Meet Ginny Dent Brant
Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power in Washington, DC. She has battled cancer, ministered around the world, and served on the front lines of American culture as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. Brant’s award-winning book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, was endorsed by Chuck Colson and featured in many TV and media interviews.
What inspired you to write Unleash Your God-Given Healing?
It was the book I never wanted to write. When I met with the hospital chaplain about my grim cancer diagnosis, he encouraged me to consider my cancer as a gift from God to help others because I was a speaker and an author. My response was “No way. I don’t want this gift!” I never wanted to write or speak about cancer. But the more I learned from my research, the more I felt compelled to share with others what I’d learned so they might prevent cancer and avoid this nightmare. That chaplain giggled and told me, “I can see it now—your book about cancer which begins with these words, “This is the book I never wanted to write.”
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
My cancer diagnosis sent me on a quest to discover what caused a health nut to develop an aggressive breast cancer. After three years of research, my book pulls back the curtain on cancer in a way rarely seen and answers the question “What can I do to help my doctor beat this disease?” I challenge you to change what your doctor has no control over—your lifestyle and health habits.
I connect the dots between nutrition, lifestyle, integrative and conventional medicine, and biblical wisdom to reveal how your body was created with self-healing mechanisms that work optimally when you do your part. Learn how to enable your body to work as God intended, thereby unleashing your God-given healing!
What genre do you focus on and why?
Both of my books are in the inspirational memoir category. I’ve done interviews for magazines with many Christian celebrities such as Elisabeth Elliott, Jonathan Cahn and Joni Earackson Tada. I’ve also done tributes to some of this world’s greatest Christian evangelists/teachers such as Dr. Billy Graham, Robertson McQuilkin and Chuck Colson after they passed. Writing about people and their lives and as well as rich experiences from my life seems to be my knack.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I know many of my writer friends love to write most of the time. I’m not one of those writers. I write only when inspired. It’s the inspiration that helps me to endure the hard work and editing that comes with any writing assignment! I’m totally driven by a message I feel led to give with the purpose of informing and inspiring others.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Writing is hard work. Letting the words flow naturally is not hard for me, but shaping and editing until you get it perfected is the hard part for me.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
The goal of my writing is to reach the reader. When readers let me know that my book on cancer has inspired them and given them hope, that’s the best part. My tribute to Chuck Colson showed a side of him that few people knew.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’ve had many rich experiences in life. I grew up in the halls of power of our nation’s capitol because my father served a senator and three presidents. I’ve also traveled to many countries where there is no freedom—China, Gaza, Yemen, and Romania as they were coming to freedom after Communism. This gives me a unique perspective. From my days growing up in DC to my travels in this world, I’ll never take my freedoms for granted.
What is your favorite pastime?
My husband and I love to collect old pottery and primitive furniture. We’ve dabbled in antiques much of our lives. In time, we furnished our entire house. We continue to go today, but mainly to help furnish the homes of our children!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My first book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, is a father-daughter memoir that begins in the middle of the Watergate Trials and ends up on the mission field of Romania.
What are you working on now?
I spend much time researching new treatments and medical research related to health and wellness and cancer. This information is posted on my website blog at www.ginnybrant.com I continue to learn new insights to share with others. I also mentor cancer patients who are going through cancer treatments. I love being able to offer information and hope to those who are willing to receive it
Website: www.ginnybrant.com (my cancer prevention blog is here)
Social media links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ginny.d.brant
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ginnydentbrant/
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/ginnybrant
A Christmas Eve Wedding
Here’s a short excerpt from Reagan’s Reward, for your Christmas enjoyment:
Reagan giggled as she led him to a nearby loveseat and bid him to sit. She kissed his cheek. “Nothing could dampen this day, not even this snowstorm. The children are home for the holidays, and I’m ready to wed, dearest Daniel. Thank you for waiting so I could have this one season of teaching under me.”
The wind howled fiercely outside the window behind them, and they both turned to look, bumping heads in the process. They laughed at the mishap. Beyond the pane, the white flakes fell steady and strong, evoking a frown from Daniel. “It’s getting worse. I fear your family mightn’t make it to the wedding with all this snow. Should we postpone the service?”
“No! Not another day! All I want for Christmas is you, dearest Daniel Lovitz, and if they can’t make it, I’ll be happy if our wedding is no more than Pastor Mark and us. We can always celebrate with them another time.” Reagan held back the tears that stung the back of her eyes. Their nuptials simply must happen this very night!
~ ~ ~
Reagan enjoyed every moment of the pampering she received from Mrs. Goodwin, the pastor’s wife, and three other matrons of the church. They fawned over her like doting grandmothers, primping her hair, sharing their stories of wedded bliss, encouraging her as a bride. One woman shared pearl earbobs; another a pearl necklace; yet another her blue handkerchief, intricately embroidered with white hearts and the words, “I will love thee always.”
As Mrs. Perkins thrust the handkerchief into her hands, she planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. You are the tenth bride to borrow this, and each one has had such good fortune in their marriage. Why, I’ve counted thirty-six babies from these brides thus far.” She winked at Reagan. “And, I’m sure, more to come.”
Reagan’s face grew warm as she thanked her. She thought she’d be alone on this stormy day. But this town had become her home, and these people, her people. In four short months, she’d found more love and support than she’d ever known. Here, in this tiny hamlet of Alexandria Bay, she discovered community. People who cared for and sacrificed for one another. She found love, in the heart of a godly man who shared her faith and loved her deeply. In the eyes of little children eager to learn. In the faces of fellow parishioners and her students’ families as they passed her on the street. In the kindness of the Bernheims in giving them a honeymoon in New York City, where her family would finally be able to meet her beloved.
A gentle knock drew her out of her reverie as Mrs. Goodwin opened the door.
Mr. Goodwin tipped his hat. “Good evening, ladies. The pastor and the groom are awaiting the bride in the ballroom.” The older man tossed Reagan a wink. “See you downstairs.” He gave his wife a peck on the cheek before hurrying down the hallway.
Reagan giggled as she pinched her cheeks. “I’m ready. I am so very ready!”
The other women cackled on their way out of the room, leaving only Reagan and Mrs.
Goodwin. The older woman slipped her arm in the crook of Reagan’s and waved a hand toward the door. “Shall we?”
Reagan sucked in a breath. Finally. Finally, she would become Mrs. Daniel Lovitz!
Read Reagan’s Reward…for the rest of the story! Merry Christmas, friends.
Meet author Jayme Mansfield
Jayme H. Mansfield is an author, artist, speaker, and educator. Jayme’s award-winning books, Chasing the Butterfly and RUSH, are book club favorites. Her newest release, Seasoned, is a vintage love story with a modern day flavor. Her writing is filled with vivid imagery and a passionate voice as she melds inspiring writing and artistic talents.
Tell us about your newest book.
Seasoned is a vintage love story with modern-day flavor. It is a heartwarming story of friendship, loss, and love. Two very special people navigate the different stages of their lives, from long happy marriages, to the loss of a spouse, and ultimately finding love again.
What inspired you to write (insert title)?
I was inspired to write Seasoned by the special, later-in-life love relationship my mother enjoyed with a wonderful gentleman for over a decade. Both had lost their spouse after long and happy marriages. Well into their eighties, they were fortunate to find and embrace a second chance at love. Their relationship was an inspiration and testimony to the truth that loves knows no age.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Seasoned is more than a love story – it’s a human story. Eighty-year-olds, Essie and Lou, are widowed and lonely after long marriages. After online dating brings them together, each must decide if past secrets will keep them from a second chance at love. Through grace, forgiveness, and restoration, it’s never too late to start living the truth and embracing that love knows no age.
What genre do you focus on?
I’m fascinated by history. Whether my books are truly set in a historical setting or told from a contemporary point of view, I can’t help but weave the influences of past people, places, and events. But whether I’m writing a historical or contemporary book, my stories are really about people – I write books about being human—the trials and tribulation and the joys and celebration.
Why do you write?
It might sound cliché, but I write because my mind is filled with story. Even as a child, I had quite an imagination and was known to tell a story or two (yes, fibs and wildly imaginative concoctions!). When I began to write as an adult, I was hooked! Although one of the most difficult things I’ve taken on in life, writing is also one of my most natural expressions. It’s also my therapy. My stories help me make sense, or at least process, my world.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Esther, or Essie White, and Lou Rizzo, aka, Joseph Marino, are the equally important protagonists. Mustering the nerve to try online dating called for aliases for both Essie and Lou. Being Italian, Lou needed two names with that slant. The choice for Esther actually came from noticing a street sign! While on a walk and thinking about the initial story, I saw the name and it simply struck me. Funny where inspiration is found!
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I always thought of myself as an extrovert, but the older I become, the more I appreciate, and even yearn, for thoughtful and contemplative time alone. Being an author meets me in both worlds—I have my time alone (albeit, characters are welcome companions) and also energizing and meaningful time with readers and other writers. I love opportunities to present and talk with others about my stories, cheer on other writers, and reach out to readers near and far through social media, my newsletter, and other fun marketing events.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
My heaven on earth is riding on horseback across a grassy plain. It’s a special escape in Wyoming I treat myself to whenever possible and a dream I hope to make a reality in the not-too-far-off future. Thus, my tagline, “Loosening the reins and leaning into the creative life,” is the real deal for me!
What is your favorite pastime?
I have many, but it’s hard to beat painting in my art studio. That is my other passion – one in which, like writing, I become consumed in the creative process – a sort of heaven on earth. My acrylic floral abstractions, often on large canvases, are intuitive, bright and bold. They are often referred to as, “joyful and hopeful”, and for me, that is the greatest compliment of all.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My other novels are Chasing the Butterfly and RUSH. Both are historical fiction. The first is set in the turbulent times of WWII in Paris and Provence. The second is based on my great-great grandmother’s life and her adventure in the 1893 Oklahoma Land Run. Both stories, and even Seasoned, contain an artistic theme, weaving the transformative influence of art.
What are you working on now?
I’m deep into a manuscript based on art forgery involving early 1900’s master painter, Modigliani. Though again fiction, the story is largely based on fact and history with fascinating characters navigating an intriguing plot with all sorts of bumps and hurdles along the way.
Website: www.jaymehmansfield.com
Social media links:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JaymeHMansfieldAuthor/
FB Group:
Twitter: @JaymeMansfield
IG: @JaymeMansfield
Meet author Cynthia Simmons
Cynthia L. Simmons is the mother of five grown children, former homeschool mom, a Bible teacher, past president of Christian Authors Guild, radio host, media coach, and columnist for Leading Hearts magazine. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. Since she loves history, she fills her presentations with lively stories from the past. While she speaks to women of all ages, she has a special place in her heart for young mothers and homeschool mothers.
Tell us about your newest book.
My new book, Valuing Gold, is the first in a series of three mysteries about a Civil War Bank. Money and banking were different during that era, and my mysteries give me a chance to share my research while sharing the joys of walking by faith.
What inspired you to write Valuing Gold?
I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where an important Civil War battle took place. The city has several historic sites we often visited when I grew up. I assumed everyone climbed on cannons and rode bikes on battlefields. My father researched so much on the guns that he could have led a tour of any of the museums. Naturally I love the era and I used my studies to write a historical fiction mystery.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Uneasiness permeated Chattanooga where Mary Beth Roper grew up. Every conversation she overheard was heated, yet her banker-father was hesitant to reveal the facts. Will Tennessee secede and force them into a war? She was an adult and demanded he tell her the truth, yet she feared the fierce politics she’d seen. Then she learned a rogue customer threatened their bank. Somehow, she must find a way to work with Peter Chandler, her father’s partner, even though she can’t bear to be near him. As she unraveled an impossible puzzle, she learned to value her faith.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I love writing mysteries because I love reading them and sticking in mystery elements comes naturally. However, I also write devotionals and articles on history.
Why do you write?
The Lord blessed me, and I want to give that away. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Mary Beth Roper is my main character. I chose a double name since that is common in the South.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I outline the book with plot points and write from one point to the next. However, the story changes as I go. Sometimes my characters end up doing something I didn’t expect.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have several. My husband and I like ballroom dancing. I also enjoy growing orchids, resesarching, and reading.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Women Who Overcame, Pursuing Gold, Pursuing Gold: A History and Critical Thinking Curriculum, The Lincoln Family Curriculum – available through Old School House Magazine
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a children’s book about coins and a book about Susannah Spurgeon.
Website: https://clsimmons.com
Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1649490801/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Social media links: instagram.com/Cynthialsimmons twitter.com/CynthiaLSimmons, facebook.com/HrtMt, pinterest.com/cltsimmons, heartofthematterradio.libsyn.com, linkedin.com/cynthialsimmons
Meet author Denise Weimer
Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense, mostly set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored almost a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
Tell us about your newest book.
On the verge of starting her own company—and a fling with the hot star of a TV saga—Atlanta film makeup artist Ashlyn Jennings is willed a mysterious box containing a key from her grandmother’s estate. Mamie Lou, the former Hollywood B-lister who inspired Ashlyn’s path in life, always demonstrated a flair for the dramatic. But did Mamie Lou really expect her to put everything on hold to clean out a mountain cabin no one even knew about? And right at Christmas?
When Ashlyn arrives at White Falls Lodge armed with cosmetic bags and designer shoes, little is she prepared to be stranded by a snow storm, irritated by the handsome resort owner who seems determined to peel away her facade, and redirected by a God Ashlyn wants to forget, through Mamie Lou’s real gift … the secret story of her grandmother’s past.
What inspired you to write A Holiday Heart?
The story was originally to be part of a single-volume collection about granddaughters who inherited special heirlooms from their grandmother. The collection was never picked up by a publisher, so when I was invited to join the Georgia Peaches Series, I had an aha moment. A fun, heart-warming contemporary romance set in Georgia with deeper faith themes, A Holiday Heart was a perfect fit. And seeing as how I’m a Georgia Peach myself … all I had to do was add a mention of peaches to the story. Oh, and expand it by ten thousand words. But what’s that?
I’m grateful that God never wastes anything. A manuscript may sit for years, but then, suddenly, He nudges you toward the perfect situation. Even if a story is never published, it’s served as a learning tool.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
An Atlanta makeup artist inherits a key to her grandmother’s mysterious mountain cabin … only to have her life rerouted by the handsome lodge owner and the secrets of her grandmother’s past.
What genre do you focus on?
I’m a genre-hopper—historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense. And time slip, naturally. However, most of my contemporary novels are seasoned with a bit history. I love to write stories where modern characters learn life lessons from the past.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Ashlyn Jennings. She’s a bit city-girl prissy at first, so I needed a modern name that might reflect that. (Sorry, Ashlyns out there!)
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
From my early days when I mistakenly thought writing to be a solo endeavor, I’ve realized my most prized assets are other authors. We help and support each other every day! It’s a huge blessing to have a network of friends with the same interests all over the country.
The editing training I’ve received in the years that followed my journalism degree has also greatly shaped my writing, teaching me how to write in deep point of view, by showing rather than telling, and without info dumps. I can write more tightly and efficiently as a result.
What is your favorite pastime?
Strolling through cute towns with antique malls, boutiques, and coffee shops with my mother or college-age daughters; touring historic sites; and taking long walks with my hubby and dog.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Redeeming Grace (late-1800s sweet romance, short novel); The Georgia Gold Series (four books, mid-1800s, literary fiction-style set in Clarkesville and Savannah); The Restoration Trilogy (time slip romantic suspense with back stories from three different centuries); Backcountry Brides (1700s novella collection); Holly, Ivy & Intrigue (contemporary holiday suspense collection); Fall Flip (award-nominated contemporary romance with Hallmark/HGTV feel); The Witness Tree (Federal-era marriage of convenience romance set in Cherokee Territory); Spring Splash (contemporary romance/sports fiction); Traces(contemporary romantic suspense); A Holiday Heart (today’s feature); and coming in April 2020, Bent Tree Bride (Frontier War of 1812 romance).
What are you working on now?
I’m getting ready for the release of my next full-length novel. So excited about it, as I feel it truly reflects my growth as an author.
Susanna Moore can’t get him out of her mind—the learned lieutenant who delivered the commission from Andrew Jackson making her father colonel of the Cherokee Regiment. But the next time she sees Lieutenant Sam Hicks, he’s leading a string of prisoners into a frontier fort, and he’s wearing the garb of a Cherokee scout rather than the suit of a white gentleman.
As both Susanna’s father and Sam’s commanding officer, Colonel Moore couldn’t have made his directive to stay away from his daughter clearer to Sam. He wants a better match for Susanna—like the stuffy doctor who escorted her to Creek Territory. Then a suspected spy forces Moore to rely on Sam for military intelligence and Susanna’s protection, making it impossible for either to guard their heart.
Social media links:
Meet author Jean Alfieri
Jean Alfieri is an author, speaker, and rescue dog advocate. She worked for almost 30 years in human resources and organizational development for public and private industries. A nomad at heart, she currently lives with her husband and fur family in Colorado Springs. Jean splits her time between writing and consulting. She also loves to volunteer at her local Humane Society, where she meets many great characters for her books – and some nice people too.
Tell us about your newest book.
We all have some memorable stories to tell, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Blessed to be Me is a guided journal. It has prompts (story-starters) that assist you in capturing those great moments: the love, the laughter and maybe even the tears. With coloring pages, inspirational quotes, and plenty of lined space to write and doodle, it’s a fun experience. The bonus is that you also create a legacy to be passed on to future generations.
What inspired you to create Blessed to be Me?
I typically write short stories about my unpredictable rescue pug named Zuggy, so this was an exciting departure. Since my husband and I are advocates for adopting senior dogs, we have had our share of heartbreak when a beloved fur-family member passes away. To cope, our family has a tradition of telling our favorite stories about that dog at the dinner table. In doing this, I realized how much of our human legacy is lost within a single generation. I created Blessed to be Me to encourage people to capture their journeys.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
It’s a fun and easy way to capture all the stories of your life and leave a treasured keepsake for your loved ones.
What genre do you focus on?
My passion is easy-reader rhymers. Poetry grabbed me at an early age and I hope to inspire another generation to be avid readers and writers. I love essays, memoirs, and short stories. It’s what God planted in my heart. I dabble in other genres to stretch my writing skills, but always return to what satisfies my soul.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Surviving. By that, I mean, earning a regular income. There is a lot of time, energy, emotion, and money involved with writing. Then there is the extra-curricular social media and in-person work to market and promote a book. It’s an investment of love. I find it fun, but I am fortunate to have my consulting business that helps pay the bills. I’m thankful for that job so I can afford to be an author.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is connecting with my readers. Meeting people at book-signings and receiving emails about a favorite chapter of Blessed to be Me fuels me to continue. The kids are precious too. I miss offering readings at the Colorado Children’s Hospitals, in Denver and Colorado Springs. Watching a child light up and laugh at a Zuggy story is such a joy. School visits (whether in person or virtual) always make my day.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I never expected to have an audience on YouTube and yet, creating videos for our “Zuggy Pug” channel is such fun. To stay fashionable, the pug’s wardrobe has expanded beyond mine. My dogs regularly steal the show and rarely allow me to stay on script. I don’t do any editing. I don’t have time, and honestly, most of what I would cut are the silly pug antics that make the channel popular.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I hope that I’m forever growing as a writer because there is always room for improvement. I take classes, attend networking meetings, and study other author’s styles to learn and appreciate different techniques. I’ve tried plotting my stories, but I still find myself flying (or writing) by the seat of my pants.
What is your favorite pastime?
There are so many. Writing and reading, of course. I enjoy scrapbooking; not the computer-generated style, but the old-school paper layered with more paper kind. Hiking, biking, and walking the dogs. Road trips with my husband on his motorcycle. I also enjoy connecting with friends and fans on different social media groups.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The collection of Zuggy the Rescue Pug books continues to grow. So far there are three available on Amazon: Four on the Floor, Bellyache Blues, and Six Tales
What are you working on now?
I am working on the release date for Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Adoption Day. It is Zuggy’s origin story, sharing the details of why he needed to be rescued, how he arrived at the shelter, and why the Vet put his adoption on hold. It was set to debut at the Humane Society’s annual Pawtoberfest. Last year, I split the proceeds of all Zuggy book sales to benefit the organization.
Due to Covid-19, Pawtoberfest has been moved to an on-line event. I am hopeful we will still be able to partner to best utilize Zuggy’s Adoption Day. I want to use it to raise awareness and funds to benefit shelters throughout Colorado, starting with the Humane Society.
Website: https://jeanalfieri.com/
Link to book:
Social media links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQFyQLVnSoZi09XmiGuqeA
https://www.instagram.com/zuggythepug/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Jean-Alfieri/100012069644507