Soul Inspirationz // The Christian Fiction Site Blog: 2013

Monday, December 23, 2013

Featured Author Interview: Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is an American author of inspirational Regency romance novels. She is the winner of several Christy Awards and a Midwest Book Award.

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

Julie graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

The following is a December 2013 interview with Julie.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
The Dancing Master
by Julie Klassen

One print copy and one Kindle copy to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 20 December - 3 January NZDT

December New Releases in Category Fiction

New Releases in Category Fiction for December 2013 include titles from Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired Historical, and Heartsong Presents.

The following blog post is a title listing with descriptions of each release.

PLUS! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Be in to win a copy of one of the following:
Christmas Cover-Up by Lynette Eason
Wilderness Peril by Elizabeth Goddard
The Lady's Hero by Carolyn R. Scheidies
The Professor's Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes
Home at Last by Anita Higman
Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams
Her Holiday Hero by Margaret Daley
The Lawman's Holiday Wish by Ruth Logan Herne

Simply comment at the end of the blog post on which titles you would love to read the most and you can enter the Rafflecopter draw. Contest entries close Tuesday December 31 NZDT.

Featured Debut Novelist: Michael K. Reynolds

Michael K. Reynolds is the author of a series of Irish historical novels, and has more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production.

Michael is the writer and producer of an Emmy and Telly award-winning series of documentaries, and has extensive experience in all levels of branding, web development, social media, public relations and advertising. He also has wide experience as a speaker and on-air personality and has been interviewed on a variety of newspapers, radio stations and television networks throughout the nation. He is active in marketplace, marriage, small group and men’s ministries as a leader and speaker.

Michael earned his B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, San Diego and lives in Reno with his wife and three children.

The following is a December 2013 interview with Michael.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Flight of the Earls, In Golden Splendor, or Songs of the Shenandoah
by Michael K. Reynolds

Two copies to be won - winner's choice - 1 USA winner, 1 international
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 13-26 December NZDT

A Closer Look: Quilts of Love Series

Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family history. Featuring contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery, you will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

PLUS! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Comment on which titles are your favourites and be in to win a copy of one of the following:

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter
Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell

3 print copies of each to be won
Contest open to entrants in the USA only.
Contest runs from 9 - 15 December NZDT

Featured Author Interview: Beth Wiseman

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List.

She was a recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013, three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, INSPY Award winner, and recipient of the coveted HOLT Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2015, and she has completed twelve novels and seven novellas to date.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas.

The following is a December 2013 interview with Beth.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Plain Peace or An Amish Miracle
by Beth Wiseman

One print copy of each to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA only.

Contest runs from 6-19 December NZDT

December New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction for December 2013 include all new releases from Tracie Peterson, Mary Connealy, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Gilbert Morris, Lynette Sowell, Ruth Reid and Sarah E. Ladd among many others.

Choose your December favourites and be in to win a new release title from one of these authors (with thanks to Abingdon Press & Thomas Nelson Publishers):

Lynette Sowell
Dorothy Love
Sarah E. Ladd
Ruth Reid
Erin Healy
Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid & Mary Ellis
William Sirls
Suzanne Field
Neta Jackson

See the end of the blog post for contest entry details. Contests end 15 December 2013 NZDT.

Featured Debut Novelist: Lisa Carter

Lisa Carter is a writer, teacher, speaker and musician whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense and Christian Parenting Today.

Carolina Reckoning, her debut novel, released in August 2013, but she was always the child who made up epic tales involving prairie schooners or interplanetary voyages for the neighborhood kids to re-enact during summer vacation.

Aloha Rose, part of the Quilts of Love series, released in November 2013, with her next novel Beneath a Navajo Moon following in March, 2014.

The following is a November 2013 interview with Lisa.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Carolina Reckoning
by Lisa Carter

One print copy to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA only.

Contest runs from 29 November - 12 December NZDT

Featured Author Interview: James L. Rubart

James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of, ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, THE CHAIR, SOUL’S GATE, and MEMORY’S DOOR.

During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and teenage sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman.

The following is a November 2013 interview with James.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a set of
Soul's Gate and Memory's Door
by James L. Rubart

One set to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA only.

Contest runs from 22 November - 5 December NZDT

November New Releases in Category Fiction

New Releases in Category Fiction for November 2013 include titles from Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired Historical, and Heartsong Presents.

The following blog post is a title listing with descriptions of each release.

PLUS! ENTER THE GIVEAWAYS

Be in to win a copy of one of the following:
The Doctor's Bride by Patty Smith Hall
Texas K-9 Unit Christmas by Shirlee McCoy & Terri Reed
Sleigh Bell Sweethearts by Teri Wilson
Rodeo Queen by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Finally a Bride by Renee Ryan
Simply comment at the end of the blog post on which titles you would love to read the most and you can enter the Rafflecopter draws.
Contest entries close Saturday November 30 NZDT.

Featured Debut Novelist: Lori Benton

Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. She is the author of Burning Sky, A Novel of the American Frontier.

Lori's novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace.

When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband – often scouring the brush for huckleberries, which overflow the freezer and find their way into her signature huckleberry lemon pound cake.

The following is a November 2013 interview with Lori.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Burning Sky
by Lori Benton

One print copy to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA only.

Contest runs from 15-28 November NZDT

Featured Author Interview: Carrie Turansky

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of several inspirational romance novels and novellas, including the Edwardian Brides series.

She has been a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Crystal Globe Award. Carrie has been writing 1999, and has published several articles, short stories, devotions, and essays. Writing fiction, however, is her passion, and she’s thankful for the creative ideas and characters God has put into her mind and heart.

When she’s not writing Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.

The following is a November 2013 interview with Carrie.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
The Governess of Highland Hall (USA - print copy) or Surrendered Hearts (International - digital copy)
by Carrie Turansky

One copy of each to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 8-21 November NZDT

November New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction for November 2013 include all new releases from MaryLu Tyndall, Steven James, Davis Bunn, Beth Wiseman and Christa Parrish among many others.

Choose your November favourites and be in to win a new release title from one of these authors:
Murray Pura
MaryLu Tyndall
Lisa Carter
Anita Higman
Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Kelly Eileen Hake
Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracey Bateman & Cathy Marie Hake
Wanda E. Brunstetter

See the end of the blog post for contest entry details.
Contests end 15 November 2013 NZDT.

Featured Author Interview: Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of several books, including The Discovery and The Reunion. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years.

Dan writes contemporary and historical novels, mostly love stories and family-life dramas. He's been called “the Nicholas Sparks of Christian Fiction,” and often compared to Richard Paul Evans. His goal, whether writing historical or contemporary novels, is to create an entertaining and inspirational experience for his readers. He wants them to thoroughly enjoy themselves, while exploring together some of the themes in life that matter most.

Dan lives with his wife Cindi in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

The following is an October 2013 interview with Dan.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
The Dance or The Promise
by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

Three print copies to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA, Canada, Australia and NZ only.

Contest runs from 25 October - 7 November NZDT

October New Releases in Category Fiction

New Releases in Category Fiction for October 2013 include titles from Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired Historical, and Heartsong Presents.

The following blog post is a title listing with descriptions of each release.

PLUS!
ENTER THE GIVEAWAYS

Comment at the end of the blog post on which titles you would love to read the most and you can enter the Rafflecopter draws for a copy of Thread of Suspicion by Susan Sleeman, A Family for Christmas by Winnie Griggs, The Secret Princess by Rachelle McCalla, Taming the Rancher by Rhonda Gibson, or Big Sky Bachelor by Lesley Ann McDaniel.

Contest entries close Thursday October 31 NZDT.

Featured Debut Novelist: Keli Gwyn

Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor.

A California native, Keli lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country is currently available at all major booksellers.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums, and the Coach Factory Outlet Store. Yes, she loves a fine purse.

The following is an October 2013 interview with Keli.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of either
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
or Golden State Brides*
by Keli Gwyn & Erica Vetsch

Two copies - one print (USA) and one digital (international) - to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 18-31 October NZDT

*NB: Golden State Brides is a 2-in-1 title that includes A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado California by Keli Gwyn as well as A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California by Erica Vetsch

The TREASURES OF NORWAY Sweepstakes

To celebrate the release of the novel An Untamed Heart, author Lauraine Snelling and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the TREASURES OF NORWAY Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three spectacular prizes, all closely connected to the story.

In An Untamed Heart, the latest novel by bestselling author Lauraine Snelling, twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid.

When tragedy strikes, and the future looks bleaker than ever, Ingeborg considers leaving Norway to start afresh in America. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?

Then she meets Roald Bjorklund, a widower who plans to go to America with his young son. He’s a good man, a hard-working man–and his son desperately needs a mother. But is he the answer to her prayers? Could love grow between two people whose hearts are filled with grief? And can Ingeborg leave her treasured Norway for such an uncertain future?

This giveaway starts October 5, 2013 and ends October 24, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over.
Winners will be selected Friday, October 25, 2013, and announced at laurainesnelling.com.

Read on to find out more about the TREASURES OF NORWAY Sweepstakes and how to enter.

Featured Author Interview: Kelly Irvin

Kelly Irvin is the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series, published by Harvest House, and the spin-off series New Hope Amish.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for 35 years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing.

The following is an October 2013 interview with Kelly.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Love Still Stands
by Kelly Irvin

Two print copies to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA, Canada, Australia and NZ only.

Contest runs from 11-24 October NZDT

Featured Debut Novelist: Jordyn Redwood

Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense author at night. As a self professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing.

Her debut medical thriller, Proof, released June, 2012. It received a starred review from Library Journal and has been endorsed by the likes of Lynette Eason, Mike Dellosso, and Dr. Richard Mabry.

Poison, the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy, and the third book, Peril, both released in 2013.

The following is an October 2013 interview with Jordyn.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
Peril
by Jordyn Redwood

One print copy to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA and Canada only.

Contest runs from 4-17 October NZDT

October New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction for October 2013 include titles from Vannetta Chapman, Laurie Alice Eakes, Ruth Logan Herne & Anna Schmidt, Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley, Murray Pura, Lauraine Snelling, and Jen Turano, among many others.

Choose your October favourites and be in to win a new release or existing title from these authors.
See the end of the blog post for contest entry details.
Contests end 15 October 2013 NZDT.

Featured Author Interview: Anne Mateer

Anne Mateer is a three-time Genesis Contest finalist who has long had a passion for history and historical fiction.

While she has been writing for what feels like her whole life, she began seriously studying the craft in 2000. Since then she has completed five novels, had several pieces published in local periodicals, attended six writing conferences and managed to final in ACFW's Genesis contest in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Her first historical novel, Wings of a Dream, released in September 2011.

Anne Mateer lives in Texas with her equally history-obsessed husband. They are the parents of three young adults, who have spent many a family vacation touring historical sites.

The following is a September 2013 interview with Anne.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
A Home for My Heart
by Anne Mateer

One copy to be won

Contest open to entrants in the USA and Canada only.

Contest runs from 27 September - 10 October NZDT

The Carol Awards: 2013 Winners Announced

The Carol Awards are ACFW's recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.

The following are the winners for the 2013 Carol Awards that were announced during the the Gala held at the 2013 ACFW National Conference in Indianapolis on September 15, 2013.

Feel free to leave comments of congratulations at the end of the blog post.

Featured Debut Novelist: Michèle Phoenix

Michèle Phoenix is an international writer with multi-cultural sensitivities, having been born in France to an American mother and a Canadian father.

A graduate of Wheaton College, she taught writing, music, and theater at the boarding school for missionaries' children she attended as a teenager.

With a background in screenwriting, Michèle soon turned her attention to novel writing. Two of her novels have been published by Tyndale House Publishers: Tangled Ashes and In Broken Places. In 2013, Tangled Ashes was nominated for a Christy Award.

The following is a September 2013 interview with Michèle.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a digital copy of either
Tangled Ashes or In Broken Places

One copy of each to be won.

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 20 September - 3 October NZDT

September New Releases in Category Fiction

New Releases in Category Fiction for September 2013 include titles from Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired Historical, and Heartsong Presents.

The following is a listing with descriptions of each release.

Featured Author Interview: Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Passionate about all things historical, she writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Celtic themes. Her family lineage is Scottish, English, and Irish.

Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late eighteenth century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides.

The following is a September 2013 interview with Laura.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
LOVE'S AWAKENING
by Laura Frantz

One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 13-26 September NZDT

Featured Debut Novelist: Julie Cantrell

Julie Cantrell is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Into the Free, which won Christy Awards for Best Debut Novel and for Book of the Year 2013.

Cantrell has served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and is a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. She and her family live in Mississippi, where they operate Valley House Farm. Her new novel, When Mountains Move, hit shelves from September 1, 2013.

The following is a September 2013 interview with Julie.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a set of Julie's novels - two sets to be won
~One USA winner (print copies)
~One international winner (digital copies)

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 6-19 September NZDT

ACW Blog Launch: Book Giveaway Bonanza

Today is the launch of the new Australasian Christian Writers group blog. To celebrate launch week up to 16 books including fiction and non-fiction in both print and ebook format are being given away.

To join in the celebrations and enter the week long book giveaways from today until Friday 6th September, please visit the blog at http://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com

The following fiction titles are available to be won...

September New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction for September 2013 include titles from Nancy Mehl, Jody Hedlund, Julie Cantrell, Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon and Keli Gwyn, among many others.

Choose your September favourites and be in to win a new release title from these authors and more.
See the end of the blog post for contest entry details.
Contests end 14 September 2013 NZDT.

Archive All-Stars: Featured Authors Super Giveaway

Seven Previously Featured Authors are giving away copies of their novels to you, the reader!

Simply visit each interview and leave a valid comment for the author and you are then eligible to enter that author's giveaway.

Each Featured Author Interview has it's own contest so you can enter as many or as few as you like. One contest is open to worldwide entrants; the others are for residents of the USA only. Feel free to spread the word!

Contests run from August 26 - September 12 NZDT.

Featured Author Interview: Judith Miller

Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels.

Judith started writing her first book while commuting sixty miles to work each day. When the book was completed, it was tucked away. Judith was introduced to Tracie Peterson who worked down the hall from her and Tracie gave her some pointers about what to do with the finished manuscript. Together they co-authored several bestselling novels, in addition to the many novels they have penned individually.

When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions.

The following is an August 2013 interview with Judith.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of one of Judith's novels - winner's choice - two copies to be won.

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 19-25 August NZDT

Featured Debut Novelist: Rachel Coker

Rachel Coker resides in Virginia with her parents and two sisters. She has a passion for great books, and has been surrounded by them all her life. In fact, as a young child, Rachel helped her parents in a family-run Christian book business.

Her gift for writing became apparent at the age of eleven at which time her parents signed her up for a year of lessons with a professional writing coach. She signed with Zondervan in 2010, resulting in the publication of her YA fiction novel, Interrupted, in March 2012, when she was sixteen. Chasing Jupiter is her second book.

When she is not writing or playing the piano, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

The following is an August 2013 interview with Rachel.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of either Interrupted or Chasing Jupiter - one copy of each to be won.

Contest open to entrants in the USA only.

Contest runs from 16-31 August NZDT

Featured Author Interview: Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace.

She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.

Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. She currently writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House.

The following is an August 2013 interview with Vannetta.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of one of Vannetta's novels - winner's choice - one print copy for USA entrants and one digital copy for international entrants.

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 12-18 August NZDT