Lady Anne's Quest, by Susan Page Davis - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

Lady Anne’s Quest is second in the Prairie Dreams series. After her lady’s maid, Elise, is married, Anne must carry on alone to find her uncle, David Stone, in Oregon Territory. But instead of her uncle, she finds an imposter. Dan Adams is determined to protect her from the swindlers now trailing her, even if it means stealing her heart. Though he’s good at keeping her safe, Dan is certain he will never be able to convince Anne to be his wife, since her sights are set on finding her uncle and returning to England. As her quest becomes more dangerous and difficult, Anne finds her feelings for Dan changing. Will she soon envision a new life in America?

I loved writing this series about a British aristocrat in the American West. In the first book, The Lady’s Maid, Anne set out with her dear friend Elise to find her uncle and tell him that he was the last surviving Stone brother and was now the earl of Stoneford. In this book, Anne goes on without Elise and draws closer to her goal. But she runs into some very rough characters and has some close calls. I hope the readers will enjoy her adventures as much as I do.

What character did you enjoy writing about the most in this story?

I loved writing the scenes with Sam Hastings, one of the “bad guys.” Sam is not overly bright, but I liked him so much I decided to keep him around for book 3, coming next fall—A Lady in the Making.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been seriously writing fiction since 1999. Before that, I wrote magazine articles and was a newspaper correspondent.

What was the first book you ever wrote?

The first one published was Protecting Amy, but the first book I wrote (not yet published) was The Priority Unit, a contemporary romantic suspense set in Maine.

What is your favorite character trait to write about?

I love to write about insecure people who become stronger as they meet challenges.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I want them to see that God is in control, even when everything seems to go wrong.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a new mystery, and also a new western.

What is a fond childhood memory?

One of my favorite Christmas gifts was an archery set. I took it outside and shot it, and promptly lost an arrow in the deep snow.

Come visit me at my website: www.susanpagedavis.com

Susan has offered to give away a free paperback or ebook to one lucky winner. Winner's choice. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH email addresses for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest - Lady" in the subject line. Winner announced May 6th.

The Ride of Her Life, by Lorna Seilstad - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

The Ride of Her Life is book 3 in the Lake Manawa Summers Series. Each book is a stand alone with a different character featured, but they all occur at the Lake Manawa resort. This was THE place to come west of Chicago at the turn of the century. Complete with a Midway, grand pavilions with ballroom dancing, boardwalks, and a woman diver who set herself afire every night, it had a little of everything.

Here’s the back cover blurb for The Ride of Her Life:

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release?

“Look, Mama!”

What had Levi dragged in now? Lilly rolled her eyes as she eased a large slice of peach pie onto one of the diner’s plates. She wiped her finger on her starched apron before she turned toward her son.

Swinging his arm in a wide arc, he thrust a monstrous, writhing snake toward her nose.

With a shriek, she leapt backward.

“Isn’t she pretty?” Levi ran his finger over the snake’s scaly head. “You wanna pet her?”

Inching backward until her shoulders lodged against the cold metal pie safe, Lilly fought the fear seizing her voice. The counter between her and that monster dangling from her six-year-old’s chubby fist hardly seemed an adequate barrier. “N-no, I do not want to pet that thing.”

“Shhh. You’ll hurt her feelings.” He lifted the snake’s head to his cheek. “She won’t hurt you, Mama. See? She’s just a gardener snake.”

“Get it away from your face! And, Levi, it’s a garter snake, not a gardener.”

“What’s the difference?”

She swallowed hard, vaguely aware of the roller coaster workers seated in the corner chuckling. She lowered her voice.

“A gardener works in a garden, and a garter—well, uh . . . holds up a lady’s . . .”

“A lady’s what?”

“Stockings,” she whispered, but more chuckles ensued from the men in the corner. She pointed at the front door. “Why don’t you take your friend outside? I think she wants to go home.”

“Silly Mama. Snakes are like you and me. She ain’t got no home.”

“She doesn’t have a home.”

“That’s what I said.”

What inspired this book?

My father grew up at Lake Manawa after its heyday. When the park closed in 1927, my grandfather purchased one of the bath houses for $300 and moved it to a lot where the Midway had been. They made the bath house into a home and that’s where my dad lived when he was a boy. He told me about what the place had been and I decided to research it.

How did you know you were called to write?

When I was in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade I had the same English teacher. Every Friday, we had creative writing. She have some kind of story starter for us to write about like footprints taped to the ceiling, objects in a bag, or a picture. Some of the kids hated it, but I loved it. It was like something came alive in me when I was writing.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I do outline, but I’m a bad rabbit chaser. Things often change in the course of the book writing and my best laid plans go awry.

How long have you been writing?

Practically sense I could read, but I started writing with the intention of becoming published in 2007. I’d  quit teaching after my son’s birth and had started doing daycare for teacher’s children. I loved it, but two-year-olds were not interested in Shakespeare. I needed a creative outlet, so I turned to what I’d always loved—writing. I started writing  fan fiction at Romancefanfiction.net as Oreolover (and yes, you can still read my stories there). I posted my first story there in 2005. After a while, I wanted to write original fiction, and God led me to pursuing publication.

Tell us something silly about you.

I love flying kites. I taught my family, and they’re hooked now, too.

What was the first book you ever wrote?

My first book is Making Waves, book 1 in the Lake Manawa Summers Series. The first original manuscript I wrote is still on my hard drive. It’s called Watercolors.

What is your favorite character trait to write about?

Hmmm. I guess I like characters who are, well, characters. I like my heroes and heroines to be fun, quirky, and humorous, but I also like them to be struggling with something. Sometimes they aren’t even aware of what that is until late in the book.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That God may not still every storm, but He’s always in the boat with you. And I hope they will enjoy the ride along the way.

What is your favorite season?

Oh, that’s easy. I love fall. I love the weather, and I love the colors. I love the crunch of leaves underfoot, and I love digging out my sweaters.

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on the first book of a new series. It’s tentatively called The Gregory Girls Series. It’s about three sisters who pledge to support each other’s dreams. The oldest sister is a switchboard operator in a city. The operators had over 200 rules and she had trouble following any rules.

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

I think it’s hard for all moms to balance everything, whether they are writers or not. Right now, I have one book due soon, another releasing, and daughter graduation from high school. Making sure everything gets done is hard, and I want to manage it all with grace.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

I find that my characters have a common thread of trying to do things their way and not God’s. They are trying to take control, when they should be giving it up. I think this is something we all deal with. I know I do.

What is your favorite color?

I really love all colors, but my wedding was red and so is my kitchen.

Do you have a favorite recipe? If so would you like to share?

I’m known as the Cookie Lady, so I have a lot of cookie recipes and I often share them in my newsletter. I used to sell cookies at Christmas. However, with summer coming, how about I share a go to dessert recipe my family loves for Microwave Brownies. They take less than ten minutes from bowl to the plate, and since you don’t have to turn on the oven, they don’t heat up your kitchen.

Microwave Brownies

1 stick of butter or margarine (melted)

1 C. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

½ C. cocoa

¾ C. flour

Optional add ins: 1 C. nuts, ½ C. coconut, OR 1 C. choc. chips

Cream melted butter and sugar. Add egg. Mix well. Add remaining three ingredients. Mix only until blended.

Line a glass pie plate with a paper towel. Pour brownie mixture onto the paper towel. (Can also spray with cooking spray.)

Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes. Check at 3 minutes, and if wet spots remain, add additional minutes as needed, but do not overcook or brownies will be dry. They will continue to cook once they are out of the microwave.

Invert pie plate on a plate. Peel off paper towel.  Cool slightly. Enjoy!

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

What is a fond childhood memory?

This is a sad commentary on the way children think, but I’ll share it anyway. I grew up on a small farm, and I had a sheep tank for a swimming pool. It was an eight foot long metal watering trough that my dad bought for the purpose of a wading pool. It was about a foot and half deep, but they never filled it that full. When I was about five, my thirteen-year-old brother sat on the edge of it, fully clothed. I came up and pushed him in. He was so shocked! It still makes me laugh. I was so proud of myself to think I’d bested him.

What book are you currently reading?

Dan Walsh’s The Discovery, and it’s soooooo good!

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

The other day, my author friend Cheryl St. John said, “If you still have a life, you are not an author, you’re a writer with a hobby that sometimes earns money.” Well, I gues I’m officially an author then. In the past, I’ve done wedding planning and flower arranging. I have a flower garden, but it’s in desperate need some attention. I do, and of course, read.  

Lorna has offered one free book to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-ride" in the subject line. Winner announced May 6th.

Journey's Edge, by Dora Hiers - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book, Journey’s Edge.


So glad you asked, Salena.


A Routine Audit? Hardly.

Red flags—including some goon who's following her—raise McKinley Frasier's suspicions that numbers don't add up at the insurance firm. When someone tries to snatch McKinley's daughter from school, she turns to police officer and ex-fiancé, Renner Crossman—the cop who walked out on her a month before their wedding. But Renner's not the same guy who broke her heart ten years ago. He calls himself a "new man." She trusts the new Renner with her daughter's safety...but what about her heart?


Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release?

"Honey, if you’re looking for that kind of action, you’ve got the wrong room."

"What?" McKinley gasped. She knew that voice, that rich timbre with just a hint of teasing. Always teasing, forever flirting.


Renner Crossman.


Oh, no! What kind of twisted sense of humor did James suffer from? She didn’t want to see Renner. She only wanted to know that he was in the hotel.


McKinley tilted her head back, inching her line of vision up to Renner’s face. Just to be sure. A lot could change after ten years. Look at her. She was a prime example.


She heard his deep intake of breath. Shock? Yeah, well, she could relate.


"Kinny?"


Ten years faded into yesterday. Those espresso-colored eyes still gleamed with mischief. Or was it something else? Maybe he hadn’t changed that much.


His hands tightened around her arms, pulling her against him. She closed her eyes and leaned into his chest.


Renner.


His heart thumped a tune with hers. His breath whispered against her hair. And the scent of his aftershave was like a dear friend. She sighed.


What was it about him that latched on to her innermost dreams and desires and wouldn’t let go? His grin? His have-no-cares-in-the-world style against her organized, have-to-know-everything-beforehand outlook?

He looped his arms around her back and pressed his forehead to hers, just like he used to do. When he’d made her feel loved and cherished. Protected. Special.


A clamp tightened around her stomach, cut off air, and she almost tossed the cookies she’d scarfed down in place of dinner. Gag.

Special.

Yeah, right. More like used and abused. Thrown away with the trash.

She wasn’t safe in here, either. She braced her hands against his chest and jerked a step back, telling her brain to reject his familiar, comforting scent. She would take her chances in the hall.







What inspired this book?

Actually, Trey Colton, from Journey’s End, inspired this book. Renner was Trey’s partner. Both were Deputy U.S. Marshals, but total personality opposites. I knew the moment Renner appeared on the page that he would have his own book.


Are you a panster or do you outline?


I'm organized to the point of dividing my shopping list by aisles in the grocery store. I eat the same thing for breakfast every morning, go to bed at the same time every night. My hubby will tell you that I really don't appreciate surprises. Planning comes naturally to me...in everything but writing. As methodical as I am in other areas, I’m not a plotter. My goal is to give birth to great characters and hook a reader into an opening scene, and let the story flow organically from there.


What is your favorite season?


Definitely the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Soft Christmas music plays from a CD. A gigantic pine tree, loaded with pinecones and sentimental ornaments, takes possession of our family room. Wassail simmers on the stove, the scents of cloves and cinnamon drift through the house, as family members pile into the house. There’s a lot of snuggling going on with hubby in front of the fireplace, while we sip hot chocolate and cheer for our favorite football teams. A season full of faith and family. Mmmm…can’t wait!



What project are you currently working on?


A novella based on a recent White Rose prompt: A fire. A new identity. An old girlfriend. Doesn’t that sound like a great book?



What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

Self-discipline. Forcing my rump to sit in the chair and write and not be distracted by overflowing laundry baskets, the grass that’s about six inches too high, personal phone calls, you name it. When you work from home, it’s tough to overlook household tasks and particularly difficult to say “no” to personal requests. But, one thing I can’t say no to: watching a sick grandchild.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains are just a couple hours away, close enough that we can buzz up there for a long weekend. Nothing relaxes me more than rocking on a cabin deck, sipping coffee or hot chocolate, walking around the lake, and spending time with family. It’s always an awesome time.


What book are you currently reading?

Monday’s Child by Clare Revell, one of my favorite White Rose Publishing authors.


What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

In the summer, my hubby cranks up the smoker for family gatherings. When the temperature cools, you’ll catch me flicking the fireplace switch on and kicking back under a blanket to cheer for the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just about any time of the year, we’re game for a quick jaunt to the mountains. And nothing beats spending time with our grandkids! See those cuties!

Bio:

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son didn’t want her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing heart racing, God-gracing books. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. Dora and her husband make their home in North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Dora enjoys reading and family gatherings. She despises traffic, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with happily-ever-after’s.


Readers can connect with Dora:

Website: www.dorahiers.com

Autographed copy and blog: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Dora Hiers Author
Twitter: @DoraHiers


Dora has offered a free copy of her book to one lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH email addresses for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-Edge" in the subject line. Winner announced May 2nd.

Hope for the Journey, by Joi Copeland

Tell us about your book. My first book, Hope for Tomorrow, was released in August 2011. It is about three sisters, and one of them continually makes poor choices. It is about how her choices affect those around her.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release? Hope for Tomorrow's sequel, Hope for the Journey, carries on with Josephine's story. Thrown into this book is another couple, Brad and Kayla, who are struggling with their marriage.

What inspired this book? Real life inspired this book. I know many couples who have dealt with what Kayla and Brad are going through. (I don't want to give it away).

How did you know you were called to write? I have always wanted to write! Since I was little, I was writing short stories and some longer ones. To write for the Lord has been an huge blessing. I pray I will bring Him glory with every word I write. :)

Are you a panster or do you outline? No outlining for this girl! I have never liked outlining, and I just can't bring myself to do it!

How long have you been writing? Since I was young, but for this series, since 2008.

Tell us something silly about you. My husband knew I was the woman for him when I called him when we were dating just to tell him even though my face was numb, I could still flare my nostrils. :)

What was the first book you ever wrote? Hope for Tomorrow

What is your favorite character trait to write about? I love writing about hope and redemption. I guess that is why my three book series has the word “hope” in it!

What do you hope readers will take away from this book? Even though things look bleak, with God, no matter what our circumstances, there is always hope, even if things don't turn out the way we think they should.

What is your favorite season? I think winter is my favorite season. I love bundling up and having something warm to drink. :)

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go? I would go back to the day Jesus rose from the dead and pray I would be an eye witness to that.

What project are you currently working on? Two projects, actually. I am editing the third and final book for the Hope series, and I am working on a manuscript about my grandparents. While he was in WWII, my grandfather wrote my grandmother letters, and I have them. I am developing a storyline about those letters in honor of the love they share.

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book? Finding the time to write. With three boys whom I home-school, time is limited.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)? Hope, God's love, forgiveness

What is your favorite color? Blue

Do you have a favorite recipe? If so would you like to share? I love to make nestle's chocolate chip cookies from scratch. :)

Where is your favorite place to vacation? Anywhere my husband is.

What is a fond childhood memory? My parents took me and my sisters to Disneyland. It was supposed to be a surprise, but we all knew where we were going. On the way, we stopped off at Cocoa's for pancakes and hot chocolate. We spent the entire day at Disneyland until they closed. It was a lot of fun!

What book are you currently reading? I just finished Loving, by Karen Kingsbury

What are your hobbies (besides writing)? Reading, scrapbooking, spending time with my family and friends, and drinking tea/peppermint mochas. :)

Thank you for this opportunity! What a blessing to be able to share a bit. Thank you for that!

And thank you for letting us get to know you better!!

Hope for the Journey releases this fall leaving us all the chance to pick up Hope for Tomorrow in preparation for the sequal!

Connect with Joi here http://www.booksbyjoicopeland.blogspot.com/

Winds of Wyoming, by Rebecca Lyles - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book. Winds of Wyoming blurb:

Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will imprison her once again.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release?

Kate Neilson peered into the slot on the collection box lid. Was that money she saw on the bottom or crumpled paper? Sometimes people put weird stuff in offering boxes.

The early morning sunshine hadn’t reached her side of the dark log chapel, but she didn’t dare turn on the interior lights and attract attention. Maybe she should grab the flashlight from her car. Though she’d opened the side door at the front of the sanctuary, she still couldn’t see inside the box.

She toyed with the padlock. All she needed was enough cash to get by until payday at her new job. If she left a note saying she’d pay it back right away, with interest, surely they’d understand. After all, she was down to her last ten—

The floor creaked.

Her heart stopped.

What inspired this book?

My inspiration for writing Winds of Wyoming came one night as I drove home from team-leading a Bible study at a women’s prison. Each time I visited the prison, I was struck by the similarities between the incarcerated women and myself. In the same way I loved my family, they loved theirs and longed to see and hold their parents, spouses, siblings and, especially, their children. Like I had done, many of them acknowledged their sins and asked Jesus to forgive them and transform them into women of God. We also had similar everyday struggles with relationships, forgiveness, transparency, obedience, health, trust, finances, faith, and so much more. As they say, the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

For several years, I’d been trying to write about a woman who left the east coast to start a new life in Wyoming. But I could never come up with a strong enough motive for her making the move to create a plausible plotline. When the ah-ha moment came to me, I realized that the immense challenge ex-offenders face when they return to society was the perfect dilemma for my heroine. As believers, freed prisoners have the power of Christ to help them walk the narrow road; however, past failures and corrupt friends still haunt them and try to drag them back to their former lifestyles.

Tell us something silly about you.

I love food that crunches! Don’t know why, but I thoroughly enjoy biting into seeds, nuts, crackers, chips, rice cakes, carrots, celery and other raw veggies. :=)

What was the first book you ever wrote?

My first book was a nonfiction collection of friendship evangelism stories. It’s a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships is available on Amazon, along with my second book, On a Wing and a Prayer – Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m almost finished with the sequel to Winds of Wyoming titled Winds of Freedom.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I love to camp in the mountains anywhere in the West!

What is a fond childhood memory?

I spent many hours roller skating round and round and round the block on those old all-metal skates that clamped to the soles of shoes using a skate key to tighten the clamps.

What books are you currently reading?

Special Delivery by Kathi Macias and Crazy Love by Francis Chan

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

I enjoy cooking healthy meals, Bible study, children’s ministry, serving as a transitional coach for female ex-prisoners seeking lifestyle change, reading, walking, hiking, camping, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Although debut novelist Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, she and her husband, Steve, currently live in the neighboring state of Idaho. She enjoys the creativity and beauty that abound throughout her adopted state as well as opportunities to hike, camp, snowshoe and cross-country ski in the midst of God’s grandeur. Her nonfiction titles, both available on Amazon, are It's a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships and On a Wing and a Prayer–Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry. http://www.beckylyles.com ; http://www.widgetwords.wordpress.com

Becky has offered a copy of her new release to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-wyoming" in the subject line. Winner announced April  29th.

Cowgirl Trail, by Susan Page Davis - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

In 1884, Maggie Porter returns to the Rocking P Ranch. The sanatorium was not able to save her mother, and now her father’s health is failing. When the cowboys walk off the job leaving no one to drive the cattle to market, ranch foreman Alex Bright cannot convince the men to stay. Maggie is desperate to save the ranch, and she turns to the town’s women for help. The new cowgirls must herd, rope, and drive the cattle to market. Unfortunately, some of the strikers resent their actions and want to liven up things on the cattle drive. Maggie can’t believe Alex, whom she always admired, would cause trouble for her family. Can she forgive him and accept his offer of help when trouble comes?

What inspired this book?

        In reading about Texas history, I learned about a cowboy strike in the Panhandle region in 1883. I wondered what the ranchers did when their cowpunchers wouldn’t work. And then I wondered what would happen if the women stepped up to take on the job. I set my story a year later. The cowboys have heard about that other strike. Even though it wasn’t very successful, they think it’s worth a try.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I usually do a very detailed outline. It saves me a lot of headaches in the writing process.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been seriously writing fiction since 1999.

What was the first book you ever wrote?

The first one published was Protecting Amy, about a young woman whose father was commanding officer at Fort Bridger in 1858.

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

I’d love to visit England in the 1500s, but I don’t think I’d want to stay there permanently. I just want to get a good look at it!

What project are you currently working on?

I’m starting work on a new Morgan family story, but I’m also writing a new mystery.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

I like needlework, genealogy, and logic puzzles.

Come visit me at my website: www.susanpagedavis.com

Susan has offered to giveaway one copy of Cowgirl Trail to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH email addresses for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-cowgirl" in the subject line. Winner announced April 29th.

The Misadventures of Miss Aggie Series by Francis Devine

Thanks for having me here today, Salena.

So glad you could stop by for a chat!

Can you tell us about your book? The Misadventures of Miss Aggie is a three book series originally published for a cozy mystery bookclub. They are being re-released in electronic form and the first two are already available for Amazon’s kindle and for other e formats at Smashwords.com. They’ll soon be available on Nook as well.

Miss Aggie is one of a dozen or so seniors who live at Cedar Chapel Boarding House. Although Miss Aggie is central to each book, she’d not actually in there very much. In Miss Aggie’s Gone Missing, she disappears and her friends, frustrated at the sheriff’s method of investigation, decide to do some sleuthing on their own. With the help of the thirty something owner of the boarding house, Victoria and her boyfriend, Ben. Their escapades run from hilarious to hair raising.  In book two, Miss Aggie Cries Murder,she runs away after finding a dead body in her ancestral home and her friends uncover a mystery concerning said mansion. In Rest in Peace, Miss Aggie, she vanishes again. But this time, it appears she might well have met her end.

How did you know you were called to write? The dream began when I was nine and never ended.

Are you a panster or do you outline? I like to have a synopsis, but seldom stick with it. So I guess I’m both.

How long have you been writing? Forever. Lol.  But I was first published a few years ago. In my sixties at the time.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

A sense of friendship and a lot of fun

What is your favorite season? Autumn.

What project are you currently working on? I’m working on a proposal for the third book in a  historical romance series about teachers at a school for the deaf.

Want to read all about Miss Aggie's antics? Check out the Misadventures of Miss Aggie series! Click the links to see KINDLE prices.

The Embittered Ruby, by Nicole O'Dell - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

Sixteen-year-old Carmen Castillo wonders what it would be like to have a pair of ruby slippers.

“There’s no place like home. . .”

            “There’s no place like home. . .”

                        “There’s no place like home.”

But then reality sets in, and Carmen concludes that ruby slippers are mere fiction. Constant prayers that her parents will patch things up remain unanswered. . .and her hurtful world becomes too much for her to bear. Trapped by resentment and anger, Carmen lashes out the only way she knows how and soon finds herself at a crossroads.

Will Carmen find the path to ultimate peace and contentment that her heart longs for?

Or will her troubled soul remain forever embittered?

Series Description:

Diamond Estates. Three girls are on a journey to find hope and healing. Each coming to Diamond Estates seeking solace… Each with her own unique set of struggles… And each capturing hearts and challenging the faith of teen girls.

What inspired this book?

This series is near and dear to my heart because much of it is pulled from real-life experiences I had as a resident of Teen Challenge when I was a teenager. I either took from my personal experiences or those of other girls who were in the TC program with me. I could probably fill six more books with what I saw and heard while I was there!

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I’m more of a three-steps-forward, two-steps-back kind of writer. I never work from an outline. I tried it once, and it just didn’t work for me at all. I felt claustrophobic and my characters felt stilted.  I’ll write three chapters (approximately), then back up and fine-tune, edit, tweak.  Then I’ll move ahead again, and back up again, overlapping with some of the work I’d previously edited. Doing it that way, I feel like I’m ale to let the characters drive the story, but I also have ample opportunity to layer in details and subplots without having to planning it all out ahead of time. I wind up with a fairly polished manuscript because I’ve gone over everything a few times in the process.

How long have you been writing?

You’ll see by the next question that it’s been a loooong time. It’s always been “my thing” but I didn’t pursue any kind of real publication until 2007. I wrote my first novel ever after I received a two-book contract. So, it’s been kind of a backward approach to the publishing industry. But that’s how I like to do things. Hee hee

What was the first book you ever wrote?

In third grade I wrote a book called The Girl On The Runaway Pogo Stick for a district-wide contest. I wrote the story and illustrated the pages in one of those black hardcover books you can buy. I won the contest and my book got put in all the libraries in my school district. Word is, it’s still there.

How do you get to know your characters?

I’m a big believer in letting the characters speak to me. I want them to tell me their stories. That’s probably the major reason that I’m not an outliner or plotter. I just prefer to learn from the characters as the story unfolds. When I feel like a character isn’t speaking to me, I do an in-depth interview to try to figure out what’s really going on.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

Issues. I’m told my books are edgy—but that’s not my goal. My passion is to expose issues and face peer pressure and other concerns, help readers see what consequences result from good or bad choices, and then reveal the truth found only in the grace of God.

Do you have a favorite recipe? If so would you like to share?

Carmen Castillo is the main character in The Embittered Ruby. She’s loves to cook and plans to go to culinary school. When I put together Novel Morsels, a collaborative cookbook made up of 120 recipes that show up in books or favorites of our characters by 65 authors, Carmen decided to share her chili recipe.

Super-Secret, Award-Winning Chili

The Embittered Ruby, Barbour Publishing April, 2011 Nicole O’Dell

“Okay. There’s only so much a man can take.” Billy barged into his bedroom.

“What?” Carmen sat up. “You said I could nap on your bed. Did I sleep too long?”

“No, silly. I’m talking about that pot on the stove. What is in there, and when can I eat it?”

“That’s what this is about?” Carmen threw a pillow at Billy.

“Well, you’re going to share, aren’t you?”

“Of course I will. It’s almost done.”

“That pot’s been simmering for two days. What’s in it?”

Carmen wiggled her eyebrows. “You’re in for a pot of the greatest award-winning chili known to man.”

“Mmm. I’m such a chili fan. I’ve been waiting to taste some of that awesome cooking I’ve been hearing about.”

Speaking of the pot on the stove, it was time to stir. “Come on.” Carmen led the way to the kitchen. She backed up to the counter and hopped up onto it, her piggy slippers dangling. She took the lid off the stockpot and stirred the simmering brew, breathing in the heady aroma of chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, and red pepper. To die for.

Carmen blew on a spoonful. “Here. Taste.”

Billy leaned forward and slurped the chili from the spoon. He closed his eyes and rolled his tongue around his mouth. “I think that’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. It’s amazing.”

“Thanks.” She ladled a big scoop into a bowl, dumped oyster crackers on top, sprinkled some shredded cheese, and added a dollop of sour cream. “Now that is a bowl of chili.” She handed it to Billy and then made one for herself.

Billy sat at the dinette with his untouched food in front of him.

Carmen slid into her seat and poised her spoon above her bowl. “Go ahead. Eat.”

“This will sound weird, but I can’t eat without praying. Do you mind?” He took her hand and began to pray. “Heavenly Father. . .” Carmen guessed she didn’t mind, but how strange. Billy sure didn’t seem to be living like someone who prayed over every meal.

1 lb ground beef

1 can (1lb 13oz) tomatoes

1 can kidney beans

1 lg onion, sliced

1 green pepper, chopped

1-2 Tbsp Chili powder

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1-2 bay leaves

2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp paprika

2 to 3 cloves

1 lg cinnamon stick

(For my large family, and the guests with doggie bags, I usually do this recipe X 5.)

• brown beef, drain • add onion and green pepper • cook until onions and green peppers are translucent • add tomatoes and seasonings • Add cinnamon and cloves • simmer gently, at least two hours • add beans

Get ready for delicious smells to take over your house. Simmer it for as long as you can stand the wait! I don’t consider it ready until it sits in the fridge overnight and simmers for at least an hour the second day.

Ps, if you’d like your own free copy of the e-book, Novel Morsels, visit here and enter coupon code ‘nicoleodell’ at checkout! http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/nonfiction/novel-morsels/

Thanks so much for having me!!

Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices. She’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including Girl Talk, 2/1/12, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column. Hot Buttons, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents helps pre-empt peer pressure by tackling tough issues. Visit www.nicoleodell.com for more info.

Nicole has offered one free book to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-ruby" in the subject line. Winner announced April 25th.

High Desert Haven, by Lynette Bonner - FREE eBOOK

Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release?




Sure, I’d be happy to:



Is Jason Jordan really who he says he is?

Everything in Nicki’s life depends on the answer.



Nicki Trent is left with a toddler and a rundown ranch when her husband dies in a mysterious riding accident. Determined to bring her ranch back from the brink, Nicki hires handsome Jason Jordan as a manager. But when her neighbor, William, presses for her hand in marriage, the bank calls in a loan she didn’t even know about, and bullets start flying, Nicki questions whether this ranch is worth all the trouble.

To make matters worse, terrible things keep happening to her neighbors. When Jason is blamed, Nicki wonders how well she knows her new hand…and her own heart.

Two yearning hearts. Powerful enemies. Surprising love.

Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild West.

What inspired this book?



When I first started writing Rocky Mountain Oasis, book 1 in this series, I hadn’t really planned on writing a series. However, the more I wrote about Jason Jordan, a secondary character in book 1, I knew I wanted to explore more of his story, and several other secondary characters, too. And then the idea for creating a book for each of 4 different concepts in Psalm 23 was born – The Shepherd’s Heart series.


How did you know you were called to write?



At one of my very first Christian writer’s conferences I was struggling with this very question. How do I know I’m called to write. I was having a conversation with Cecil Murphey and I said something along the lines of, “I’m not even certain this is what God wants me to be doing,” and he said something that I’ve never forgotten since. “The Lord doesn’t give us our desires for no reason.” I realized that if God put within me the desire to tell stories, and I did nothing with it, it would be burying my talent. So from that point on I wrote and gave it to God. I kept praying, “Lord, You gave me these stories, so if something is going to happen with them You are going to have to work it out.”



At the time I was homeschooling 3 boys, and simply didn’t have the time to keep submitting to different publishers. I specifically remember praying that the Lord would “drop a publisher in my lap.” The story of how that happened is too long to write here, but that is basically what happened – I was picked up out of the slush pile of the first publisher I’d submitted to in 6 years and given a contract.





Are you a panster or do you outline?


I’m definitely a pantser. I’d love to be an outliner, but so far, that hasn’t worked for me. If I try to write an outline it kills the joy of the story for me and I can never seem to get the tension back.



How long have you been writing?

I’ve toyed with writing since I was in junior high. But I’ve been writing seriously since the late 1990’s.



What was the first book you ever wrote?

Rocky Mountain Oasis, the first book in this series, was the first book I ever completed. (http://amzn.to/PBRMO)



What is your favorite season?

I think spring is my favorite. All full of new life and baby chicks, crocuses pushing their way into the sunshine, and cherry trees dusting the streets with pink petals.



If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?



Hmmm…. There are a lot of places I’d love to go. But I’ve been doing a lot of research about Zanzibar in the latter half of the 1800’s for an upcoming series, and I think I would love to visit there. I would walk down to the customs house, ignoring the stench of the dead bodies in the harbor, and walk amongst the slaves being held there, doing my best to alleviate pain and suffering. Salve for a chained-raw wrist, a stick of candy for a child in tears, my last coin to purchase the sick woman who would be left to die if no one bought her. So much pain and suffering… how can one person fix it all? I would only be one. But if my presence there could ease the suffering of even a few, it would be worth it. Maybe I would sneak aboard the vessel that would take me along with David Livingstone on his last missionary journey – his last attempt to put a stop to the evils of the slave trade. And maybe I would find myself in attendance at a ball given by the Sultan, in honor of some diplomat recently relocated to the island.



What project are you currently working on?

The above Victorian era series is next on my “wish list of projects” after I complete a romantic suspense I’m working on. The romantic suspense is set in the San Juan Islands during present day, and I have two other friends who are each writing one book in the series with me. It will be a 3 book compilation titled, The Islands of Intrigue series. You can look for the first book later this summer.


To view purchase information click here. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-desert-haven-lynnette-bonner/1038860321
Lynette Bonner has offered one free ebook to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave a comment with an email address OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-Haven" in the subject line. Winner announced April 22nd.