Embracing Christmas Traditions

Thank you so much for hosting me today!

As a child, each Sunday we could count on roast beef for dinner. If we’d lost all calendars and had no idea what day it was, seeing roast beef on the table would give us a clue it was at least Sunday. Honestly, because it was so predictable, I made fun of it.

Until I moved to a dorm and my family’s Sunday dinner was whatever I found in the dining hall.

It was then I understood the importance of traditions. As a young adult, I no longer complained about a Christmas Eve present, a tradition, and knew it was going to be pajamas. Once I married, we’d add attending Christmas Eve service before opening that present. On Christmas morning, we’d read Luke 2 before opening presents. Christmas dinner would be at my childhood home, where there would be a ham dinner. Once I got pregnant and violently ill thanks to the spiral ham, the tradition forward was turkey.

Fast forward and our two children are young adults. One is married and about to experience his first Christmas away from home and with his new traditions. Both my parents and my in-laws are gone. The moments I reflect on those past Christmas seasons, I realize it is the traditions I hold close.

Some traditions might seem silly, like the one my sister, a teacher, created “reindeer food” outside on Christmas Eve with my kids. When her son came along, we added him to the process. I still remember his glee when he’d go outside and find the glittery concoction had been touched. Even at 23 and 19, last year my kids headed out to help spread the food. It’s a fond memory for both of them.

There are also traditions that probably only our family invested in. My parents worked hard, but like most families in the 70’s and 80’s, from paycheck to paycheck. Mom did a lot of her shopping after Christmas because it was affordable. One gift she stumbled upon was a vendor at the mall who created a “blue ice village.” Each year, I would receive a piece. I was excited to showcase each piece under the tree. To this day, that village goes under my tree. Mom etched each piece with the year she gave it to me. That village means the world to me not for the unique look, but because it came from my mom.

Last year was our first Christmas without a parent. Memories and traditions surrounded our boxes I now see I took for granted. I assumed those things would always be there, just like my parents would. The reality is they are gone, and if I don’t pick up the traditions, they die too.

We kept mom’s traditions but added one. Instead of opening a Christmas Eve present, we chose something with a humorous side to help us through our grief. We drew names among the kids, my sister, and myself, and chose a white elephant gift. Once unwrapped, our tokens included a large glittery rubber duck to a calendar of dogs doing their business. If we keep that game up, it will be a fun tradition that I’ll cherish as one that got us through a rather bleak time.

If you’re facing a Christmas full of traditions that don’t make sense to you, or seem too costly in time or finances, ask God to help you see the interaction as He does. For me, a lot of what I thought was boring and predictable when I was younger was, in reality, tangible moments with my family I’ll never get back. Those traditions became precious memories, and that’s what I’m left with. There’s nothing in a store that could equal the value of those Christmas times.

What are some of your Christmas traditions? What do you think of them?

Bio:

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the new contemporary romance series SURRENDERING HEARTS (Anchored Hearts, Repairing Hearts, +four more.) Her other romance series is SURRENDERING TIME (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged.) She also co-wrote a YA series with her daughter, SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ (You’re Beautiful, You’re Amazing, You’re Brilliant.) Her stand-alone romances include MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. Julie maintains a blog at juliearduini.com and takes part in the team blog Christians Read. She lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Learn more by visiting her at http://linktr.ee/JulieArduini.

We can find her newest release at
https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Hearts-Surrendering-Book-ebook/dp/B09XH1KVXD

The post Christmas Blog Tour – Welcome Julie Arduini appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Grave Christmas Secrets Blurb:

Discovering buried evidence makes her a target.

At a prehistoric site, forensic anthropologist Taya McGill uncovers a recently buried body days before Christmas—and finds herself in a killer’s sights. Now on the run with undercover ATF agent Keegan Stryker, she must rely on him to guard her as they figure out why someone would kill to keep this murder unsolved. But can they unearth the truth before someone silences them both for good?

***

‘Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead. Forensic anthropologist Taya McGill disagreed with Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote. In her experience, the dead were horrible secret keepers. Rather, she’d dub them mysterious pirates hoarding a treasure trove of clues. And as a general rule, far more reliable than most living people she’d encountered.

Taya cherished the incredible honor of speaking for the dearly departed, even when an active crime scene overtook her nonexistent Christmas plans. The excavation freed her from the holiday hustle and bustle she detested more than the insufferable game and parks officer reigning as security over the site.

He’d gone, for now, but if his previous behavior was any indicator, there’d soon be more rounds in futility. Those who misjudged Taya’s petite five-foot, ninety-pound stature for weakness learned the hard way that her stubbornness came packaged like dynamite and equaled her determination.

Dr. Taya McGill would never again succumb to a uniformed bully.

“It’s just you and me, friend. You’re safe to share your secrets,” Taya said, brushing back dirt from the exposed skull. Her coworkers mocked the unconventional method of talking aloud to the victim, but the process worked for her. And since she spent the majority of her time alone, who did it bother, anyway?

Unpredictable weather had hindered the recovery of the human remains, hindering the dig’s progression. The frigid winter temperatures had banked at a high—if that was a relative term—of negative four degrees. The radical increasing wind speeds over the past hour had further complicated things. No overhead streetlamps illuminated the onyx sky. Rolling hills and the occasional farm nestled in an endless snow-covered landscape surrounded over three hundred acres of Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park in the northeastern corner of Royal, Nebraska.

She shivered and tugged the zipper of her down-alternative parka as high as it would go, tucking her nose in the warmth. It was after midnight, but Taya’s ongoing battle with insomnia provided her the excuse to continue working. The victim buried in the shallow grave deserved justice. As did those mourning her.

Taya leaned down and paused with her brush midair. She’d already exposed most of the skeletal form and prepared to collect the remains for transport to her laboratory at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Something red near the thoracic vertebrae peeked through the earth. With a delicate swipe, she uncovered the object. A small deflated latex balloon.

Taya sighed. The find wasn’t unusual. Addicts ingested the balloons as a method of muling illegal drugs. Was that this victim’s story?’

This sounds so good! You can grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/2Wbyyn5

You can find Sharee Stover online here:

Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.

Website: https://shareestover.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shareestover

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorshareestover/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shareestover/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharee-stover

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/shareestover

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/shareestover

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Welcome to the Blog Katherine! Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I’m a homeschooling mom of two girls who should go to bed earlier but tends to watch Netflix after the kiddos are asleep. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and I married a wonderful guy who supports my dream to the point of his own exhaustion. (Example: He isn’t a morning person. Our two year old is. When I was writing FORTUNE’S FALL, he would get up with her before the sun almost every day so I could write in peace.) I also love dark chocolate and coffee. My happy place is sitting in my office on a rainy day with coffee and chocolate.

Now, can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less? 

In FORTUNE’S FALL, 17-year-old Nyssa Ardelone, dream interpreter to the president, learns that her mentor lied about the president’s latest dream to save the residents of Nyssa’s hometown, where the president ordered a gas attack to thwart a suspected rebellion. Nyssa’s parents are among the survivors.

Nyssa flees the security of her own well-planned life to bring the survivors an antidote as well as an interpretation of another dream only she can give. But the president launches a deadly pursuit, and Nyssa must evade him at all costs, learning on her journey that faith in God is the only thing that can save her.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Writing has always been my outlet. I love creating characters and other worlds. My first “published” story was in the fourth grade. The North Carolina Symphony sponsored a writing contest and I tied for first place with another student. It was so fun! I haven’t really stopped writing since then except during law school. I still remember sitting in the library attempting to read my Civil Procedure assignment and thinking, “This is going to suck all the creativity out of me for the rest of my life.” Thankfully that didn’t happen!

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

My day job consists of homeschooling our oldest daughter and doing all the things stay-at-home moms do. How do I find the time to write? Great question, haha! I get up really, really early and hammer out as much as possible before our day begins. Then, I find little chunks of time during the rest of the day to write, too.

And is this the first book you have coming out with Anaiah Press?

Yes, it is.

What led you to publish with Anaiah Press?
I sent dozens of queries to agents and publishers and connected pretty quickly with Kara Leigh Miller at Anaiah. Her enthusiasm for Fortune’s Fall was so exciting that I knew I wanted to work with Anaiah immediately! The next few months were nerve-wracking as I awaited her final decision. It was a great day when she told me Anaiah wanted to publish Fortune’s Fall and the rest of the books in the trilogy!

Are you a night owl or morning person?
  A morning person who tends to stay up too late.
​
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
The faith element. I think about it now and have to smile at how awesome God is. I didn’t set out to write an overtly Christian novel, but then God showed up. Nyssa’s personal journey to faith became an intricate and necessary part of the overall story, and it just sort of fell into place as I was writing.

Who was your favorite character to create?

My favorite character to write was Nyssa’s best friend, Greer. His personality is kind of a blend of a few guy friends I’ve had over the years with sarcastic senses of humor. I loved putting those pieces of them into his story and creating a character that made me laugh. My editor really helped me develop his relationship with Nyssa, and there are a few scenes between them that I love, love, love.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?
I had a group of teenage girls and their moms serve as my beta readers. They were the first to read!

Congratulations on your debut novel, Katherine! Here’s your gorgeous cover and a brief excerpt:

About the book

While her classmates prepare for elite careers across America, Nyssa Ardelone trains for her secret job as the president’s dream interpreter. But when her mentor lies to the president about the prophecy in his latest dream, Nyssa must figure out why before the lie unravels. What she learns could destroy her own future.

Fearful of a rumored rebellion, the president has launched a gas attack on Nyssa’s hometown, and her mentor lied about the dream to protect the survivors from more harm. When Nyssa learns her parents were injured in the attack, she flees with a stranger sent to steal the antidote—a stranger who claims to know her.

Together, they race to deliver the cure as well as an interpretation of another prophetic dream only Nyssa can provide. But a devastating loss dulls her caution, and she learns too late that not everyone is trustworthy. To survive the president’s deadly pursuit, Nyssa must break every rule she’s ever followed, learning along the way that faith is the only thing that can save her.

 A brief excerpt:

” What are my chances of actually making it to Fortune’s Fall? Not high. Then again, according to Pallas, there’s a network helping people get there. True, some people have been caught. But what if I’m not?

“Can I really do this?” I say aloud to my empty room. I scan the furniture. The walls. My messy bed. It’s all so familiar to me after seven years that I usually overlook the paisley on the quilt and the stain on the rug where an exhausted Ethelind tripped and dropped an entire pan of accidentally undercooked brownies one night. We ate them anyway. A mud puddle laced with carpet fibers, scooped up with spoons and laughed about later. I blink, and the memory is gone.

“I’m going to do this.” I turn toward my closet, grab a shirt, and pull it over my head.

“I have to do this for my family.” I zip my jeans.

“For Pallas.” I tie my shoes.

I’m a robot. Don’t think. Just act.

“I’m going to do this,” I repeat.

If I stop talking, if I stop moving, the likelihood of failure will paralyze me. I pull my hair into a ponytail and open the door, tiptoe across the common room and into the hall. The door closes behind me without a sound.”

So intriguing and I love the premise, reminiscent of the Book of Nehemiah! Here’s where you can grab yourself a copy:

Add To Goodreads

Buy on Amazon

FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

About Katherine Barger

Katherine Barger writes stories about characters of faith in a world where faith is challenged. When she’s not wrangling kids alongside her forever-forbearing husband, she’s writing, eating Mexican food, or snuggling with her family’s two rescue pets: a dog named Queen Elsa and a cat named Princess Jasmine.

You can find Katherine online here:

 Website: https://katherinebarger.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KBargerAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbargerauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbargerauthor

Readers, do you enjoy biblical retellings set in dystopian or future times? What other biblical retellings do you think would suit a dystopian setting?

The post Author Interview with Katherine Barger appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Hello Gaynell! Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I’m happily married to a wonderful man; we have 7 children and 4 grandkids.  When I’m not writing I’m painting – and try to read as much as possible.  I love nature, especially flowers and birds.  I live in a lovely area of Utah, but I’d love to live on the beach or way up in the mountains so summer would be cooler!

Now, can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less?

Maddie writes a lovelorn column for a local paper.  It’s decided that she has to run a contest for a date with her.  Picking the date is the most difficult thing she’s ever done, and then she falls for the winner.  It’s a sweet romance that has a few twists.

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

Yes, I work for a school district, so summers are my favorite time of year.  I discovered a site almost 15 years ago called NaNoWriMo that encourages aspiring writers to write 50,000 words in a month.  That has taught me a lot about meeting a set goal of words each day.

Is this is the first book you’ve published with Anaiah Press?

This is my debut with Anaiah Press, yes.
​
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
Yes…  I had fully intended for a different character to be the love interest.  But as the story went on, I didn’t like him as much and had to create a new one.

Here’s your lovely cover and back cover blurb:

The public turns to her with their relationship woes, but does she really know anything about love?

“Dear Maddie – My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years, but…”

Maddie never dreamed she’d be writing a newspaper column to the lovelorn. Her co-workers think her nights are filled with glamourous dates, but in reality, her life is boring. Until the day her boss insists on running a contest to win a dream date… with her.

Now Maddie is searching for someone genuine in the mountain of letters from fame- seekers, braggarts, mama’s boys, and stalkers. Does God’s plan include finding true love through a marketing stunt? Or will she only have more loveless fodder for her column?

Excerpt from Chapter 1:

Ever thought you knew what God’s plan was for you?

As I gazed at a letter—I think it was number 4,075—asking for boyfriend advice, I found myself questioning that plan.

I eyed the ceiling. “Surely You didn’t intend for me to end up here?” At least, this letter wasn’t from a guy asking me on a date.

I swiveled to look out my small window at the rainy streets. Growing up, I had known for sure that He was in my life and guided me. I wasn’t feeling guided now.

As I turned back to my computer, the large framed letter on the wall caught my eye. The one that had started it all.

Dear Editor,

I am so frustrated with men. I finally find the guy that makes my heart pound, and he turns out to be a player, just like all the other men I’ve ever met. What is a girl to do? How am I ever going to find Mr. Right? Am I doomed to be a spinster the rest of my life? Please, help!

Toni

——

The door to my office burst open, and Jayne, my best friend slash boss’s secretary, bounced in.

“Hey! Aren’t you excited?” Her big blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Jayne was a petite blond who managed to be everyone’s friend.

I stared as she perched on the corner of my desk, wondering what news I’d missed on the walk to my office. “Jason’s getting hair implants?”

Jayne giggled and whacked my shoulder. “No, silly. About you and the date contest.”

I blinked my confusion.

She rolled her eyes. “Jason just said you’re running a contest for someone to win a date with you. Whoever wins takes you out on the town. Limo, dinner, the works.” She almost bounced off the desk with enthusiasm. “Won’t that be amazing? The best date ever.”

“A date contest? You mean, as in picking someone from the applicants and actually going on a date with him?”

Jayne focused on my expression of total shock, and her excitement level went down a couple of notches. “Didn’t you agree to this with Jason?”

I shook my head. “I haven’t agreed to anything. This is the first I’ve heard about it. I mean, Jason’s really been on my case about accepting a date with one of these guys that keep writing, but that’s all he’s ever said. No one suggested a contest.”

She licked her lips, obviously realizing she’d let something out of the bag, and slipped off the desk. “Well, maybe, I heard wrong.” She stepped over to the door. “I have to get back to work.”

She was gone before I could gather my wits. A date contest? With my dating record, how was that even a possibility? The previous night’s date flashed through my mind, and I blinked. No way did I want anyone to know how miserably they always ended. I stomped out of my office and down the hallway to the elevator.

Jason saw me coming, as his corner office opens to a clear view of the elevator. He was standing in the doorway, wearing a cheesy grin. “I was just coming to look for you.”

“I’ll bet you were,” I said through clenched teeth. “What is Jayne talking about?”

He chuckled but pulled me inside and shut the door. The better to block the screams.

“Sit down and let me explain it before you go off half-cocked.” He retreated behind his desk.

“Half-cocked?” I repeated, my voice rising as I stood—no way was I going to sit calmly—and put my hands on my hips. “I think someone else went off in that department. In our brief conversation the other day, you never said it was a possibility. You wanted me to think about it. The next thing I know, it’s for real, and I’m gonna have to date some dweeb?” I flung my hand toward his large office window, indicating the general population of men.

Jason gulped, and I swore his ears were turning red. “I know this came as a surprise—”

“Surprise?” I flopped down in one of the two chairs in front of his desk. “Surprises are roses from a handsome guy. Surprises are cupcakes your mom bakes for the class on your birthday. This is an ambush.”

Did you enjoy this excerpt? You can buy the book here: https://amzn.to/37MUZp6

ABOUT GAYNELL PARKER

Gaynell Parker has been writing since she was 12 years old and read the Diary of Anne Frank. With a brief hiatus when she had her children, she’s continued putting pen to paper. With the advent of the computer she found the keyboard much more to her liking! When she’s not writing, she’s painting (see her illustrations in Sorry, the Stork Takes No Returns) or playing with grandchildren. She’s happily married to her wonderful husband of over 30 years, has seven children, four grandchildren, too many cats and three dogs. Her greatest desire is to spread happiness in her books.

My Website: Gparkerartwork.com

Twitter: @GParkerartworks

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gaynell-Parker/e/B0714BL3Z6?r

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16577174.Gaynell_Parker

The post Author Interview with Gaynell Parker appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome to the Blog, Nola! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Thanks for inviting me on the blog today, Laurie. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, but I’ve lived in a large inland town in southeast Queensland for more than 30 years. My husband Tim and I were both lecturers at the local university for more than 20 years. In 2013 we left those jobs and started a home-based freelance writing and editing business called The Write Flourish. Since then, I’ve focused more on my writing and I’m enjoying the freedom of being more creative. I write fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry, and have had more than 150 short pieces published. Scattered is my first novel.

Describe your story in 5 sentences or less:

Nineteen-year-old Maggie sets sail for Nova Scotia in 1882 to search for her young brother and sister who were mistakenly sent to Canada as part of the Home Children Migrant Scheme. She’s shipwrecked en route, and the trail to find her siblings has gone cold by the time she reaches Halifax. An industrialist offers her assistance, but he has his own reasons for keeping Maggie’s siblings from her. With the help of a dashing newspaperman, she starts sorting through the secrets and lies, but lives will be on the line as they continue their quest. There’s adventure, mystery, and romance along the way, and Maggie has to learn to trust God no matter the outcome.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

The story was inspired by two separate incidents on a trip to Canada in 2012. First, I learned that Sable Island was known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic because more than 350 ships had been wrecked there. They weren’t running tours to Sable Island at the time, but I became fascinated with the shipwrecks, the lifesaving station and its colony of wild horses. Then when we went to Prince Edward Island, I heard about a man called John Willoughby who had helped reunite many of the descendants of the British Home Children with their families. It took me a while to work out how I could weave all of those elements into a plot, but the seeds of the story were planted.

What book do you wish you would have written?

I may as well start at the top and say To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it as 16-year-old because it was required reading for school, but I loved it. Coming from Australia, I knew very little about the Civil Rights Movement at that stage, and it was an eye-opener for me. I could feel the injustice as an innocent man was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. The subplot with Boo Radley also touched me because it showed how easy it is to misjudge someone because they’re different. To write a book that challenges injustice and still resonates with readers decades later would be my dream.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

As the story is set in 1882, I was always discovering something new. Some of them were pleasant surprises, but others had me pulling my hair out. For example, for the first few years that I was writing Scattered, my villain was going to operate a trade route between Halifax and Boston. Then I discovered almost by chance that there were high tariffs at the time, making it unlikely that he would embark on such a venture. So I had to do a lot of research to work out where he could have gone instead. In the end, I think it worked out better for the plot, but I had to completely rewrite large chunks of the story.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I’d have to say my heroine, Maggie. She has depths of resilience she never dreamed she could have. As I got to know her better and saw her working through the many obstacles placed in her path, it also made me wonder what I would do in her situation. She has to grapple with God and come to accept that when things are at rock bottom, He is the one who will never let her down. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn at some point.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a tweener. I like to have the main plot points in place so that I know where I’m heading, but I also like some of it to emerge organically as I write. I’m trying to do more plotting for my next novel before I begin, but I’ll never be the kind of person who has it all mapped out in minute detail beforehand.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, and I couldn’t get by without them. My main writing group, The Quirky Quills, have been with me through thick and thin and we’ve all encouraged each other on our writing journeys. We all live in the same town, so manage to catch up regularly. However, I’m also involved in some wonderfully supportive Christian online communities—Christian Writers Downunder, Omega Writers, and Australasian Christian Writers.

What’s next for you as an author?

I’m currently plotting a sequel that will take place 13 years after the first novel. I don’t want to say too much at this stage, but the heroine will be one of the secondary characters from Book 1. I also have some smaller projects on the go, including a series of devotions on lessons learned from COVID-19 that we can take with us into the future.

Here is Nola’s stunning cover for SCATTERED and a brief excerpt:

This section is from Chapter 1:

The lifeboat slammed into the water, bow first, sending a wash of white foam over their feet. The stern slapped down a second later, jolting Maggie sideways. Essie and Ruby howled, but Maggie could do little except hold them. She couldn’t think. She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t breathe.

The rope attached to the stern snapped and recoiled like an angry snake. Maggie’s head whipped around to the bow where one remaining line tethered the lifeboat. Each wave twisted their stricken vessel, threatening to smash it against the crippled Excelsior.

‘I can’t free the line.’ Higgins leaned over the side to get a better reach. ‘It must be snagged.’

A surge of water rammed the lifeboat, crushing Higgins against the side of the ship. A cry ripped from Maggie’s lips as she reached for him. The line released. Higgins slid into the murky sea.

Mrs Plowhurst beat her chest with her hands. ‘We’re doomed. We’re all doomed.’ Maggie’s heartbeat ratcheted up. The lifeboat’s oars were still on the deck of the Excelsior, and she and Mrs Plowhurst were adrift with the children. There were no words to offer. No hope to give.

Bubbling foam cascaded over their feet. The lifeboat twisted and jerked, each wave propelling them away from the ship. Mrs Plowhurst scrunched her face up like a sponge. ‘I’m not ready to meet my Maker.’ She tucked her arms around her heaving bosom and rocked back and forth.

Edward crawled towards Maggie, putting distance between himself and his hysterical mother.

‘We’ll be all right, ma’am,’ Maggie said. ‘They’ll launch the other boat and come after us.’ As soon as the words left her mouth, Maggie knew they were untrue. There was a gaping hole in the ship’s hull a little above the waterline. Their lifeboat was drifting further and further away. No one could rescue them.

A roar rumbled across the sea. Maggie squinted through the pre-dawn haze as the ghostly silhouette of the Excelsior broke in two. The stern reared up before plunging beneath the waves.

The orange splash of daybreak set the ocean ablaze, the captain and remaining crew lost to its fiery cauldron.

Here’s the back cover copy of the book:

To lose her family was unthinkable …

To find them will take a miracle.

While working in Europe, nineteen-year-old Maggie never dreamed that her family would be ripped apart and scattered across the sea, with her young brother and sister sent to Canada as part of the Home Children Migrant Scheme.

Desperation sends Maggie on a search from England to Canada, with a harrowing shipwreck leaving her stranded on Sable Island. Eventually arriving in Halifax, Maggie is devastated to discover the trail to find her sister and brother has gone cold.

An offer of help from industrialist Thaddeus Tharaday seems like an answer to prayer, but is the wealthy Tharaday her benefactor or nemesis?

With the help of a dashing newspaper reporter, Maggie begins to unravel the web of deceit surrounding her siblings’ disappearance. However, the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her quest becomes.

With lives on the line and the threat of everything she loves being torn away, can Maggie entrust the scattered pieces of her heart to the one who will never leave?

Set in Victorian-era Nova Scotia, Scattered weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, faith and romance to take readers on a journey of hope and courage that will resonate with their hearts today.

You can find Nola online here:

Website: www.nolalorraine.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolalorraine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nolalorraine1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/nolalorraine1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20499007.Nola_Lorraine

You can buy SCATTERED here:

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Nola-Lorraine-ebook/dp/B08CCSVGY3/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Book Depository – https://www.bookdepository.com/Scattered-Nola-Lorraine/9781922135506

Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scattered-nola-lorraine/1137329715?ean=9781922135506

OR you can WIN a free PRINT copy by leaving a comment below…have you ever heard of the Home Children Migrant Scheme? This was still going on in the mid-1900’s. My own husband’s paternal grandparents came over as older children and met when they were teenagers working on Canadian farms. Join in on the conversation!

The post Author Interview & Giveaway with Nola Lorraine appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome back to the Blog Allison! Tell us a little bit about yourself for those who didn’t meet you the first time around: 

I’ve lived in a lot of different places, but country roads and hills are my favorite. And preferably those hills would be covered in snow. I’m a fall and winter girl all the way. My best friend during the summer is the AC. When I’m not writing suspense, I’m reading or walking my dog, Sal

Now, can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less? 

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

I love the sounds of that premise! What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Writing has kind of jumped all over the timeline for me. I started crafting stories because of the movies I was watching as a kid though. I was a know-it-all movie buff/critic before I was 12 years old. Watching movies like Star Wars and The Princess Bride made me want to create worlds and stories of my own. That I would want to read.

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

I work part-time for my church. It’s awesome and not just because it keeps me from falling victim to my reclusive nature lol. Being part of such a giving organization is so rewarding and it is so encouraging to see real people of faith just being real. Finding time to write is hard whether you have a day job or not. There’s always something demanding your attention. You just have to fight for it. And start to think of sleep as optional. Kidding but not really.

 What led you to publish with Anaiah Press?

When I finished Glazed Suspicion, I wanted to find a Christian publisher with a reputation of integrity and faith. Anaiah flashed on my radar pretty quickly.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Mostly, I feel like neither. I love my sleep. But I am more likely to pull an all-nighter to work rather than try and fail to get up early.
​
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Pretty much everything is a surprise for me. I’m not much of a planner or outliner. So, I usually don’t even know what’s going to happen in the next sentence.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I love Lizzy. She’s feisty and brave but struggles like the rest of us too. It’s fun to be in her head.

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

My husband doesn’t usually read my published stuff until it’s in print, but I let him read the books I’m too scared to show to anyone else. The ones that are the ‘maybe somedays.’ The ones I’m nervous about.

I love your cover for SPRINKLED WITH SABOTAGE. Here’s a short excerpt from it:

“Thank you for the information but I think I’ll be going now.”

Detective Young dropped her arms and braced herself against the table. “Excuse me?”

Lizzy slid a business card across the table. “Any other questions you have can go to my lawyer.”

The detective flicked the card away. “I can hold you here.”

Finally, Lizzy let herself roll her eyes. “You’ll be holding a statue because I promise you won’t get another word. And if you drag my lawyer in here, he won’t have any comment either. I’ve given you nothing and you’ve just laid out your whole case. Get some evidence that isn’t circumstantial and then arrest me for whatever it is you think I’m involved in. Until then, I’m going home.”

The door flew open and someone burst into the room. The detective smacked a hand on the table. “Get out of here. I’m in the middle of an interrogation.”

Lizzy grinned at her. “Actually, you were just finishing one—” She glanced at the intruder and her mouth dropped open. Agent Lucas Sterling—one of the last people she expected to see here—was looking right at her.

“What are you doing here?” A flash of panic coursed through her. If the FBI was coming to take her, things could be a lot worse than she thought.

He shrugged. “Your boyfriend called me.”

Release Date: 10/27/20

Amazon / Goodreads

Summary:

She trusts him with her life. But what about her heart?

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her apartment only to find her limping and bleeding. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

Sounds like the perfect Fall read! You can buy Allison’s book online at Amazon.com, and you can find her at the links below:

Amazon https://amzn.to/3gCIjm7

Twitter https://bit.ly/3kk9fJQ 

Facebook www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/

Instagram https://bit.ly/2PthCoh

Goodreads https://bit.ly/2Pt29V6

About Allison Pearl:

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and black lab, Sal. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl

Do you prefer cozy mysteries over more robust mysteries where there’s more emphasis on the crime than the characters? Do you prefer to read books in a series, like Allison’s Love and Danger in St Claire series? 

The post Author Interview with Allison Pearl appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome back to the blog, June! Tell us a little bit about your Christmas Novella:

The men in Noel Kendrick’s life have always lied to her. When she accepts her pastor’s plea to head the Christmas nativity scene project, she doesn’t realize the job requires her to work with Carson Shumate, the handsome youth pastor with midnight blue eyes. Despite her efforts to keep her emotional distance, she falls hard after a kiss under the mistletoe.

But Carson has a secret of his own. If he reveals the truth about his identical twin to his church, he fears they will fire him, and he could lose Noel.

A Kiss Under the Mistletoe is the sequel to An Unexpected Family.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

In 2010, the Lord put a story in my mind and heart. I knew then I had to write it though I knew nothing about fiction writing. Since then, I’ve studied tons of how to books, attended writing workshops, and worked with many critique groups. My stories delve into difficult subject matter, and I write from a Christian point of view.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a plotter. Before I start writing the story, I do a GMC on both the heroine and the hero. Next is my favorite part. I scan the internet to find images of most of the main characters. They must look exactly like I have pictured them in my mind. The only drawback is, it’s difficult to later find pictures for the cover. Then my plotter self goes on to write a short synopsis of every scene all the way to the end. But on occasion, the characters tell me something I hadn’t known before – or they might change things up a little.

What does your family think of your writing?

I didn’t start writing until after my children were grown, for which I’m grateful. I truly admire people who can write as well as manage a job and a family. When I first started writing, my husband thought it was a hobby that would soon blow over. It didn’t. Now he’s my best support system. He even helps me plot at times.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, I just joined Word Weavers, a group of 5 other ladies. We meet once a month. Each member must be a member of the national Word Weavers organization. We critique a chapter or 1500 words for each member using the sandwich method. A positive remark, a helpful criticism, then another positive.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book? Since I’ve worked with critique groups from the beginning, I’d have to say each member of my critique group – week by week.

What’s next for you as an author?

Right now, I’m working on a romantic suspense, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, which will be out in December. Ashton Price inherits her aunt’s B&B in Cranberry Cove, Washington. But when an intruder continues to invade her home, she must turn to the handsome gardener, James Atwood, for help. But James, heir to the thriving cranberry industry, hides a secret he can’t reveal.

That sounds exciting! Let’s show our readers your lovely cover for this book:

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

Twenty feet away, a familiar-looking guy stood to the right of the tree, a woolen cap covering his head and scarf around his neck.

He reached for a slender young woman beside him and pulled her close.

Noel gasped.

Carson? What? She walked closer and peered at his midnight blue eyes, shapely nose, and the lips that had so recently kissed her.

The blond glanced up at him as if he were the most wonderful man in the world and tiptoed to whisper in his ear.

He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck.

Noel couldn’t move, transfixed by the surreal scene before her. Then reality smacked her in the face, stinging her cheeks.

Carson peered down into the eyes of another woman as if enthralled by her presence.

The absurd truth impacted her like a slap to the face. He’d looked at Noel the same way. The facts slowly washed over her. Carson wasn’t who she’d thought he was.

After he released the woman, he glanced in Noel’s direction as if he’d never seen her before.

Noel crept closer, first unbelief, then anger mixed with jealousy, threatened to explode. She dug her nails into her palms until it hurt. How could he kiss another woman after he’d promised he’d never do anything to hurt her? She’d been such a fool to believe him, to trust him. He even acted as if he didn’t care whether she saw him or not.

She closed the distance between him and the girl, fury creating a fireball in her gut, begging to be released. She’d believed him when he’d said he found her overweight body alluring. Ha. He cuddled a woman with an attractively thin shape. A burning tear fell to her cheek.

Noel tried to take a breath, but the effort didn’t force air to the bottom of her lungs.

Now standing no more than five feet from them, Noel glared. There was no denying the man in front of her was Carson Shumate. “I can’t believe it.” The words gushed like water rushing along a rain-swollen river.

Carson’s eyes grew large, and he stared at her. The creep. He never thought she’d spot him in Riverview, no doubt.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your other girlfriend?”

“Other girlfriend?” Carson took a few steps away from the girl. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play innocent with me.” Noel couldn’t gain control. She turned toward the petite woman. “You may want to know your boyfriend is a player. He’s been stringing me along while he’s with you.”

The other woman glared at Carson. “Is that true?”

“No.” He raised his palms like a thief in surrender. “Let me explain.”

Noel puffed a fast breath. Carson had denied dating her.

She wasn’t about to stand for his concocted story, trying to get himself out of trouble. As one last blast of anger shot through her, her hand obeyed the command her emotions ordered. She tightened her fist and punched him hard, under the sternum.

“Arg.” Carson grabbed his stomach and bent forward.

When he straightened, the girlfriend whacked his cheek. ” You jerk. Don’t bother calling me anymore.”

“Or me.” Noel never dreamed history would repeat itself. She marched in the opposite direction, breathing hard. She barely noticed Santa’s sled and his reindeer as she made her way to find Kathleen.

June is giving away an E-book copy of A Kiss Under the Mistletoe to one lucky commentator! Do you read Christmas Novellas? Do you prefer them to watching Hallmark movies? Leave a comment to be entered!

You can also buy the book here: https://amzn.to/2FjUR4a

Please check our June online at these sites:

1. www.junefoster.com
2. https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster
3. https://twitter.com/vjifoster
4. https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster
5. http://pinterest.com/junefoster
6. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755395.June_Foster

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written twenty-two contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She’s published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

The post Author Interview with June Foster & A Giveaway! appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

We celebrated 32 years of marriage this past March, just when the lockdown hit everywhere. That’s an excellent length of time these days. We have friends who didn’t make it and ended up divorced. We’ve had our own difficult and soul-gutting times ourselves. But we have always come through the other side, mainly because we’re both too stubborn to quit.

Over the past five years, my husband’s military career had put him in two increasingly stressful jobs. So stressful his blood pressure became alarmingly high, and I was afraid for his health. We were living in the same home, but his exceptionally long hours at work meant we were passing in the bedroom and shower a lot of the time. We both felt disconnected, communication suffered, and frustrations mounted. Neither of us liked the situation but his work couldn’t be changed so we tried our best to adjust our perspectives and ride it out.

Then came the pandemic and the order to “work from home”. One might think these kinds of pressures would make matters worse, but in my eyes, nothing could’ve been better. Aside from our fears about getting the virus from shopping for groceries and the perpetual quest for toilet paper, everything in our lives came to a grinding halt. Although he still had his work Blackberry “attached to his wrist”, as I liked to call it, and he was on call 24/7, because the world had slowed down, so had military training operations.

My husband’s blood pressure went down to normal for the first time in years. He began sleeping more than five  hours at a time. We both relaxed because our adult children with special needs live at home with us and we didn’t have the additional anxiety that other friends whose adult children lived in group homes did. And we had the chance to sit and have coffee together and actually have a conversation!

It felt like a miracle to me. I realize it sounds silly—you couldn’t talk to your husband before the virus hit? Yes, but not in the same manner as we did when we were on a forced lock down. While other people were on social media moaning about being stuck together in their homes, we were enjoying playing Scrabble, UNO with our kids, completing puzzles with them, and reading books for the first time in months.

We had time together with our dogs, an extra dose of relaxation that comforted us. When we suddenly lost our golden retriever, Valour, to lung cancer at the end of April, I was so happy that we’d had that 24/7 time with him to enjoy what ended up being his final days with us. It was a gift.

And I felt like we “saw” each other for the first time in a long time. My husband found an unusual hobby—watch collecting. He came upon a new group of fellows to hang out with online, and enjoyed digging into the history of watch-making. I upped my own hobbies and renewed interests with online friends. I completed my novel NORTHERN PROTECTOR and turned it into my editor in May. And my husband, being home, had time to read it before I sent it in. It felt like we were enjoying my writing together. Another new experience!

Has it all been sunshine and roses? Not at all. I know we’re lucky in that none of our family has suffered from the virus. We haven’t lost income or jobs. But I wouldn’t give back these months at home for anything. I’m fine with life flowing at an easier pace. I love our new weekend rituals around special meals and watching movies on Disney+ with our kiddos.

There’s no doubt we’ll look back on the year 2020 as an historical turning point for many things in society: how we handle public health, view sports and other live events, experience school, and what constitutes “polite” behaviour by wearing face masks to protect ourselves and others. This crazy year of a pandemic mixed with heightening climate change is as traumatic as 1918 and the Spanish Flu was to that generation. I’m just grateful for the benefit it’s had to my marriage and my family and I’m holding on to those intangibles along with my faith.

What benefits have you found during this season of stress from the pandemic?

The post How The Pandemic Saved My Marriage appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome to my blog, Barbara! Please, tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m a wife and a mom who enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. I also enjoy history. My first Historical released over the summer.

I live in Wisconsin, but my father was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. He met my mom when his flight squadron was in San Francisco doing joint maneuvers with the U.S. Air Force. My childhood vacations were spent on Vancouver Island with family.

Can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less?

Josephine is a seamstress extraordinaire devoted to her family and a complicated veteran.

Geoff is a wounded warrior who needs a delicate push to grab hold of life again.

Riley is an abandoned dog who finds a home in the making.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

For my twentieth wedding anniversary, my family took a cruise to Alaska. We traveled to the Taku Glacier Lodge outside of Juneau on a cruise ship excursion. While we ate lunch in the lodge, I heard how a WWI veteran and his caregiver had stayed in the lodge after the war. The pair was cut off from Juneau when the Taku River froze during winter. A man and a woman alone in a lodge? That is how the story of “Until June” began.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I have always enjoyed writing stories. I was the kid in class that when the teacher gave a writing assignment, my mind was off thinking of stories to write while my classmates groaned. Throughout my schooling, no one ever mentioned going into writing as a career. Many years later, I was teaching chapel to elementary students. I had kindergarten through fifth grade all at one time. I spent a lot of time modifying curriculum about Bible stories for the vast age range I taught. One day I prayed, “Lord, hit me with some creativity.” God did. I wrote my lessons and continued writing novels. I didn’t start writing Biblical Fiction until my fourth manuscript and that was the first book that received a publishing contract.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

I have worked on “Until June” for over ten years. It was the second novel that I finished, but I had a lot to learn about the craft of writing and the publishing business before the manuscript would be good enough to sell.  Through conversations with literary agents and writing friends, I learned my characters were too far apart in age, their stay at the lodge was too long (originally 3 years), and I had to end my chapters with conflict. All my chapters ended with my characters going to bed. Boring endings mean a reader can put your book down and never pick it up again.

The title also changed over the years. “Left for Dead Lodge” was the original title and makes one think of a horror movie. “War Torn Hearts” came next. My Mom loved this one. I finally settled on “Until June” because Josephine agrees to take care of Geoff at the lodge until June. Enough time for the pandemic of 1918 to pass.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, definitely. If you are an aspiring author, don’t be afraid to let other writers read your story. Trusted critique partners can offer insight and help with your plot or characters. You do not want an editor or agent to be the first person reading your manuscript.

I find writing groups through my professional organizations and contacts with other writers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my writing friends. They keep me motivated and give fantastic advice to help my story be the best it can be.

What’s next for you as an author?

A vacation—literally. I have had three books release in 2020 which has made life pretty busy. I am working on another Biblical story and doing promotion for my last release (Until June) since the print release was delayed due to Covid-19.

Here is the lovely cover of Until June, along with a short excerpt:

Josephine bunched up her pillow and tried not to think of anything. Not swears from an injured man. Not the ache from her injury. Not the confrontation with her stepfather. Nothing. Going home and getting back to work on her patterns was her responsibility.

“Water girl?”

She bolted into a sitting position and immediately regretted the sudden movement. She knew that haggard voice. Had she misunderstood the summons? She listened intently as if for the squeak of a mouse.

The man called to her again.

Oh, why did she listen? She knew why. Few were the nights her mother didn’t call out from pain.

Her hand trembled slightly as she poured a glass of water. For a few minutes, she stared at the glass. The last time she played nurse the man had shouted at her. She didn’t even know what some of the names meant. Looking at the ceiling, she said, “Remember this, Lord.”

A quick peek into the hallway showed no sign of a wayward Mrs. Prescott. She shuffled carefully toward the stranger’s door and positioned herself near the entrance to his dimly lit room.

“You came,” he said, his voice strangled and rough.

“I came to ease my conscience and to get some sleep.” She offered him the water glass. He took it from her but didn’t drink.

“I need two white pills.” He pointed to a metal box on top of a tall armoire. “My caretaker’s sick.”

“I can’t,” she said. “I’ll get in trouble.’’

“It’s just an aspirin, Runt. Read the label.”

How dare he insult her? Josephine crossed her arms, crushing all the mail-order bows on her gown, and drew to her full height—five feet nothing.

“I am not a runt.”

“Short hair, short body, short legs, you’re a runt. Now, get me that pill.” He pushed his body higher against the headboard. “Do it,” he demanded. “I hurt.” His tone softened.

An upholstered chair sat next to the armoire. Couldn’t he—? Her hand tingled with memory. I didn’t touch a long leg. She hesitated as her pulse hammered against her veins.

Do it. Don’t. Do it. Don’t. Do it. Don’t.

She met his gaunt-eyed gaze and carefully climbed onto the chair. The last thing she needed was to fall and hit her head again. She reached for the metal box and opened it. Rows of bottles and a stack of syringes filled the little chest. She picked up a copper tinted bottle from the left-hand side.

“It’s on the right,” he coached. “Don’t mess with that bottle. The doctor counts those narcotics. If you give me any more of that tonight, you may not get out of here alive.”

You can buy this book here: 

Purchase link on Amazon (Canada).

Where can readers find you online?

I have a website www.barbarambritton.com and I am active on Facebook and Twitter. I also have a Goodreads profile. I love to hear from readers.

Thanks so much for being here today, Barbara! A question for readers:

Have you been somewhere on vacation that would make a great story?

The post Author Interview with Barbara Britton appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

The Monastery Murders moves to Canada when Antony is invited to lecture on the British saints who inspired the founding of Toronto and Felicity couriers an ancient manuscript connected with Saint Patrick to monasteries in Montreal and Vancouver.  A spectacular train journey across the breadth of the continent carries them even further away from the murder Felicity witnessed in England. Or does it?

5-Stars for this Cozy Read!

In Against All Fierce Hostility, Donna Fletcher Crow continues her signature brand of blending church history with the twists and turns of a cozy mystery as Antony and Felicity journey across Canada, dogged by shadowy people and circumstances. Crow sprinkles the clues and red herrings throughout the story so ably that I couldn’t figure out the villain until the shocking ending.

The marvelous details of Antony and Felicity’s trip across Canada give a glimpse into the country’s expansive geography and its youth as a country. Crow brings the Canadian setting to life–glaciers, mountains, northern lights, prairies filled with grain from horizon to horizon, lakes by the thousands–it’s a canvas that provides the perfect expanse to who’s after the original document from St. Patrick’s lifetime. And it provides the perfect crime scene for the astounding ending.

Lovers of PD James will enjoy this new twist on The Monastery Murders. Highly recommended!

Here’s some Praise for Against All Fierce Hostility to go along with my 5-Star Review:

In her signature lyrical prose, Donna Fletcher Crow crafts another tale full of contemporary mystery bound up in religious history. She weaves into an irresistible story fascinating academic references to early Christian fathers, evocative ancient poetry, and descriptions of liturgical practices exotic to this Baptist worshipper. Then she makes the whole thing even richer through the setting of a cross-Canada train trip, colourful as a glossy vacation brochure, that does justice to my home and native land. A thoroughly entertaining and satisfying read!

~Deb Elkink, The Third Grace and The Red Journal, Canadian award winners

Deception and intrigue at every turn, and we’re never quite sure who’s on the side of the angels until the very end. Someone wants the illuminated manuscript that Felicity and Anthony are carrying across Canada, and familiar faces keep showing up in unexpected places. As usual, Donna Fletcher Crow brings us a mystery wrapped in a fascinating cultural package. Her rich prose swept me along on the Canada journey and pulled me deeply into Felicity’s worship experiences despite my lack of liturgical background. Crow loves to bring in stories of the saints, and hear Anthony’s story-telling lecture series (the reason for the Canadian trip) does that brilliantly.

~Leanne Hardy, the Glastonbury Tor series

It’s an all-frills-and-chills-included journey— Janelle Watkins, The Scene in TO

You can buy it here:

Buy link Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Against-Fierce-Hostility-Monastery-Murders-ebook/dp/B08GJ8BXMM/&linkCode=as2&tag=themonamurd-20

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Against-Fierce-Hostility-Monastery-Murders-ebook/dp/B08GJ8BXMM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19AFUHIVGKA0K&dchild=1&keywords=against+all+fierce+hostility&qid=1599079864&s=digital-text&sprefix=against+all+fierce+hostility%2Caps%2C217&sr=1-1

Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, is a former English teacher, a lifelong Anglophile, and a native Idahoan who lives not far from the Canadian border. She is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history, including the award-winning Glastonbury, and three mystery series. Donna and her husband of 57 years have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren—6 of them living in Canada.

The post Saturday Book Review – Against All Fierce Hostility by Donna Fletcher Crowe appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.