THE HEARTS WE MEND - Kathryn Springer - One Free Book

Welcome back, Kathryn. Why do you write the kind of books you do? 

I write contemporary inspirational romance because I’m a huge fan of new beginnings and happy endings. How does the inspirational part fit in? God invited me to be part of His story so I can’t leave Him out of the ones I write!

I love that thought. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day of your life?

Oh, wow. It’s impossible to choose only one! As a writer, it was opening my email one morning and finding out The Soldier’s Newfound Family made the USA Today Bestseller list. As a wife and mom with grown children who are scattered across the United States, I would have to say it’s any time our entire family is gathered together under the same roof.

How has being published changed your life?

Becoming a published author has definitely forced me to become more disciplined. Sometimes I have to say “no” to things—good things—because I’m on a deadline. It’s also nudged me out of my comfort zone. I didn’t realize that the people who read my books would occasionally invite me to talk about them! Like a lot of writers, I’m an introvert, so accepting speaking engagements used to be a little terrifying (okay, it’s STILL a little terrifying) but I’ve discovered it’s also a lot of fun.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m halfway through Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey and my non-fiction read is The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on the second book in my Castle Falls series for Love Inspired. It’s about three brothers who run an outfitter business in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

What would be your dream vacation?

Remember, you’re asking someone who lives in northern Wisconsin! My dream vacation would have palm trees and sunshine and I wouldn’t have to put on a coat, boots, and mittens before I step outside the door.

How do you choose the settings for your books?

I took to heart the advice every aspiring writer hears at some point along the journey. Write what you know. Most of my books are set in small, Midwestern towns because that’s my world. I can write about the changing seasons and quirky things like “Take Your Tractor to School” Day because I’ve actually witnessed them. In a way, the town becomes almost like another character in the story. . .one I hope that readers will fall in love with, too.   

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

Ann Voskamp, the author of One Thousand Gifts. Her book changed the way I think about grace and suffering and thanksgiving and how those things link together in a believer’s life.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

A few years ago, I discovered container gardening. We started out with a big garden but it started to produce more guilt than, um, produce (refer to Question 3, “How has being published changed your life!”) so I decided to scale back. Container gardening is great because it’s low maintenance. I can pull weeds while I talk to my kids on the phoneJ

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I love to write and I know God called me to write, but I still struggle with maintaining balance. There are choices I have to make and I’m constantly asking God for wisdom and guidance because I never want writing to become an idol in my life.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

You can dream about writing, talk about writing, and take online classes to learn the craft of writing but at some point, you have to sit down and WRITE. And even though you’re gifted, called, passionate, etc. about your story doesn’t mean there won’t be days when you’re tempted to quit. Don’t. Because while you’re working on plot and characterization and conflict, you discover that God is working in you and through you and you want to show up for that.

I would also encourage beginning authors to join an organization like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). They have tons of resources and the support system and opportunities are amazing. Not to mention that writing can be very isolating and it’s comforting to know there are other weird people out there just like you.

Tell us about the featured book.

After The Dandelion Field came out last year, I got the impression that readers had mixed feelings about Evie Bennett so I decided it was only fair to tell her story, too. Here’s the blurb!

Widowed at the age of twenty-five when her firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, Evie Bennett has spent the last thirteen years raising their son, Cody, in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. As the women’s ministry director of her church, Evie encourages women to boldly pursue God’s plan for their future while she is content with her memories of the past. But Evie’s well-ordered life begins to change when she meets Jack Vale.

As Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe and predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems in the community. . .but will Evie open her heart to love again? Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You’re up next, Evie! Then you can check karaoke off your list.”

Evie Bennett had a lot of lists. Karaoke wasn’t on any of them. Neither were bachelorette parties, and yet here she was, watching Raine and Ginevieve Lightly strut around the living room of their trailer, belting out the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s

“Shake it Off.”

Gin had shown up at the door that morning while Evie was bundling Jordan almonds and mints into little bags made of cream-colored tulle. The firefighters at Second Street Station had decided to host an informal get-together for Cody, so Gin thought it would be nice if she and Evie did something special for the bride-to-be too.

Evie had hesitated, wondering how she could possibly squeeze one more thing into a day already packed with last-minute wedding details.

“What did you have in mind?” she’d asked cautiously.

“Oh, the usual.” Gin shrugged. “Texas Hold ’Em. Jell-O shots.”

Five months ago, Evie might have believed her.

Raine bounded over to the karaoke machine, her loose-fitting sundress no longer able to disguise the rounded curve of her belly. “Eighties or golden oldies?” She shot a mischievous grin over her shoulder. “Wait, isn’t that the same thing?”

It was one of those moments. When Evie understood why Cody, her sensitive, serious son, had proposed to this girl.

She just wished they were. . .older.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers! You can visit my website at www.kathrynspringer.com  (and sign up for my newsletter while you’re there!) or find me on Facebook at kathrynspringerauthor.

Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Hearts We Mend - Christianbook.com
The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel) - Amazon
The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE DANDELION FIELD - Kathryn Springer - Two Free Books, Plus A Kindle Fire Giveaway

BIO: Kathryn Springer, winner of the 2009 ACFW Carol Award (Family Treasures), grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Encouraging women in their faith journey is the reason Kathryn loves to write inspirational fiction. When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and a good book or walking the trails near her country home.

Welcome, Kathryn. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I would have to say it depends on the character ... and what they’re going through during the story! I attended a workshop where the presenter urged us to “do the hard work” when it comes to our characters. To me, that doesn’t just mean knowing my characters’ goals and motivations or their backstory. It means that I take some risks, too. I can’t be afraid to wade into the deep emotional waters that I send my characters into! 

What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was speaking at a women’s Advent luncheon a few years ago, I stepped away from the microphone and broke into a little dance. For some people, this might not qualify as quirky, but I’m an introvert and I still can’t believe I actually did that. At least I wasn’t wearing heels at the time because I probably would have ended up in the lap of a person sitting in the front row!

When did you first discover you were a writer?

I loved Marguerite Henry’s books when I was a little girl, and I begged my parents for a horse. We lived in town, though, so there was nowhere to put one (although I think I suggested my brother’s room!) Because I couldn’t have a horse of my own, I wrote a “book” about one. And, of course, I was the heroine! I think that’s when I discovered that I liked to create stories as much as I liked to read them.

           

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Even writing six or seven hours a day, I manage to find time to read! It’s funny, I write contemporary romance but I absolutely love historical fiction, especially the ones set in the old west (yes, I’m talking cowboys). I’m also a big fan of romantic suspense. For non-fiction, I have to admit I am reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp for about the fourth or fifth time.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

There are times I’m busier than others, but I try hard not to load too much onto my plate ... and I’m a total homebody. It probably helps that I live in the country, ten miles from my friends ... and restaurants ... and bookstores!

How do you choose your characters’ names? 

This is going to sound like one of those weird “writer” things, but most of the time my main characters tell me their names. It’s true—they introduce themselves to me! Sometimes I don’t particularly like the name, either, but I have no choice—that’s their name! I also keep a book of baby names on my desk and sometimes I’ll choose a name based on its meaning if it matches a particularly trait or quality the character has.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

Our three children. They are amazing—even if they weren’t my children, I would still like them J

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

 My cat. If you are a cat owner, you know why!

What is your favorite food?

Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing ... mmm, I guess my favorite food is Thanksgiving dinner!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

When I felt God calling me to make writing a priority, I was very involved with women’s ministries at my church. In order to set a block of time aside to write every day while my children were in school meant that I had to step down from the things I was doing outside the home. I guess fear was the greatest roadblock (and there was some guilt, too!). I was afraid people would think that writing a book was selfish; a way to feed my own ego. I had no guarantee the book I was writing would be published ... I had no idea if all the time and energy I poured into it would produce fruit. All I knew was that God was saying, “It’s time.” For me, it was an act of obedience. And it took a while for me to grasp that I wasn’t giving up ministry—writing was my ministry!

Tell us about the featured book.

The idea for The Dandelion Field was brewing in my mind for about six years before I even put pen to paper, but every so often the characters would remind me they were there. I finally couldn’t ignore them anymore and had to tell their story!

Firefighter Dan Moretti is the kind of man who’s earned the trust of an entire community ... and then he meets single mom Ginevieve Lightly, who doesn’t trust men at all. They are so different in terms of their background and experiences, but so perfect for each other!

Dandelion Field is a contemporary romance, but it’s also about family and friendship and sticking together through tough times ... and trusting that God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“OKAY, GINEVIEVE. What’s bugging you?”

Besides being called Ginevieve?

           

Gin’s back teeth snapped together so she wouldn’t be tempted to say the words out loud. Even though a side dish of sarcasm accompanied every blue plate special Sue Granger served to her customers, Gin’s boss didn’t tolerate it from the hired help.

           

“Nothing.” Gin knew she sounded like a surly twelve-year-old, but she couldn’t help it. It had been that kind of morning.

           

“Right.” The handle of a wooden spoon found a sensitive spot between Gin’s shoulder blades and dug in like a cattle prod, herding her toward the back of the diner. “You got ten thumbs today, and none of them are working right.”

           

“Sue—”

           

“Sit.”

           

Gin sat.

           

Sue maneuvered her barrel-shaped frame into the booth and shoved a plastic coffee carafe across the table.

           

“When you hired me, you said you weren’t going to be my mother,” Gin dared to remind her.

           

“If I remember correctly, I also told you not to jerk my chain.” Sue’s top lip peeled back, revealing a row of teeth stained a delicate sepia from years of smoking filterless Camels.

           

Gin hadn’t forgotten. And so far, out of a healthy respect for the woman who signed her weekly paychecks, she hadn’t touched her chain either.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website at www.kathrynspringer.com

Facebook: kathrynspringerauthor

Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us today.

Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

  {NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.} Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us today. I know my readers will love it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. The Dandelion Field - Christianbook.com
The Dandelion Field - Amazon
The Dandelion Field - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com