Featured Debut Novelist: Sarah E. Ladd

Sarah E. Ladd is the author of the Whispers on the Moors series, which are inspirational romances set in Regency England.

Sarah has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously.  Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.

The following is a July 2014 interview with Sarah.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT THE END OF  THE INTERVIEW Be in to win a copy of  The Heiress of Winterwood or  The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd One copy of each to be won Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only. Contest runs from 4-18 July NZDT

Featured Debut Novelist: Kellie Coates Gilbert

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who writes with a sympathetic, intimate knowledge of how people react under pressure. Kellie's books tell emotionally poignant stories about women in life-changing circumstances. She writes about messy lives . . . and eternal hope.

Kellie grew up on a sheep ranch in southern Idaho, a business her family had been in for generations, never dreaming she’d ever see her own name on a novel. She left home to attend Boise State University and spent most of her adult years pursuing a sensible legal career, raising two boys, and learning to be happily married.

But God heard the quiet prayers of a woman who dared to dream big and ask her Lord for the outrageous. In early 2011, Kellie signed her first book contract. Today, she is living her fantasy. Kellie lives in Dallas with her husband, working from home, writing novels. Often by the pool.

The following is a June 2014 interview with Kellie.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF 
THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of 
A Woman of Fortune
by Kellie Coates Gilbert

One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only.
Contest runs from 6-20 June NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Jolina Petersheim

Jolina Petersheim is the bestselling author of The Outcast, which Library Journal called "outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational" in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013.

She holds degrees in English and communication arts from the University of the Cumberlands, and her writing has been featured in venues as varied as radio programs, nonfiction books, and numerous online and print publications. Her blog is syndicated with The Tennessean's "On Nashville" blog roll, and she also blogs weekly with four other bestselling novelists at Southern Belle View.

Jolina and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughter.

The following is  May 2014 interview with Jolina.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF 
THE INTERVIEW


Be in to win a copy each of 
The Outcast and The Midwife
by Jolina Petersheim


One set to be won
Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only.
Contest runs from 23 May - 6 June NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. 

Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever releases in May 2014.

 When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

The following is a May 2014 interview with Liz.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF 
THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of 
Daisies Are Forever
by Liz Tolsma

One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only.
Contest runs from 9-23 May NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Melissa Tagg

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey.

Melissa is the author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she's also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. 

When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she's biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She's passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

The following is an April 2014 interview with Melissa.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF 
THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of 
Here to Stay
by Melissa Tagg

One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 25 April - 9 May NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Lisa Belcastro

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She was inspired to write the Winds of Change trilogy while chaperoning two Tisbury School summer sails aboard the schooner Shenandoah with her daughter, Kayla. The week-long adventure, sans electricity, Game Boys, iPods and modern conveniences, kindled her imagination to dream of an altogether different voyage. 

Lisa currently writes the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader. She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader and Sidelines. Lisa co-authored and edited two non-fiction books, American Horses in Sport 1987 and American Horses in Sport 1988.

When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, trying to run a marathon a month or walking the beach looking for sea glass.

The following is an April 2014 interview with Lisa.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win copies of 
Shenandoah Nights &
Shenandoah Dreams
by Lisa Belcastro

One Kindle set to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 11-25 April NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Karen Barnett

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken, a 1920s inspirational romance, and Out of the Ruins, the first book in the Golden Gate Chronicles series, set during the time of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. 
 

Karen has also written several articles that have been published byGuideposts and other national magazines, and in 2013 was blessed to be named the Cascade Awards Writer of Promise from Oregon Christian Writers (OCW). 

Karen lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, three furry felines and an attention-hungry dachshund. When she's not writing and blogging, she enjoys playing guitar, hiking, decorating bizarre birthday cakes, and dragging her kids through boring history museums.

The following is a March 2013 interview with Karen.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of 
Mistaken or Out of the Ruins
by Karen Barnett


One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 28 March - 11 April NZDT

Featured Debut Novelist: Angela Breidenbach

Angela Breidenbach is a captivating speaker, coach, and the author of A Healing Heart (Abingdon Press), Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life, Creative Cooking for Colitis, and Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance.

New books for 2014 are: Snowflake Tiara (Sep 2014), Tiara Talk for Teens (Aug 2014), Tiara Talk for Women (Nov 2014), and Tiara Talk for Girls (Nov 2014). Other works include compilation books and devotionals from Guideposts, David C Cook’s The Quiet Hour, Group Pubishing, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. Angela’s literary career is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in writing, pageant competition, media presentation, and weight loss/physical fitness. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she makes her home in Montana.

The following is a March 2014 interview with Angela.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
A Healing Heart
by Angela Breidenbach

One copy to be won

Contest open to entrants with USA addresses only.

Contest runs from 14-28 March NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Carla Laureano

Carla Laureano is the author of the romance novel, Five Days in Skye, and as C.E. Laureano is the author of the young adult fantasy series, The Song of Seare.

Carla Laureano earned a degree in English from Pepperdine University in 1997. Since then, she has been a professional marketer, copywriter, and martial arts instructor, but her first love is telling stories that cause readers to look at their world and their faith in new ways.

Carla is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). She was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. She lives with her husband, two sons, and a menagerie of small pets in Denver, Colorado.

The following is a February 2014 interview with Carla.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Five Days in Skye
by Carla Laureano

One copy to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 14-28 February NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Cathleen Armstrong

Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. 

Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives.

After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English.

Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and is the first novel in the A Place to Call Home series.  One More Last Chance is the second novel, releasing in May 2014.

The following is a January 2014 interview with Cathleen.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
Welcome to Last Chance
by Cathleen Armstrong

2 print copies to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 31 January - 14 February NZDT

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Featured Debut Novelist: Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author who inspires faith and courage in her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed ministry.  Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration.

Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America.

She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. 

The following is a January 2014 interview with Jocelyn.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win a copy of
Wedded to War
by Jocelyn Green

One digital copy to be won

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from 17 - 31 January NZDT

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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

 

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.

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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

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