Golden Keyes Parsons ~ His Steadfast Love ~ Book Giveaway

Golden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker and author of historical novels. Her book, In the Shadow of the Sun King (Darkness to Light Series, Book 1), is the first in a three-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW’s Book of the Year Debut Author category.
Her second book, A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Novels), was released September 2009 and was named a finalist in RWA’s prestigious Daphne contest and this year was a finalist for the AWSA Golden Scroll Novel of the Year. The concluding book in the series, Where Hearts Are Free (A Darkness to Light Novel)released September 2010 and is a Women of Faith Book Club selection. Her fourth novel, His Steadfast Love (Darkness to Light), a Civil War novel set in Texas, releases November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine. When she isn’t writing or speaking, she is busy with their three grown daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren or attending sporting and alumni events at Baylor University.

Welcome, Golden, has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? 

I read more now than I used to.

Other than the Bible, what is your all time favorite book? 

The Scarlet Letter

What movie most impacted you as a kid? 

Without a doubt “The Red Shoes.” I was about 7 or 8 years old, and I came home from the movie, set up our kitchen chairs in a row and tried to leap from one to one. Of course, that resulted in quite a crash! 

Why? I’m not quite sure why it had such an impact on me. It is such a beautiful, tragic film. It planted a love for ballet in my heart that continues to this day. I never was a dancer, but one of our daughters has her degree in dance and taught dance for years.

What was the last movie you saw in a theater?“The Help” 

Did you like it?Loved it. 

Who was with you? My husband, our oldest daughter and one of our twin grandsons. What snacks did you eat? Nothing.
What are you currently reading? Ted Dekker’s Immanuel’s Veins 

What is your favorite genre for personal reading pleasure? Historical fiction
They say what a person would take from a burning building tells a lot about them. If you could only save one thing (nothing living) from your home, what would that be? 

We actually had to evacuate because of a forest fire when we lived in the southern Rockies in 1996. We grabbed photo albums, our Bibles, silver,  records, etc. If that happened today, I would grab my laptop. It has my life on it!

Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.
  I’m legally blind in my left eye.

2.   I have a secret desire to be a ballerina.

3.   I detest oysters.

4.   I alphabetize my canned goods in the pantry.

5.   I studied classical piano for 10 years.

What other books have you written, whether published or not? 

A Bible study book, “The Wise Woman Builds.” The Darkness To Light series: “In The Shadow Of The Sun King,” “Prisoner Of Versailles,” “Where Hearts Are Free.” 

How do you organize your writing day? 
I write in the mornings and work on marketing and other stuff in the afternoons. If I’m on deadline, I divide the word count between the days I have to accomplish the goal, and I discipline myself to get that amount done.
What facet of the writing craft comes easiest to you?

Creating story. It plays out in my mind’s eye, and I write it down.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
If you mean about writing itself, that would be adding depth to characters. If you mean what is the hardest thing about being a writer, it would be marketing.
If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?
For the heroine, Amanda Belle, I’ve chosen Clare Danes. 
The hero, Kent Littlefield – Jim Caviezel. 
For Amanda’s brother, Daniel, Ryan Gosling would be perfect.

Tell us about the story of His Steadfast Love (Darkness to Light)
A Civil War Novel Set in Texas, Thomas Nelson Publishing

     The Civil War—a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which will determine the fate of the Nation. It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.
     It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise to her dying mother to take care of her siblings, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
     When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States, and Kent remains with the Union troops.
     Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?
     Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas… with her heart, and her faith, intact.

Where can we find you on the web?

Web site: www.goldenkeyesparsons.com

Blog: www.goldenkeyesparsons.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Keyes-Parsons-Fan-Page/112456122123008

Twitter: twitter.com/Golden K Parsons

Golden, thank you for stopping by and sharing with us. To have the possibility to receive a copy of His Steadfast Love (Darkness to Light)
leave a comment with your email (name at domain name dot com). To make it a little more fun, go to Golden's or web site and find out something of interest that is different from all other comments about Golden or one of her characters. Giveaway closes Sunday, November 27, 2011 at midnight (CST). Only US postal codes.If you're reading this on Feedburner, Facebook, or Amazon please come to www.AJHawke.blogspot.com to leave your comments.

Jennifer Hudson Taylor ~ Highland Sanctuary ~ Book Giveaway

Welcome back to Jennifer Hudson Taylor. She is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing.
Her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.
      If time and money did not enter in the equation, what would be your dream?
To spend several months traveling and touring through Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. I would want to take my time and enjoy all the historical and famous places I've heard about.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
My Bible, Redeeming Love, Gone with the Wind, Pride and Prejudice, and Persuasion.
What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Reading as many novels as possible and watching more TV.
What movie most impacted you as a kid? Why?
The life of Jesus. After watching that movie I couldn't stop crying and my mom led me through the prayer of salvation.
What was the last movie you saw in a theatre? Did you like it? Who was with you? What snacks did you eat?
Monte Carlo with my daughter, Celina. We ate popcorn and twizzlers.
What are you currently reading? What is your favorite genre for personal reading pleasure?
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman and Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. My favorite genre is definitely historical Christian fiction--what I write.
What is the last book you read that moved you? What caused that powerful emotional experience?
I think it was Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs.
What is your favorite season of the year? Why?
Autumn. I love the beautiful fall colors and the nip in the air before it gets too cold. It's also the season I was born in--the day before Halloween.
Who's your one biggest fan/supporter of your writing?
My husband. I've tried to get him to read other authors, but he says he can't get through them, but he reads mine, brainstorms with me and gives me great feedback.
What is your favorite period (genre) to write in?
1800's, but I like to read everything.
Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your Christian walk?
My mother.
If you could live anywhere on the planet where would you live? Why?
I think a condo on the beach on the 7th-10th floor would suit me just fine. I've always loved it when I take such vacations on North and South Carolina beaches.
What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
I really enjoyed para sailing over the ocean.
Other than the Bible, what is your all time favorite book?
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
What other books have you written, whether published or not?
Highland Blessings was my debut novel and the sequel Highland Sanctuary comes out Oct 1st. I'm a contributing author on two novellas releasing in January and February 2012. One is Highland Crossings and the other is Quakers of New Garden.
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.
1)I hate bananas. 2)I have to sleep in socks no matter how hot. 3)I hated coffee in my twenties and I grew to love it in my thirties. 4)I was the cause of them shutting down the ski chair lift in Boone, NC because I froze in fear and couldn't jump off of it and got stuck when it kept moving on. They had to come get me down. 5)I like visiting cemeteries and reading about the lives on the tombstones, especially if they were my ancestors.
Who would you say are your readers?
The youngest reader that I'm aware of is a 9 year old girl and the oldest is a 101 year old lady. I've had several men write me who also read my work. I guess my readers are people who enjoy historical Christian fiction with a mixture of romance, faith with mystery and suspense.
Tell me about the story of Highland Sanctuary.

Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and
comely lass, who captures Gavin’s heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.
The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.
WHERE TO FIND YOU ON THE WEB
Web site: www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com
Blog: www.jenniferswriting.blogspot.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/JenniferHudsonTaylor
Twitter: twitter.com/jt4novels
Jennifer, thank you for stopping by and sharing with us. To have the possibility to receive a copy of Highland Sanctuary leave a comment with your email (name at domain name dot com). To make it a little more fun, go to Jennifer's blog or web site and find out something of interest that is different from all other comments about Jennifer or one of her characters. Giveaway closes Sunday, October 2, 2011 at midnight (CST). Only US postal codes.If you're reading this on Feedburner, Facebook, or Amazon please come to www.AJHawke.blogspot.com to leave your comments.

A J Hawke ~ Caught Between Two Worlds ~ Book Giveaway

Caught Between Two Worlds by A J Hawke is an Inspirational Contemporary Romance. It is available on Amazon.com as a paperback and on Amazon/Kindle as an ebook.
Book Description: He comes from a ranch in Colorado; she comes from Upper Manhattan. He’s struggling to provide the medical care his daughter needs; she has more money than she can spend in a lifetime. He has a strong faith to see him through; she is alone without a belief. They are caught between their two worlds.
Widower Flint Tucker doesn't have the resources to get the medical treatment his three-year-old daughter needs. Stephanie Wellbourne has a chance encounter with Flint and she offers him a job that will enable him to earn the money. The only problem is the job takes him away from his life in Colorado and brings him to New York City. Drawn to the tall rugged Westerner, Stephanie can’t understand his clinging to a belief that God will provide a way to help him with his problems. How can a man from a ranch in Colorado and an Upper Manhattan career woman find love as they are caught between their two worlds.
Here is an except:

Chapter One

August 2008

Colorado Rockies

Stephanie Wellbourne felt her ankle twist and tried to catch herself before she hit the gravel and dirt of the mountain trail, but landed hard. Pain slammed her right ankle and up her leg. She moaned as she brushed the dark hair out of her eyes. No way to tell how many bruises the impact had created. The stabbing pain intensified and gritting her teeth, Stephanie wrapped both hands around her ankle and glanced in both directions, hoping to see someone who could help. Nothing but thick forest swallowed the trail in both directions. How long had she been walking on the path by the Retreat Center before she twisted her ankle? Why hadn’t she turned back at the end of the paved walk instead of continuing through the forest?

Whipping her head around at an unexpected sound, she stared into the forest of trees that bordered the path. Was that a bird? Now she was hearing all sorts of noises. With the help of a small pine tree next to the trail, Stephanie pulled herself upright and put weight on her right foot. Ouch! No way there’d be any walking on this ankle. Was it broken?

Queasiness rolled over her in waves and she bit her lower lip. How could she make it back to the Retreat Center? Her corporate staff had the afternoon off, and she was stuck out here. Stephanie shoved her hand into her pocket searching for her cell phone. It wasn’t there. Stupid! She should have accepted Sam Edwards’ offer to walk with her. However, she had no desire to talk to the head of her corporate law division, and she’d been so angry with him. Angry at all of them! The entire management team refusing her

solutions—how dare they? After all, it was her company.

Stephanie hopped and made it about fifteen feet before stumbling to her knees. Pain surged through her lower right leg. She sat in the middle of the gravel trail, hugged her right knee close to her chest, and tried not to cry. This could not be happening. She fingered the tear in the knee of her black microfiber slacks. The red sleeveless sweater had been warm enough during the hike, but now she shivered in the stretching shadows of late afternoon. Looking around she felt the forest closing in on her. Where was her staff when she needed them?


The sun sank closer to the tree line. She struggled against the rising panic. The slight breeze brought a smell of pine and earth, and the effects of the wind had a different sound on the tops of the pine and fir trees. It didn’t

resemble her estate in the Hamptons in any way. 

A sound that had been at the edge of her mind for several moments became a loud thump, thump of boots hitting the gravel. She turned toward the trail leading up the mountain. A tall man strode her way. Loaded down with a large black backpack, he pounded downhill with the water bottle strapped to his belt keeping rhythm with his steps.


His sudden stop sent a spray of small gravel fanning out in front of his heavy hiking boots. “Are you all right?” He seemed bewildered to find her sitting on the trail. 


His short light brown hair looked like it might be curly if allowed to grow. Why was she noticing his curly locks at a time like this? She shook off the thought. “No, I’m not. I may have twisted my ankle and I don’t have my cell phone. You wouldn’t have one, would you?”

“Sorry, my battery’s down.” His voice was deep and mellow.


Nice voice. It wouldn’t be hard to listen to, and he wasn’t bad to look at either with his dark green T-shirt taut across the width of his chest and shoulders, snug-fitting khaki hiking shorts, and sporting sunglasses in the dimming light of day, although he seemed a little distant. Would he be like most men she met who gave her too much attention, especially when they discovered who she was? She would find out. 

“Can you help me back to the Cedar Ridge Retreat Center? It’s just down the trail.”

Working his arms out of the straps of his backpack, he dropped it on the side of the trail. “Let’s take a look at your ankle."


His square-jaw framed the lower part of his strong handsome face. If only he’d take his sunglasses off so she could see the color of his eyes. She shook herself to focus on what he’d said as she lifted her ankle for his

inspection. “I don’t know what looking at it will do. I can tell it’s sprained. I just need help getting back to my hotel room.”

The man held out his hand. “Would it help if I introduced myself? I’m Flint Tucker.” His large hand swallowed hers in its warmth.


“Hi, I’m Stephanie Wellbourne of New York City.” He towered over her from where she sat on the ground.

He squatted next to her, and more tenderly than she would have expected he palpated her ankle. “It’s already swelling and it’s going to bruise.” He slipped off her sandal.

“Ouch!”

“Sorry, but it’ll feel better without the weight of the shoe.” He glanced at her, and then down the trail. “It’ll be dark in another hour and a half. I’ll leave my pack here and carry you.”

She felt control of the situation slipping away. “No, please. Just go get help.”

“There’s no time to get help and come back before the sun sets. I won’t leave you alone on the trail after dark.” Not waiting for her to respond, he turned to his pack and dug out a sweater. “Here, let’s get you into this. The temperature is dropping fast.”

A chill seeped into her bones. She shivered. When did it get so cold? She allowed him to pull the sweater over her head and upper body. “Thank you. I am cold.” She smoothed the lightweight blue v-neck sweater down her body. At once the fine micro fleece warmed her.

Flint continued pulling various items out of his pack, which he shoved into his pockets. When he turned to her, he held an ace bandage. “I’ll wrap the ankle for now. That should help with the pain.”

“You seem to be prepared for anything.” While he expertly wrapped her ankle tears squeezed out the corner of her eyes from the pain.

When he finished, he eased her foot to the ground, then sat back on his heels. “I’ve had a lot of practice. When out in the mountains it pays to think ahead.”

Was he rebuking her for not thinking ahead—like not having her cell phone or even a sweater? If he would only take off the sunglasses, she could see his eyes. 

Before she realized what he intended to do, he slipped his left arm around her waist and his right under her knees. Without so much as a grunt, he lifted her as he would a small child. She wrapped her arms around his

neck to steady herself. 


Without another word, he trudged down the trail. With each step the bouncing pounded excruciating pain in her ankle. Passing out would be a welcome relief. After what seemed an intolerable time, he stepped off the

trail a few steps, then lowered her onto a stump.

“Why are we stopping?” She didn’t try to keep the impatience from her voice. “It’s getting dark. Let’s get to the retreat center.”

Flint removed his sunglasses and slid them into a pocket of his hiking shorts. “Would you like a drink?” He was even more handsome now that she could see his eyes.

 “What?” She drew herself back from the depths of his amazing blue eyes.

“I’m thirsty and about to drink most of the water in my water bottle. I wondered if you would like a drink before I finish it off.” He waited holding his water bottle.

“No, thank you. I just want to get to the Retreat Center.” Yes, she wanted to get back to the center, but he was intriguing.

His muscles rippled under the veins and tendons that stood out on his arms as he drank the water and then hooked the bottle back on his belt. Even with the chill in the air and the darkening of the trail, a fine mist of sweat covered his face and arms.

“Ready?” he asked.

Forcing her wayward thoughts back to her need to get back to the lodge, Stephanie lifted her arms. “Yes.”

Flint lifted her into his arms again, only this time he gave a slight grunt.

Stephanie glanced at his face and saw that the strain of carrying her one hundred ten pounds was more of an effort than he’d shown at first. “Are you getting tired?”

Keeping his eyes on his boots hitting the trail, Flint said, “Yes, you’re getting a bit heavy but nothing I can’t handle. It’s just that I’ve already been hiking about eight hours today.”

Wow! Eight hours. None of the men she knew could do anything like eight hours of walking, much less on a mountain. Stephanie could not imagine hiking that far in one day. “Why?”

Flint laughed and glanced down at her. “Why not? It’s the only way I know to come down the mountain.”

Talking helped keep her mind off the pain of her ankle. “You hiked to the top of this mountain and back in one day?” She tightened her hold on his neck to ease her weight on his arms. How thankful she was that he had come along the trail even though she also felt a little guilty at his effort.

Flint tightened his arm around her waist and lifted her higher. “I hiked up yesterday and spent the night on top. I took my time coming down and hiked off the trail some. Couldn’t waste such a beautiful day.”

As he hiked down the trail, she felt him lurch. His hold on her tightened and he righted himself without dropping her. The stumble jerked her ankle and an involuntary cry escaped.

###

Flint tried to place his boots with care. A fall would be disastrous. His arms, back, and legs burned from carrying Stephanie. Her weight hadn’t seemed much at first. In the growing darkness, he searched for the small side trail that led to the Retreat Center. He had never been there but had seen the sign pointing the way from the main trail. He knew the jostling hurt her ankle. Nothing to do but get her help.

Stephanie pointed toward the signpost. “There, that’s the path.”

He turned onto the side trail, glad that he would soon have her where she could get medical care. The warmth of her body felt good. Her petite figure, long dark brown hair, violet eyes, and lovely face all made for a vision of loveliness. He breathed the scent of her hair, a faint hint of flowers. It had been a long time since he had had a beautiful woman in his arms.

Ahead, lights from the retreat center glowed in the descending darkness. Relieved to be off the trail, he slowed his steps to ease his trembling legs. 

Why had she been on the trail alone and without proper hiking gear? Her lightweight sandals were probably the reason she’d fallen. And not even having water with her, what had she been thinking? He chuckled to himself. Yes, she was a city girl with no idea of the danger of being hurt or lost on the mountain.

Flint stopped when the buildings came in sight. He hadn’t realized that the retreat center was so large. A two-story main lodge dominated the space with several smaller buildings beyond each end. They looked rustic while at the same time having modern picture windows. “Where should I take you?”

Stephanie pointed a slender finger in the direction of the large lodge. “The main lobby. Some of my staff should be there.”

“Your staff? You work at the lodge?” Flint’s words came out in gasps. His muscles cried out with fatigue and his eyelids wanted to close and stay that way.

“Work there?” A soft chuckle escaped. She drew herself up straighter in his arms. “I’m the CEO of the Wellbourne Group of New York.”

“New York, huh? What are you doing here in Colorado?”

She heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m beginning to wonder myself. My CFO talked me into bringing my management group for a three-day business retreat. And it’s been fine except for the fall on the trail.” She shifted her arms, which felt to him as if she massaged the back of his neck. Even though his shoulders and back hurt from the effort of carrying her, he liked the feel of her arms.

“Where do you live?” she asked.

“About thirty miles southwest of here.” And he had hoped to be home tonight. Not much chance of that now with the delay of acting as a Good Samaritan. The gravel path became a paved sidewalk. Darkness descended and he welcomed the foot-high lamps lighting the way. Ahead he saw people mingling about inside the brightly lit lodge.

A pretty woman with a blond ponytail ran up to them from the door of the lodge. Several people followed her. “Stephanie, are you all right?”

“I’m all right now. Just a sprained ankle. Brigitte Brower, this is Flint Tucker, who graciously rescued me.”

Brigitte acknowledged Flint with a quick glance. “We’ve been so worried. You didn’t answer your cell phone.”

Stephanie shrugged. “I forgot my cell. And Mr. Tucker’s cell didn’t have a charge.”

A man in his fifties dressed in shorts and a polo pullover opened the lodge door for Flint and his bundle. 


“Stephanie, do we need to get an ambulance?”

“No, Dan, I simply twisted my ankle. Get me to my room and I’ll be fine in the morning.”

Brigitte motioned for Flint to follow her. “Stephanie’s suite is on the second floor. Can you carry her that far?”

“Lead the way.” He hoped they had an elevator—his leg muscles were ready to give up.

They did and soon Flint laid Stephanie down on a king-sized bed in a large bedroom.

Stephanie relaxed with the pillow against the headboard of the bed. “Thank you so much for your help, Flint.” She motioned to Brigitte. “Please, hand me my purse.”

Flint wasn’t about to accept pay. “I need to go. I’m late getting home. It was nice to meet you all. Hope the rest of your stay goes well.” He edged toward the door.

“No, wait. I need to thank you.” Stephanie sat up straight with her leg resting on a pillow.

He nodded. “You already have.” Flint escaped out the door and took the stairs to the lobby two at a time.

He lumbered over to the reception desk. “Do you have a flashlight I can borrow?”

The young man reached under the counter and brought up an industrial sized flashlight. “Certainly, sir. Is there a problem with the lights in your room?

“No, I left something on the trail.” Flint took the flashlight from the clerk. “Okay if I return this in a couple of hours?” Why had he left his in the pack? Maybe the sight of a beautiful woman in distress had something to do with it.

“Sure, that’ll be fine.”

Flint stopped by the men’s room and then filled his water bottle at the water cooler. He looked at the Couches in the lobby. Just to sit down and relax for a few minutes ... No, if he did that he wouldn’t get up until morning. With a sigh, he ambled out and up the path toward the mountain trail with the glow from the flashlight lighting the way.

Three hours later, he made it down the trail to his truck. When he left yesterday morning, the parking lot at the end of the trail had been full. Now, his red Ford F-150 was the only vehicle there. After throwing his backpack into the back seat, and the flashlight onto the passenger seat, he pulled himself up behind the steering wheel. His hand shook as he put the key in the ignition and turned it to start the big engine. He drove slowly onto the state highway.

A couple of miles down the road, he turned under the arched entrance onto the tree-lined lane to the lodge, intending to return the flashlight. But fatigue took over. He’d never make it home like this. It wasn’t safe. Flint

parked in the far corner of the lot and then laid his head on the steering wheel. Maybe he could grab a few winks. His folks wouldn’t worry since he’d told them he might not be back until tomorrow. But would Allie be okay?

His little three-year-old asked about him when he wasn’t home. He didn’t like that she would worry, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open.

Throwing his sleeping bag open onto the backseat, Flint pulled off his dusty hiking boots and climbed in. The few inches of the truck’s extra width allowed him to stretch out with only his knees bent. He barely positioned his backpack under his head before he fell into a deep sleep. <>


To read more about Flint and Stephanie leave a comment with your email (name at domain name dot com) for the opportunity to receive a copy of the book. Giveaway closes September 11, 2011 at midnight (CST). Only US postal codes. If you're reading this on Feedburner, Facebook, or Amazon please come to www.ajhawke.blogspot.com to leave your comments.

Shawn Grady ~ Falls Like Lightning ~ Book Giveaway

Give a big Welcome to Shawn Grady who has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in Reno, Nevada where he lives with his wife and three children. He is the author of Through the Fire and the thriller Tomorrow We Die, a book Romantic Times declares "a definite page-turner."


What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Spending time with my wife and family!
What movie most impacted you as a kid? Why?
Return of the Jedi. It is epic. Adventure. Drama. My brother took me to see it in the theatre when I was about seven. I didn't understand all of it, but I loved it.
What was the last movie you saw in a theatre? Did you like it? Who was with you? What snacks did you eat?
My wife and I just saw Midnight in Paris. Owen Wilson is fun to watch and the premise is great— an aspiring novelist transported each night back into 1920's Paris. The depiction of Hemingway is funny and gives a lot of energy to scenes. Salvador Dali is really good. The protagonist's lack of respect toward marriage, and that of the script in general is unfortunate, though. We had buttered popcorn and a smuggled southwestern sandwich from Whole Foods.
What are you currently reading? What is your favorite genre for personal reading pleasure?
Right now I'm reading The Heavenly Man— a non-fiction memoir about the dramatic underground rebirth of the church in China. I'm also looking forward to soon diving into the third installment of Jill Williamson's Blood of Kings Trilogy— From Darkness Won.
What is the last book you read that moved you? What caused that powerful emotional experience?
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger immediately comes to mind. It was a cathartic flood for me. What caused it? Certainly great writing. But what makes it that? I think the fact that it swims headlong through tragedy and finds the current of eternity. Loss and redemption.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Jim Bell, Randy Ingermanson, cause they have a knack for being the life of a party. Mike Berrier and Katie Cushman— two of my inner author circle from the beginning. Jim Rubart, Jill Williamson, Jill Kent, Katy Popa, Sharon Souza… oh wait, I'm only supposed to bring six?
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
All over the map. From classic literary to Christian fantasy and everything in between and orbiting the outskirts.
Other than the Bible, what is your all time favorite book?
Man, that's really hard. Right now it's still Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. But I haven't read it again in many years since becoming a professional writer. The story is fantastic.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Probably my earliest memory is of dictating a story to my mom who typed it out for me on our typewriter. It was a page and a half long science fiction adventure and I made an illustration for it.
How do you do the research for your books? How does the research differ between historical or contemporary?
I began my career in firefighting as a seasonal wildland firefighter, so I used my experiences of the sights and sounds and smells from that for Falls Like Lightning. I had to personally interview a smokejumper and do a lot of research though with this book to make sure I had a solid handle on the jumping out of airplanes part.
What was it that made you decide on Falls Like Lightning as the setting for your novels?
I wanted to place Falls Like Lightning in familiar territory for me. I've camped and worked near the Desolation Wilderness beyond South Lake Tahoe and so chose that for the locale.

Share the back cover copy of Falls Like Lightning:
Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to see pilot Elle Westmore again. In fact, reuniting makes him realize what a mistake he made all those years ago. But before he has a chance to try to make amends, he's called to lead a new crew in to battle against a massive fire in the Sierra Nevada.
And then things go very wrong, very quickly.
A suspicious engine explosion forces the crew to parachute early while Elle barely survives a crash landing. Silas reaches the ground safely, but in beginning a desperate race to reach the downed plane, he soon realizes he has more to fear than just a raging forest fire.
Go to the following website to find the first few pages of Falls Like Lightning.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/55895980/Falls-Like-Lightning

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

I love connecting with readers. More can be found at shawngradybooks.com or facebook.com/shawngradybooks .
Shawn, thank you for stopping by and sharing with us. To have the possibility to receive a copy of Falls Like Lightning leave a comment with your email (name at domain name dot com). To make it a little more fun, go to Shawn's blog or web site and find out something of interest that is different from all other comments about Shawn or one of his characters. Giveaway closes Sunday, July 17 2011 at midnight (CST). Only US postal codes. If you're reading this on Feedburner, Facebook, or Amazon please come to www.AJHawke.blogspot.com to leave your comments.

Carrie Turansky ~ Surrendered Hearts ~ Book Giveaway

A Special Welcome Carrie Turansky, the best-selling author of 8 novels and novellas. She has been a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, The Genesis, and Carol Award, and winner of the Crystal Globe Award. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers since 2000. Carrie writes contemporary and historical romance for Barbour and Love Inspired. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have five young adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys gardening, reading, flower arranging, and cooking for friends and Family.


Tell us about your family and your ministry.
Scott and I have been married for thirty-two years. He is a very loving and supportive husband. I am blessed! We have five young adult children. The oldest two are married, and we have three delightful grandkids. We homeschooled our children when they were younger, which was a big investment of time and energy, but now we are enjoying the benefits and blessings from that. Scott and I  love serving the Lord together. Our joint vision statement is: We help people by providing hope, encouragement and creative strategies that point people to God and to His wisdom for their lives.
What are you currently reading? What is your favorite genre for personal reading pleasure?
I just finished reading When Sparrows Fall by Meg Mosely and gave it a five-star review. Next up is Kathleen Y’barbo’s latest novel, The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck. I like both contemporary inspirational romance and historical romance. I also enjoy women’s fiction and romantic suspense.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
I would invite Susie Warren, Marybeth Whalen, Carla Stewart, Meg Mosley, Linda Nichols, and Allie Plieter because I admire their writing styles, and I think it would be great fun to get to know them and hear more about their writing journeys.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, which six people would you invite and why?
I would invite Vickie McDonough, Kathleen Y’barbo, Tammy Alexander, Kim Sawyer, Cathy Gohlke, and Julie Lessman. I’d love to brainstorm and share ideas from these talented authors.
What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
The most exciting and fun thing I’ve ever done is travel to Kenya with my family and live there for eight months. It was an amazing, life-changing season for all of us. Kenya is filled with natural beauty, and the Christians have a very vibrant faith. When we returned to the US I felt like I left part of my heart in Africa.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I wrote my first novel when I was 12, Passport to Paris. But my interests shifted to other things, and I didn’t return to writing fiction until I was in my early forties.
What kinds of things can readers expect from your books?
Readers can expect inspiring, romantic, heartwarming stories brought to life by unforgettable characters who face the challenges of life with God’s help and direction. My goal for each book is to create a novel that touches your heart and lifts your spirit.
Did you have storytellers when you were growing up that influenced you? Were you an avid reader as a child?
When I was young I had a great aunt who gave me an award-winning book each year on my birthday and at Christmas. Stories like Little Women, Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables, the Bronze Bow, Minn of the Mississippi, and One Morning in Maine are still some of my favorite stories. My mom often read aloud to me, and she helped instill a love for reading in my heart.
How did you go about researching your books?
We are very blessed to have the Internet to help with research. Google is my friend! I search for images as well as articles and books on the setting, topics, and characters in my stories. For historical novels I’ve been able to find newspaper articles and journals written in the time period of my stories, and that is so valuable. I sometimes order books, but I find I use the Internet more often. Traveling to the setting is also very helpful for research.
What mechanics do you use to get a novel off the ground?
I use Susie Warren’s books, Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Pro, and also Michael Hauge’s teaching on DVD. These are all great tools to create characters and plot my story.
What other books have you written, whether published or not?
Published Novels:
Along Came Love, Seeking His Love, Surrendered Hearts, A Man To Trust.
Published Novellas:
Wherever Love Takes Us in Wedded Bliss, Tea for Two in Kiss the Bride, Moonlight & Mistletoe in A Big Apple Christmas, Shelter in the Storm in A Blue & Gray Christmas, A Trusting Heart in Christmas Mail-Order Brides.
Unpublished Novels and novellas:
Kenya Calling, Coincidentally Yours, In the Shadow of His Wings, Garden of Secrets,
What are you working on right now?
I just finished a contemporary inspirational romance, A Man To Trust, for Love Inspired. It comes out March 2012. I have another book contracted with Love Inspired that I will be starting soon, a Christmas story set in Fairhaven, Washington, which is also the setting of Seeking His Love and A Man To Trust.

Tell me about your latest novel, Surrendered Hearts.
Jennifer Evan’s life changes forever when a gas pipeline explodes, starting a fire in her apartment. Losing her home and beloved dog are terrible blows, but the ugly scars that cover her arm, neck and shoulder steal her confidence and cause her fiancé to desert her. With her funds depleted and her job on hold, she heads for Vermont where she hopes to reconnect with her brother and find a way to rebuild her shattered life. She meets Bill Morgan, a strong and quiet man whose faith runs deep, and he challenges her view of God and the hardships she has faced. Will she hold on to the pain of her past, or will she surrender her heart and discover the healing and love she seeks? I published this novel as an E-book. Since I am the publisher I can offer it at a very reasonable price, $2.99. It is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Sony, and Smashwords.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
Jennifer Evans, the heroine of Surrendered Hearts, is trying to make sense of all the pain and losses she has experienced in her life. She questions how a loving God could allow all these things to happen. I hope readers who have faced painful struggles will identify with Jennifer. As they see how God touches her life through her brother, her friends, and His Word, I hope they will come to understand how much God loves them and wants to bring good out of those challenging experiences. Jennifer also works through question, “What makes a woman truly beautiful?” I think this is a question every woman asks, and reading this story can help her discover the answer to that important question.
I love to connect with readers!
http://carrieturansky.com/
https://www.facebook.com/carrie.turansky
http://twitter.com/#!/carrieturansky
Carrie, thank you for stopping by and sharing with us. To have the possibility to receive an ebook copy of Surrendered Hearts leave a comment with your email (name at domain name dot com). To make it a little more fun, go to Carrie's blog or web site and find out something of interest that is different from all other comments about Carrie or one of her characters. Giveaway closes Sunday, June 19 2011 at midnight (CST). Only US postal codes.If you're reading this on Feedburner, Facebook, or Amazon please come to www.AJHawke.blogspot.com to leave your comments.