Monday, January 30, 2017

Interview with Cozy Mystery/Romance Author Carole Brown


Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Welcome to my blog, Carole. Please tell us about your Cozy Mystery: Undiscovered Treasures.

Caroline Gibson is co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk in rural West Virginia. Inside the shop is a music box that Caroline particularly relates to, believing that her own life is similar: forever spinning and never going anywhere. She dreams and prays for the right man to turn up. But when family and friends hint that the local artist could be the guy, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands. Besides, she could never love a man who paints such depressing pictures.

Andrew Carrington, painter of said depressing pictures, insists there’s always one redeeming trait to each of his works. He’s loved Caroline since they were kids and thinks he’s not handsome enough, strong enough, or rich enough to impress this woman. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

But there’s a hitch in their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown--so far? Do they know something Caroline and Andy don’t know? Is it mischief? Or something deeper that neither understand? Andy gets the chance to work with Caroline, and she must put aside her on-going battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton before Andy loses the chance of a life time to ‘make it big.’


This is the third book in your Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

It was part of the idea I had years ago of writing a romance novel: to write about three friends separate adventures in finding a true love. But since I’m not a “per se” romance writer, I shelved these three books and recently unshelved them to turn them into mysteries. That worked for me, and apparently my readers! Lol. People are enjoying them.

What kind of research did you do?

For this book, the main research I did was on Paris, France. I wanted to find out more about names and areas, what could be used and not. It was a fun task (as always) and I thoroughly enjoyed the research.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love both my co-protagonists, but I’ll focus on Caroline (Caro) Gibson today.

She’s a bit clumsy and downplays herself, too outspoken, and in this book, pretty rude in trying to ignore Andrew Carrington’s lovelorn advances. But, in her defense, she’s a staunch Christian, active in church, loyal to her friends (hence her quick worry and defense of Andy when she thinks he’s being taken advantage of), and a success in her and her brother’s business, Undiscovered Treasures. Once she realizes the huge mistake she makes in the book, she willingly makes amends. She’s a wonderful example of taking the reins in our own hands rather than waiting on God’s direction. 

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?


Thank you, Carole, for this fun interview. I enjoyed learning about this new series. I hope my readers will check them out.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Interview with Inspirational Fantasy Romance Author Katrina Hart


Katrina Hart, who is always called Katie, lives in the East of England with her family, two hyper cats Holly and Smokey as well as Jessie her dog. Katrina always had a passion for reading and could spend her lifetime engrossed in a good book. In her twenties she joined an online writing class, where she fell in love with writing her own stories. She started her first Fantasy novel called Finding Destiny on the course and had it published some time later. She's always writing something mostly in the night because she doesn't sleep, but she always finds it magical writing when the stars are out in the sky.

Welcome to my blog, Katrina. This book is a fantasy romance and a perfect story for Young Adults. Please tell us about  The Flower Angel.

My novella follows Chris and Lara as they meet at Forget-Me-Not Inn. However, it soon becomes clear they both have suffered in the past year, and both are on a path to finding just what they need to try and bring peace back into their lives.  Could they even find love at the Inn?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I was inspired to write this novella after enjoying writing Love In Little Snow a few months back. When I sat to write The Flower Angel, I got inspired by my boyfriend and the feeling of new love, of unexpectedly crossing paths with another person, be it a good experience or not, and after that moment, never being the same again. Like that person left himself or herself somehow into one's life even if it was a brief encounter.

I love the idea of second chances and looking at someone, not just for their one mistake, one moment of panic, but for the person they are, like Lara is forced to do when she crosses paths with Chris.

Also my Nan who sadly passed away in December 2016 inspired my writing and I was blessed she got to hold a copy of my novella just before she passed away and I read her the story.

What kind of research did you do?

I did a little on bible quotes, but most was just sitting and letting the characters tell their story.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Lara has been through a long recovery before she gets to the Inn and I found that she was such a kind and mostly forgiving character, who is brave and determined. That's what I love about her.

Chris suffers, he's scared, he's guilt ridden and yet he's not a bad man. He's human and humans make huge mistakes. But I loved that he finally found a path to try and put his past mistake right.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

Links

Social media links:
Twitter: @Katrinahart2015

Thank you, Katie, for this wonderful interview. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope my readers will check out your books. Here is my review of the novella:

Forget-me-nots, a bit of magic, angels, and miracles! This is an adorable story about finding one’s soul mate and forgiveness. Forget-me-not Inn is a magical place where everyone can find true love. And how about the Forget-me-nots? They hold a special secret. I feel this story was written with the young adult in mind but can be enjoyed by all ages.” –Written by Linda Weaver Clarke

Monday, January 16, 2017

Interview with Christian Romance Author Mary L. Ball


Mary L. Ball is a multi-published author and a member of ACFW. She resides in the heart of North Carolina. When Mary isn't working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and singing with her husband at church functions.

Visit Mary’s singing ministry site: http://heirsofsalvation2.webs.com
Readers can connect with her on Face Book, Twitter and Goodreads.

Welcome to my blog, Mary. Please tell us about your novel: Sparks of Love.

Linda, thank you. It’s always a pleasure to visit with you. Sparks of Love is my seventh book out. The main character is a fictional woman who has lost faith and felt the Lord turned away from her life. It’s about that age-old question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Here’s the blurb.

Sparks of Love

Misjudged and accused, Lynette Cunningham walks away from God and everything she loves.

Ten years later, a phone call from her father offers hope when he announces he may have a clue to the unsolved crime that forced her to run. She’s scared, but encouraged. This could clear her name from slander in her small North Carolina hometown.

Tragedy strikes. A Fire destroys her childhood home and kills her father. While she sorts through the ruins and hopes to find the clue, Lynette meets the new pastor, Price Fletcher.

She must face the two things that scare her most. The past and a man of God.

Someone wants the past to stay buried. Will Lynette stay alive long enough to prove her innocence and accept the Love that is offered?

This sounds like a suspenseful romance. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

For most of my novels I can go back to the hour the idea flourished or the time I felt a nudge from the Lord. But “Sparks of Love” is unique for me. All I felt led to do was write about a character that loses faith and feels God has turned away. I know that’s not a new concept for a writer but the trials she goes through as she learns more about believing are. Most of the story was a process that developed as I worked on the character’s inner battle with her life.

What kind of research did you do?

I didn’t need to do much research but I checked into the laws concerning arson. The location of the story is based on a place nearby which I visit often. I rode through the small town to get the scenery and building facts straight. I did change the street names a little.   

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Lynette Cunningham left home at an early age, fueled by disappointment. She’s strong on the surface but lacks faith. Tragedy strikes her life (again) and confirms her belief that God doesn’t care. I like Lynette’s determination to get past the hurt.   

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?


Linda, thank you again for having me on your blog. You’re a great lady who gives me inspiration to keep smiling.  

Thank you, Mary, for this wonderful interview and for sharing one of your creations with my readers. I hope everyone will check out your book. Here is my review of this book below:

Sparks of Love is a sweet love story that takes place in a small town in North Carolina. In this inspirational romance, Lynette learns to trust the Lord and realizes the importance of coming back to the fold once again with the help of Price Fletcher. When she realizes that she is attracted to Price, she never dreamed that she would fall in love with such a handsome Pastor. She soon finds out that he is just like any other man and has the same feelings and desires in life. And his kisses? They really are “sparks of Love.” First and foremost, this is a love story, surrounding this couple. Secondly, it is a mystery that slowly unravels as time slowly passes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  –Written by Linda Weaver Clarke


Monday, January 9, 2017

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Jo Huddleston


Jo Huddleston is an Amazon Bestselling author of books, articles, and short stories. Novels in her West Virginia Mountains series and her endearing Caney Creek series are sweet Southern historical romances. The redeeming story of God’s pursuing love is the foundation of her novels, and in them you will find inspiration, hope, and gentle stories that are intriguing and entertaining. Jo is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN). Learn more at http://www.johuddleston.com

Welcome to my blog, Jo. I have admired that name ever since I read Little Women as a young girl. Jo was my favorite character. Please tell us about your Romance: Tidewater Summer.

Will Rose find the solitude she seeks during her island summer or is solitude what she really wants? 

A compelling story of one woman’s pursuit of restoration from physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. Rose Marie Henley’s Great-Aunt Clara convinces Rose to spend the summer at her South Carolina beach house. 

Aunt Clara’s handyman sends his nephew to repair Rose’s water heater. Last year Rose would have been excited to see her over-the-top handsome nephew, Frank Sutton. But now she doesn’t want any man in her life again. 

Frank has an instant attraction to Rose. Can he break through her defenses? He’ll do anything to protect her, but will she open her heart to trust him? 

This sounds like an intriguing romance. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I've loved being at the beach--any beach--since the first time my parents took me when I was preschool age. Time at the beach always makes my troubles lighten while there. I wanted to set a story on a beach and thought about a heroine who might visit the beach for an extended stay for restoration from whatever problem she had. I write novels set in the 1950s, so I came up with my heroine's problem of physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. In the 1950s, the attitude toward abuse was often to ignore it or to blame the victim. I started with the above and my characters grabbed the story and ran with it. I don't plot, plan, or outline my stories on paper. I'm what is called a panster--I write from the seat of my pants.

You are right. The beach is a peaceful setting for someone who is troubled. What kind of research did you do?

Although I’ve traveled to many places, I’ve lived in the U.S. South—Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. I’ve also spent time at many beaches, including those in South Carolina. So I didn’t have to do research to get the setting correct. Closely observing life around me filled in what I needed to know to make Rose’s character authentic.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

The male main character in Tidewater Summer is Frank Sutton. Rose, the main female character, is struggling in the aftermath of physical abuse, and her fears are too raw to appreciate the kindness of Frank. But he’s a true Southern gentleman and a godly man who refuses to give up on Rose. I love his determination to tread softly and to be patient with Rose.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

My website is http://www.johuddleston.com, where readers can learn about all my books, read first chapters of my novels and novellas, and sign up for my mailing list.

Thank you so much for this interview, Jo. I hope my readers will check out your books.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Jewel Adams


Jewel Adams is a wife and the mother of eight children, and a grandmother. She has been writing inspirational romance for over twenty years, and has over thirty published works. Always one to share a message of God’s love through her stories, Jewel is a devout Christian Latter-Day Saint who loves the Lord with all her heart and has experienced many blessings and miracles in her life because that love, and she is secure in the knowledge of God’s love for her and all men. She is an inspirational and motivational speaker to both youth and adult audiences, and she considers The Gladiator’s Day of Grace the most important story she has ever written.

The Gladiator’s Day of Grace is a Christian short-story of a servant girl, a centurion, and forgiveness. Is it possible to be forgiven for all that Maximus has ever done, all the lives he has taken in the arena? It takes the servant girl, Andromeda, whom he loves, to help him learn about forgiveness. She has seen the Savior and she describes what it was like. Then she describes how she had learned to forgive those who had hurt her deeply when Jesus Christ came into her life. “He made me whole again,” she says. This is a story of forgiveness and love.” –Linda Weaver Clarke, Author

Welcome to my blog, Jewel. I love your book cover. Please tell us about your historical romance: The Gladiator's Day of Grace.

This story takes place about three months after Christ’s crucifixion. It is about Maximus Vitruvian Messalla, a decorated centurion who is betrayed and charged with treason. He is forced to become a gladiator of Rome to earn his freedom. He is a friend to Alexius, a fellow centurion, whose story is well-known in the New Testament book of Matthew. After witnessing the healing of his friend’s servant by the Rabbi, Maximus begins his own spiritual quest as he searches for answers.

I enjoyed reading about his search for truth. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

Believe it or not, this story really just came to me one day and I knew I had to write it. I hadn’t planned on writing any more fiction and have been concentrating on my inspirational blog, but it seems God still had a message for me to deliver through my storytelling. The story just flowed together.

Did you have to do any research for this book?

Oh, yeah! Since it was my first crack at historical (something I never thought I would write,) I really had to do some reading about ancient Rome and the gladiator games. For such a short story, I did a lot of research because I wanted the writing to be accurate. It was actually a lot of fun.

I understand what you mean about research being a lot of fun. That’s how I feel, too. Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I really love both the main characters. I love that Maximus was this tough and hardened warrior who longed for peace and wasn’t afraid to search for it. I love Andromeda for her strength and the ingrained goodness she possessed.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

I have a fewJ

Thank you, Jewel, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check it out and enjoy it as much as I did.