Guest Author: Boo Riley (aka Dave Arp)

Dave Arp (aka Boo Riley) in Alaska

Welcome to Chirp 'N Chatter, Boo! (Love the moniker!) Also love the photo...but it sure looks cold. Brrr! 

Congratulations on the release of ME AND JAKE. It sounds like an interesting, touching story with bursts of fun lying in wait here and there. Let's chat a little, shall we?

I'm always curious about the story behind the story. What inspired you to write Me and Jake?

Actually, Jake did, a Black and Tan Coonhound, he and the little boy, now a man, who called Jake his friend. I met Anthony Turner on a drilling rig off the coast of Louisiana in 2004. He told me about the childhood he and his brother lived and escaped from, and I decided to document it, as it happened. I soon discovered that no one wants to read about a man abusing his children. I rewrote it in a present/past/present/past format so readers could see the redemption from the beginning—with the same result, no takers. Me and Jake is the fiction tale, a hint at abuse and survival that never seems to get told. It took me fourteen years to finally sell just a small portion of my friend’s story.

Persistence pays off yet again! Perhaps it'll take hold and readers will be raring for more of Jake and his friends. Speaking of readers...what book are you currently reading?

Presently I’m reading two books: the Bible (for the nth time) and Josephus The Complete Works by Flavius Josephus and translated by William Whiston A.M. I’m four months into what I can only call a side-by-side comparison of Biblical History. Josephus’s works is twenty-seven hundred pages. I’m on page five hundred eighty. It’s a journey.

A journey indeed...both of your current reading choices! Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

I do insert a spiritual theme, but not always as per a set plan or outline. I’m a by-the-seat-of-my-britches writer who likes to wait until my characters stop to ask for directions before I decide which way they’re going to go. I can’t say that I have a favorite theme. Though, the Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers is special to me. Me and Jake leans that direction.

I hear you. I write by the seat of my pants too, most of the time -- although I'm learning that it's necessary to at least lay out a simple plot, because those editors just think they need to know what a book's about before they'll buy it. Imagine that! :) 

Joseph's story is one of the most beloved, most inspiring stories in the Bible. I love it too. 

Thank you for stopping by to chat for a moment, Boo. Best of luck to you and Jake!

  

About Me and Jake:

Ty told his twin brother, Cameron, that he felt like something was going to happen to change their lives. Little did he know how prophetic that statement would be, or how soon it would come to pass. What seems like a series of coincidences are anything but, and what’s more amazing, Ty’s coon dog, Jake, might not be a dog at all.

Ohhh...that pulls at the whiskers of curiosity, doesn't it? If Jake isn't a dog, what might he be? I know what I'm thinking...what about you?

Grab your copy of Me and Jake and journey along with the
uhm..dog?...and his friends.

Fall in Love: Five Sweet Tales of Autumn Romance

Look what's available for pre-order...with release on Aug. 8th!

FALL IN LOVE: FIVE SWEET TALES OF AUTUMN ROMANCE

is a collection of FIVE romance novellas, by FIVE award-winning authors. Each heartwarming story takes place during the beautiful autumn season. You're guaranteed to find something that makes your heart "go pitty-patter." And what a way to anticipate the fall...cooler temps, gorgeous colors, and love in the air!

Here's a blurb from each of the five stories:

BE SWEPT AWAY IN FIVE HEARTWARMING ROMANCES WITH AN AUTUMN FLAIR...

CAPTIVE AT SEA

by Mary Manners

Claire Mulvaney’s benevolent spirit has her biting off more than she can chew when she spearheads a charity fishing event to raise funds for Winding Ridge’s overcrowded animal shelter and is forced to call on fishing expert Sean Maguire.

Sean blames himself for his brother’s death. He spends his days in mourning and when Claire turns to him for help, he chases her off with gruff words meant to fortify his distance from the pain that has taken hold of his soul. But the enchanting woman with emerald eyes captivates, and Sean soon finds himself drawn to her warm-hearted enthusiasm. 

NEVER THE TWAIN

by Delia Latham

Hollywood agent Cass Townsend makes a more-than-satisfactory living helping talented “wannabe” actors become stars.

Thanks to a younger brother who made it big in Hollywood and then estranged himself from his family, rugged Texas horse rancher Ryder Hayes sports oversized chips on both very broad shoulders toward celebrities. He’s not convinced any good at all can come out of Hollywood.

She’s prim and proper to a fault. He’s fun-loving, with a streak of pure mischief. Ryder’s a good man, but not a Christian—not by a Texas mile. Cass can’t remember missing a single Sunday service since childhood. They’re the epitome of polar opposites and never the twain shall meet…or so the saying goes.

FULLY COMMITTED

by Dora Hiers

Receiving a Dear Rand email while serving his country didn’t douse the fire in Rand Tenneson’s heart for his high school sweetheart. Fully committed, nothing quenched that love, not even news that Bryanna married. Back home now, Rand enjoys a busy life, firefighting and clowning around with patients at the children’s hospital. But a chance run-in with his ex-girlfriend, now a widow, rekindles that spark. God put her back in his life for a reason, and he vows to be there for her.

Ten years ago, Bryanna Fenwick shattered two hearts, hers and Rand’s. But the Navy SEAL, deployed across the world, couldn’t rescue her from the real fear she faced at home. She made a choice and lived the lie for a decade. When Rand discovers the truth, she fears she’s hurt the handsome firefighter yet again and destroyed her relationship with her daughter. Can God’s grace overcome such a ginormous lie? Has He brought them back together for a second chance at love or only to reveal the truth?

WITHOUT A SONG

by LoRee Peery

Still reeling from the loss of her husband, young widow Roni Marsden resolves to be strong for her precocious daughter. Invited to stay on the cleansing hills of her friend’s Nebraska ranch, she tries to figure out the next step. Should she leave Norfolk? Could she find work?

Songwriter Dawson Bennett returns home to his brother’s ranch when the production company for his first album goes bust. He searches his heart for new songs he's unable to write. Even as he seeks direction for his career, he attempts to mend the past with his elderly father. 

Back in high school, Dawson had crushed on the lovely Roni when she dated his brother. Those emotions are reawakened when he discovers Roni and her daughter at the ranch. Protective feelings for the child, as well as for a stray pup that arrives on the scene, work together to soften his bitterness. Will these connections enable him to write lyrics that honor God?

AUTUMN LOVES

by Tanya Stowe

Two years after her husband’s tragic death, middle-aged widow Rylie Thornton struggles to raise her three sons while keeping the family business in the black. As the lush colors of her favorite season display, she finds herself struggling. 

Heart surgeon Micah Haden, on a rare break from his demanding profession, finds his sister’s friend a lovely mystery. He’s happy to help Rylie and her boys prepare for an upcoming autumn event. Why can’t she accept his offer with a little more grace? Is there a chance he could become one of Rylie's treasured Autumn Loves?

Pre-order your copy now,

to be delivered to your device on AUGUST 7, 2018!

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: Keri's Christmas Wish

by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Can Keri get past her angst over Christ’s birth and enjoy the Christmas season?

For as long as she can remember, Keri Jackson has despised the hype and commercialism around Christmas so much she seldom enjoys the holiday. Will she get her wish and be free of the angst to truly enjoy Christmas this year?

A devout Christian at heart, Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor and Energy Medicine Practitioner has studied all of the world’s religions and homeopathic healing modalities. But when a rare bacterial infection threatens the life of the woman he loves, will all of his faith and training be for naught?

Find out in Keri’s Christmas Wish

About Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Links:

Website address  

Blog

Facebook

Twitter @psthib

Pinterest

Amazon Author Page

BookBub

Excerpt

She awoke in another dimension. Keri had no idea if she was in Heaven, but neither did she fear Hell. Her surroundings were reminiscent of a dense forest at dusk. Shadows danced against a sunset where brilliant colors bled from the sky. A light shone in the distance but as she moved toward it, Keri felt as though she plowed through molasses. Unease pricked her skin. The sound of water drew her deeper into the woods until she stood at the base of a vast waterfall and rapids so swift she dared not attempt to cross the river.

The light grew stronger, brighter. Beckoning.

I need to get to the light.


Review

Disclaimer: NOT your typical Christmas novella. In Keri's Christmas Wish, the author weaves a tale of spiritual confusion, discovery, healing, and even adventure. The latter, while now and then a tad confusing due to special circumstances withing the story line, somehow manages to culminate into perfect sense and even a light, sweet romance. Keri's journey to understanding Christmas is guaranteed to be one you won't find in most holiday novellas. Thibodeaux takes modern psychology, holistic medicine, religious questions, and spirituality to a whole new level. While admittedly not my usual "cup of Christmas tea," I enjoyed this short walk outside the ordinary. If you're looking for something a little meatier than the typical silver bells and snow globes, with an exciting story within the story, Keri's Christmas Wish may be just what the Christian psychologist ordered.

Mini-interview

What inspired you to write your newest release Keri’s Christmas Wish?

Answer: When I look back on the beginning I can honestly say Keri’s Christmas Wish was totally inspired by God. I’d finished a short story and sent the collection off to my editor when a vision of a young woman scrolling through her newsfeed came to mind with the words: Bah Humbug…. The entire story evolved from that one image and I completed the manuscript within a very short time. Since this was the first, original fiction story I’ve written in its entirety since 2009 I’m very excited to see it come to fruition.

What is the message you hope to get across in this story?

That regardless of where you are in your faith journey God and His angels are always there to guide and guard and that He loves you in spite of your doubt and fears.

Question: What is your goal or mission as a writer?

A committed Christian, I firmly believe in God and His promises. God is very real to me. I believe that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them and I do my best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with Him. The deepest desire of my heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust, and forgiveness to a hurting world. My hope is that all of my stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and - in some way - bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.



Be sure to visit the other stops on the blog tour, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. Pamela's gifting 5 E-copies & 5 Print copies of Keri’s Christmas Wish!

Dec 3^rd – Saturday Spotlight on Pamela’s personal blog

Dec 4^th – Patty Gordon/Patricia Kiyono Blog

Dec 5^th - Linda Rondeau Blog

Dec 6^th - Clare Revell Blog

Dec 7^th – Diana Rubino Blog

Dec 8^th – Tina Gayle Blog

Dec 9^th – Linda Carroll-Bradd Blog

Dec 10^th – Marilyn Leach Blog

Dec 11^th – Robin Bayne Blog

Dec 12^th – Raquel Byrne Blog

Dec 13^th – Cami Checketts Blog

Dec 14^th – Linda McLaughlin Blog

Dec 15^th – Diane Burton Blog

Dec 16^th – Maureen Bonatch Blog

Dec 17^th – Alicia Dean Blog

Dec 18^th – Jody Day Blog

Dec 19^th – Marian Merritt Blog

Dec 20^th – Kim Headlee Blog

Dec 21^st - Patricia Preston Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you enjoy Keri’s Christmas Wish check out Pam’s other books, all of which are on sale through Jan 3rd @ Amazon; B&N; and Smashwords!

Finding Hope in Barely Above Water

An illness comes of out nowhere and strikes Suzie Morris. Her boyfriend dumps her. She has no living family, and her physician can’t diagnose the malady. Suzie relies on her Christian faith as she faces the uncertainty of the disease, and turns to a renowned alternative doctor in Destin, Florida. She takes a job coaching a county-sponsored summer swim team. She’s determined to turn the fun, sometimes comical, rag-tag bunch into winners. Her handsome boss renews her belief in love, but learns of her mysterious affliction and abruptly cuts romantic ties. Later he has regrets, but can he overcome his fear of losing a loved one and regain Suzie’s trust?

PURCHASE

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

ENDORSEMENTS

"Gail Pallotta’s contemporary romance novel, Barely Above Water, is a touching story of loss, hope and healing." ~Nancy Mehl—award-winning author of the Finding Sanctuary series.

"The main theme in Gail Pallotta’s Barely Above Water is “overcoming incredible odds.” Readers will find themselves rooting for characters who face illness, unemployment and heartbreak. I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy this story about trust and faith!"

~Loree Lough—bestselling author of more than 100-award-winning books, including RT 4.5 star Top Pick, Saving Alyssa {Harlequin Heartwarming}.

The Story Behind the Story:

Ten years ago I grew very ill. After a month of tests the doctor told me he couldn’t diagnose my malady, so he couldn’t treat me. I had no idea where to turn for help, but the last name of a chiropractor a friend of mine had seen ten years earlier kept popping in my head. I ignored it because I needed medical assistance, not an adjustment, but the name persisted. Finally I called my friend and asked about him. He turned out to be David Lee, D.C., Ph.D., C.Ad., now an alternative doctor as well as a chiropractor. He started treating me immediately for a toxic substance. Later, a scan showed the bacteria for Chronic Lyme Disease. Since then, I’ve met or heard of many people suffering from the ailment, or a malady that can’t be diagnosed. Their stories touched my heart and inspired me to write Barely Above Water, which details symptoms and treatments for the disease. The technical material is woven around a romance and a cute group of youngsters on a summer league swim team, so it’s fun as well as informative. 



Bio:

Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A regional Writer of the Year for American Christian Writers Association in 2004, she was a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. Gail’s published four books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Connect with Gail on her Website Blog Facebook Twitter