Patty Froese, author of Perfect on Paper, April 15 release

Here is a blurb about Patty's new book  to whet your appetite. Come by April 11 and learn more about this author of Inspirational Fiction.

Anne Stanborough, a well known mystery writer, inherits her maiden aunt's book store, Perfect on Paper. The lawyer handling her aunt's estate is none other than the handsome Jake Harrison, but despite his attraction to the beautiful author, his painful divorce has made him wary of a marriage between two driven professionals. Anne can't let go of the career she's worked her entire life towards, and he isn't willing to make a second mistake in marriage. It looks like they should call the whole thing off until Anne discovers that her late maiden aunt might not have been so "maiden" after all… A love story from the past tugs this couple back together again, but will it be enough to prove that a love founded in God really can overcome anything?

Coming soon: Sequel to Shawna Williams' Orphaned Hearts

Lynette: Shawna, in a recent interview you told us a little about Orphaned Hearts. Can you refresh my memory? Where did the book come from?

Shawna:  Orphaned Hearts was inspired by my grandparents. My granddad was an orphan and one day I began to ponder what it meant to him when he became a father. Not having grow up with a family and then to have one of his own, his perspective had to be different.

Lynette: I have read this truly fine book. I loved it.  I am not surprised a sequel is planned.
Shawna: The upcoming sequel to Orphaned Heart was spurred by my readers’ enthusiasm to know more.

Lynette: Tell the new readers a little about Orphaned Heart.

Shawna: Pastor David Langley understands six-year old Caleb Holsheyer -- what it feels like to be damaged and alone. His family killed in a fire, and his body severely burned, David grew up in an orphanage, ridiculed and shunned. He couldn’t let that be Caleb’s fate.

When adoption plans fall through, David is desperate to find Caleb a new home. But in the midst of the Great Depression, most families are barely getting by. No one seems willing to take on the responsibility of an extra mouth, especially one belonging to a crippled child.

Except for Sadie Miller, the town spinster. In Sadie, David sees the answer to Caleb's needs. But Child Welfare doesn't agree, and demands other arrangements be found, or the boy be returned to the orphanage.

David and Sadie team up, determined to find a home for an orphaned child, but while searching, might they find a family instead.

---

EXCERPT

"How could they think Caleb's not normal? He's as normal as any other child." Sadie folded her arms in front of her. "Goodness gracious! You're telling me he can be adopted – just not by me -- but he can't be placed-out to anyone?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I've never heard anything more preposterous. I don't even know where to begin."

"I know, Sadie." David gently placed his hand on her arm. "It makes no sense to me either."

Sadie huffed and then looked down at his hand. Strong, warm... ringless. Caleb could be adopted, but only by a family with a mother and a father. A married couple.

She envisioned how a gold band would look circling the base of his finger and suddenly realized she'd unknowingly extended her own hand and was holding it outward, like she showcased her own imaginary matching ring.

Good heavens! Sadie curled her fingers into a fist and then extended them again, curled and extended. "Guess I spent too much time kneading dough today." She giggled like a silly girl and glanced at David to see if he believed the excuse.

His brow creased with a look of concern. "Does it hurt?" He took her hand and cradled it like a wounded puppy. His tenderness melted her to her core. Why couldn't she be young and beautiful, someone he'd want? How she'd love to share her home with him... her bed... her life. If he married her, they could be Caleb's parents. They could have more children. If she was able. If she wasn't too old.

Sadie watched his beautiful face as he tended to her hand, gently massaging her palm. He might marry her, for Cale--

What was she thinking!

"It's fine," Sadie said, pulling her hand from his. It was a farce. She wasn't hurt; she was just taking advantage of his kindness. Just like she'd be doing if she suggested he marry her for Caleb's sake. He might very well do it. It would be for Caleb's well-being, but her own selfish motivation would be hidden in there as well. David didn't feel that way about her, and she wouldn't use Caleb's misfortune to trap him. What sort of person would that make her?

She side-glanced to find that he stared at her, with something strange dancing in his eyes.

"Sadie, did you know that you're lovely?"

She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. "You spend too much time in your office."

"But I haven't. I've been spending it with you."

She knit her brow, her heart pounding like thunder. What on earth was he saying?

"There is no one like you, Sadie Miller," he said. The depth in his hazel eyes held an unspoken draw, beckoning her to him. She felt herself leaning, and she tried to resist, but some invisible force seemed to be pulling her closer... and closer... Her eyes started to close.

"You'll make some man very happy someday," David blurted, averting his gaze as he stood. "I should go. I have to be on the road early." He tightened his necktie and straightened his collar, then nodded courteously without looking directly at her. "We will find Caleb a home."

Before she could respond he'd trotted down the steps of her front porch and off into the dark without even saying goodbye.

Sadie sat alone on the swing, heat radiating within her. Her hand went to her mouth. Had she almost kissed him?

Have Mercy! No wonder he'd suddenly run off. How would she face him tomorrow? She looked into the blackness where David had disappeared, the humiliating moment replaying in her mind.

Wait a minute. He was leaning too. Had he -- had he almost kissed her back?
A sequel to this wonderful book is due in December, 2012.

Interview with Sadie and Sophie Cuffee

How long have you been writing? What is your first writing/composing memory?

Sadie: I've been writing since 1988 (and you'd think I'd be better at it by now, wouldn't you!) You know those authors who wrote honkin' stories and had them published in the newspapers by the time they were 6 years old? Not me (can you say late, late bloomer?). My first composing memory must be in 1988, I wrote some really bad poetry for awhile until my good friend (who is a gifted writer and poet) looked at one of my poems and, in true sisterhood fashion, said, "I think this would make a good story." So I ditched the rhyming dictionary (that speaks volumes, right there) and moved on to a better skill set match of farm & gardening articles (in my former life I was a commercial grower and landscaper), newspaper columns, and kids stories.

When I first saw this question, what came to mind for me as a composing memory was our dad. He used to write lyrics and poems, and composed some pretty cool stuff that I didn't fully appreciate as a kid; but now I see how gifted he was (and he'd say it wasn't him, it was all God, and he'd be right!)

Sophie: Technically speaking, I could write before Sadie was born (that never gets old for me - hahaha), but professionally speaking, she got me started.  She was writing for God's World Publications at the time and suggested I send in some samples.  The editor said he liked my work and wanted to use an article in the next publication, but could I revisit it and make a couple of changes. Unfortunately, my ancient-at-the-time Mac had eaten my homework.I couldn't find it anywhere. A call to the local computer gurus said yes, they could retrieve it from the netherworld of the hard drive, but it would probably cost around $35.  So I cowgirled up and rewrote the whole thing.  That was my first lesson in SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

S & S: Inspiration usually smacks us between the eyes in an experience we’ve had, (just last week we slid off the ice into the ditch and had to be towed out...ugh! But Sophie said, “We can use this in a book!”), or in dialog we hear, or in a million little observances of the oddities and wonders of 21^st century life. It always takes awhile to sink in, and then we have to rummage for a piece of paper and write it down. We also find inspiration in asking, “What if?”

Who had the most positive influence on your life and how?
Sadie: That’s a tough one. As a Christian it’s really a two-fold answer. Obviously Jesus had, and continues to have, the best positive influence on my life by enabling me to grow to be more like Him. He’s taught me to think outside my small plans and have the courage and zeal to embrace His plan for my life, which is HUGE!

On the human side, there’re too many good people to pick just one. I've been truly blessed. (But I hate it when someone pulls the ethereal card, especially when it's me!) If I have to pick someone, I would say my sister. She’s my one-and-only. And as a big sister, there’s none better. She got up in the middle of the night and killed a spider on my bed with a well-aimed sneaker, then when I fussed (Hey, I was just a little kid!) that its crumpled body was still looking at me, she disposed of it without rancing on me. Greater love hath no sister than that, and it’s only gotten better with the passing of the years. Her example inspires me every day!

Sophie: I'm going to copy Sadie's first part, because Jesus Christ makes all the difference and is THE great influencer.

Our father was a huge influence on me. I never heard him swear, use the Lord’s name in vain, or lose his cool.  He was confident without being arrogant; fair without compromise; unconditional love personified, regardless of social status, educational status, economic status, race, religion, or creed.  But, as Sadie pointed out earlier, he'd have been the first to tell you it wasn't him, it was Jesus Christ in him that made him who he was. 

What is your favorite movie and why?
Sadie: I have a handful I really like, most of which are dated now. But at this moment I’d choose, “While You Were Sleeping.” Why? It’s got great dialog, classic lines, and perfectly-done family scenes (like the one around the supper table). I’m a sucker for ordinary blue-collar folks like us who dream big but enjoy the here and now on their own terms. It also has great characters and one of our goats is named Jo Jr., so it brings to mind the movie every day.

Sophie:  Hmmm, this is hard.  I'll go with "Sleepless in Seattle" (I'm noticing a pattern here!).  It's one of those movies where you just want them to get together, and they keep missing.  Plus it has one of my favorite lines, "It scares me what they aren't teaching you in school these days!"

If you had a time machine and could take one trip to any time in history, where would we find you?

Sadie: Back in the 1890’s traveling across the country from Maine to California so I could check out our great-grandparents on both coasts and do a little pioneering out west (and maybe even travel up to Alaska and strike it rich, or be one of the first women to write about it.)

Sophie: I'd like to go into the future and see my grandchildren as adults.

What are your hobbies?

S&S: Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, camping, backpacking, fitness, sewing, cooking, knitting, gardening, reading, crafts, music.

Tell us about your other occupations/jobs, besides writing.

S&S: At present we have a small dairy farm, so that keeps us busy caring for the goats and chickens year round, fixing fence in the spring (heavy early snow last fall did a number on some of our fence so we’ve got our work cut out for us in May), repairing the old tractor, planting the vegetable garden (and flower gardens, you gotta have some outdoor natural bling), clearing fields, and cutting hay in the summer, and splitting and stacking wood in fall and winter. We also work as worship team/administrative assistants in the church, and are involved in nursing home, youth, and musical ministries on a weekly basis.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-225/The-Wainright-Trilogy-Book/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/Wainright-Trilogy-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0067D6N6E/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1321791291&sr=1-2

Interview with June Foster, Author of Give us This Day

Lynette: Welcome, June. I know you are very excited about the release of Give Us This Day on February 1. Help us get to know you a little better. How long have you been writing? What is your first writing/composing memory?
June: Lynette, my story is probably different than anyone else's. I never wrote as a youth and still had no desire to do so even after I retired. I wrote academically when I got my BA and MA and that was all. After I retired from teaching, I noticed a story lurking in my head. I even knew what the characters looked like and what they were doing but never thought much of it. After about 5 years, I happened to tell my daughter the story, and she asked me why I didn't write it. That was the spark I needed. I got a Toshiba laptop, as many "how to" books as I could, and started pounding the keys. Now I've got so many stories in my head, I don't know if I'll live long enough to tell them all. (smile)

Lynette: Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
June: For my very first story, the one I told my daughter, I believe it had to be God who put it in my heart. Since then, I try to think of issues that Christians deal with, and many times we want to sweep under the carpet. In my stories, my hero and heroine find victory from their addictions, negative traits, and the sin that holds them captive.

Lynette: Who had the most positive influence on your life and how?
June: That's easy. It was the Lord. Like Jess Colton in Give Us This Day, I was raised in a dysfunctional family and looked to "things" to bring me comfort. After I gave my life to the Lord, my world was turned upside down. The things that mattered so much to me, no longer did, and I try to rely on God for my comfort.

Lynette: What is your favorite movie and why?
June: One you've probably never heard of because it came out in the 40's. Well, I'm not quite that old, but I saw it on a classic movie channel once. Because I grew up in a marginal Christian home, I wasn't even sure there was a God. One New Year's Eve, I stayed up late and watched And The Next Voice You Hear. It was about the people in a little town who believed God was going to speak on a radio broadcast. They gathered in a church for the program. For some reason, God used this, I have no idea how, but afterward, I knew that God was real. From there, I went on to learn about His Son, Jesus.
Lynette: If you had a time machine and could take one trip to any time in history, where would we find you?
June: Certainly it would be to the time of Christ to witness the all the events of the New Testament.

Lynette: What are your hobbies?
June: Now, writing is my sole hobby.  And really it's more than a hobby. Before I started writing, I scrapbooked and made cards. I enjoyed traveling with my husband in our RV and read.

Lynette: Tell us about your other occupations/jobs, besides writing.
June: I am a retired teacher with 34 years experience. I taught in the lower grades, but my last couple of years of teaching, I taught ESL in Seattle. It was so interesting as I taught English to children from 10 different language groups – among them Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian.

About Give Us This Day:
When Jess Colton walks away from his past, he leaves alcohol behind but replaces it with a food addiction, yet nothing Holly Harrison does will allow her to escape from her mistakes. Can their romance survive the obstacles from their former lives?
http://junefoster.blogspot.com 
http://infinitecharacters.com  (I share this one with 4 other writers)
http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com  (my publishing company)
My ebooks can be downloaded at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Desert Breeze.

Shawna K Williams, Guest Author, February 7

Lynette: I am so excited for you. Three e-books in this series and the first of the seriest now in print, is that right?
Shawna: Yes, No Other is the first book in a series of three, and has just released in print. It was published digitally in May 2010. In All Things is the second book, and The Good Fight is my latest new release and the third in the series.

Lynette: How long have you been writing? What is your first writing or composing memory?
Shawna: I've been writing off and on for ten years, but only seriously for the past five. I had never intended to be a writer. I actually started writing just to satisfy my curiosity about a peculiar dream I had. I had been musing about it for six months and it became too big to keep straight in my head so I had to start writing it. Though I'd not intended to become a writer, I always seemed to have a knack for it, and I do recall my teachers encouraging me when I was in school. My first memory is of a mystery I wrote in the fourth grade. We had to use our spelling list to create a story, and the teacher ended up reading mine aloud to the class. I had forgotten about this for many years, but on facebook just the other week, and old classmate reminded me of it.

Lynette: Wow, that story was memorable to another fourth grader. Sounds like you made an impression with your story even then. Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Shawna: From all kinds of things; memories, people, pictures, dreams, sometimes it comes from musing about an interesting scenario, or being promped by readers to expand upon a character. My debut novel and the sequel both came from that strange dream I mentioned. Orphaned Hearts was inspired by my grandparents. My granddad was an orphan, and one day I began to ponder what it meant to him when he became a father. Not having grown up with a family and then to have one of his own, his perspective had to be different. The Good Fight and the upcoming sequel to Orphaned Heart were spurred by my readers' enthusiasm to know more.

Lynette: Who had the most positive influence on your life and how:
Shawna: My grandmother, Nonnie. An extraordinary woman. So much wisdom, compassion and strength, within such a small package. She was always a progressive thinker, encouraging -- never judgmental, never critical, but definately practical. If you asked her what she thought, you'd best be prepared to hear the truth. It's hard to describe how she has influenced me in that it's not something so concrete and tangible. It's a grounding, I guess, a sensibility and perspective that's rooted me throughout my life.

Lynette: If you had a time machine and could take one trip to any time in history, where would we find you?
Shawna: Oh, boy! Only one place? Wow! I've actually thought about this because there are so many things I'd like to observe. Live in, however, is another story. I really enjoy running water and air conditioning. But, for the sake of seeing, I'd have to say Pompeii before Vesuvius buried it. At least that's where my mood is swaying at the moment. There's a strong debate taking place in my head that's also suggesting I should travel forward and hope someone has invented a spaceship, and another line of argument telling me to go back and visit my younger self to deliver some practical advice along the lines of, "Don't do that!"

Lynette: What are your hobbies and interests other than writing?
Shawna: I design and sell jewelry locally, and also do custom designs for individuals. It's relaxing to me. I also have a passion for antiques, geology and ancient history.  I like to hike and explore. On occasion I paint, but haven't had time in quite a while. I used to be pretty good at it, though. I work as an editor for two publishers; Desert Breeze Publishing and Solstice. We also own a range and raise grassfed beef. The rest of the time I'm a mom to my three teens and a wife to my husband of twenty years.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-86/No-Other/Detail.bok
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-118/Shawna-Williams-In-All/Detail.bok

June Foster will be visiting February 8

June Foster is a retired school teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She writes full time and travels in her RV with her husband Joe. June has contracts for four novels with Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day – February 1, 2012, As We Forgive – September 1, 2012, and Deliver Us – April 1, 2013, and Hometown Fourth of July – July 1, 2012. June loves to write stories about characters who overcome the issues in their lives by the power of God. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find the freedom to live godly lives.

About Give Us This Day

Jess Colton can earn a PHD in computer science but can’t manage his own life. Raised by a doting mother and controlling father, Jess battles against his addictive nature. When Jesus comes into his life, he trades one addiction for another—food for alcohol. His doctor warns him of his poor health as his weight soared past 300 pounds. Jess is baffled when the beautiful Holly Harrison comes into his life and declares her affection for him. What could she possibly see in him?

Holly Harrison has a past. But it catches up with her when she loses her leg and her unborn baby in one night as a result of a motorcycle accident. At this low point in her life, she finds strength through God and a relationship with Jesus Christ while she works as a dental hygienist.  But now, no Christian man would want her so she avoids serious relationships. She doesn’t plan on falling in love with Jess Colton. She sees past his rolls of fat to the godly, tender man inside. When Jess drives a wedge between them, she loses all hope of having a future together.

Can Holly overcome her handicap? Does Jess find control over his eating and his life? Only God can provide the answers they need.

Web addresses:

http://junefoster.blogspot.com 

http://www.infinitecharacters.com 

http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com 

Shawna Williams Interview Coming February 7

Shawna's writing journey started with a dream --- an actual, nighttime dream. The story within her dream captivated her to the point that she became obsessive, and in order to put together all the little details and fill in the gaps, she had to write it down. Now she has two books based upon it.

Shawna is an Inspirational Romance writer, who loves creating complex, flawed characters, believing that's the secret to making them real. And as an inspirational author, she is able to write about God's Grace through her characters' humanity. She also loves including a good dose of nostalgia in her work, which is why her stories tend to take place in small towns during the first half of the 20th century.

When she's not writing, she's spends her time with her husband and three children, reads, makes jewelry, and enjoys life on her family's ranch.

Available and Coming Soon Books by Shawna K. Williams at Desert Breeze Publishing 

Find Shawna K. Williams on the Web:
http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/
Shawna's Facebook
Shawna's Twitter
Email Shawna