Guest Author: Theresa Lynn Hall

Struggling with Forgiveness

As Christians, we know if we repent our sins, our God is faithful and just, and He forgives our sins. We also know we are commanded to forgive those who sin against us. If God commands us to do these things, why do we find ourselves in situations where it is so hard to forgive? Especially when the one who has hurt us doesn’t seem to care? Or apologize? Even worse is when we’re hurt by family or someone who is supposed to love and care for us. I think we’ve all been there and have had to search deep within ourselves to find the strength to move forward. Most of us only need to be hurt once to know that we don’t want to open ourselves up to that kind of hurt again. But what if we forgive only to have someone hurt us again and again? What then?

God doesn’t want us to allow people to hurt us repeatedly. Just because we’re supposed to forgive, even in the absence of an apology, it doesn’t mean people have the right to take advantage of us. Sometimes, distance along with forgiveness is the only solution. Moving on and putting certain people in our past is the only way to protect ourselves. But there are times when we can’t do that. What if you work with this person? What if they are your family? Learning to get past it and move on is often not for the one who has hurt us, it is for us. Holding on to hurt and anger will slowly tear you apart and can even pull you away from God and weaken your faith. It’s something every Christian has struggled with, no matter who you are. We all have this in common. But what if someone is not a Christian? I can’t imagine the inner struggles and heartache that non-Christians go through.

In Ransom in Rio, Lexi faces the loss of her brother and the realization of a family secret that rips her apart. Her faith is weak and she isn’t sure what she’s going to do. What she goes through is something we can all relate to in one way or another. The only answer is forgiveness, but sometimes the journey to forgiveness is a long one. One thing I know from experience is that it doesn’t happen overnight. But when you find the will to forgive, your heart will have a peace that washes over it. It will free you from the pain, hurt, and anger that weighs your heart down. If you’re struggling with forgiving someone, I pray that you will continue to seek God’s will for you and find it in your heart to let your grievances go—even if it takes time.

Colossians 3:13—Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

A Chat with Theresa:

What inspired you to write Ransom in Rio?

Pelican Book Group began a new series call Passport to Romance. They provided a list of international settings to choose from, each with a list of three things that had to be written into the book. My husband had just returned from Rio on a business trip and had brought back pictures of this beautiful place. He spent two weeks there and learned a lot about the people and their culture. His pictures and stories inspired me to choose Rio. Hopefully, I’ll get to go someday!

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

I dislike doing laundry! It never ends! You can’t get caught up no matter how hard you try. I love to cook. I love spending all day making a great meal for my family. It’s hard to do while working full-time, but on weekends and holidays, I love cooking their favorite meals and spending time together around the table. Cleaning up is another story!

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

Philippians 4:13 —I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is my favorite verse. It hangs framed in my office and is the screen saver on my phone. I have been through some hard times, like we all have, and when I feel like I can’t go on, I recite this verse and keep it close. This verse reminds me where my strength comes from. It is only through Him that we can endure the trials of this world.

About Ransom in Rio:

Private Investigator Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.

Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.

About Theresa Lynn Hall:

Theresa is an award-winning author of Christian Fiction. A native Texan, she loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old-fashioned Southern values. She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She loves to hear from readers and can be found at www.theresalynnhall.com and @theresalynnhall. 

Mini-interview with Author Heidi Schussman

A special welcome to Author Heidi Schussman!

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

As you may know, my books aren’t light reading. El Tiburon is a crime novel about drug and human trafficking in Central America. That being said, I attempt to show that we can cry out to the Lord in our anguish, sometimes with bitter words full of hurt and confusion. Repeatedly throughout El Tiburon and its predecessor, Counterpart, the Christian characters demonstrate a confidence in God’s presence.

In this series of books about Sean and Sport McGee I also show God’s plan for marriage and family. In Counterpart (where they meet) they fall in love but choose to not act upon the growing desire for each other, though at times it’s comically difficult.

What smell do you love most, and why?

This is a fun question. I found myself thinking of all the smells I love and realized how important smell must be to me. Smell is one of the most primal senses we have and the scent of something can evoke vivid memories. I can break it down into three categories:

Flowers… I adore the smell of flowers! Especially roses, gardenias, plumeria, and lilac. I have all but the plumeria in my yard and that’s where I usually write.

Ocean… I was born on the coast of Northern California, and I can’t wait to roll down my window when I return for a visit. The smell of the kelp churning with the heavy salt water fills my soul.

Food… I like to cook and I like to eat. When I’m preparing one of my concoctions the whole house smells delicious (probably more delicious than the taste). I love going to a friend’s house and being greeted by the savory scents of a carefully prepared meal.

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

Jeremiah 6:16 -- “This is what the Lord says: Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’”

Isn’t that a crack up? I don’t know for sure why this verse resonates with me so much. Maybe I can relate to God’s advice to me and my willful desire to not go down that road. Then I wonder why my soul’s not at rest. Oh well… I’m older and wiser now and I prefer the old godly road. It’s His way or the highway, as the old saying goes.

About El Tiburon:

Action packed with espionage and intrigue, Sean is a CIA agent on a mission to Guatemala with his partner, Gary, to identify an elusive drug lord trafficker. When Sean's feisty wife, Sport, is unwittingly kidnapped and caught up in the mix, the plot becomes a multi-layered web that takes the reader through the underworld of crime. El Tiburon is a thriller that kept me turning the pages. With well-developed, modern day characters on a white-knuckled ride, El Tiburon will keep you on the edge of your seat.

About Heidi...by Heidi:

Traveling with my husband of twenty-eight years is my favorite past-time. We love visiting other cultures, especially if it gives us the opportunity to brush up on our Spanish. When in the tropics we scuba dive every chance we get. The rest is divided between gardening, exercise and of course writing.

In addition to fiction I write three blogs: A Dashing Bold Adventure is about our travels throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The Wine Tribe covers a monthly food and wine pairing competition. And lastly is my author blog, Author H. Schussman, where you can find author interviews and what’s happening in my career.

I worked with US Veterans for 15 years as a physical therapist. I specialized in cognitive and psychiatric disorders. I was a clinical instructor for CSUS throughout my career as a PT and have the privilege of being a guest lecturer on two subjects: Cognitive and Psychiatric Disorders in the Geriatric Population, and Documentation for Skilled Intervention.

I’ve since retired from that profession and devote myself to writing fulltime. I’ve written two books (Counterpart and El Tiburon) and one screenplay (Piratessa). I am currently writing about an American youth group in Colombia with the adventurous McGees as chaperones… what could go wrong with eight teenagers in the jungle?

Author Interview: Christine Lindsay

A huge welcome to fellow PelicanBook Group author Christine Lindsay! Christine agreed to 'sit still' for my 3-question mini-interview. Enjoy!

Christine Lindsay

Your book and you

What inspired you to write Sofi’s Bridge?

Sofi’s Bridge was inspired by watching how loved ones go through the steps of grief. We don’t take the basic steps to grief recovery in the same order. Nor do all of us come out of our grief in healthy ways. Throughout the basic steps listed below, some of us can get stuck.

Below are the 7 basic steps in grief recovery, and where each of my characters gets stuck and how the intertwining of the characters’ individual grief creates the plot for Sofi’s Bridge. Often, the stages of grief are blurred, and people can go through several steps at the same time.

•  Shock & Denial – Sofi’s younger sister, Trina, is stuck here for most of the story. Witnessing her and Sofi’s father drown results in Trina’s Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Her almost catatonic state puts her at risk of being placed in a sanitorium for the mentally ill.

Sofi is stuck in Denial.  As the eldest sister, and due to the fact, their mother collapses in her grief, Sofi doesn’t allow herself to express her own sadness as she cares for Trina and their mother. 

• Pain & Guilt – As Sofi bottles up her own grief, her emotions snowball into guilt; that she should forego all of her own ambitions to care for her loved ones.

•    Anger & Bargaining – Neil (who is really Dr. Neil Galloway) is on the run from the English police for the murder of the man in Ireland. This man and his industrial neglect led to the death of Neil’s father. Neil’s anger turns into retaliation. It is while he is hiding under a fake identity at Sofi’s family home in Washington, that he notices the PTSS that Sofi’s sister is undergoing. As a doctor, he can’t turn his back on a person who needs his medical help.

• Depression, Reflections, Loneliness – While each character in the story goes through this stage of grief, this step is most exemplified by Sofi’s Mother, Rosella. Suffering the loss of her beloved husband in his drowning accident, Rosella buries and blurs her emotions under the influence of Laudanum. While pharmaceutical help is often needed through grief, some of us can get stuck there, and are unable to move on to healing.

The last three steps in grief recovery set up the climax of the book and bring the story to a happy and healthy conclusion.

•  The Upward Turn
  
  
• Reconstruction & Working Through
  
  
• Acceptance & Hope
  
  

About you

What smell do you love most, and why?

The flowers in my garden. I’m an avid gardener, and often the sensuousness of my garden is displayed in my novels.

God and you

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

Each of my books has a strong spiritual theme particular to that story. My personal favorite though, is the spiritual theme in Captured by Moonlight (Book 2 of my trilogy Twilight of the British Raj). That spiritual theme is dying to one’s own agenda that God may have full sway in our life to create His agenda in our lives, only to discover that His agenda gives us the greatest joy.

About Sofi’s Bridge

Seattle Debutant Sofi Andersson will do everything in her power to protect her sister who is suffering from shock over their father’s death. Charles, the family busybody, threatens to lock Trina in a sanatorium—a whitewashed term for an insane asylum—so Sofi will rescue her little sister, even if it means running away to the Cascade Mountains with only the new gardener Neil Macpherson to protect them. But in a cabin high in the Cascades, Sofi begins to recognize that the handsome immigrant from Ireland harbors secrets of his own. Can she trust this man whose gentle manner brings such peace to her traumatized sister and such tumult to her own emotions? And can Neil, the gardener, continue to hide from Sofi that he is really Dr. Neil Galloway, a man wanted for murder by the British police? Only an act of faith and love will bridge the distance that separates lies from truth and safety.

READ for FREE Chapter ONE of SOFI’S BRIDGE HERE

About Author Christine Lindsay

Irish born Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction and non-fiction. Readers describe her writing as gritty yet tender, realistic yet larger than life, with historical detail that collides into the heart of psychological and relationship drama. Christine's fictional novels have garnered the ACFW Genesis Award, The Grace Award, Canada’s The Word Guild Award, and was a finalist twice for Readers’ Favorite as well as 2^nd place in RWA’s Faith Hope and Love contest.  

Purchase sites for SOFI’S BRIDGE:     (Winner 2^nd place for RWA Faith, Hope, & Love 2009)

Amazon

Pelican Book Group

ChristianBooks.com

Barnes and Noble

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.

Author Interview: Tanya Stowe

I'm delighted to welcome my dear friend and fellow author, Tanya Stowe, to Chirp 'N Chatter! I enjoyed our chat, and even learned a thing or two I didn't know about her. That's always fun... :) 

Welcome, Tanya! I'm honored to have you on my blog...always! Let's talk about your latest book. What inspired you to write Santa Fe Sunrise?

I love, love, love, Santa Fe. It’s such a unique blend of history and modern. It has fantastic clothing and art, plus a background that reaches back beyond the American Revolution. And it’s pretty too. So I have to say Santa Fe and its surrounding area inspired me.

Arizona and New Mexico lay claim to some truly beautiful areas, many of which are so rich in history. Your books always make me want to make a trip to desert country. :)  Which character in Santa Fe Sunrise did you most enjoy writing? Why?

I think I enjoyed writing Brett most, mainly because he underwent such a character change. He was a minor character in Sedona Sunset and frankly, I wasn’t very fond of him. He was more like a robot trapped in a pattern of obedience to his employer and he lost sight of himself. At the end of Sedona Sunset, he quit his job to go on a sabbatical across the Southwest. When we see him again in Santa Fe, he’s found his honesty, compassion and most surprising to me, his sense of humor. I loved the hero he became!

I have to agree. Brett went through a major transformation (a truly positive one!) during his sojourn between Sedona and Santa Fe. What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?

I like to think of myself as business-oriented like Rafaella, or at least more practically oriented. Like her, family is everything to me. I’m also a little stubborn like this heroine. So I guess we have a lot in common.

You...stubborn? :) So, what spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

My spiritual themes develop as the characters grow. I don’t usually plan them until the last. I like to see what kinds of spiritual problems my characters encounter with their distinct personalities. However, I have noticed a recurring theme in my stories. My characters don’t trust people, themselves…God. That theme seems to appear over and over again. Even in Santa Fe, Rafaela couldn’t believe or trust that God loved Her so much he wanted her to have her heart’s desire. So difficulty trusting runs through most of my work.

Let's talk about YOU, beyond the byline:

What household task do you most dislike? 

Laundry.  

Ugh. Me too. Which do you most enjoy? 

Cooking.

Oh. Just when I thought we were a little alike... lol  What makes you laugh out loud?

Children. A baby’s laughter. A burbling toddler. A teenager acting silly. I love their spontaneity and I’ll laugh with them.

'A baby's laughter.' Oh, what joy! What smell do you love most, and why?

Flowers. Any kind. All kinds. I don’t know why, but when I was eight years old my mother gave me a soil bed in the yard to plant vegetables or whatever I wanted. It overflowed with the prettiest purple pansies you ever saw. I know they don’t smell but I think that started my love of flowers. Gentle roses top the list of smells but all of them are wonderful.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

I’m a very eclectic reader. Right now it’s a science fiction by Bob Mayer, part of his Area 51 Series. Bob also happens to be a very smart guy when it comes to publishing. I read his blog all the time and many of his books, so I decided to start his ground breaking first series. But How to Charm the Beekeeper Heart by Candice Sue Patterson is on my to-read-next list, so I bounce around.

God and you:

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

I don’t really know if the lack of trust in my stories relates to my personal relationship with God. But as an ex-atheist, I have to assume it does. After all these years I still question and doubt that He could love a sinner like me.

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

Wellll…..that’s an interesting question. Since I just downsized from a 2500 square foot home to a motorhome, I’m not sure I’ve found a special spot to hide away. There’s not much room for that. But I can say that we have very large windows, and my motorhome was parked in Arizona where the sunsets were spectacular. Now I’m sitting in a forest where the bluebirds and red-headed woodpeckers are flitting around a bird feeder. I guess I can say that all of my home is my special spot, wherever it’s parked.

You have the whole world as your hideaway! 

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

Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

I have a very large family—four children and twenty-one grandchildren. We’ve gone through a lot...from teenage pregnancies, to foster care, to a stroke in the womb—something I’d never even heard of before, but it happened to us. The Lord has been by our side through it all and He keeps my feet going.

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

I had never really experienced God’s presence, so at a very early age, I doubted His existence. I also felt that if the people I was meeting were examples of His people, I wanted nothing to do with them, or Him. I began to believe that God was made up to help weak people get through the days and nights.

I accepted the emptiness of eternity but after I married and had children, the horror of eternity without them tore at me relentlessly. Not to mention the fact that life was difficult. I lived near LA and the Night Stalker was on the rampage. Crazy people were snatching children off the streets and from their own front yards. I realized that no matter how hard I tried I could not truly protect my children. Those fears kept me up at night and sent me into a deep depression. The only thing keeping me alive was the fact that I couldn’t abandon my children or my husband.

I decided that one way or another, even if I had to fake it for the rest of my life, my children were going to grow up in a church. I began instructions and for the first time, actually experienced God’s presence. In my earlier church experiences, I had heard so much about what happened after death. What I discovered in my new experience was how to survive life.

Wonderful! And from what I've seen, you've discovered also that there's no need to fake it. God is so real and so present in our lives! Tanya, thank you again for visiting. It's always a pleasure!

About Santa Fe Sunrise:

Brett Fraser has quit his job, loaded his earthly possessions into his black sports car and headed out to find himself in the great Southwest. Somewhere on his successful climb up the corporate ladder, he lost sight of the man God intended him to be. But Brett intends to find himself again.

Rafaela De Silva has an art gallery to run, a sprawling piece of family property with back taxes due, and a younger sister to care for who suffers from anorexia. She doesn't have time for broken shoe laces, sprained ankles or tumbling into the arms of a handsome stranger, especially one whose past involves scandal.

Brett's determined to help the beautiful runner he rescues from a fall. After examining the smooth edges of her broken shoelace, he's convinced her accident wasn't accidental. But if he's going to help her, he'll have to convince her to trust him'a difficult task given his past.

Under the sun-kissed skies of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Brett must rediscover his purpose in life before he loses Rafaela forever. Who is trying to harm Rafaela? Will she live long enough for Brett to win her heart?

About Tanya Stowe:

TANYA STOWE is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…gifts of the spirit and miracles, mysteries and exotic travel, even an angel or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a journey to the Old West or to contemporary adventures in foreign lands…be prepared for the extraordinary. 

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