Red Sky Over America

Today I welcome author, Tamera Lynn Kraft as she celebrates the release of her novel, Red Sky Over America. I asked her to let us in on her thought and writing process.

A little about her...

Tamera  has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novels and novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. 

 Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Yes, I do, but do you really want me to tell what they are? LOL. I'll give you a bit of a hint. First, I like to use symbolism in my novels (colors, objects, weather) that is hopefully not too obvious, but still adds richness to the stories. I also have something similar about every villain's name in my stories, but I'm not going to tell you what that is. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to find out what it is though. You probably will never guess.

What is the first book that made you cry?

That's a difficult question because there have been so many books that have touched me emotionally. I've always loved to read, so I can't say for certain. The first book I remember shedding a tear while listening to my Grandma read it to me was Black Beauty. I think I was about seven or eight then. I hated the way the drunk abused such a wonderful horse.

Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

I'm not sure. I do think a writer needs to be aware of her deep and strong emotions and motivation in life to be able to write effectively, but I don't feel a writer has to be an emotional wreck about it. I think we all have strong emotions. A writer has the perfect way of dealing with those emotions. I might not show my emotions to everyone, but they always end up coming out in my characters.

 How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Everything is on a deadline now. I can't spend a couple of years playing with my story to try to figure it out. I have nine months to get it done before my next deadline. This has changed me from a total seat of the panster to someone who does some pre-planning and plotting of the main signposts of my story. I still don't plan every detail, but I do have a direction to go before I start writing.

About the Book:

William and America confront evil, but will it costs them everything?

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America's classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Red Sky Over America tackles the most turbulent time in history with thorough research and fascinating characters. Tamera Lynn Kraft has woven a tale about the evils of slavery that should never be forgotten. -- Mary Ellis, author of The Quaker and the Rebel, The Lady and the Officer, and The Last Heiress.

You can find Tamera at her author blog, or on Twitter and Goodreads.

Courtly Scandals Cover Reveal!

I'm excited to share the first cover reveal for Courtly Scandals. It captures that moment of magic in the first kiss in a frozen garden.

It is available for pre-order now http://bit.ly/2EADAiS 

Blurb:

Amid the revelry of Queen Elizabeth’s court at Christmas, scandal after scandal finds a spirited young woman who learns to defy society, own her actions, and fall in love.
Pleasure takes priority during the twelve days of Christmas in Queen Elizabeth’s court, and newcomer Mary Montgomery jumps in with abandon. Unfortunately, such joie de vivre also leads to accusations that she has stabbed an earl, impersonated the Queen, and punched a countess in the face.

Despite the gossip swirling about her, Sir Charles, a knight and member of the Queen’s Guard, is drawn to her vibrancy. After all, scandals are nothing new at Queen Elizabeth’s court. Unfortunately, Mary does not have the wealth or rank to survive them unscathed and soon finds herself on the outside of society’s good graces. And though his loyalty taints his own reputation, Charles continues to stand by Mary’s side.

He knows his intentions and where his priorities lie—he just isn’t sure how she’ll react when she finds out that the man who ruined her reputation is his half-brother. Indeed, before she can accept his affections, Mary must not only forgive herself for her past but realize she is worthy of love.

I have read Ms. Spock's romances and they are a raucous ride of breathless moments, intrigue, and sumptuous court life. For more on her and her books, you can find her here...

Erin Kane Spock lives in Southern California with her husband, two daughters, an old-lady dog, and a puppy. She is a teacher and an active Irish dance mom. Find Erin Kane Spock at her blog at CourtlyRomance.blogspot.com, on Facebook and on Twitter at @kanespock.

Buy links: 

Amazon

iBooks
Google Play Books
Kobo
B&N

Hartline Blitz...

A special thank you to all the supporters of the Hartline Blitz for their encouragement and participation. 

These bloggers have some great posts for authors and lovers of books!

A big thank you to Anne over at My Mommy the Writer for her amazing review of Gothic Romance, Secrets at Crescent Point.

Caroline over at Sunny Bank Secrets has a book trailer for the Noble Island Mysteries Series and a FREE first chapter to Dawn Crandall's wonderful book, The Hesitant Heiress!

Jill Richardson has generously featured both Secrets and Heiress over at her blog, Brave.

Jenny Carlisle created a great post on her road to publication. She is a supporter of inspirational fiction.

A shout out to Caryl McAdoo for her feature of Secrets of Crescent point here. And a beautiful post highlighting The Hesitant Heiress here.

Sandra Ardoin added to her TBR stacks and gives a great reason why at her blog. She has a feature called Trailer Tuesday and its a great way to check out upcoming releases.

For family and hometown stories, check out Linda Massucci's blog. Thanks to her support!

And finally, C. Kevin Thompson, author of great science fiction, hosted Dawn and I on his official blog! Thanks!

It has been so encouraging to connect with these amazing bloggers and authors. I hope to take a moment to visit their pages and say, "Hello!"

by +Raquel Byrnes

Love Unexpected -- May New Releases!

Summer is here, and we've got some great new releases to fill up those camping trips, car rides, and lazy days on the beach.  Our May suggestions are intriguing and ready to pull you into stories of faith, love, and adventure.

It will be hard to choose between these five wonderful romances.These books are sure to captivate your imagination, from overcoming great odds together, to chance meetings with a dashing earl, switchboard encounters of the handsome kind, a mysterious vanishing, and a prince's choice.

Vote for the one most likely to make your summer To Be Read pile by voting below. Don't forget to send some love and encouragement to our authors via the comments section.

Happy Voting!

Their lives are worlds apart; he's a royal prince and she's an ordinary girl, but everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation. It's the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart…God's will or their own?

When Mitchell's wife, Jill, kisses him goodbye, he has no idea that he may never see her again. When the police can't find her, Mitch asks his neighbor, Shelley, for help, but as weeks turn into months and Mitch and Shelley grow ever closer, he wonders how he can honor his vows to a woman who seems to have vanished off the face of the earth.

Switchboard operators, otherwise known as "hello girls," must conduct themselves according to strict--and often bewildering--rules, which include absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training. Hannah Gregory has never been good at following rules, but she doubts it will be difficult to keep that particular rule--until a handsome young lawyer starts getting under her skin.

A chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything, and Madeline St. James must trust that the Good Shepherd has led her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire. Madeline's unwavering faith intrigues and exasperates the stubborn earl, but can the compromised couple forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?

After their professional athletic careers are sidelined, Tara and Ryan must find purpose and fulfillment in their new lives. With the help of the Junkyard King and a mechanical bull, can Tara and Ryan find the courage to climb Heartbreak Hill together?

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Historical Romance Giveaway and Interview!

Raquel: Today my special guest is Historical romance author, Penny Zeller. Welcome to my Author Feature, Penny.


Penny: Hello Raquel. Thank you for having me as your guest!

Raquel: I'm so happy when I find fellow authors and can't wait to share them with other lovers of romance. Let's get started...In one sentence, sum up your style or voice as an author. 


Penny: That’s a great question! I think the sentence “impacting lives for Christ through the written word” sums up my voice and passion as an author.

Raquel: That is a powerful calling. Why don't you tell us about your book.


Penny: Hailee is the third book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance trilogy. Here's what it's about...

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Nate Adams would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Raquel: Ok, you've got me intrigued. Is there an overriding theme you hope your reader’s take away from your book?


Penny: The overriding themes are forgiveness and dependence on God, who never leaves us.


Readers can also expect to share in Hailee’s pain and sorrow, as well as the joy she experiences. They will watch as her faith wavers and her heart breaks at the losses she experiences in life. They will share with Nate as he struggles to release to the Lord burdens he was never meant to carry. My books are character-driven, and as such, throughout the book and with a variety of characters, readers will catch a glimpse of struggles with forgiveness, Salvation, rededication to Christ, and the hope of a new life

Raquel: Wow, sounds like an incredible journey for the reader. Does your background influence what you write?

Penny: I would definitely say that my background influences what I write. As a wife and a mom, I am better able to develop scenarios that pertain to being a wife and a mother. As a volunteer, Bible study leader, and as one who ministers to women and children, my passion is to bring my characters to life in ways that encourage others to grow in their faith through reading inspirational fiction.

In addition, I was able to interact with a wide variety of individuals during my former jobs as a legal assistant, a caseworker at the social services agency, and as a bank teller. This helped me to be able to better create characters with real feelings and real trials.

I would advise a new writer to give his/her writing to the Lord and to not give up! I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens another (much better) one. 

I give more tips for writers, including sticking with writing and how to prepare for a writer’s conference here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/sticking-with-writing/

Raquel: What’s coming up for you in terms of your career? 


Penny: Next on the agenda is my historical romance series set in the post-Civil War era. I recently completed the first draft of the first book and am hard at work on the second.

In addition, I am thrilled to be a part of two blog tours for Hailee. From the end of August through the middle of October, I will be hosted on a variety of blogs (many with giveaways!) and will be discussing numerous topics pertaining to my books, writing in general, and even some interviews with characters. Also, on September 14, I am part of the FIRST blog tour. I update all the information on my Facebook Page at  www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Where readers can find me on the web: I love to connect with readers at -

My website: www.pennyzeller.com

My humor blog “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

My FB Author Page: www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/pennyzeller

Thank you so much, Raquel, for having me as your guest. It was an honor to be here!


Raquel: It was a pleasure to have you visit, Penny. And I'm thrilled to announce that Penny has offered to give away a copy of Hailee to one lucky commenter!

If the winner is a U.S. resident, she will receive a personalized paperback copy of Hailee. If the winner resides outside the U.S., she will receive a PDF ebook copy.

---

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author" (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com). She is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women's Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women's prayer group. Penny devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom. Hailee is the final book in the series, which began with McKenzie and Kaydie in Montana Skies, her first series with Whitaker House. When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers at her website, www.pennyzeller.com.

Making Dysentery Fun Again - Survival Wednesdays

Do you remember in grade school when computer labs were starting to become common? Okay, so I'm old and elementary school was in the 1980's for me. Ahh, the smell of Aquanet and New Coke...


I remember my green-screened Apple IIe sitting all humongous and beige on the table in front of me. No such thing as a mouse yet...just you, the gaping floppy disk hole, and the keyboard.


We'd spend two hours every Friday playing Oregon Trails. A strategy game designed to help you with planning skills. All it really taught me was that if there was ever a survival situation...I was toast.


You had to use money to buy bullets and foodstuffs. Then you and your family set off in this pixelated outline of a covered wagon. Every now and then you'd get to shoot lines or "bullets" at "deer" and basically die of starvation or dysentery in the wilds of Oregon.


Fun huh?


It completely baffles me how so many people in the 1800's thought this was good idea in real life. Thousands of family's set off in search of a better way of living in the Westward Expansion. 


Manifest Destiny...

Evidence of the hardship could be found all along the Oregon trail and the routes to the Gold Rush in California. One would pass all kinds of things scuttled by traveling wagon trains. Furniture, dead and dying animals...anything you could live without was tossed to lighten the load.


When my family of eight moved five years ago to our current home, we couldn't fit all of our stuff in the largest U-haul truck they had. I ended up making endless mini-van shuttles to and from the two cities with boxes of "essentials" that were saved from my dumpster frenzy...the children ganged up on me 6 to 1 in favor of their toys. 


As I research and explore these intrepid people for my 1840's Historical Romance, I'm beginning to understand the call of adventure. The lure of making your own way and testing yourself against the unknown.  I'm also truly realizing the hardships and dangers faced by these pioneers.


My question to you is this...would you ever drop everything, pare down your life to transportable size, and take off for the unknown with only your family in tow?


I'm not sure I'd say no...


Until next time...Go Write!
Photograph by McD22  Photograph by dbking.