Meet author Heather Greer
Heather Greer and her husband are adjusting to their empty nest in southern Illinois. Writing and being a pastor’s wife help her keep busy in her now quiet home. Heather’s greatest blessings are the writing ministry God’s given her, her husband, her four grown children, and her grandchildren (though not necessarily in that order). When she’s not writing or reading, Heather enjoys cheesy romance movies and spending time with family and friends.
Tell us about your newest book.
Sugar and Spice is the winter novella in the Love in Any Season novella collection. New Kuchenbrünn, Missouri looks like it was plucked from the pages of a German fairy tale, and Emmie Becker loves it. Owning her family’s bakery, Sugar and Spice, adds to her fairy tale come true, except during the annual Gingerbread Festival. The problem? Emmie hates gingerbread. And this year gingerbread isn’t her only problem. Ryker Lehmann is returning home to photograph the festival. He’s witness to her biggest humiliation, her secret teenage crush, and the man who broke her heart when he left town. With gingerbread and Ryker together, can Emmie make it through the festival with her mind and heart intact?
What inspired you to write Sugar and Spice?
When my friend Amy Anguish and I began discussing a novella collection based on the seasons and small-town festivals, my Hallmark movie loving imagination went into over-drive. I love Christmas, but while Christmas does factor into the story, I didn’t want my festival to focus on the holiday. I wanted something a little different.
I’ve always loved quaint little towns, especially those with architecture that looks like it came from a fairy tale. The town directed my choice of festivals. I mean, can you have a German-inspired town and Christmas without gingerbread? They just go together. Besides, I love baking. Having a festival focused on one of my favorite hobbies was a bonus.
What genre do you focus on?
I tend to write contemporary romance. While I enjoy historical, contemporary, and fantasy stories, I’m always drawn to those that include an element of romance. There is something about watching two people fall in love, with all the ups and downs, that leaves readers with a smile. I like that feeling when I read, and I want others to experience it too. Plus, there’s a lot of opportunity for a character’s soul searching and learning about themselves and their faith when they’re navigating romance. It’s a great way to spur on character growth.
Why do you write?
I love stories. I always have. To create places that readers want to be part of and characters they’d love to have as best friends is such a special opportunity. To encourage someone through the stories I share in the same way God has used stories I’ve read to strengthen my faith and touch my heart is an amazing blessing. God gives us all gifts and talents intended to grow, strengthen, and encourage others in their faith. He planted a passion for reading and writing in me, and I want to use what He’s given to glorify Him. Writing stories that show character’s living their faith, even when they don’t get it right sometimes, is how I do that.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Emeline Becker is the heroine of Sugar and Spice. I started with the town. Since it has very strong Germanic roots, I wanted that to be the character’s heritage as well. I searched German names until I found Emeline, and I knew I would call her Emmie. A search of Germanic surnames gave me Becker which means baker. Could a name be more perfect for a family of bakers?
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Ha! I wish I had a schedule. I try. I really do. But I’m a fairly laid-back person with a terrible tendency to procrastinate. Not always a great pairing. I try to write every day, even if it’s only a couple hundred words. I don’t always succeed at that though.
If I’m under a deadline, I’ll use a word tracking program to help me divide up my task into daily goals. I determine what days I want to be lighter word counts and which ones I want to hit hard. The program uses that information along with the overall word count and deadline to tell me exactly how many words I need each day. Sometimes, I still fail, but it adjusts for that. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve logged in, seen that I’m a little short, and then gone back to add a few more words just so that tracker shows I made the goal.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The part I find most difficult has nothing to do with writing. It’s the marketing after the book is complete. I’m an introvert. Approaching strangers or talking to people about what I’ve done isn’t an easy task for me. Just the idea of calling a bookstore to set up a signing or speaking with a radio station about a possible interview makes me nervous. I know all they can do is say no, but it doesn’t ease the tension I feel when I think about doing those things.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Telling stories that allow me to share faith while entertaining readers. I love coming away from my favorite stories feeling like I’ve visited with friends. The idea that someone might feel the same after reading what I’ve written makes me smile. God has used stories to help me through my darkest times, to grow me in my understanding of Him, and to encourage me in my faith. Knowing that my stories may do that for others is humbling and amazing.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
All my children are grown, but I still keep a collection of children’s books that I add to regularly. I love children’s books. And I don’t stop with the books. Whenever I go to Kohl’s, I check out their Kohl’s Cares shelves for children’s book character stuffed animals. My newest addition is Llama from the Llama Llama book series.
What is your favorite pastime?
Is there an author who doesn’t say reading? Reading is one of my favorites, but I do have others. I love to bake, especially at Christmas. I also like to craft. I’m open to any craft, but I especially like card making and designing buttons.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I do. My first three books make up the Faith, Hope, and Love series. Faith’s Journey, Grasping Hope, and Relentless Love are all categorized as contemporary romance, but the series leans heavily toward women’s fiction. That’s especially true of Grasping Hope, which was a Selah award finalist.
Cake That! received third place in the Selah awards for 2022, and it is also a contemporary romance. It’s all about a televised baking competition and the fun, drama, and romance the main character faces as she takes part in the show.
Love in the Squared Circle is my newest full-length release, also a contemporary romance. It’s the story of a single mother of a precocious eight-year-old boy and a professional wrestler. I know. Not your typical Christian fiction hero. But he’s perfect for a story about seeing others as God sees them. And you don’t have to be a fan of professional wrestling to enjoy it.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on edits for my first historical romance, Window of Opportunity, which releases in January 2023. It’s a standalone story set in the 1920s, but it’s also the first in a series of full-length novels by four different authors that are tied together through one family and a stained-glass window. There is one set in the 1970s, a contemporary story, and a book set in a dystopian future to finish out the series. I’m really excited about my own story and the series. It’s something a bit different that I haven’t seen done before.
Website: https://heathergreer.com
Link to book: https://scrivenings.link/loveinanyseason
Social media links:
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorheathergreer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherGreer
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Heather_Greer1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1heather.greer
Meet author Janet Grunst
Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight. She lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. Brought up in a Navy family, she’s lived throughout the United States and in Spain. A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.
Tell us about your books.
This is a three-book series. A Heart Set Free published in 2016, A Heart for Freedom published in 2018, Setting Two Hearts Free published in 2020.
How would you describe your books?
A Heart Set Free
In 1770, Heather Douglas is desperate to escape a brewing scandal in her native Scotland. Penniless and hoping for a fresh start far away, she signs a seven-year indenture and boards a British merchant vessel headed to Virginia.
Widowed planter Matthew Stewart needs someone to help raise his two young children. The tall blonde standing on the Alexandria quay doesn’t look like much after her harrowing sea voyage, but there’s a refinement about her that her filthy clothing cannot hide. Could God be leading him to take this unknown indentured servant as his wife?
When Matthew purchases Heather’s indenture, he marries her, and takes her to his farm, she is faced with new and constant challenges. And Matthew wonders if they can ever bridge their differences and make a life together.
It is in the Virginia countryside that Heather begins her greatest journey, one of self-discovery and maturing faith. Here, she discovers that her emotional and spiritual scars bind her far more than her indenture . . . and love will finally set her heart free.
A Heart for Freedom
By 1775, the conflict has escalated between Loyalists and Patriots throughout the colonies. The Stewarts’ ordinaryand the surrounding Virginia countryside are not immune from the strife, pitting friends, neighbors, and families against each other.
Matthew Stewart has avoided taking sides and wants only to farm, manage Stewarts’ Green, and raise his family. But political tensions are heating up and circumstances and connections convince him that he should answer a call to aid the Patriot cause … with conditions.
Heather Stewart, born and raised in Scotland, has witnessed the devastation and political consequences of opposing England. Threatened by the prospect of war, she wants only to avoid it, and protect the family and peace she sought and finally found in Virginia.
The journey the Stewarts take is not an easy one and will involve sacrifice, and questioned loyalties. Lives and relationships will be changed forever. Ultimately the knowledge that God is faithful will equip them with courage to face the future … with a heart for freedom.
Setting Two Hearts Free Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him.
Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her.
Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost, Setting Two Hearts Free?
What inspired you to write these stories?
I love history and am fascinated by the inspirational origin of our country. Prayer and seeking God’s will were foundational to the Continental Congress. It was our first civil war, and with no established army and navy, we took on the world’s strongest military force—and founded a nation.
Why do you write?
I journaled but didn’t begin writing for publication until my thirties when I left full-time employment to have a family. I had regular columns in two small local newspapers but decided I wanted to tell stories about critical moments in history that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer rather than a plotter—not by choice. I’ve tried to be a plotter because I’m a structured person who likes lists. Being a “panster” goes against my nature but perhaps it’s one of God’s ways of keeping me dependent on Him as He guides me through creating a story.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I continue to learn so much about the writing craft—and it fosters discipline and humility. I’ve also met and gotten to know some phenomenal friends and fellow writers.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The Year Without Summer is one of four novellas in The Highlanders: A Smitten Historical Romance Collection
Shoved off his family’s land in Scotland in 1816, Grant Cummings looks for work in Ulster Ireland. He needs money and a home to raise his young brother. Molly MacGregor loses her father and his income but she has no time to grieve as she sews and spins to earn enough to keep her and her young brother alive. Renting out her hut on their land might be the answer, but only if she can overcome her prejudice against the handsome Highlander who moves in. Her heart might soften to him, but not when he plans to set sail for America.
What are you working on now?
A manuscript that takes place during the Irish potato famine—dear to my heart as some of my ancestors came to the States from Northern Ireland during that period.
Website: https://JanetGrunst.com
Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Set-Free-Janet-Grunst-ebook/dp/B01MQK0SXR/ref https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Freedom-Janet-S-Grunst-ebook/dp/B07FB5J172/ref https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Hearts-Free-Janet-Grunst/dp/1645262804/refhttps://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Smitten-Historical-Romance-Collection/dp/1645260631/ref
Social media links:
https://colonialquills.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Janet-Grunst-Author-385405948228216
https://www.pinterest.com/janetgrunst/
https://twitter.com/janetgrunst
https://www.instagram.com/janetgrunst/
Meet author Gina Holder
Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter.
Tell us about your newest book.
She’s a modern-day damsel. He’s her self-appointed knight. Who will rescue whom?
Kylie just wants to run her café without people thinking she’s a damsel-in-distress. That proves difficult when a man claiming to be her half-brother reveals buried family trauma and forces Kylie to face the scars of her childhood. Peter doesn’t mean to be a knight in shining armor, but as her proverbial big brother, he decides to uncover the truth about Kylie’s semi-sibling, while trying to make peace with his own mistakes. Unearthing the past leads to a danger greater than either ever expected. In the end, who will rescue whom?
What inspired you to write Grace Immeasurable?
This is the final book in the Shadows Over Whitman Series. Kylie is an important character in the first two books, and it was finally time to tell her story.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Emotionally scarred girl goes from Damsel-in-Distress to Warrior Princess.
What genre do you focus on?
Women’s Suspense Fiction. I enjoy writing a novel with a love story and all the twists and turns of a suspense. However, I also like to dive into the emotional inner journey of the female character. I feel this genre best allows me to tell the stories I want to share.
Why do you write?
I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember. I love being able to share the truths of God’s word through fiction.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character is Kylie Phillips. I don’t know why.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m a stay-at-home Mom. I usually start writing after cleaning up the kitchen from the previous night’s dinner, then break for lunch, then write again until dinner.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The writing part? LOL! Crafting a complete story is difficult for me. I’m great with ideas and my characters come to life on the page but creating a novel from start to finish takes time and a lot of banging my head on my desk.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The readers! There is nothing quite like hearing that someone loved your book or that it touched their heart.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I’ve written four other books—three novels and one novella. Information about each of them can be found on my website at storiesbygina.wordpress.com. My debut novel is a historical missionary romance, but the others have been contemporary romantic suspense.
What are you working on now?
After finishing Grace Immeasurable, my next project is The Escape Game, a prequel novel to my next series, The Game Master series. I’m excited to move (figuratively) from the Pacific Northwest to New England and introduce my readers to a whole new set of characters, as well as share my love of puzzles and escape rooms.
Website: http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Immeasurable-Shadows-Over-Whitman-ebook/dp/B09HP8MVHV
Social media links: Blog: http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/storiesbygina
Instagram: http://instagram.com/storiesbygina
Twitter: http://twitter.com/storiesbygina
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gina-Holder/e/B074HC9SHX
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gina-holder
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17074375.Gina_Holder
Meet author Donna Schlachter
A hybrid author, Donna Schlachter writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than fifty times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
Tell us about your newest book.
Middle-aged widow Edith Cooper walks away from the cemetery along the Green River near Simpson’s Hollow, Utah Territory. Away from the husband buried there this morning. Away from their plans and dreams for their future. Along the way, two men offer their hand in marriage. For her protection, one says. For his children’s sake, says the second. Were any of these reasons enough to marry? She must choose one. But which?
Albert Whitt, stationmaster of the Pony Express Station, loves his independent life. Twice stood up by women, he takes the only course that ensures no more rejection: stay clear of them. But when he learns that the stoic Widow Cooper is considering two proposals from men not worthy of lacing her boots, he must do something. But what? Can Edith and Albert find a new beginning in the midst of tragedy, or will they choose the most convenient path—alone?
What inspired you to write Hollow Hearts?
I published the first book in this series as a novella in a historical romance collection, and when the rights reverted back to me, I wanted to release that first book, subsequently titled Hollenberg Hearts, as part of a series. I did that last year. For this book, I did some research, and learned of a place in Utah along the Oregon Trail, where wagon trains would stop to bury their dead. And I also read that widows in the 1860 and even later would often get a proposal for marriage as they left the cemetery. I couldn’t resist.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I love historical fiction, because I love learning and researching. I like to read historical fiction for the same reason.
Why do you write?
The stories are in there, and they have to come out. I write because I see it as a calling from God on my life, one where I can hear His voice as He transcribes the story, and where I get the privilege of sharing that with others.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Edith Cooper is my heroine. I actually asked my newsletter subscribers to suggest old fashioned names for a strong female lead, and I liked this one the best. At least for now.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I schedule a two-hour block each weekday to write, and I write a chapter. If I get done early, good. I have a little time to do something else. If I don’t get that chapter done—well, that puts pressure on me for the next day.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Sitting down and facing the blank screen. For me, starting the story is the hardest. It’s like I have to learn to hear from God all over again. I argue with myself about where to start the story. Which is why an outline or synopsis is my best friend.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
When my characters say or do something I didn’t expect. I love it, because now I know for sure God is in the midst of the story.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to binge watch British cozy mysteries, such as “Midsomer Murders”, or “Father Brown”, or “Pie in the Sky”. You get the idea.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have published more than fifty other books. You can check them out at my Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m writing a Contemporary Christmas Romance about two people who aren’t looking for romance, and a little boy who wants a new mommy. It’s called A Mommy by Christmas, and will release November 8th.
Thank you, Susan, for allowing me to interact with your readers. Hope to “see” you online soon!
Website: www.donnaschlachter.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Hollow-Hearts-Book-Pony-Express-ebook/dp/B0B5B7H4XG
Social media links:
Check out previous blog posts at www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com and www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=donna+schlachter
Etsy online shop of original artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dare2DreamUS
Peyton’s Promise: God in Social Change?
Have you ever struggled with waiting for God to change something, whether in your personal life or in the culture? Peyton sure did! Here’s an excerpt from Peyton’s Promise. Hope you’ll grab a copy and enjoy…the rest of the story!
Patrick’s brow quirked, and bobbed his chin. “I have to ask—and please don’t be angry with me.” He paused and held her gaze, apparently making sure she wouldn’t explode. “Where is your faith that God will change things in His own good time?” He swallowed, licking his lips and sucking in a deep breath as if to gain courage. “You cannot fight what society deems right, Peyton Pie. They will ridicule you. They’ll whisper in the streets. You’ll be ostracized from here to New York City.”
Peyton waved a hand of dismissal. “Oh, I’ve already endured three years of that. I’m used to it. But men live such exciting, rewarding lives, free from social constraints, and women cannot. Men can talk about business and politics and enjoy every new-fangled invention of the day without a thought of ridicule. They can do anything without others whispering, accusing, condemning. Yet as women, we are relegated to the home and nothing more.”
Patrick held her gaze. “I can see where that could be frustrating.”
And that was all he had to say? She bit her lip. “Don’t you see? It takes sacrifice to change things. We women have been ignored for too long. We are looking forward to a time when every little girl is equal to every little boy. We don’t want to be lawbreakers—we want to be lawmakers. We just want to define our own destiny.”
“Thank you. I may not completely understand, but I’ll try.” He took her hand, and his touch rattled her more than she’d expected. He was her childhood chum, for heaven’s sake! Her heart jumped three beats as her blood rushed to her head, making her woozy. Her cheeks warmed as if she had a fever. What was the matter with her?
Peyton slipped her hand from his and stepped back. “I’m not a radical like Susan B. Anthony, but I do have an open mind to hope for a better tomorrow. And I cannot be the wimpy, whiny, submissive woman who hides in her home and tends babies. I shall likely continue to work and become an old maid like Aunt Bess. I must keep working, and if I marry, my husband must allow that as well as the freedom to learn, even though I shall be glad to nurture my family as well.”
Meet author Tanya Stowe
Book release date: September 1, 2022
Tanya Stowe is a Christian fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author who fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a train down a mountain or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.
Tell us about your newest book.
Escape Route centers around a hero and heroine who have a past. The heroine is a helicopter pilot, and the hero is a Border Patrol officer. They grew up together and suffered under a local bully. But the hero supported his brother and not the heroine. Now the bully has a criminal gang and has returned to wreak havoc over their small Texas town as he attempts to smuggle weapons out of the country.
What inspired you to write Escape Route?
Years ago, I attended one of my son’s college events which took place inside a WWII aircraft in a boneyard. The boneyard fascinated me and wondered about the history of the planes…all the planes. I also have had the pleasure of knowing two Viet Nam veteran pilots and really wanted to write about flying. They have such wonderful stories to tell, so I’ve incorporated them into my heroine’s adventures!
What genre do you focus on?
I write mostly romantic suspense these days. I love action/adventure scenes, suspense, and nature. I always wonder how things work and happen, “the what if and how.” So, by combining all these interests, I came up with romantic suspense. Plus, I think it’s the writing I do best. It’s been kind of a natural movement into this arena.
Why do you write?
I’m addicted. Plain and simple. No matter where I go or what I do, “what if” pops into my head and I must follow it to its natural conclusion. It won’t leave me alone until I put it on the computer. I used to say my husband supported my addiction. Now I can say it supports itself. Lol.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I used to say the hardest part for me was getting my ideas down on paper the way I see them in my head. But I guess after 26 books, I’ve finally honed my craft because that’s not as hard for me as it used to be. Now my biggest problem is that my husband is retired and I’m not. I’d like to go play more and write less. But I still have a lot of ideas I must get out of my head.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is doing what I love to do. I’ve been writing stories since I was eleven years old. Seeing them in print and sharing them with others is a dream come true.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I live in a Recreational Vehicle or RV. My husband retired four years ago. We sold our home, bought our RV, and hit the road. It’s really glamping though, not camping. I have a washer and a dryer, a king-sized bed, two bathrooms and 4 TVs in my RV, so I’m not suffering. I have a lot less cleaning and a lot more time to write!
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I think I unintentionally answered this already. Lol. I’ve worked on the craft of writing for many, many years. It’s just now that I finally feel like I’m getting the words down the way I see them and the way I want to tell the story. That’s a change for me and a lot of that comes from having excellent editors to keep me on track. I’ve had both kinds, freelance and house editors, and I appreciate how both have helped me hone my craft.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I think Escape Route is my twenty-sixth book and my fifth with Love Inspired Suspense, but I’m a hybrid writer which means I publish in multiple platforms. I have quite a few books with a small press and I’ve indie published several novellas as well. You can find all of my titles on my new website.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a story set in Yosemite involving climbing search and rescuers. Appropriately, the working title is Yosemite Fire Storm.
Website: https://www.tanyastowe.com
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/TanyaStoweReadersPage?ref=h
https://twitter.com/TanyaStowe1
https://www.instagram.com/tanya.stowe/
https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Stowe/e/B003UDYONS
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tanya-stowe
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4595413.Tanya_Stowe