Why I love Charles Dickens - Diving Into the Story World

by Jen Slattery

 

A few years ago someone mailed me a historical fiction about.... Well, I'm not sure what it was about because I never made it that far. I tried. Oh, my, did I try, but after page upon page of life-activities, my perseverance waned and I put the book aside. I learned the heroine wore her hair in ribbons, what she ate for breakfast, and numerous other details of her daily life. To the author, perhaps these events were significant. Maybe she had fond memories of getting her hair done and thought perhaps if she outlined these details, one movement at a time, she could invoke those same emotions in her reader. But sadly, her over-abundance of minute details, void of conflict, dulled my brain.

As I read over today's excerpts again--talking of spiritual warfare, castles, and jail sentences--I realized one of the things I long for in a story is the ability to visit a place other than my own. That doesn't mean I always gravitate toward time-traveling speculative fiction, but I don't want to relive the monotony of life either.

I love books that raise the stakes, introduce me to unique settings and unique characters, and allow my mind to drift from the day-to-day. One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens. Upon first glance, I might conclude this is due to his "other-than" settings, but I believe it's more than that. His use of language creates images so vivid and emotive, he manages to turn a walk through the city into a unique experience. And yet, somehow he does this without losing the human element--the universal emotions we all share. So basically, he creates a world that is unique enough to grab my attention and propel me into the story, but he does it in such a way that I deeply connect with the characters.

This week's excerpts captured my attention with their unique settings and story-lines. The shuffle of monotony in a high school is intensified by the presence of evil. In excerpt B, I'm introduced to the magnificent Hearst Castle, and the world of antiquity. In both, I realize much more is at stake than castle restoration and chemistry class.

What about you? What are some things you look for in a story? Think back to a story you've particularly enjoyed. What was it about that novel that grabbed you? Is it a slightly quirky character or a castle shrouded by clouds and hidden behind a patch of trees?

(If you haven't already done so, read over both excerpts. And remember, there are numerous ways to be entered into our drawing for the book give-aways: leave a comment on any of the articles posted over the next week, fb share us, tweet us, or subscribe. Remember to shoot us an email letting us know you've shared, tweeted, or subscribed.)

To our blogging readers, if you'd like to join the COTT family as a blog alliance partner, shoot us an email at contactcott(at)gmail(dot)com. We'd love to tell you more.

Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, freelance writer and biblical studies major at Calvary Bible college. In 2009 she won first place in the HACWN writing contest in the book category, placed second in the 2010 Dixie Kane, fourth in the 2010 Golden Pen and third in the 2010 CWG Operation First Novel Contest. She has a short piece appearing in Bethany House's Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar's A Still and Quiet Soul, and writes for Reflections in Hindsight, Christ to the World, Samie Sisters, The Christian Pulse, and reviews for Novel Reviews. She's also written for Granola Bar Devotions, Afictionado, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Romantic Times Review, Bloom and the Breakthrough Intercessor. 

Contact Jennifer: slattery07(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jennifer's Blog, Facebook

Solomon's Gate Book Trailer

This just in from my publisher. Wowza! I'm lovin' it!

Review: My Mother the Man-Eater

 by Tracy Krauss

Joleen Allen loves men. Now if she could only keep one of them interested! Lately, every man she dates falls for one of her five daughters.

She’s not a rich woman…just scraping by from payday to payday at her job selling lingerie in a department store. Yet her ex-husband shows up, fresh out of prison, determined to ruin her life, her reputation, and any monetary stability she’s managed to achieve. Scary thing is, this guy’s not just bluster. He’ll stop at absolutely nothing to get what he came for.

It’s a mostly chaotic, completely unconventional family with characters and situations just crazy enough to be halfway believable, and to keep the reader hanging in there to see what happens.

My take on My Mother the Man-eater:

Wow! Tracy Krauss definitely knows how to create a realistic “world.”

The Allen women harbor enough long-held secrets, lofty dreams, bitterness, disappointment, and a few unexpected moments of genuine affection to make them dysfunctional (often comically, but other times totally tear-worthy) and to keep the reader hooked.

I must confess to becoming a little muddled at times, trying to mentally juggle six women, all with their own separate little sub-plots, and all having names starting with “J.” I had to backtrack a few times to keep the who with the what.

Despite that bit of confusion, My Mother the Man-eater is a well-written book. Krauss creates fully developed, believably flawed characters and constant action to keep the pages turning. The messages of forgiveness, redemption, grace and hope are well integrated into the plot, and deftly delivered without being even a little preachy. In fact, given the cougar-based storyline, it’s a tremendous achievement for the author to have fit it into the inspirational genre. This book is proof that inspirational fiction can be gripping without crossing the line to risqué.

Readers who enjoy their Christian fiction with a thick slice of reality and a large cast of characters will love My Mother the Man-Eater.

Interview: Joanne Troppello

 Joanne Troppello

Welcome to My Book Bag, Joanne. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Joanne Troppello, friend and neighbor?

Delia, thank you so much for having me here today. I’ve been married for seven years to the most wonderful guy and my best friend, John. For the past few years I’ve been blessed to work from home on my writing. I’m a Christian and I love spending time with my family and friends.

It is my distinct pleasure to have you here! How long have you been writing? Was there an “aha” moment when you knew that’s what you wanted to do?

I started writing when I was a senior in high school, but didn’t publish my first book until 2004. My senior English teacher made class fun and really was the catalyst for me developing a love to write and dreaming that it could be possible one day.

I know you’re excited about your book, Mr. Shipley’s Governess. Is this a debut novel, and what inspired you to write this book?

My first book, Shadowed Remembrances, is a mystery novel. Mr. Shipley’s Governess is my second book. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and love her classic romantic stories. I wanted to write a contemporary love story with a classic feel. Since Jane Austen is my inspiration for this book, I tried to set the tone of the novel to mirror the classic feel of her stories. Like the characters Jane Austen created, the ones that spoke to me most are Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley from Emma. My characters are witty and the storyline is true to life, yet sweetly romantic. I’ve had readers tell me they felt like they were reading a book from the Regency period, but also knew it was a contemporary story; so I guess I achieved my goal.

It sounds like you set quite a challenge for yourself, and succeeded in making it happen. Isn’t it wonderful when readers “get” what you intended? J Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

I have many favorites, but one that has truly given me peace is Jeremiah 29:11-13, just knowing that God has a perfect plan for my life.

¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Great verse with such tremendous promise! What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial to you in developing your writing career?

The one bit of advice that has kept me going is the scripture from Zechariah 4:10 that God brought to my attention when I first dove into marketing my books. To me, that verse means that I need to trust God to open the doors He wants to open for my life and I shouldn’t get one step ahead or one step behind Him. Of course, that’s not always easy, but knowing that He showed me this verse pertaining to my writing has given me peace. As my husband always says, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will my writing career be—persevering and taking one step at a time will see God’s work completed.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." (zechariah 4:10)

Staying in step with God is so important! Just for fun…what super power would you love to possess, and why?

Having the power to become invisible would be great. It might come in handy sometime if I am ever being chased by a criminal and need to disappear quickly. Or maybe if life gets too stressful, I’d like to disappear for a while and forget about cooking dinner or folding laundry or cleaning house! lol

Oh, what I couldn’t do with that power! :D Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?

Blog: http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blog.html

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JoanneTroppello 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joanne.kerzmanntroppello 

About Joanne:

Joanne Troppello writes romantic suspense and inspirational fiction and works from home as a freelance writer / marketing consultant. She has two books published. Shadowed Remembrances is a mystery novel and Mr. Shipley's Governess is an inspirational romance novel, published through Wild Horse Press. She is contracted to work for several different companies, to write non-fiction, how-to articles each week. She also works as a consultant for a local medical organization and manages facebook and twitter accounts for different clients. She loves to write and read and spend time with her family.

Excerpt from Mr. Shipley’s Governess

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe of the library, amused that Sophie continued reading, oblivious to his intrusion. He watched her scrunch up her face in consternation, engrossed in the book. “So, who do you like better, me or Mr. Knightly?”  He heard her sharp intake of breath. She nearly dropped the book as she turned to look at her intruder.

“Definitely, that would be Mr. Knightly; he doesn’t have the habit of sneaking up on me.”

Sebastian sauntered into the room and sat in the chair opposite her. “Yes, he’s so charming. I hope to someday be like him.”

“Hey, don’t make fun. He is the epitome of the perfect gentleman.”

“Actually, I’m serious.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve read the same book as you. It must be a coincidence.”

Sophie smiled. “Really…you’re just trying to get on my good side.”

He leaned forward in mock surprise. “Huh, I thought I was on your good side already.”

“That depends on my mood.”

“I see. You’re all about a woman’s prerogative.”

“Yes, I live by that rule.”

He played along, enjoying the playful banter. “Oh, so you’re one of those.”

“You’d better believe it. It’s my prerogative to change my mind whenever I want.”

He fluidly maneuvered his way to the ottoman where her feet rested and he sat down. “I hope you don’t change your mind about me.”

“Well, that all depends on you.”

“I’d better be on my best behavior then.”

Sophie got up quickly and before he realized it, she walked across the room to the bookshelf. “So, you really read Emma, too. That’s still surprising and sweet.”

He followed her. “You’re avoiding any serious conversation, young lady.”

She moved away, running her finger along the spines of the books. He kept following, backing her into a corner. She leaned her hands against the windowsill and backed up as far as possible. She laughed nervously. “So, tell me again why you interrupted me.”

“I did it because I’ve wanted to do this for a long time now.”  He cupped her face, tracing the outline of her lips with his thumb. Then he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her gently, at first, but soon his fervor matched hers. She put her arms around his neck and moved in closer. Finally, they pulled away from each other, both breathless. “I…I’m sorry.”

She touched his cheek. “Don’t be. I’ve wanted you to do that for a long time, too.”

He squeezed her hand. “I should get back to work. David’s going to wonder what happened to me.”

Sophie gave him a flirty smile. “Oh, I’m sure he knows.”

“Now try not to compare me too much to Mr. Knightly because there’s no contest, really.”

As he walked out of the room, he still felt the warmth of her lips on his and the softness of her body in his arms. He chided himself. “Shake it off, man.”  Then he walked down the hall in search of his brother.

COTT Congratulates Christine Lindsay

by Michelle Massaro

 Christine Lindsay crowned COTT champ!

Shadowed in Silk won the vote for Best Back Cover Blurb against competitor Sunny Eads.

A clip of her winning excerpt:

After the Great War, Abby Fraser returns to India with her small son, where her husband is stationed with the British army. She has longed to go home to the land of glittering palaces and veiled women . . . but Nick has become a cruel stranger. It will take more than her American pluck to survive.
 read the full blurb here

A few reader comments: 

• I'm drawn to the post war aspect of the second one.
• Both really pulls you in but the romance of India under the Bristh rule caught my attention.
• Oh, India! Sounds mysterious!! Makes me wonder if this is a romance or not. Would def give this book a go.
• Blurb B is just so intriguing! Definitely makes me want to read the whole thing. So much clearly going on.

Christine says:

The only reason I write is in order to encourage readers to love Christ and follow Him. He's God---if He wants me to succeed, then He'll make it happen. And if He wants me to have quiet success, then I'll praise the Lord for that.
read the full interview here.

About her experience with COTT she writes: 

I'm so thankful for this opportunity. Thank you every one, especially Sunny and Lisa. What a fun contest. And to every one for their positive comments.

Want to get in on the voting action? Head over to Clash of the Titles now and cast your ballot for this week's Clash!

PLEASE CHECK 

OUT OUR EXCITING NEW VENTURE:

Join us in June as we premier COTT's book club! Karen Witemeyer and her COTT winning novel, A Tailor-Made Bride is up as our first read (The books is offered as a free e-book here; if you don't have a Kindle, you can download the program to your pc or mobile device free here). More details and to vote for July's book, CLICK HERE.  



Michelle Massaro is a homeschooling mom and aspiring novelist. She is Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles and writes for COTT's Blog Alliance. Michelle also serves on the worship team and teaches origins science to the youth at her church. She and her husband of 15 years live in sunny So Cal with their four children. Connect with her on twitter @MLMassaro, facebook, Clash of the Titles, and her blog Adventures in Writing.

Seeking Blog Tour Hosts for June 27th

I will be touring from blog to blog on my birthday (June 27th) - and I'm bringing along Kylie Matthews, the heroine from my new release, Kylie's Kiss! We'd like to bombard the Internet with posts about Kylie's story.

At the end of the day, I'll draw a winner - or winners - from all the comments received at all the participating blogs. (Further info here.)

We'd love to visit the blogs of both readers AND writers. If you'd like us to stop by your blog, please contact me. We'd be honored to visit your home on the Web.

Oh, and Kylie and I thank you in advance for your hospitality!

Review: The Unexpected Bride

Debra Ullrick

Rainelle Devonwood is on the run. Desperate to escape her brother’s cruelty and avoid a forced marriage to a man whose heartlessness exceeds even that of her sibling, Rainee places a “Groom Wanted” ad and finds herself a husband in the Utah Territory.

Problem is, her groom-to-be doesn’t know he has a bride. Haydon Bowen has lived through one disastrous marriage, and has no plans to ever risk his heart again. So when his brother accepts a mail-order bride in Haydon’s name, he’s none too pleased. Still, since a member of his family is the sole reason the young woman is so far from home with nowhere to go, he and his family take Rainee into their home until she can find another groom.

Now Rainee and Haydon face a mutual problem…avoiding the lure of romance. Haydon is determined to never love again. Rainee, feeling the sting of his rejection, simply wants to find another groom and disappear from the Bowens’ lives.

But God has other plans.

THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE is chock full of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, and a whole spectrum of other emotions. As Rainee peers over her shoulder in fear of her brother’s inevitable arrival, Haydon’s gentle nature and protective instincts leave him more than susceptible to the young beauty’s charms. Rainee’s bright spirit and curious nature make her a completely lovable character, while female readers will lose their hearts to Haydon within a few pages.

Debra Ullrick knows how to spin a tale, and how to develop living, breathing, walk-off-the-page characters. Readers will fall in love with this spunky heroine, the gentleman hero, and the entire Bowen family—especially little Abby. Kitty also becomes a valid character, but I won’t spoil the storyline by talking about her. Warning: Do not open this book unless you have time to read it all the way through…

Little Bird of Paradox: JoAnn Carter

JoAnn Carter

This morning while I was lying in bed in the early pre-dawn I heard a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not today. Today was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing! God used two rather "ordinary" things to create an extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane, yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

This sends goosebumps up my spine as I think about it. It's a paradox and truly a God thing. Especially since this word, paradox, has been near and dear to my heart. In fact, I kid you not; this is the very title of the book that I wanted to share with you today. Yet, perhaps paradox is not a word you're familiar with, so let me explain. Paradox is flowers on snow, joy in the midst of trials, compassion for others as your own heart breaks. It's what many of us just celebrated, Easter—Jesus laying down his life for me, someone sinful and undeserving. It's victory and life born out of death and suffering.

Through this experience, God reminded me that He delights in using those ordinary things to accomplish His marvelous purposes. And that's super news! If He can use Fishermen, tax collectors, birds, and thunderstorms, I know He can use me—a very average, ordinary person to do extraordinary things for Him. Perhaps you're feeling "ordinary" today. Take heart, it's through that very thing that God can show His creativity, His power, and even His love just like He did for me in the midst of this early morning’s storm.

A CONTEST TO HELP ME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF PARADOX:

Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a T-shirt.)

How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 5/26/11.

PARADOX BLURB:

Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?

EXCERPT FROM PARADOX:
 

It was only Tuesday evening... a few days on the job, but it already felt like a few years. The last thing she wanted to do was drive Sharon back to her condo in Jericho, but she had promised. Ric rapped twice on the office door before popping his head in. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

He came in and leaned up against the doorframe. "The truck's loaded up."

Lilly shut down the computer. "Great, thanks for helping Sharon get her stuff out there."

"No problem." Ric looked over his shoulder and then back to Lilly. "I don't have any plans for the evening. Would you like me to help you ladies get Sharon's stuff unloaded?"

Lilly shook her head and looked at him -- really looked at him for the first time since he came into her office. His broad shoulders filled the doorway. The sheer breadth made her wonder if he could easily carry any burden life handed to him, physical or emotional. Tempted though she might be to share some of her concerns, she couldn't afford to grow to depend on him -- or anyone for that matter. Granted, it was nice to spend time with Ric and get to know him more. She valued his friendship and looked forward to the times when she could be with him, but this was only a temporary situation. There was no way she would ever let herself forget it. If she did -- she might lose sight of her own dreams -- dreams that didn't include Paradox when all was said and done. "You don't need to worry about us, Ric. We'll manage."

"Are you sure? It's no problem and it might be nice to have some company on the way back."

Lilly sighed. "You're right. It would be, but honestly I'd rather take care of this myself."

Ric stood up and took a few steps into the room. With him came the smell of clean soap and shaving cream. "It can be a mighty lonely life if you never let anyone get close to you, you know."

Shoot, he saw right through the walls that she was trying to erect to protect herself. "There are people I'm close to."

"Oh yeah, who?"

ABOUT JOANN:

JoAnn Carter writes stories that will encourage your faith through inspirational fiction novels and novellas. She resides in Vermont with her wonderful husband and four children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministries events, school events, and church retreats.

Find her here:

Visit JoAnn's Web site

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook

JoAnn's Blog

 

I hope you'll be able to pick up a copy of Paradox today @ http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

You can watch the trailer here ~ http://youtu.be/mnOQeNeQuUE

Kylie's Kiss wins April Book of the Month at Happily Ever After Reviews!

I'm excited and so honored! Thanks to Clare Revell for her great review (see below) and to everyone who voted for Kylie's Kiss!

Clare's review:

5 Teacups

Kylie’s Kiss is the second in the Solomon’s gate series, but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this one. With some recurring characters and a whole cast of new ones, it stands alone on its own merit. With sections that had me laughing out loud one minute and reaching for the tissues the next, Ms. Latham has written another enthralling story that is definitely a kindle keeper.

Read the rest of Clare's review

New Release: Left at the Altar

This week's award-winning author-team from White Rose Publishing, KM Daughters, takes us back into the heart of the Adriatic where the sky is as brilliant as the sea and love abounds! In volume one of Gospa Journeys, join Emma and Sam as they discover faith, hope and love.

Despite Sam Mackenzie's deep-rooted belief that marriage can turn two loving people into monsters, his all-encompassing love for Emma Jordan spurs him to propose before leaving the country bound for Valselo, the Adriatic village where millions believe the Mother of God speaks to three visionaries.

Despite Emma's love for Sam, she is unable to envision a life in a remote town on a distant continent. Emma refuses his proposal and spends the next three years making a life without Sam. When she's left at the altar, a loving conspiracy between her parents and parish priest-Sam's uncle-brings Emma to Valselo and an inevitable reunion with Sam. God seems to be orchestrating a second chance, but both believe they have had good reasons to turn away from God's guidance. Will they listen to Our Lady's messages which call humanity to open their hearts to God's mercy and love? Or will they lose each other a second and final time?

K.M. Daughters is the award winning writing team of sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. Their pen name is dedicated to the memory of their parents: Kay and Mickey Lynch, the "K" and "M" in K.M. Daughters. "The Daughters" are wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Kathie lives in northern New Jersey and Pat lives in the Chicago suburbs. White Rose Publishing inspirational romance titles by K.M. Daughters include Jewel Of The Adriatic, Rose Of The Adriatic and the Gospa Journeys series. "Love heals..."

Visit K. M. Daughters www.kmdaughters.com

Review: Daughter of Lachish

 

by Tim Frank

 

Rivkah’s story begins in the violence of war. After being saved from death, enslavement or worse through the sacrifice of a caring woman of ill repute, the young girl  sets out on her own into a war-torn countryside…the sole survivor of a destroyed city.

We follow her through several years and passages of life. Through others she meets on her journey, Rivkah learns about the one true God; experiences the excitement of first love and the pain of betrayal; finds the fellowship of an adoptive family; and agrees to an arranged marriage—a union which brings her both great joy and intense sorrow.

The story moves a little slowly in the beginning. It contains a tremendous amount of detail specific to the era—which is to be expected in a tale of biblical fiction. However, processing all those unfamiliarities while also mentally navigating multiple sub-plots is a bit overwhelming. But after Rivkah finds a place to call home and the story weaves itself around that city and those people, it becomes more compelling. The author provides some moments of surprising humor, expectation, and genuine emotion that forced me to reach for the tissues and yearn for a happy outcome.

I was mentally ripped from the storyline a couple of times by turns of phrase that seemed out of place for the time period. Also, while I love old Micah’s character, his conversations with Rivkah become predictable—obvious soapboxes on which to introduce the old man’s prophecies. There is a confusing array of secondary characters, a couple of which make a definite impression, and deserve stories of their own.

The author’s obvious knowledge of biblical times, tools, and events is woven seamlessly throughout this tale, which is undeniably well-written, though it contains more “telling” than “showing”—which is why I had difficulty losing myself in the storyline.

Ultimately, Daughter of Lachish is not the book for readers who prefer edge-of-the-seat suspense or a fast-moving, unrelentingly gripping storyline. But those who like an easy forward pace and lots of historical detail will love this novel.

Interview: Dora Hiers

Welcome to My Book Bag, Dora. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Dora Hiers, the gal next door?

My wonderful husband, Ernie, and I have shared twenty-two awesome years. Our oldest son, John, married Lorie. We couldn't have handpicked a more precious daughter-in-law. They have blessed us with two beautiful grandkids, Kayla and Mason. Our youngest son, Scott, is a student at UNC Chapel Hill. Go Tarheels! We now make our home in Kannapolis, NC, after living most of our lives in FL.

I love spending time with my family, drinking my cup of café con leche in the morning, kicking back in my recliner with a good book, teaching 2nd graders in Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, walking my dog at the park, turning the fireplace on for the first time in winter, the changing seasons (we never saw this in Florida!), and what else? Shopping!

I don’t like traffic. Bad coffee. Or no coffee in the morning. A sad ending to a book. That’s the absolute worst! My books always end with happily-ever-after’s!

Sounds like you have a very full and happy life…I love that! How long have you been writing? Was there an “aha” moment when you knew that’s what you wanted to do?

Since my son started middle school and didn’t want me hanging out at school with him
anymore. LOL. By then, I’d been a stay-at-home mom about three years and had spent most of my time alternating between two schools. My older son graduated, and my younger son moved to middle school. I knew I needed something more to fill my days. An avid reader, God planted a story idea that pinged around in my head for a few months until I finally confessed my desire to write to my husband. With his enthusiastic support, I started pounding out the story.

Isn’t it wonderful to have a husband who is “enthusiastic” in his support of the thing you love to do? :) I know you’re excited about your new release, Journey’s End. Is this a debut novel, and what inspired you to write this book?

Yes, I’m extremely excited about the release for my debut novel, Journey’s End! You know that God-planted story idea? This is it. Journey’s End germinated with a seed from a newspaper article about a mobster, finally convicted years later.

What’s your favorite scene from Journey’s End? Can you share it with us?

Journey's End Excerpt

“I suppose I should have been a vet.” Chelsea stroked the dog’s fur from his head all the way down his back, careful not to touch his wounded leg.
“Maybe. But I don’t think you’ve wasted your energy or your talents as a guidance counselor. Teenagers can’t seem to resist you, either.”
That produced a full-fledged smile in his direction. Way to go, Colten!
“Remember that natural charm I warned you about?”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Yes. And after a few days in your presence, I’m inclined to agree with you.”
He pulled into the veterinarian’s parking lot and glanced her way, surprised to see her grinning. “What?”
“Saved by the vet.”
Her words hit him like a piano dropping ten stories. She was flirting with him.
He took his time walking around to her side of the truck. He opened the door and leaned in, planting his hand on the seat next to her shapely legs. His face hovered inches from hers while he savored the way her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, the lips that curved in that always graceful way, and the eyes that spoke everything his heart wanted to hear.
Her eyes closed, and her lips parted slightly.
Trey snapped out of it. He couldn’t do this. He was on the job. She didn’t know the secrets he knew, the truth about her husband.
Her eyes startled open. As much as he wanted to partake and enjoy, he couldn’t. He touched a silky curl framing her face and ran it through his fingers. “You need to know that right now I’m working. But there will come a time, soon, when I’m not.”

I’m already hooked! As a reader, do you have a favorite author? What three books are next in your TBR queue?

Oooh, I have bunches of favorites, too many to name! But, as a new author to White Rose Publishing, I can’t wait to read all the new books coming out and catch up on the ones I haven’t read! WRP has a line-up of fabulous Christian writers, especially you, Delia! And if a book from Susan May Warren releases, it automatically makes it to the top of my pile.

How sweet of you to say that! Thank you. WRP does have an amazing number of talented authors. Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

Psalms 19:14 (NIV) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In everything I do ~ every thought that swirls around in my head, every word that comes from my mouth, every word I type ~ I want to glorify my Creator!

Amen and amen! I love that verse too. What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial to you in developing your writing career?

To never give up. With each rejection letter, I cried, ranted, and stopped writing for a few months. Eventually, I’d pull out that piece of paper and look at it again with a fresh perspective. Every rejection offered constructive criticism on how to make my writing stronger and better. So, never give up because the feeling’s ever so sweet when you get that affirmative email or phone call…

I can absolutely relate to the whole ranting and raving thing…! Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?

Find Journey’s End at White Rose Publishing ~ http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/  
Amazon.com ~ http://www.amazon.com/  
Christianbook.com ~ http://www.christianbook.com/
Check out what’s new on my website ~ http://dorahiers.com/  
Blog with me at ~ http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/  

It’s been a pleasure having you on my blog today, Dora.

Thanks so much, Delia, for inviting me to My Book Bag. I’ve enjoyed my visit!

About Dora:

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. Eventually, needing something more to fill her days, she started writing heart racing, God-gracing books that glorify her Creator. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers.

Dora and her husband make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Dora enjoys spending time with her family, guzzling café con leche, kicking back in her recliner with a good book, teaching Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, walking her dog, and did somebody say shopping?

Journey's End Blurb:

Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband’s death.Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won’t let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Where one journey ends, another begins…