THE BRICKMAKER'S BRIDE - Judith Miller - One Free Book + Much More

Readers, I absolute loved The Brickmaker’s Bride. I haven’t read many books set in this time period, but the setting was so vivid, I felt as if I were walking through the countryside. And the characters were walking right beside me. I highly recommend this book.

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

I have a deep interest in history and a deep love of the Lord. Writing inspirational historical fiction gives me the opportunity to research history, study God’s word, and then to share what I learn with my readers. What a blessing!

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Wow! That’s a difficult question. There are so many good things that have happened to me, but I would have to say the day I married my husband, Jim.

How has being published changed your life?

When I first began writing, I was working full time as a compliance analyst with the Kansas Insurance Department. After several years being published, I was able to quit my job and write full time. Also, I now have more time to conduct travel and conduct research. Another thing that has changed is that I’m frequently asked to speak to different groups regarding my books and my faith.

What are you reading right now?

I just completed Laura Frantz’s latest book, Love’s Fortune, and I would highly recommend it. 

What is your current work in progress?

I am just beginning the synopsis for the third book in the Refined by Love series. I turned in book two, The Potter’s Lady, a couple weeks ago and am awaiting rewrites on that book.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’m planning a European River Cruise next year, so I suppose that would be my dream vacation. However, I have to add that one of the highlights of my traveling life was going to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic with a group of descendants from the Amana Colonies several years ago. I’d done so much research about Amana that it made the trip very exciting for me.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Setting is extremely important to me. In fact, I usually have a setting before I have a story. I do my best to discover unique settings for my novels and/or unique trades or professions for my characters. Sometimes readers will suggest a particular area and I’ll always check out what they suggest. My last six books were set in the Amana Colonies in Iowa, because of the suggestion of friend. She suggested I visit for myself and decide if the area would provide a good setting. On my first visit, I knew she was correct. I discovered the rich cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people and stories were soon emerging in my head.

My current series is set in West Virginia for several reasons. Much of my paternal heritage is in West Virginia and I wanted to reveal the beauty of the northwestern and central portion of the state as well as some of the interesting professions of the area. In The Brickmaker’s Bride, the rich clay deposits become important to the brickmaking profession of the male protagonist who is Scots-Irish and comes to the United States, just as my Scots-Irish ancestors came to this country and settled in the area of Virginia that later became West Virginia.

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

Beth Moore. She is such a godly woman and her teachings never fail to touch my heart and reveal new truths to me. I’d love to share a pot of tea with her.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to do a lot of scrapbooking, but recently I’ve been knitting for my little granddaughter. I’ve made far more blankets and shawls than she’ll ever need.

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

I plot my books in advance, but sometimes a character takes off to do his or her own thing. When that happens, I sometimes find myself uncertain how to get out of the predicament. I can think more clearly if I stand in the shower with the water running over me, so that sometimes will give me a solution. If that doesn’t work, I take a long walk and do the “what if” game with myself.

Oh, yes, I’ve used shower times that way. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Study the craft of writing and don’t be in a big hurry. Instead, be sure that the proposal you submit to an agent or publisher is the very best you can make it.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Brickmaker’s Bride is set in the hills of West Virginia, where two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business. Their venture leads them into bad business deals, betrayal, heartbreak, and love. If Hugh Crothers has his way, his nephew, Ewan McKay, will never become a full partner in his brickmaking business, but a budding romance between Ewan and Laura Woodfield may thwart Hugh’s plans.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Along the banks of the Tygart Valley River, West Virginia

September 1868

An unexpected rush of sentiment caught Laura Woodfield by surprise. She tightened her grip on Winston Hawkins’s arm as she stepped down from the carriage. Why did entering the brickyard, even the one established by her father, provoke such an awkward show of emotion?

            Winston patted her gloved hand. “You have more strength in that small hand than I would have ever imagined. Don’t falter now.”

             “I’m sorry.” Laura loosened her grasp and forced a smile. “This place holds many memories, and I haven’t been down here since…” The final words caught in her throat.

            Her father hadn’t returned from the war. Still, the Tygart River continued to flow, and the seasons still changed without fail. Fall had arrived and the ancient trees that surrounded the Tygart River Valley were already bursting with color. Her father had often declared God had given him the most beautiful place in the world to perform his labor, and Laura agreed.

            While her friends had longed to move to Wheeling, Allegheny City, or Pittsburgh, Laura remained content, feeling more at home in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains.

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.judithmccoymiller.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjudithmiller

Thank you, Judith, for sharing this new book and giveaway with us.

Readers, 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.

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