UNFORESEEABLE - Nancy Mehl - One Free Book

Welcome back, Nancy. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I find myself being stretched, something I didn’t expect, but I’m grateful for it. Besides my books for Bethany House, I will be writing cozy mystery for Guideposts. I love cozy mysteries and have written quite a few, but I usually write in first person. These books are in third person. Being able to write in both points of view makes me a stronger, more well-rounded writer. Also, I’m working with a team of editors and writers, which some authors might think is a negative, but I’m finding it fun, challenging and enjoyable. It’s great to bounce ideas off someone else. Actually reduces the stress of plotting everything yourself!

I see continued challenges ahead, but I’m excited! I’m not sure what God has planned, but I’m looking forward to finding out!

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Norman, for forty years. I’ve known him since I was sixteen. We have an incredible son, Danny, who married the perfect woman. Her name is Shaen, and she is more my daughter than my daughter-in-law. I also have the world’s cutest, smartest grandson. (You can’t tell I’m proud of my family, can you?)

We are in the process of moving to Missouri to be near them. I can hardly wait!

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I wrote book reviews for many years. First for online sites, and then for a large Kansas newspaper. To be honest, I’m a bit burned out when it comes to reading. I realize that’s a bad thing. Writers need to read. I’m working on it though. The challenge is trying to concentrate on the story instead of the author’s writing style. Right now, I’m reading Tosca Lee, Dani Pettrey, Ellen Kennedy, J. Mark Bertrand and Davis Bunn. I find their writing exhilarating so I’m able to stay in the story.

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing the first book in my new series for Bethany House. It’s titled Gathering Shadows. The series will be called Finding Sanctuary. I’m also outlining my book with Guideposts, preparing to write that. A third book in the Curl Up and Dye series will release in eBook form this year, and I’m also working with another author to bring back new stories from my Ivy Towers Series. All this in the middle of moving. Obviously, I will be working hard the rest of the year. (And leaning on God!)

Leaning on God is the best place to be. What outside interests do you have?

I love spending time with my family. I like to go for walks, and in my down time (when there is any) I love watching “Masterpiece Mystery” and Doctor Who. I am a real Whovian!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Since I’ve been writing Mennonite-themed suspense, my settings have been already chosen for me. However, up to now, all of my Mennonite towns have been in Kansas. But Gathering Shadows will take place in Missouri. I’m excited about discovering more and more about the Show Me state. I do love small towns, so all my stories have been set in little rural burgs.

My dream is to live in a small town where everyone knows each other and where I can actually hear birds singing in the morning instead of cars racing down the street.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Well, of course my answer would be Jesus, but I don’t think that’s what you’re really asking. Besides, He’s not really historical since He’s still alive!

I would have to say Paul, the apostle. I’d like to ask him what he thinks of our world today. What he thinks we should do about the rampant sin and disregard for human life raging through the entire planet.

After Paul, I would love to talk to Joseph. I absolutely adore him for his unwavering moral stand and his faith in God’s promise to him. He’s one of my heroes!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I’d listened to the people who told me to read what publishers publish and submit work geared to fit their needs. I would have saved myself a lot of time.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

One lesson that repeats over and over (because I still don’t have a handle on it) is patience. I’m not naturally a patient person. And trust. Believing God loves me and isn’t mad at me. I’m working on that one too.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Study. Learn the craft of writing.

Join American Christian Fiction Writers. You need the support and advice.

Never, ever give up.

Tell us about the featured book.

Callie Hoffman has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with Lizzie Housler, her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, at the town cafe.

When a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be the victim of a serial killer, the new county sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents. Unsettled at the prospect of a killer in Kingdom, Callie is desperate to find answers for herself, especially when her own fiancé seems to know more about the murder than he's telling.

As the town battles an entirely unforeseen danger and Callie's very life is threatened, the stakes are as high as they've ever been and the people of Kingdom must learn anew to put their trust in God alone.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Murder and meatloaf just don’t go together,” Lizzie grumbled. “Why did the elders agree to let the new sheriff come here? To my restaurant? No one asked my permission.”

“It’s absurd to think a serial killer could possibly be hiding out in Kingdom,” I replied. “I don’t see why the sheriff needs to bother us with this.”

Lizzie chopped a large onion with a little too much gusto. “Well, your fiancé’s the one who suggested it, Callie. Maybe you need to ask him what’s behind it.”

I sat a tray of dirty dishes on the counter and sighed. “Levi says they’re bringing Sheriff Timmons here after his meeting with the elders so they can properly introduce him. After that, he plans to speak to us.” After washing my hands, I leaned against the sink and frowned at Lizzie. “Levi says the sheriff feels it’s important to warn us about these … murders.”

“Levi says. Levi says.” Lizzie shook her head. “You’re so funny. I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone so much in love.”

I pointed my finger at her. “Besides you and Noah, you mean?”

A quick smile flitted across her face and then disappeared.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is: www.nancymehl.com.

My newsletter can be found at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com.

I’m also active on The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.

I’m also easy to find on Facebook.

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this new book with us today. Unforseeable is on the top of my to-be-read pile. I should start reading it this weekend. I can hardly wait.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Unforeseeable - Christianbook.com
Unforeseeable (Road to Kingdom) - Amazon
Unforeseeable (Road to Kingdom Book #3) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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