BITTERSWEET JUSTICE - Victoria Burks - Free Book

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I have always loved romantic suspense and mysteries. As I child I wanted to be a private detective and solve crime when I grew up. But of course that didn’t happen. However, for the last twenty years I have been able to play at being a detective on paper.

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

The day I married William, my wonderful husband. I often say that he is the second greatest man that ever lived, the first of course, Christ Jesus.

How has being published changed your life?

Having been a background sort of person most of my life, it has been a bit of a challenge to be upfront and personal with others. But, I have found that in order to sell my books, I must sell myself, which is hard for me. Nevertheless, I love meeting others and making new friends at various book signings and speaking engagements. But, after all, it isn’t really about me. My main purpose is to be that light on the hill Christ speaks about in the Bible. Also, I find that in aiding the marketing process of my first book A Legacy of Love has taken time away from my writing and it’s a struggle to find time to just write. And, of course, as a partner in our trucking firm, I still have that day job. 

What are you reading right now?

Actually, I’m in between books right now. I’ve been recovering from cataract surgery, but plan to start a new novel by Brandilyn Collins soon.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on a book entitled Forbidden Garden, in which the main character, Mackenzie Adams, stumbles into a murder mystery while on a quest to find peace from the results of a tragic decision she’d made a few months earlier.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve always thought it would be fun to tour Europe, not in the regular tourist locations, but travel the back roads and stay in small inns and meet the people of the countryside who make up the backbone of the countries.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Thus far in my writings I have chosen settings in places I am familiar with or have visited. I take lots of pictures wherever I travel. I have just returned from a ten-day visit to Israel with a tour group from my church. Already, I can see a possible mystery plot emerging from that experience.

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

I would love to sit down with Mary Higgins Clark and ask her dozens of questions about her writing techniques. She is a “master plotter” and able to slowly draw out the tension in her books while making the reader believe all the possible characters are guilty of the crime. 

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and quilting. However, since the debut of A Legacy of Love and with my current novel Bittersweet Justice now in print, it will be some time before I will be able to pick up yarn or thread. 

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

The plot of a book will be moving along nicely and all of a sudden, I develop a mental block. When that happens it is best to leave the computer for a while, maybe even until the next day. And, I find that prayer is the key that opens the door to creativity. When I return to the manuscript, somehow the words begin to flow again.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Hone your craft as much as possible with writing courses, writing conferences, by reading books in your genre, and pray for guidance. As a Christian writer, I find there is nothing impossible with God. He is the creator; I am but the vessel through whom his inspiration can flow.

Tell us about the featured book.

Bittersweet Justice is about Colin Lambert who hopes to reopen the case of his murdered grandfather when he returns to his boyhood home to attend his great-uncle’s funeral. In Colin’s childhood his father was convicted of the murder but has maintained his innocence while serving his life sentence. Now Colin’s father has terminal cancer. With little time to spare, Colin determines to track down all involved in the twenty-five-year-old cold case and prove his father’s innocence. Colin moves into Briarwood, the family estate, with his great-aunt Beatrice, whom he affectionately refers to as the Duchess. Suffering from Alzheimer’s, she often confuses Colin for his father Stuart. But her moments of clarity allow Colin to speak openly with her about the misunderstandings of the past as he deals with his anger toward the past and his mother, who moved him to another state the day after his father’s conviction; and of his grandfather’s conflicts leading up to his murder.

After meeting the melancholy reporter Julie Lonetree who voices her interest in his father’s case, Colin invites her to join him in the investigation. Aided by Julie and her connections, he discovers key evidence that was overlooked at the trial. But Colin soon discovers that there are those who don’t want him sifting through the past. Danger increases when someone shoots at Colin and later sets fire to the barn on the estate. When the Duchess is threatened, Colin questions his priorities. Can he free his father in time and if so, will the cost of Bittersweet Justice be too high? This heart-wrenching tale of murder, intrigue, and romance will keep you turning pages.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Son, listen to me! Haven’t you suffered enough from the past? How can you consider returning to that horrid place? You’re just asking for more heartbreak.”

Colin Lambert darted a glance toward his upper arm, his mother’s touch like the singe of a hot iron. He pulled away from her grip. “Mother, you may have forgotten Dad’s words after the trial, but I haven’t. He said he didn’t kill Grandfather Lambert. I’ve never known him to lie.”

Eileen Lambert Hemphill stood motionless, her crisp blue eyes wide with shock and disbelief at her son’s reaction. Regaining her composure, she glanced at her arm, which she held suspended in the air. Straightening, Elaine rested both hands on her hips, digging her heels into the carpet, like a soldier settling into a trench armed and ready for battle.

“Fairy tales are for children.”

Pulling himself to his full height of six feet, two inches, Colin’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, I was only a boy at the time. But I remember how truth blazed in Dad’s eyes. I vowed to find Grandfather’s killer someday.” Colin shook his head. “I can’t believe the jury convicted Dad. No one will ever convince me that Dad murdered his own father. I’ve always believed the true assassin is stashed away in Oklahoma’s ‘black gold’ country. Although his identity has remained anonymous for more than a quarter of a century, I’m determined to unearth the scoundrel.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Goodreads, and my Website at http://victoriaburks.tateauthor.com.


Thank you, Victoria, for visiting with us again.


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.


If you’re reading this on 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

A LEGACY OF LOVE - Victoria Burks - Free Book

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

I don’t deliberately characterize myself in my stories. However, I don’t believe it’s possible for writers to portray their characters without some small part of his or her multi-faceted personality showing up in one or more of them—minute parts that are perhaps unrecognizable on a conscious level.  

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

It would have to be the spur-of-the-moment two-week trip I took with my friend, Sue, to Portland, Oregon, a few years ago. Being one who likes things planned out and organized, I learned that occasional spontaneous decisions can prove to be a lot of fun and rewarding. I will never forget those wonderful carefree days that tightened the bond of our friendship even more.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, even those pesky term papers in high school and college, but I never thought of myself as a possible writer until a few years ago when I felt the inspiration to write my first novel, A Legacy of Love. Looking back on years past when I was a children’s church director and Sunday School teacher, I often wrote puppet skits, stories, and even a Christmas play; anything I needed during those years to make the life of Christ come alive to my young students.

Later, when I taught adults, I wrote a number of Sunday School lessons, an in-depth study of the Twenty-third Psalm, and recently a nine-week Bible course relating to Biblical hospitality. After winning a writing contest for one of my fictional short stories, I begin to think that perhaps God had after all placed a talent in my heart for creative writing. When I received a volley of encouraging words from Francine Rivers who had read the first three chapters of my novel at a writer’s conference, I decided to “take a leap of faith” and pursue the budding passion within me to write romantic suspense novels which would encourage readers to allow Christ into their hearts and into their circumstances. My next novel, Bittersweet Justice, will be released this coming fall. 

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

I read for both self-help and entertainment. I like to read books that stimulate and develop my faith in God, books which help hone my craft in writing, and novels related to my genre. I also enjoy historical fiction and western drama.

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

Through prayer and meditation. I tell my Father, God, everything, just as I would my best friend, even those things I wouldn’t even tell her. Ha. Seriously, I talk to Him as though He is standing or seated right next to me. I find that his answers bring the peace that passes all understanding no matter the circumstance in my life at the moment.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Names just seem to come to my mind as the story unfolds, along with the physical image of the characters. It’s the fleshing out that is sometimes difficult for me. I see their image and think, Who is this person? What makes him tick? How will he forward the plot? It’s seldom I know the answers to the above questions immediately; they tend to unfurl as the plot develops. 

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

When the grandchildren begin to arrive in our family, I determined to be the best grandmother I could be. The following note written to me by my thirteen-year-old granddaughter, Lauren, tells me I may be attaining my goal. “Grandma, you are awesome. When I grow up, I want to be a grandma just like you.” And, this comment from my teenage grandson, Brian, “Grandma, you are a hip grandma.” The following conversation between my four-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, and her mother when she came to pick up Sarah after an afternoon with me gives me additional hope. My daughter Becki: “Sarah it’s time to go home now.” Sarah: “This is my home. You are going to bring me back home in a little while, right?” Also, not to discount the words from my eighteen-year-old grandson, Chris, who can’t stop by the house as often since he’s now employed after school, “Grandma, I miss you.” As far as I’m concerned, I couldn’t ask for a greater accomplishment than this, even that of a newly published author as exciting as that is for me.

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

I would want to be a soft furry cat with personality plus; a loveable cat whose antics bring smiles to the lips of its master. I like to make people laugh because laughter is great medicine and health to one’s life according to Proverbs.

What is your favorite food?

Italian. I think I could eat some form of pasta every day. I don’t, of course, too many carbs.

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

The skill to “show, not tell” has been difficult for me. It is an ongoing challenge to get the scene in my head onto the printed page with colorful and exciting words. I’ve always been good at telling a story, even from childhood, but I’m still working on the art of showing.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Legacy of Love is the story of Danielle (Dani) McKinnon whose life is in shambles. She is ready for a change…a big change. When a letter arrives from an attorney in Georgia, stating that she’s the beneficiary of a distant relative’s estate, Dani can’t pass up investigating the opportunity. A trip to Atlanta reveals her inheritance includes ownership of Stratford Hall, a historic, secret-laden, 200-year-old, antebellum manor in the midst of the Appalachian Hills. While ownership possession of this estate seems like a dream come true, there are others determined to claim her inheritance for themselves. They’ll stop at nothing, even threatening Dani’s life in their effort to steal the legacy from her. Add to the mix her dashing new love interest, Justin Harcourt; the delightful Irish caretaker of the hall, Mrs. O’Brien; and a mysterious cowboy, who always seems to show up when she needs him most, and things couldn’t get more complicated.

Drama unfolds as Dani struggles over tough choices. Is her desire for a new beginning and the obligation of her birthright enough to risk all? Is her infatuation with Justin jeopardizing her new-found faith in God and the possibility for true love? A Legacy of Love is an exciting tale of faith, romance, and danger leaving readers guessing until the very end. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Dani blinked back the tears that threatened to mingle with the cold, autumn drizzle stinging her face. Her hands shaking, she retrieved her mail from the mailbox near the door of her condominium. She rushed inside to escape the deluge from a sudden cloudburst. She wished she could just as quickly flee the memory of Lance Carter’s vicious remarks, his words the hour before whirling in her thoughts like a tornado.

The amiable greeting from her snowy, blue-eyed kitten, usually a delight, failed to lift her spirits. His back bowed in a sleepy arch against her leg; she scooped the mewling pet from the floor with her free hand and buried her cheek into the long, soft fur. “Oh, Percy, what am I to do about Lance?” Releasing the kitten a moment later, Dani slipped the straps of her briefcase from her shoulder, tossing it onto the sofa. She ignored the clutter as contents from the leather tote spilled onto the floor.

Dani cringed, the reaction from her co-workers a vivid memory. The pace to their respective vehicles outside Pendergraff Accounting had slowed at the sound of Lance’s raised voice. Mortified by their curiosity, she had tried to sidestep the confrontation in the parking lot, but he’d blocked the way. Dani stiffened at the memory. Lance had gone too far with that last retort, something about “the high and mighty Miss McKinnon no longer finding it feasible to associate with the lower staff.”

A tear slid from her eye and dripped onto the unopened correspondence in her hand. How could he have been so thoughtless? Dani sighed as a smidgeon of compassion blended with her indignation. She knew his anger had erupted from more than just a broken date. He’d smoldered like embers all week, his obnoxious attitude beginning the moment their employer had announced his choice for the vacant manager’s position. With Lance’s desire to wear the prestigious title a known fact, she’d expected a reaction from him.

But public degradation? Had their friendship over the years mattered so little to him?

I can hardly wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me on Facebook and Twitter, on my website, http://victoriaburks.tateauthor.com, on Author Central at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Author’s Den.com. Thank you, Lena for the interview on your blogspot today. It’s been a pleasure to share a bit of myself and my novel, A Legacy of Love, with you and your readers. 

And thank you, Victoria, for this fun interview. We have so much in common.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on 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