Christmas romance Archives - Laurie Wood Author

Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Dianne Marie Andre

Laurie Wood — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:57 +0000

The Nativity

Mary, mother of Jesus. My heart can barely grasp what an extraordinary woman she must have been to be chosen the mother of the world’s Savior. I imagine her perfect, without sin. Though this is unlikely, God blessed her above all women. Yet His path for Mary wasn’t easy. To avoid disgrace as an unwed mother, God instructed her fiancée to marry her and to travel together from Nazareth to safety in Bethlehem.

The young couple trekked on unpaved trails for four days along flatlands and over hills, possibly in freezing temperatures. When they reached Bethlehem, no doubt weary, they had to settle for a cave—used to house animals—in which to rest where Mary gave birth.

The least desired place for a birthing mother became the most honored and beloved story of all time. The young couple listened to God, trusted, obeyed, and persevered. Hard as it was—which many of us can’t comprehend just how difficult—God provided for them along the way and when they reached their destination.

I wonder if the world silenced to hear the first cry of the King. If an unidentified light glowed in the dim cave, the moment Jesus entered the world. If the waters rested and the winds ceased. Luke 2:13-14 tells us after shepherds in Bethlehem were told of Jesus’ birth, the angels sang. We will never know the full magnificence of all that took place during the nativity.

What an honor it is to have included the nativity in my novel Dress Shop Miracles. It’s one of my favorite scenes as my characters traveled from a hard path to hope, love, and miracles. I hope you love the story of Molly and Ted as much as I did writing it, and guess what?

I’m giving away one e-book copy of Dress Shop Miracles via Amazon Kindle.

To qualify for the drawing simply: 1) subscribe to my website at diannmarieandre.com; 2) then comment below this article (at my website) that you subscribed via Christmas Blog Tour. The winner will be announced December 24, 2022.

You can read the blurb here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dress-Miracles-Dianne-Marie-Andre-ebook/dp/B0BH1CVXYK/ref=sr_1_1?

I hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy a video with my 52-year-old nativity set honoring the birth of Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao9h2lbQTgw

Merry Christmas!

Bio:

In addition to writing Christian fiction, Dianne is currently working on a memoir. She is a landscape photographer. Most of her pictures are taken on twenty acres where she lives in California’s Central Valley with her husband, Joe, her adorable rescue dog, Ralphie, occasional steers, hens, sheep, and a bazillion trees. You can connect with her at https://diannemarieandre.com/5039-2/

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Christmas Blog Tour – Hello from Churchill Manitoba Canada

Laurie Wood — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:21 +0000

Northern Hearts (Heroes of the Tundra Book 2) is my Christmas novella set in the real-life town of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. It’s called the Polar Bear Capitol of the World. I set my entire series there, and my husband and I flew up in 2019 so that I could do proper research on the town and its polar bear research facilities.

I set this story during the Christmas in between Northern Deception (Book 1) and Northern Protector (Book 3). The inspiration for the story came to me out of the blue—I love it when my brain and creativity strikes like that—because I was thinking about family situations and secrets.

I had the vision of a rich young woman with every advantage she could have in her life, but still yearning for more. And her family held a long, dark secret in the past. She’s about to find out about a family member she had never known existed before, and how that person had been following her life from afar.

The hero is the opposite. He’s grown up without a proper family in the foster care system and the unknown family member of the heroine has been a stand-in mother figure for him. When the hero and heroine meet and are forced to work together for thirty days to meet the legal requirements of the family member’s will, they have to examine what their relationships mean to them and learn to work together.

Being a romance, they will fall in love, but I include some real-life festivities that take place in Churchill, and some traditions that I wish I’d done myself over the years. I believe that family traditions keep memories alive and serve the purpose of keeping families intact, especially when children are young and growing up. Once they’re grown up, some traditions need to change to facilitate the changes in the family make-up, for example, adult children marrying and the “family” enlarging.

Like the Sabbath being made for man, not man for the Sabbath, as Jesus taught us, I think that family traditions like every person being present at Christmas dinner when that may not be feasible, need to be looked at in the light of love and common sense. Christmas dinners may need to be done rotationally. Traditions may need to grow and change as the years go by.

That doesn’t mean that our Christmas excitement and celebrations of our one true King shouldn’t take place or be enjoyed. They just may look different from year to year, and that’s all right. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus is the Light of the World and our Saviour. I wish you all a blessed Christmas!

Here is a quick excerpt from Chapter 1 of NORTHERN HEARTS:

Wild and dangerous and the town has nothing of significance…

With that ringing in her ears, she grabbed her soft-sided hot pink suitcase and hauled it upright beside her. The clock read 9:45 a.m., so she was right on time. Her ride should be here any minute. Gazing around the tiny, one-room airport, she noticed a twelve-foot-high polar bear skin hung spread out in a wooden display case. The sheer height and width of it gave her pause.

“It’s nothing but snow, ice, and polar bears,” her dad had said. She rolled her luggage over to the huge case and checked out the five-inch claws on the paws of the polar bear skin. Its teeth were three inches, at least, bared permanently in a snarl. The entire fur from side to side had to be four feet wide.

She drew in a breath to calm her nerves and turned to read the huge blue and white sign on the wall.

“Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba–Polar Bear Country,” it read.

“NEVER–

Go beyond a polar bear alert warning sign

Approach or feed a bear for any reason

Walk at night after 10 p.m.

“Always be alert and aware of your surroundings,” said a deep voice from behind her left shoulder.

Adrenaline rippled through her veins. Kali gasped and jumped. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry.” The man who’d spoken loomed over her. His fur-lined green parka hood, which he shoved back out of the way, framed his brown hair and beard scruff. His brown, almost black, eyes didn’t look the least bit sorry. His thick, longish hair poked up in an unruly fashion and curled around his ears. He grinned, showing white, even teeth she couldn’t help but stare at for a second. Handsome. Unbelievably handsome.

“Sorry, that’s the next line on the sign—you are reading the sign, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I mean, I was… I just…” Kali stopped. Get a hold of yourself! You’re babbling.

“The most important thing to remember is that bears can be in town at any time of day or night,” he quoted from the sign. “I’m assuming you’re Miss Kali McIntyre?”

She drew herself up to her entire 5’ 1” height. “You can drop the Miss. And yes, I’m Kali McIntyre.” If this guy was her ride, she’d just hit the lottery.

He drew off his enormous fur-trimmed gauntlet and thrust his right-hand forwards to shake her hand. “Excellent. I’m Jake Miller, from The Great Northern Lodge.”

©Laurie Wood 2019

If you visit my website at https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com and sign up for my newsletter, you’ll receive a gift. Thank you for being with me today.

You can buy Northern Hearts here: https://amzn.to/33CFJeE

Northern Redemption (Heroes of the Tundra Book 4) will come out in 2023.

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Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Author Ann Brodeur

Laurie Wood — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:00:08 +0000

Welcome to the Blog, Ann! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a wife, mom of four, writer, and coffee connoisseur. We live in the Capital region of Canada (where both official languages are spoken on a daily basis!) which is a significant starting point for traveling east or west with our trailer. We love to camp, so we spend most of our summers traveling to unknown places. Though, the Gaspésie region of eastern Quebec is our favourite spot to camp (and the inspiration for one of my novels).

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

When I was in elementary school, I loved reading. I loved it so much that I volunteered to help in the library every day after school. When I was in Grade Five, my librarian encouraged me to enter a writing contest. I won and was invited to a conference held at the University of Guelph, where I met published authors. Then, in college, my English professor asked if I’d ever thought about writing books. It wasn’t until twenty years after that chat that I wrote my first novel.

Who was your favorite character to create?

By far, Mrs.Sweeney was the most fun to create, followed by Tilly. Mrs. Sweeney is the culmination of several women who have been influential in my life. And the inspiration from Tilly came from my best friend. She’s the first to tell me the truth—without coating it in sweetness, but she’s the best of the best and I’m so blessed to have her for my friend.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

I looked up the popular baby names from the approximate year my characters would have been born. From that list, I started thinking about how many people I knew with those names and it went from there.

What does your family think of your writing?

My husband and kids are super supportive. They especially love it when I finish writing a novel because then I make homemade ice cream to celebrate my accomplishment. My girls are anxiously waiting for me to finish writing a series of middle grade books for them and are full of ideas how the stories should work out. Those books are my fun projects in between other writing projects.

Are you part of a writing group?

I’m a part of several writing groups and I’m so thankful for each person who has helped me along the way. I’m a member of Faith Hope Love Christian Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and The Word Guild. I’ve learned so much from the webinars provided by FHLCW and the open discussions about everything to do with writing; ACFW’s novel track keeps me accountable to other writers and inspires me to keep plowing through my WIPs when I don’t have enough steam to keep going; and The Word Guild is providing great insight to the world of self-publishing in Canada. Then, there are friendships I’ve formed from these groups, individuals who have helped me tremendously in different facets. I’m grateful that you’re one of them, Laurie!

And I’m grateful for your friendship as well!

What’s next for you as an author?

I currently have two novels being considered for publication with a major publishing house, I’ve received a full manuscript request for my historical novel (which I’m still writing), and I’m in the early stages of dipping my toes in the world of indie publishing. And, hopefully, I’ll have a story to gift my girls this Christmas.

Give us a quick blurb about your Christmas book…

All she needs is to get home for Christmas. All he needs is a Christmas miracle.

The last person PR Director, Stephanie Clark expected to rescue her from a winter storm was the best friend, and love of her life, who abandoned her twelve years prior. Editor-in-Chief Jason Miller regrets everything about walking away from the story that would have defined his career, but ruined Stephanie’s family. In a holiday season full of surprises they must fight for truth and risk losing everything, or learn to have faith again and trust God’s perfect plan, despite their circumstances.

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

There’s a bit of a mystery going on around town that Stephanie and Jason are working to solve.

“At first, I thought it was a prank, but like you wrote in your article this morning, a

lot of that is happening and I wonder why.”

Sally placed a hand on her hip as Stephanie opened the folded paper.

“What do you make of the note?”

Sally shrugged. “Beats me. Says, ‘I.O.U. four reindeer’ so I’m waiting to either get

paid or find my little guys back in their spot sometime soon.” Sally waved to onlookers

outside in the cold who returned the gesture.

“Thing is, I’m happy to spread Christmas cheer, but it’s a puzzle as to why someone

would have a reason to do this. After all, this is the center of New England Christmas,

good will and peace toward men. No other town does Christmas better than Winterberry

Falls. I don’t know of many who would begrudge helping another find a little bit of

Christmas.”

Sally’s eyes dimmed. Stephanie frowned. The woman’s statement made a lot of sense, but it brought up

CHRISTMAS IN JULY READER GIVEAWAY: NORTHERN HEARTS (Heroes of the Tundra Novella)

Laurie Wood — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:39:23 +0000

Happy Christmas in July! Welcome to the seventh blog in this Christmas in July Reader Giveaway, which runs July 12-23, 2021. At the bottom of each author’s blog post, you will find the secret words. Write them all down and provide the provide the entire answer on this Google form. See below for a list with links of all participating authors!

Note: You must grab all the secret words from every author in the Christmas in July Reader Giveaway to be eligible to win a $400 Amazon gift card. At the end of this blog post is a link to the next blog, and so on, to the final blog post (20 in all). At each blog stop, the author will also give away copy or copies of their featured Christmas book.

My publisher came to me with the idea of doing a special Christmas novella for my Heroes of the Tundra series, because Book 1, Northern Deception, ends in November, with an epilogue at the end of the winter in March. They thought putting a story within my tundra world at Christmas time would be a great idea and I agreed with them, even though I’d never tried to write a Christmas story before – never mind a novella!

I was already writing Book 2, Northern Protector, which is set in the following summer right after Northern Deception. It was a challenge to switch horses and think about Christmas and what that might look like in Churchill, Manitoba, which is a real town. I decided to make it as similar to a Hallmark story as I could, with a simple but interesting timed mystery, and a budding romance. I knew that the town of Churchill does an annual Santa Claus event at their Town Centre so that every child in town receives at least once present for Christmas, so I used that as my ending and wrote backwards.

It was fun to come up with my own twist on Christmas traditions, as I made my hero and heroine complete opposites: Jake Miller is an older chef who’s used to running the business and settled into his career and life in the northern wilderness. Kali McIntyre has dreams of opening her own dessert bar in the big city, and is a firecracker with visions of how to completely re-do everything that’s been “working” for The Great Northern Lodge up until her arrival. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I had a ton of fun coming up with her wacky methods of changing Christmas traditions that had stood the test of time in the north.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Wealthy socialite Kali McIntyre dreams of opening her own dessert bar, Sassy Sweets, in downtown Winnipeg—until her father crushes that dream when he cuts her off financially. He’s determined to get her to use her law degree to join the family’s high-powered law firm. She’s determined to do anything but that. And when an unknown-to-her aunt dies in Churchill, Manitoba, leaving her an unbelievable inheritance, Kali’s on the next flight up north to make her dreams a reality. Chef Jake Miller has lived in Churchill for the past ten years, working hard to keep The Great Northern Lodge afloat through some tough times. But then his business partner dies unexpectedly, without telling him that she’d changed her will or that she had a niece who is set to inherit everything. Now, Jake and Kali have thirty days to work together and decide—who will stay and who will go—before Christmas rolls around. Secrets, attempted murder, and a new menu all add up to a Christmas unlike any other.

For your chance to win 3 E-book copies of NORTHERN HEARTS, please leave your family’s favourite Christmas tradition in the comments. Is it something baked? Something decorative? A family activity?

(I’m giving away E-books because I value all of my national and international readers!)

Now, it’s time to for the secret words: the guilty

Save the secret words, and when you reach the final blog, enter all the secret words on this form for a chance to win a $400 Amazon gift cards!

Thank you so much for visiting! The next author on the tour is Carol Stratton and her Christmas book “The Littlest Bell Ringer” – a middle grade novel . You can find it at this link. Remember, this Christmas in July Reader Giveaway will end on July 23 at 8 PM EST!

Here’s a list of all participating authors with their links, just in case something goes wonky. Enjoy!

Sarah Hamakerhttps://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/07/10/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway-dangerous-christmas-memories/
Jill Kemererhttps://jillkemerer.com/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Dennis Baileyhttps://dennisbaileyfiction.com/2021/07/08/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Peggy Sue Wellshttps://singlemomcircle.com/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Terri Weldonhttps://terriweldon.com/blog/
Jennifer Chastain https://jenniferchastain.com/2021/07/11/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Laurie Wood’s secret words: the guilty, (her blog isn’t working right now)
Carol Strattonhttps://www.carolgstratton.com/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Terri Reedhttp://www.terrireed.com/2021/07/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway.html
Anne Greenhttp://anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com/
Pam Greenhttps://pamgreenwrites.com/2021/07/11/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Izzy Jameshttps://enotsilent.wordpress.com/2021/07/11/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Nancy J. Farrierhttps://nancyjfarrier.com/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Dana Mentinkhttps://dmentink.wordpress.com/2021/07/10/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/
Hallee Bridgemanhttps://www.halleebridgeman.com/christmas-in-july
Susan Lyttekhttps://sajlyttek.com/blog/1526-Christmas-in-July-Reader-Giveaway?sel=1-0
Zoe McCarthyhttps://zoemmccarthy.com/activities/christmas-in-july-reader-give-away
Sherry Kylehttps://www.sherrykyle.com/forever-yours-this-christmas-christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/

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Review of Debut Novel SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS

Laurie Wood — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:12:46 +0000

If you’re a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you’ll love this Christmas romance set in the small Vermont town of Winterberry Falls. It has all the beloved attributes of a favourite Hallmark movie, meaning you can curl up with this romance and a cup of tea or hot chocolate, your favourite afghan, and snuggle in front of your fireplace for an afternoon of pure delight.

Small town snowed in by a nasty blizzard? Check!

Heroine and Hero separated in the past by family secrets that need to be brought into the light? Check!

Heroine is passing through the small town of Winterberry Falls when she crashes into the town sign in the blizzard, forcing her to seek help in the snow at the nearest building? Check!

Hero is back home in said small town, struggling to keep his family’s newspaper and their legacy afloat in hard times? Check!

Heroine is struggling to decide regarding her future with a supposedly suitable, all-around, “maybe-perfect” boyfriend in the big city? Check!

Add to these a heroine who’s diabetic and from a wealthy family while our hero’s family is barely making ends meet, in a town where they celebrate Christmas in their businesses all year round, and you have the delicious recipe for a novel of opposites attracting and love denied for the past twelve years.

Debut author Ann Brodeur melts these traditional tropes into a story of hope and redemption and brings us along on the journey of two people who get their second chance through true forgiveness and leaning on God’s direction instead of following their own misguided ways. Best of all, she does it with a sub-plot of a light, cozy mystery about missing town Christmas decorations, delightful secondary characters, and a Christmas town setting you’ll want to return to again and again. I’m looking forward to her next book with anticipation.

Here’s the Back Cover Blurb and Buy Links to grab your own copy:

Unwrapping their past – one secret at a time.

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

https://www.amazon.ca/Snowbound-Winterberry-Falls-Ann-Brodeur-ebook/dp/B08MBCNY7D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TRRUQI558XOH&dchild=1&keywords=snowbound+in+winterberry+falls&qid=1604351032&sprefix=snowbound+in+wint%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Snowbound-Winterberry-Falls-Ann-Brodeur-ebook/dp/B08MBCNY7D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25ACGSBC5DBUU&dchild=1&keywords=snowbound+in+winterberry+falls&qid=1604351070&sprefix=Snowbound+in%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1

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Debut Author Ann Brodeur and Snowbound in Winterberry Falls

Laurie Wood — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:00:00 +0000

SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS by Ann Brodeur

Unwrapping their past – one secret at a time.

Releases November 6, 2020 by Anaiah Press

Here’s an excerpt:

Jason’s eyes narrowed and he held Stephanie’s gaze. He fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them to her. She took them from his hand and offered a polite smile. Stephanie rose, tossed Kimberley’s resume on the desk, and tried to brush past him. Her breath caught when he blocked her with a gentle, but firm hand on her wrist. The tender touch of his thumb all but stole her composure. Her gaze focused on the fingers wrapped around her wrist and journeyed up his arm until she met eyes pooled with concern.

She swallowed hard, wishing strength into her weak petition. “Please let me go.” Tears pricked her eyes as she stared at him.

A nerve pulsed in his cheek, and Stephanie’s breaths grew raspy.

One minute more and she wouldn’t have the strength to leave.

“Please.” Her voice cracked, her eyes pleading with him.

Jason nodded and his shoulders heaved as he exhaled.

Not a moment too soon, he released his grip, his touch still burning a memory into her skin.

Stephanie raced from his office, her cheeks hot as her resolve to resist his charms weakened.

Why, oh why was she here?

BIO

ANN BRODEUR is an award-winning novelist who writes inspirational and contemporary romances offering sweet hope and happy endings.

When she’s not reading, writing, chasing after her kids or enjoying long chats with her husband, Ann can be found drinking coffee, that’s been reheated several times throughout the day. She aspires to someday drink a hot beverage in one sitting.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Join other readers in finding out the latest news from Ann and for bookish fun, by signing up for my newsletter on my website: http://brodeurwrites.com/

Check out novel inspiration, book reviews and more on my Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.ca/brodeurwrites

Follow and Like my author page: https://www.facebook.com/annbrodeurauthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20786619.Ann_Brodeur

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-brodeur

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Brodeur

You can buy the book here:

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3p48B5y

Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/3529fZe

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Author Interview with Jennifer Chastain

Laurie Wood — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 09:00:57 +0000

Welcome to the blog, Jennifer! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My husband, Ronnie, and I will have been married for twenty-six years this November. Wow – time sure flies! When we met, we were both attending our church’s singles ministry. That next year, I was asked to direct the Easter Passion Play so I had a lot of extras to recruit. I started with the singles department and asked Ronnie to be one of the Roman soldiers. It was a life changing experience, not only to direct but to also date and get to know my future husband. For the past 5 years, we have been host parents to several international students that attended the Christian school. It was such a privilege to be able to parent these boys and see them mature into the young men they are today. They have become the children of my heart.

Describe your story in 5 sentences or less:

The Mistletoe Contract is a sweet, contemporary, faith-filled marriage of convenience story that takes place in the small, fictional southern town of Providence NC. Nathan Rutledge needs a wife to assume leadership at his family’s company, Rutledge Corporate Developers, Incorporated. Meredith Mitchell is the forensic accountant sent to RCD, Inc. to scour their financial transactions. Meredith is the last person Nate ever expected to see again, and Meredith? Well let’s just say she and Nate have history that causes the sparks to fly as they work to uncover the embezzler. And when Nate and Meredith enter into a marriage of convenience, is it an answer to both their prayers or a recipe for disaster?

What is the inspiration behind your story?

I love all things Christmas – I always have. We used to live in a small town and every year, we would go select our Christmas tree and then Dad would cut it down. Growing up, there was no other time of year that was as magical as Christmas. A couple of years ago, I attended a writing camp and while there, met a couple of other writers with whom I am now friends. When I got back, Hallmark had started playing their Christmas movies. Well, I also like the reality show, Married at First Sight, where the participants are matched but don’t meet their spouse until their wedding day. I’ve read a lot of fake marriage/fiancé/boyfriend stories. I started to ask some “what if” questions. Such as, what if the characters were really married? That would create a whole new dynamic that the couple would have to work through. I also wanted to include some local areas of interest. I included a scene from McAdenville, NC – they call their little town “Christmas Town USA”. The entire town is decorated with lights and lawn displays, in fact, the entire town looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie!

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I’ve always loved to read, even as a little girl. Over twenty years ago, I noticed that there weren’t a whole lot of Christian authors out in the marketplace, except for a lot of historical fiction authors with a few contemporary authors here and there. I stumbled upon Terri Blackstock’s writing and loved the themes she brought into her suspense stories. When I found a writer I liked, I purchased their stories and eagerly awaited their next release. But it always seemed it took forever for the next book to release. And when Kindle and digital books came along, I downloaded a lot of books. And I mean a LOT! And truthfully, some of them weren’t very good. I knew there had to be a specific structure/outline to writing a book. But where would I find it? And then life happened and so many things were going on in my personal life until fifteen years passed. But God wouldn’t let me rest. He put this desire in me to write. Six years ago I did a Google search on how to write a novel. The first response was Novel Academy/My Book Therapy’s website. My stomach was in knots as I signed up for the Story Crafter course taught by Susan May Warren. And I guess you could say the rest is history.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I think it’s a toss-up between Meredith and Nate’s sister, Tori. Both of these women have a lot of layers to them. But, I really love Tori’s personality. She’s a secondary character but she is fun, quirky, and has a depth to her I didn’t realize when I started writing this book. She hides her hurts behind this bubbly mask of “everything is great!” when in reality, she’s been deeply hurt. Eventually, I think I’m going to have to write her story. She’s just not been very “talkative” yet.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m definitely a plotter! In my job, I’m always making lists so this habit carries over to my writing as well. I have to know which direction my story is going or else I’ll get lost in the weeds, so to speak. Sometimes, my characters might take a detour but that can be a good thing because it takes the story in a slightly different direction or adds an extra element of tension to the scene.

What does your family think of your writing?

My husband has been very supportive of me. It’s been a long-held dream come true for me to have a story published. All my family members are very excited to see my book in print. It’s been a long road to publication, with lots of struggles and doubts, but my family has been there for me the entire time, cheering me on.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, there is a group of 4 of us here in the Charlotte area that meet once a month for critiques. We met at Word Weavers and at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Now, we meet virtually once a month to offer critiques, brainstorm or discuss social media and what we can do to boost our numbers. I’m also a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy.

What’s next for you as an author?

Right now, I’m working a couple of different stories. I’m editing a completed manuscript and hope to have that in the editor’s hands in the next couple of weeks. I’ve also plotted out a new story, set in the same small southern town as The Mistletoe Contract. I’m hoping to write most of that during the months of November and December, with some heavy editing over the Christmas holidays.

That sounds wonderful! Here’s your lovely book cover, blurb, and a short excerpt:

He needs a wife. She needs money. Is their modern-day marriage an answer to their prayers or a disaster waiting to happen?

Confirmed bachelor, Nathan Rutledge shut his heart to romance when he was forced to break the heart of the only woman he ever truly loved. Now, with his father’s retirement from the family conglomerate, the torch has been passed to him. But there are two problems—first, he needs a wife in order to take over the family business. Second, someone has been embezzling company funds. With the pressure mounting, and time expiring to find both a wife he can trust and the thief, Nate needs a Christmas miracle.

Forensic Accountant, Meredith Mitchell’s life is in a shambles. Her mother needs a lifesaving transplant, Mom’s medical bills have bankrupted Meredith’s meager savings, and she’s sold everything of value, but it’s still not enough. To make matters worse, she’s now tasked with discovering accounting errors for a new client—none other than Nathan Rutledge—the same man who gave her a broken heart for Christmas eight years ago.

Meredith wants to run. Nate wants the chance to right his wrongs. So, naturally, when he proposes a modern-day marriage of convenience, she balks at the idea. But he desperately needs a wife, and she really needs the money he offers. Is this the answer to her prayers? Or will this mutually beneficial arrangement re-open old wounds that can’t be healed?

The excerpt:

Meredith closed the door with a soft click and propped herself against the wall. Tilting her head up, she released a huge sigh. She hated lying to her mother. Weariness settled deep in her bones. Her to-do list for the wedding grew with each passing hour. She had a lot to accomplish between now and Friday morning.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Meredith’s eyes popped open. “Nate! You scared me!” Facing off with her fiancé, she straightened her spine. “What’re you doing here?”

His back against the wall, he crossed his ankles. Even after working all day, Nate still appeared fresh. When she glanced at her gray dress pants, the red sauce stain from her rushed dinner glared at her. She was wrinkly… and frumpy.

Nate frowned, his gaze roving over her.

Meredith moved her purse from her shoulder and held it in front of the stain. “I’m sorry. That was unkind.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude.”

She pulled herself up to her full height. “You didn’t. It’s… I didn’t expect to see you.” At least, not until their wedding day, giving her a couple of days to steel her emotions against his all-American boy-next-door charm. Why did he have to ruin her well-thought-out plan? His nearness sent her pulse into overdrive.

Nate turned toward her and rested one hand on the wall above her head. He was so close she saw the golden flecks ringing his pupils. “Can’t a guy see his fiancée before the wedding?” The low timbre of Nate’s voice raised goose bumps on her arms, and her heart rate kicked up another notch.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she licked her dry lips before her gaze settled on his mouth. “Yeah, sure.”

Nate’s free hand came up and traced a line down her cheek. Meredith closed her eyes.

She had to stop this flood of emotion. Why was he doing this to her? His spicy cologne wafted between them. Comforted her. Shoot. Nate smelled good.

“Nate… please… someone will see us.” Meredith swallowed hard, and her breaths came in short gasps.

“So?”

“This is supposed to be a business relationship. No funny business. You promised.”

Meredith scooted out from under his arm and hurried down the tiled hallway, her steps echoing in the empty space. She needed air. And personal space. “Is there a reason you stopped by?”

Nate fell in step beside Meredith. She scampered down the hall to the elevator bank.

Nate touched her arm, and they stood facing each other in front of the elevator. “Have a cup of coffee with me?” His blue eyes held a glimmer of amusement.

Shock or maybe desire rooted Meredith’s feet to the floor.

The elevator door opened, and two nurses in scrubs emerged. Meredith entered and jabbed the first-floor button. When she looked up into the polished steel doors, she met Nate’s steady gaze. Turning to face him, she crossed her arms. “Why, Nate? What are you trying to do to me? We have an agreement.”

Nate matched her stance, a smirk on his face. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Meredith snorted, and her lips stretched into a sneer. “Oh, come on. You cannot seriously be this clueless.”

He stepped closer, his hands in his pockets, causing her to back up a couple of steps. “This attraction—you’re not immune to it, either, are you?”

Shaking her head, Meredith braced her back against the elevator car. “No, you’re wrong. This isn’t the type of relationship you’re thinking about.” She bit her lower lip.

Nate’s warm breath whispered against her ear, and chill bumps raced up and down her arms. “But it could be. Think of how much fun we’d have.”

His nearness muddled her mind. But she was older now. Wiser. Fool me once and all that. She’d be doggoned if he’d fool her again with his sweet talk. Before she answered, the elevator doors opened with a whoosh. Saved by the bell.

Meredith darted into the parking deck. “I don’t think so,” she said over her shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow at 4:00 to finalize the details.”

You can buy this book here: https://amzn.to/2GMqswq

About the author

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.

The post Author Interview with Jennifer Chastain appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Author Interview with Christina Sinisi

Laurie Wood — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 09:00:22 +0000

Welcome to the blog, Christina! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Christina Sinisi writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. Her works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and the American Title IV Contest in which she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include The Christmas Confusion and the upcoming Sweet Summer, the first two books in the Summer Creek Series, as well as Christmas On Ocracoke. By day, she is a psychology professor and lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with her husband and two children and cat Chessie Mae.

Describe your story in 5 sentences or less:

Reeling from the upheaval of a failed marriage, Annie Hanahan is desperate for a new start—and when she inherits a cottage on Ocracoke Island, she may finally get it. Without a second thought, she packs up and leaves everything behind: her first name, her job, and her ex-husband. But when she arrives in the Outer Banks, she finds the island—and her promised refuge—ravaged by Hurricane Dorian. As a contractor who has given so much of his time to helping Ocracoke recover, it surprises no when Trey Kingsley offers to help the beautiful newcomer, but something is holding her back. Life keeps throwing them together, though, or perhaps God’s hand is giving them a nudge. Will a little bit of divine intervention be enough for a Merry Christmas on Ocracoke?

What is the inspiration behind your story?

My sister and her husband bought a vacation home on Hatteras Island. The Outer Banks had always been on my bucket list to visit, but this past year was my first time to go. Then, while we were there for New Year’s, we took a day trip to Ocracoke Island. It was like visiting a different world. Plus, the mountains of debris and the boarded-up shops touched my heart and I wanted to write a story for them.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I have always wanted to write–since I learned how in elementary school. I have always written, except sometimes it was not fiction.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I’m a professor and department chair of psychology at a small college in Charleston, South Carolina. During the semester, I write at night, after I’m done with grading. Thank goodness for summers and all the various breaks we’re blessed to have or I’d be restricted to the one or two pages I can barely crank out at night. On the other hand, during those crazy busy times like exams, I give myself permission not to write. My creative well refills and I’m back at it as soon as I can.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I’m a morning person, but I do what I must.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, I’m a member of our local American Christian Fiction Writers group here in Charleston–which we just started this year. And yes, we didn’t know it, but what a terrible year to begin. On the other hand, the support is wonderful. If any writers out there in the eastern part of South Carolina would like to join, we’d love to have you.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

I think it might be better phrased, who did I beg to read it? My writer friend, Dianne Miley, gave me wonderful and needed feedback first. I find that I’m never sure whether it’s “good enough” when I finish a manuscript. Thank you, Dianne!

What’s next for you as an author?

Last year, I published my first Christmas novella, The Christmas Confusion. When my mentor read the manuscript, she said she wanted to read the sisters’ stories. So, next summer, Sweet Summer, the youngest sister, Shelby’s story, will be told. Right now, I’m writing the middle sister, Emma’s story, Why They Call It Falling. I hope to complete that one by the end of the year!

Hmmm…I wonder if Meggy, Trey’s sister, has a story waiting.

Here’s your lovely cover and back cover blurb, with a short excerpt for our readers:

Book Blurb:

Reeling from the upheaval of a failed marriage, Annie Hanahan is desperate for a new start—and when she inherits a cottage on Ocracoke Island, she may finally get it. Without a second thought, she packs up and leaves everything behind: her first name, her job, and her ex-husband, because more than anything, she wants to get her son away. Maybe now she can get her son away from his father’s partying and neglectful ways. But when she arrives in the Outer Banks, she finds the island—and her promised refuge—ravaged by Hurricane Dorian.

When their parents died in a tragic car accident, Trey Kingsley dropped out of college to raise his sister. Now that she’s grown and moved away, it’s his turn to find a life of his own. As a contractor who has given so much of his time to helping Ocracoke recover from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, it surprises no one when he offers to help the beautiful newcomer, but something is holding her back. Life keeps throwing them together, though, or perhaps God’s hand is giving them a nudge. Will a little bit of divine intervention be enough for a Merry Christmas on Ocracoke?

Excerpt:

“You, too. Welcome to Hatteras.” The girl was already disappearing into the back room and turning off lights.

Annie scanned what seemed like a deserted island at this time of night. Charleston was on the coast, but this was a different world. There was a stoplight a few blocks away, and a few shops had interior lights glowing, but overall, there was a sense of being at the end of the world.

And Ocracoke was south, farther away from everything.

She breathed in air pregnant with salt and moisture and let it go. James would be safe in the SUV while she dragged their suitcases upstairs. He slept with his neck at a jagged angle, his forehead heavy against the side of the car seat. Tenderness stopped her in her tracks for a minute, or maybe it was sheer exhaustion.

The sound of tires bouncing over the speed bump at the entrance to the motel broke her out of her reverie. The man driving the extended cab monstrosity lifted his chin in greeting and parked a couple of spots down the line.

Annie ducked her head and gathered James’s things. She lingered for a few seconds until she heard the truck door slam shut, waiting for the man to go inside and disappear. Hoisting the heavy diaper bag on one shoulder, she juggled her purse and overnight bag on the other.

“Hey, let me help you with that.”

The deep baritone caught her off guard, and she did a little dance, startled.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I just wondered if you could use some help carrying stuff. Promise I’m not a creep. I could just carry your bags to the top of the stairs, drop them off.”

Annie narrowed her eyes. “How would you know my room is at the top of the stairs?”

The man leaned against the cab of his truck, jean-clad legs outlined by the waving street lamps. He held out two hands, palms up in surrender. “Nothing diabolical. When I checked in earlier, the girl said the only room left after that was next to mine. Yeah, I know, she should never have said that, but she did, and she’s young.”

Annie’s whole head dropped in shock. “She did what? I can’t believe.”

The diaper bag slipped off her shoulder, and she almost lost the bag. The man crossed the gap between them with a few fast steps and caught the bag before it hit the ground. “Here, let me get that. I saw the car seat earlier, so I’m betting you want to get that little one to bed.”

“Earlier?”

“Yeah, has your foot dried yet?”

“I’m sorry?” Annie knew she was tired, but this man couldn’t be the one who’d come to her rescue earlier. “That was you, back in Florence?”

“Yeah, thought I’d get that out there. The coincidence is crazy. And I promise you that I didn’t follow you all the way here. I have a construction company, do work out here. Plus, I got here before you did.”

Annie swayed where she stood. “Okay. This is weird. What’s your name? Did you say?”

“Trey, Trey Kingsley,” he said and shifted bags to stick out a hand. “I’m working on a rental house, checked into the motel long term while I’m working. Jenny’s just got comfortable with me since I’m almost a local now.”

“Nice to meet you, Trey.” She shook his hand, barely making physical contact. She’d play nice, get her stuff to her door, and then triple lock it with a chair propped against the handle. “Um, thank you for the help.”

“You’re welcome.” He shifted the bags and stepped out of the way, waiting for her to retrieve James. “Normally, when one person gives their name, the other returns the favor.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I must be more tired than I thought. That last part of the drive was a killer.” She blinked at her horrible choice of words. She babbled to cover up her nervousness, which never worked. “I’ve never been here before, so it was actually a little bit terrifying, no streetlights, and the ocean right on the other side of the dunes like that.”

Trey chuckled. “So, I don’t get your name? That’s okay, I get it. You don’t know me, midnight, cheap motel.”

Annie’s mind blanked, and she stared at the hollows in his cheeks, shadowed in the dim street lights, and beyond all reason, she trusted him. “Sorry. Yes, all those things, but no. My name’s Annie.”

“Good to meet you, Annie.” Trey gave a nod as if to emphasize the point and led the way up the metal steps, his work boots thudding with each riser. “I’m staying here because any remodeling work needs to be done in the off season. The rental houses are pretty booked up here in the summer.”

Annie hesitated, not taking the leap to tell him why she was here on this chilly November night. “Well, this is my room. You can just drop the stuff there.”

Trey grinned, and now in the brighter light, she got the full impact of his dark red hair and bright blue eyes. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Annie Hanahan. If you need anything, I’m right next door in 202. Otherwise, I’ll see you at breakfast?”

Annie fought to keep her eyelids from closing on her as she stood in place, hand clutching the doorknob. “I don’t know if I’ll make it. I may be sleeping in for a change.”

Trey nodded, exuding charm and maybe mischief. “Well, on that note, I’ll be heading away from your door. Good night, Annie.”

Annie found herself alternating between staring at James’s diaper bag and watching Trey walk away. She’d had enough southern charm to last her a lifetime, but it didn’t stop her from enjoying the view.

BUY FROM ANAIAH

www.anaiahpress.com/s/shop

Add to Goodreads:

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You can find Christina online here:

Website/Blog: https://www.christinasinisi.com/

Twitter: @ChristinaSinisi

Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/3pmZ5KX

Instagram: @csinisi123

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/csinisi/

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2H1bi6Q

Bookbub: @christinasinisi

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