I’m excited to bring you the cover reveal for Dear Maddie, a contemporary romance coming in August from Anaiah Press:
About the Book
The public turns to her with their relationship woes, but does she really know anything about love?
“Dear Maddie – My boyfriendand Ihave been together foralmost two years, but…”
Maddie never dreamed she’d be writing a newspaper column to the lovelorn. Her co-workers think her nights are filled with glamourous dates, but in reality, her life is boring. Until the day her boss insists on running a contest to win a dream date… with her.
Now Maddie is searching for someone genuine in the mountain of letters from fame- seekers, braggarts, mama’s boys, and stalkers. Does God’s plan include finding true love through a marketing stunt? Or will she only have more loveless fodder for her column?
About the Author
Gaynell Parker has been writing since she was 12. When not writing, she’s painting, cooking and tries to read anything she can get her hands on. She lives with her wonderful husband, assorted children and animals and loves to hear from her readers.
Life is spiraling out of control for pediatric nurse, Juliet Farr. Heart-broken, grief-stricken, and experiencing a crisis of faith—now she is the prime target for a crazed killer. When her ex-boyfriend, detective Max Bennett, returns to work the case in the Oregon Coast, he knows sharing the truth behind their break-up will destroy any possibility of a second chance together.
A manuscript, a maniac, and a mother’s love propel Juliet’s flight to a beach in Mexico as she desperately pursues hope and healing. Will she ever find freedom from the ache of abandonment? And when a troubled soul chooses Juliet as his perfect victim, can Max prove his love for her by risking his own life? Or will Orphan Beach be the end of their story?
Juliet Farr dropped a single white rose onto the coffin, her entire body numb. Frozen. And not merely because she stood windswept on a rugged bluff overlooking the turbulent Pacific Ocean. She inhaled a ragged breath.
How had life deteriorated beyond recognition in less than a year? Wrenching her eyes from the harsh reality before her, she gazed out over the gray-green expanse expanse of water through a blur of tears. She shivered. Dead inside.
Juliet stepped back and stumbled. A strong hand cupped her elbow from behind. Max. She’d recognize his aftershave anywhere, all musk and forest. His protective touch was another reminder of what she had lost. She pulled away.
Not now.
The bitter late-November wind whipped in from the ocean causing hair to obscure her vision as it flew in her face like a red tornado. She buried her chin in her mother’s scarf. It still smelled like lavender.
“Juliet, would you like my coat?”
Her body tensed at the warmth of his whisper in her ear. That deep, rich voice which she had missed more than she cared to admit over the past six months. Six months. What was he doing back here? Today of all days. She straightened her shoulders and jutted her chin without turning around.
“No, I’m fine. Totally fine.”
Liar.
No way was she fine. Everything would be different now. Colorless.
About Laura Thomas:
A published Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her romantic suspense, teen fiction, marriage, and children’s books. Laura is a chocoholic mom of three, married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they live in Kelowna, B.C. as audacious empty-nesters.
Joining me on my blog today is author Sara Beth Williams.
A Worthy Heart turns one this month. I’m giving away a paperback copy of my book all month long! To enter to win, you must subscribe to my newsletter by JULY 31st. At the end of the month, I’ll draw one winner!
Keep reading for more information about the book AND an excerpt.
A Worthy Heart: By Sara Beth Williams
Genre; Contemporary Christian Romance
Summary:
Joel Bennett has always known Serena Hayes as his sister’s gregarious best friend. In the three years since Lacey began college, Serena became a regular house guest, but lately, she’s absent more than not. When Joel discovers she’s in an abusive relationship, protectiveness from within roars to life.
With only a part time job to support her and nowhere to go, Serena fears leaving her current relationship would jeopardize her chances of graduating college. After a brutal attack leaves her no choice, she courageously moves out. On her journey toward regaining confidence, self-worth, and independence, Joel falls in beside her, encouraging her. The way he emulates Godly love and compassion draws her close—not just to him, but to the God who can satisfy her longing for love better than any man.
Attraction sizzles between them, but events from their pasts cast shadows of doubt.
When the unthinkable happens, can Serena open her heart to a second chance at love, or is she destined to be alone?
Set up: In honor of Independence Day in the U.S. and the accompanying fireworks we undoubtedly witnessed over the weekend, I think you’ll enjoy this excerpt, even if it is New Year’s Eve instead of Independence Day. Ah, makes me miss traditional sky fireworks…
Excerpt:
Joel stepped behind Serena as they walked up an incline onto the bridge. Metal beams strung with white lights towered overhead, illuminating the face of the crowd. With a gentle nudge to the small of her back, Joel guided her through the crowd. They positioned themselves near a thick rail alongside hundreds of others and stood in contented silence as conversation flowed around them like the dark river water below. Checking her phone, she noted they had five minutes to spare. A smattering of boats dotted the glistening black surface of the water. A chilly wind caused ripples below and tangled her hair.
The entire time they waited, Joel kept his hand at the small of her back, anchoring her in place.
Serena sucked in a gasp; the boom of the first explosion radiated deep in her chest. Joel’s palm pressed harder against her back, and he stepped a fraction closer. A hush fell over the crowd as music poured from loudspeakers, timed with explosion after explosion of exquisite, radiant colors—red fireballs, whistling golden shooting stars, beautiful bursting purple peonies.
“Amazing,” she murmured as canon boom after canon boom vibrated the air. Several more fiery beams launched into the sky, flaring into aerial shells, showering brilliant golden streams down into the water. More fiery streaks—green and red—rocketed high above the bridge. An explosion sent long, bright arches downward across a velvet sky. She turned toward Joel and studied his profile as the light of the fireworks danced across the angular planes of his face, illuminating the contented quirk of his lips. Good.I’m glad he’s happy again.
She leaned in close to speak above the music. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”
He grinned down on her. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
About Sara Beth Williams
Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California and currently works as a teacher assistant and freelance publicist. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and AllAuthor.
Visit her website and blog to find out more about her and her books.
Wow! So it’s been a crazy few months. I don’t have to go into details about what I’ve been going through because we’ve all been living “it.” The threat of “it” hasn’t subsided yet. In fact, according to some sources, we’ll see another wave before long. The social isolation caused by the virus, along with the turmoil and unrest in in our nation, has brought on anxiety to many, including myself.
I’ve been waiting for things to get back to normal. In fact, there will be a new normal, and I will have to adjust some of the ways I’ve thought and done things in the past. One thing I am certain, God is good, and there are good people in this country. I will continue to rely on God’s grace to bring my loved ones and me through the storm.
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:18-19.
In news closer to home, July came in with high temperatures. This wasn’t a great time for the air conditioning both in my home and in my van to give out, but it did. I should have both fixed soon, but not in time for this heat wave.
I recently started a new job after looking for a while. I started a few, only they didn’t work out. All along, God was designing the perfect job for me. I am thankful every day that I can spend time with some of my favorite people while earning a paycheck.
We’ve had several new additions to our household since last summer:
I guess it’s true that books and cats go together. 🙂
My novella, Angelica’s Christmas Wish, will be on sale later this month. One year ago, I submitted the story to Anaiah Press. I was shocked when they actually sent me a contract for it. Getting published has been a dream of mine for a long time.
I am currently on a deadline for edits on The Reluctant Billionaire, my contemporary Christian romance. The main characters, Liam and Jessica, have been in my head for over a decade. It’s exciting to finally be telling their story. The book is on target for being released in November.
Almost 11 years ago, my husband passed away days after a tragic work accident. Through the grace of God, the support of family and friends, and the passage of time itself, I have found healing for my grief. I still miss his presence, but knowing that Pat is in a far better place, and that I will see him again one day, brings me peace.
Last June, I started on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. One year later I met all of my goals. I haven’t given up my efforts; instead, I am working harder to meet new goals by this time next year. Having hit the double nickel birthday in May, I’m happy to say that I’m in better health now than I was in my thirties.
I have plans for the month of July, but I know God directs my path. I pray that I will keep my focus on God, and His provision and grace, through any obstacles that come my way. I hope to finish this month strong in all areas of my life.
Today I am interviewing Joiya Morrison-Efemini, author of a newly released YA novel, Petrified Flowers. Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.
I am a Christian wife to a wonderful man, and mother of four fantastic children. I gave up my career as a child advocate attorney ten years ago, to be at home full time with my kiddos. I began writing in the spaces between mothering as a way to still feel like an individual with my own thoughts and ideas. Writing has been such a beautiful creative outlet for me.
Whatis your book about?
Petrified Flowers is the story of a beautiful brown girl, fighting for her life against the despair that misfortune and loss can cultivate. It’s a story about how God uses us to change others, even as He is molding us. And, how we can lose ourselves in the mission to rescue other people. It’s a saga saturated with sisterhood, racial identity, and class distinction. Mostly, it’s a story about the love of God.
What is the inspiration behind your story?
As an African American, a Christian, and a woman, I always have an agenda. I want to inspire readers to delve into stories about people that don’t look like them. I want the message of the gospel to spill out from my pages. I want to write stories that affirm my daughters, and their daughters. Petrified Flowers was conceived on the day my family watched a documentary about a private school in New York City that stands directly across from public housing. The dichotomy in that film moved us all to tears. I placed Iris and her sisters in that complex, and imagined their world.
Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?
My day job is raising four phenomenal children, and being a wife to a wonderful man. I write in the midst of the beautiful chaos that a family of six, plus a dog and a cat create. I wrote Petrified Flowers in between my childrens’ school projects and sports events, during their arguments and after their heartaches. I wrote it with their laughter all around me.
Are you a night owl or morning person?
I am a wannabe night owl who falls asleep on movies that start after 9 pm. I like to wake up early, before the rest of the house, pop in my headphones, and listen to a sermon or praise music while I run around my neighborhood.
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
I belong to a writing group made up of bright women who challenge me on every draft of every story and poem I submit to them. In an earlier draft of Petrified Flowers, one of the main characters died. There was a unanimous decision that I needed to develop that character. I fought it, but listened to their wisdom. The development of that character caused a love for her/him that just would not let me write her/his death. I believe the story is much better for it.
Are you part of a writing group?
Yes! And, their input is invaluable. The fact that we meet once a month puts a fire under me, holding me accountable to write pages they can critique. And, their questions and suggestions about my writing always inspire me to go deeper in character development, or take risks that I may not have done on my own. They are brilliant, fun, and honest. They are dear friends.
Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?
When I’m not taking time and space for myself to commune with God, to exercise, and to observe moments of Sabbath, I do struggle with coming up with words, even when I have ideas swimming around in my head. Knowing this, I take my time with God seriously, I exercise committedly, and I rest. I’m still learning not to feel guilty for the resting. Being locked up during the pandemic has given me an excuse to nap, and to sit quietly. Running is a catalyst for my stories, and I have written countless stories and poems in my head during my runs.
In a fractured world, Flowers bud in the deluge of God’s favor.
Tragedy uproots Iris and her sisters, all named after flowers, from the solid ground of middle-class life and plants them, unsupervised, in the rocky terrain of low-income housing. In a world where rain falls only on the privileged, Liam, a student who attends the elite private school directly across the street, proves refreshing as a summer gale, gushing joy into the sisters’ lives. Further nurtured by Ma Moore, a church elder who sprinkles the Flower sisters with spiritual wisdom, Iris embraces her Heavenly Father with steadfast urgency.
But when a student takes a hopeless leap from the school roof, Iris withers under the scorching realization that everything she thought she knew about privilege—and God—lies crippled. Petrified Flowers is the anthem of one African-American girl straddling three worlds. It is a song of hope, a triumph of faith, and a resounding refrain of the Father’s eternal love.
What’s next for you as an author?
I am currently researching and writing a novel about a Cherokee woman who marries an African slave in the 1800’s. The blended history of Natives and Africans in this country, and the parallels in their treatment, have always intrigued me. I am also journaling a series of poems and essays that has helped me to deal with the tragic and racially motivated deaths that continue to plague our society. I have been encouraged to create a collection for publication, but for right now, these stories are just for myself and my family.
Inspirational Author 