The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour Takes A Step Into The Past

Saturday, the first day of December appropriately brought snow here to central Massachusetts. It looked very Christmas-y and got me in the mood to go Christmas Shopping. The snow is gone now but not that Christmas mood!

The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour has some wonderful ideas for all the readers on your gift list. Below I'm showcasing my three novels, perfect for anyone who loves a Western Romance. If you haven't already checked out the other blog stops, be sure to visit The Grace Awards Blog for a list of participating authors. While there, also check out the weekly author interviews!

Without further ado, here are my three novels for the showcase:

CELTIC CROSS

Historical Romance/Suspense
Set in 1880's Colorado

Sometimes you have to forget who you are to become who you should be. A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan doesn't hesitate to help, despite the risk that the man who shot her may come riding down the trail, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado. When Cristeen wakes, one thought haunts her - trust no one.

(click on the picture to pop over to the Amazon page & read a preview)


Shot...Bleeding...Barely conscious...She's dying!
A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch just one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan does not hesitate to help, despite her unkown past. Will the man who shot her come riding down the trail after her, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado?

When Cristeen wakes, she can remember nothing of her past. Only one thought haunts her day and night: trust no one.

Matt fears Cristeen's fierce independence will lead to tragedy. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it is too late? Can Cristeen overcome her belief that loving can only bring heartache?

Then a madman bent on revenge tracks her down. Matt cannot rescue Cristeen this time. Only the Lord can save her now--if she has enough faith to trust.

What makes CELTIC CROSS perfect for Christmas reading and gifting?

In the words of one 5-star review: "Each main character had to find a way to come to terms with questions caused by major upheavals in their lives. The questions and concerns are ones that many can resonate with, for we all have had challenges from our past that need to be reconciled by God's love and healing. There was an overshadowing suspense that kept me turning pages and questions that kept my interest. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this is the book for you."

Available in print and for Kindle at:  http://amzn.to/OZtMzZ 

Also available for Nook and other eReaders at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241701

CLADDAUGH

Historical Romance/Suspense
Set in 1880's Colorado

Leigh Latham chose love over money, turning her back on family and friends. When the dream becomes a nightmare, Leigh runs back to the friends she left behind. Can she possibly hope to find forgiveness? Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh. Now she's back and he isn't sure they can be just friends. Can he protect her and his heart at the same time?

(click on the picture to pop over to the Amazon page & read a preview)

Leigh Latham dreamed of marrying a man of wealth. When she chooses money over love, she turns her back on family and friends. But life doesn't go quite as Leigh planned.

When the dream becomes a nightmare, Leigh flees Philadelphia. With nowhere else to go, she returns to the friends she left behind. Can she possibly hope to find forgiveness?

Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh. Now he isn't so sure they can be just friends. Is Leigh hiding something, running from someone? Can he protect her and his heart at the same time?

Will history repeat itself? Or can loyal friendship grow into a love to last a lifetime?

What makes CLADDAUGH perfect for 

Christmas reading and gifting?

The legend of the is perhaps one of the most popular Irish traditions. The heart symbolizes love, the crown symbolizes loyalty and the hands symbolize friendship. The story in my novel revolves around these themes and that's ultimately why I chose Claddaugh for the title.

CLADDAUGH is available in print and eBook:

Amazon http://amzn.to/OZyMVm

for Nook & other eReaders: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/251463

   CELTIC KNOT

Western Suspense with Romance

set in 1890 Colorado

 ~ A sweet romance woven through a suspenseful tale of counterfeiting, murder and kidnapping with as many twists and turns as a never ending Celtic knot. 

(click on the picture to pop over to the Amazon page & read a preview)

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; 

for God is love." ~ 1John 4:8

"There is no fear in love; but perfect

love casteth out fear." ~ 1 John 4:18

Abby Finnigan is struggling to go on with life after the death of her husband. Her family has never been supportive, more so now than ever. She believes the only safe course is to protect her heart. Besides, people only do nice things today because they want something tomorrow.

Secret Service Operative Kyle Lachapelle is working undercover. From the moment he meets Abby, Kyle finds her intriguing--and attractive. When he learns of Abby's connection to his counterfeiting case, Kyle is unsure if he can trust her.

His guarded attitude confuses Abby. She trusts him with much yet withholds her heart, not wanting to be hurt again. When she finds out Kyle has come to arrest her family, her doubts seem justified.. 

Will love conquer their fears?

What makes CELTIC KNOT perfect for 

Christmas reading and gifting?

The greatest gift ever given is Jesus Christ--God loves us all so much He's given us a way to be forgiven though we can never truly be worthy of the gift. Imagine if someone never knew love in their childhood. How difficult the gift of Jesus would be to understand! This is exactly what Abby struggles with as she overcomes grief and moves on with her life. But this is an historical suspense, so she can't just learn about Christ. She also has to cope with her family and their criminal enterprise as well.

CELTIC KNOT is a great gift for anyone who loves mystery, suspense and action (wrapped around a sweet romance). 

Now available in print and eBook!

Amazon Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/bmkpyth Print: http://amzn.to/NkHjk2

Noble & other eReaders http://tinyurl.com/clofpq2

CELTIC CROSS and CLADDAUGH now eBooks!

When I was in high school, my parents got a microwave oven. Mom tried cooking all kinds of foods in there. My all time favorite was microwave popcorn, arguably the greatest invention since the wheel. Warming up a cup of coffee is nice, too. I, however, didn't get a microwave until about ten years after getting married.

We got our first DVD player a few years after the microwave. And only because it was difficult to buy movies on VHS.

Nearly all my friends have cell phones. Not me. One day I will come into the 21st century. I mean, even my parents both have cell phones!

The future of publishing is moving more and more toward eBooks. Seems like nearly everyone has an eReader device of one type or another. Those who don't, read books on their computers. I love print books and will never give them up but it would be foolish to ignore the ePublishing market. So I didn't - my three novels are coming to the electronic book world!

If you're looking for a good book for yourself or to give as a gift, check out Celtic Cross and Claddaugh, both available as eBooks. And Celtic Knot will join them very soon! All three are Christian Historical Romance - Western action and sweet romance. Check them out today!

Purchase links:

Amazon Kindle http://tinyurl.com/bk5jh4y

Barnes & Noble Nook http://tinyurl.com/bj76mtf

Other Readers http://tinyurl.com/bkdz4ya     

Interview with Kiera Devane of "Perilous Shadows"

This week I'm thrilled to be interviewing Kiera Devane, heroine from Perilous Shadows by Nike Chillemi. Here's a blurb about the book:

 Pioneer newspaperwoman Kiera Devane is on a mission to prove a woman can do a man's job, as she hunts a young coed's killer? Ace radio broadcaster Argus Nye lost one love to a murderous fiend and his pulse races as he tries to protect Kiera from herself as much as from this killer.

Kiera was doted upon by loving parent, but they were killed when she was a girl and she was shipped off to live with a socialite aunt who had little time for her. In her aunt's house, she learned life could be cold and cruel. As a result, she grew up to be an independent and demanding professional woman. 

 Argus Nye, still bereft from the loss of his first love, can't understand why this female reporter is mesmerizing him. As she takes chances with her life trying to catch a killer, he's determined to protect her.

And now the interview: 

Tammy: Your parents died when you were quite young and a wealthy aunt raised you. Do you remember much about your parents? Were your parents wealthy as well, or did you have culture shock as well as grief when moving in with your aunt? 

Kiera: I have a few memories of my parents. I remember my father saying "grace" before meals. He was a successful stockbroker.  We lived in a brownstone in Kips Bay, in the twenties on the east side of Manhattan and had a housekeeper. I never thought of us as well to do, but I suppose we were. My mother did a lot of charity work rather than attend society events. So, all types of people came for dinner: doctors who treated the poor, nuns who worked in settlement houses, and missionaries who taught English to new immigrants. I was encouraged to engage in interesting conversation with guests at the table.

My aunt lived in the same neighborhood but still, moving in with her was culture shock, as you term it. She often derided my mother for having "wasted her time" with charity work. And she believed children should be seen and not heard. I was given my dinner in the kitchen before the adults ate and then hustled off to my room. My closest friend in those difficult days was my aunt's housekeeper. 

(She removes a pearl clip on earring and replaces it.) 

Of course, I always had Richard Aberdeen, my father's friend who became my financial advisor. He took me out at least once a month for the afternoon. I so looked forward to that. I eventually convinced him that I should live at boarding school and he saw to it.

  

Tammy: Many people call you an ice princess. Do you consider yourself cold-hearted? Is your life lonely?

Kiera: (A small smile plays at the corner of her lips) I've been called quite a few things. When my story took the front page away from some of my male counter parts, I assure you, "ice princess" wasn't among the things they called me. I've never thought of myself as cold-hearted or lonely. In fact, I never thought about it at all. I just get on with my life. That's how we live in the 1940s. We make the best of things.

  

Tammy: Working in a male-dominated career must be difficult. What made you chose such a goal? Were there times you wanted to give up? How did you make yourself continue?

Kiera: As I mentioned, my parents' table was filled with interesting people. We even had an occasional actor or ballet dancer dining with us. My aunt later said that was scandalous. I used to keep a diary. Sometimes I'd read what I wrote to my parents and they thought I captured their friend's personalities perfectly. They encouraged me to pursue writing. I suppose I could have given up and lived off of my inheritance, but a useless life simply wouldn't agree with me.

  

Tammy: What do you want out of life?

Kiera: What my heart longs for is a happy home like my parents had. And I want a marriage as good and as loving as the one they shared.

  

Tammy: What scares you most?

Kiera: Losing Argus. That something terrible would happen to him and he'd be taken away from me.

  

Tammy: You're stranded on a desert island. What 3 things would you want with you and why? Don't chose a person - that's next!

Kiera: Oh, dear. I love to accumulate pretty things that have meaning. I'm the type who brings something useful home when I travel. Not souvenir type things, but useful items I then make part of my life – an afghan, a gravy boat, a salt and pepper shaker. But three indispensible things, let's see...my Bible, my entire collection of Agatha Christie novels. I'm cheating, I know by making all those books one thing, but that's how I am. (She tosses off a wicked grin.) And number three would be, my family photo album.

Tammy: If you could have 2 friends with you on the island, who would you pick?

Kiera: I don't even have to think about it. I’d want to take along Argus, the man who overlooks all the ghosts of my past and loves me for me, just the way I am. That's a man I could warm up to. And Aggie, my boxer, named after Agatha Christie, who is my BFF, as you call it today.

Get Perilous Shadows to and learn all about Kiera Devane And Argus Nye as they work together to figure out who murdered a co-ed intern. You can get all of Nike's books at:
Amazon/Kindle http://amzn.to/SdJ5Fk

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/0ZaXUf

 

About Nike Chillemi:

Like so many other writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola, fully illustrated book she penned (penciled might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better.

She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 and 2012 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series released in December, 2011 won the Grace Award 2011 in the Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller category. PERILOUS SHADOWS, the third in the series released in July, 2012. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/