2 Great Books Giveaway! Week 1: Her One and Only

2 Great Books by 2 Great Authors Giveaway

It’s summer and two of my favorite authors recently had book releases!! I am such huge fans of both ladies, and what better way to introduce books to readers than by holding a giveaway? I’ll be featuring each book on Writer Wednesday, and on July 10, 2016, one blessed winner will win a gently used copy of Becky’s book and a brand new copy of Beth’s!

This week is Becky Wade’s Her One and Only, and next week I’ll feature Beth K. Vogt’s Almost Like Being in Love! Scroll to the end of the post for the easy entry options. I’ll include purchase links to both books too for those of you unwilling to wait!

Week 1: Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Her One and Only

 

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

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Her One and Only is the fourth and final book in the Porter Family series. Do yourself a favor and buy the entire series! It will be worth it! They are great books!! Purchase Her One and Only HERE!

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Becky Wade

About Becky Wade ~

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She’s the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine,  A Love Like Ours, and Her One and Only.

Visit Becky’s website at BeckyWade.com!

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Giveaway time! Use the form below to enter to win one gently used copy of Her One and Only by Becky Wade and one new copy of Beth K. Vogt’s Almost Like Being in Love!

US residents 18+. Starts June 29, 2016 at 6:00am and ends July 10, 2016 at 9:00pm EST. Full terms and conditions in entry form.

 

 

Come back next Wednesday for Week 2: Almost Like Being in Love by Beth K. Vogt!

Do you get sad when a beloved book series ends? (I do!)

Have a terrific day!

The Inside Scoop with Varina Denman

Today Varina Denman is  graciously answering questions about her writing life. Varina writes for David C. Cook, and her new book, Jilted, is the third in the Mended Hearts trilogy, available in stores and online. Don’t worry, I have all the links and book info below!

Let’s get to it.

THE INSIDE SCOOP WITH VARINA DENMAN

1. How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I think it was because I liked to read so much! When my children were small, I spent a lot of time reading during all those late-night feedings, and I began to wonder if I might be able to write a book myself. Once I started my first rough draft, I was completely hooked.

 

2. What is unique about your process?

I’m not sure how unique it is, but I know many, many of my writer friends don’t write this way. And truthfully, I’m currently undergoing self-inflicted limitations to recover from the tendency. You see, my rough drafts are TERRIBLE. I realize that all writers say that, but my drafts are such a confusing jumble of ideas that my own mother wouldn’t even understand the story line. At all. It’s a bad habit, but that’s how my brain seems to work. I throw the words down on the page as fast as I can, then I spend MONTHS making sense of it all.

3. What inspired your book?

Lynda Turner, the main character, has suffered from depression for years. And no wonder! She was jilted by more than one man, her friends turned their backs on her, and the local congregation shunned her family. Even though I’ve never experienced anything as devastating as Lynda, I can empathize with her pain because I also struggle with depression (though my symptoms are mild in comparison to hers). It’s my prayer that Jilted will be an encouragement to women, whether they have depression or know someone who does.

4. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write every day. The more I try to be successful as this job, the more I believe in this simple advice. I’ve gone through stretches when I didn’t write because I was plotting or editing, but I think that was a mistake because once I started drafting again, it took weeks to get my brain back in the habit of producing creative content. It’s all about training your brain. Right now I’m drafting a new novel, and I’m able to crank out a chapter every morning before I move on to blogging and marketing. But when I’m finished drafting, and I start editing, I’m HOPING I can still write something every morning that is original, just to keep my brain in the habit.

Jill, thank you for having me on your blog!

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Varina, you are very welcome! Come back anytime! Your process fascinates me. My process can only be described as linear, so I love reading about people who are non-linear. I always think, what would that be like? And could I do it? (The answer is no. I could not!) Your books have gotten rave reviews, and Jilted sounds terrific. I think many of us can relate to those dark emotions when life feels depressing. Your books bring light to many. Thank you for being my guest today!

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Jilted ~

 

Jilted

 

A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old memories, but will her past give way to hope?

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and of a town that must—once and for all–leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

Purchase Jilted HERE!

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About Varina ~

Varina Denman

 

Varina Denman writes stories about the unique struggles women face. Her three-book Mended Hearts series, which revolves around church hurt, is a compelling blend of women’s fiction and inspirational romance. A native Texan, Varina lives near Fort Worth with her husband and five mostly grown children. Her passion is helping others make peace with their life situations. Connect with Varina on her website or one of the social media hangouts.

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Have you ever been “kicked” when you were down?

Enjoy your day!!

What Happens The Day After I Meet a Deadline?

Do you see me smiling? I turned in my fifth Love Inspired this week! YAY!!!

This year has been crazy. I’ve let so many things slide for months. But now that my son has been confirmed, my daughter has graduated from high school and already attended college orientation, and my book is turned in, I can resume normal life! (For a few days, at least!)

 

Happy Planner

 

Yesterday, I woke up and brewed a pot of coffee. Luxuriated in the knowledge I wasn’t on deadline and I had free time on my hands. Of course, I still had taxi duty for my son, bills, appointments, etc… But I followed the rhythm of life on MY terms for the first time in a long time.

So what did I do?

  1. Spent a relaxing hour in our living room, reading my Bible, watching the birds, praying and sipping coffee. The best!!
  2. Cleaned the house. Wait, those words don’t come out of my mouth often, but yes, they are true. I cleaned the house. Because I wanted to, not because we had company coming over!
  3. Chatted with a friend on the phone. So good!
  4. Read a few more chapters of my friend’s debut novel coming out in July. You all are in for a treat with that one!
  5. Dropped my son off at a high school baseball tournament. He wasn’t playing. He was helping take care of the fields between games.
  6. Shopped for my husband’s father’s day present. Hit the Bath & Body Works sale for 75% off lotion, and grabbed a Starbucks while browsing magazines at Barnes & Noble. There really isn’t anything better.
  7. Researched day planners. Mine runs out in two weeks, and I am SUPER PICKY about my planner! For years, I’ve been stuck with a planner plus a slim binder because nothing was customizable enough. But several friends clued me in to different options, and I decided to try a discbound system.
  8. Browsed Michael’s website to get a 50% off coupon.
  9. Made hot dogs and mac & cheese for dinner.
  10.  Drove to Michael’s, drooled over all the Happy Planners, texted a friend for moral support, and bought the planner and accessories necessary to make this planner rock!
  11. Rented a video game for my son who was having a friend over.
  12. Put my Happy Planner together. Got WAY too excited about it!
  13. Read several more chapters of the book I mentioned earlier.
  14. Bedtime!

There you have it! That’s what I did the day after I met my deadline. Not exciting to most people, but to me? The BEST!!

What do you do when you feel free?

Have a terrific weekend!!

Summer Vacation: A Pool and a Pudding Pop

When I was a teen, I couldn’t wait for summer vacation. I would daydream about all the exciting things we would do. In my fantasies, there would be a summer romance, parties, plenty of pool time, shopping and fun! It would never be boring.

 

Twizzlers
So far my summer vacation has consisted of a LOT of Twizzlers!

 

The reality of summer vacation? Well, the summer romance factor was low, like dead, most years. And parties? Few and far between. To be honest, summer vacay never turned out the way I’d fantasized, but looking back, I was blessed with something even better. FREE TIME!! I had hours of free time.

I would walk the mile to our library and come home with a stack of books. I got paid to clean the house for my mom (I know, I was  blessed!!), and the neighbors would have me babysit once a week or so, which took care of shopping/fun money. We had an above ground pool, and I never minded cleaning it. I knew it was a luxury!

We always seemed to have pudding pops in the freezer. Do you remember those? We would get a multi-pack with chocolate, vanilla, and swirl. They were yummy!

My friend would come over and we’d make brownies (and eat half the batter), lay out in the sun, act like goofballs, and talk about how great it was going to be when we grew up.

Now I’m grown up, and you know what? I fantasize about summer vacation. Give me a pool, a book, and a pudding pop. I’ll be the happiest woman in Ohio! Forget the parties, summer romance (although, I’m blessed with that every year with my hubby!) and excitement. I just want free time!

What are your grown-up daydreams regarding summer? 

Have a terrific weekend!!

The Inside Scoop with Jessica R. Patch plus Giveaway!

Protective Duty

Today Jessica R. Patch is  graciously answering questions about her writing life. Jessica writes for Love Inspired Suspense, and her new book, Protective Duty, is available in stores and online. I was blessed to read this book already, and it is awesome!! Jessica is giving away one paperback copy of Protective Duty! Easy entry options are below and the contest runs until June 12, 2016!
Let’s get to it.

THE INSIDE SCOOP WITH JESSICA R. PATCH

1. How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

That’s a great question. I suppose my love of storytelling played into it. Stories constantly cropped up in my mind and one day I felt like God nudged me to put it on paper. After that, I just knew.

 

2. What is unique about your process?

I’m not sure if anything is unique. Stories come in so many different ways to me, then I use a huge white board to start plotting. After that I use OneNote and Powerpoint to nail everything down. I guess that might seem boring.

 

3. What inspired your book?

My hero, Eric Hale, was a minor character in Fatal Reunion. His wit and humor as well as his complex personality told me he needed a story. And I’m glad because many readers have emailed me to ask if he was getting his own story!

 

4. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

“Write the book you would want to read.” I hear so many people saying they have to write this genre or that to “break into” publishing. But those genres don’t make them happy. Write what you love. Enjoy the journey. Trust God.

 

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Jessica, I love that God nudged you to start telling your stories. We’re blessed that you did! Your white board doesn’t sound boring at all–I’ve never used one to plot. You might have to demonstrate this for me at some point! And I fell in love with Eric, so thank you for giving him his own book. Thinking of him makes me think of licorice, and now I am hungry… Great advice! Thank you so much for being my guest!

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 Protective Duty
HIGH-RISK REUNION

Minutes into FBI profiler Bryn Eastman’s first case since a near-fatal shooting, a brazen serial killer sets his sights on her next. Now her life—and career—is in the hands of her new partner, Detective Eric Hale, the man she once loved and lost. Racked with nightmares of the shooting and regrets for the tragedy that tore her and Eric apart, Bryn doesn’t want Eric to discover the secrets she carries—but she needs him. Seeing Bryn brings back memories Eric can’t control. Memories of a once-in-a-lifetime love. But the tough detective knows their only path to a second chance goes straight through a relentless killer…one who won’t quit until he counts Bryn as his fifth victim.
Interested in purchasing Protective Duty? Buy from AMAZON or HARLEQUIN!

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Sign up for a chance to win a copy of Protective Duty!

US residents 18 and older. See official rules in giveaway form

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Jessica R. Patch

About Jessica ~

Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. She’s the author of the Seasons of Hope series, Fatal Reunion, and Protective Duty. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

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Jessica’s advice about writing is to “write a book you want to read.” What types of books do YOU love to read?

 

Have a terrific day!

 

The Inside Scoop with Mindy Obenhaus plus Giveaway!

Falling for the Hometown Hero

Today Mindy Obenhaus is graciously answering questions about her writing life. I’m blessed to call her my friend. Mindy writes for Love Inspired, and her new book, Falling for the Hometown Hero, is available in stores and online. It’s a terrific book. Don’t be jealous that I got to read it already! Mindy is giving away one paperback copy of Falling for the Hometown Hero. The easy entry form is below, and the contest runs until June 5, 2016 at 9pm! I have all the links and book info below!

Let’s get to it.

THE INSIDE SCOOP WITH MINDY OBENHAUS

1. How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Actually, I never imagined I’d be a writer. It wasn’t even blip on my radar. Then, as my kids got older and I had more time to read, something happened. Like a switch flipping in my brain. I doubted it at first, but figured the only way I would know if I could write was to actually do it. So I did and it quickly became my passion.

2. What is unique about your process?

Hmm… I’m not sure there’s anything unique, although my husband is amazed that I’m able to keep so many people and stories straight in my head.

3. What inspired your book?

The story changed a lot from its inception, but my original spark was when my daughter served in the U.S. Navy. I thought it would be cool to have a heroine who was former military.

4. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop learning. One never gets so good at writing that they stop learning the craft.

 

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Mindy, that’s wild that you never had the urge to write, and yet you’re such an amazing writer! You do keep a lot of imaginary people in your head straight. Haha! I’m impressed your daughter wanted to join the Navy. I’m afraid of a twenty minute boot camp video. Your advice is terrific. I’m always learning! Thank you so much for being my guest today!

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Falling for the Hometown Hero

The Soldier’s Second Chance
After returning home wounded from an IED attack, former soldier Kaleb Palmer is hailed as a hero. But survivor’s guilt makes him feel like a fraud. He hopes setting up a business in Ouray, Colorado, will give him a purpose and help him forget. But his new office manager has her own plans. Grace McAllen brings light and hope wherever she goes, and she’s getting Kaleb to open up. As she helps him make Mountain View Jeep Tours a success, Kaleb realizes a happy ending is in reach, if he can convince Grace to stay in town—and his life—forever.

Interested in buying Falling for the Hometown Hero? Purchase from Amazon!

 

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Enter to win a paperback copy of Falling for the Hometown Hero!

US residents 18 and older. See official rules in entry form.

 

 

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Mindy Obenhaus

About Mindy ~

It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. But once God called her to write, she never looked back. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. Mindy is a two-time finalist for American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Find more at www.MindyObenhaus.com.

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Have you ever gotten the urge to do something you never considered? Did you go for it? I’d love to hear your story!

Have a wonderful day!

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