Rose and I at the ACFW Conference in Dallas, September 2012

I’m very excited to welcome author Rose Ross Zediker to my blog today! I had the privilege of meeting Rose at the ACFW Conference in Dallas last year–isn’t she lovely?! And Rose is the newest member at the group blog (which I’m part of), Inkspirational Messages.

Rose’s latest novel, Wedding on the Rocks, has just released–I can’t wait to read it! And I’m giving you a chance to win a copy below.

Hi Rose – thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know you over the past year, and I’d love to introduce you to my reader friends. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in southeastern South Dakota with my husband of 31 years. Our son and daughter-in-law blessed us with two wonderful and beautiful granddaughters. (Spoken like a true grandmother!) I work full time as an assistant at the University of South Dakota.

I’ve been writing professionally since 1991 with a focus on the Christian children’s magazines. I found much success in that genre with over sixty short stories, non-fiction, devotions, curriculum and crafts published.

In 2008, I decided to change my writing focus to inspirational romances. I immersed myself in market research and by 2010, Barbour Publishing offered me a contract on my book, Lily of the Field.

I’m asked all the time how I can work full time and meet the deadlines that come with book length manuscripts. My answer is “I don’t know how to write any other way since I’ve always worked a full time job.”

Your latest novel, WEDDING ON THE ROCKS, has just been released. Congratulations!!! What is it about?

Here is the back cover blurb:

JENNIFER EDWARDS IS BACK HOME AGAIN…
When she traded small-town life for the bright lights of Chicago, Jennifer Edwards yearned to discover a world beyond Faith, South Dakota. So when her father’s illness calls her home to run their cattle ranch, she tells herself it’s temporary. Then why is she even thinking about a future with archaeology professor Brett Lange-the boy she left behind-whose life’s work is digging up the past?

Twelve years ago, Brett had a crush on Jennifer the size of the T-rex that put his hometown on the map. Now she’s a citified magazine editor who prefers designer duds to dungarees. Except that’s not the real Jennifer. Brett needs to make her see how a little faith can go a long way in uniting two perfectly-in-sync hearts.

Sounds like a very fun read! What inspired you to write it?

Hmm…I’m not really an ‘inspired’ writer. I think that comes from years of writing for ‘theme’ based children’s magazines. I’m more of a ‘what does the market I’m trying to ‘crack’ need then I try to fill the need. However, this book and my February 2014 book were targeted to a publisher of a specific line of books and were rejected. Not being a writer who is married to any one idea, I tweaked the proposal and my agent submitted them to Heartsong Presents when Harlequin opened up submissions for their newly acquired line.

I envy your flexibility, Rose–Admittedly, I’m not very good at writing what the market wants.

What have you written in the past?

Besides the short works for children that I mentioned above, I have written a children’s non-fiction book, Wealth in Biblical Times, and a quilting series, Lily of the Field, Job’s Tears, Rose of Sharon, for Heartsong Presents when they were published by Barbour Publishing.

Do you have a favorite?

I can’t say that I have a favorite, but Rose of Sharon is kind of statement book for me about how our service men were treated when returning from the Vietnam war.

Which authors do you enjoy reading?

While I’m writing a book, I tend to read a different genre so I’m not comparing my work with a better author’s! I love, love, love E. J. Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse cozy mystery’s. For inspirational romance, my go to author’s are Mary Connealy and Debby Giusti.

Hmm, I’ll have to check out the Haunted Guesthouse stories. I hadn’t heard of them before.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to sew and embroidery. Right now, I’m trying to get an embroidered quilt top finished. I’ve been working on it for to many years to mention but my goal is to have the quilt top completed by December 31, 2013. There I made it a public goal, so now I have to accomplish it!

I admire anyone who sews and embroiders. Definitely not in my skill set.

Now the most important question: Milk, Dark, or White Chocolate?

• Dark….Dark…. Dark….

Yum!

Thank you, Rose, for coming by today. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.

• ~~~~~

Rose Ross Zediker lives in rural south eastern South Dakota and works full time for at the University of South Dakota. Rose uses her evenings and weekends to write. Besides writing inspirational romance novels, Rose has many publishing credits in the Christian children’s genre. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and SCBWI.

Books by Rose:

Wedding on the Rocks-Coming May 2013

Rose of Sharon-Now Available

Job’s Tears-Now Available

Lily of the Field-Now Available

Wealth In Biblical Times-Now Available

~~~~~

Find Rose at:

http://www.roserosszediker.blogspot.com/

http://inkspirationalmessages.com/

~~~~~

***Book Giveaway Contest Rules***

If you’d like to win a copy of WEDDING ON THE ROCKS by Rose Ross Zediker, in the comments below, tell me what your favorite hobby is. This contest ends Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (CST). I will post the winner on Monday, May 20, 2013. The contest is open to residents of the contiguous United States.

Also, it would be super-nice if you’d Subscribe to my blog, but it’s not required.

~~~~~

TO FIND MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN BOOKS, CHECK OUT

FICTIONADDICTIONFIX.BLOGSPOT.COM

http://inkspirationalmessages.com/2013/05/dont-you-know-youre-beautiful/

Also at Inkspirational Messages, we’re having a giveaway for Rose Ross Zediker‘s new release, Wedding on the Rocks. You can find contest rules at Inkspirational Messages.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow as I’ll be hosting Rose and offering a giveaway here as well.

Story Description:

An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.

When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It’s a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he’s still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn’s problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he’s found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.

FEAR HAS A NAME, Crittendon Files Series #1 by Creston Mapes – Yeah! Finally another book from Creston Mapes! I LOVED his Rock Star Chronicles series and the standalone NOBODY. I’m very excited to read this new series.

Story Description:

How Far Would He Go To Keep Them Safe?

It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his family, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are—if he is to protect the ones he loves. It will lead Crittendon into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his investigation of a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears. Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he’d never give in to fear. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won’t be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe, and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he never dared to cross.

FEARLESS by Mike Dellosso – Mike Dellosso has proven himself a master in the Christian thriller genre–isn’t that cover completely creepy? His stories always give me goosebumps. I expect no less from Fearless.

Story Description:

A child mysteriously appears in the lives of Jim and Amy Spencer. Will her presence be a blessing…or a curse?

When a nine-year-old girl named Louisa mysteriously appears in the middle of a house fire with no memory of how she got there or where she came from, Jim and Amy Spencer agree to take her in. Wrestling with the recent loss of their own child, Amy is hurt and angry while Jim is just trying to make it through each day and hold their marriage together.

For Jim, Louisa is the daughter he always wanted, but Amy isn’t as comfortable with her. The girl has a special gift, and soon that gift will unknowingly push them all into contact with a serial killer who has been terrorizing the small town of Virginia Mills. Only by uniting can Jim and Amy save themselves and Louisa before it’s too late.

Thanks, Stacy, for inviting me.

http://landof10000words.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/monday-morning-writer-interview-brenda-anderson/

On my wish list:

UNWRITTEN by Charles Martin (Center Street)

Sunday hasn’t spoken to anybody other than his priest in years. When the clergyman asks him for a favor, Sunday agrees to help. Driven by a dark secret, superstar Katie wants to end her life, but Sunday provides an alternative escape. Can Katie overcome her past, and will Sunday accept a future without isolation?

FEAR HAS A NAME by Creston Mapes (David C. Cook)

With his family’s safety on the line, journalist Jack Crittendon fights to reveal a stalker’s terrifying schemes, investigates a pastor’s mysterious disappearance, and struggles to keep his faith amid unthinkable fear. With danger lurking at every turn, can he muster enough courage to trust a God who allows such inconceivable trials?

Contemporary Romance

UNDENIABLY YOURS by Becky Wade (Bethany House)

Soft-spoken Meg is more interested in art than business—but when her father dies, she inherits his oil company, his fortune, and his Thoroughbred horse ranch. In an effort to preserve her sanity, she asks the caretaker, Bo, to shut down the ranch. But will Bo prove the only part of her father’s empire worth keeping?

WISHING ON WILLOWS by Katie Ganshert (WaterBrook Press)

A 3-year-old son, struggling cafe, and fading memories are all that Robin has left of her husband. When the unnervingly handsome Ian McKay tries to buy riverfront properties, Robin refuses to sell, splitting the town’s loyalty. As attraction ignites and old wounds break open, can Robin and Ian overcome the past to embrace a second chance?

Historical Romance

WHEN LOVE CALLS by Lorna Seilstad (Revell)

Determined to make it, three sisters promise to help each other in life and love! Working the telephone switchboard as a “hello girl,” Hannah Gregory insists on reimbursing the charity of lawyer Lincoln Cole. After a run-in with the law, she’s forced to accept his help, but When Love Calls, how will she answer?

Women’s Fiction

INVISIBLE by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Books)

Cafe owner Ellyn DeMoss seeks protection from pain behind extra pounds. So why is a handsome widower attracted to her? Abandoning her family, Sabina Jackson comes to Northern California to heal. But is she doing more hiding than healing? And Twila Boaz once wanted to disappear. Now she wants to conquer her eating disorder. Will she succeed?

WHEN THE MORNING GLORY BLOOMS by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)

Like a flowering vine, the effects of an unwed pregnancy reach into the lives of three generations of women. As the Korean War rages, endangering the man she loves, Ivy works in a nursing home trying to provide for their unborn child. Will one resident’s rambling, grace-filled stories help her see the blossoming simplicity of truth?

Romantic Suspense

AVENGED by Janice Cantore (Tyndale House)

Officer Carly Edwards finds three young gangbangers shot execution style. This alerts Carly and her husband, Sergeant Nick Anderson, head of the gang unit, fear Las Playas may be on the verge of a gang war. The Las Playas Police departmentD is put on high alert as tensions escalate between rival gangs, especially after Carly confiscates weapons from a gang leader and learns they were stolen from a military base along with explosive devices.

However, something doesn’t add up,and Carly suspects there might be more going on than is on the surface. As she prepares to testify at a major trial, Carly’s reputation is shredded by a reporter apparently trying to discredit her professionally. Facing pressure on all fronts, Carly must rely on faith and trust God in a deeper way during one of the biggest struggles of her career.

POISON by Jordyn Redwood (Kregel Publications)

Keelyn Blake’s stepfather blamed a hallucination named Lucent for his unthinkable acts, culminating in a stand off with the FBI that killed part of her family. Now Lucent is back-but this time he is no hallucination. Is he behind the disappearance of Keelyn’s half-sister? Or the mysterious deaths of the people involved in the standoff? And, will Keelyn, or her budding romance with FBI agent Lee Watson, survive?

For fans of inspirational suspense fiction, Jordyn Redwood weaves compelling characters and dizzying twists that explore the boundaries of faith and family and what happens when both are put to the test.

What’s on your Mother’s Day Reading and/or Wish List?

About A Season of Mysteries:

Some may think the ability to recall entire conversations verbatim is a remarkable gift. But to fifty-year-old Dr. Richard Powell, it is a disruptive burden. He is being haunted by words. The words take him back to 1976, to the unforgettable summer when he and his friends of Boy Scout Troup 44 first witness an epic conflict between good and evil.

Faith was relatively new to Zack, Donnie, Skeeter, and the other boys who had played together on the 1971 champion Little League team. That baseball season was forever imprinted on their souls, due in large part to the life-changing actions of a boy named Rafer. But this summer–1976–they would discover the real depth of their souls and the dangerous influences battling for control of their lives.

A follow-up to Whitener’s acclaimed debut novel, “A Season of Mysteries” takes readers back to a time between the innocence of childhood and the uncertainty of teenage years; where girls, studies, and life’s bigger issues become a reality. With the same gripping prose that made Whitener an award-winning screenplay writer, “A Season of Mysteries” explores the seen and unseen spiritual powers at work and the Ultimate Power who controls it all.

SWEET MERCY by Ann Tatlock – Another author gifted at writing musical prose, whose characters leap from the pages. Ann’s books are perennially on my Favorite’s list. I expect the same from this novel.

About Sweet Mercy:

When Eve Marryat’s father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve’s uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

St. Paul seemed like a haven for gangsters, and Eve had grown fearful of living there. At seventeen, she considers her family to be “good people.” They aren’t lawbreakers and criminals like so many people in her old neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a “safe haven,” Eve is blissfully unaware that her uncle’s lodge is a transfer station for illegal liquor smuggled from Canada.

Eve settles in to work and makes new friends, including an enigmatic but affecting young man. But when the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. How can she ignore what is happening right under their very noses? Yet can she risk everything by condemning the man whose love and generosity is keeping her and her family from ruin?

THE JUDGMENT STONE, Immortal Files Series #2 by Robert Liparulo

The first book in this series surprised me. It’s in a genre I don’t typically read, but Robert Liparulo managed to make me believe his implausible tale could actually happen. I’m hoping book number two will achieve the same results.

About The Judgment Stone:

The Clan is on a mission to defy God by destroying those with the strongest faith.

When a group of ruthless immortals—known as The Clan—attack St. Catherine’s monastery at the base of Mt. Sinai, they steal one of the world’s holiest artifacts: a piece of stone from the Ten Commandments. Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angels, demons, and the blue threads of light ascending to Heaven that signal the presence of believers who are connected to God.

Only Jagger—a spiritually wounded husband, father, and former Army Ranger—and Owen—an immortal himself—have any hope of stopping the Clan’s horrific plans.

But another group of immortals, who believe that Jagger’s wife holds the secret to salvation, is after her. Torn between stopping the Clan and protecting his family, there are no easy answers for Jagger. Laying aside his faith in high-tech gadgetry and in his own strength and abilities and embracing true faith isn’t easy for someone who has resisted for 3,000 years. But it may be the only key to his salvation.

The Winner of Becky Wade‘s UNDENIABLY YOURS plus a box of See’s Candies is …

karen!

Congratulations, Karen!

And the Winner of Lorna Seilstad‘s WHEN LOVE CALLS is …

Marissa E!

Congratulations, Marissa!

Winners, please contact me at BrendaBryantAnderson (at) comcast (dot)net with your mailing address, and I will get your prizes out to you!

A warm Thank You to all of you who took time to stop by and greet Becky and Lorna. I hope you’ll consider visiting again.

Coming up …

Tuesday, May 7: May Novel Anticipation, Part One

Thursday, May 9: A Mother’s Day Reading List

Tuesday, May 14: May Novel Anticipation, Part Two

Thursday, May 16: Getting to Know Rose Ross Zediker

I’ll confess my bias right up front as I give this shameless shout-out for Lorna Seilstad‘s newest release, WHEN LOVE CALLS (Revell). Lorna and I have been critique partners (and friends) since 2008, so I’ve sat in the front row cheering section since before the birth of her first novel Making Waves (Lake Manawa Series). Now she’s onto her next series, The Gregory Sisters, and she’s better than ever. I’ll give Lorna personal credit for getting me to read historical romance and enjoy it!

I love Lorna’s humor, her settings, the characters, the romance. If I need a pick-me-up, all I have to do is read one of Lorna’s books, and she gets me smiling. (They make a great Mother’s Day present too!)

Now, as Lorna’s critique partner, I have the privilege and honor of reading her books in their early stages, and get a glimpse into what’s coming next. (It’s very good!) Lorna has graciously shared her plans for books two and three of The Gregory Sisters series, so I can pass them on to you. Considering books two and three are set in Minnesota, that alone makes me very eager to read them, especially when Lorna teaches me a thing or two about my state’s history (which she does quite often).

If you have yet to read a Lorna Seilstad novel, I hope you’ll add them to your to-be-read list. You won’t be disappointed!

THE GREGORY SISTERS SERIES

Book 1—WHEN LOVE CALLS – (Romantic Times review rating of 4 Stars! Yeah, Lorna!!!)

Story Description

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn’t include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. “Hello Girls” must conduct themselves according to strict–and often bewildering–rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank’s eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents’ home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah’s friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?

With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of camaraderie and companionship that blossoms into love. Readers will get lost in this sweet romance and will eagerly look forward to championing each sister’s dreams.

Book 2—WHAT’S COOKIN’’?(working title)

What’s Cookin’? tells the story of the middle sister Charlotte. This story has a little mystery and a lot of food. It’s set in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1910.

Story Description

After graduating from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory, a woman with a taste for stirring things up, wins a contest and is offered a position which will allow her to travel, lecture, and give demonstrations on the newest kitchen revolution—cooking with gas.

She accepts the job, believing it will also allow her to carry on her mentor’s work by speaking about improving nutrition for the convalescent at hospitals in the cities she visits. When she addresses her own local hospital, the nurses welcome her ideas about creating attractive food trays and providing fresh, appetizing foods. However, stubborn Dr. Joel Brooks, the young hospital administrator, believes she’s stirring up unnecessary controversy. He insists the hospital does not need and cannot afford to make the changes she suggests.

While Charlotte is traveling, she frequently crosses paths with a thoughtful stove salesman, Lewis Mathis. He finds her ideas fresh and fascinating and encourages her work. Charlotte enjoys his companionship, and Lewis begins to think the two of them complement one another like biscuits and gravy.

Everything comes to a boil when Charlotte’s wealthy aunt announces she is planning to host a charity ball for the hospital. She expects Charlotte to plan the entire festivity, including a menu sure to impress all the influential pocketbooks. Charlotte almost refuses when she learns she must work side by side with Dr. Joel. She soon discovers she and the doctor are a combustible pair.

Will Charlotte’s goose be cooked when one man learns about the other? And in the end, which entree will she choose off the menu?

Book 3—A BLOOMIN’ SHAME (working title)

The third book is the youngest sister’s, Tessa’s, story. By book three, we’ve seen Tessa want to become a reporter, an actress, a photographer, a librarian, and a Pinkerton agent. She actually ends up studying horticulture, but in this book, we see her putting the skills to work that she gained in exploring these careers. This book is set in St. Paul in 1912.

Story Description

Tenacious Tessa Gregory wants a position as a horticulturalist at the prestigious Como Park under the direction of Frederick Nussbaumer. However, when she arrives, Nussbaumer refuses to consider having a woman on his staff as a flower girl, let alone gardener.

When Tessa learns that Nussbaumer has great hope of building a conservatory rivaling those in London, Detroit, and San Francisco, she secretly goes in search of a way to help the man in his quest. Perhaps in helping him, he will reconsider. Using her natural acting abilities, she slips into her “aunt’s” world of wealthy and influential people, and there meets one of Nussbaumer’s gardeners Reese Baker.

Reese, who must also prove himself to the park superintendent, is drawn to Tessa like a bee to a flower, but Tessa will have nothing to do with him. She’s in St. Paul for a purpose and not to find a husband. Reese, however, offers to let her help him with his gardening responsibilities in secret until they can find a way to convince Nussbaumer to hire her.

While Tessa works to persuade the right people to lend their vote toward the building of the conservatory, she unknowingly becomes part of an act of subterfuge fooling the legislators into financing the effort. She finally gets the master gardener’s attention, but she also gets the attention of those opposed to the project and her life is threatened. When she learns who is behind the threats, she realizes it puts the whole conservatory project and Reese’s future in jeopardy. Will she bury the truth and let love bloom? Or will she uncover the dirt and risk losing it all?

~*~*~

About Lorna Seilstad~

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves, A Great Catch, and The Ride of Her Life. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her husband. Find out more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

You Can Find Lorna At ~

• Website: http://lornaseilstad.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorna-Seilstads-Fan-Page/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LornaSeilstad
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lornaseilstad/
• Blogs: http://lornaseilstad.com/blog/
• http://inkspirationalmessages.com/

You can find When Love Calls and all of Lorna’s books at ~

• Your local bookseller
• Amazon
• Christianbook.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Books-A-Million
• And other online stores!

***Book Giveaway Contest Rules***

If you’d like to win a copy of WHEN LOVE CALLS by Lorna Seilstad, in the comments below, tell me what your favorite historical romance novel is. This contest ends Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (CST). I will post the winner on Monday, May 6, 2013. The contest is open to residents of the contiguous United States.

Also, it would be super-nice if you’d Subscribe to my blog, but it’s not required.

TO FIND MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN BOOKS, CHECK OUT

FICTIONADDICTIONFIX.BLOGSPOT.COM

I’m very excited to welcome author Becky Wade to my blog today! In 2012, Becky’s contemporary romance novel, MY STUBBORN HEART, jumped to the top of many readers’ favorite’s list. Mine included. After that sparkling debut, I couldn’t wait to read more from her and, finally, a few weeks back, I spotted her new release UNDENIABLY YOURS at my local bookseller.

Although Unbelievably Yours doesn’t officially release until tomorrow (May 1), it’s already garnering well-deserved rave reviews. In this book you’ll find a fun story, great prose, and, best of all, authentic characters–they’re believable, tangible. What you won’t find is a formulaic writing. Many romance authors have a discernible pattern from one book to the next. Even though names and situations change, you feel you’ve read the book before. Not so with Undeniably Yours. While many readers like the safety, and find comfort in sameness, I love authors who can change it up from one story to the next. I can’t wait to see what Becky brings us next year.

And now for the interview …

Hi Becky! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my blog today. Could you tell us us a little about yourself?

I’m originally from Southern California, but once I married a Texan my future as a Texan was set in stone.  My husband and I live in Dallas with our three children (ages 12, 9, 4).  I spend a great deal of time every week caring for my kids and trying to keep up with all the household chores.  Maybe partly because of this, my writing days feel like vacation days instead of work days.  I absolutely love writing Christian contemporary romance.  I feel incredibly blessed and humbled to get to do this work for God’s glory.

I just finished reading your latest release, Undeniably Yours and loved it! For my readers who haven’t picked it up yet, can you tell us what it’s about?

Sure!  Undeniably Yours is about a wealthy heiress who inherits her father’s thoroughbred racehorse ranch. The good-hearted (and handsome, let me add) cowboy who runs the ranch falls hard for the heiress.  It’s a story about trust, about growing stronger, about love.  Like all my books, it’s modern, hopefully fun, humorous, and emotional.

I understand Undeniably Yours is the first in a series. What is the common strand that binds the series together? When can we expect the 2^nd book to come out? The 3^rd?

You’re absolutely right. Undeniably Yours is the first in the Porter Family series. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at writing connected books for a very long time.  I’m honored that Bethany House has given me the chance!

The Porter Family has four siblings. Bo, the hero of Undeniably Yours, is the oldest sibling. The three books that follow will each tell the love story of a different sibling in the Porter family. The second book will come out in May of 2014, the next one the May after that, the final one the May after that.

Oh, I’m excited about that! I loved the Porter siblings–I’m especially curious about Jake–and see lot’s of potential for fun story lines.

It’s been nearly a year since My Stubborn Heart came out. What has this past year been like for you?

Oh, my!  It’s hard to capture it all in words.  I’ve had mountaintop moments like when I…

• first saw the book in print.
• opened my email to beautiful messages of encouragement from readers.
• attended my first ACFW conference.
• answered a phone call from a lady who informed me that My Stubborn Heart had made the finals of the RITA Award.

There have been valley moments, too.  It’s hard for authors to receive criticism for their work, their ministry.  I’ve received my share!

And then there have been lots of quiet times of walking along a scenic track in between the valley and the mountain when I simply had my head down working on the writing of the next book.

Which authors do you enjoy reading?

I read a mix of general and inspirational fiction, but I most enjoy authors who write novels focused on romance.  Some of my favorite Christian authors include Deeanne Gist and Susan May Warren.  In the general market, I really enjoy reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Laura Kinsale, Kristan Higgins, Shana Abe, Lisa Kleypas.

Oh fun, a bunch of authors I haven’t tried yet! More books to add to my to-be-read list.

Have any authors influenced your writing?

Kristin Billerbeck did!  I published novels before I had children, then left my career behind to become a stay at home mom. I had no plan to return to writing but when I read What a Girl Wants, it thoroughly inspired me. I thought, ‘If she can write this kind of novel for the Christian market then maybe I can one day write the kind of novel I’d like to write for the Christian market.’  Her book was hip and funny and relevant, and in some way it gave me freedom and permission to follow my own author’s voice and God’s leading when He called me back to writing.

I’m so glad you listened to the call. You really do have a fresh, unique voice that’ll keep readers coming back. Assuming you have time to read, what’s on your reading list right now?

I have two advanced reading copies sitting on my bedside table and they’re both contemporary romances from debut authors.  Melissa Tagg‘s Made To Last, coming from Bethany House in the fall.  Also Five Days In Skye by Carla Laureano coming from David C. Cook this June.

Oh, I love reading novels by debut authors! I’m putting those two on my ever-expanding, to-be-read list. When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to play tennis, to have tea parties with my kids, to read in the tub.  I look forward to lunches out with friends or restaurant dinners with my husband.  I don’t get to travel as often as I like (my children’s pesky school schedule gets in the way) but I really do enjoy taking trips.  Browsing Facebook is fun for me, as is getting together with fellow writers.  Whenever time allows, which it hasn’t lately, I like to stretch out on the couch and watch TV or movies with my husband after the kids are in bed.

Reading in the tub? I can just picture a bubble bath with candles, maybe some light music, chocolate, and a good book. Now that sounds divine! Speaking of chocolate, I know you’re a connoisseur of fine chocolates—See’s Candies to be specific. Do you have a favorite flavor?

I could angst over this difficult decision for ages!  I believe I’m craziest about See’s Bordeaux and Almond Square.

Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll have to give them a try next time I head to the Mall of America.

And thank you again for stopping by, Becky! It’s fun getting to know you even better.

~*~*~

Becky Wade makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her inspirational contemporary romance, Undeniably Yours, releases May 1, 2013 by Bethany House.

Web Site: www.beckywade.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/

Books:

Undeniably Yours (Bethany House) – May 2013

My Stubborn Heart (Bethany House) – May, 2012

*** Contest Info ***

If you’d like to win a copy of UNDENIABLY YOURS by Becky Wade, plus a small box of See’s Candies (Becky’s favorite!), in the comments below tell me what your favorite romance novel is. This contest ends Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (CST). I will post the winner on Monday, May 6, 2013. The contest is open to residents of the contiguous United States.

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Since I’m not a grammar expert, I asked my grammar queen friend about this, and she was perplexed as well. I realize that good writers will use “to be” verbs sparingly, but it’s completely jarring when they’re eliminated all together.

Anyone else notice this trend? Can you explain it? Does it bother you, or is it natural?

Just for fun, here’s Gilligan’s Island‘s version of Hamlet, “To be, or not to be” sung to Carmen’s Habanera. (Anyone else memorize Hamlet thanks to this episode of Gilligan’s Island?)