Author Interview: Pamela S. Meyers

I'm pleased to welcome Author Pamela S. Meyers to Chirp 'N Chatter...and you'll be pleased to know she'll be giving away a Kindle copy of her new release, Second Chance Love! Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

Pamela S. Meyers

Your book and you:

What inspired you to write Second Chance Love?

I’ve always loved cowboys since I was a kid and dreamed of even owning my own horse, but my parents put a kibosh on that because there wasn’t room in the budge. I eventually grew into my teens and became interested in other pursuits. About twelve years ago I met a former bull rider who has become one of my best friends and he took me to my first rodeo. I was hooked. Over all those years we’ve attended a Labor Day rodeo festival in Palestine, IL. It’s set in a unique little town that seemed to beg me to write a story set there during the rodeo. Of course, it had to be about a bull rider, and what better conflict than to have him fall in love with a Chicago-born-and-bred woman who couldn’t imagine digging up roots and settling down on a Texas ranch. Or could she?

What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

My character Sydney Knight is scared to death to take a risk and trust God. She’d been abandoned in an emotional way by her dad when he died while she was in high school, by her brother whose debilitating accident had left him disabled for life, and by her fiancé on their wedding day. She’d done well avoiding anymore romantic entanglements until she met Jace McGowan. They’d met two years before the start of my story when his uncle (her boss) asked her to take him around Chicago for a day. In the course of one day, their chemistry was so strong, it left her head spinning, not to mention the one and only kiss they shared when they said good bye. Sydney has to learn to trust God and let go of her fears.

About you:

What household task do you most dislike?

Can we make it an office task? I am retired from my day job and writing is now my full-time work. I love writing and all things related to writing, but hate the behind the scenes work of keeping up with the business end of it. It seems papers keep coming in that need to be filed (despite we are in a digital age) and that means filing. I hated filing with I worked in an office and I still hate it today.

Which do you most enjoy?

Can’t think of any that I really enjoy, but what I do enjoy is when the tasks are done and my condo is dusted, vacuumed and disinfected. It’s such a great feeling for at least a day or two.

What smell do you love most, and why?

I love the smell of lilacs when they bloom in the spring. They aren’t around very long and perhaps that’s why I love the scent as much as I do. In part, too, because it takes me back to grade school when the classroom windows would be open on warmer days and the scent would ride the breezes into the room. On some of those days students would bring the teacher bouquets of lilacs and she’d place them around the room. I loved that heady scent so much.

God and you:

Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?

Since I live alone, except for my two rescue cats, I don’t feel a need to find a place to hide so I can be alone with God. The place where I spend my morning devotions, one end of my couch. I put a Christian online music station on softly in the background (right now my favorite is www.soulkeepermusic.com, but Pandora also has some great stations for that as well) and begin by reading entries from a couple devotionals, then go to the Bible and read and meditate on scripture. I keep a daily journal and use that to write prayers to God after I’ve spent time in the Bible.

Please share your conversion experience, if you’re comfortable doing so.

I grew up in Wisconsin and attended Sunday school, but never heard much about a personal relationship with Jesus during those years. As I grew into adulthood, not having a solid biblical foundation, it was easy to drift away from church attendance. From age 25 until age 33, I lived in Southern California for seven years. Toward the end of those years, I began to sense there was more to life than partying and yearned to move back to the Midwest.

I transferred to the Chicago area with my employer and settled into the northwest burbs. A couple months later, my mom became seriously ill, and I promised God I’d start attending church again if she got better. She did, and I went to the church closest to my apartment. I knew little about what made up a good church and attended one that put an emphasis on earning your way to heaven, rather than by faith alone.

God made sure I would eventually hear the truth by having some Christian women move into my apartment building. One of the women shared the gospel with me. I politely listened, but thought I was already a Christian. I continued attending the church I first went to, and one Good Friday afternoon, while the biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion was read out loud, the Holy Spirit opened the eyes of my heart and all that my neighbor had been telling me made sense. That Jesus went to the cross for me because without His sacrifice that covered my sin, I could never spend eternity with Him.

After the service, with tear-filled eyes, I told the pastor what had happened and he simply sent me on my way with a “God bless you.” Regardless of his dismissive response, I walked home feeling as if I was floating. My neighbor made sure I would be discipled properly by getting me into a Bible study and before long, I moved on to a church that preached the gospel. Since then, over these many years, I’ve grown in the Word and serve Him through leading Bible studies, my writing ministry and being on a calling team for my church’s radio ministry. I never cease to be amazed at how much Jesus had to suffer for the sake of all of us, and that by believing in Him we are seen as righteous by God. What a comfort to know I’m going to spend eternity with the Lord.

About Second Chance Love:

Chicago lawyer Sydney Knight and Texas bull rider Jace McGowan have nothing in common but everything to lose when they are thrust together during a weekend rodeo in rural Illinois. Neither one of them would have imagined two years ago that the deep attraction they sensed during a day-long outing would resurface when Sydney’s boss assigns her to Jace’s legal case.

Sydney has been through a world of hurt since losing her dad when she was sixteen, then being dumped the morning of her wedding. She’s sworn off romance and instead devotes her time toward a partnership in her father’s law office.

Jace has found faith in God and wants out of his sponsor contract with a risqué restaurant chain that requires him to pose with scantily-clad women. He’s about to bail on the contract and pay steep penalties—something he can ill afford, given that his deceased father left the family with unpaid taxes.

Sydney is determined she’ll get Jace out of his contract and return to Chicago with her heart intact, but Jace is just as determined to help her see they are meant to be together. Can a city girl with roots deep in Chicago and a bull-riding rancher with roots deep in Texas give themselves a second-chance love?

About the author:

A native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, author Pamela S. Meyers lives in suburban Chicago with her two rescue cats. Her novels include Thyme for Love and her historical romance, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Her novella, What Lies Ahead, is part of a novella collection, The Bucket List Dare, which is now available at Amazon in both print and Kindle formats. Second Chance Love from Bling!, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, released in January 2017. When she isn’t at her laptop writing her latest novel, she can often be found nosing around Wisconsin and other Midwestern spots for new story ideas. Here’s the link to her Amazon author page where you can purchase Second Chance Love and any other of her books: http://amzn.to/2kqP5CC

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Guest Author: April W Gardner

I am thrilled and delighted to welcome this wonderful author to Chirp 'N Chatter! I consider April W. Gardner a dear friend, and I'm honored to showcase her latest novel. Her thoughtful post gave me plenty to think about...and I'm sure many others will be pondering her message for a while.

Mercy and Justice, a True Balancing Act

April W. Gardner

Have you ever taken one of those spiritual gifts tests? They’re quite revealing, but I’ve never needed one to know I score a big, fat zero in the mercy department. Justice though... I’m all about justice. Poor choices deserve the burn of consequences.

A kid lies? Bam! Restriction.

A driver speeds? Caught ya, sucker! Ticket for you.

Employees steal? They’re fired. Boom!

It all sounds peachy to me!

My poor children. When they step outside the lines, it is an active effort on my part to show compassion and be understanding toward their weaker natures. My knee-jerk reaction is to pull out the whip of the law.

Justice! One of my favorite words.

When God impressed on me the themes of my most recent novel—mercy and justice—I figured I was the least qualified person to broach the topic. However, in His perfect way, He knew exactly where I needed to be stretched, and over the seven months He used me to craft the story, He poked and prodded at my flaws, making them large in my mind, and reminding me that no one deserves any quantity of mercy, grace, or forgiveness, and that He alone is righteous enough to wield the gavel of justice.

My character, Marcus Buck, learns the same lesson. Because of wrongs committed against him, he drives through life seeking justice against those who hurt him—all in accordance with the law, of course, but swift, fierce justice nonetheless. The same story’s female lead, Lillian McGirth, knows beyond a doubt she deserves the most righteous justice there is—an eternity apart from God. Mercy is only for the deserving, she says. There will be none for her, an unwed mother with the label “traitor” hovering over her head.

What neither of these characters at first realizes is that God doles out mercy and justice as a packaged unit and in bountiful, equal measure. In our finite human minds, we tend to separate these two qualities, but God cannot give one without the other. More than that, He cannot be one without the other. He is all mercy and all justice in one perfect being.

Thomas Aquinas said, “Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.” I don’t know about you, but I scratched my head at the word “dissolution.” Come to find out, it’s a form of the verb “to dissolve” and an old way of saying “falling apart.”

In other words, those who pardon without also delivering some form of consequence are creating destructive situations for themselves and for those they’re forgiving. Conversely, those who dispense penalties that aren’t regulated by mercy are cruel.

You know which of those two stings my heart. Ouch! Do you identify with either of them? If so, in what practical way can you adjust so that your behaviors and reactions reflect Christ’s perfect character?

We’ll end on a beautiful piece of advice about balancing mercy and justice, given by God through the prophet Zechariah. “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” (Zech. 7:9)

About the book:

A man of abiding honor tested
by a woman of ruinous passion. 

A woman of unspeakable sins pursued 

by a God of unquenchable mercy.

For those who enjoy saga-length Christian historical romance. Bitter Eyes No More is a single, complete story. It is book four in the Creek Country Saga.

A man of abiding honor, tested by a woman of ruinous passion. A woman of unspeakable sins, pursued by a God of unquenchable mercy.

Spanish Florida once sheltered Lillian McGirth from her fears. Now, it feeds them. Mercy is for the deserving; for Lillian, an unwed mother accused of treason, there is only battering and defeat, but her fall breaks softly in the arms of an unexpected arrival, a man too beautiful of soul to stain with her lost character.

Captain Marcus Buck sails in on a pledge to save Miss McGirth from herself and from her child's father, a ruthless don. All the while, he’s to regard her as virtuous and worthy of protection and to guard said virtue from pilfering. But the terms are flawed since he must first guard her from himself. Regardless, he is determined. He will free her, repair her name—simple labor compared to dodging the army’s noose, mending wounds three years deep, and navigating a host of rebel Natives bent on inflicting more.

Through the steady crumble of his pledge, their friendship becomes a consolation, for she knows his pain as no other can or will. Their scars are one; their paths, however, might irrevocably become two…

Purchase Bitter Eyes No More

About the Author:

APRIL W GARDNER writes history with a Christian perspective and a little imagination. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and homeschooling mother of two who lives in Texas. She writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our Southeastern Native Tribes. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.

April loves to hear from her readers at:

https://www.facebook.com/AprilGardnerBooks/

www.aprilgardner.com

Guest Post: Kathleen Friesen

Stories of Redemption

^“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7(ESV)

I love stories of redemption, don’t you? Stories of I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind, but now I see make my spirit soar and my heart sing. Whether it’s the Biblical story of Zaccheus, the historical narrative of John Newton, or even fictional tales, I love them all.

Redemption’s Whisper is my latest love story, and I’d like to share a wee bit about Hayley. When we first meet Hayley Blankenship, she is almost beyond hope. Ready to give up. End it all. Almost.

Then comes grace, that God-touch that sets in motion His plan for her, a plan to give her a future and a hope.

Isn’t that what we all need? Even those of us who’ve known God for a long time often find ourselves in need of His touch, His redeeming grace. Time after time. When I worry myself into a dark pit, when the world seems out of control, or as health problems debilitate, I need His gracious touch.

And every time, “according to the riches of His grace,” He gives what is needed. Redemption whispers, “Come. Be healed, be saved.”

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin has lost its crimson stain; He washed me white as snow. (Elvina M. Hall; Public Domain)

About Redemption’s Whisper:

Desperate to escape her past, Hayley Blankenship flies from Toronto to the Saskatoon home of Pastor Dave and Lydia Harris, the only people who may be able to help her. If she doesn’t find a reason to hope, she may give in to the temptation to end it all. If only someone could love her, in spite of what she’s done.

Trevor Hiebert aces the interview for his dream job in Toronto, but he’s torn. His beloved parents need him, and while he doesn’t want to let them down, he craves the affirmation he hopes to find in the big city. But on the flight home to Saskatoon, he meets an intriguing, gorgeous redhead with dark secrets of her own. Can these two troubled souls gain the peace they need—and in the process, find love?

Purchase Redemption's Whisper:

http://amzn.to/2fjxMM8

http://amzn.to/2gD5GBx

About the Author:

Kathleen Friesen writes contemporary stories of faith that overcomes tough trials and deep heartaches. Her desire is for her readers to see themselves in the characters of her stories, and to realize that Jesus Christ is the true hero.

Kathleen spent her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and, after marrying the man of her dreams, survived the first thirty years of married life on the Canadian prairies, where they raised three fantastic children. Now she and her patient husband, Ron, live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

Guest Post: Present Tense (Jody Day)

I'm pleased to welcome fellow Pelican Book Group author, Jody Bailey Day to Chirp 'N Chatter. Jody brings a special post that I'm sure will touch the hearts of many people who need this little 'present tense' reminder. It certainly touched me in a very real sense!

Jody Day

I don’t usually go to a dark place, in fact, I’ve been accused of being annoyingly happy all the time. But not lately. Turning 60 in January, and then losing my mother in February threw me into  a Twilight Zone kind of upheaval.

A kind of panic and fear has tried to overtake me. My thought process runs through the mud: People my age are dying…who knows how long I have...I’ve not accomplished anything... there’s not enough time to do all the things I want to do...my husband, my kids, my grandkids...on and on, until I feel like curling up in the fetal position and checking out from the world.

Just like Scott in Wedding Express, fear clouds my thinking, confuses my perspective, and affects my decisions. My prayers seem to hit a concrete ceiling, and my heavenly Father seems distant. Scott’s Pastor Jack, the traveling preacher that serves at the diner church in the story, confronts Scott with his fears.

I balled my hand into a fist. “I can’t do this right now.‛ Please leave me alone.

“Why not? Haven’t you figured out through all this how quickly life passes by? Your uncle seems to understand that. He reached out in faith for love and he knows as well as anyone that we don’t know what tomorrow brings. The older we get, the word ‘now’ becomes very important.”

“That’s just it, where’s my faith? I can’t even pray anymore.” I bumped the table with my fist.

Pastor Jack reached across the table and squeezed my arm. “I’d say faith’s something you have to practice. I think you’re being tested in areas where you trusted in yourself. Youth and strength made you feel invincible. It was easy to trust then. But when life happens with death and sickness, faith must grow to a whole new level. Remember the Father said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’‛

Pastor Jack and Scott discuss the scripture where Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“Actually, God said that in several references. Deuteronomy and Hebrews. What Jesus actually said was “I am with you always. Present tense.”

I filled my lungs and slowly exhaled. Present tense.

“He’s with you now. So you can live now, love now, and trust Him for the future.”

Who knew that I’d be ministered to by something I was led to write two years ago? I may not feel it right now, but I need to practice my faith and know that I am not alone, that Jesus will never leave me. He’s got me in the palm of his hand, and just like Scott, I’ll get through this.

About Wedding Express

Book 2 in the Washout Express Series: Scott West is about to marry the woman of his dreams, but when delayed grief and a life-or-death event jeopardizes their relationship, Scott is forced to ask himself what kind of man he really is. Can he own up to the truth and risk losing the love of his life? And if he does come clean, will it be enough for Bailey? Discover the power of hope, forgiveness, and love in Wedding Express.

Purchase Wedding Express

About the Author

Jody Bailey Day writes inspirational fiction from her West Texas home. Writing, thirteen grandchildren, and a full time job at her local library keep her busy, along with her interest in crochet. She is President of her writers group, Critique Cafe, and is involved in Toastmasters. She is represented by Hartline Literary Agency.

Author interview: Judith Rolfs

This week we have a special treat! Author Judith Rolfs has been published in every genre. As an author and professional marriage and family counselor, Judith focuses on motivating people to live their best lives - emotionally, physically and spiritually. In her thirties, she researched the complexity of the natural world and moved from agnosticism to faith in God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Today, she talks about her latest novel, Never Tomorrow.

Tell our readers about your new mystery novel Never Tomorrow.

Thanks for asking. It’s like having a new baby - I welcome a chance to talk about Never Tomorrow after literally years in the writing. This is a powerful murder mystery, plus more - a psychological thriller that probes the marriage relationship, infidelity and forgiveness. I use my insights and experiences as a psychotherapist for three decades to instill deep emotions in my characters– the grieving, the loves, and the deep joys, that we all experience in real life. These are integrated with a compelling murder mystery.

This is your seventeenth book but only your third mystery novel. Tell us about your switch to fiction from non-fiction.

My previous books were how-to books about marriage and parenting and family issues, also a devotional and a teen book. Mysteries are a huge change. They are much more difficult to write, but seem to have a greater impact on readers.

Which leads to my next question. I understand your slogan is Mysteries With A Message. Explain please.

My mysteries center on real life family issues while keeping the suspense steaming. Directive 99, my first self- suspense novel is about conflict between a woman’s career vs. family priorities. She makes major life changes when her husband is kidnapped. My next mystery novel Bullet in the Night with Prism Books is about genuine rehabilitation leading to life change and the value of nurturing friendships. I want readers to have a takeaway to ponder that can help them face situations in their own lives with more wisdom and confidence.

Tell us about where you like to write and a bit about your process.

My favorite writing places are my cottage in the woods in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake and a winter beach condo we rent in Venice, FL. I need solitude to create the story and develop my characters, but then I love to edit in coffee shops where I’m immersed in the energy of people. Relationships have always been fascinating to me, which is why I became a psychotherapist. Of course it’s helpful as an author to develop well-rounded characters. I also love to travel. In fact, Never Tomorrow starts out in Ballybunion, Ireland which I researched during a three-week trip there.

How and when did your writing career begin?

My writing career began at age ten creating stories for neighborhood children. I wrote newspaper editorials in high school, and was part of the Superior Student program at Marquette University, which published me in their literary journal. I love everything about writing especially contact with readers and other authors who are so gracious! I recently met Pat Gussin, New York Times Best Selling Author of After the Fall and she offered to read Never Tomorrow prior to publication. She blessed me with an amazing review: “Layer upon layer of intrigue—laced with murder–propels this novel to the pinnacle of suspense. An ingenious plot, dynamic and complex characters, and an insight into the troubled avenues of human behavior rarely exposed make NEVER TOMORROW a stand-out for readers of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense.”

In closing, where can we find your new book baby?

Never Tomorrow is available through Prism Book Group, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and through local libraries. If it’s not at the local library I hope readers will request it. Thank you for featuring me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure.

Visit Judith at http://judithrolfs.com/Dr._Judith_Rolfs/Home.html

 

A compelling mystery with a powerful theme of forgiveness and healing...

Journalist Whitney Barnes investigates the mysterious death of her mother and three women from Cortland City seeking the thread that links them to an enigmatic killer. Why are women being murdered with no apparent motives for their death? Police are mystified at the lack of clues and a growing sense of fear surrounds the community. Who will be the next victim?

Determined to find the killer, Whitney discovers these women were dealing with wounds from their troubling pasts, but what was their connection? She

teams up with Dr. Sarah Stevens, an expert on women's issues, to ferret out information while TV talk show host Rich and real estate broker Jordan vie for Whitney's affection.

Whitney discovers new strength within her, but is it powerful enough to cope with this dark force of evil? Suspense escalates as Whitney becomes the killer's next target.

Author Interview: Gail Kittleson

What inspired you to write With Each New Dawn?

This book continues the story of Addie and Kate, two young World War II women from Iowa. Their saga simply couldn’t stop at the end of the first book, so I kept writing. I couldn’t stop!

Which character in your new release did you most enjoy writing? Why?

I’d have to say Domingo, the Basque shepherd-turned guide and French Resistance saboteur. Domingo had no desire to do anything but spend his life at his ancestral home near a small French village. The work he inherited from his papa and grandfather, caring for a flock of sheep on the beautiful meadows and hills of the Department of Lot in Southern France brought him satisfaction.

Besides that, his commitment to Sancha, his betrothed, included dreams of a family and a quiet life. But Sancha’s murder by Nazi oppressors changes Domingo’s plans. He learns the meaning of revenge, and deepens in his concept of mercy. Still grieving his loss when he meets Kate, he has no idea how much more the war will change his life.

What I like best about Domingo is his humble attitude—he does what he can to aid the Resistance, seeks no glory, and longs for the return of the simple, beautiful way of life the war threatens to destroy.

What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?

Kate is much more of a risk-taker than I am. Probably I’m more like her best friend, Addie, with far too much fear. But Kate and I do share the propensity to ask questions. Oh my...yes!

Experience has taught me that our doubts and questions fail to alter God’s love for us, that His commitment to carry us through goes far deeper than our mental and emotional ups and downs. We’re human, so we fluctuate, but our Creator remains constant. No matter what.

Kate has been through so much grief and loss. An orphan from childhood, she also grieves her aunt, her husband, and during the first part of With Each New Dawn, her firstborn.  But most of all, an insistent desire to know more about her parents haunts her. What were they like and why did they die so young?

I’ve never experienced orphanhood, but have longed to make sense of things for many years. Back to Kate and me sharing a questioning mind.

What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

Most people would agree that war brings out the worst in society. But conflict seems an inevitable part of history. The World War II era had lived through World War I, knew its horrors, and yet found themselves plunged into another terrible series of battles spread all over the world.

Both Kate and Domingo deal with spiritual questions—and so does another character, a wily Catholic priest active in the Resistance. He suffers great loss as well, when the Waffen S.S. ravages his hometown. Vulnerable and mourning, he finds Kate’s questions very much like his own. Where is the Almighty in all this?

As these characters grapple with impossible circumstances, their faith grows. Seems highly unlikely, but don’t we all grow through the worst of times?

What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?

I’ve never liked to vacuum. Actually, I don’t like housecleaning at all, but at least there’s the satisfaction at the end, when things look their best for a while. Maybe it’s the fleeting nature of that state that makes cleaning seem such a futile use of valuable time. Let’s see, I must enjoy something…I don’t mind doing dishes. There’s something relaxing about that task.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Things my husband and grandchildren say. My husband’s quiet, wry sense of humor and his love of language leads to some hilarious quips. Our grandchildren are always coming up with actions or stories that make me laugh, too.

What smell do you love most, and why?

I love the clean pine scent of the forest, with snow run-off flowing over rocks in the background.

What book are you currently reading?

Queen Victoria, by Cecil Woodham-Smith. My husband read this and since we’ve been watching Victoria on television, the relationship between the Queen and Prince Albert intrigues me.

Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

Because my heroines, so far at least, operate from a Christian-Judeo foundation, spirituality enters naturally. I think the concept of God being there for us through thick and thin is my favorite. Makes sense, because that’s always been the toughest one for me to embrace—and the most comforting.

Ponderosa Pine Forest, where Gail walks in the winter.

Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?

I absolutely love to walk in the woods. Some people need ocean time, or love their cabin on the lake, but towering pines and a mountain in the distances do it for me.

Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.

Isaiah 63:9—In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (NASB)

We all suffer in ways unique to us. The idea that our Lord shares our afflictions seems incredibly beautiful. He who created the universe and sustains life, deems to suffer when we suffer. How amazing is that?

Please share your conversion experience, if you’re comfortable doing so.

Faith grew in me before I even realized it. All the doubts and questions of my youth culminated in crying out for deliverance in several areas between high school and college. Answers came to me through Catherine Marshall’s book Beyond Ourselves.

Suddenly, spiritual things began to make sense.

Of course, I had SO very far to go on this journey, and I’m still at it. It’s not what I do, but what God does...ahh, heavenly!

About With Each New Dawn

In war-torn London, American Kate Isaac grieves her husband, awaits their child’s birth, and welcomes her best friend Addie. But after her miscarriage, a meeting with mysterious Monsieur le Blanc launches her into Britain’s Secret Operations Executive(SOE). In late 1943, Kate parachutes into Southern France to aid the Resistance. 

Domingo, a grieving Basque mountain guide-turned-saboteur, meets her parachute drop, tends her injured ankle, and carries her to safety. Reunited a few months later, they discover the injured Monsieur le Blanc who with his dying breath, reveals his familial connection to Kate. 

In the shadow of the Waffen SS, Domingo and Kate find his younger brother Gabirel missing. While Domingo seeks Gabirel, Domingo’s parish priest, Père Gaspard, creates a new identity for Kate. 

United once again, Kate and Domingo subject their mutual attraction to the cause. But can mere human will and moral courage change the war’s tide and forge a future for them?

Preorder info:  http://tinyurl.com/jmvc36a

About the Author:

Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and English as a Second Language. Now she writes memoir and women’s fiction, and facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats. In northern Iowa, she and her husband enjoy grandchildren and gardening. In winter, the Arizona mountains provide new novel fodder.

Contact links:

http://www.gailkittleson.com/

www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson

www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

Author Interview: Alexis A. Goring

Welcome, Alexis—and congratulations on your new release! That first contract is always so exciting! Let me tell you a little secret though: It never gets old! Every contract after that is just as much fun! May you have lots of fun, exciting moments ahead in your career as a published author.

Let’s talk about your ‘new baby’:

What inspired you to write A Second Chance?

Honestly? I wanted to write a story about struggling journalists and focus on characters who needed a second chance at life and love.

I especially love second-chance romances. Which character in your new release did you most enjoy writing? Why?

Carla because she’s compassionate, feisty and brilliant.

Feisty is fun, especially when you’re writing. What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?

She and I are both entry-level journalists who are frustrated with our industry’s system of “paying your dues.”

I hear that! What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

Trusting God’s perfect plan. It became part of this story line from the start because my story’s hero and heroine have trouble trusting God and believing that He knows what is best.

Those are things a good many of us have problems with.

Let’s talk about Alexis Goring, behind the smiling author photo.

What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?

Cleaning the carpet because of how much time it takes. I enjoy washing dishes. The running water and cleaning methods are therapeutic.

I enjoy washing dishes too, especially during the winter, when the warm water feels soooo good. J What makes you laugh out loud?

Movies by Tyler Perry and the movie Love Different starring Jenn Gotzon.

What smell do you love most, and why?

The cherry almond professional shampoo brand that my stylist washes my hair in, because it makes my hair smell great for days after leaving the salon.

Nice, fragrant shampoos are awesome. What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible. Shannon Popkin is the author of this book.

Now let’s take a look at you and God.

Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

Yes. Trusting God is my favorite because at times, I still struggle with that theme.

You and me both…and I hardly think we two are an island in that regard. Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?

The living room because my favorite reading spot is the big, oversized white sofa with huge pillows. It’s the perfect place to snuggle and spend time with God.

Sounds like a nice, cushy-comfy place to settle in. Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

It’s special to me because my Mom “discovered” this Bible verse when I was going through a traumatic time as a teenager and it gave me hope.

It’s a great verse for delivering hope! Thank you for visiting, Alexis. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.

About A Second Chance:

Newly single food critic and newspaper reporter Traci Hightower is done with dating. After the man of her dreams left her at the altar on their wedding day and ran off with the woman she thought was her best friend, Traci resolves to focus on work and resigns herself to being a bachelorette for life. 

Marc Roberts is a political reporter who is known as Mr. Nice Guy, the one who always finishes last. However, Marc’s compassion and kindness are of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina Braxton who is trying to raise her two kids in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death.

Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.

Purchase A SECOND CHANCE

About the Author:

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.