Today my guest is Katy Eeten, author of contemporary Christian romance.

Thank you for joining me today, Katy. I’ve taken time to read A Heart Held Captive. I found the struggle that your character faces to be very real. I’m excited to have you here today. Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’m from southeast Wisconsin where I live with my husband and two sons. I work full time in the business world, but I have always loved to write. I published my first book in 2018. I also love to read, bake, take walks, play games, and just chill with my family. Been doing a lot of that lately!

What is A Heart Held Captive about?

Cole Pearson, a physical therapist with a newfound faith, is drawn to ER nurse Emily Jenkins when she volunteers to pay for a foster child’s therapy. But Emily is a prisoner to her past mistakes and is reluctant to take things beyond their casual conversations at the clinic. When she finally allows herself to grow closer to Cole, her wounded heart begins to mend. But when tragedy strikes, she is sent into a tailspin. Can Cole help her grasp the freedom of God’s grace, or will she revert back to the captivity of her old ways and shut Cole out of her life for good?

What was the inspiration behind the story?

I had a dream once about a self-centered medical professional who was completely changed by witnessing the selfless act of a humble woman caring for a child she didn’t even know. That was what inspired the initial story, though the storyline developed and evolved quite a bit as I began typing away.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Yes, I am the Team Lead of the Account Administration department for an asset management company. Now you can see why I usually just say that I “work in the business world” in my bio—ha! Along with raising two kids and a husband who works in ministry, that means I don’t have a ton of time to write, but I do try to fit it in on weekends, random days off work, or even on my lunch breaks. It’s not as much as I’d like, but I do what I can.

Do you consider yourself a night owl or morning person?

I feel like I’m neither. Ha! I really do like my sleep, but life dictates that I be more of a morning person, so I probably function better in the morning than at night.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I actually enjoyed creating Maria, one of the minor characters in A Heart Held Captive. She’s Cole’s sister-in-law and becomes friends with Emily. She’s super upbeat, friendly, down-to-earth, and someone who I think would be a good friend.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very supportive. My husband isn’t much of a reader, but he has read all three of the books I’ve published so far (by choice!). My nine-year-old son even took it upon himself to read my Christmas novella, and he really enjoyed it! And my extended family has been supportive as well. I am blessed.

Would you share a favorite excerpt from A Heart Held Captive?

The below is when Emily has trouble sleeping one night, and Cole comes to her house to keep her company. They talk on the porch swing behind her house, and it ends up being a real turning point in their relationship.

Holding up half the blanket, she turned to face him. “Are you cold? We can share.”

Cole only pondered her question for a moment—he was warm blooded by nature, but he certainly didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to cuddle up next to Emily under a blanket on a porch swing on this beautiful night. Nodding, he scooted closer to allow for the blanket to rest on his lap and cover his legs. Their thighs now touched, and heat radiated through his body.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Cole noticed with mixed feelings that Emily’s eyes were starting to droop.

She yawned. “Oh, no thank you. You’re a really nice guy, you know that?”

He let his fingertips brush the top of her shoulder as his arm rested on the back of the swing. “Nah, just your average Joe.”

She shook her head, and her hair tickled his neck. “Well, I know I haven’t had much recent experience, but I still feel qualified to tell you that you are definitely not average.”

Cole closed his eyes, soaking up her words. “Well, Miss Emily. You are one to talk. I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone quite like you. And I mean that in the best possible way.”

Emily didn’t respond, but instead leaned her head against Cole’s chest. He dropped his arm from the back of the swing to cradle her shoulder. This felt right. More than right. And he hoped she had the same thoughts. But before he knew it, he heard her rhythmic breathing, and a quick glance told him her eyes were closed. Well, he had succeeded in his mission. She was asleep. Now all he had to do was figure out what on earth to do next.

Besides A Heart Held Captive, you’ve also published another Christian romance and a Christmas novella. What’s next for you as an author?

I have another Christmas novella coming out this holiday season called First Class Christmas. It’s another contemporary Christian romance, and I’m super excited to share it with the world!

Thank you again for joining me today. Where can our readers find you online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyEeten

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/

Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com/

Today I am talking with Colleen Hall, author of the historical Christian romance, Wounded Heart.

Colleen, thank you for joining me today. I’ve read Wounded Heart, and the first book in your series, Her Traitor’s Heart. I enjoyed them very much. I’m excited to have this opportunity to introduce you and your books to my readers.

Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve loved writing for almost as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary school, I wrote a mystery story in installments and gave each new installment to my friends to read on the bus while we were going home from school. Due to lack of time, I put my writing away while I was in college, but now that I’m back at it. If I had a choice between writing and eating, I’d choose writing.

What is Wounded Heart about?

Della Hughes longs for adventure and for freedom from the strictness and austerity of 1870s Boston society. When her uncle and guardian, General Clint Logan, uses his fortune to purchase property in Colorado and set up a horse ranch selling remounts to the western army, Della decides she must accompany him and his family to the West. Along the journey, Della encounters more adventure than she bargained for.

Rustlers, Indians, and rattlesnakes add danger to the trek. A persistent cavalry captain who believes Della would make him the perfect wife and a Cheyenne chieftain’s son who tells her she’s brought sunshine to his heart complicate her life. And the handsome army scout who ramrods their wagon train guards a secret from his past that makes him believe he’s not worthy of loving Della. She must meet the challenges of the West and convince the man of her heart that love is worth risking everything to gain.

Do you have a day job?

Yes, I work a fulltime day job, so that means a lot of late nights and busy Saturdays.

How do you find time in your day to write?

Fortunately, I don’t need a lot of sleep, because I’m usually the last person to get to bed due to my writing schedule.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Definitely a night owl.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?

Yes, with something gooey and chocolate!

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?  

In the third book of my Frontier Hearts Saga, Warrior’s Heart (The rough draft has just been finished.), Wild Wind refused to love the lady I’d created for his love interest. She wouldn’t cooperate, either. She wouldn’t come to life, and Wild Wind continued refusing to love her. Instead, he loved another of the characters from the previous book and wouldn’t change his mind. This required me to make major changes to the plot.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I love all my characters, but I think Wild Wind is my favorite. He’s such a strong character, he took over the story.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m some of both. I have a loose outline in my head, so I know the general direction of the story, but I’m loose enough so that the story is organic and develops as I go. The scenes don’t always play out as I thought they would, and sometimes the characters take the story in a direction I didn’t anticipate. I never try to make my characters do something they just won’t do.

Share your favorite excerpt from your book: (Wounded Heart)

Della lifted her arm and looked at the wound. Two puncture holes in the sleeve of her blouse marked the spot where the rattlesnake had struck. Crimson droplets stained the fabric. “Here.” Faintness washed over her, adding to the searing agony of the bite. She swayed.

Shane caught her about the shoulders and eased her down onto the buffalo grass, propping her against the rocks. He reached into his boot, pulled out his bowie knife, and slit her sleeve from shoulder to wrist, then bunched the fabric beneath her arm. With aching gentleness he wrapped his fingers about her bicep and examined the bite. Della risked another glance. Swelling and angry redness marred her skin at the wound site.

Shane lowered her arm. “Keep your arm down. It will slow the venom.” He cast her a reassuring look. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

Della closed her eyes. His hurried footsteps faded as he crossed the grass to his mustang. Nausea roiled in her stomach. Her face and limbs felt numb, and her throat tightened, making breathing difficult. She struggled to draw air into her lungs.

Moments later, Hunter knelt at her side. Cracking open her eyes, she watched him arrange dried grass into a pile and extract the makings of a fire from his tinder box. With an economy of motion, he scratched a match against the sole of his boot, lit the fire, and poured water from his canteen into the tin pan he carried in his saddlebags. From a deerskin pouch, he shook a measure of dried herbs into the water and set the pan in the flames. Next, he shoved the blade of his bowie knife deep into the fire.

Della closed her eyes again, not wanting to know what he intended to do with the knife. She clamped her lips against the nausea churning in her belly. The pain in her arm and the numbness of her hands and feet terrified her.

Hunter roused her by a touch on her shoulder. “Darlin’, drink this.” Squatting by her side, he held his tin cup to her lips.

She opened her eyes and stared at his face hovering close above her. Now his features—and everything she looked at—seemed blurred. Her panic kicked up a notch when she couldn’t quite focus.

He held the mug for her while Della drank. The tea tasted bitter, but she drained the liquid to the dregs. When she’d swallowed the last drop, she leaned her head back against the rock and closed her eyes again.

Still crouching beside her, Hunter squeezed her shoulder in a tender caress. “Darlin’, look at me.”

Della lifted her lids and stared into his eyes, squinting to focus against the blurriness.

“Della, I’m goin’ to hurt you.”

“Hmm. . .?” She struggled to make sense of his words.

“I’m goin’ to take my knife and cut across the bite marks. You need to bleed. Some of the venom will come out with your blood. Then, I’ll pack the wounds with the poultice to draw out as much of the venom as possible.” He squeezed her shoulder again. “I won’t hurt you more than I have to, but I must work fast, and the blade will be hot.”

She nodded. His words made her heart thump against her ribs. Breathing as deeply as she could manage with the effects of the venom constricting her throat, she forced herself to calmness.

Hunter bent and placed a swift kiss on her lips, then twisted toward the fire. When he pivoted back to her, his bowie knife in one hand, a jolt of panic shot through her. With his other hand, he grasped her arm about the wound, making it impossible for her to move. The blade of the knife glowed red.

Their gazes met for a single instant before Shane placed the tip of the blade against her skin and pressed the edge into the muscle. The acrid scent of burning flesh filled her nostrils as the blade bit into her arm. Agony greater than anything she’d ever known sliced through her. Della turned her head away, gritting her teeth, determined not to scream. He made another slash across the second bite mark and then tossed down the knife.

Della’s head fell back against the rock, and she swallowed a whimper of pain.

What’s next for you as an author?

The next thing for me as an author is editing Warrior’s Heart and submitting it.

I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for joining me today, Colleen. Where can readers reach you online?

Twitter: @ColleenGHall

Facebook: @ColleenHallRomance

Website: colleenhallromance.com

Looking for a book-related boredom buster? (Try saying that three times fast)

Anaiah Press authors are hosting a Faceboook event with games and chances to win prizes. Plus you’ll get to know the authors and find great books to read.

You can follow the event at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnaiahPressNews/
Hope to see you there!

Today I’m interviewing Laurie Wood, author of the Heroes of the Tundra series. Laurie, I’ve read both books and truly enjoyed them. Thank you for joining me today so I can introduce you to my readers.

Thanks so much for hosting me today, Carol! I live in Winnipeg, Canada, which is the geographical centre of North America. I’m a military spouse – my husband is a Major in the Canadian Air Force –  and we have two special needs children who’re adults now and still live with us at home. I write romantic suspense for Anaiah Press and have two books out with them. My third book in my series “Heroes of the Tundra” will be out this December 8, 2020.

What is Northern Hearts about?

NORTHERN HEARTS is a Christmas novella which is a cozy mystery without the dead body. The heroine inherits a hotel/restaurant in a small town in Canada’s northern wilderness. She and the chef have 30 days to work together to decide who stays, or who goes, or can they work together to continue her aunt’s legacy? It’s set in the real-life town of Churchill, Manitoba which is the Polar Bear Capitol of the world. And yes, there’s a polar bear in the story!

What is the inspiration behind your story?

The first book in the series is NORTHERN DECEPTION. In that book, I skipped from the ending which took place in late November, to an Epilogue in March of the same winter. So, my editor contacted me the end of July and asked me if I’d write a Christmas novella set during the Christmas I skipped over in the first book. I came up with a new couple for NORTHERN HEARTS, although you’ll find a few returning characters if you’ve already read NORTHERN DECEPTION.

What book do you wish you would have written?

Hmmm…can I say OUTLANDER? Or, anything by Daphne du Maurier? Or, anything by Susanna Kearsley? It’s impossible to choose just one book I wish I’d written because those three ladies are my motivation for storytelling. I admire them so much and have read everything they’ve written.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

I was amazed that I pounded out this book in six weeks. It’s the fastest I’ve ever been able to write anything, and it pretty much “came” to me as a whole story, which doesn’t happen often. So, considering I had a tight deadline, that was wonderful. That was my first surprise, and the second was that it was easy to visualize new characters to add to the ones I’d already written about, as well as the cast I’d already created for my next book in the series. It was a happy circumstance that boosted my self-confidence.

Who was your favorite character to create?

This heroine, Kali McIntyre, was so much fun to create! I made her a rich girl but gave her enough spunk and nerve that she wasn’t spoiled or a stereotype. She has her own dreams and makes her own decisions even if they’re not welcomed by everyone else in the story. She learns from her mistakes. And she wasn’t looking for love, which I think a lot of twenty-somethings worry about too much, so when she found it, it was that much sweeter.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

My sister’s and sisters-in-law have all named their girls quite unusual and romantic names, so I’m writing a heroine using each of these lovely names. “Kira” is the heroine in NORTHERN DECEPTION. I’m saving my own daughter’s name for a different series character, where the series will be built around her, rather than the town the way this series is built. And “Jake” just fit the vision I had of a 30-something guy in a red-and-black-plaid flannel shirt and jeans.

I like using Pinterest to find “faces” for my characters and I do a Pinterest board for each book or story I’m working on. I keep them “secret” until it’s time for publication.

What is your favorite book?

Christy by Catherine Marshall. I’ve read it at least six or seven times since I first read it at thirteen years old when I snuck it out of my mother’s bedroom and got in trouble for reading it. She thought it was “too mature” for me, lol. I loved that story and it was my first experience, of course, with a love triangle, but mainly it made me want to be a teacher. Which I desperately wanted to be until my father refused to pay for my university education so that I could be one. That’s a whole other story!

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is quite supportive. My husband beta reads my work before I send it to my editor. He’s great at catching grammar and time elements I might’ve messed up. (I have other beta readers as well) My kiddos get excited when a box of books arrives from my publisher. They don’t totally understand why I spend so much time typing on the computer but seeing a box of books with my name on them means a lot to them and to me.

Share your favorite excerpt from Northern Hearts:

                “He stopped himself from knocking on the closed office door, and entered, letting the door bang on the wall. Just enough to get Kali’s attention. Tripod settled into his corduroy dog bed under his desk.

                Kali, however, was chattering away on the phone, her right hand bouncing up and down on the desk blotter, her entire body vibrating with excitement. When she hung up, she leaned back in the swivel chair and crowed out loud.

                “Woot! I just made an order for one hundred pounds of veal and pork for Friday, November 30^th!”

                “Veal and pork? From where? And why?” Jake walked to the coffeemaker by the window and put in a dark roast pod, slamming down the lid. “Those are two of the most expensive meats you can buy, especially this time of year.”

                Visions of their red balance sheet for December’s year end danced in front of his eyes.

                “I know,” Kali smiled up at the ceiling, swiveling her chair side to side. “We’re going to make old-fashioned French tourtières – I have a fantastic Québécoise recipe – and if it’s too expensive, we’ll just cut the boar sausages from the menu. And the elk meatloaf.” She tapped her pen on her teeth. “I think we’ll add some Beef Wellington, too. Or, what do you think about using salmon instead?”

                “You’re actually asking me for input?” He knew he sounded beyond irritated, but he’d never see her so wound up. Okay, she looked pretty this morning, like a cross between a princess and a New York power executive, with her dazzling blue eyes, blonde hair, and the new icy-blue fleece top she’d bought from Ruby’s. For the life of him, he’d never seen such a small woman with so much kinetic energy.

                “I want to add avocados to the salade du l’hiver, as well.” She scribbled on a piece of paper.

                “Avocados? We can’t afford avocados…Listen, first we need to talk about the Nativity sets.”

                Her head bent over her work, she said, “What about them?”

                He muttered a prayer under his breath and took a swig of scalding coffee. He noted the can of diet pop beside her computer. Huh. She’d given in to her caffeine addiction and coughed up the twenty-six dollars for a case of pop.

                “Those Nativity sets are a Great Northern Lodge Christmas tradition. We have to put them out.”

                “Why?” She kept writing, head down.

                “Because, that’s what Cora did every year for the past forty-odd years, and people expect to see them. They were special to her. Little kids love coming to see them and touch them – some of them, anyway – and the staff is upset.”

                “The staff is upset? Whatever for?” Now, her head was up, those dazzling blue eyes staring at him.

                “I believe you used some fighting words, such as old-fashioned, and tacky, and too religious.” He took another sip of hot coffee. Those eyes were killers. He wondered if she knew how attractive she was, or if someone with all her resources had known it since she was ten.”

©Laurie Wood 2019

What’s next for you as an author?

The next book in the series will be out December 8, 2020: NORTHERN PROTECTOR (Heroes of the Tundra Book 2).  The hero of this book is the RCMP officer from NORTHERN DECEPTION, who was mauled by a polar bear. This is the story of his recovery, his PTSD, and his love story with Joy Gallagher, a nurse at the Health Centre. It’s also a murder mystery and how one present day case relates to a cold case in the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

Thank you again for being here today. I’m looking forward to reading your next book.

Where can readers find you online?

Readers can find me online here:

Website:  https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com 

Sign up for my monthly newsletter there!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriewoodreadersgroup

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LaurieJeanWood

FREE on Kindle today and tomorrow!

Today I’m talking with Delaina Netherland Smiley, author of the Christmas novella, One More Santa.

Delaina, thank you for joining me today. I’ve read One More Santa and enjoyed the story. I’m excited to have you here today and learn more about you and the inspiration for your book.

Let’s start off by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an East Texas native and I live in the country with my husband and three almost-adult children. I’m a Community Engagement Coordinator for CASA for Kids of East Texas and am currently working really hard to enlist more good-hearted volunteers to be advocates for children in foster care. I enjoy writing (of course), photography, going for walks and fishing with my family. Someday, I hope to live on the lake where fishing is more accessible.

What is One More Santa about?

“One More Santa” is a Texas Christmas story about a young woman, Cassie, who is not only busy, but content with her life as a sports photographer, CEO of her family charity, The Santa House Women’s Charity, and a big help to her boisterous family. When Talent Marshall comes to town, though, his new duties to help protect the women at The Santa House during the busiest season of the year, puts him in Cassie’s path. Now, she has the opportunity to see if adding romance to her life could be her Christmas gift to herself this year.

What is the inspiration behind your book?

I wanted to try my hand at a Christmas story that was unlike any I had read before. My own growing Santa collection (gifts from my family) and my heart for seeing the dreams of women flourish inspired me to create The Santa House Women’s Charity for my backdrop. My son is a competitive archer so that’s where the archery piece comes from. I also wanted to see a story where the woman’s life path doesn’t have to change in order for her to begin a relationship with a man. What if their paths just lined up and they could have their careers AND a great love story?

Do you have a day job?

I do have a day job. I work for CASA for Kids of East Texas. I’m also a mom, wife, aunt, a ghost writer, a habits coach, and “duties as assigned”.

With all the hats that you wear, how do you find time in your day to write?

My life is full, but writing has always been important to me so I make time for it as often as I can. Most of the time it’s at night or on weekends. I will tell you that having a group of wonderful beta readers who read as I write my first draft really propels me to complete a manuscript much more quickly than trying to do it on my own. We call them the First Draft Fan Club and they keep me moving forward.

How did you come up with the name of your heroine?

I’m glad you asked this one. My grandmother’s name is Rosemary. Her sisters’ names are Brenda, Betty, and Cassie. I wanted to pay tribute to her in some way so I used their names in my story as the main female characters.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My mother. She’s always the first to read anything I write. I think she used to worry about hurting my feelings so she would only tell me what she liked. But now, I think she sees how important it is for me to hear all of her opinions – good or bad. She’s become quite the book critic and I love that she’s with me on this journey.

Why don’t  you share with our readers your favorite excerpt from the book:

I like the banter between the sisters so here is one of my favorites:

“He wasn’t wearing a ring.” Betty sat on a bench in the cell and held her hands out for Ruby to come sit with her. “And he was certainly a handsome one.”

Cassie shook her head. Apparently the missing niece was forgiven, and her sister was moving on to rescue something else – her love life. “Stop it.” She glared. “I am too busy for your match-making.”

Cassie wasn’t sure how she could fit filling her truck up with gas, much less dating, into her schedule these days. Between being the CEO of the Santa House, running a successful sports photography business, and helping her family with the diner or with chauffeuring her niece from one archery tournament to another, her plate was full. And she was content with her plate as it was.

“Well, somebody has to do it. You’re certainly not helping yourself out in that department. When was the last time you went on a date?”

Just as Betty asked the question the same officer that rescued Ruby appeared in the doorway. Cassie cringed. She shot a stern glance at Betty and covered her face with her hand.

Once he was gone, Cassie gave Betty the side-eye. “Really? Betty, why? Why do you have to do that?” Cassie sank onto the bench and covered her face with her hands.

“If it makes you feel better,” Betty spoke cautiously in a low tone, “I don’t think he noticed the dirt streak on your face.”

I enjoyed the banter between the sisters, also, as I have three of my own. We have a lot of fun joking around with each other.

What’s next for you as an author?

I just finished a manuscript and it’s been submitted for consideration (fingers crossed). I’m also working on a new one so I hope to have it finished and submitted soon. I’d like to try my hand at a non-fiction book this year, but I haven’t been able to wrap my head around that one just yet. I want to write five books this year, though, so I’m working hard toward my goal! 

Thank you again for being here with us, Delaina. Where can readers find out more about you and One More Santa?

They can find me on social media:

Facebook: @dnetherlandsmiley or https://www.facebook.com/dnetherlandsmiley/

Instagram: @dnetherlandsmiley

Twitter: @DelainaSmiley

LinkedIn: Delaina Netherland Smiley – Writer