @JValdoisSmith

Author: Daisy Townsend

perf5.500x8.500.indd

Book GiveawaySarah’s Legacy, an e-book

Blurb:  Exuberant, 18-year-old Polly Dye is torn between wanting to please her mother and wanting to please Garrett, the man she is dating. To add to Polly’s unsettled feelings, she and her family move into a house that evokes a chilling sensation as she steps over the threshold. Polly can’t decide whether this disturbing feeling means that something bad has happened here or that something bad is going to happen.

Soon Polly discovers the diary of the original owner of the house, Sarah Davis. She hopes that by reading it, her questions about the apprehensive feelings she has in the house will be answered. Instead, she finds herself wrestling with the many losses that Sarah experienced while still maintaining her faith in God. What good is a God who doesn’t protect one from pain, Polly’s utmost goal in life?

As Polly experiences losses of her own and learns through the mistakes that Sarah made, Polly realizes it’s not enough for her to have faith in her mother’s faith.   Will Sarah’s legacy enable Polly to make that faith her own and will her questions about the house be answered?

Daisy TownsendAbout Daisy Townsend:

Daisy Beiler Townsend has been published in magazines and periodicals more than eighty times. Researching the history of their home in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, in 1998 led to beginning a historical novel inspired by the lives of  former residents of their home in the late 19th – early 20th century. In 2014 Daisy published her first book, Homespun Faith, an autobiographical devotional, and then completed  Sarah’s Legacy. She and her husband, Donn, live in  Pennsylvania and have three children and six grandchildren.

Follow Daisy on social media:

www.homespunfaith.com

https://twitter.com/DaisyDonaisy

https://www.instagram.com/daisybeilertownsend/

https://www.facebook.com/DaisyBeilerTownsend/

What is your 2018 goal:

My 2018 goal is to finish the first draft of the second book in the Sarah’s Legacy series. That’s what I’m working on now.

Buy Links for Daisy’s Books:

ttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sarahs-legacy-daisy-l-townsend/1127572697?ean=9780692989555

https://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Legacy-Daisy-L-Townsend-ebook/dp/B077W16NCS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516210570&sr=1-1&keywords=sarah%27s+legacy+

Author: Pegg Thomas

Book Giveaway: 

Cvr_BouquetofBrides.inddA Bouquet of Brides Collection (my story being “In Sheep’s Clothing”) I’d be happy to give away the winner’s choice of paper or ebook—but to U.S. residents only. If outside the U.S., an ebook.
Blurb:
Peter Maltby might be all good looks and charm, working in the new mill fulling wool, but Yarrow Fenn fears he is the Crown’s agent in disguise who will destroy the only livelihood she has.
It released January 1st.

What is your 2018 goal? 

I’ve now sold four novellas to Barbour for their collections. My 2018 goal is to sell a full-length novel.
What did you enjoy most about the holiday season?
What I enjoyed most was family. We don’t make a big to-do about the wrappings of Christmas. We love to spend time together, play board games, watch old–as in black and white–movies, and visit with friends.

About Pegg: 

PeggThomasHeadshot2017-resizedPegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. They raise sheep and chickens, keep a few barn cats, and Murphy the spoiled rotten dog. A life-long history geek, she writes “History with a Touch of Humor.” Pegg is published in the Barbour historical romance collections. In March 2017, Pegg took on the mantle of Managing Editor of Smitten Historical Romance, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls.

Giveaway Details!

Runs from Friday, January 19, 2018, to midnight CST Thursday, January 25, 2018.

Ebooks open to lower 48 US and worldwide. Print books only open to lower 48 US states.

Winners will be announced the following Friday.

No purchase necessary to enter, but if you like what you see, we’d appreciate a few follows and likes on our social media pages!

Click link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the News:: Coming up next Friday: interview with the characters from WWII author Liz Tolsma’s latest novel, The Melody of the Soul! — and includes a giveaway!

Be sure to come back next week!

Posted on Leave a comment

December 2017 ACFW Releases + Winners

This week’s been a whirlwind for me, so it’ll be a short and sweet post (not to mention late. Sorry about that!). Books, books, and more books! As you’re shopping for Christmas gifts this season, a book is always a delightful gift, one that can be read and passed down for years to come. Words are the foundation to learning.

Winners from December’s book giveaway are:

  1. Amber S. — A Season to Dance
  2. Wendy N. — Mackinac Island Christmas
  3. Shelly C. — Return to Mackinac Island
  4. Heidi M. — Loving the Horseman
  5. Heather E. — Bleak Landing

Congratulations! Winners and the authors have been contacted via email. And thank you, everyone, for participating! I loved reading your comments. Be sure to check in every month for a book giveaway. You could be the next winner!

Now, for some books that you may want to add to your Christmas list or shopping list this year!

December 2017 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary:

Rebecca’s Redemption by Lee Carver — A nurse seeking redemption for past sins joins a doctor contending against the jungle. Both healers need healing. (Contemporary, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

The Christmas Baby by Lisa Carter — Mistletoe Mommy Anna Reyes is pregnant and widowed, and a Christmas homecoming isn’t so simple. Reuniting with her best friend, Ryan Savage, makes it easier—even though she knows he’ll soon be leaving their small coastal hometown. After putting his career on hold for his family’s business, Ryan’s finally ready to pursue his goals. But as he and Anna work to make the holidays special for a group of at-risk kids, Ryan wonders if he can give up one dream for another. They’re determined to make this a Christmas to remember, but can Ryan and Anna also make their holiday family last forever? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

You’re Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher — Nick’s love of thrills and danger and Samantha’s love of safety and security drove them apart two years ago. After her worst fears came true, can they build something new upon the ashes of the past? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

A Christmas Kind of Perfect by Christine Schimpf — Conrad Hamilton thought his life would be easy. A great job running his own construction business, living in his hometown in Door County, Wisconsin, with Lila Clark by his side. He planned on marrying her as soon as she returned from her Chicago internship but it never happened.
Lila never expected to become a successful writer nor did she plan on spending the last decade in New York. But she did. Can the magic of Christmas turn two hearts back to one another again or is it too late to capture that special kind of perfect? (Contemporary Romance from Prism Christian Publishing)

Under the Mistletoe: A Christian Christmas Anthology by Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Carol E. Keen, Elle E. Kay, Mary C. Findley, Judith Robl, Evangeline Kelly, C.J. Samuels — Christmas is the time when families get together and love abounds. Eight inspirational authors have teamed up to bring you 8 wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring you joy this season. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Making Spirits Bright by Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, April Hayman — Christmas is a season for new beginnings and second chances. A time for hope and joy and laughter. A time for people of all ages to find love and come together in community. Making Spirits Bright is a collection of just such stories – four never-before-published inspirational Christmas novellas. From romance to cozy mystery, with a generous dash of humor, these contemporary stories are sure to warm your heart as well as brighten your season and lift your Christmas spirit. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:


The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection by Mary Connealy — The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts. (Historical/Contemporary Romance Novella from Barbour Publishing)



Would-Be Mistletoe Wife by Christine Johnson — Worried she might lose her teaching job if funding is cut for her boarding school, widow Louise Smythe must consider marriage. But the only prospective groom in town is lighthouse-keeper Jesse Hammond, and he wants children–something she may never be able to provide. While Jesse waits for the ideal woman to make his wife, though, Louise can’t help but long for something more than his friendship. If he wants to be promoted to head lighthouse keeper, Jesse needs to find a wife suited to his rustic lifestyle. But as he and Louise partner to give the town’s homeless orphans a joyous holiday, he’s drawn to the petite woman. Will the light of Christmas finally inspire them to trust in each other’s hearts? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])



Circle of Blessings by Deborah Raney — A young college student is determined to win the love of her English professor at the university in the Dakota Territory where she is studying to be an architect. (Historical Romance from Raney Day Press)

Historical:

Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio — When she receives word that her mother is terminally ill, Maria Landro Tonetta travels to her Sicilian homeland with her son Nico. She finds herself yearning for the life she once knew as a child on Bella Terra, the family farm, now on the verge of bankruptcy. Caught between two worlds, Maria dreams of moving back to Sicily with her husband and children to save the farm. When, however, Nico’s biological father unexpectedly appears at Mama’s funeral, Maria faces a new enemy to her dream.
But is there an even greater enemy within her own soul? (Historical, Independently Published)

Brides of Minnesota by Lena Nelson Dooley — Follow a Swedish family’s journey as they settle in Minnesota where each brother seeks a living—and wife. (Historical from Barbour Publishing)

Mystery:

Guilt by Association by Heather Day Gilbert — When the dead body of an overdosed teen turns up next to Tess Spencer’s mom’s trailer, it’ll take a miracle to keep Tess from becoming a casualty in her own personal war on drugs. (Mystery, ACFW Qualified Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman — The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they? (Romantic Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Holiday Secrets by Susan Sleeman — When his ex is thrust into the crosshairs of a deadly syndicate, FBI agent Gavin McKade will do whatever it takes to protect her. Even work the case with his stubborn sheriff dad. As if protecting Lexie from professional killers isn’t difficult enough, the unlikely reunion has rekindled their complicated romantic connection. But if Gavin can’t untangle Lexie from this dangerous web, the blurring line between duty and love may not matter…because this Christmas could be their last. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative:

The Redemption of Jedidiah Pinkney by J.R. Pitts — A crippled and bullied young boy finds redemption and healing after an encounter with Jesus. (Speculative from Ambassador International)

Posted on 5 Comments

December 2017 Giveaway

Happy December, everyone! I hope your Thanksgiving (or Thursday, if you do not celebrate this U.S. holiday) was filled with the closeness of family or friends and good food. I had a house full of family and friends. The weather was gorgeous and it was so enjoyable to take a walk down our country road to the cemetery that dates back to before the Civil War and reverently explore.

Winners of November’s Editing Black Friday Sale and Book Giveaway are being announced early. Thank you all who participated!

Psst… We will have another Editing Sale in the Spring. If you didn’t win, please keep an eagle eye out for that!

The winner of last month’s book giveaway is: Jennifer H. Congratulations! Winners have been contacted via email.

The winners of last month’s editing giveaway sale are: TC and Cathy R. Congratulations! Winners have been contacted via email.

This month’s giveaway is early due to the holiday happiness coming up.

Five authors, five winners, and five shares of Christmas delights of the season.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway at the end to enter to win one of these wonderful books, for you or for the reader in your life.

Patricia Beal

a season to dance patricia bealA Season to Dance, paperback

Ana Brassfield has her path to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House all figured out until her first love, renowned German dancer Claus Gert, returns to Georgia to win her back. Despite a promising start towards her ballet career and pending marriage to landscape architect, Peter Engberg, Ana wonders if her dreams of dancing at the Met are as impossible as her previous romantic relationship with Claus. Then, an on-stage kiss between Ana and Claus changes everything.

Convinced the kiss is more than a one-time mistake, Peter breaks off their engagement. With an old dog crippled by arthritis and dreams deferred but not left behind, Ana moves to Germany to be with Claus. But the ghost of his late wife, Ana’s own feelings for Peter, and the pressure of earning a spot in a large ballet company are a high price for a shot at success. Ana seems on the verge of having everything she ever dreamed of, but will it be enough?

patricia simone bealPatricia Beal writes contemporary Christian fiction and is represented by Leslie Stobbe of the Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency. Her debut novel, A Season to Dance, came out in May 2017 (Bling! / Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas).

She’s a 2015 Genesis semi-finalist and First Impressions finalist. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati in 1998 with a B.A. in English Literature and then worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Army for seven years. Now, after a 10-year break in service, she is an Army editor. She and her husband live in North Carolina with their two children.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/patricia.beal.author

Website: www.patriciabeal.com

Patricia’s Favorite Place to Visit

Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens, Georgia

Gail Gaymer Martin

Gail Gaymer Martin Mackinac Island ChristmasMackinac Island Christmas – ebook

Available in paperback in December

Josie Ryan arrives on Mackinac Island, looking forward to the Christmas season in the quaint setting with no automobiles and a back-in-time aura, but she learns that her longtime friend has to cancel her trip due to a family emergency. Disappointed, Josie decides to stay the day and then cancel her trip since it’s no fun being alone. But her plans change when Chris Barnes, visiting his grandfather, comes to her aid and offers to show her the sites. When she learns that Chris is raising his deceased brother’s child, she is touched. Amid snowball fights, snowmen, and snow angels, Josie’s life changes when she falls in love with the little girl, but Ellie wants a mommy. Even though Chris is a great guy with wonderful attributes, Josie has absolutely no plans to marry, or can this four-year-old change Josie’s plans.

Gail Gaymer Martin AuthorMulti-award-winner and bestselling novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin has 78 published novels with over 4 million books sold. She is the author of Writers Digest, Writing the Christian Romance and is a presenter at writing workshop and keynote speaker at a variety of women’s event. Gail worked as a counselor and later a university instructor in Michigan. She now lives in Sedona. AZ.

Gail’s Website: www.gailgaymermartin.com

Gail’s Favorite Christmas Candy

My favorite candy at Christmas time is my husband’s homemade dark chocolate bark with peanuts and dried cranberries. It’s so good and he often makes up bags and gives them to our church for their fund raiser for those in need.

Carrie Fancett Pagels

RETURN to Mackinac Island, in 1895 

and read Sadie Duvall’s story in His Anchor, one of the novellas in First Loves Forever from Barbour. Here’s the storyline: Robert Swaine, a ship captain, returns to Mackinac Island where his first love, Sadie Duvall struggles to support her siblings. Will she reject his help, or anchor him to the island he’s vowed to leave behind?

Paperback available April 1, 2018

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA bestselling and award-winning author. With a dozen Christian historical romances published, this former “Yooper” writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. She grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where many of her stories are set. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn’t “cured” by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading-but not all at the same time!

Carrie’s Favorite Christmas Event

The Christmas Eve service because focusing on the meaning of the season and celebrating Christ’s birth with other believers and having family there.

Davalynn Spencer

Cover.Book1.Loving the Horseman smallLoving the Horseman, ebook

Annie Whitaker refuses to wait for some man to come along and make her life better when she can do that herself. And then Caleb Hutton rides into town.

davalynn-spencer-media-4 smallDavalynn Spencer writes heart-tugging, cowboy romance set along the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.  She is the wife and mother of professional rodeo bullfighters and an award-winning rodeo journalist and former crime-beat reporter who caters to Blue the Cowdog and mouse detectors Annie and Oakley. Connect with her at www.davalynnspencer.com.

Davalynn’s Favorite Christmas Tradition

My favorite Christmas tradition is singing Christmas carols – especially this year with my 4-year-old granddaughter.

Terrie Todd

Terrie Todd Bleak LandingBleak Landing, choice of paperback or ebook

In the dead-end Canadian town of Bleak Landing, Irish immigrant Bridget O’Sullivan lives in a shanty and dreams of another life as the Great Depression rages. Routinely beaten by her father and bullied by schoolmate Victor Harrison, the fiery redhead vows to run away and never return. Desiring to become anyone other than Bridget O’Sullivan, she never dreams the day will come when she must prove that’s exactly who she is—or that the one person who can vouch for her is her old nemesis, Victor. Can he also prove he’s a changed man worthy of her forgiveness and love?

Terrie ToddTerrie Todd’s novels include Bleak Landing, Maggie’s War, and The Silver Suitcase. She’s a published playwright, Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor, newspaper columnist, and blogger. An Administrative Assistant for the city of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Terrie and her husband Jon live on the Canadian prairies where her stories are set. They are the parents of three grown children and grandparents of five boys.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/terrie.todd.31

Website: www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

Terrie’s Favorite Place to Visit

Anywhere my family can be together. This year we’re all meeting at my daughter’s house in Calgary, Alberta where everyone will be meeting our newest grandson for the first time!

Giveaway Details

  • Ends Thursday, December 7, 2017
  • FIve winners to receive one book each
  • Winners will be contacted via email
  • Winners announced Friday, December 8, 2017
  • No purchase necessary to win

Click the Rafflecopter Link for the Giveaway. Best wishes to you!

Rafflecopter Giveaway