Kylie's Kiss, Book Two of Delia Latham's Solomon's Gate Series -- Huge Give-away!

Happy Birthday to Delia!  It is my honor to help her celebrate and be a part of the Kylie's Kiss Blog Blitz!  Kylie's Kiss is the second book of her Somon's Gate series.  Delia is visiting several blogs today, and I'm just one stop on this whirlwind travel excursion. Welcome, Delia!   There's lots to share -- so let's get started!  

First, about the book:   On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon’s Gate—Castle Creek’s new Christian dating agency—and she finds herself revealing exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship: “The kiss that steals my breath away.” 

What she doesn’t reveal is her lack of self-esteem or her irrational reaction to facial disfigurement. Neither is applicable to her quest to find the perfect match. But that seemingly superficial malady becomes all-important when her first agency-arranged date is Rick Dale—a man who is everything Kylie is searching for. He’s handsome, smart, fun. Rick has it all…including an angelic six-year-old daughter with severe scarring on one side of her face. 

Hard at work founding a therapy camp for young female victims of deformity or disfigurement, Rick wants Kylie to be a part of those plans. She’d love to say yes…but how can she, when every contact with the facility’s guests—and Rick’s own daughter—will make her violently ill?

Kylie is ready to admit their relationship doesn’t stand a chance, but she’s forgotten that God makes a way where there seems no way.

And now about Delia:  Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved from California to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. She loves to hear from her readers.  Find out more about this author at her website: www.delialatham.net.

And get this..... Delia is so sweet.  She's giving away gifts for her birthday! She'll be awarding a beautiful oil bottle necklace, in addition to four pdf copies of either Destiny's Dream or Kylie's Kiss.  Leave a comment for a chance to win!  I've listed her travel itinerary at the end of this post so you can travel along to the different host blogs of today's blitz. The more blogs you visit and leave comments, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be drawn from all the comments left on all the participating blogs in one huge drawing!  

Now, about those fabulous prizes!  

 1st PRIZE (Oil Bottle Necklace and Oil) will be announced  on the morning of June 28th in the comments of this post. Winner will be drawn from all the comments left on all the participating blogs up until midnight on June 27th.

The FOUR BOOK WINNERS will receive their choice of the following books:

    Destiny's Dream (pdf)

    Kylie's Kiss (pdf)

    Morning Rendezvous (print) (This is a self-pubbed book of devotions/inspirational musings.)

Book winners will be announced on the morning of July 1st here in the comments of this post.  Again, they will be drawn from all the comments left on all the participating blogs up until midnight on June 30th.

Happy Birthday, Delia!  Thanks so much for making my blog a stop on your exciting blog blitz tour!

Don't delay, readers -- you're going to love getting to know Delia.  Here's the list of host blogs!
Bon voyage! 

Donna Basinow http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com

Pamela S. Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Barbara Hartzler http://barbarahartzler.com/

http://www.examiner.com/christian-fiction-in-kansas-city/barbara-hartzler

Linda Wagner http://onedesertrose.wordpress.com/

Anne K. Albert http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com

 Tracy Krauss www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com 
Robin Bayne http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com 
Edwina Cowgill http://www.musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/ 
Susan Hollaway http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com 
Patty Wysong (June 27-28) http://www.barndoorbookloft.net 
Elizabeth Johnson http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com 
Shellie Neumeier http://shellieneumeier.com/ 
Liz Tolsma www.liztolsma.blogspot.com 
Teresa Slack www.writersrest.blogspot.com 
Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/ 
Jeannie Campbell http://charactertherapist.blogspot.com/
Nike Chillemi http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/
Jo Huddleston http://johuddleston.blogspot.com/
Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/
Andrea Strong http://andreastake.blogspot.com
Phyllis Wheeler http://www.phylliswheeler.com/blog/
Elaine Cantrell http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
Cheryl St. John http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: The prizes from the one collective drawing from all the blogs participating in this blog blitz will be shipped by the author. Give-aways are void where prohibited and are open to US residents only. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” You may also find more details on FTC compliance here on my blog http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com/p/misc-information.html .

Interview with Lorna Seilstad! There's still a chance to win a copy of her book!

Today, Lorna is letting us know a little bit more about her and her writing.  Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, relax,  and snuggle into your favorite chair.  Lorna is a delight and I know you'll enjoy getting to know her.    

Just as a reminder -- My review of her book and her give-away on my blog is still in full swing!  I'll announce the winner on Monday (6/27) morning in the comments on that post, so be sure and stop back by to see if you're the winner!   You can find that post HERE or you can click on her book cover on my sidebar and it will take you directly to the give-away post.  Anyone who leaves a comment is entered for a chance to win a copy of her latest release, A Great Catch!  If you're a follower of my blog, you'll get two entries for a chance to win.  

Now, let's get to know Lorna!  

 Susan:  Hey, Lorna!  It's so nice of you to take the time to chat with us. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Lorna:   I’ve called Iowa home my whole life. I received my B.S. in education from Lubbock Christian University. After my first child was born, I quit teaching and became a professional wiper. I wiped noses, tears, skinned knees, baby's bottoms, and countertops every day. But at naptime, I wrote. Today, I write historical fiction with a generous dash of humor, and live in Iowa with my husband and three children--ages 19, 17, and 12.  I grew up attending antique auctions with my parents, and from that, grew a love for history. The love of Oreos is all my own. When I’m not writing or chauffeuring my kids around, I teach Bible classes, working with my 4-H club, or bake cookies.

 Susan:  Can you tell us about your writing journey?

Lorna:  In 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade, I had the same teacher for English. Every Friday, we had a creative writing assignment. For example, we might come to school and find footprints taped to the walls and ceiling and we were supposed to write about how they got there. I loved it.

After my first child was born, I decided I wanted to stop teaching and stay home. I did daycare for teachers, but I needed something. I went back to my first writing love of fiction. In 2000, I started writing fan fiction online. I wrote at a site called romancefanfiction.net. There were a lot of wonderful writers there, and it was a wonderful place to learn and find my voice. I started working toward publication in 2007.

I went to my first ACFW conference in 2008. There, I met Andrea Doering from Revell in one of my editor interviews. My first contract, for the three books in the Lake Manawa Summers Series, came from that interview.

Susan:  That's wonderful!  What is A Great Catch about?

Lorna:  She wants to change the world.  He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

Susan:  How did you come up with the concept for A Great Catch and the Lake Manawa Summers series?

Lorna:  When the resort park at Lake Manawa closed, my grandfather purchased one of the bath houses there for $300. He moved it to a lot on what had once been the Midway and made it into a house. That is the home where my dad lived as a boy. He told me stories about the area, and after I did a some research, I knew I had to write a story there.

Susan:  That's such a neat story.  I heard there is also a story behind the book’s cover. Can you share it?

Lorna: There is a wonderful story. I found the photo of the dress while doing my research. It’s a museum piece from 1900. Revell took the photo and had the dress made for the cover model to wear. It just fits so perfectly and I think it’s so neat that they did that.

Susan:  Me too!  I think Revell has done an amazing job on your book covers!  So, how much research do you undertake while writing historical fiction?

Lorna:  It takes a lot of research. I don’t just want to get the facts right, I want to get the feel of the times right. I read a lot of newspapers of that day besides doing the other research. I love research, though. It’s like a treasure hunt.

Susan: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Lorna: Hmmm. I see myself still writing, but I hope I have my office fixed up by then. My office is in the basement and it’s really cold in the winter. I have to wear gloves without fingertips.

Susan: I hope you get your office fixed up by then too.  I'd hate to see anything slow you down, including the cold.  I love your stories.  Oh!  Forgive my manners.  I certainly don't want you to be uncomfortable either.  =)   So, I know I'm not the only one wanting to know ... What other new projects do you have in the future?

Lorna:  Right now, I’m finishing up the third book in the series. It’s about Lilly and a roller coaster designer. I have another book series in the proposal stage.

Susan:  Yay!  Ahem. Sorry.  This is an interview.  I need to have a little decorum and contain my excitement over future books.  =)  So...What is one thing people may be surprised to know about you?

Lorna:  I can tell time without wearing a watch. It’s a strange ability, but I never wear a watch and I almost always know the time within about five minutes. I didn’t tell my kids that I could do this for a long time, but they know now, so they like to test me at random times.

Susan:  That's really neat, Lorna.  What time is it right now?   Just kidding.  I can generally say I'm going to wake up at a certain time and I'll wake up within 5 minutes of that time.  But to be able to tell within 5 minutes of the actual time at any given moment -- well, that's just amazing.  I bet you can have some real fun with that gift.  I know your readers will want to know --how can they get in touch with you?

Lorna: I love to hear from readers. I can be contacted through my website www.lornaseilstad.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Susan:  I'd really enjoyed getting to know you, and I'm sure the readers feel the same.  Thanks so much for stopping by and please come back soon .You have an open invitation to come back and visit anytime.  I love having company!   I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of your third book, The Ride of Her Life.

 

Featuring A GREAT CATCH by Lorna Seilstad! Review and Give-Away!

A Great Catch 

by Lorna Seilstad

Revell Publishing

Copyright 2011

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6

Visit your local bookstore or buy online at:

Amazon 

Christian Book

This week, I'm featuring Lorna Seilstad's A Great Catch. It is the second of Lorna's three books in her Lake Manawa Summers series. First I have to say that the moment the book came into our house, my daughter nabbed it.  "Ooooh!  It's Lorna Seilstad's latest book!  Can I read it first?" Obviously, I'm not the only Lorna Seilstad fan in the Hollaway household.  So, I had to wait to read it.  However, I didn't have to wait long, as my daughter spent some of her very first hours on summer vacation reading Lorna's book.

I featured her first book Making Waves here on my blog on October 11 of last year. (You can find my review of that book on my Previews and Reviews page.)   I loved Making Waves, and A Great Catch delighted me even more.   I couldn't help but fall in love with Lake Manawa and it's population of  loveable, and sometimes quirky, characters.  Lorna can weave a tale that makes you feel as though you're living alongside the people in her stories. I love to laugh out loud when I'm reading and Lorna's stories give you sheer enjoyment.   I can't wait for the third book The Ride of Her Life to come out.  If you haven't read Making Waves, I'd recommend you picking it up at the same time you get A Great Catch.  If you can't find it at your local bookstore, you can purchase it online at  Amazon or Christian Book.   Each of her books can be read as a stand-alone, but you don't want to miss out on one single adventure or love story in her delightful historical romances.

Revell does a fabulous job on the book covers.  They are beautifully done!

Back Book Cover: She wants to change the world.  He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change.  When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor.  She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next.  Will Carter strike out?  Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel.  A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters. 

About the Author:  

 Lorna Seilstad is a history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer.  A former  high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.  She lives in and draws her setting from Iowa.   

My blog will feature an interview with Lorna on Thursday,June 23rd, so be sure and stop back by.  Lorna is a delight!      

Book Give-Away: Please feel free to stop and chat with Lorna -- via comments -- as she'll be stopping by a few times this week to check in and answer any questions you might have about her book(s) and writing.  By leaving a comment, you'll be automatically entered to win a copy of A Great Catch, compliments of Lorna . If you're a follower of my blog, please say so and your comment will get you two entires for a chance to win. Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I can contact the winner.  Drawing to be held on Monday, June 27th!  Happy reading, everyone!  Lorna and I look forward to your comments!

Disclaimer: The winner's prize will be shipped by the author. Give-aways are void where prohibited and are open to US residents only. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” You may also find more details on FTC compliance here on my blog http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com/p/misc-information.html .

And the winner of HIS COUNTRY GIRL is....

.....Robin!  Congratulations!   I know you'll enjoy this sweet story. 

Thank you, Jillian, for blessing one of my blog readers with a copy of your book. 

Happy reading!
Susan

The forecast calls for a brainstorm!

Today's weather forecast is predicting some rain, but inside-- the forecast is sunny with 100% chance of brainstorms!  Yep, I get to hang out with two special friends and bounce ideas off one another. I feel almost giddy!  

Before we know it, the summer will fly by and it'll be time for the annual ACFW conference. I'm so ready and beyond exuberant -- this will be my first time attending! St. Louis, here I come! Eeeek!  I'M NOT READY! 

I've GOT to get my WIP finished. I became a little ... ahem, unfocused and tried to change things a little too much. I attempted to morph my characters into who they didn't want to be. Quite frankly, they put on the brakes and simply refused to budge.  After some serious prayer and some plotting with my daughter (I so love how she tells it like it is -- no holding back), I'm back on track and looking forward to some serious brainstorming to work out the kinks. 

Nothing like a good rain storm to clear the air.  I'm hoping a good "brainstorm" will clear the ole' noggin. (No wisecracks about the air space between my ears, please.)   I'm within five chapters of finishing my novel, then of course, there's lots of editing and revisions before I can even think of pitching or submitting. But still ... five chapters!   I'm closer to the end than the beginning and that's got to account for something.

I'll admit it's taken far longer than it should have to get this book written, but I've learned a great deal along the way.   And even though I want it to be done already, I refuse to have any regrets about how long it's taken. It's been a journey in which I've learned so much about so many things. I've discovered some better ways to do things and numerous ways how NOT to do things.  But regrets? No way, no how.  Because if I ever stop learning, then I must have stopped writing --because there's always something new to learn to become better at the craft. I love a good "a-ha" moment. And since I love to learn and I don't ever want to stop writing, I'm going to hang on for this amazing journey God has allowed me to travel.

 I've met so many people during this great adventure -- some in person and some over the web.  God has given me blessings heaped up, pushed down, and overflowing.  I can't begin to adequately thank everyone.  I praise God every single day for the people He's put in my life.  I hope you all know who you are.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So no matter what the weather is outside today, inside it'll be warm with great friendship, sunny with the beautiful personalities of my two special friends, and the best kind of storm of all -- writers brainstorming!  I forecast lots of "aha" moments and  strikes of laughter.  And I plan on having a snortin' good time.  Let the brainstorming commence!

Susie

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award -- I have such nice blogger friends!

I was tagged for the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award.  Awww. Thanks, Penny.  

The Rules of the Award are: 

1)To send a thank you! So, a big thank you to my author friend Penny Zeller for awarding me this honor! Please check out Penny's answers and her blog at http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com. Thank you again, Penny!

2) To accept this award, I had to answer 7 random facts about me. Here we go!

a) I've always wanted to be a writer, but didn't act upon that desire until the last couple of years.

b) I met my husband through a blind date.

c) I have several favorite Bible verses, but here are two:  Phil 4:6-7 and Jeremiah 29:11

d) I would love to visit Yellowstone Park. 

e) I was a Girl Scout growing up and I could still make you a "sit upon" out of newspaper, an old vinyl tablecloth, and some yarn.  And if you've got an old bleach jug -- a "hand-washing station" for camping. 

f)  I love pizza and ice cream.  Maybe a little too much!

g) I think I have an invisible target on me that only birds can see.  Enough said.   

3) And now I’m passing this blog award to some other wonderful blog buddies. Please take time to check out their awesome blogs/websites.  They're a blessing to me and others in so many ways.  Stop by and visit their home on the web -- you will be blessed too!

 Robin Prater  at  Robin's Nest   

 Christina Rich  at Christina's Inspirationals   

Margaret Metz  at Butterfly Blessings

Ralene Burke  at Ralene Burke - Author

 Delia Latham  at  My Book Bag

Kathleen Maher at History Repeats Itself 

Barbara Hartzler at Barbara Hartzler - Living ,Learning and Writing

Stephanie Morrill at   Go Teen Writers 

Featuring HIS COUNTRY GIRL by Jillian Hart ! Book Give-Away!

This week, I'm featuring author, Jillian Hart, and her Love Inspired novel, His Country Girl. 

 Jillian is one of my favorite Love Inspy authors!   I just recently had the opportunity to read this book.  Love Inspired books are sold through Harlequin's Steeple Hill line, which means they're typically only out on store shelves for a month or so as well as through their book club.  But do not despair -- you can still find it online -- and I recommend that you do!
 

Purchase Online at :Amazon  (paperback and Kindle editions)
You can also visit Jillian's website on her bookshelf page.  

His Country Girl, Granger Family Ranch, Book 4

by Jillian Hart   -- Love Inspired, Copyright 2011

ISBN 13: 978-0-373-87643-3

Back Cover:  To fulfill a sick boy's wish, rodeo star Tucker Granger surprises little Owen in the hospital.  But no one is more surprised than single mother Sierra Baker.  She figures the carefree champion for a different kind of man.  One who doesn't spend hours talking "cowboy code" with a hospital-bound child.  One who can't have her dreaming of a second chance at love. Somehow, tucker ropes her heart and fills it with hope.  Hope that this country girl and her son can lasso the roaming bronc rider into their family forever.  

The Granger Family Ranch:  Nestled in a Wyoming mountain town, where family is home.

About the Author: Jill grew up on her family's homestead on Washington state, near Carnation, Washington, where she raised cattle to pay for her college tuition, rode horses through the pristine foothills of the Cascade Mountain range and scribbled stories in her spare time.
 
After earning an English degree from Whitman College (what better way to go through college than to constantly read books?), she traveled, worked in advertising, taught Sunday school and volunteered before becoming a writer.
When she's not hard at work on her next story, Jill can be found chatting with a friend, stopping for a café mocha with a book in hand, and spending quiet evenings at home with her family. 

  I invite you to visit Jillian's website to find out more about her and her books.  Don't forget to visit her bookshelf page and then hang onto your bookmark.  It's virtual treasure chest of great books!  

Book Give-Away: By leaving a comment, you'll be automatically entered to win a copy of HIS COUNTRY GIRL, compliments of Jillian.  If you're a follower, include that in your comment and your comment will get you two entires for a chance to win. Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I can contact the winner. Example:  janedoe (at) wherever (dot) com .  Drawing to be held on Monday, June 20th! 

Happy reading, everyone!  We look forward to your comments.

Blessings,
Susan

Disclaimer: The winner's prize will be shipped by the author. Give-aways are void where prohibited and are open to US residents only. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” You may also find more details on FTC compliance here on my blog http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com/p/misc-information.html . 

And the winner of Kaydie is ......

.......Glenda!   Congratulations!  I know you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.

Look for an email from me in your inbox.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy Reading!
 Blessings,
Susan

Kaydie by Penny Zeller featured today! Review and Give-Away!

Kaydie

Book Two in the Montana Sky Series

by Penny Zeller

Published by Whitaker House

 

Copyright:  2011

 ISBN:  978-1-60374-217-7

Visit your local bookstore or purchase online at:

Amazon

 Christian Book 

Kaydie is finally safe and living with her sister and brother-in-law on their ranch in Montana territory.  Since her husband’s death in his failed bank robbery, she’s finally physically safe, but the memories of his abuse continue to haunt her.   She’s wary of men and is determined to protect herself and her soon-to-be born child.  She had poor judgment once in choosing a husband and she’s not going to make the same mistake twice.  She builds a wall around her heart that she aims for no man to break through.

Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson is like family to Zach and McKenzie, and even though he can see how happy they are, he has no desire to wed.  Marital bliss is the last thing he desires.  In fact, he’s not even sure there is such a thing – not for him anyway.  His mother deserted him when he was very young and he was hated and rejected by his own father.  He’s had no good example of how to be a husband or father and is determined to remain a bachelor forever. 

  

But from the moment Kaydie shows up in Pine Haven, Jonah has been drawn to her.  Kaydie is scared and keeps her wall of protection in place.  He hates that she’s frightened of him and decides he can be her friend.  She has her child and over time they form a strong friendship and Jonah begins to find it difficult to want only friendship.  Her child has grown to love Jonah.  Can she keep her heart safe?

An old friend of Kaydie, Cedric van Aulst, comes to town intent on courting her.  Being a wealthy lawyer in her father’s Boston firm, he can’t fathom the ways of the west.  He’s loved Kaydie for a long time and is intent on rescuing her from this god forsaken land.  He’s determined to get her to Boston where she can have a life of leisure and attend charity events. 

Kaydie can trust Cedric, but is that enough?  Will he be a dedicated father to her child? Besides, she’s grown to love Pine Haven and her life there.  Will she trust God to lead her path?  Will she open her heart to true love instead of settling for a safe and boring life? 

I’m not going to spoil it for you, because you have to read this book!  I loved it even more than McKenzie.   This series just keeps getting better.  I’m holding on to my bookmark and I suggest you do the same.  Hailee, the third book in Penny Zeller’s Montana Skies series, will be released this fall.  

 About the Author: 

I invite you to visit Penny at her website and find out more about her books at www.pennyzeller.com.  She also has a humor blog, A Day in the Life of Wife, Mom and Author.  

 Book Give-Away: 

Please feel free to stop and chat with Penny -- via comments -- as she'll be stopping by a few times this week to check in and answer any questions you might have about her book(s) and writing. By leaving a comment, you'll be automatically entered to win a copy of her book, compliments of Penny.  If you're a follower of my blog, please mention that in your comment, and you’ll be entered twice for a chance to win. Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I can contact the winner.  Drawing to be held on Monday, June 13^th.  Happy reading, everyone!  Penny and I look forward to your comments.

 

Disclaimer:  Give-aways are void where prohibited and are open to US residents only. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” You may also find more details on FTC compliance at the very bottom of my blog’s main page.