Heartsong Presents -- Readers & Authors Community!

As many of you know, my first books are part of the Heartsong Presents Book Club. The first released in February and will be on Amazon.com in July. The 2nd and third release in July and December. It's such an honor to be part of the club of which I've been a member since its inception in 1991. With 48 books released each year, that means I've read 768 books and only a handful this year due to book deadlines and other things that have kept me away.

It's fantastic to see such a wholesome book club that brings joy to so many members each month. Even better is how the club has its own online presence that has grown by leaps and bounds this year.

They have short stories available online, contests, giveaways, author blog links, trivia, sneak previews, recipes, places to write reviews of the latest books for the HP Readerzine, and so much more! For anyone who loves romance and reading romance stories, the HP web site is THE place to be.

I want to encourage you to link to www.heartsongpresents.com from your own blog and/or website. Also encourage your friends and fellow readers and authors to link to Heartsong Presents.

New content is being added every day! If we spread the word, we can create a really cool community of authors and readers. Check out some of the new stuff!

HP and HP Mysteries on ShoutLife!
http://www.shoutlife.com/heartsongpresents
http://www.shoutlife.com/heartsongmysteries

Free Online Stories: http://www.heartsongpresents.com/online-stories/

Inspirational Networking, Social Networking Groups, and author blogs: http://www.heartsongpresents.com/author-blogs/

Easy-to-make recipes pulled right from the pages of our stories: http://www.heartsongpresents.com/recipes/

It's a great place to hang out. So come on by!

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Spotlight on Shirley Connolly and The Flame Within

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shirley Connolly presently lives in Brookings, Oregon with her husband Tom. The two of them have served in the ministry together in some capacity for over 25 years. They have three children now grown. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shirley states she began attempting her writing career early. Although her creative imagination and love for make-believe keep her active as an historical fiction writer of mostly romance, she also wears other hats penning devotionals, teaching, and speaking at women's retreats and small seminars. Also a lover of research, Shirley keeps her books as true to life as possible, while hoping to lace them gently with nuggets of inspiration that will draw not only the believer but also the seeker to her pages. She focuses her light-hearted devotionals on simple everyday living as books of encouragement to women young and old.

Visit her blog as well as her web site to learn more about her.

THE FLAME WITHIN
by Shirley Kiger Connolly
Published by Vintage Romance Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

A journey across the sea begins a journey of healing for Aimée's soul and a discovery of love and faith she thought she'd never find. When a Yankee-induced fire destroys her family and her home, young plantation-bred Amethyst Rose finds herself on the run. Angry towards God and the men in blue, Amethyst's only choice left is to move in with her elder and controlling sister, who runs a bordello in The French Quarter of New Orleans-a decision guaranteed to destroy Amethyst's personal respect and tarnish her family name. With her bitter hatred towards all Yankees plunged into high gear, nothing seems to matter anymore, until, on a riverboat en route to New Orleans, she finds herself intrigued by the presence of not one, but two Union officers. Each in his own way find ways to tug at the heart and soul of this woman lost.

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

At first it was from reading an old romance about New Orleans back in the late 70s. I wanted something inspirational to read so I thought I would try to write one. But later, after my husband and I lived on the east coast and worked at the United States Military Academy (West Point) for a while and traveling to the Old South, we learned more about the history of the U.S. It was then I wanted to bring out my old manuscript and make it into a well-researched historical romance, not just a flimsy romance about a man and a woman.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Good question! I don't see much of my own personal experience in the life of my heroine, Amethyst Rose or her situation, but as a pastor's wife, I would have to say my husband and I have dealt in the past with many dysfunctional families who have tried hard to mask the true nature of their characters around others before they have come to know the Lord. In the story I used some of those situations in a way to bring out the nature of Amethyst Rose. Readers may not read the specifics of what happens to her, but it is there nonetheless, written between the lines. Amethyst Rose (Aimee's) unspoken abusive past becomes part of the reason she begins her life so bitter and full of hatred but without anyone to share it with. A lot of healing needs to take place in her life. It is pretty interesting to see who she ends up admiring the most in the story to find her way to the truth!

3. What themes exist in The Flame Within that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme that exists throughout the story was the importance of love, acceptance, and forgiveness working together no matter who you are or from what station you come from. But the golden nugget that developed as the story progressed was compassion.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I think the most difficult parts for me were getting the first five pages down the cleanest, and the ending done in a way that would make my reader want to say, "Ah, now where is the next book! Will there be a sequel?"

My favorite part to write was going back over the manuscript because I wanted to make it better. I could never get it just right. (I am not good at grammar. I know I will improve as I continue to grow as an author.) To me, there is always room for improvement.

I would also like to add what I did NOT like finding was the mistakes that were there and not corrected when the book came out and knowing it was then too late to fix them. I still have so much to learn. But I'm getting there. (It's interesting how they begin to jump out AFTER they are in print.)

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I also write light-hearted nonfiction devotionals. I have a three-book series coming out beginning in 2009. And I am just about ready to finish up another historical fiction manuscript that takes place in the year 1877. This one is about a middle-aged backslidden mother with two illegitimate daughters who is anxious to finally be able to introduce her girls to their military father for the first time out in Kansas...that is, until everything under the sun begins to go wrong before they get there. I'm looking forward to sending that out soon.

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Thank you, Shirley, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Flame Within.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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Promises, Promises: Reviews and Book Club Feature

I am simply busting at the seams with excitement and joy and even tears.

Earlier this week, I received a CC (carbon copy) of an email sent to my editor from a friend/fellow author. She's also a member of ACFW. Janice Thompson offered to review my very first book, and she loved it so much that she actually emailed my editor to tell her! Of course, Janice also writes for the same line, but I was FLOORED! It brought tears to my eyes just reading it. I mean, I expected Janice to post a review on her new Double-Booked blog for book reviews and all kinds of awesome stuff, but I NEVER expected her to email my editor! Talk about the shock of the week!

Double-Booked Review of Promises, Promises

"Amber Miller is truly one of the strongest historical romance writers I've read in years. Sometimes historicals (as a whole) don't hold my attention, or the reader tries too hard to impress with historical lingo/tidbits. But in this case, I found myself caught up in the action right away and also found the story very believable. I could relate to both the hero and the heroine. As I mentioned, it's the perfect blend of story, history and biblical truth."

For the rest, you'll have to visit Janice's blog. :) It's a fantastic one. You really should check it out. AND, if you go there and leave a comment, you'll win a chance for a FREE copy of my book. So, run on over there and take a look at the great review site Janice has.

This next one is from a Heartsong Book Club reader:

"Your book was absolutely wonderful! Just finished it tonight and decided I would look you up online. I loved your story about Gustaf and Raelene. They seemed so real! I could especially relate to Raelene's feelings, because after I lost my dad in 2005 (he died a very hard death) - I went into a long period of depression. I had trouble trusting God, but now I realize that death will come to us all, sooner or later, and in some way or other. God decides. Even Jesus, God's Son, was allowed to suffer, and it had a purpose. That thought has comforted me. You have an amazing gift for expressing people's innermost feelings. Thank you so much for your exceptionally fine work! I look forward to your new titles coming soon!"

Isn't that just the sweetest comment and review? I was so touched. She read my book from the book club then took the time to find me online so she could email me.

This last one came from a dear friend and fellow newbie author, Debra Ullrick, whose first book, The Bride Wore Coveralls, also released with Heartsong this year:

"Oh my gosh, I loved your story! I finally got to read it and when I started, I couldn't put it down. I loved your characters, your writing, the plot, ah heck, I loved the whole thing! FANTASTIC! You're writing is awesome. I can't wait to read your next story."

She and I have shared so much as we both sold our books around the same time. It's been quite the journey.

Add those to the other reviews that have trickled in, and I'm one snoopy-dancing, honored and humbled new author. God is SO good, and His promises have truly been fulfilled in my life. That's one of the main themes in this book and it's taken from Romans 4:21. The reviews aren't overwhelming, but they're sincere and heartfelt, and reveal how this book has touched the readers' lives.

That's what this journey is all about. As I posted two weeks ago, I'll be having a blog tour in July where more feedback and reviews for Christianbook.com and Amazon.com and other online sites will start appearing.

But before that happens, my book is one of the two that is being featured THIS MONTH at the ACFW Book Club. If you haven't heard of this club, but you love reading and discussing great new fiction and even chatting with the authors, then this club is for you! Take a look.

The cover of my book is on the main page of the ACFW web site and listed with my buddy, Cheryl Wyatt's book on the club information page. You can see that here. Talk about fantastic publicity! The largest Christian fiction organization in the world, and my book is on the main page. Praise God! Woo-hoo!

I look forward to the discussion among book club members later this month...at least from those who read historicals. :)

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CFBA Blog Tour - Jenny B. Jones and The Big Picture

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Big Picture
(NavPress Publishing Group, April 15, 2008)
by Jenny B. Jones

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenny B. Jones is the author of A Katie Parker Production series. The other books in the series are In Between and On The Loose. Though now an adult, she still relates to the trauma and drama of teen life. She is thrilled to see her writing dreams come true, as her previous claim to fame was singing the Star Spangled Banner at a mule-jumping championship. (The mules were greatly inspired.)Jenny resides in Arkansas, where, as a teacher, she hangs out with teens on a regular basis.

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes there's a fine line between comedy and tragedy—and Katie Parker is walking it.

School is winding down for the summer but Katie Parker is having a bad day. After leaving the drive-in, where her imploding love life was the main attraction, Katie arrives home to a big surprise on the Scott's front porch. Her mother, Bobbie Ann Parker, a former convict and recovering addict, wants to take Katie away from her family, friends, and church. Now Katie's life will be changed by a series of dramatic choices as she struggles to understand what family and home really means.

Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving behind a family who loves her, a town drive-in to save, and a boyfriend who suddenly can take his eyes off his ex. When the life her mother promised begins to sink faster than one of Maxine's stuffed bras, Katie knows she needs to rely on God to keep it together. But where is he in all this? Can Katie survive a chaotic life with her mother—and one without the Scotts? And if God is there, will he come through before it's too late?

A Katie Parker Production series offers teen girls real-world fiction balanced by hope and humor. The The Big Picture helps us realize that the difficult chapters in our journey are only part of God's big story for our lives.

You can read the first chapter HERE

"A heroine to love. Jones just gets better with every book, and The Big Picture is her best one yet." ~BARBARA WARREN, author of The Gathering Storm

"Such inspiration in a package of fun and faith!" ~EVA MARIE EVERSON, author of the Potluck Club series

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

We knew from book one, IN BETWEEN, that my main character, Katie Parker, had an addict mother. So it was just a natural progression that Mom would have to show up sometime and deal with some issues, as we find in THE BIG PICTURE. As a teacher, I see a lot of teens struggling with addict parents or parents who just aren't living right, and the kids getting trapped in the cycle. And it is a cycle. Without education, encouragement, and support, these kids will most likely go on to repeat the process or repeat some form of dysfunction. So I wanted to write the story from the perspective of a kid who has hope and wants more for herself, no matter who her biological parent is or how she was raised. The cycle can be broken, and God provides that out. Also Katie is a new Christian in book three, and I wanted to see how these life challenges played out against new faith.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

I definitely have experience with addict family members, though not from a teenage perspective. I think as a teacher, my teen students influence me a lot. Their personalities, humor, trials and issues are on every page. And I think there are definitely aspects of myself in this girl. We're both a little snarky, clumsy, irreverent, and occasionally love to ham it up. We both had wonderful, sassy grandmothers. And we both look just like Keira Knightley. (Kidding!) And as for aspects of Katie that were just hers? Hmmm...she's into vintage eighties clothing, and I'm definitely not, since I lived it once already...though I am REALLY thankful the giant hair didn’t come back in with the clothes.

3. What themes exist in The Big Picture that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I think we see a few themes played out. There's the theme of defining what true family is. There's the dominant theme of trusting God when it makes no sense—when life isn't fair, when the tragedy or problem defies explanation. There's also the theme of using fireworks to snare a man, but I won't go into that.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I think any of the scenes were Katie deals with her addict mother were hard. Though I wouldn't call this a dark book, this was dark for me. In my own life, I don't function well in pitiful situations and will start cracking jokes immediately. So it's hard to stay in one of Katie's issues until it's fleshed out. But you can see in her character that she can't be pitiful or wallow either. Most sad or high emotion scenes end with some sort of joke or crack. I was really worried the book would be too emotionally charged, too dramatic, but I've gotten nice feedback from reader’s with similar life experiences as Katie or her mother.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Next is a new series for Thomas Nelson called A Charmed Life. The first book, So Not Happening, won't be out until spring of ’09, but I'm really excited about it. It's quite a departure from the Katie Parker Production, but still includes humor, sass, and teen issues. This series revolves around Bella, a 17-year-old socialite from NYC. Her life radically changes when her plastic surgeon dad dumps her mom for a newer version, and Mom remarries...a professional wrestler from Oklahoma. I'm really excited about it, though I miss Mad Maxine already. But there's enough spandex and pile drivers to keep me typing.

Thanks for letting me stop by!

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Thank you, Jenny, for being with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of The Big Picture.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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