Friday Fiction Friends - and Giveaway!

Today it is my pleasure to have Debbie Lynne Costello as a guest on my
blog. Debbie Lynne has written several books but today we will be treated to an interview with the hero of her newest release, SWORD OF THE MATCHMAKER. Debbie Lynne is offering a giveaway - leave a comment on this blog post, then follow along the blog tour to get more chances to win! (see below for dates and links) Don't forget to also enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom of this post. Debbie Lynne is giving away a Kindle Fire (with SWORD OF THE MATCHMAKER), a $15 Amazon gift card, and much more!

Before we meet Thomas, here's a little blurb about the novel:

purchase on Amazon http://amzn.to/2q2FbIS

Penelope Beatty made up her mind long ago she would live and die a Scottish warrior not a wife. But when nearly all her clan is killed and she is betrayed, she loathes doing the unthinkable, but must seek the help of an Englishman who owed her father’s his life.

Thomas Godfrey never married, but when a Scottish warrior lass shows up needing his aid, he finds her both annoying and irresistible. But the last thing he wants is to marry a woman who fights alongside him. If he was going to marry—which he isn’t—it would be to a soft, submissive woman. But when the Lady Brithwin meets the Scottish lass, she’s sure she’s found the perfect match for Thomas and nothing is going to stop her from seeing a summer wedding.

I confess, now that I've met Thomas through this interview, he seems like the perfect hero (albeit reluctant!). Read on and see for yourself.

1) Thomas, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? How did you get to be Master-At-Arms?

Greetings, Lady Tammy. I thank you for having me here today. This is a very fine way to kick off a blog tour. Your time period is much different than mine. Why if I was to correspond with you in the late 14th century it might take months for you to hear back from me and then if a tragedy befell the letter carrier, you may never hear back. This email and blogging is very interesting.

To answer your question, I am the oldest son of Hamon Godfrey. I was born in the Cumberland area in England and have lived here most of my life. During my page years and squire years I was sent to a keep south of Hawkwood where I tended that lord of the keep’s needs. But shortly after knighthood I was asked to come back to Hawkwood.

I became Master-at-arms at a fairly young age. The old lord saw that I had the respect from the other knights. They trusted me with their lives. So when the previous Master-at-Arms died in battle on the border lands, I filled his shoes to keep the men focused on our goal. The lord saw that the men would do as I told them and chose me to fill the Master-of-Arms position. Although, I have my suspicions that he may have had some influence from within. Many saw that I looked after Lady Brithwin, protecting her from her father whenever I could. And though I’m nearly twenty years older than her, she was like a daughter to me and I loved her as thus. Indeed, I suspect there were whispers in the lord’s ear that the job should go to me.

2) I imagine you are accustomed to being in charge. What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? Does that change after they've known you awhile?

Being in charge is an easy thing to become accustomed to. Much like the centurion in the bible, I tell a man to do something and he does it. I cannot imagine anything else. I hope they see I am an honest, God fearing man. I try to be fair in my dealings with those under me but I will not brook foolishness or disobedience. And because of that the first impression may not be favorable. They may see me as a hard, uncaring person. But I would say that yes, once they get to know me they realize there is another side to me.

3) What is your impression of Penelope when you first meet? What is your opinion of Lady Brithwin's impression of Penelope?

(Thomas grinned.)

My first impression of Penelope? Perhaps a bit of amusement. How else could I feel? Here

was this beautiful woman standing before me in men’s garb, demanding I take her to see Hamon—which of course I did. She made me smile, even laugh, which only made her angry. I didn’t have to say much to get her hackles up. I truly found her amusing. But at the same time I dinna like the way it made me feel inside. I’d never had feelings like that for a woman. And I didn’t want them now. Now lady Brithwin looked past the male garb and saw a woman in need of a husband. She fell in love with Penelope the minute she met her. I could see it in my lady’s eyes and knew I was in trouble.

4) Why do you not want to marry?

I am 35 years old! I am too old to train a wife and I have no patience for a weepy woman. I am use to a woman like Brithwin who is strong. I dinna want to deal with the problems that come with a wife. Royce has his hands full. Though I love my lady, she is a stubborn woman. I am a man who has no time for a woman’s foolishness.

5) Is there something you'd really like to accomplish in your lifetime?

I achieved my goal of master-of-arms at a young age, so on a personal basis I am happy. However, I have dreams of building my own place and having a home to call my own. And before you say something about needing a woman to keep my home clean, let me assure you that I am quite capable of keeping my abode clean.

(note from me: I would never say anything about needing a woman to keep a home clean! I might, however, suggest it isn't much of a home if there's no one to share it with.)

6) And just for fun, what's your favorite meal and what's your favorite food to have for that meal?

I enjoy the evening meal, though it’s not as large a meal as the dinner meal. My day is usually at end and I am able to sit and fellowship with my lord, knowing the day is behind me. Lady Brithwin always sees that a fine meal is prepared for the evening meal as well as the mid-day meal. My favorite thing to eat at the meal? Wardonys in Syrup. Nothing can finish off a meal better than sweet pears in syrup.

Wardonys in Syrup, photo found on
Give it Forth blog

Thank you, Thomas, for taking sometime to meet with my blog followers and Debbie Lynne's readers.

I thank you again, Lady Tammy. I will look forward to answering the questions of your followers.

Be sure to stop by Miralee Ferelle’s blog on May 19th for more ways to enter.
To purchase a copy of SWORD OF THE MATCHMAKER, pop over to Amazon http://amzn.to/2r05uN4

Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses. Find Debbie Lynne on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello Twitter https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/ G+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DebbieLynneCostello

and Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9458076.Debbie_Lynne_Costello

For more chances to win a Kindle Fire, Amazon gift card, and more, check out the rest of the blog tour: 

           

May 19                                                  May 29, 30, 31

http://miraleeferrell.com/blog/                              http://singinglibrarianbooks.com

June 2                                                   June 3

http://www.marylutyndall.com/                          https://www.jodiewolfe.com/blog

June 4                                                   June 5

http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/           http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/

June 7                                                   June 9

http://www.hhhistory.com/                                  http://kathleenrouser.com/20151117hello-world

June 12                                                 June 13

http://www.jocelyngreen.com/blog             http://annepayne.blogspot.com/

June 14                                                 June 15

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/                         http://sunniereviews.blogspot.com

June 16                                                 June 17

http://amybooksy.blogspot.com/                   http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

June 19                                                 June 20

http://miraleeferrell.com/blog/                    http://brendaandersonbooks.com/blog/

June 21                                                 June 22

http://kierstigiron.com/blog/                     http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/

June 25                                                 June 27

https://buzzingaboutbooks.com/              http://todayswomanoffaith.blogspot.com/

June 28                                                  June 30

https://cherylbbookblog.wordpress.com/    http://americanpatriotseries.blogspot.com/

                 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Fiction Friends - A Book Review

I didn't have anyone lined for today, so I thought a book review would fill the spot nicely.

A BEE IN HER BONNET by Jennifer Beckstrand ~ A Review

I don't usually read Amish fiction. Just not my cup of tea. But someone asked me to read this book and I was in the mood for a romance.I'm am ever so happy I decided to read it!!

This is the second book in the series but I didn't feel at all lost by not having read the first (I will go back and read that one, though). The Honeybee Sisters are three young women living with their aunt in a Wisconsin Amish community. The girls were orphaned at a young age and their aunt stepped in to raise them. The family is a little unconventional by Amish standards, especially Aendi Bitsy, who lived outside the Amish community for a long time. She's a big part of what made A BEE IN HER BONNET so enjoyable.

In this novel, Poppy Christner is determined to catch the vandal who has been terrorizing their farm. Their beehives have been tipped over, laundry torn from the line, and graffiti painted on the side of the barn. All of that happened in the first book. This one opens with Poppy confronting two people parked in a car on the road in front of the farm - and getting her hand stuck in the driver's side window as they start to drive away. Luke Bontrager comes along just in time to stop the car and force them to roll down the window, freeing Poppy. She doesn't appreciate his interference (she's convinced she was about to see the faces of the vandals). Luke thinks Poppy takes unnecessary risks.

All of Poppy's life, she's believed that she is not marriage material. Her grandfather told her she'd never get a husband if she stayed so stubborn. In school, she confronted bullies and was generally a tomboy. Now along comes Luke, echoing the same sentiment - who would want to marry such a contrary girl. For her part, Poppy concedes (privately, of course) that Luke is handsome but he's much too bossy.

The two are thrown together through various circumstances, each slowly realizing how special and wunderbar the other is. Luke obstinately sticks to his belief that some things are "men's work" and some work is for women. Poppy stubbornly sticks to her feeling that she can do anything any boy can do. Their clashes are humorous and tug at heartstrings as the reason behind each one's emotions is revealed. How will they ever overcome these obstacles to reach the love God surely has planned for them?

Throughout it all, Aendi Bitsy fills the pages with humor and love. She admonishes the girls for giving Luke some cookies as a thank you for saving Poppy in the car incident. "Boys are like stray cats. Feed them once, and they'll keep coming around." Her gruffness doesn't scare Luke, which is good because Bitsy actually has a warm and loving heart and wants only the best for her nieces.

When I finished reading A BEE IN HER BONNET the only thing I wanted to do next was read book 3! This is a fun romance with plenty of humor and loads of warmth. I definitely recommend it!!

All three of the Honeybee Sisters novels by Jennifer Beckstrand are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Friday Fiction Friends - Laura Hilton

Today kicks off a new feature for my blog - Friday Fiction Friends. I'll be spotlighting my fellow Christian authors in the coming weeks and months. I hope you enjoy & maybe find a new author to enjoy!

A warm, Naultag welcome to Laura Hilton.  Laura lives in rural Arkansas with her pastor-husband and their five children (and a hyper dog named Skye). She knows all about small town life, I'm sure. This month, Laura is celebrating the release of THE AMISH WANDERER.

Bethany Weiss has been fascinated by Silas Beiler since he spent a couple of years in Jamesport, Missouri, before he and his family moved to another Amish community. They hadn’t kept in touch, but she hasn’t forgotten the friendly young man who brought her lemonade and took her home once from a Singing years ago. When she finds a man sleeping in her family’s barn, like Jesus sleeping in the hay, she is stunned to recognize Silas. He’s left the Amish and is backpacking across the country. She talks him into staying, at least until after Christmas.

Silas’ family has never been happy living in one area for long, and their vagabond ways are wearing on him. He’s lived in Amish communities all over the nation, moving whenever his daed became disgruntled with the leaders, and he’s looking for some sense of stability. His intentions are to make it back to Pennsylvania and stay with his Englisch onkle and his family—and pursue an education. Will Bethany be the one to bring Silas in from the cold? Or will he continue on his way to his extended family and become Englisch? 

How did Amish Wanderer get started?

Romans 8:38-39. I had no idea what Amish Wanderer would be about. I knew a blurb. I knew the characters names. I knew they used to be “sweethearts” before he moved away. That is all I knew. God usually gives me the verses in the middle or end of a book and this time, He dumped it out on my lap. Romans 8:38-39. I looked it up. Read it. And I looked at it and said “What am I supposed to do with that?” So I was driving somewhere and my daughters were listening to a cd. I don’t remember what song we were listening to. But when we got home, I knew the opening line of the story. The sky is falling and I’m searching for somewhere to hide.

How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all? 

When I started writing Amish fiction, everyone said, you need to write your family’s story. And I said no. I would never write my family’s story. It is awful. Beyond awful. No. But while Amish Wanderer is not my family’s story, it is the closest I will ever come. Ever. It ripped my heart out writing this story. I imagined myself in my Grandmother’s eyes as she went through a similar nightmare. I know—or think I know—the horror she must’ve felt, living in fear of the person who was hurting her. That she eventually came to Christ is a miracle.

 

Will we know what happens to your character after the end of the book? 

Yes, if you know how to read between the lines. I don’t actually come out and say where they end up and do in this book, but it is very broadly hinted. And if you read my next book coming in the fall of 2017 (stand alone) there is a mention of Bethany and where she ended up. My books are all stand alone. But there might be some overlapping of characters, Just like in real life.

Both of your lead characters have “baggage” that keeps them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?

Most definitely. The Amish book releasing in the fall of next year has a line the preacher in the book says – I don’t remember the exact words that I used - but something about what if the future God has for you is wrapped up in your worst nightmares, your biggest fears? Sometimes, you have to face the past in order to move past it to a brighter future. 

Where do you like to write?

Oh, I have dreams of writing at Starbucks like so many authors do. Alas, I live in rural Arkansas, there is no Starbucks within a 150 miles or more, and I am a stay at home mom with five children and I homeschool – two of them. Three are homeschool graduates. I write in the living room. With my children beside me so I can help with their school work – or explain it. 

How do you handle distractions?

Since it seems like I am trying to write at the busiest spot in “Grand Central Station” some days, I am envious of authors who say “I only got 5,000 words written today.” Only!? I’m happy if I get 500 words written a day. Over the moon ecstatic if I reach 1,000! 

If someone else were sitting at your desk right now, what would they see?

Ha ha. They would see my three daughters sitting on the couch, watching a DVD of an old movie. We don’t have TV. They would see my to-do-list and the ARC of my upcoming book on my right, and a manuscript that I need to endorse for another writer on my left. And some sore throat spray because my youngest daughter says she has a sore throat. The medicine tastes yucky. She wants me to throw it away and buy the good tasting throat drops.

When you’re working on a project, how do you keep the immensity of it from getting you down?

If it is hard to write and depressing me, like Amish Wanderer was, I have to physically remove myself from it, read a happy book. Something that takes me away from it until I can focus on it.

Both of your lead characters have “baggage” that keeps them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?

Most definitely. The Amish book releasing in the fall of next year has a line the preacher in the book says – I don’t remember the exact words that I used - but something about what if the future God has for you is wrapped up in your worst nightmares, your biggest fears? Sometimes, you have to face the past in order to move past it to a brighter future.

Do you think there’s any reason in particular some people have one reaction versus the other when something bad happens in their life?

I am not going to attempt to play psychologist, but Bethany reacted by pulling away from God and having a stand-off until He does what she wants. Silas reacted by turning to the scriptures and trying to trust God knows what He’s doing even though he doesn’t like it. That God has a reason for putting him through the refiner’s fire.

Has there been a time in your own life where you could really sense God was putting you in a situation for a reason?

Oh, so many. As most of my readers know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago. I went into it shaking, like most people do. I had a three year old, I didn’t have time for cancer. But someone sent me an i-pod shuffle loaded with praise and worship songs for me to listen to during chemo. I read, a lot, and God was drawing me deeper into His word. I prayed a lot. I’m not going to say that it was a walk in the park. And I am still suffering side effects from it. BUT I learned to listen to God. I grew as a Christian. I grew as a writer. And I believe God put me through it so I would become the writer that I wouldn’t have been if He hadn’t refined me.

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, Lighthouse Academy and Laura V. Hilton, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Visit Laura on Facebook and Twitter and check out her Pinterest page, too!
Grab your copy of THE AMISH WANDERER on Amazon, CBD, or Barnes & Noble

Deleted Scenes...

Movies have bloopers. Sometimes they'll leak a scene that was cut. Well, novels have lots of deleted scenes. An author writes the first draft and then tweaks what works, slices what doesn't. But these manuscripts are like our babies - actually "deleting" what we wrote is painful. So the scenes tend to get tucked into a file and often never read again. 

Today, I'm offering up a deleted scene from SHE'S MINE. If you've read the book, you will find vague referencing to the Memorial Day parade. In the first drafts, there was actually a chapter with Sean and Caitlin interacting at the parade; Caitlin even rides in one of the fire trucks with Sean in the parade. It just didn't advance the plot enough and I was able to put the little bit of pertinent details in subsequent chapters (where they actually worked better). Still, I liked the scene. Here is a portion of it, for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

“Janelle has arranged for you to ride in another truck so you can have a front seat view of the parade.”

She looked over his shoulder, realizing why Sean had joined the group. Sitting in the front would be more fun than being squeezed between two rambunctious six-year-old boys. Janelle grinned. Caitlin narrowed her eyes and tried to telepathically communicate I know what you’re doing, to her best friend. Sliding her gaze back to Scott, she nodded.

He opened the door and jumped down. She faced the truck and climbed carefully. The feel of hands suddenly on her hips surprised her. A quick glance showed Sean guiding her. He dropped his hands as her feet hit the ground.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to get touchy-feely there. Just didn’t want you to fall.”

“I have a pretty good sense of balance.” Not wanting a repeat of the other day she added, “Thank you for being considerate.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Thanks for giving me the benefit of doubt. Truck’s over this way.”

Long, quick strides carried him across the parking lot. She stared at his departing form. He moved with confidence. The dark blue pants and white shirt of the fire department uniform looked good on him. Wavy blond curls edged over his collar. Her mouth went dry. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

He stopped beside a red F350 Super Duty. She hurried to catch up. When he turned to look at her, she was struck by the contradictions in his face. Broad with angular planes, his expression could be hard and a bit intimidating. Harbor blue eyes might’ve been chilly. Instead he smiled and his face became round, cheerful, almost boyish.

“This is the forestry truck.” Sean spoke with pride.

“It’s like your truck, only red.”

“And a bit bigger.” He smiled. “This one holds over two hundred gallons of water, plus she’s got a pump that’ll send out five hundred gallons per minute. That is the hose reel.” He pointed as he spoke. “There’s a generator onboard, four 15 amp outlets, two telescoping lights and rear scene lights.”

Caitlin stared at the truck, awed by its implied capabilities. She pointed to the built out front bumper. “Do I even want to know about that?”

“No.” His smiled dimmed, as if recalling unpleasant memories. “That one is a Briggs and Stratton power unit. The others are called Hurst tools. Ask Scott if you want to know more. I’d rather not get into a discussion about car accidents.”

“Okay with me.” She let a smile claim her lips. Sean was pleasant to talk to when she wasn’t being rude. “I’m not much into blood and guts.”

“We’ll get along fine, then.” Pronounced dimples appeared as his grin returned.

Caitlin held her smile, trying to hide her nervousness. In jeans and t-shirt at the farm, Sean had a down-to-earth, regular guy kind of look. Today, in uniform, he looked like a rough-edged gentleman. Both were attractive and that worried her.

Adam always behaved like a perfect gentleman. Dressing smartly, his black hair cut short and combed straight and neat. Yet Adam had played a role, luring her into a trap. And she hadn’t known until it was too late. Then he’d revealed his true self: a manipulating, conniving narcissist. What proof was there that Sean was who he seemed to be?

“Caitlin?”

He’d been talking and she hadn’t heard a word. Now he held the door, gesturing for her to get into the truck.

“Sorry, got lost in thought for a moment.”

“Having second thoughts about riding with me?”

If you haven't read SHE'S MINE yet, grab a copy for your Kindle at http://amzn.to/1MHwhp1 It's only $4.99 - - or FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Meet Millie from CELTIC KNOT

(reposting an old interview - in celebration of CELTIC KNOT being on sale for just 99¢)


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."

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."

"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 and 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 CELTIC KNOT now for just 99¢ - but hurry, sale ends 10/12/15

Available for Kindle (http://amzn.to/1N0uEkG) Nook (http://bit.ly/1vUxlhB) iBook (http://apple.co/1FSh3sY) Kobo (http://bit.ly/1OtA8Wu) or for any eReader at Smashwords (http://bit.ly/1uFLRdr)

SHE'S MINE is On Sale!!

Great news - I'm running a Kindle Countdown sale for SHE'S MINE! Starting August 31st, the price for the eBook is $1.99...until midnight (PST) on September 4th...which is 3:00am on 9/4 for those on the East coast. After that, the price will be $2.99 until 11:00pm (PST) on September 6th. (click the picture or this link to go to the Amazon.com page: http://amzn.to/1MXk5ja)
  

For Amazon.UK customers, the sale begins September 2nd at 12:00am GMT with a price of £0.99 until 12:00pm GMT on September 5th. Then the price will be £1.99 until 12:00am GMT on September 9th. 

Please help me out and tell all your friends about this promotion. SHE'S MINE has a 4.6★ rating on Amazon, with comments like:

~ "Did I want to stay up until 2 am reading? NO! But the book was too good to put down. Highly recommend."

~ "I finished 'She's Mine' last night....You surprised me with the twists..I didn't expect that..."

~ "Masterful plot twists, action, some suspense & romance - loved this book! Good Christian values & scripture references given at appropriate times - we are not perfect, just forgiven! Will now go back and read her others!"

~ "I loved this book. Full of twists and turns and unexpected events. And a great ending."

~ "I really liked this story. Lots of mystery along with a good romance. I didn't want to put the book down until I'd finished it."

"Fantastic read. Poured through this book because I couldn't put it down! The storyline kept me guessing. There is a masterful plot twist, that I didn't see coming - and I loved it!! " ~ Lisa Belcastro, author of the Winds of Change series and Possible Dreams series.
****************************************************************************************************************************

Caitlin Harrington has a new job and a new life away from her menacing ex-boyfriend, Adam. Issues with her parents, losing her previous job and the death of her beloved grandmother leave her wondering if God has abandoned her. Two things she is sure of: she’s a lousy judge of character and men just can’t be trusted. Now a volunteer firefighter who has come to her rescue more than once is dangerously close to breaking through her defenses. 

And not everyone in sleepy Naultag, Massachusetts is welcoming. Someone is leaving ominous notes on her door. 

Sean Taggart likes being a rescuer. But a failed engagement has taught him to be cautious with his heart and Caitlin is a threat. Women just can’t be trusted. Still, he’d like to save Caitlin from whatever demons have her so spooked. If only she’d let him. 

Threatening notes. Scratching at the windows during the night. A shadowy figure lurking in her yard. Caitlin must tell the police about Adam, but everything he told her was a lie. Who is Adam? And if Caitlin trusts Sean to protect her, will his life be in danger? 

Can Sean rescue Caitlin before the stalker becomes a killer? 

SHE'S MINE is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.UK 
 this novel is also available in print format from many online retailers

Visit my Amazon Author Page or pop over to Facebook to connect with me!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Caitlin Harrington hasn't had a good relationship with her father, so Father's Day isn't something she celebrates. Wise words from Chaplain Oakes, which aren't even aimed at her personally, open her eyes. I'm sharing this excerpt from SHE'S MINE for all those out there who maybe didn't have the greatest Dad. Or maybe you do have the perfect father - hopefully this passage will help you appreciate him even more.

The pastor paused a moment, letting each parishioner gather thoughts of their parent. He smiled. “My dad was a wonderful man. Of course, it wasn’t until I was a father myself that I could fully understand how wonderful. Even so, he often had occasion to lose patience with me as I have struggled to keep mine with my children.”

A smattering of laughter supported his sentiment. Caitlin smiled, too. Being a teacher had given her a healthy respect for the difficulties of raising children.

“Now, as I read these familiar passages I’d like you to think about your earthly father in contrast to your Heavenly Father. We, as children of God, often give the Lord good reason to be angered or lose his patience. Yet He sent us his Son, and we are all saved by the sacrifice of Jesus. As you go about celebrating Father’s Day today, think about how loving our Heavenly Father is”

Chaplain Oakes turned to his Bible, glancing at the congregation to be sure all were ready for the reading. In those few seconds of waiting, Caitlin bowed her head. Lord, I haven’t ever thought of my dad as loving. Please forgive my selfish feelings. Even if those feelings are the product of my parents’ bad marriage and their nasty behavior during the divorce. I’m an adult now, please help me to let go of the bitterness.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad. I will always cherish memories of being Daddy's Girl. And I thank the Lord to have you in my life still. Happy Father's Day, too, to my father-in-law in heaven. You made me feel like a princess and my only wish is that you could've been here to spoil your grandkids.

Get to know Caitlin Harrington in SHE'S MINE, a contemporary romantic suspense set in a small town in central Massachusetts. Available on Kindle and in print at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Find out more about author Tammy Doherty at her Facebook page

Christian Fiction Friday

I wanted to give you a little peek into SHE'S MINE, something you won't see with the Amazon preview...and possibly it's meant to be a bit of a teaser. After all, I do write romantic suspense! 

“I’ve prepared an outstandingly spectacular welcome for lover boy,” he scoffed. “When he goes into that house to rescue you—BOOM!”

Caitlin flinched, glancing back as they left the house. Tears blurred her eyes. She stumbled.

“Oh don’t fret sweetheart. The explosion won’t kill him. In fact it’ll hardly be more than a little firecracker.” A breath escaped her. He laughed. “Yup, he’ll be fine after that initial explosion. Fine enough to go searching for you. By the time he realizes you aren’t in there, all those little charges will have started such a fire that he can’t possibly escape. I made sure, even added a back-up.”

Oh no, please Lord, no. “How…” she faltered. “How do you know he’ll come?”

“Because you’re going to call him.”

They were back at the truck. Absently he cuffed her to the side mirror as he pulled the phone out again. “I’m going to send these lovely pictures to lover boy. He’ll recognize the house right away. After all, he still owns it. I’m sure the Staties could see my truck on that last fly over, they’ll send a cruiser to check it out. By the time a car makes it down here, we’ll be gone. Well, I will be anyway.”

Now it’s your turn!  Just link your Christian Fiction Friday! Here are the rules:

1. Christian Fiction Friday is a blog hop where authors post short (400-ish words or less) snippets from their current works in progress (I used my recently published novel, but here is a great way to showcase and preview what you have coming up for your readers).

2. Keep it PG-13 or lower. No swearing, no sex scenes. If you have a particularly violent scene or deal with a heavy or controversial subject matter, please include a disclaimer at the beginning of your post.

Suggestions:
1. Visit at least some of the other Christian Fiction Friday  authors each week and comment on their blogs.

2. Don't offer critiques unless the author specifically asks for it in his or her post.

3. Please include this blurb at the end of your weekly post

Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post short (400-word or less) snippets from their current works in progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman.

- See more at: http://www.hallee.bridgemanfamily.com/#sthash.UMnxFNWR.dpuf

SHE'S MINE is FREE!!

For 5 days only, May 7th to May 11th, I'm offering my newest novel for the low, low price of FREEE!! Be sure to snag this 5 star Romantic Suspense while it is so reasonably priced (after May 11th, it's still pretty reasonable at only $4.99...but free trumps any dollar amount every day!!)

Click here to go to the Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1JmgW8S

Or click on the book cover below. I'd love to have SHE'S MINE skyrocket into the top 10 for its category. You can help - the more people that download it while it's free, the better my sales ranking will be. And you can say you were pivotal in creating a Top 10 Bestseller!

She's Mine is a Grace Awards Finalist!!!!!

Yeah, I'm !!!!!! kind of excited about this - The Grace Awards is in its 5th year but this is the first time I had a book eligible. And I'm a finalist!!

The Grace Awards celebrates excellence in faith-based fiction, seeking to expand its scope and readership and to showcase its value in the Christian community (and the world at large). The tag-line "Expanding the Tent Pegs of Christian Fiction" really sums up this award. Each year, from January 1 to February 28, readers vote for (nominate) novels published the previous year, in six categories. The voting requires readers to write a 40 (or more) word statement of why they like the book they are nominating. 

As SHE'S MINE was released on December 1, 2014, it was eligible for this award. But it had a short time in which to impress enough readers to garner enough votes to make the first-round pick. And it did! I'm so thrilled that you all like my book!!! Being nominated really is an honor. Whether or not my novel wins, I will always have this achievement to cherish.

Now, enough of tooting my own horn. Because I'm up against some stiff competition. One other finalist in the Mystery/Suspense category is none other than my critique partner Nike Chillemi. Her novel HARMFUL INTENT is a fast-paced police procedural type mystery with a hunky hero and a lovable yet sometimes snarky heroine. I absolutely LOVE this novel!   

I'm not familiar with the third finalist novel, BETWEEN THE LIES by Joy DeKok. It has 91, 5 star reviews so it must be a good story! The blurb on Amazon sounds very intriguing. I'll definitely be adding it to my TBR list :) 


In other categories, some of my favorites of 2014 are finalists as well as several of my fellow CIA members (that's Christian Indie Authors - not the "other" CIA!!). Here's a peak at the others:

Congratulations to all the finalists! Be sure to check the Grace Awards blog to read a short blurb about each novel. And check back in May to find out the winners! In the meantime, support Christian fiction by reading one or more of these wonderful novels and posting reviews online. Take it from this author - finding a new review posted is like Christmas morning!

Sneak Peek at the next Mystique of Naultag novel

Welcome to Christian Fiction Friday's - a chance for Christian Authors to post short snippets from their works in progress.

For those who have read SHE'S MINE, you know I end with a teaser about Randy Henderson. No spoiler here - yes, Randy is the co-star of the next Mystique of Naultag novel. Unfortunately, this one has no title yet. I'm calling it "MON2" (Mystique of Naultag #2). Randy's leading lady is Giovana McKenzie. Here's how I picture them:

From MON2, chapter 1:

Gio met Randy’s gaze. “Are you ready?”

He nodded. Deema blew a nervous breath as Gio encouraged the mare to lower herself to the straw bedding. Relieved when the horse accepted her interference, Gio knelt and went to work.

“You’ll need to make sure she stays down.” Glancing up, she saw Randy was already positioning himself to restrain the mare. “Try to keep her as calm as possible.”

Labor contractions had wedged the foal in the birth canal. Gio would fist need to repel the foal, pushing back gently, then carefully extend the forelegs. After that, she had to bring the head around to facing forward. Then, and only then, she’d help ease the baby into the world.

Lord, please help me do this, guide my hands.

“Easy does it now, girl. Dr. MacKenzie’s gonna make it all better.”

Randy’s soft reassuring tone grabbed Gio’s attention. He was down on the floor beside Deema’s head, left elbow on the ground and forearm extending across the mare’s neck, ready to apply pressure to prevent her from rising. His right hand caressed Deema’s face and ears while he continued to croon words of comfort and encouragement. He glanced at Gio and grinned.

Repositioning the unseen foal required full concentration. Gio adjusted the foal between contractions. The comforting cadence and low timbre of Randy’s voice calmed her as well as the horse.

At last the foal’s forelegs were straight. Gio found the little muzzle and was easing it around when another contraction clamped uterine muscles. The foal slid toward the birth canal. Frantically, Gio pushed against the movement with one hand, trying to maintain her hold on the foal’s muzzle at the same time.

A low growl escaped her. Randy’s sing-song faltered as he shot a quizzical glance her way. She managed a weak smile before refocusing on the foal. Randy began softly singing "Blackbird."

Photo by Carey Williams, Rutgers University

Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post snippets from their current Works In Progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman - see more at 

http://www.bridgemanfamily.com/hallee/christian-fiction-friday-march-6th/#sthash.O5jpyzw6.dpuf