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Main Character Monday with Dean Blackburn

February 24, 2020 / / 2 Comments

Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is homicide detective, Dean Blackburn, from Song in the Dark by Jessica White. Thank you for joining me.

Thanks for having me. But honestly, I’m used to being the interviewer not the interviewee.

What three words would you use to describe your author?

Curious, tenacious, and courageous enough to discover the truth. She reminds me of my three Dobermans when they catch a scent and refuse to abandon it until they discover the source. She never stops digging until she gets to the heart of the story.

Just for fun. Go with your gut.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset. It means I get to go home and spend time with my dogs.

Pie or Cake?

Honey Cakes & Moon Pies makes this pomegranate cake that’s to die for.

Tulip or Iris?

I guess irises, because they were my mother’s favorite. But whatever Jenna prefers.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Hands down, dark chocolate.

Interesting. Next question. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

I’d probably get out of Albany, New York and visit some warmer climates. I’m not really the touristy type, but I like quiet places where the boys can stretch their legs and I can relax and read a book cover to cover without worrying about looking over my shoulder. Perhaps discover some unique bookshops hidden around the world, like the one in Coober Pedy, Australia that’s built inside a cave. Or Atlantis Books in Santorini, Greece that carries old hardbound books.

Speaking of books, let’s talk the Bible. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life? 

Wow. I guess self-control would be my strongest. You can’t be a good detective if you don’t learn to control your thoughts and emotions and not let them get in the way of the evidence or project onto your victim or your suspect.

Which of them is the hardest to display?

Hardest? All the rest! Again, with my job, it’s really hard to see the good around you—but that’s why Jenna amazes me. She’s got the whole package. She even makes my curmudgeon of a neighbor grin like an old fool.


Jenna sounds like someone we all need in our lives. I’d love to meet her, but for now, we should continue with the interview. What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

Old Testament? Probably the story of Gideon. Growing up a military brat, I learned to trust in numbers and weapons. But since meeting Jenna, I’ve learned God has us covered. Whatever we need, we’ll have when we need it.

What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

Acts. It’s practical. Stories like Ananias and Sapphira really hit home. I hate it when perps get away with lying to the cops. It’s good to know that even when I can’t see the truth in a situation, God knows. In the end, justice is His. If He chooses to let me be a part of that, then it’s a privilege.

If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

That darkness can’t extinguish light, but light can expel darkness. So surround yourself with people who bring light into your life. And never take them for granted.

Thank you for joining me today. I think you must be the first detective I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing, and it gives you a slightly different perspective than most of the characters I interview.

Readers, you can find out more about Dean and meet Jenna in Song in the Dark by Jessica White. Keep reading for more about Jessica and where to find her book.

More on Song in the Dark:

After graduating from Juilliard, harpist Jenna Fields returns home to Albany to escape her manipulative ex and prove to her controlling mother that she can orchestrate her own life.

Homicide detective Dean Blackburn spends his days seeking justice for the dead. But darkness taints everything, including him.

When his three Dobermans lead him to Jenna playing in the park, he tries to resist the beautiful musician and focus on his cases. At least until he witnesses Jenna’s ex attempt to blackmail her and learns she’s being stalked, just like one of his homicide victims.

When her world crumbles beneath her feet, and Dean learns she has her own dark secrets, he helps Jenna see that the key to escaping her mother’s gilded cage is already in her hands.

Where to connect with Jessica: AuthorJessicaWhite.com for more info

Main Character Monday: Levi Prince

April 29, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s interview is a special one because today’s guest is from a YA fantasy book. Let’s welcome Levi Prince from The Fay’s Apprentice by Amy C. Blake. Thank you for joining me.

If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

An airplane or a helicopter to transport me between my home in Ohio and Castle Island on Lake Superior. That way I can more easily spend time with my family and with Sara and her parents.

The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

As a teenage boy, I can’t say I’ve ever really thought about identifying with either woman, but I suppose I’m more of a Martha trying to become a Mary. I spent the previous two years of my life trying to physically force things to work out as I thought best. This year, I’m trying to live in obedience to God and simply trust Him to work everything out for His glory.

I find that’s always the best choice. And maybe I should re-work some of my questions to better fit the men I interview! Thanks for rolling with it.

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

It certainly would’ve made a difference in the lives of two of my friends. My best friend Trevor lost his mom when he was a little kid, and his family has never been the same. His relationship with his dad is wretched, and his older brother is just plain mean. My dad has tried to be somewhat of a father to Trevor, but it’s hard since we live more than two hours apart.

My other friend Morgan is a mess because of her mom’s drug addictions and her step-dad’s nastiness. Sara, Lizzie, and Monica try to help her, but she’s so mixed up from all the hard times she’s been through. If somebody in her family, like maybe her aunt and uncle—Hunter’s parents—were Christians who lived out this verse to her, I think she’d be a lot better off.

It sounds like your friends are lucky to have a friend like you in their corner. 

What scripture verse would you claim as a life verse?

Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” In a place like Terracaelum where mormos, monsters, and demon sorcerers are a very real threat, trusting God is crucial.

I think I may have to ask you back for another interview. I’d like to find out more about Terracaelum and your time there. Of course, my readers and I can enjoy your story too, even if we’re a tiny bit over the YA cut-off.

If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

No matter your situation, trust in the Lord for strength. Don’t rely on yourself. He is the only omnipotent one.

That’s a great truth to remember whether you’re in another world or trying to live a God-honoring Christian life wherever you are. 

Just for Fun:

Indoors or outdoors: Outdoors because Terracaelum is awesome!

Reading or writing: Reading

Apples or pears: Pears

Early bird or night owl: Night owl

Describe Amy in three words:

Motherly: because she loves and cares for her children.

Imaginative: because have you read the situations she puts me into?

Growing: because she learns more about God every day, just as she has me doing.

Thank you for joining me Levi. And thank you Amy C. Blake for allowing me to interview him.

Keep reading for more information on The Fay’s Apprentice and Amy C. Blake.

FaysApprentice_FlatThe Fay’s Apprentice (book 3)

On Levi’s third summer at Camp Classic, he’s torn between two responsibilities. On the one hand, his parents expect him to watch over his little sister Abby, who has no clue their summer camp is a haven for mythical creatures. On the other hand, Mr. Dominic wants him to train at Fort Terra, a full day’s hike away from his sister, because of Levi’s previous encounters with the demon sorcerer Deceptor. Although he enjoys training with his friends, Levi finds life at Fort Terra difficult thanks to the ongoing tension between him and Hunter and the stress of having his former kidnapper Regin as his chaperone. When the woman Regin claims to be the evil sorceress Anna appears, Levi faces a whole new challenge.

 

SONY DSCAward-winning author Amy C. Blake is a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mother of four. She has an M.A. in English from Mississippi College and has written articles, devotionals, and short stories for a number of publications. She’s also writing two series for the Christian market, her Levi Prince YA fantasy series and her On the Brink Christian suspense trilogy.

Whitewashed, Colorblind, and Tie-Dyed, featuring three homeschooled girls on the brink of adulthood…and danger, are available in paperback and Kindle. The Trojan Horse Traitor, The Fall of Thor’s Hammer, and The Fay’s Apprentice, about homeschooled pastor’s kid Levi Prince and his adventures in Terracaelum, are also available in paperback and Kindle. She’d love for you to visit her website at amycblake.com.

Social Media:
Author of the On the Brink Christian suspense trilogy:
Author of the Levi Prince YA Christian fantasy series:

Main Character Monday

April 23, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I’m excited to have a new Main Character Monday interview to share with you today. It’s been a while. I think I need to work on my building my list of authors (and their characters) who are open to doing interviews. I love these interviews, and I’ve heard from some of you that you enjoy them too. So, welcome to Main Character Monday!

Today’s guest is Faith from Faith & Hope by Amy Anguish. Thank you for joining me.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

Honestly, I’d love to go to Europe, especially Scotland and Ireland. My husband teaches at a private Christian high school, and their seniors go to Europe each year. We’re hoping to be able to chaperone in the future so we can tag along!

A woman after my own heart. Ireland and Scotland are my dream vacations. I’m saving my change and one day I’ll make it there!

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life? Which of them is the hardest to display?

Love and kindness are what I always strive towards, although when my sister is around, those are harder to bring forth.

Patience is something I think everyone is working on. Although you’d think as much waiting as my husband Sam and I have done through the last four years of infertility treatments that it would be a lesson I’d learned by now.

I think there’s someone in everyone’s life that make love and kindness more of a conscious effort. As for patience, they seem to test that one too! I’m sorry to hear about your infertility issues. I imagine the waiting and wondering if it’s ever going to happen can really be a struggle. 

What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

The story of Hannah praying for and getting her baby Samuel.

Considering what you’ve told us, I’m guessing that one gives you a great deal of hope. 

What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

James

If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

Before you try to comfort someone, make sure that your words can’t be construed in a way that might actually hurt more than help. If you aren’t sure about that, just make sure they know you’re there for them and leave it at that, without saying anything else. Sometimes that means more than an overused saying.

I’ve always found it hard to comfort people for that reason. It’s not natural to me I guess. And when you find that what comforts one causes pain to another in the same situation, I find listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading becomes really important. 

Now, just for fun:

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

Pie or Cake? Cake

Tulip or Iris? Iris

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

What three words would your  use to describe Amy Anguish?

Southern, Exhausting, Conflicted

Thank you Faith for taking the time for this interview. I believe you’ve got a great story, and I can’t wait for readers to take the time to get to know you better through Amy’s book, Faith & Hope. And now, I’d like to give them the opportunity to find out a little more about your story and Amy Anguish. 

Faith & Hope by Amy Anguish:

faithTwo sisters. One summer. Multiple problems.

Younger sister Hope has lost her job, her car, and her boyfriend all in one day. Her well-laid plans for life have gone sideways, as has her hope in God.

Older sister Faith is finally getting her dream-come-true after years of struggles and prayers. But when her mom talks her into letting Hope move in for the summer, will the stress turn her dream into a nightmare? Is her faith in God strong enough to handle everything?

For two sisters who haven’t gotten along in years, this summer together could be a disaster … or it could lead them to a closer relationship with each other and God. Can they overcome all life is throwing at them? Or is this going to destroy their relationship for good?

And a little about Amy:

Amy R Anguish

IMG_5853Author of An Unexpected Legacy, Faith & Hope

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

 

Follow her at http://abitofanguish.weebly.com or http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor

Main Character Monday: Anna Marie Johnson

January 22, 2019 / / 1 Comment

anna's songWelcome to Main Character Monday. Today my guest is Anna Marie Johnson from Anna’s Song by Brenda Gates. Welcome, Anna Marie. Let’s get started.

If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

Oh, dear. That’s a hard one. At the beginning of my story, I’d have asked for enough to pay for the best private detective in the world. By the end of the book? What I would give for a car! But then, they hadn’t been invented yet. Then there’s antibiotics—but they hadn’t been invented yet either. Can you buy an end to war?

World peace, then? How much better would everything be if we could really learn to love each other. And it wouldn’t take money to do it. The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

Definitely a Martha. I’m very self-sufficient and am driven to solve problems. I usually end up making things worse for my meddling.

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

Most of my life I found religion to be useless. I became bitter and trusted no one. Then I met the Dickersons. They lived out this verse to such perfection that it broke me. They constantly lived seeking to help others—me included. Because of this, they were able to face their worse enemy and love him anyway.

It sounds like they made quite the impression in your life. What scripture verse would you claim as a life verse?

Psalm 40:3. “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Because of my synesthesia, I could often hear the songs that are the essence of different people. I don’t know how to describe it aside from maybe the sounds of their soul? My own “song” was a tangle of chords that made no music. By the end of my story, God gave me a song of my own.

If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

Nothing you have done, nothing that has been done to you, can make you unlovable to God.

That is a powerful message for sure. Now for a little fun.

Indoor or outdoor: I’m more of an indoor girl. Boy! Was I stretched out of my comfort zone!

Writing or reading: Reading. I’ll leave the writing to my mother and sister.

Apples or Pears: Apples. Hard and sour. Kinda like me? Pears are too mushy.

Early Bird or Night Owl: Night owl.

Anna Marie, how would you describe Brenda Gates in three words?

Passionate, adventurous, mean. Look at what she made happen to me? No sweet and kind person would do all that.

Thank you to Brenda Gates for allowing me the opportunity to interview Anna Marie. You can find out the rest of Anna Marie’s story in Anna’s Song, which is available on Amazon.

Main Character Monday: Nat Montgomery

October 30, 2018 / / 0 Comments

tieWelcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Nat Montgomery from Tie-Dyed by Amy C. Blake. Thank you for joining me Nat.

 

If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

Before my grandmother Gigi left me enough money to cover tuition for my art history degrees, I would’ve said cash for college, because school is expensive! But now, I’d have to say a tour of the major art museums of the world.

That sounds like a lot of fun. Given your area of study, I’m sure it would be beneficial for you too.

The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

I’m a blend of the two. I’m willing to sit, read Scripture, and ponder God’s Word, but I do have to call my thoughts back from wandering to all the things I need to do.

Focus is a difficult thing to achieve when the world doesn’t slow down around you.  “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

Absolutely. If my mom had lived the “keep oneself unspotted from the world” bit rather than indulging in drugs and live-ins, my childhood would’ve been so much better. Thankfully, Gigi as much as adopted my virtually orphaned self and lived out the gospel before me.

It’s such a blessing when there are people in our lives to help make up for what we’re missing. Your Gigi sounds like a wonderful woman.

What scripture verse would you claim as a life verse?

Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Gigi always pressed this passage on me, and I learned the truth of it more deeply during the difficult events of the summer.

If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

Trust God and His great love, even when your life looks like an abysmal mess.

Just for Fun:

Indoors or outdoors: Outdoors—with my bow. I love archery, though I haven’t found a place to shoot yet in DC.

Reading or writing: Reading, definitely. It takes a lot less effort than writing.

Apples or pears: Pears are my favorite!

Early bird or night owl: Did you read the tactics my roommate sometimes has to use to wake me up in the morning?! Night owl, no question.

Nat, please describe Amy C. Blake in three words.

Tall because she’s 5’8, and I’m . . . far shorter than that.

Restrained because she doesn’t usually make the smart-alecky comments that often land me in the doghouse.

Blessed because, unlike me, she has a set of wonderful Christian parents who taught her the love of Jesus from a very young age.

I want to thank Nat for joining me today. And thank you to Amy Blake for sharing her with us. If you’d like to know the rest of Nat’s story, check out Tie-Dyed available now on Amazon.  And while you’re at it, keep reading to find out more about Amy and her books. 

http://amycblake.com/
Amy C. Blake Facebook author page
Amy C. Blake Twitter page
amazon.com/author/amycblake
Now available: Whitewashed, my Christian suspense novel about 18-year-old homeschooler Patience McDonough (Book 1, On the Brink series)
Now available: Colorblind, my Christian suspense about 18-year-old homeschooler Christy Kane (Book 2, On the Brink series)
Now available: Tie-Dyed, my Christian suspense about 19-year-old homeschooler Nat Montgomery (Book 3, On the Brink series)
Now available: The Trojan Horse Traitor, my YA fantasy novel about 13-year-old homeschooler Levi Prince and his adventures in Terracaelum (Book 1, Levi Prince series)
Now available: The Fall of Thor’s Hammer, my YA fantasy novel about Levi’s second summer in Terracaelum (Book 2, Levi Prince series)

 

Main Character Monday: Lucy Dixon

October 23, 2018 / / 0 Comments

regina1Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Lucy Dixon from Carolina Mercy by Regina Rudd Merrick. Thank you for joining me.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

Oh my. I’ve been a lot of places already! Dad and I visited the British Isles a few years ago, so I can mark that one off the list! I was born in Atlanta, but my dad was a plant manager and we moved around a lot. Before we came to Kentucky, we had lived in Silicon Valley in California, and then in Chicago. We saw a lot of the US. Kentucky was home, though. It was where I went to high school, where I learned that being a Christian was more than just going to church, and where I met my BFF Sarah Jane Crawford! But if I could pick any place? Probably Australia. Mainly because it’s the farthest away, and the idea of visiting the Southern Hemisphere in our winter – their summer – is intriguing. While I’m there, can I go to New Zealand, too?

I don’t see why not. I’d love to visit New Zealand for purely geeky reasons. I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan. But anyway, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life?  Which of them is the hardest to display?

You’re going to start meddling, now. Here are the ones I usually (can I underline that usually?) find easy to display: love, joy, kindness, and faithfulness. The harder ones? Peace, patience, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Not that I’m ANTI any of those things. They’re just the ones I have to work on. Especially, right now, patience. Have you MET Tom Livingston? He’s adorable, but let me tell ya, he’ll try a girl’s patience and self-control! I know he’s got a lot on him, but seriously? To not call me for EIGHT MONTHS? Okay, now I’m having trouble with peace and gentleness, too. Grrr.

Eight months would try any girl’s patience! What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

I have two, actually, and they are SO not surprising for a girl. Esther and Ruth. Esther, because she didn’t question what God had in mind for her, she just obeyed. I want to be more like that. Ruth? I love Ruth because she was loyal, and submitted herself to both God and her mother-in-law. I’d love to have a mother-in-law like Naomi. If a certain sheriff’s deputy would get in line, I could have that. Don’t get me started!

What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

Acts. For one thing, I’m a very active person, and the book of Acts is the story of how the church started. Reading about Pentecost, and Paul’s conversion and missionary trips are fascinating to me. I guess I love it because it tells me that we’re not supposed to just sit around and wait for someone else to share the love of God and the free gift of salvation that Jesus made possible, but we’re to be out there, in our daily lives, showing and telling what He did for us! There are so many ways to do that!

If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

After my dad died in an accident, and my best friend had moved away, I realized that home wasn’t a place, and that if I’m going to make major changes in my life, I need to seek God’s guidance. I need to be fully engaged in prayer and scripture, even when I’m a little angry with God. God is good, all the time, and guess what? He just wants me to do the next right thing and trust Him.

Just for fun:

Sunrise or sunset? When I’m visiting Sarah in Murrells Inlet, SC, I’m all about a sunrise. It’s gentle, and the colors are muted. The smell of sea and marsh are so alive, but in a comfortable way. I love it here.

Pie or Cake? Pie. Especially pecan. Maybe I could make that for an event coming up . . .

Tulip or Iris? Tulips are interesting because they are pretty exotic and don’t last long in the south, but I prefer Iris. They’re stately without being too fancy.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Ha! Did I just snort? Oh, sorry! Uh, Chocolate!! The darker the better, and if you want to pile chocolate on top of chocolate, that’s okay. When I get to pick sundae toppings, I’ll pick chocolate ice cream (or fro-yo, or custard), then top it with hot fudge sauce and Heath bits. Death by chocolate!

What three words would you use to describe Regina?

Loyal, Creative, and Unexpected.

Thank you to Lucy and Regina for agreeing to this interview. I’ve loved reading Lucy’s story in Carolina Mercy, and it was a pleasure getting to know her better through this interview. Keep reading to find out more about Carolina Mercy and author Regina Rudd Merrick.

Book Blurb:

She’s always gotten everything she’s wanted. He thinks he has to give up everything.

Her best friend’s wedding is foremost on Lucy Dixon’s radar. Her biggest concern is once again meeting Tom Livingston, who has ignored her since an idyllic date on the boardwalk of Myrtle Beach the previous summer.

At least, it is her biggest concern until tragedy strikes. Where is her loving, merciful God, now?

When Tom Livingston meets Lucy, the attraction is instant. Soon after, his mother is diagnosed with an untreatable illness and his personal life is pushed aside. His work with the sheriff’s department, his family – they are more important. He knows about the love of God, but circumstances make him feel as if God’s mercy is for everyone else, not him.

Can a wedding and a hurricane – blessing and tragedy – bring them together?

 Bio:

Regina Rudd Merrick is a writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and reggrateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 35 years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. She is the author of three books: Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), and coming in Feb. 2019, Carolina Grace in the Southern Breeze Series.

Main Character Monday: Charlotte Stanton

October 16, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Book Cover _ Under Prairie Skies (Final) (1)Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Charlotte Stanton from Under Prairie Skies by Cynthia Roemer. Thank you for joining Charlotte.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

I’ve spent my entire life on the Illinois prairie. I can’t imagine traveling too far. However, I would enjoy visiting the mountains I’ve heard about out west. The prairie is flat as far as the eye can see. But I love it.

I grew up in Illinois too, and I’ve never seen the mountains out west either. But I’ve heard they’re beautiful. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life?  Which of them is the hardest to display?

Oh, I could use more of all of these traits. Given certain circumstances, I can be gentle and loving. Patience and self-control are definitely not on the top of my list of virtues.

What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

I love the story of Esther. Her courage and willingness to do the right thing, despite the dangers she faced, is so inspiring.

Doing the right thing even when it’s hard. You’re right. It’s a great lesson for all of us. What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

I’m ever so convicted by the book of James. He gives such practical advice on how one should live. If only I could put it all into practice!

If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

I want you to know that change it possible. That God can soften hearts and mold us into the people He wants us to be. Just as iron sharpens iron, he uses people to sharpen each other’s lives.

It sounds like you know this from experience. I guess readers will have to check out your story to get all the details!

Just for fun:

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

Pie or Cake?  Cake

Tulip or Iris? Tulip

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

What three words would you use to describe Cynthia? Quiet, loyal, outdoorsy

Thank you Cynthia Roemer for allowing Charlotte to visit with us this evening. Please keep reading for more on Charlotte’s story and Cynthia Roemer.

BOOK BLURB FOR UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

Illinois prairie ~1855

Unsettled by the news that her estranged cousin and uncle are returning home after a year away, Charlotte Stanton goes to ready their cabin and finds a handsome stranger has taken up residence. Convinced he’s a squatter, she throws him off the property before learning his full identity. Little does she know, their paths are destined to cross again.

Quiet and ruggedly handsome, Chad Avery’s uncanny ability to see through Charlotte’s feisty exterior and expose her inner weaknesses both infuriates and intrigues her. When a tragic accident incites her family to move east, Charlotte stays behind in hopes of becoming better acquainted with the elusive cattleman. Yet Chad’s unwillingness to divulge his hidden past, along with his vow not to love again, threatens to keep them apart forever.

AUTHOR BIO: 

Cynthia Roemer is an award-winning inspirational writer with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800s prairie. She writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband and their two college-aged sons. Under Prairie Skies is Book Two in her Prairie Sky Series.

 

Contact Info:

 

Cynthia Roemer can be contacted at:

 

Website:  http://cynthiaroemer.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer

Author Newsletter Sign-up: http://cynthiaroemer.com/

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=cynthia+roemer

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-prairie-skies-cynthia-roemer/1128471176?ean=9781945094446

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cynthia-roemer

Main Character Monday – Rosemary Gresham

May 22, 2018 / / 2 Comments

NameUnknown_mck.inddWelcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Rosemary Gresham from A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White. Thank you for joining me Rosemary.

 If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

Are you teasing me? I can’t even fathom such a world, but if you’re going to get my imagination going…it would be a house big enough hold all the family, all in the same place. With closets filled with clothes and shoes and coats for all of them, and a pantry stocked with food. That counts as one thing, doesn’t it?

I’m not sure that fits the “one thing” criteria, but since it’s a self-less wish, I’ll let it stand. The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

I had never heard that story until recently…but I know sisters well enough! In my family, though, it’s not a question of which one we are—it’s a matter of which one we have to be. I think we all have to play the Martha role most, just to make sure there’s food on the table and clothes on the little ones’ backs. We have to attend the details or the details don’t get attended. But we steal what Mary moments we can. Willa has her music. Retta her books. Me…well, now that you mention it, maybe I haven’t found the time to be a Mary much at all recently. I suppose the closest I come is when I take a moment to cuddle with the little ones. Minutes that are far too few as we’re all scrabbling about for our next meal—or our next score.

I can see how it’s important for you and your sisters to be like Martha, but I hope in the future you get to enjoy some Mary time. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

Well now you’ve made my eyes go a bit teary. In all my life, I’ve never met anyone who lived that out—until Peter. If I had…I can’t even imagine what could have been different. Perhaps we wouldn’t have had to learn to steal just to survive. Perhaps we wouldn’t have had to run every time we saw an adult turning our way. Perhaps we could have remained unspotted, if someone had shown us such care. As it is, our only recourse had been to take in what other orphans we could, and try to keep them secure from the world. We never would have called it religion, though. We just called it love.

I’m sorry it’s taken so long for you to find someone who exemplifies that type of faith. Just imagine if everyone who believes practiced that kind of love. What scripture verse would you claim as a life verse?

That would have to be Ephesians 5:8

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…”

Anyone who knows me well knows that I’ve always been afraid of darkness. I never realized that I feared it because it had become a part of me…or that I could embrace the Light instead. Discovering that…well, that changes everything, doesn’t it?

Yes, it does. If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

Never assume. Never assume you know a person just because of how they dress or even what they say. Never assume there’s no other way. Never assume there’s nothing you can do.

Great advice for all of us to follow.

Just for Fun:

Indoors or outdoors: Outdoors! Especially after a few suffocating hours in that cave of a room Peter tries to call a library…

Reading or writing: Oh, reading. I’ll leave the writing to other certain people who shall remain nameless…(ahem, Branok Hollow)

Apples or pears: This one made me laugh. “Apples and pears” is part of rhyming slang in my neighborhood, meaning “stairs.” But if you’re meaning the actual fruits—I’d go with apples.

Early bird or night owl: Give me the morning any time!

Rosemary, please describe Roseanna M. White in three words.

Oh, let’s see. From what I’ve been able to glean about her, she has a bit in common with Peter, living in an imaginary world as she does. I’d say optimistic, creative, and absentminded—that last one being the one she shares with him most.

Thanks to Rosemary Gresham for joining me today. I really enjoyed interviewing you! If you’d like to get to know Rosemary better, you can get your own copy of A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White from Amazon in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and Audible Audiobook formats. 

To connect with Roseanna White check out these links:

Blog: https://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roseannamwhite/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseannamwhite/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseannaMWhite

Website: http://www.roseannamwhite.com

Main Character Monday – Me

May 8, 2018 / / 3 Comments

Usually on Main Character Monday I interview main characters from the books I review. I want to do something a little different with today’s interview. Instead of a character, I interviewed myself. It’s my way of letting you get to know me a little better. Feel free to comment, answer a question or two about yourself, or even ask me a question you might have.

What is your favorite book of the Bible from both the Old and New Testament?

I have a hard time narrowing it down for the Old Testament. I mean, it’s definitely not Leviticus or Numbers, but there are so many that I enjoy. Genesis is definitely in the running. I love that it reads like a story instead of an instruction manual.

From the New Testament, it’s Philippians without a contest. That book is so full of things I need to know for encouragement and strength. It’s gotten me through so many things in my life. I love Paul and his writings. 

If you could meet anyone from scripture, not including Jesus, who would it be?

I’d love to meet Paul. I’d ask him outright what his thorn in the flesh was. Personally, I have a theory that it’s the struggle not to wallow in guilt over the things he did in God’s name before he met God on the road to Damascus. I think that would be tough for anyone.

Jesus had twelve disciples. Which one do you feel you are most like?

I’d love to say Peter. I fail like Peter did. I may be a little impulsive like Peter was at times. But would I really have the kind of faith that would get me to step out of the boat in the storm? That I don’t know. I’d like to think so, but who really knows. So maybe I’m more a Thomas. He loved God. He followed Jesus. But sometimes he needed the proof to ward away doubt. I can relate.

Jesus says we are to be His light in the world. What does this mean to you?

It means I’m God’s 24/7. It means others may not ever step foot in a church, but they should have an accurate picture of who Jesus is if they’ve spent time with me because I live my faith on a daily basis. I know I fail at this, but I hope and pray I get better at it each day.

If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?

Because of sin, this life is full of pain, disappointment, and hurts. Instead of holding each other at arm’s length, let’s try being there for each other. Let’s be real with each other about what we’re dealing with. And on the flip side, when others are real, let’s not look down our noses at their pain. Instead, let’s practice coming alongside them and helping them through it. Let’s be the ones God can use to bring healing and strength.

Just for Fun:

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Milk. It’s smooth and creamy and there’s not even a hint of bitterness.

Roses or Daisies? Daisies. “They’re the friendliest flower.”

Salad or Soup? Depends on the day. I love a good salad. But tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich can’t be beat on a cold day.

A little more about me: I’m a mother of four. I’ve been involved in youth ministry for over twenty years, including leading youth groups and directing a youth camp for teens every summer. I have several geeky interests including super hero movies, Lord of the Rings, Sherlock, Merlin, Doctor Who, and Supernatural. I’d love to attend a comic-con one day, and yes, I’d do cosplay. My favorite author is Kristen Heitzmann, and I love the music of Rich Mullins. I enjoy many different types of crafting, but baking is probably my favorite hobby.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me!

Main Character Monday – Christy Kane

May 1, 2018 / / 3 Comments

colorblindWelcome to Main Character Monday. It’s a little different than my regular blog posts, a little more lighthearted. But stick with it, and you just might find some characters you’d like to read more about. And even though it isn’t my usual devotional style, you may still come away with an encouraging word from the Word. I hope you enjoy Main Character Monday!

 

Today’s Guest is Christy Kane from Colorblind by Amy C. Blake. Thank you for joining me.

A life verse is a scripture that has spoken to you deeply, impacted the way you live your life, or become like a theme verse for your life. What would you say is your life verse?

Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,” is a verse I used to think meant God wanted me to have earthly happiness above all else. That’s what my prosperity-preacher daddy taught before his world—and mine—got rocked by scandal. Now that I understand the true gospel, I cherish this verse for what it really means: that God uses every circumstance and situation for my good as His child, not so I will be rich and beautiful and have everything I want, but so I will be conformed more and more to the image of His Son, Jesus. As a Christian, I can now take comfort when life is hard because I see that God’s goal through my suffering is for my ultimate good, my sanctification.

What person from scripture do you most relate to?

I can definitely relate to the Rich Young Ruler because I was just like him until recently. I was the girl everybody envied with her perfect looks, her rich daddy, and her many talents, but who was absolutely lost inside. Like the Rich Young Ruler, I thought I could earn my way to eternal life based on my own merits. Now, I know I can’t, and I’m so grateful God didn’t leave me in my lostness.

I think that’s something every believer should be grateful for. The New Testament says that all the law and prophets can be summed up in two commands: love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Which of these two commands do you feel you have the most trouble following?

Over the summer, I’d have to say loving God gave me the most trouble. I felt that He’d betrayed me by letting Daddy betray me.  Because I didn’t understand God’s character, I resented Him rather than loving Him.

Solomon asked God for wisdom. If God gave you the same opportunity, what would you ask Him for?

I’d ask Him for courage. As an aquaphobe, I need Him to help me get past my terror of water. As a daughter, I need Him to give me the guts to speak the truth in love to my parents and to forgive Daddy. As a Christian, I need Him to give me the bravery to use the gifts and talents He gave me for His glory.

If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?

Don’t buy into the so-called prosperity gospel. God did not send His own Son into this world so we could live fat and happy here on earth, gathering more and more stuff while the world goes to hell. God sent His Son to save us because we’re lost in sin, and our only hope of eternal life is through faith in Jesus. God isn’t about our “happiness” here on earth. He’s about our holiness, our justification. Please, read the Bible for yourself and find out who God really is and what He really wants for you. Start in the book of Matthew, like I did. You’ll be glad you did.

Just for Fun:

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Milk chocolate, because it’s sweeter.

Autumn or Spring? Autumn, because then swim season is over for a while.

Coffee or Hot Cocoa? Coffee, because hot cocoa doesn’t wake me up.

If you could describe Amy C. Blake in three words, what would those words be?

Graceful, because she, unlike me, can walk across a room without tripping over her own feet—most of the time, anyway.

Blessed, because she has had decades of sound Biblical teaching and preaching to guide her.

And, finally, not to be rude, but I’d have to say unskilled, because she can’t even play the piano anymore.

She may not be able to play the piano, but I think we can both agree she has a talent for writing. I want to thank you, Christy Kane, for joining me today.

If hearing from Christy has piqued your interest in getting to know her better, you can get your own copy of Colorblind by Amy C. Blake from Amazon. While you’re at it, be sure to check out Amy’s other books including Whitewashed, the first in this series, and her newest book, Tie-Dyed.

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