Interview: Tanya Stowe

Tanya Stowe

I want to extend a great big, warm welcome to fellow White Rose Publishing author, Tanya Stowe. My Book Bag is just one stop on Tanya's blog tour to introduce her new release, Tender Touch. Be sure to check out the giveaway details, below.

And now, on to our interview...

It’s a delight to have you as a guest on My Book Bag, Tanya! I’m always excited to find out more about a fellow White Rose Publishing author. But before we delve into the subject of writing, please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Tanya Stowe?

Well, I married my high school sweetheart thirty-seven years ago. We have four children and seventeen grandchildren. We’re a boisterous, motley crew that contains some blended marriages, adopted children, star athletes, straight ‘A’ students and one special needs ray of sunshine. We love sports, board games, cards, movies. We go to church and vacation together. So it was very difficult for my husband and I to make the recent decision to take a new job. We’re moving from our California home to the Middle East to work for two years. It’s going to be a grand adventure and a new chapter in our family’s life!

Wow! That is a major life change, and I’m sure it will be a grand adventure!

I absolutely love the cover of Tender Touch! It's an inspirational romance, am I right? Tell us a little about the storyline.

In my story, Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing. But she doesn’t see it as a gift. She considers it a curse. Rejecting her gift, God, and society, she's content to live alone high above the mining town of Harperville. Her sanctuary is shattered when Royce Darnell builds a water flume through the middle of her mountain. Royce is convinced God wants Lacy to use her gift for good but first, she must learn to trust, and Lacy doesn't trust anyone, not Royce and especially not God. Soon Royce finds himself in a battle to save the two things he loves the most…Harperville and Lacy.

Sounds fascinating! What was your inspiration for this book?

I was an atheist before I became a Christian in my early twenties. The Lord used my conversion to perform some miraculous healings. It was an incredible time in my faith life but also, a little frightening for a new Christian. Some of the questions and doubts that ran through my mind became Lacy’s doubts and fears in the story. About the same time, my sister and I took my four children on a motorhome tour of the California gold country and I knew I needed to write about that spectacular country and its history. It only took twenty years to become a full-fledged story!

The important thing is that it did become a story. What is your favorite scene from Tender Touch? Would you mind sharing it with us?

One of my favorite scenes is when Royce first realizes he’s falling in love with Lacy and the magnitude of the problems that will come with her.

"Lacy—look at me," Royce commanded. She looked up. "Feel the music, Lacy. Just move with me."
Her muscles eased. Her breathing slowed. She seemed to sense the rhythm of his body and took her cues from the slight touch of his hand. He dipped, she followed. He swept, she flowed, her skirts swinging in a graceful arc behind them. They sailed around the room in perfect motion.
Royce smiled. "I knew you could do it."
"Thank you for teaching me," she murmured.
Royce looked at the woman in his arms. He'd known the minute she'd entered the room. He was shocked to see her, knowing instinctively that the crowd and the noise would not be to her liking. But, when he'd seen the pink of her cheeks and the high color of her eyes, he knew she was enjoying herself…and that made him happy. He liked the little giggle she tried to suppress and the way her eyes lit when the dancers came near her. So he’d asked her to dance.
“Thank you," Lacy repeated.
"My pleasure, ma'am. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Her features turned somber. "You can let me go, now, before it's too late.”
She was asking him to do what he'd vowed to do. But looking at her lovely features, he knew he wouldn't do it.
"I can't, Lacy. I've tried and I can't."
The truth of his words flowed over both of them. They stood still in the middle of the dance floor. He wondered where the words had come from, and how he could possibly take care of this fragile, beautiful creature in his arms.

I love it! What can we expect from you next?

I’m working on a sequel to Tender Touch. Penny Layton is Lacy’s one and only friend. Like Lacy, she was born to the harsh realities of a California boom town and finds a way to survive when her mother abandons her. Tender Trust starts where Tender Touch leaves off and it’s Penny’s story.

I love meeting previous characters again in follow-up books.

As a reader, do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

I have too many favorite authors! Like my career, my reading is very eclectic. I like Michael Crichton, Elizabeth Peters, Francine Rivers, Judith Stacy, Teresa Medeiros and many, many more! As far as books go, there is one I can read over and over again. It’s called Trade Winds by M.M. Kaye. I love it because it captures the British fight against the slave trade in Zanzibar but it was also written in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s and has the flavor of that time as well. Not to mention it’s just plain good writing!

My goal is to someday be someone’s favorite author, one whose books they will read “over and over again.” :)

Who (what human being) has been the greatest influence on your life, and why?

I would have to say my father has been the greatest influence in my life. His attitude is positive. He’s never met a person he didn’t like because he finds something he likes about everyone. At the same time, he has good common sense grounded in reality. From him, I’ve learned to pick myself up, to overcome and to smile.

Daddies are the best, aren’t they? Mine was my hero.

Do you have a favorite verse of scripture?

Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Oh, excellent inspiration! Where can we find your books? And do you have a website or blog, where readers can keep up with you and your writing activities?

Tender Touch released November 19 at http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/.

Please check out the details of my contest—God’s Healing Power—at my website http://www.tanyastowe.com/. The contest will run from November 19 through January 31. I’m looking for stories on how God has healed areas of your life. Contest rules are available on my web page. The winner will receive a lovely handmade necklace from Devine Dezines.

I will be blogging about my books, writing experiences and writing friends at http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/.

I’m also starting a new blog about our travels across the country and the world at http://www.stoweberry.blogspot.com/.

Also, anyone who comments on My Book Bag today will have their name entered in a drawing to win two books…Tender Touch (that’s my book) and Rodeo Redemption by fellow White Rose author, Teri Wilson.


About Tanya:

Tanya Stowe has written for the real estate industry, television, publicity firms and national publications. Her first novel, a time-travel adventure, Time’s Embrace, was released in the United States in 1993 and internationally released in 1995. Tanya has an eclectic career, doing market research at a performing arts center and for the American Cancer Society. Most recently, Tanya contributed to a collection of women’s survival stories titled, Triumph! The Beautiful Face of Courage and collaborated on her first full-length play, a Christmas musical titled, The Night Before Christmas.

Tanya has been married to her high school sweetheart for thirty-seven years, which is a romance story in itself. Currently they are visiting the East Coast and soon they will travel to the Middle East to begin a new adventure.

Destiny's Dream Blog Tour

It's almost time! From Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, I'll be touring from blog to blog, talking about my Dec. 17 release, Destiny's Dream. I'm posting my schedule below. You're invited to follow along and say hello -- and learn all about The Making of the Solomon's Gate Series. :)

Also, the Daughters of Destiny Contest will begin on my website Dec. 15, to coincide with the blog tour. I've got some "Gotta-Have-'Em" prizes...come on over and check 'em out.

See you on the tour!

Destiny’s Dream Blog Tour

(Delia Latham)

Dec. 1, 2010 – Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 1, Jeannie Campbell http://charactertherapist.blogspot.com/

Dec. 7, Gail Palotta http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com/

Dec. 8, Heidi Main http://www.heidimain.com/blog

Dec. 10 , Jodie Bailey http://jodiebailey.com/blog-2/

Dec. 11, Daniel L. Carter http://dlcacmp.blogspot.com/

Dec. 15, April Gardner http://aprilwgardner.blogspot.com

Dec. 17, Roseanna M. White http://www.roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/

Dec. 17, Roseanna M. White http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/

Dec. 17, Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/

Dec. 18, Terry Spear http://www.redroom.com/author/terry-spear

Dec. 18, Gina Welborn http://www.inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/

Dec. 19, Gina Welborn http://www.inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/

Dec. 20, Cathy West http://catherinewestblog.blogspot.com/

Dec. 27, Jennifer Slattery http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com

Dec. 27, JoAnne Troppello http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blog.html

Dec. 28, JoAnne Troppello http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blog.html

Dec. 30 Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Dec. 31 Tracy Krauss http://tracykraussexpressionexpress.blogspot.com/

Jan. 4, Carol Erhardt http://carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/

Jan. 5, Carol Erhardt http://carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/

Jan. 8, Pamela Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

Jan. 10, Lauralee Bliss http://www.blissfulwritingthoughts.blogspot.com/

Jan. 12, Myra Johnson http://myra.typepad.com/

Jan. 12, Cindy K. Green http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/

Jan. 15 , Marianne Evans http://marianneevans.blogspot.com

Jan. 15-21, Shirley Kiger Connolly http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com

Jan. 17, K. Dawn Byrd http://kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Jan. 18, Lisa Lickel http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/

Jan. 18, Sandy Ardoin http://sandraardoin.wordpress.com/wordslinger-blog/

Jan. 20, JoAnn Carter http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Jan. 20, Tanya Stowe http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/

Jan. 24, Susan Hollaway http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com

Jan. 31, Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Review: I Shall Not Want

by Debbie Viguié

A charity event goes horribly awry when Cindy Preston finds a body in the home of the man behind the highly publicized affair. Joseph Tyler’s idea of providing homeless people with rescue dogs to love and care for seems like a good thing, until the animals’ new owners start turning up dead, and their adopted pets disappear.

Never a risk taker, and not one who thrives on an abundance of excitement, Cindy had only just begun to relax after her last encounter with murder. (A few months earlier, she’d discovered a body in the sanctuary of the church where she worked as a secretary.) Much against her will, she finds herself inexorably drawn into this new murder investigation, which seems somehow tied to the dogs Joseph gave away at the Animals to the Rescue event.

The only good Cindy can find in the unwelcome turn of events is that it puts her back in touch with Jeremiah, the rabbi from the synagogue next door to her own church. They had worked together on the earlier murder case, and Jeremiah—not eager to get involved, for reasons of his own—reluctantly steps in to help her again.

Trouble is, neither of them are seeing any kind of sense in the murders and dognappings. Not all of the canines are purebreds, so the whole doggie value thing goes right out the window. And besides, they quickly realize the killer is releasing the animals soon after they’re taken. Yet, someone is murdered every time a dog is stolen. What is the elusive connection?

Cindy and Jeremiah follow the skimpy clues, hoping to bring the criminal to justice and stop the killing, even as Cindy grows close to a couple of homeless individuals, and Jeremiah fights health difficulties.

I Shall Not Want is the second book in the Psalm 23 Mysteries. It offers a touch of humor, a hint of romance, a suggestion of religion, and a large serving of suspense. Ms. Viguié knows how to plant a clue. She’s obviously familiar with what makes a mystery mysterious. What she finally reveals is an ingenious new spin on an all-too-familiar crime.

Having missed Book One in this series, I was relieved to find that this story works well on it own. Viguié does a good job of drawing the reader in, and making him/her a part of the story. A distinctive writing voice, delivered with wit and sensitivity, make for an interesting, easy-to-read storyline. She handles an often controversial subject with delicacy and humor, while still managing to shine a light on the hardships of living on the street. Nicely done.

New Release: Tender Touch

by Tanya Stowe

Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing. She can save strangers—even those undeserving—yet fails to save her mother. Rejecting her gift, God, and society, she's content to live alone high above the mining town of Harperville. But her solitude is shattered when Royce Darnell builds a water flume through the middle of her mountain. To protect her sanctuary, Lacy sabotages his efforts. Little does she expect Royce to track her through a blizzard and end up half frozen to death on her doorstep. She can heal him, but why should she when he threatens to steal her peace...and her heart?

With the livelihood of the miners and their families depending on his project, Royce refuses to stop building, no matter how good the reason or how lovely the masked saboteur turns out to be. Besides, he's convinced God wants Lacy to use her gift for good and not to hole up in her cabin like a reticent recluse afraid of human contact. But first, she must learn to trust, and Lacy doesn't trust anyone, not Royce and especially not God. Soon Royce finds himself in a battle to save the two things he loves the most—Harperville and Lacy. Is his faith strong enough to save them both?

Available NOW through White Rose Publishing

Review: A Simple Amish Christmas

by Vannetta Chapman

Three years after leaving her family and the Amish community in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Annie Weaver returns home to care for her father, who’s been injured in a buggy accident.

During her time in the city, she became a licensed nurse. None of her Amish friends and family know of her new skills, but that doesn’t stop her from using them to give her father the best care she’s capable of providing. Contrary to the uncomplimentary opinion of Samuel Yoder, the insufferable Amish farmer who provides medical care to the community, she actually knows what she’s doing.

Coming home fulfills something deep inside Annie. She’s where she belongs, and has no plans to leave again. As she settles back into the lifestyle she was born to, she prays that God will find a way for her to use her medical training in the community. In the meantime, she waits expectantly for Christmas, eager to experience again the simple, Amish way of celebrating the holiday.

Samuel is not an old man, but the loss of his wife and baby eight years ago stole his youth and his passion for life. Annie Weaver’s return to Mifflin County makes him feel again. It takes no time at all for him to recognize her obvious talent in the medical field, and not much longer to realize she’s stolen his heart. But familial obligations and the difference in his and Annie’s ages give him pause about acting on his feelings.

On the morning of the Simple Amish Christmas Annie has yearned for, they’ll both make the most important decision of their lives. Will Annie be willing to use her training to help her people in a new and unexpected way? And will Samuel release the pain of his past to let a new love into his heart?

A Simple Amish Christmas is a sweet, heart-touching romance that provides all the warm, fuzzy feelings one expects in a Christmas story. It’s well-written, with realistic, life-sized characters that make one hope this isn’t the last Mifflin County novel. Many of the secondary characters are easily strong enough to carry their own story. The storyline flows well, and the unexpected touches of humor show a side of the Amish that many people don’t expect. Great writing, great storytelling, great book!

New Release: Season for Miracles

by Clare Revell

A Killer lurks in Headley Cross…

…And Holly Carmichael is the only woman to survive his attack. Now she lives in fear, searching for normalcy and trying to put her life back together. When she meets Kyle Stevens, he turns her world upside-down. He’s as exasperating as he is appealing. How can Holly make sense of her awakening feelings when she’s so unsure of Kyle? His voice is familiar, he’s left-handed, and he wears the serial killer’s cologne. Who is he…really? As Holly struggles to restore her damaged faith, she must find the strength to trust once again—in Kyle and in God.

Kyle Stevens isn’t ready to live again. Racked by guilt, he’s afraid to feel. His sole focus is finding the Headley Cross serial killer—his girlfriend's murderer. That is, until he meets Holly Carmichael. He’s drawn to Holly, vows to protect her where he failed to protect his former love. But Holly makes him feel again, emotions quickly morphing into something much more dangerous to his hardened heart.

When the serial killer returns to finish what he started, only a miracle can save them…but then, it's the Season for Miracles.

Review: Second Chance Brides

by Vickie McDonough

Leah Bennett and Shannon O’Neil arrived in Lookout, Texas as mail-order brides—ordered by a mischievous pair of brothers for their cousin, who didn’t want to marry either woman!

With all of the initial mayhem behind them, and the reluctant groom married off to Rachel, the love of his life, Leah and Shannon find themselves stuck in Texas without a husband, home, family, or job. Neither woman has better options anywhere else, so they stay, each of them hoping and praying for a miracle.

Shannon finds herself employed by the very brothers who turned her life upside down. Worse, she’s falling in love with one of them, even though Mark Corbett makes it plain from the first that he’s not looking for matrimony—not ever. By the time her list of marriage proposals reaches a dozen, the pretty Irish lass is determined to get over her handsome, brooding employer and make a life for herself with the next man who asks for her hand—and wealthy ranch owner, Rand Kessler, might just be standing at the right place in line.

Leah has no employment prospects, and the marital possibilities aren’t too encouraging either. She’s attracted to the livery owner, Dan Howard, but he’s not exactly her idea of acceptable husband material. Besides, how is a girl to let a man know she’s interested without being bold? And what man of her generation is going to marry a woman who absolutely, positively, without a single doubt…does not want children?

When Garrett Corbett comes up with a plan to get some wedding bells tolling in the small Texas town, most folks fear it’ll be another fiasco that won’t end well. But God has other plans, and the unexpected scheme could just turn out to be a real second chance for Lookout’s boardinghouse brides.

Vickie McDonough’s fast-paced storylines lively scenes, and laugh-out-loud humor make for an interesting, fun read that’s impossible to put down. Her well-rounded characters become friends that one looks forward to encountering again in the next trip to Lookout, from the heroines and their strong, stubborn frontiersmen right down to Jack, the pig-tailed tomboy introduced in The Anonymous Bride. I loved that introduction to the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, and this second installment does not disappoint. Second Chance Brides is faith-filled fiction at its best.

(Read my review of the first book in this series, The Anonymous Bride)

How NOT to Write Your Novel

Wanna know how to avoid writing that novel? Come on over to A Pen for Your Thoughts for a dozen "Novel Detours."