Season of Hope by Lisa Jordan

SEASON OF HOPE: 

Jake Holland’s peaceful dairy farm is a sanctuary—one he wants to share with other worn and weary veterans. He just needs one more piece of land to start his program…and it belongs to Tori Lerner, his ex-wife. A collaboration could benefit them both, but with a past full of secrets between them, is there any hope for renewed love?

Heidi here. Season of Hope by Lisa Jordan is a sweet read. I love the premise: Jake wants the land that his secret ex-wife just inherited.

Because Jake and Tori had been married, there is tons of conflict! Not only with them, but with his family because they kept it secret. Everyone tries to push them together, but they are their own worst enemies. In the end, they get back together.

I especially liked the part where Jake "rescues" Tori when she has a fever and is uber sick. And then Tori "rescues" Jake when the barn he was going to have the fundraiser in collapsed (she comes up with a unique, crafty, and free alternate location for the event).

Grab your copy of Season of Hope by Lisa Jordan today!

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

THE MEMORY HOUSE: When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.  

Heidi here. THE MEMORY HOUSE is my personal favorite of Rachel Hauck's novels to date. Wounded yet likable characters, snappy dialogue, and the plot ~ oh the plot. This novel was nearly impossible to put down as the author expertly wove secrets and truths throughout, creating a mega page-turner. I loved the theme of second-chances.

Snap up your copy of THE MEMORY HOUSE by Rachel Hauck today!

Please note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Face-to-face with author Karra Issac!

SO excited to visit with Kara Issac today! I Love her books! here is a little about her:

Kara Isaac writes contemporary romance in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. She is the RITA award-winning author of Then there Was You, as well as the author of Close to You, a RITA Award Double Finalist, and Can't Help Falling, an RT Review Top Pick. When she's not chasing three small people, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. She loves to connect with readers on her website www.karaisaac.com, on Facebook at Kara Isaac - Author, Instagram @kara.isaac.author and Twitter @KaraIsaac

Welcome! We're so glad you could visit us today. You won me over with your first book Close to You and that romantic romp through ‘Middle Earth”, and I have enjoyed every book I’ve read of yours since. Including your latest release, All Made Up.

Where did the inspiration for your latest book come from?

Kat McLeod has appeared in all of my previous books in different ways. In Close To You she was Allie’s best friend, then she made a cameo appearance in Can’t Help Falling, and then she was Paige’s cousin in Then There Was You. I’ve loved her since I first put her on the page but never originally thought I would write a book about her. But readers loved her too and I started getting emails about whether she would get her own story and after I finished Then There Was You I knew her story had to be the next one that I wrote.

I had also been wanting to write a reunion romance for awhile and while I was writing Then There Was You there’s this scene with Kat and Paige where Kat kind of just blurts out that she can’t stop thinking about this guy that she dated almost a decade earlier. As soon as she said it I knew that this was my chance. :)

 All Made Up features a reality show called “Falling for the Farmer”. Are you a fan of reality TV? Do you have any favorites? 

I am a fan of reality TV, though I’m quite picky about what I get attached to because of time constraints. I will always make time for the Bachelor or Bachelorette (US version) even though I have to admit I am in despair as to next season’s pick. My two eldest kids also enjoy cooking shows like Masterchef so I’ll follow those with them as well. Currently in New Zealand we also have a show called Married at First Sight which ordinarily I wouldn’t watch but I have a connection to someone on this season so I’m checking in on him every now and then.

That is very cool, and will make the show so much more interesting! 

How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing? 

For me the most important thing is that the faith thread that I’m telling in my stories is authentic to who my characters are and what their individual faith journeys are. My books have covered a range of characters from committed Christians, to those who are believers but have lost their way, and then others who don’t have a particular faith at all. My next two books have main characters who are quite antagonistic toward Christianity and religion in general.

I tend to get criticized from both sides – readers who think my books aren’t Christian enough and those who think that they are too Christian. I’m a big believer that as a novelist my job is too tell the best and most authentic story that I can and trust God that He will use it. Whether there is a very explicit faith thread or one that is more intricate those parts of the stories are always the ones that I wrestle with the most and pray over the hardest. 

You do a great job, in my opinion. 

What is one of your favorite scenes in All Made Up?

 

Ooooo this is a tough one. I’m going to cheat and name a couple. The first is the opening chapter when Kat and Caleb see each other again for the first time in almost a decade. I was so excited about writing a second-chance romance and that moment when she walks up the path to him and they realize who each other are is one of my favourites. The second is a scene toward the end of the book where they both reveal some of the big secrets they’ve been hiding from each other. It is a really raw scene and I cried writing it because there is so much pain that is put on the table without any resolution but it’s critical because it’s the baggage that they have to work thorugh to have a hope of a future together.

Love!

If time and money were not a concern, what one skill would you like to learn?

Something handy like carpentary!!

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

 Well I live in New Zealand so it’s beautiful! But in Wellington specifically I love the accessibility of everything – you’re never more than about 20 minutes away from wherever you want to go!

What are you working on next? 

I’ve just received the advance copies of my next book that releases in February, One Thing I Know, so am heading into pre-release season for that. I’m also about to start writing my next book that is due to my publisher early next year. It’s going to be the fastest that I’ve ever written a book so I’m feeling very apprehensive about how it is all going to come together in a pretty short time frame! 

Well, good luck with the writing! I'm excited for the next release!

Everyone thinks Katriona McLeod is living the dream. Her professional career as a make up artist sees her traveling the world working with the stars and she's got no shortage of men wanting her affection. Only problem is she's never gotten over Caleb Murphy, the one guy she's ever loved. When she accepts a job on the latest looking-for-love reality TV show, Falling for the Farmer, she discovers to her horror that Caleb is the leading man and she's cast as one of his harem. But she hides a secret that means that even if she wanted a second chance with the guy who broke her heart she could never have it. Caleb Murphy couldn't care less about C-Class celebrity fame or reality TV and he certainly doesn't believe it could lead him to love. The one thing he does care about is fulfilling his mother's last wish. Kat's presence on the show seems to offer up a solution that will make both the network and his mother happy. It might have been almost ten years since they split but he knows he can trust her with his plan. Just as long as he doesn't fall in love all over again with the woman who will never stay

The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

The Heart Between Us: Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide in her small Minnesota hometown and living with her parents, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.

Heidi here. Well, I have a new favorite author! In her debut novel for Thomas Nelson, Lindsay Harrel does not disappoint. The Heart Between Us is a gripping story about twin sisters who aren't close at all, thrown into an unknown situation with the other. They both assume certain things about the other. They both expect certain reactions and behavior. 

Suffice it to say that they are surprised when they both begin to mature and grow spiritually, and most important they grow much closer together.

I loved how broken Crystal was, yet no one knew. I loved how open to change Megan was, the girl who had never left her hometown. Crystal and Megan are fighters, and it was a joy to be with them on their journey. Thank you, Lindsay, I loved The Heart Between Us and can't wait for your next release!

Falling for You by Becky Wade

Falling for You: Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

Heidi here. Look at that cover people! The cover is a great feel of how the book reads. Have I mentioned how much I adore Becky Wade's writing? It just pulls you in. I always get a little depressed when I finish one of her books, knowing it'll be a year before I get to read her again. But, perfection apparently takes a year, so I'm willing to wait😍

In Falling for You, Willow and her two sisters make me feel like I'm at home again, being cared for and cared about. I simply adore this family.

Willow and Corbin were well-developed characters with a wide backstory and deep problems, that were intriguing to read about. Their romance was sweet, yet they each had issues with becoming involved with the other.

I also liked Corban's father's issue with Christianity, I don't think I've ever read that scenario in a novel before, but it's something very common in everyday life.

By the way, True to You, the first in this series, was $1 when I wrote this post, so grab that one if you haven't yet read it. Loved, loved, loved Falling for You by Becky Wade, get your copy today!

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

Storm Front: A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms.

Heidi here. Susan May Warren has a winner with the Montana Rescue Series. Each novel in this series has a main plot and a significant romance subplot, setting characters up for the novel they will star in. Amazing forethought on Susie's part, which makes for such an enjoyable read.

Storm Front deals with Ty Remington and Brett Arnold, who are oh so broken. They each see their flaws so brightly, yet the other sees a hero. Storm Front is a sweet romance coupled with a few serious tornadoes and rescues that are intriguing to read about.

When the Montana Rescue Series debuted, I didn't think I'd be interested in rescue missions. But when I finally read one of the earlier books, I was enthralled with what goes on in a rescue mission, all the pieces that need to play together, and the heroes that are put together in the team. I've now gone back and read the whole series and can't wait for the next one to release (which is Wait For Me, releasing in November).

Grab your copy of Storm Front by Susan May Warren today! At the time I wrote this, the first book in this series, Wild Montana Skies, was $1 on the kindle.

Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter

Honeysuckle Dreams: After Brady Collins’ ex-wife dies, he receives devastating news—his nine-month-old son Sam isn’t his son at all. And Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents want custody of the child. Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. But regardless of what any blood test says, Sam is his son, and Brady will go to any lengths to keep him.

Brady’s attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiance.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and after a happy accident she’s finally offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find.

Heidi here. I loved the premise of this story: Brady Collins needs a wife to secure custody of his baby boy, Hope Daniels never wants to fall in love again so a ready-made family sounds like a dream.

This was such a quick read, and I think it was my favorite Denise Hunter novel thus far! The characters were multi-dimensional and flawed. There was great conflict, which ebbed and flowed well. There were several conflict-inducing secondary characters. Such a fun page turner ~ highly recommend Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter!

The Soldier's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain

The Soldier's Secret Child: Former soldier Vito D'Angelo has come home with a foster son—and a secret that could devastate his comrade's lovely widow. Lacey McPherson is Vito's childhood friend and the last person he wants to hurt. But as their friendship turns to more, the truth grows harder to reveal. Lacey's trying to renovate her guesthouse and build a peaceful single life. Yet letting ruggedly handsome Vito and young Charlie stay on her property awakens a longing for the family she's sure she'll never have. But it may open the door to a loving future…if the onetime boy next door proves to be just the man she needs…

Heidi here. Lee Tobin McClain's latest novel is so sweet. Again, it's all about the premise. In The Soldier's Secret Child, Vito arrives back in his hometown with his foster son, anticipating that he can easily stay away from childhood friend Lacey. Easier said than done as he very quickly discovers that Nonna is living with Lacey because of some health problems and has therefore rented out his childhood home. With nowhere to stay, it quickly becomes obvious that Vito and Charlie should stay in Lacey's guest house with Nonna, except living on Lacey's property is the exact opposite of Vito's plan. The main character's were three-dimensional, they had real issues to overcome that forced them to continue to peel the ugly layers back. I loved how well-thought out Nonna's character was. I adored Charlie and liked that he was a confused kid and at times acted out. The Soldier's Secret Child was an enjoyable read, grab your copy of  today!

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin

The Two of Us: After two broken engagements, nurse practitioner Mia Robinson is done with dating. From now on, she only trusts herself and God, and she's focused on her eighteen-year-old sister, Lucy, and caring for patients. Just as she applies to work for an international aid organization, a phone call from Lucy, who's pregnant and running off to marry her twenty-one-year-old boyfriend, throws a wrench into all of Mia's plans.

Jake Tanner may have recovered from the physical injuries he sustained on the job as a police officer, but his heart has yet to heal from losing his former partner in the tragedy. He's poured himself into starting a camp for the sons of fallen officers and mentoring Sam, the adult son of his deceased partner, who's asked him to be his best man at his wedding. 

Mia is expecting a mess when she arrives to sort out the situation with Lucy, but she wasn't expecting Jake. And Jake, who can't help envying Sam and Lucy, doubts he'll ever experience their happiness for himself. But maybe Jake's courage and Mia's caring spirit are just what they need to bring them a lifetime of healing and a forever kind of love. . . .

Heidi here. So, it all starts with the premise, no? Victoria Bylin created a world for Mia Robinson that would never, ever have a man included. Mia has gone so far as to commit herself to overseas missionary work to ensure she remains single. Except, when she doesn't get the job right away she realizes she must show adaptability. To do this she moves to a small town where there is a job opening and viola she meets wounded and stubborn Jake Tanner. Ahh, this was a good read, a really good one. The author has a way with words, with creating believable conflict, and with ending each scene making the reader wanting more. I highly recommend The Two of Us, grab your copy today!

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

Sandpiper Cove: Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

Heidi here. I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire Hope Harbor Series by Irene Hannon. Sandpiper Cove was no different.

Praise for Sandpiper Cove: Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.

The setting was one thing that I've enjoyed with each of the Hope Harbor novels, I get a feel of this small Oregon seaside village. There are times when I can smell the salty ocean air. There is a harbor seal named Casper who turns up in each book, but always at an inopportune time. A character named Charley sells taco's from a taco truck located on the water at a public park that has a serene setting. Charley knows all, he is the voice of reason for many of the characters. 

Sandpiper Cove has well-developed characters. Lexie, the heroine, is a cop. Adam, the hero, is an ex-con. Nothing like two opposites attracting! The romance unfolds slowly and on the page. A page-turning read that keeps you in the moment. Grab your copy today!

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter

Sweetbriar Cottage: When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage--and okay, the botched divorce--was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah's endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife--still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he's ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she's never been loved unconditionally by anyone--including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine's heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

Heidi here. This was yet another absolutely wonderful book by Denise Hunter! The majority of the book happens in the span of a few days, yet Denise masterfully makes Sweetbriar Cottage a riveting read as she plays into the characters deep emotions and feelings for each other. The romance illustrated on the page is sweet and deep.

Even though Josephine could be an unlikable and unrelatable character, as she has a sordid past, she is both likable and relatable from page one. That sordid past is integral to not only the events happening, but to her current spiritual life.

Funny story about this novel: I pre-purchased this novel back in March, but chose to read and review the ARC instead because she is such an amazing author and the storyline sounded so intriguing. Let me tell you, it was worth it! So, yes, I did receive this book in exchange for a review, but the thoughts in this review wholeheartedly represent my views and mine alone. Just got my real copy on the release day (June 12, 2017), think I might read Sweetbriar Cottage again!

Weekly Windup: Still Time to Enter for Cinderella's Boots by Darlene Franklin!

Weekly Windup

Welcome to the Weekly Windup! There's still time to get your name in the drawing for Darlene Franklin's newest release, so be sure to leave lots of comments! 

We'll have Darlene stopping by for an interview with her main character on Saturday. You won't wanna miss it. :D

 

 

This Week's Giveaway:

Cinderella's Boots by Darlene Franklin

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—known affectionately as “Cinderella”—left her wedding boot in the dust when she ran away from her wedding to work on a sheep station in Australia. 

Four years later, she’s back home—and so is her ex-fiancé, now a DVM from Oklahoma State University. They reach a truce and work side by side in his father’s animal clinic. 

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention. 

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love? 

 Comment on any post now through May 28th to get your name in the drawing! Winner will be announced in the May 29th issue of the Weekly Windup. Paperback giveaways are for U.S. residents only.

Coming up this week:

Monday, 5/22:  Remembering... A Devotion by Carole Brown

Tuesday, 5/23: Ghosts Helped Win WWII by Terri Wangard

Wednesday, 5/24: Woven Wednesday with Elaine Manders

Thursday, 5/25: Defiance by LR Burkard
Friday, 5/26: Fun Friday with Catherine Castle
Saturday, 5/27: Meet Cynthia - A modern Cinderella from Cinderella's Boots by Darlene Franklin

Author interview with Becky Wade

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She’s the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Familyseries, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

True to You (Bradford Sisters Romance #1): After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side-by-side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match.  But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

Becky, congratulations on your new novel, True to You, I read it last month and loved every word! Readers, I posted my review here. Thank you so much for joining us today amid your very busy schedule. Today we’re going to do something a little different, a rapid-fire interview, sound good? I’ll mix in a few lengthy questions, but I thought this format would be fun, so let’s go!

Housework or gardening? Housework.

Reading or watching tv? Reading.

Sweet or salty?  Both!

Aerobics class or running in the park?  Neither.  Yoga and walking are more my speed.

Favorite music to listen to? Contemporary worship music.

Can you tell us what inspired you to write about three sisters?

I’m the eldest of three sisters! I love having sisters. We did our share of fighting when we were growing up, but we’ve been a huge source of friendship, trust, comfort, and support to each other ever since we hit adulthood. We can talk for hours. We look alike. We all share the same sense of humor. My fondness for my sisters and for the bonds of sisterhood inspired me to pen a series based on sisters.

If you could decorate like someone on HGTV, who would it be? Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper.

I KNEW you'd say that, you know Baylor U and all that! What’s the coolest thing about your home? The 4 glass doors across the back of our den that overlook our backyard. I sit at the kitchen table, looking out those doors, when I write.  The view and the sunlight never fail to cheer me up.

Sounds lovely. If you had a super-power, what would it be?  Guessing upcoming plot points in books and movies before they happen.

Ha, good one! If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to visit you for the weekend, who would you invite?  My grandmother.  She passed away in the 1990's and I'd love the chance to spend time with her again. She was outgoing, gentle, loving, and she never met a stranger.  She was convinced my sisters and I had hung the moon.

And we all give you a collective AWWWW with that answer! Moving on, Becky, how would you describe your writing style?

Romantic, humorous, heartwarming.  I’m interested in writing about imperfect, flawed people who are nonetheless loved by a perfect God.  Thus, my books all have a strong faith storyline.  I strive to write authentically.  I like to laugh.  I delight in writing about modern-day people and places.  At least one of my two main characters is always ‘larger than life’ in some way.  And my books are very romance heavy.  My readers can count on a hunky hero who’s going to fall madly in love with the heroine.

Favorite app? Voxer

Favorite website? Facebook.

Favorite tv show of all time?  BBC mini series of Pride and Prejudice.

Favorite movie in the last year? Hidden Figures.

Favorite food? Chocolate

Yum. Guess I didn't say it had to be healthy ;-) Least favorite food? The "fall casserole" my mom used to make when I was a kid.  It was full of vegetables (including leeks) and my sisters and I all dreaded it.

Okay, you must come over for our minestrone soup, it has leeks in it and is delicious! Back to writing though, what’s your advice for other writers?

I think it’s incredibly valuable to take time to learn the craft of writing via writer’s groups, non-fiction books on the topic, conferences.  While learning the craft, I recommend practice.  Write one manuscript through to the end.  Then another!  As you go, try out different sub-genres and cultivate your own unique voice.  In the end, it’s critically important that you take the knowledge you’ve gained, and write your book the way that you love it best.

Best way to decompress? Watch a movie.

Window seat or aisle seat? Window.

What do you like on your pizza? Pepperoni, black olives, onions, green peppers.

What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done? Skiing.

I hear a story behind that, but we must move on. If you could offer your thirteen-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?  To base my confidence in my identity as the Father's daughter.

That is so wise. As I think of the young ladies I know who seem to have it together and aren't following the crowd, those are the ones on fire for Jesus. But I'm getting distracted again, back to your novel. What impact do you hope that True To You will have on readers?

Because I write romances, I always hope that readers will close the final page of my books with a happy sigh and a smile. In this particular case, the theme of True to You is truth. I’m praying the Lord will use this story to remind readers of the fact that their true identity is, was, and always will be, in Him.

Wow, in today’s fast paced world, those words about our identity just made me slow down! I really appreciate how much time you spend on each novel that you write. They are so deep, well-thought out, and always have a strong faith message for the readers. Becky, tell us what you are working on next?

I’m finishing book #2 in the Bradford Sisters Romance series.  Eldest sister Willow Bradford and NFL quarterback Corbin Stewart are the heroine and hero of the second novel.  Corbin’s confident and charming and funny, which makes him a lot of fun to write!

Sounds like another page-turner, Becky, can’t wait! Thanks for joining us today, it was fun!

Readers: we are doing a giveaway, so leave you email addy for an autographed paperback of True to You. US only.

Also, grab Then Came You: A Bradford Sisters Novella for FREE on the kindle today!

Character interview with Cecily Ross (based on the novel Looking Glass Lies by Varina Denman)

Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about women and the unique struggles they face. Her novels include the Mended Hearts trilogy: Jaded, Justified, and Jilted, as well as her latest release, Looking GlassLies. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and her debut novel, Jaded, won the ACFW Genesis Contest, the BRMCWC Selah Award, and the INSPYs Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature.

Varina attended three universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in her local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature. Varina lives in North Texas where she volunteers in local marriage and family ministry. She is represented by Jessica Kirkland of Kirkland Media Management.

Looking Glass Lies: A poignant and relatable novel, Looking Glass Lies captures the war women wage against themselves, and the struggle to see beauty reflected in a mirror not distorted by society’s unrelenting expectations.

For most of her adult life, Cecily Ross has compared herself to other women—and come up short. After a painful divorce from her emotionally abusive husband, Cecily returns to her hometown of Canyon, Texas, looking to heal.

But coming home isn’t what she expects. In a town as small as Canyon, her pain is difficult to escape—especially with her model-perfect ex–sister-in-law working at the town’s popular coffee-shop hangout. With help from her father, a support group, and an old friend who guides her to see her own strengths, Cecily may have a shot at overcoming her insecurities and learning to love again.

The true test comes when tragedy strikes, opening Cecily’s eyes to the harmfulness of her distorted views on beauty—and giving her the perfect opportunity to find peace at last.

Heidi here. I read Looking Glass Lies about a month ago and let me tell you, it was an amazing, amazing read. My review of it is here. I interviewed Varina a couple of years ago and you can see that interview here, so instead of an author interview, today we’re going to interview the main character of Looking Glass Lies Cecily Ross!

Inspiration for Cecily Ross, main character  in Looking Glass Lies

Cecily, welcome to our blog today. It was wonderful meeting you in Looking Glass Lies. When I first met you, you were a broken woman, but today you’ve . . . healed. I wonder, what made you stay with Brett for all those years when you knew you were unhappy?

Well, I truly loved Brett (at least at one point), and I remembered a time when he loved me back. But in the last few years, I admit, I was motivated by pride, embarrassment, and fierce determination. In my eyes, the only thing worse than a failed marriage, was everyone knowing I had a failed marriage. Besides … I just kept thinking things would get better.

So you stayed with your cheating husband, Brett, because of other people's perception of you. Sad. I am glad that you eventually did get out and returned to your home town to attempt to heal. While you were married, many nights you slept in the large walk-in closet, why? Were you hoping to get Brett's attention? Did you think that somehow he'd notice you?

It’s humiliating to think about that now, but yes, I suppose I wanted to get Brett’s attention. But that’s only part of the reason. Probably more than anything, I was mentally and emotionally hiding. Hiding from Brett, hiding from the world and its expectations, even hiding from myself and all the pressure I placed on myself. The closet felt safe to me back then, and when I crawled beneath the hanging clothes, I felt almost like a small child, being held in the arms of my mother. Silly, I know.

No, not silly, I can understand the need to get away from it all. To feel safe. So, when your mother died, do you think that you fully grieved over her death?

Definitely not. At the time, I was too young to know the difference, but now I can see that I didn’t know the first thing about grieving. Not that there’s a right way or a wrong way, but I wasn’t taking any way. I was “stuck in a rut” of denial, or something, and in my mind, everything my mother ever said to me took on a larger-than-life importance. I think I internalized much of my grief, and it sort of ate me up inside.

It seems like your mother's death, in a way, defined you and your behavior as an adult in many ways. Why did you stop playing the piano?

I haven’t ever really thought about that, so it’s funny that you should ask. Hmm. Let me think. The last time I regularly played the piano was in college, after I married Brett. A few years into our marriage, I quit school though, and when I quit, I didn’t practice as much. Then I gradually stopped playing altogether. I guess it ought to have been obvious to me, because it seems clear now: music was part of my life when I was happy. The unhappier I became, the less I played … until I turned my back on music completely. It makes me sad to think of it now.

Do you think, at some point in your life, you can put the past behind you and fully trust a man?

I … think so? I hope so. God has brought me a long way through a lot of muck where I thought I would be mired forever. So I guess if He can bring me this far, then He can help me to trust men again.

Cecily, thank you for stopping by to visit with us today, it was nice getting to know you a little better. I hope you get your happily ever after . . . with someone special!

Heidi, thank you for inviting me. It’s been a pleasure visiting with you and your readers today!

Readers: we are doing a giveaway, so leave you email addy for an autographed paperback of Looking Glass Lies. US and Canada.