CFBA Blog Tour - Kristen Heitzmann and On the Edge of Recall

I'm pleased and honored to be able to spotlight one of my all-time favorite authors here today. I met Kristen a few years ago at the Mid-Atlantic Writer's Conference and she gave me some fantastic advice that stirred the embers of my writing passion. Five years later and 6 books sold, I'm well on my way toward catching up to her. :) And now, we even live in the same town! God is awesome!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
On the Edge of Recall
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by Kristen Heitzmann

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Of her three main interests, art, music and writing, Kristen chose to study English at the University of Colorado and thrived on Creative Writing and Literature classes. She married her husband Jim, and turned her energy to building a family. They have four children whom they have home-schooled for all or most of their education. Kristen is a music minister with the Ecumenical Covenant Community People of Praise.

Once she realized the stories in her head were truly a calling from the Lord, she made writing not just a passion, but a ministry. She has written seven historical fiction novels as part of the The Rocky Mountain Legacy series, the Diamond of the Rockies series, and the Christy Award winner, Secrets. Most recently, she has written several contemporary fiction novels, including Echoes, Freefall and Unforgotten.

Kristen and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church.

ON THE EDGE OF RECALL
by Kristen Heitzmann
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tessa Young, an up-and-coming landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths, has immersed herself in the mythological, spiritual, and healing aspects of the elaborate structures. She also is searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

When Smith Chandler, an estranged colleague--with whom she'd half fallen in love a dozen times before catching herself every time--calls to propose a project he claims is the opportunity of a lifetime, she reluctantly agrees to check it out. Smith is reconstructing a pre-Revolutionary War abbey for wealthy clients. Among its remarkable features is an overgrown labyrinth.

Unable to resist, Tessa accepts his offer to work with him. Soon she is immersed in the project of a lifetime. But one evening, after weeks of work in the labyrinth, Tessa and Smith are attacked. While protecting Tessa, Smith is stabbed, and the nightmare begins...again.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

My daughter Jessica and I conceived this story together. We had wanted to co-author it until her plans changed.

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

Tessa was a more unstable character than I have written in the past. In developing her, I wanted a somewhat unreliable narrator who was not even certain of her own mind, someone trying very hard to succeed within her limitations, damaged and yet tenacious. I used the labyrinth as a motif to show a character searching for God and yet at the same time limiting him. I had recently gone through a rough time and found trusting God difficult. Making Tessa process her reluctance to be in relationship with the Father who had not answered her prayers as she had wanted forced me to see the distance I had put in my own relationship.

Smith on the other hand was a delight to write, his being British so much fun, especially in his interaction with Tessa. He's a bit fastidious and has this sort of horrified fascination with her that drives him crazy. He's constantly afraid of offending her, yet can't help ribbing and rubbing her wrong.

3. What themes exist in On the Edge of Recall that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I never start with a theme, so whatever is there emerges from the characters' trials and triumphs. Trust became an element in this story early on, playing out in multiple characters. Forgiveness and surrender more subtle themes.

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

The hardest part of creating this story was starting it as a collaboration, then having to fly solo. My daughter Jessica had conceived the characters, and I had to get to know them through her eyes first, then flesh them into my own. We had brainstormed the basic plot, but the labyrinth and architectural elements required a lot of research.

My favorite part was writing the two Brits, Smith and Bair, creating a villain unlike any other, and the pointed repartee between the leads.

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

My next book Rules of Contact is coming out for the general market in the summer '09. It is a darkly redemptive thriller with intense moral relevance and a poignant love story. Five years ago, the story came to me in a dream, but I didn't see how I could write it, so I tried to put it out of my head. The next night I dreamed it again—I never repeat a dream!—and that time the second half of the plot came clear. I decided to jot it down just in case and couldn't stop. During the one week I had between contracted books, I wrote two hundred pages. It's one of the most exciting things I've ever done, and I can't wait to see where the Lord takes it.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of On the Edge of Recall.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. 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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CFBA Blog Tour - Deeanne Gist and Deep in the Heart of Trouble

ATTENTION: Previous blog post commenters

I know. I know. I'm way behind in announcing the winners. But, I DO have an excuse. I was out of town for 8 days with no internet access, and although the posts were done ahead of time, I wasn't here to announce the winners.

So, I'll be doing that later today. Be on the lookout for the past 2 weeks' worth of blog spotlights and book giveaways. The winner just might be you!

And now on with today's spotlight...

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This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Deep in the Heart of Trouble
(Bethany House Publishers - June 1, 2008)
by Deeanne Gist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

*Note from Amber - Deeanne is such a sweet lady, and her books are absolutely fantastic! I was hooked from the first page of her first novel. And when I met her through her blog, I discovered a kindred spirit. Meeting her in person at ACFW in Dallas was only icing on the cake. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoy counting Deeanne a friend.

Deeanne Gist has been a busy lady. She had a career in elementary education. She raised four children. In fifteen years she has: run a home accessory/antique business, member of the press, penned freelance journalism for a few well-known publications, People, Parents, Family Fun and more. She was the CFO for her husband's engineering company, she did all this in her home.

She also founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products which would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she submitted A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers and they picked it up for their new "edgy inspirational" line of historical fiction. After its release in July 2005, Bride hit eight best seller lists and has sold over 100,000 copies and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2006. The Measure of a Lady was her 2006 summer release. It hit five best seller lists and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2007. Gist is contracted to have a new book come out every summer. Courting Trouble was her 2007 summer release and it hit three best seller lists.

Deeanne lives in Texas with her husband of over twenty-four years. They have two kids in high school, two in college.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE
by Deeanne Gist
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected Love

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she's known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man's eye.

And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer's oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn’t know if she’s driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.

That’s how life is ...Deep In The Heart Of Trouble.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

"Christy Award winner Gist's historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real. Recommended for CF and romance collections."
-- Library Journal

"Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that's worthy of our time and attention. Not only won't you want to put this book down, you'll want to enjoy this story again and again."
-- JUNE TOP PICK, 4-1/2 STARS, Romantic Times, Jennifer Reyes

"Gist has once again written a delightfully humorous historical romance. After reading the first book in this series of two, I was anxious to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed ... It is a spectacular, feel-good story which I highly recommend. You will definitely be glad you read it."
-– FIVE STAR RATING, The Romance Studio, Brenda Talley

BOOK REVIEW

I'll confess that there were aspects of the first book in this set that rubbed me the wrong way. The biggest was the fact that by the end, Essie hadn't found a beau or suitor. And the man who had actually come to her and offered to do the honorable thing after they went a little too far in their affections, well, Essie sent him packing. I was actually rooting for him.

However, one thing you always know will be included in Deeanne's books is humor and witty dialogue or humorous--sometimes embarassing--circumstances.

The same goes for Deep in the Heart of Trouble. Sparks fly when Tony Morgan (aka Tony Bryant) sets out to regain his status, his father's name, and his fortune only to come against Essie Spreckelmeyer standing in his way.

Burnt from previous heartbreak and heartache, Essie's shyness where men are concerned actually provides a good source of comedy and a nice counterpart to her often brazen behavior. Despite Tony's handsome good looks and appeal, he had to work extra hard to get Essie to trust him, and that often led to comical mistakes whenever she was near.

With supporting characters that only served to heighten the flow of the story and keep the pace at page-turning speed, Deeanne once again delivers a winner. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see yet another award nomination from the Christy's, the RITA or ACFW's Book of the Year.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. You're back with the mis-adventures of Essie from Courting Trouble. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Most people think the oil industry in Texas started with Spindletop. But it actually started in the little town of Corsicana while they were drilling for water and accidentally struck oil. The townsfolk were up in arms about this because the oil was ruining their water well!

So, they discover the oil in Courting Trouble (1894) when they are a small, struggling cotton community. Then four years later, they are Deep in the Heart of Trouble when Corsicana becomes a full-fledged oil boom town and our heroine owns the largest oil company in town.

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

I’m sure my characters reflect me in some ways. I don't see how they couldn't, but I don't intentionally make them personal. I couldn’t even pick out what parts of the novels are personal and what parts aren't. I'm simply not aware of it. If you were to ask my sister, though, she would probably be able to tell you. On second thought, let’s not ask my sister. That could be dangerous.

3. What themes exist in Deep in the Heart of Trouble that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

My main goal in writing is to use my gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. I have themes for my novels (the overall theme for DEEP is that God is trustworthy), but I don't set out to convey a particular spiritual message to my readers. To me, that is between God and the reader. But if my character wants to tap into their spiritual selves, they usually let me know (just like they let me know when they want to tap into their sinful selves).

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

This was the first time I've ever written a sequel (and most likely my last). And not only was it a sequel, but it was centered around the same main character. So, the hardest part for me was to give the heroine another internal flaw that she had to overcome. She'd experienced so much growth in the first novel, I secretly wanted to let her off the hook in this one. But, of course, you can't do that.

My favorite part was I didn't have to research a whole new time period or location. Wow, was that ever nice!

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

All my books come out in June. So, you can look for my next novel in June of 2009. It is set on the West coast just after the Civil War. That's all I can tell you for now, though. I do, however, offer sneak peaks of my work-in-progress in my Chat Room. So, if you go to www.deeannegist.com, find my blog and click on the Chat Room icon, you can keep an eye out for posts about the new, upcoming book.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Deep in the Heart of Trouble or a FREE unsigned copy. Two chances to win with this spotlight, thanks to the generosity of Deeanne. :)

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. 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.

* * * * *

CFBA Blog Tour - Tamera Alexander and From a Distance

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
From a Distance
(Bethany House Publishers - June 1, 2008)
by Tamera Alexander

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamera Alexander Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots and poignant prose resonate with readers. Tamera is a finalist for the 2008 Christy Award Remembered, and has been awarded the coveted RITA® from Romance Writers of America for Revealed, along with Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006 Rekindled. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in the quaint town of historic Franklin, Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a precious—and precocious—silky terrier named Jack.

A Note from Tamera:

Stories are journeys, and each story I write is a journey for me.

Rekindled began with a dream—the image of a man returning home on horseback. He came upon a freshly dug grave and when he knelt to read the name carved into the roughhewn wooden cross, he discovered the name was...his own. The inspiration for Revealed grew from two characters in Rekindled whose stories needed to be told. But even more, whose stories I needed to tell. Writing Revealed was a very personal journey for me, and a healing one. For Remembered, I met that story's heroine (figuratively, of course) while strolling the ancient cobblestoned pathways of a three hundred-year-old cemetery in northern Paris, France. And From A Distance came from a question I was struggling with in my own life at the time, "What happens when the dream you asked God for isn't what you thought it would be?"

For me, the greatest thrill of these writing journeys is when Christ reveals Himself in some new way, and I take a step closer to Him. And my deepest desire is that readers of my books will do that as well—take steps closer to Him as they read. After all, it's all about Him.

In the Potter's Hand,
Tamera

FROM A DISTANCE
by Tamera Alexander
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

What happens when dreams aren't what you imagined,

And secrets you've spent a lifetime guarding are finally laid bare?

Determined to become one of the country's premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado, and its renowned hot springs, will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career, and her life.

Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is a man shackled by his past, and he'll do anything to protect his land and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He's a man of his word, but repaying that debt will bring secrets from his past to light. Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth's lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met ... from a distance.

Buy your copy of From a Distance today!

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

"...a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre."
--Library Journal

"...a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people."
--Romantic Times

BOOK REVIEW

When I read Tammy's first book, Rekindled, I knew I had found a new favorite author to add to my list. Ironic to realize that 3 of my top favorites are published by Bethany House. :) Anyway, the Fountain Creek Chronicles brought historical Colorado to life for me. I wept and rejoiced and shared in every experience and feeling the characters from the books in that series had.

This series starts off strong, and like the books in Fountain Creek Chronicles improved with each book, I am confident the same will take place with this new series. I empathize with the difficulty that exists in beginning a new series. Everything must be done from scratch again, and it's like you're starting on your first book.

Elizabeth in this book was difficult to like. She reminded me of my heroine from my first book. Uppity, rude, self-assued and unwilling to admit that she might be in the wrong. And like Gustaf in my book, Daniel delivered fantastic rebuttals to her attitude and high-browed ways while also retreating when necessary to lick his own wounds from his past. I think I related more to Daniel than Elizabeth, but I can certainly see why Elizabeth acted that way.

And now that I live in beautiful Colorado, the setting appeals to me on an even greater level. The vivid imagery and description penned by Tammy's hand makes the scenery come to life as you read. You'll feel like you're walking among the mountains yourself.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the first book in your new series. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The idea came from a question I was struggling with in my own life at the time, "What happens when the dream you asked God for isn't what you thought it would be?" For me, that dream was/is writing.

Do I enjoy writing? Yes…and no. One thing I didn't expect was for writing to get harder and harder. Each book is a bigger challenge. Each book is more difficult to write. I don't know where I got it, but somewhere I picked up this idea that it would get easier as you went along. Not! Now that I know that (with only five books under my belt, I've still got much yet to learn), it's not as paralyzing anymore. It's still hard, don't get me wrong. But knowing what I'm up against helps some.

I now expect those moments "mid book" when I panic and begin wondering—despairing sometimes—if I can really do this again. If maybe I've heard wrong and I'm not supposed to be doing this after all. Then…I fix my eyes (back) on Jesus, focus on Him (instead of my inadequacies), and keep writing.

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

In every book, to some extent, I think there are bits and pieces of the author. For Elizabeth Westbrook, her relentless pursuit of a dream is something I shared, so I drew from personal motivations—and mistakes—I've made along the way. Daniel Ranslett is a man who carries baggage from the past with him. Namely, guilt over things he's done, and didn't do. And questioning the why of things. I have some experience with that too.

But really, as the story unfolds and the characters begin to grow and their motivations take over, that intentional "tapping into my experiences" fades and the characters become like real people to me. I do my best to slip into their skin and see the world through their eyes. Sometimes it takes writing/rewriting a scene several times in order to get that close "point of view" where the reader can actually feel the character's emotions and experience the events along with them. I rely greatly on my editors (and my fabulous writing critique partner, Deborah Raney) to tell me whether I've done that or not. Oftentimes, a writer is just too close to their story to see it objectively.

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

Themes are funny things… I may be halfway through writing a book before I actually see with full clarity what the theme of that story really is. Theme grows from the characters' actions and motivations, what they want more than anything else, and what lessons they learn along the way. The arcing theme here is about pursuing God's dream for your life. I'm already getting reader mail (which is one of the best things about writing—connecting with readers!), and am hearing this theme being echoed. As for the more subtle themes in this book, I think those are quite individual to the reader and are best left in their hands.

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

This book was especially difficult to write. Whether it was due to the pressure I put on myself (I've been known to have unrealistic expectations, imagine…), or the fact that our family moved cross country while I was writing, or our son graduated from high school one week before we moved, or that we were transitioning to an empty nest while I was revising and editing…take your pick. All I know is that holding this "finally in print" book in my hands felt really good!

And my favorite part is, by far, having written.

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

My next book is The Inheritance, the first historical for the WOMEN OF FAITH fiction line with Thomas Nelson Publishers. It releases in March 2009 and is a historical romance set in Copper Creek, Colorado 1877. In May 2009, Beyond This Moment, a second Timber Ridge Reflections novel is due out. And fall 2009 will see the third installment of Timber Ridge Reflections released. The third title is TBD, but you can bet it'll start with a preposition!

Thanks for hosting me, Tiff!

Bless you, friend,
Tamera

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of From a Distance.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. 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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Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and My Heart Remembers

For those waiting to hear the winners of the past few spotlights, I'll have them all announced later today. Working under a book deadline, I got a mite bit backed up and behind in getting out those announcements. Thanks for your patience. Be sure to check the last 6 spotlights to see if you've won. And if you haven't entered, you still have time today.

Now, for this spotlight, I have the pleasure of sharing with you a dear friend who has been an encouragement and inspiration to me for many years. She has overcome quite a lot in her career and become a featured author on endcaps and spotlighted shelves in bookstores nationwide. I just know you're going to love Kim as much as I do.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Vogel Sawyer has dreamed of being an author since her earliest memories. Seeing her books in print is sometimes still too good to be true. In addition to her writing ministry, Kim travels to women's groups to share her testimony of God's miraculous hand of healing in her life--both physically and emotionally. She sees a correlation between the writing of a good story and God's good plan for every life, and she hopes her stories encourage readers to seek God's will in their own personal lives.

MY HEART REMEMBERS
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House Publishers

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

United by blood, divided by time, will three orphan train siblings ever find one another again? Orphaned in a tenement fire, three Irish-immigrant children are sent to Missouri to be adopted. Despite eight-year-old Maelle's desperate attempts to keep her siblings together, each child is taken by a different family. Yet Maelle vows that she will never stop searching for her brother and sister...and that they will be together one day in the future. Seventeen years later, Maelle is still searching. But the years have washed away her hope... and her memories. What are Mattie and Molly doing now? Where has life taken them? Will she ever see her brother and sister again?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is a new book separate from your previous series books, and one that's already been named a CBD best-seller as well as a Crossings Book Club selection. I LOVE the cover and the premise. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story was inspired by my dear stepgrandmother, who rode an orphan train to a new family when she was very young. Her search for "family" is represented through the characters of Maelle, Mattie, and Molly.

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

Maelle is much gutsier than I have ever been (lol), but we do have one thing in common--we both had a childhood scar to overcome before we could find peace in adulthood. God has a way of bringing healing when we trust Him. I admire Maelle's perseverance in the face of hopelessness, as well as her courage. She was something of a maverick, and she made it work.

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

I believe there is a universal desire to belong...somewhere. Kids who don't feel loved and accepted at home try to find a place of belonging in gangs or cults or other inappropriate settings. There is one place each of us can belong, and that is in God's family. I hope that theme comes through. The theme that slipped in as I wrote is that God has plans for us, and when we seek His leading, "all things work together for good." That was a great reminder for me. :)

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

This was the hardest book I've written to date. Trying to make each character strong enough to stand out, and weaving their storylines...overlapping but not crossing...was quite a challenge! Some of my favorite parts included Petey, the little street urchin (but I'm such a softie when it comes to kids...). I can't say my other favorite parts without giving key elements of the story away! LOL!

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

I'm delighted that in August, readers will get to revisit the community of Gaeddert from my first Bethany House historical, Waiting for Summer's Return. The sequel to Summer's story, titled Where the Heart Leads, features a grown-up Thomas Ollenburger who has a college diploma in hand...but isn't sure how God wants him to use it. I had such fun going back to Gaeddert and peeking in at Peter, Summer, and Thomas again.

Thanks muchly for the opportunity to visit with you, Tiff!

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Thank *you*, Kim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of My Heart Remembers.

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 U.S. residents only.

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