September is for Sequels

Five Historical Romances for September by Linda Weaver Clarke: A Family Saga in Bear Lake Idaho. I have a book giveaway every week and introduce a new author on my blog, so stop by often.

“Linda Weaver Clarke has created a beautiful story of love, strength and endurance in this first book of her Bear Lake series. Melinda is a character readers will admire and cheer for. Each character will touch the reader’s heart and hold onto it until the very last page and beyond. I loved every minute of this book. Any book that has such memorable characters deserves 5 kitties and my Socrates Great Book Alert!” --Socrates Book Review

Book: Melinda and the Wild West

Award: Semi-Finalist for Reviewers Choice Award

Synopsis: Melinda Gamble wants to make a difference in the world. Without hesitation, she accepts a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho. She has many challenges such as trying to help a rebellious student, coming face-to-face with a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and finding herself in a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/melinda.html

Book: Edith and the Mysterious Stranger

Synopsis: With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening. Edith, a nurse, moves to Idaho to care for her cousin Melinda who is having a difficult pregnancy. She has wonderful qualities but never gives a man a second chance because her expectations are so high. However, all that changes when a mysterious stranger starts writing to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery and the best thing that has ever happened to her. The question that puzzles her is whether or not he's as wonderful in person as he is in his letters.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/elena.html

Book: Jenny’s Dream

Synopsis: Jenny Roberts has a dream to escape her small hometown to become a writer. She develops a friendship with a young farmer who is new to the area and has secretly fallen in love with her. After she realizes that her friend means more to her than she thought, she must now choose between a career and romance. Which dream should she pursue? The only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant memory, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before she can choose which dream to follow. Meanwhile, a legendary ten-foot grizzly is seen in the area and its boldness has frightened the community.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/jenny.html

Book: Sarah’s Special Gift

Synopsis: Sarah is a beautiful and successful dance teacher. She is deaf, but this does not stop her from living life to its fullest. While visiting the Roberts family, David finds himself entranced with this very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. He finds that Sarah has gone through many trials as she teaches him the importance of not dwelling on the past and how to love life. Meanwhile, David learns about the legend of the Bear Lake Monster and wonders why the community believes in such a thing. He is determined to prove there is no Bear Lake Monster.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/sarah.html

Book: Elena, Woman of Courage

Synopsis: The “Roaring Twenties” was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. The language of the era was also new and different. Watch a young love blossom in this sweet romance. When Elena Yeates settles into a small western town as the newest doctor, a few problems arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. She must struggle against the prejudice to establish her new practice. As she fights to prove herself, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/elena.html

These books may be purchased for only $10.95 from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or my website. Visit my website at Make Believe! They are available as an e-book for only $2.99.

Interview with Christian Romance Author Regina Andrews

Award-winning author Regina Andrews, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, grew up in the nearby seaside village of Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master's Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. Her hobbies include travel, museums, theater, music, singing and gardening as well as reading.

Welcome back to my blog, Regina. Sterling Lakes Series, Book 3: Praise of the Heart is an Inspirational Romance. Please tell us about your new book.

Thank you so much for inviting me to return, Linda. It is a joy to be here. Sterling Lakes Series, Book 3, Praise of the Heart, opens at St. Luke’s Church Vacation Bible School in Sterling Lakes. Former resident and pro baseball star Cliff Markham returns to town to help with fundraising for the church renovation project. As he approaches the church, he sees the children and adults outside and notices one child who appears to be an outcast from the others. What is going on?

Then there is one adult in particular who piques his interest – a beautiful woman in a blue dress. She is introduced to him as the Town Librarian, Laura Matthewson, who is also helping with the vacation Bible school. Although Laura is quite shy, they become acquainted.

Through a series of events, Cliff quickly recognizes that Sterling Lakes is not the idyllic town he remembered from his past. Instead, it is a town filled with good people dealing with heavy issues. So much lies beneath the surface of what is going on in the town; will he be able to help? And despite his interest in Laura, she seems determined to keep her distance from him. Could this be due to her own shadowy past?

Praise of the Heart is an inspirational romance novel where both the hero and heroine grow in their relationships with God as well as in their romantic relationship with each other. Though many conflicts occur, and both main characters undergo personal and spiritual growing pains, there is a happy, satisfying and believable ending that readers in today’s world can relate to. 

This sounds like a wonderful romance. Can each book be read separately or do we have to read them in order?

Each book in the Sterling Lakes series is easily read separately, Linda. They are written as stand-alones for that very reason, in case someone wants to try one and then decides to skip around. That said, there is not too much backstory in each book for the readers who are familiar with the series to go through (I hope!). Since I truly value everyone’s time – especially my readers - and I don’t want them to have to go skipping through a lot of extraneous pages - I carefully crafted the pertinent details and wove the relevant background information through the story so it would flow. So the reader gets the information they need while keeping the tone of the book. An interesting challenge for a writer! Hopefully, I have created a cohesive work that is very readable. A stand-alone book that maintains its integrity. Great question. There’s always room for improvement. I hope readers will let me know how successful they think I have been in my efforts. J

Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

My husband asked me: “Why don’t you do something about sports?” After that, I was on my way J There’s something about team players that I find so appealing. Perhaps because they are focused on a matter larger than themselves. A greater good, if you will. That character trait translated very well, I think to the situation in Sterling Lakes. Cliff also makes a good contrast to Laura, who is a fashion model and a loner.

You love to write Inspirational sweet romances. What intrigues you most about writing love stories?

Discovering how my characters grow in the emotional, spiritual and practical dimensions of their personalities as individuals, first, and then how they mesh together as a couple. This, to me, is fascinating! But I really love the Inspirational romances because there are actually 3 main characters – the hero, the heroine and God. All the levels of growth and development become more intricate and complicated when God is the true source of all motivation, plus the joy is deeper and more meaningful when the spiritual aspect is a main part of the story.

I totally agree. I feel it a blessing to have inspirational romances to enjoy. Too many times the world cuts into our lives and we can forget the spiritual things of life. Books like this can remind us to have faith in a loving Heavenly Father.

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Karey White

Karey grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. Karey enjoys a good love story, so her second novel, For What It's Worth, is a wonderful read. She loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four talented and wonderful children. Find out more about Karey at www.kareywhite.com.

Welcome back to my blog, Karey. Please tell us about your new sweet romance.

After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.

Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

Wow! I love this concept of “re-evaluating” what she loved about Darcy. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

The best inspiration there is--Mr. Darcy. My daughters and I love watching Pride and Prejudice. Sometimes we’ll watch the whole thing. Sometimes we may forward through to our favorite parts. And of course, sometimes we just fast forward to the meadow scene and watch Mr. Darcy walk across the meadow and profess his love.

I know exactly what you’re talking about. I have six daughters and we just love watching that movie with Colin Firth. And yes! That meadow scene is awesome. What kind of research did you do for this book?

First of all, I watched the movie a few times as I was writing. I wanted to use allusions to the movie whenever I could. Second, I visited Portland, the city where Lizzie, Matt and Chad live. We ate at Pok Pok and Salt and Straw and found inspiration for Meg’s high-rise apartment and the Pink Salamander. There was also a fair amount of research online.

You love to write clean sweet romances. What intrigues you most about writing love stories?

In the book, Lizzie has to defend her love of romance books and movies in this conversation:

“I love classics like old Audrey Hepburn movies and I like period pieces like Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.”

“Ah, romances.” Did he have to sound so patronizing?

“There’s nothing wrong with romances.”

Matt held up his hands in surrender. “I didn’t say there was,” he said, but his mouth was pulling into that little smirk I was starting to recognize as condescending.

“But you think there is, don’t you?”

“I just think there are more important things to think about than whether a man and woman are going to end up together.”

“I happen to think it’s one of the most important questions in the world.”

“Do you mean that?” Matt asked.

“If men and women don’t end up together, it will mean the end of civilization.”

I agree with her. And honestly, love and romance are interesting and exciting.

Very true! Love and romance are part of life. And it's very exciting to read a clean romantic love story. Thank you, Karey, for this great interview.

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Larry Hammersley

Larry has been married to Sue for fifty years and they have two children, Eric and Lisa, and five grandchildren. He graduated from Purdue with a B.S. in chemistry and from Indiana University with an M.S. in chemistry. He has five short romance stories, a contemporary short story. Due out in October is a science fiction novel. He is still trying to find a home for some of his many short science fiction stories.

Hello, Larry. Please tell us about your romance, A Change of Heart.

Leroy and Jody have had unhappy experiences in grade and high school. They both resolve to avoid further relationships when they get to college. Leroy scraps that idea when he meets Jody but she refuses to let him into her life as he wants. She insists that her college and work career leave no room for a man in her life. Leroy pursues her for four years in college and two years in the work place where Jody is his supervisor. As the cover shows, Jody’s heart is iced over. She finally wakes up, but is it in time? Leroy has quit his job and left.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences?

The novel is based on my first accepted short story on the Internet entitled Lab Partners. I used the characters Leroy and Jody from that story and expanded it into a novel. Although I had no lasting romances in college, I used experiences from my chemistry major studies at Purdue to write some of the lab and study scenes. I did actually hook up with three guys to study physical chemistry such as in the novel but we didn’t discuss women. The ice skating rink incident where Leroy was hurt actually happened to me at the ice rink at Purdue. A girl helped me off the rink and checked on my well-being a time or two but no romance occurred as a result. Sigh! I have a free-read short story called Ice Rink Romance on the Internet.

What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

The chemistry end of the novel I already knew. I had to check the internet to see if Purdue students had a place to go for milk shakes and it turns out they do. I use the actual name for that Sweet Shop. I had to do that because editors have given me a hard time and insisted its Starbucks now and going for a milk shake isn’t done anymore. I learned the intricacies of the Lutz maneuver in ice skating from the internet. Jody does a double Lutz near the end of the novel.

You write science fiction. Was it hard to change genres and begin writing romance?

Actually, I still write science fiction (SF please and not sci-fi) and have my first accepted SF novel coming out this October called The Higher Mission. The transition, if there was one, was easy for writing romance stories because I almost always had romance in my SF novels and short stories.

That’s awesome. In other words, it just came naturally for you. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I enjoy listening to classical music, mainly Beethoven’s piano sonatas. Youtubes are great for that. Ten years ago I competed an International Foxhunting Championship which was based in Ohio. Mind you this isn’t the furry creature but refers to hidden transmitter hunting, in this case in the deep woods of Ohio and Indiana. The rules were strict and walking through the woods netted me two falls. The briars were vicious. For one of the frequencies I borrowed a Russian receiver to carry. I earned four bronze medals, which included International and U.S.

I enjoy amateur radio and use Morse Code to talk to foreign countries. I’ve been jogging since 1975 and compete in weekend road races although I’ve slowed so much at age 75 that a couple of competitive men walkers beat me now. I am active in church as a song leader (vocal music) and teacher. On rare occasions I may preach.

Wow! Now that’s really a fun list of things. Thanks, Larry, for this wonderful interview. I hope my followers will check out your books.

Interview with Fantasy Author Sean Walton

Sean Walton has published ten books of fiction including Linux Socket Programming. “I really wrote these for my children,” Walton said. “At times I pick up what they're reading to see what they are putting in their heads; I concluded that there was too little 'good stuff' out there, so I wrote these books to show that you have great stories with solid plots without all the 'yuck.'” Walton is happily married and has six children, which he dedicates his books to. When asked about what “clean fiction” means to him, he said, “My goal is to produce something that you're not embarrassed to read aloud to your children.”

Hello, Sean. I love what you said in your bio, that your goal is to produce something that you’re not embarrassed to read aloud to your children. That is so awesome. Please tell us about your fantasy, Elixir Quest.

It started really with the Split between Worlds series, which a boy, Sam Westecher, gets entangled in the world of dragons. He eventually becomes their king. The question was: “How did Sam gain the power, authority, and bloodline to merit such an honor?” That's when Elixir Quest materialized (note that each series is distinct).

Imagine a fictional island southwest of the British Isles which is home to humans and dragons. The island is literally divided in half with a very deep ravine to keep the two races apart, and the human kingdom sends knights to monitor the border, slaying dragons that attempt to encroach to quench their lust for human flesh. Sir Joseph of Tredin is the one knight of King Paol III's court who has successfully taken out almost three times as many “worms” (another name for “dragon”) as any other knight. However, everything changed when three metallic dragons appear demanding sworn fealty from King Paol.

Dragons in my series come in two compatible races, chromatic with a skin of various colors and metallic with skins of finely burnished metal. Chromatic are considered barbaric, whereas metallic are more peaceful. However, a dragon is dragon; leaving us humans trying to understand their culture. This is what happens to Sir Joseph.

King Paol III becomes deathly ill. Joseph has to go to the dragons' lands and recover an elixir to heal the king, but the metallics had ulterior motives, for there was a prophecy declaring that Joseph would be able to save the metallic dragon line and give Sam Westecher the power, authority, and bloodline he needed. The metallic dragons turned Joseph into the very thing he hated and frequently killed: a dragon.

Unlike many other stories that mentions some magic potion that would cure all ills, this one does not actually center on the elixir; instead, it focuses on Joseph's transformation from human to dragon...and all that goes with it! I recommend this book to more mature audiences, because children would struggle with understanding the depth of transformation Joseph faced. Nonetheless, all my children say that they loved it.

True to the staging of the story, this was a very religious time, so the reader will find many religious references. Naturally, Joseph, a devout christian, believes that dragons are cursed of God for tempting the First Parents. At one point he laments:

“God,” his eyes pricked with tears, “I have always been a good believer in thee. I ne'er once complained in thine ears, though trials so many times before have crossed my path. But, my Lord, my God, I struggle now with my vow of patience. Behold me: I am a beast, a monster, an ally to the evil one. Please forgive my impertinence, but why hast thou dealt me so? Was it because I let my friends die or neglected my Jane? Forgive me; please, forgive me.”

The skies remained silent.

“I am alone; even my God has forsaken me, a being accursed from the Fall,” he turned his muzzle to the side and moaned. “Please, God, don't forget me.” He howled, roared, and moaned, while the mountains echoed their own voices with each mournful cry.

Joseph's transformation is at the very core of everyone seeking to understand themselves. And a necessary part of understanding oneself is understanding one's heritage. So I did a lot of research into 11^th century England and added notes to the end of each book to put events in historical context. For added measure, nearly every name, both dragon and human, has a significance and was fun to research as well.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My spiritual journey is reflected in many of Joseph's. I've felt the feelings of being forlorn and abandoned, only to discover that God was there all along. Kstluan, Joseph's dragon-mate, stated it best in the second book:

“Nay,” he replied looking down. “I desire to reach the heavens more, but I feel further away.” He leaned his head against her flank. “I know that my God has not forgotten me, but I don't know how to reach Him.”

She chuckled.

“What, my mate?” He asked perplexed.

“Typical human thought,” she purred. “You believe that there is a cause to this. Perhaps, my beloved knight, the Light is letting you grow a bit, like a sire allows his hatchling to wander out of the weir.” She turned her muzzle and looked at him slyly. “You need to explore, feel the rock under your pads, stretch and flap your wings, hear the clicking of your talons on the stone. If the sire were to interfere, the hatchling would be robbed of the experiences it needs to become a full dragon.”

As I wrote and developed the stories, I felt myself be part of Joseph, and in fact, Kstluan is much like my beloved wife, Susan. All of my books reflect some aspect of my life making them, in part, the best gift I could give to my kids.

Joseph, an eleventh century dragon-slaying English knight, “discovers he must become what he hates.” Is there a lesson your readers will learn from this novel?

I'm glad you asked that question. Every story I've written, after finishing the work, I reread and try to glean some truth to it, because I feel that a story is worth nothing unless it has some eternal truth to it. I summarize such truth in the dedication to my children. Elixir Quest's is: May you remember that a destiny is something you choose, not something that's imposed. The message simply is: changes will happen, and we must be willing to face them and own them, because the Lord really guides the lives of those who love Him.

What a wonderful message. I love it. What does your family think about your writing?

At times, my wife dislikes it, because I get grumpy when the plot is not quite right or when I get interrupted too frequently, but she knows that I'm doing this mostly for my sanity and as a gift of legacy. My children really love it, but each has their own desires, naturally. Rachel loves romance (yuck!), and Elizabeth gravitates towards Manga (double yuck!), but all in all they are encouraging.

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I am a man... a man who's trying to do what's right and right for the family. God has blessed me with so very much that I struggle even to begin a top-10 list. I try to encourage others, serve where and when I can, and be a good example despite all the flaws I carry. I take comfort in what a beloved friend once told me, “Like lenses that conduct and focus Light, each of us will have our own hue. But as long as our lens is clear and unoccluded, the transversed Light will still flare in others true and bright, because it never was our light, it's His.”

Thank you so much for this awesome interview. I know those who read your books will be entertained and learn from your bits of wisdom.

Friendship, The Footprints In Your Heart

Reflections of the Heart

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” – Anais Nin (1903-1977)

Friendship is a most precious gift that will endure the eternities. Cicero (106-43 BC) said, “Life is nothing without friendship.” To have a friend that you can share your innermost thoughts with is worth more than wealth or material objects. To have a friend that you can laugh and cry with, to have someone make us feel wanted and accepted for who we are…this makes life worth living.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962) expressed her feelings about friendship in a completely differently way when she said: “Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

Friends can cheer us on when we need encouragement and help us when we’re depressed. They can embrace us when we weep and laugh at a lame joke that we’ve told. We should uplift one another. We should be able to say, because of our association with one another, “I’m a better person having known you.”

Elizabeth Mauske told a story about an unusual and sweet friendship between her mother and an old native Indian woman from Central America. The Indian woman would visit their home often. With each visit, she would give her mother some partridge eggs and berries as a gift. The lovely colorful clothing and coin necklaces the woman wore fascinated Elizabeth. She noticed her copper bracelets as they softly jingled on her arm and her sweet sincere smile.

The Indian woman only spoke Araucanian and her mother only spoke Spanish. Their conversation was minimal, but they would sit at the table, drinking tea and eating cake together with a smile and a laugh. They enjoyed one another’s company.

Elizabeth noticed each time the Indian woman would rise to leave that she would say the exact same words. With great curiosity, Elizabeth and her sisters memorized the phrase and quickly found someone who could translate Araucanian for them. When she found out what the Indian woman had said, she was greatly touched and said it was one of the nicest compliments anyone could have given her mother.

The Indian woman would rise from the table with a smile and say: “I shall come again, for I like myself when I am near you.”

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could say this about our friendships? After spending the day with a dear friend, we could actually say, “I can’t wait until our next visit because you make me feel good about myself.”

Sydney Smith (1771-1845) said, “Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love, and to be loved, is the greatest happiness of existence.”

Have you had a friend that made a difference in your life? Have you had a friend who left footprints in your heart?

Reflections of the Heart has 13 chapters of inspirational writings such as: The secret of Happiness, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Parenthood – A Great Responsibility, Equal Partners in Marriage, Developing Your Spirituality, and Music Soothes the Soul.

Interview with Christian/Romance Author Regina Andrews

Award-winning author Regina Andrews, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, grew up in the nearby seaside village of Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master's Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. Her hobbies include travel, museums, theater, music, singing and gardening as well as reading.

Hello, Regina. Light of the Heart is the first book in The Sterling Lake Series. Please tell us about this Christian/Romance.

Sterling Lakes is a fictitious town in New England filled with natural beauty but also a cloudy past. In Book One, Light of the Heart, Cascade Preston, a successful stained-glass artist, returns to her hometown to work on the renovations at St. Luke's Church. However, she does so with a resentful heart, since this town pretended not to know that her mother was being abused by Cascade's father. She wonders how people can call themselves Christians and not reach out to help their brothers and sisters.

What a wonderful message! Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I grew up in a beautiful small town that had its share of personalities! There was opportunity for character study around every corner. None of the characters in “Light” are based on folks from my childhood, though. The inspiration for the series grew from my growing understanding of human nature and my awe at God's love for us despite our imperfections as I matured.

Cascade is a stained-glass artist. Did you have to do much research about this subject for your novel?

Yes, I did, Linda. I fell in love with stained glass on my first trip to Paris, France, where I visited Sainte Chappelle in the center of the city and Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris. For this book, I read a lot and took a stained glass class. Let's just say I am a klutz! Fortunately, I live right near the Rhode Island School of Design, a great art University, and was able to do reference there.

What does your family think about your writing?

Another great question! My parents were really proud and happy and supportive, even though I was published after I lost them. Actually in the same year I was published, 2009, it was three different publishers who accepted four different manuscripts of mine and I felt like things were opening up. The first acceptance occurred on my parents wedding anniversary, I'll never forget it. It was like my parents were there with me. Now my husband, sister, in-laws and friends are really happy and proud. But they still can't understand why I have to work at my day job all week and then write on the weekends sometimes, instead of hanging out with them. lol!

Yes, authors tend to do that, huh. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Not to get heavy, because this has such a happy ending - but when I just started law school, my father suddenly became critically ill one day and he passed away the next day on the operating table. My mother at the time was gaining ground from a medical challenge 1 1/2 yrs earlier, and was not well. Now Dad was gone and she was alone. So of course I stayed home with my mother - for six years. I hope people remember this story as a parable for listening to what God wants for us in our lives, even if it might be really different from what we had planned. That trust is what I hope my books convey and reinforce.

What a wonderful lesson! Thank you so much for this lovely interview. I hope my followers will check out your book.

Interview with Suspense Romance Author Charissa Stastny

Charissa Stastny was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada...but she has never gambled and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She is married, has four kids, and loves writing, reading, hiking, and imitating monkeys (although when she tried it at the zoo, one of the monkeys spit at her). She currently lives in Idaho, where she doesn’t have to be embarrassed by her poor card shuffling skills nor worry about being attacked by monkeys. Secret Keepers is her 2^nd book available in the Eyes of Light trilogy.

Welcome back to my blog, Charissa. This book is the second in a series. Please tell us about your new book.

Secret Keepers has lots of suspense, clean romance, and gripping action as the past, with its powerful secrets, collides with the present, threatening to destroy all Suvi, James and Austan hold dear. Suvi flees to Israel, the land of her youth, to lure threatening forces away from James, and to seek help from her estranged father. James crosses an ocean to find her, but his discoveries may jeopardize his life and love. Austan returns as self-appointed guardian of Suvi when evil forces combine to destroy her. From Idaho to Israel, and with madmen, ruthless drug cartels, and Mossad assassins as key forces, the fight for light that began in Book 1, Eyes of Light, continues as perilous events lead Suvi to reevaluate her feelings and choose between the two men who love her.

My husband read your first book and loved it. He’s excited to read the second one now. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

My inspiration for this story started with a door-to-door salesperson. An Israeli girl named Suvi with a nose ring and a vivacious personality knocked, charmed me into buying one of her oil paintings, and then talked to my daughters and me for an hour. After she left, a story started to form around her in my mind. As I wrote my imagined story for Suvi, I wanted to help my own daughters be aware of hidden secrets people carry so that they would be more merciful in their judgment of others. We never know what awful circumstances and experiences have led someone to act in certain ways.

What a wonderful lesson! What kind of research did you do for this book?

I researched the NCS (National Clandestine Service—CIA), and the Mossad’s kidon (assassins). The workings of the Mossad (Israel’s version of the CIA) fascinate me. There are some great stories out there as I read up on it. I didn’t get to use much of the information in this book, but great books could be written about it, and I would love to read anything on this subject (although it would probably be quite brutal). 

You love to write suspenseful romances. What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

I love reading romance (if it’s clean), and writing it is even better. My Eyes of Light series is intense and drags my characters through some very rough waters to test their faith and resilience. The most intriguing aspect of writing these books has been to watch my characters grow. I am always wondering what I would do in the same situations, and I feel that helps me grow as well to have to make choices in my mind as my characters make them on the written pages.   

Thank you, Charissa, for this wonderful interview. My husband was so impressed with your first book. I know this one will be equally as good.

Interview with Romance/Suspense Author Jordan McCollum

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. She holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

“I love how Jordan McCollum blends the best of both Canada and the U.S. in her debut novel. With plenty of polite humor, cloak and dagger mystery and fun romance, there are great characters from both sides of the border, and a case that had me turning pages quicker than I could say, ‘poutine.’ This Canadian author gives I, Spy two thumbs up!” — Author Julie Coulter Bellon

Hello, Jordan. I read your spy novel and absolutely loved it. It was great. Please tell my readers about your romantic suspense novel.

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too--until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn’t the only thing suffering. Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

Read an excerpt from the book: http://jordanmccollum.com/books/excerpt-i-spy

You have written this book in first person. The woman acts like a spy, thinks like a spy, and is extra cautious like a spy. Since she knows Russian, the CIA decides to use her in that capacity. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

The first idea sprang into my mind while shopping for valentines at Dollar Tree. True story. An old favorite came on the Muzak, and I started wondering about the story behind the song: a guy who should be with the girl he loves, but she’s somewhere else. And I wondered, what could keep her away?

Then I added my favorite what-if question when plotting: what if she were a spy?

Sadly, I can’t say I’m drawing on my vast experience as a spy for this novel. But in my day job, I coerce people to do things they don’t want to, elicit information and generally manipulate the people I love most—I’m a mom.

Hahaha! Yup! That’s about right. I’m a mom of six daughters and understand completely. What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

I was lucky enough to go to Ottawa on a business trip with my father when I was 15. While he was in meetings, I had free rein of the capital. (Can you imagine letting a teenager wander the streets of DC in the late ’90s?!) I also read a dozen CIA memoirs and reference books to get an idea of the training and daily life of a spy, as well as the cool capers they’ve pulled in real life.

What does your family think about your writing?

They’re very supportive. My son, 7, constantly asks to read my books. My parents both helped with I, Spy: my dad as a beta reader & technical advisor and my mom as a proofreader (she has a BA in English & was an English teacher for years—and both my parents helped to refine my writing throughout my school years!). My husband is the most supportive of all: for years he’s done the dishes so I can have those few extra minutes to write. Now that’s love!

Oh my gosh! What a fantastic man you married. Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

As a teenager, I went on a short crime spree with my best friend which included vandalizing our family members’ yards with plastic flower lawn ornaments, parking in a no parking zone, and whistling underwater, which is allegedly illegal in North Carolina.

Hahaha. Vandalization? Disobeying the laws? Underwater crimes? Wow! You were meant to write spy stories. Thanks for this awesome interview, Jordan.

Sweet Romance Novel: The Rebels of Cordovia

We celebrate Independence Day, remembering the freedom we fought for centuries ago. Many patriots had to pay for this freedom with their lives and we are grateful to those who fought for our liberty. In this new novel, you get a glimpse of what another country had to fight for, as well. The freedom of speech, the freedom of equality, and the freedom to worship as we please! No one could have a greater gift than this.

The Stories of Robin Hood is Inspiration for Sweet Romance: The Rebels of Cordovia

“What a fun and interesting tale The Rebels of Cordovia is. A very good story to keep you glued all the way to the end. I really enjoyed the romance mingled with the fights. It is a well-paced tale to give you entertainment next to a warm fire in the rain. Linda writes a good, clean, and sweet romance, for young adults and adults alike. You will enjoy the story to the end.” –Author Anna Del C. Dye

Centuries after the legendary Robin Hood, a group of men and women find themselves fighting for the same cause: for their rights, for freedom of speech, and equality. Robin’s Rebels realize they must fight against the tyranny of a wicked king and help the people survive this oppression. In the small country of Cordovia, groups of rebels begin springing up, but its Robin’s Rebels who get the attention of the king.

In this battle for freedom, a tender love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

"This sweet romance set in the kingdom of Cordovia was a fun vacation read. This creative take on a Robin Hood-like story is charming and touching, and teaches some great morals about agency and choice. It reminded me of childhood fairytales of good versus evil, with a nice romance weaved into it. Yea!" --Author Charissa Stastny

"This book was a fun read with a strong plot and fast paced action, but gentle and happy characters. Linda Weaver Clarke has a storyteller's talent for enchanting and mesmerizing the audience. She weaves her key topics of love and respect through The Rebels of Cordovia as poverty and its devastating side effects are overcome by Robin and her band of merry men...and women. Robin is a strong female character with morals and an innocence that readers will appreciate. There are also some exciting surprises and twists that will delight the heart. A very timely subject set in a gilt frame, definitely a must read!" --Cindi Clubbs, Reviewer

Read a sample chapter here: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/rebels.html

Purchase Book Link: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/purchasebook.html

Price: $12.95, Ebook: $2.99

Book Release Celebration: The Rebels of Cordovia

The Stories of Robin Hood is the Inspiration for this Sweet Romance

This tale will entertain those who enjoy bits of adventure, humor, mystery, and a tender love story. The stories of Robin Hood have enchanted readers for years. In our youth, we enjoyed hearing the escapades of Robin Hood and were spellbound by each story and how he cared for the people. How awesome would it be to live during that time period just because of Robin Hood! In The Rebels of Cordovia, a similar story is created but centuries after the legend of Robin Hood. But this time, there are two major groups of rebels fighting for the rights of the people. Daniel, a good-looking rogue, would be the leader of the Freemen. Robin Marie, a young woman, would be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Each leader is an expert archer and swordsman. With bits of adventure and delectable kisses, this tale will entertain anyone who enjoys a sweet romance.

In The Rebels of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke, the time period is set in the late 1700s. Centuries after the legendary Robin Hood, a group of men and women find themselves fighting for the same cause: for their rights, for freedom of speech, and equality. Robin’s Rebels realize they must fight against the tyranny of a wicked king and help the people survive this oppression. In the small country of Cordovia, groups of rebels begin springing up, but its Robin’s Rebels who get the attention of the king.

In this battle for freedom, a tender love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

Book Review: “What a fun and interesting tale The Rebels of Cordovia is. A very good story to keep you glued all the way to the end. I really enjoyed the romance mingled with the fights. It is a well-paced tale to give you entertainment next to a warm fire in the rain. Linda writes a good, clean, and sweet romance, for young adults and adults alike. You will enjoy the story to the end.” –Author Anna Del C. Dye

Read a sample chapter of The Rebels of Cordovia: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/rebels.html

WHERE TO BUY REBELS OF CORDOVIA:

Soft Cover: $12.95, Ebook: $2.99

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