SMITTEN BOOK CLUB - Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, Diann Hunt - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Welcome back, Smitten authors.

Colleen Coble: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

Colleen, how did your story for the collection come about?

The four of us were brainstorming. It’s almost magic.

Are these stories connected in some way? If so, how?

Yes, the protagonists are all friends, and they learn something about love from an ancient book on romantic advice.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been on a Lisa Gardner kick lately and am making my way through all her novels. I just finished Love You More.

How many other books have you had published?

Well over 50. I lose track.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a collection?

I wouldn’t say there is anything hard about it when you’re writing with your best friends. J

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

This particular story was very poignant because I think we all knew on some level that it would be our last with Diann. It’s made it even more special.

What do you want the reader to take away from your story?

I’d love readers to realize how important it is to pay attention to the man you love and figure out what he needs.

Please give us a peek into your story.

Heather is the Smitten Book Club's most devoted mystery-genre reader, a single mom, and the resident organic gardener. When she discovers a decades-old tome at a library sale, she thinks it might hold clues leading to buried gold—exactly what one of the members needs to keep her home. She can't resist a mystery that could lead to treasure.

Paul and Heather have history—history she would rather forget. But when he comes back to his hometown of Smitten, he's determined to put down roots. He soon becomes the architect behind a town community garden and enlists Heather's help there in exchange for his own help looking for hidden gold. As they dig into the earth and the clues, they discover something amazing: lasting love.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

I’m most apt to give advice. LOL I didn’t know any other writers when I was first getting started.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.colleencoble.com. I answer every email. J

Smitten Book Club

Love By the Book

By Colleen Coble

Chapter One

Mountains of donated boxes teetered against the west wall when Heather DeMeritt entered the Smitten library. The building had been renovated a few months earlier and still held a trace of that new smell in the brown carpet. The oak bookshelves that housed the library’s growing collection and the matching tables still shone with newness. Several businesses had donated the bank of comput- ers lining one wall.

Heather spoke to several friends, then turned to eye the job she’d come to do. She was prepared to work, but the sheer number of books surprised her.

Her friend and fellow book club member, Abby Gray, motioned to her. Abby was the Smitten librarian, though she was much too pretty to fit the stereotype, even with her blond hair perpetually up in a bun.

Heather threaded through the throng to reach Abby’s side. “This is going to take awhile.”

Abby’s cheeks were flushed. “Isn’t it exciting? So many people want to help Molly.”

Their good friend Molly Moore had recently lost her husband in a tragic fire. He was the only volunteer fireman to die in recent memory, and Smitten was still reeling. As was Molly.

Abby waved vaguely. “You can start there.”

Heather opened the nearest box and began to lift out the books to put in sale piles ranging from one dollar to five. Five dollars was too much to pay for some of these books, but it was for a good cause, and everyone would feel great about helping.

An hour later her throat was scratchy, and her nose was stuffy from all the dust. But she’d made progress.

“Need some help?” Elliana Burton asked. Lia, as her friends called her, was the kindergarten teacher at the elementary school in town. She usually had a crayon stuck behind one ear and a slash or two of color on her arms or hands from Crayola markers, but today she looked fresh and carefree in a silky blue top over jeans that hugged her slim hips.

“I’ll take you up on it,” Heather said. “We might finish in time for coffee at Mountain Perks.”

There was only one towering stack left. She lifted down the top box and opened it. A cloud of dust wafted out, and she wrinkled her nose.

Lia waved her hand in front of her face. “Some of these are old. They might be worth some money.”

Kristin Billerbeck: I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.

Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!

My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.

I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.

Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style. Visit her website at http://www.KristinBillerbeck.com

Denise Hunter: Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! Visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

How did your story for the collection come about?

Because my protagonist is part of the overarching story in Smitten Book Club—a widow who was in danger of losing her business—some of the details were already set in place. All I needed was a handsome hero and a little chemistry. ;-)

Are these stories connected in some way?

If so, how? All the Smitten books are tied together with an overarching story. It makes the writing pretty complicated since there are 4 authors, but the readers seem to really love it!

What are you reading right now?

2nd Samuel in the Bible, and I’m finishing up several books I’m judging for a contest.

How many other books have you had published?

24

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a collection?

Without a doubt it’s all the details involved. There were a lot of emails flying back and forth as we tried to get our facts straight.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Since we’re bffs, collaborating was a joy. This last Smitten was our most difficult to write since Diann was going through chemo at the time. I don’t know how she wrote through all that, but she did. The release date was bittersweet because we lost Di to cancer in November. We miss her like crazy, but we wouldn’t call her back to the pain and suffering she endured for anything.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Molly was struggling with trust issues because of some things her late husband did. We need to be aware of the baggage we’re bringing into our relationships. It’s important to deal with our issues so they don’t cause problems in the future.

Please give us a peek into your story.

Molly is a widow with a failing outfitter’s business. Desperate for help she turns to Gage, her biggest competitor. But as he begins helping her whip her store into shape, Molly wonders if she can trust him with her business—or her heart.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Write the story you want to read.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me on my website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com I also enjoy connecting with readers on facebook: www.facebook.com/authorDeniseHunter 

Diann Hunt: Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate. Diann lost her courageous battle with cancer in November 2013.

The Smitten gals are back with their newest release, Smitten Book Club! Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Denise Hunter are celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway, a Facebook party on February 20, and a nationwide book-club brunch on March 22.

 
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Smitten books (Smitten, Secretly Smitten, Smitten Book Club)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 20th. Winner will be announced at the Smitten Book Club Facebook Author Chat Party on February 20th. Connect with Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! The Smitten gals will also be taking questions from the audience, giving away books and gift certificates, and sharing news about their upcoming nationwide Smitten Book Club brunch on March 22nd. (Sign up to host today!)

So grab your copy of Smitten Book Club and join Colleen, Denise, Kristin, and friends on the evening of February 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Sign up to host a Smitten Book Club Brunch on March 22nd!
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. Smitten Book Club - Christianbook.com
Smitten Book Club - Amazon
Smitten Book Club - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Deepershopping
Christian Bookstore

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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

SECRETLY SMITTEN - Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter - One Free Book on This Blog Plus Much More

Today, I'm introducing you to a dynamic writing team. I think you'll love them and the book they wrote. This the second book in this series that they've written. I know you'll probably want to go back and get a copy of the first one. Now introducing, Colleen Coble.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Diann had always moaned the fact she’d never been able to do a project with the three of us. Denise, Kristin and I had done several projects together. I went to our editor Ami McConnell and pitched the idea to her. She was very enthusiastic, and Smitten was the result.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

Not just easy but a dream! We know each other so well, and we could anticipate even the dialogue each of us might have our characters say.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It’s made us even closer.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

In this case, there wasn’t anything hard about it for me. I can see where it might be difficult if any of us had had egos or didn’t know each other so well.

What are you reading right now?

Gone Girl. Those characters are downright scary crazy.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

I use a book titled The Baby Name Survey Book: What People Think About Your Baby’s Name. It’s super helpful!

I may have to get a copy of that book myselg. Would you want to work on another book together?

Not only would I want to, but we’re in that process right now! J

Good. I know the readers want more. What do you want to tell us about the book?

It’s a heartwarming, romantic book with a fun mystery running through all four romances. You’ll want to visit Vermont after reading it!

Please give us the first page of the book.

Wrapping paper lay strewn around the floor in a happy crumple of color. Tess Thomas handed her cousin one last gift and suppressed a smile. Nat would blush when she saw the filmy negligee Tess had bought. But Tess knew if anyone would look great in the gown, it was her cousin. It was something Tess would never purchase for her- self. But then what need would she have of a honeymoon gown anyway?

While Natalie began to rip paper with abandon, Tess glanced around the packed parlor of their grandmother’s old house. Their friends had all shown up for the bridal shower and there wasn’t space for another chair. A few women even sat on the floor with their backs propped against the wall. That was what Tess loved about the small town of Smitten, Vermont. Neighbors were like family. And they’d all pulled together in amazing ways this past year as they worked to put Smitten on the map as a town based on tourism—a romantic destination, in fact. There were so many new businesses, including a big hotel that had taken over the old lumber mill.

Their Great-aunt Violet bustled in with a tray of cookies and tea. “Tess, dear,” she whispered. “I’m not sure these gluten free things are worth eating.”

The cookies were as lopsided as Violet’s red lipstick.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.colleencoble.com . I love to hear from readers!

Thank you, Colleen. Now, readers, here's Kristin Billerback.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

We have been friends for so long.  Writing is such a lonely sport and our connection online, helping each other to get published, was born of a love for the written word and each other.  Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble, and Kristin Billerbeck had all done novellas together, but Diann Hunt was missing from our collaborations and we wanted to do one that featured all of us.  That’s how Smitten was born.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

We know each other very well, so for the first book we used the personalities as we are, but changed the names to protect the innocent. (Or the guilty, depending upon your take.)  It’s so easy for us to work together because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.  So one person can pick up the slack in one area and in the end, we have a cohesive story because that’s how friendship is – connections based on similarities and differences.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

Finding the time to get all the facts straight on the overarching theme of the book.  Even though we meet together to write and come up with our storylines, it’s not always possible to fit together the puzzle pieces in that short amount of time.

What are you reading right now?

East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

Colleen picked Zoe, my heroine.  She was a minor character in the first Smitten. William means to protect and because Zoe craved small town life and the safety of her location, I wanted a name that provided for her that element of guarding over her.

Would you want to work on another book together?

Of course.  It’s so much easier to be motivated when someone else is expecting something of you.

What do you want to tell us about the book?

I think this book (Secretly Smitten) is very tightly woven together.  I loved the overarching theme story that runs through each novella and how it all comes together in the end.

Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE

Zoe Thomas perched herself atop the metal ladder and straightened the wooden sign that read Cupid’s Arrow Matchmaking Services. She looked down at her older sister, who stood on Main Street’s brick walkway. “Better?”

“A little higher on the right,” Clare called up. Zoe wondered if it would ever be straight according to Clare’s exacting standards.

She pressed upward and peered down again to the brick sidewalk. “Now?”

“Perfect,” Clare confirmed.

Zoe breathed a sigh of relief, amazed that Clare hadn’t produced a level from the overalls she wore. Clare could survive in the woods for an eternity with all that came out of those gardener pockets of hers. Zoe jumped from the ladder and brushed her hands together. Seeing the hand-painted calligraphy announcing her business made everything so real.

“Can’t you just feel the love? Imagine Smitten being bitten by its own love bug. And Nat’s marriage to Carson was the perfect kickoff to my new business.” Zoe’s heart filled with possibilities, seeing the fruits of her labor. The tired storefront looked fresh and inviting with its newly painted, wood-paned windows and a gold-framed “services offered” announcement. She’d draped two small crystal chandeliers

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

www.KristinBillerbeck.com

www.GirlsWriteOut.Blogspot.com

www.GirlyGirl.typepad.com

Thank you, Kristin. Now we'll talk to Diann Hunt. 

Please share something unique about your leading lady and man.

My heroine learns about sheep while my hero learns about his leading lady. J

Did you anticipate when writing Smitten that it would become a series?

That was my hope, mainly, because I love the whole concept of Smitten and it’s a “town” I enjoy visiting.

What has been your favourite experience of this collaboration with friends?

Growing a town together—starting with the blossoming friendship that began between us years ago.

Do readers get to find out how Natalie, Julie, Shelby and Reese are doing in Secretly Smitten?

There are snapshots here and there of former townsfolks.

What is it about this series that has captured readers’ imaginations?

Life gets crazy busy and sometimes it’s nice to slow down and get to know people. Like stopping for pie in Mayberry (if you’re lucky enough to not get arrested by Barney Fife).

How do you like to be romanced?

Unexpected surprises, shared coffee in the morning, a movie, an impulsive slow dance in the family room.

Thank you, Diann. Now we'll welcome Denise Hunter to the blog.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Since Smitten is a series, and there are 4 authors working together, we were pretty deliberate about planning the plot. We met at a cabin in Indiana and brainstormed the idea for Secretly Smitten with our editor. Since we’re all such close friends, it was not only productive, but loads of fun as well.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

It sure helps that we’re besties! Working together was so much fun.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was fun to turn something that’s normally done alone into a group project. I think working together drew us closer.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

With this project, it was definitely the coordination of details. Since our characters overlap each story and since there’s an overarching plot throughout the 4 novellas, it was challenging to divvy up what goes into whose story and make sure we didn’t contradict one another. Having great editors helped too!

What are you reading right now?

Actually I’m judging the RITA contest, so I’m reading those entries.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

I have a baby name book that lists the names by personality types. I always fall back on this book for naming my characters.

Would you want to work on another book together?

We’ve already done 2 Smitten books and are currently working on our 3^rd, so yes!

What do you want to tell us about the book?

One of my favorite elements about the Smitten books, other than the yummy romances, is the friendship factor. Each of the Smitten books feature the friendship of our 4 heroines. We really need women in our lives to come along side us and cheer us on.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Love Blooms by Denise Hunter

Chapter One

Clare Thomas smoothed out the hardwood mulch, spreading it under the newly planted hostas. Partridgeberry now carpeted her mother’s flower bed with green, but soon it would bloom with fragrant white flowers, and its red fruit would add a splash of color come fall. 

The realization that it looked ten times better than it had three hours ago soothed her wounded spirits.

Anna Thomas dumped the last load of mulch from the wheelbarrow. “That should do it.” She blew her long bangs from her face, picked up the shovel, and spread the load with the vigor of someone half her age.

“It looks beautiful, girls.” Clare’s sister Tess set a tray of iced lemonade on the porch table. Her blue eyes were lit with a joy that only comes from new love.

Not that Clare knew anything about that.

“Thank goodness we’re almost done.” Her younger sister, Zoe, pulled off her pink garden gloves and appraised the sky. “Looks like it’s about to rain.”

Clare breathed in the scent of loamy dirt and rain, hoping the organic fragrance would relieve her unrest. “Smells like it too.”

“God’s going to water my new plants,” Anna said. “Isn’t he thoughtful?”

Oh, yeah, all was coming up roses now that everyone was in love. Everyone but her. Clare chided herself for the selfish thought. She was happy for her sisters, thrilled for her mom. Still, they all had romance and candlelit dinners and kisses, and she had . . .

Plants.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet? 

www.DeniseHunterbooks.com and at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter

Thank you, ladies for this fun interview.

Secretly Smitten, an Evening of Giggles, Gab, and Prizes

The "gals" are celebrating the release of Secretly Smitten with a fun Live Webcast on February 28th. It was changed from the February 5th date on the graphic above. They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They'll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don't miss the fun and bring your friends. Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Secretly Smitten - paperback
Secretly Smitten - Kindle


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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD, EVEN ON BAD HAIR DAYS - Free Book

Today is a really fun interview with the authors of this devotional book. I love each one of these women, and I know this devotional will lift you up and keep you laughing.

Sandie Bricker’s interview:

Have you written other nonfiction books?

I'm the team leader on Summerside's line of devotionals. We have another one coming out later in the year with Trish and me, along with Loree Lough (from Be Still) and Cynthia Ruchti, the newcomer to our team.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I'm working on three more novels to follow last year's Always the Baker Never the Bride, all of which will be set in the wedding destination hotel of the original. The first sequel (Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride) is due out this fall.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I'm an armchair interior designer, addicted to HGTV. I'm also an activist for dog rescues and the humane treatment of animals, as well as an avid fundraiser for ovarian cancer research. In fact, a portion of the proceeds of each of the devotionals, including this one, will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for their ongoing effort to find an effective diagnostic tool and eventual cure for ovarian cancer. I'm a survivor of the disease,as is my co-author, Diann Hunt, so it's a very personal battle for me.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

We're writing these fun, contemporary devotionals to minister to women just like us--busy women with a real need for finding a way to keep our relationship with the Lord at the forefront of everything else. My prayerful hope is that every woman who reads our book will be blessed in that way, reminded that there's hope beyond the storm, and able to take even just a few quick moments to remember His love.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

Web stie: http://www.sandradbricker.com/
Blog: http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Sandie Bricker

Kristin Billerbeck’s Interview:

What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

My journey is nothing like I thought it would be!

Tell us about your family.

I have four incredible children. Three boys (16, 15, 12) and one lovely daughter (10). I LOVE teenagers and pre-teens and I know this isn't normal, but they are so interesting and funny and delightful. I can't wait to see what they all turn out to be. We also have an adorable Yorkie-Pom named Fiona who sits under my desk while I write.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes, I wrote Facing Terror with Carrie McDonnell, an Iraqi missionary who was the only survivor of a terrorist attack that killed her husband and three other missionaries.

I didn't know that, Kristin. Interesting. Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes, Perfectly Invisible, a young adult novel for Revell; A Billion Reasons Why, a romance for Thomas Nelson and Smitten, a novella with Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter and Colleen Coble.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I knit while my sixteen year old and I watch "Ghosthunters." He's a fact man and fills me in on all the history beyond the show. It's a great segue into spiritual discussions. Something you're not likely to get regularly from a teenager.

Why did you write the featured book?

Ovarian cancer, which this book will benefit, is very personal to me. Not only have I watched two friends struggle through it, but my Nana was diagnosed with it years ago. I prayed while she was in surgery. Her Stanford oncologist said her body was riddled with the cancer. I'll never forget his face as he stripped off his surgical cap and said, "Nothing. There was no cancer." I want all ovarian cancer to end this way and that's the reason I feel so strongly about this devotional and what it can do for awareness for the disease.

I, too, have had close family members and friends with this terrible disease. What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I want them to enjoy their time with God. It shouldn't be pulling teeth to spend time with the One who loves you immeasurably.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

Website: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/
Twitter: KristinBeck

Diann Hunt’s Interview:

What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I’m a two-time cancer survivor and am thankful for every breath I take! God has miraculously given me the gift of joy and I praise Him for my life, all of it, the good and the bad (though I have to say I enjoyed the good part a whole lot more). I’m thankful for eyebrows, eyelashes and two-inch hair! :-) Mostly, I’m thankful for YOU and the opportunity to serve you.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married for thirty-five wonderful years. We have a daughter, son and six grandchildren (five girls, one boy, bless him). We love to spend time together and do so every chance we get.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

No, this is my first nonfiction book. Though I love to read nonfiction as well as fiction.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes, I’ve recently finished my fiction book, Love Letters in the Sand that is scheduled to release this summer with Summerside Press. It’s a warm-hearted romance set in 1957.

I really want to feature that book on this blog, too. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I love to read, knit, study God’s Word and journal.  I also love to spoil our grandkids. :-)

Me, too, all of the above. Why did you write the featured book?

I battled ovarian cancer this past year, and it was a way I could give back. Knowing part of the proceeds would go to ovarian cancer research was a huge motivator for me. I want to alert other women to guard their health. Also, I’ve always wanted to write devotionals to encourage the busy woman, who doesn’t always get that extra time for study, to find golden nuggets of truth and apply them to her life.  Though I hasten to say this book is not meant to be the full meal for anyone. It’s a snack until you have time to sit down to a feast before the Lord. :-)

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

The JOY of the Lord is her strength. Life is hard but God is always good. Stay in the Word. Trust Him. Enjoy the journey!

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

My website: http://www.diannhunt.com/
My blog with four other authors:  http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/diann.hunt

Debby Mayne’s interview:

What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I’m a habitual eavesdropper. Everywhere I go, I listen to conversations around me, and sometimes I can’t help but interject my thoughts. Most people don’t seem to mind, and I’ve made some very good friends when they realize I’m harmless.

You are so funny. Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to Wally for more than 30 years. We have two beautiful adult daughters, a handsome son-in-law, and the cutest little granddaughter ever.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

I was one of the writers of Be Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry that came out in 2009.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Sweet Baklava from Abingdon Press released in March 2011. I’m finishing Unlikely Match, the third Heartsong Presents in a series set in the Sarasota, Florida, Mennonite community. This book will go to book club members in December 2011 (Shades of the Past came out in March 2011, and Trusting Her Heart in September 2011). Next fall, Appalachian Weddings, Barbour’s 3-in-1 Heartsong Presents repack of my West Virginia series will be available in stores. Trish Perry and I are working on an anthology for Summerside Press entitled Love Finds You on Christmas Morning that will be out in September 2011. Waaaaay in the future—2013 and 2014—I have a women’s fiction series coming out with Abingdon Press. The first three books in the “Class Reunion” series are All Prettied Up at the Cut ‘n Curl, Fancy Is as Fancy Does, and Stylin’ with Ms. Prissy Big Hair.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

My absolute favorite pastime is reading. I love to go for long walks around alligator-infested swampland (I live in Florida) and on the beach at sunset (the West Coast of Florida). I enjoy playing a lot of different sports, but I’m not very good at any of them.

Why did you write the featured book?

I had such a wonderful experience with Be Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry, there was no way I could turn down the opportunity to work on the Bad Hair book. I’m fans of all the other authors, making this experience even more fun! I pray that our stories will speak to women, and I think they will because we shared so many different experiences. I also like the fact that we’re donating some of the proceeds to OCRF because this organization has helped so many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I want women to enjoy our stories, see that they’re not alone in the trials of life, and find something in the scripture verse and prayer as they read each devotion.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

Website: http://www.debbymayne.com/
Blog: http://www.debbymayne.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Debby Tisdale Mayne

Trish Perry’s Interview:

What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I’d like them to know that I love people, I love to laugh, and I feel amazingly blessed by the life God has given me. Honestly. Sometimes I can’t believe how kind and generous He’s been to me. I wish every one of my readers a life as blessed as mine.

Tell us about your family.

I have a gorgeous adult daughter who’s the most upbeat young woman I know. She’s married to a terrific young man who actually loves to communicate conflicts away (can you imagine?), and they live (with my hilarious grandson) about an hour away from me. And my sweet, brilliant son is a freshman in college, studying cinema. He’d like to make films like Lord of the Rings and Braveheart. My kids are amazing people—they’re my friends for life.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

No! I never thought I would enjoy it. But I thoroughly loved writing these devotionals, especially because of the many things God revealed to me while I researched each verse.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes, I have two books releasing in the spring of 2011 (Unforgettable, with Summerside Press, and Tea for Two, with Harvest House Publishers). I have a Christmas release—Love Finds You on Christmas Morning, with Summerside—in September 2011, which Debby Mayne and are writing together. I’m on another devotional team for the follow-up to Bad Hair, and I’m writing a novella (working title: “Labor of Love”) for a Barbour Publishing collection with the working title of The Midwife’s Legacy. That has a March 2012 release date.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Naturally, I’m a big reading fan, of nearly every genre, both inspirational and secular. And I love good films and funny or intriguing television shows. Time spent with my local girlfriends is a real treat, and I do that whenever we’re all able to fit our schedules together.

Why did you write the featured book?

I was impressed with Summerside’s Be Still and Let Your Nail Polish Dry, so when I was invited to join the Bad Hair girls, I jumped at the chance. I had written a single devotion here and there in the past, but never so many as this. I thought it would be an enjoyable change of scenery from fiction, and I was right. I’ve loved getting to know my fellow authors on this project. Wonderful women! And I think the devotionals will touch a lot of hearts and make readers laugh on occasion as well!

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I’ve been using Be Still as my daily devotional for the past couple of weeks, and I hope readers will experience with Bad Hair what I have with Be Still. Even though each day features a single verse, I’ve been reading the entire chapter from which each devotional verse is taken. So I’ve felt deeply enmeshed in God’s Word and direction before reading the application each day. The application provided through the devotional has been like a delectable dessert each morning. I’m amazed at how often an issue in my life has been addressed either by something in that Bible chapter or by something the devotional author has written. I hope the Bad Hair readers experience that same sweetness each day.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

Website: http://www.trishperry.com/
Facebook: Trish Hawley Perry

Wow! Ladies, this has been a really fun interview.

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