Interview with Millie Finnigan from CELTIC KNOT

It's my week in the Grace Awards Book Launch spotlight and I've decided to give you all a character interview. Be sure to come back later this week to read an excerpt from Celtic Knot. Both the interview and the excerpt are sure to leave you wanting more, and I'm offering a special on Celtic Cross and Claddaugh, the first two of my historical romance novels. Check below the interview for details and where to buy your copies!

First, a little about Celtic Knot:

 When widow Abby Finnegan meets ranch hand Kyle Lachapelle, she figures he’s as deceitful as her family. But Kyle is a Secret Service operative working undercover, and Abby has a disturbing connection to his counterfeiting case. Abby’s protecting her heart while Kyle can’t afford the feelings stirring in his. Love is out of the question…or is it the answer?

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Millie Finnigan. Millie's mother, Abby Finnigan, is the heroine of CELTIC KNOT.

"Welcome, Millie. Have a cookie and tell us a little about yourself."

photo ©BLMcKinney

Millie grabs a cookie but waits to eat it. "Hi, I'm excited to be here today. Let's see, I'm seven years old and I live with my mother in Prophecy, Colorado." She takes a bite of cookie, not talking again until she's finished chewing. "My real name is Millicent but Momma only calls me that when she's cross. I try not to make her angry 'cause she works real hard and hardly ever smiles. Momma has a pretty smile but sometimes her eyes seem to look far away and her face gets sad."

"Why do you think she's sad?"

"It's as if she's looking at a photograph in her memory." Millie fidgets with her dress, dropping her gaze a moment before continuing. "Remembering Daddy, I think. He died when I was four. That's when we moved back to Prophecy. Momma says that Daddy called me his little blessing. I don't hardly remember him. Sometimes that makes me sad."

Girl With a Hoop (1885) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

"What makes you happy?"

A smile brightens Millie's countenance. "Playing with my best friend, Jennifer Stanton. Her pa is the town preacher an' her folks are real nice. They always treat me like family. Pastor and Mrs. Stanton worry about Momma an' me, 'cause we don't always have money for nice things. But Momma takes real good care of me."

"Doesn't your grandfather own the largest ranch around Prophecy? In fact, he owns most of the town. Why doesn't your mother ask him for help?"

Millie shrugs. "Momma's family isn't very nice. I've never even met my grandfather. Once, I heard someone say that Raymond Bigelow, that's Momma's father, is so mean an d contrary he makes Satan look angelic. All's I know is my uncle Clayton is scary. He says things like teaching the whelp proper respect. That's what he calls me, the whelp." She shudders. "I don't like him."

"I'm sure your mother stays away from Clayton, then."

"We try but Momma works at the Silver Streak Saloon, as a maid. Uncle Clayton goes there a lot and he looks for Momma. He likes being mean, an' not just to her. I can't understand why Boone is friends with him."

"Who is Boone?"

"He's our sheriff. Boone's real nice. He always wants to buy me stuff but Momma won't let him. She says she don't want to be beholden to him." Millie scrunches her nose. "Not sure what that means. I do know Boone wants to marry Momma. He might be a nice daddy. Still, I want Momma to be happy. She never smiles for Boone, least ways, not the kind of smile she gets when Mr. Lachapelle is around."

"Kyle Lachapelle? When did you meet him?"

"He came into the mercantile one morning when Momma was buying supplies an' things." Millie leans forward to whisper, "He likes lemon candies just like me." She sits back in the chair, speaking in her normal voice once more. "An' he stood up to Boone, didn't let anyone push him around. Later, he walked with Momma and me and he was a real gentleman. I hope he comes around more, 'cept Momma told him she don't want to be his friend. I hope she changes her mind."

"I sure hope so, too. Millie, it's been a joy having you here today. Do take one of those lemon candies from the jar for later. Yes, you may take one for Jennifer as well. Thank you for visiting."

Get your copy of Celtic Knot in print or eBook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or for other eReaders go to Smashwords. As a bonus, for anyone who hasn't read Celtic Cross or Claddaugh (or maybe you'd like an eBook copy), I'm offering both novels FREE this week only!! To download your free eBook, go to Smashwords and at check out use coupon code UJ48L for Celtic Cross and UR99Q for Claddaugh.

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     

2012 Edgy Christian Fiction Summer Blog Tour!

It's my honor to be the first up on the calendar for this year's ECFL Hot Summer Reads Blog Tour. Each week, on Wednesday, one of our authors will be in the spotlight, showcasing on their blog up to 3 of their own novels. We'll let  you know a bit about each book and why it's a "hot summer read." You'll have plenty of great novels for beach reading or taking on vacation - or to read while you're relaxing in your own yard. Without further ado, here are my offerings:

Title: CELTIC CROSS
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Blurb:
Sometimes you have to forget who you to become who you should be.
Shot...bleeding...barely concious...she's dying! 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, she remembers nothing of her past. One thought haunts her day and night - trust no one. Matt fears Cristeen's independence will lead to tragedy. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it's too late? Can Cristeen overcome her belief that loving only brings heartache?


What makes this a "Hot" Summer Read?


Fast-paced Western action, well-researched historical setting, and compelling characters - you'll be immersed in the story as if you're right there with Cristeen and Matt.


Purchase at:
Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Title: CLADDAUGH
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Blurb:
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. Leigh is hiding something, running from someone. Somehow he'll have to 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 this a "Hot" Summer Read?

This second book in the Latham series continues the mix of fast-paced Western action with inspirational romance.

Purchase at:

Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Title: CELTIC KNOT

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Blurb:

Abby Finnigan struggles to go on with life after the death of her husband. Her family has never been supportive, more so now than ever. 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. But Abby is connected to his counterfeiting case. Can 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 Kyle begins making arrests, her doubts seem justified. Will love conquer their fears?

What makes this a "Hot" Summer Read?

Last in the Latham series, Celtic Knot combines the expected Western action with mystery and suspense with counterfeiting, jail breaks, murder and kidnapping. This story is has as many twists as its name implies.

Purchase at:

Amazon or  Barnes and Noble

Which one intrigues you the most?

Hot Summer Reads!

Welcome to the 2011 Edgy Christian Fiction Hot Summer Reads Blog Tour. Check us all out! There are some great summer reads out there just waiting for you to pick them up or download! To purchase one of these wonderful novels, just click on the book cover.

I’m off to a late start with my blog post. Life is supposed to slow down in the summer – ya’ know, “hazy, lazy days.” Just doesn’t seem to happen when you have kids! Today was the start of swimming lessons, which is apropos for this blog post. Any of my four book choices would be great to take along to the beach. The first two are historical romances, Westerns really, written by me. Each takes place in 1880’s Colorado and were inspired partly by my love of Louis L’Amour Westerns. Each is full of action, a touch of suspense and, of course, romance. 

CELTIC CROSS  - Sometimes you have to forget who you are in order to become who you should be.

Cristeen Latham has spent her life trusting no one – sometimes not even herself and certainly not God. When she arrives at the Donovan ranch clinging to life, Matt Donovan is determined to help even though she is a stranger. But now a madman is on her trail and Cristeen must learn to trust…or die.

CELTIC KNOT – There’s something to be said for familiarity, but it’s not all good.

When widow Abby Finnegan meets ranch hand Kyle Lachapelle, she figures he’s as deceitful as her family. But Kyle is a Secret Service operative working undercover, and Abby has a disturbing connection to his counterfeiting case. Abby’s protecting her heart while Kyle can’t afford the feelings stirring in his. Love is out of the question…or is it the answer?

The third book is one I’ve been wanting to read for a while – what better excuse than a blog tour!

SEASONS IN THE MIST by Deborah Kinnard

Bethany Lindstrom is a history student working who goes back in time to 1353 Cornwall. How it happens, and how Deb Kinnard makes it fit with her Christian world view is fascinating. Once Beth adjusts to her new surroundings, she becomes embroiled in political intrigue of King Edward’s court. She makes new friends and finds love, something she lacked in her modern life. But does she belong in the fourteenth century or the twenty-first? The history and language in this novel are an added joy – I especially loved that no one could pronounce Bethany nor Lindstrom properly. This book is a must read for any fan of historicals or time-travel.

For my fourth book, I chose one by an author a recently “met” online. Dora Hiers first novel, published by White Rose Publishing, is a contemporary romantic suspense. Just like my current WIP. In fact, Dora’s style is much the same as mine: real people faced with a situation just slightly out of the ordinary.

JOURNEY’S END by Dora Hiers tells the story of Chelsea Hammond and Trey Colten. Chelsea is just about to open a camp for troubled teens when, ironically, the son of the man who murdered her husband shows up unexpectedly. He witnessed his mother’s murder;  US Marshal Trey Colten and his partner are sent to protect both the boy and Chelsea. But who will protect Trey from the effect Chelsea has on his heart? The story is well-written, fast paced, with just enough conflict between Trey and Chelsea to keep the pages turning. I highly recommend this novel to lovers of romantic suspense.

If you've read one of these novels, I'd love to hear your opinion. And don't forget to check out future posts for some great ideas. Wednesday, July 20th, visit http://shelialipsey.com/blog/ ; Friday, July 22nd, it's Tracy Krauss's turn (www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com).