by Crystal Caudill | Mar 29, 2022 | Author Interviews
I am so blessed to introduce to you a fellow author and friend, Stacy Simmons. Her newest release A Promise for Faith is the first in her Briar Creek Love series as well as being her debut. Allow me to properly introduce Stacy.
Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Many years of marital bliss are a great contributor. By day she is a Special Education inclusion Paraprofessional. By night, she is happily working on her next manuscript and corralling her and her family’s menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.”
Connect with her through her website, Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Stacy with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
SS: Milk but any chocolate is wonderful!.
CC: Print or E-book?
SS: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
SS: Both!
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
SS: Morning with coffee : )
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
SS: Summer
Now for a couple fun personal questions:
CC: How can we pray for you?
SS: For people to read and feel uplifted by my novel, thank you.
CC: It is so scary to have your book other there and to both worry that no one will read it. It’s so important to us as Christian writers to also lift up your readers, so I totally get that. We will be praying.
CC: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SS: As a teen I wrote horrible poetry, I wrote but never published a children’s book ages ago. What rekindled my fire was seeing the love of students reading their books six years earlier. It made me want to write a story they might read someday.
CC: I think it is the curse of every teenager to write horrible poetry. LOL We are so glad that your students inspired you to write again.
CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
SS: I love to listen to music, I pray before writing and will sing some Christian pop songs.
CC: I’m a music listener too! Mostly instrumental though. Words mess me up while I’m typing.
Let’s talk abot your debut releast, A Promise for Faith.
Secrets have the power to ruin lives. Faith and love have the power to disarm those secrets.
Failure isn’t an option for Faith Fuller, She wants to prove to herself and her very successful parents she can stand on her own, even if it means accepting a job offer from someone she wanted to forget. To add to the problem, that job means facing her biggest fear.
Caleb Gaines is looking for a manager for his coffee shop. He’s in over his head running his successful river outfitters business, and being a single dad to a preschooler. But the perfect candidate wants nothing to do with him. Risk-taker Caleb is up for a challenge and wants to convince Faith to help him.
If neither one relies on faith and learns to trust, any chance at love will be washed downstream.
An out-of-work chef and successful river outfitter are both hiding secret tragedies. How much faith will it take to learn to trust in each other, overcome obstacles, and find love?
CC: How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything through the writing?
SS: Patience and endurance. Writing a novel is not a sprint but a long winding path through the forest. You won’t see the end until some time from now.
CC: Amen. And sometimes that forest is a scary place to be.
How do you select the names of your characters?
SS: I researched favorite baby names in their birth year, also I used some of my family names in there as well.
CC: Oh that is fun. And I totally look up names by birth year too. Just a little farther back. 😉
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SS: No matter what is thrown at you, Jesus is with you and guides you all the way through it.
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
SS: 1. Hawaii 2. Tahiti 3. To travel back to Europe
CC: Oh, wow. I hadn’t ever considered Tahiti, now I’m intrigued. Thanks so much for hanging with us.
You can purchase Stacy’s book at Amazon.
Reader question:
What items are on YOUR bucket list?
by Crystal Caudill | Nov 16, 2021 | Author Interviews
I am so blessed to introduce to you a fellow Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers member, Jodie Wolfe. Her newest release Protecting Annie is the second in her Burrton Spings Brides. Each story can be read as a stand-alone but is interconnected by the location and some of the characters. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better, and to introducing you to her and her stories. So without further ado, allow me to properly introduce Jodie.
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Connect with her through her website, Bookbub, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Amazon, or MeWe.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Jodie with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
JW: Definitely milk.
CC: Print or E-book?
JW: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
JW: Dog
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
JW: Midmorning person. 🙂
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
JW: Winter!
Now for a couple fun personal questions:
CC: How can we pray for you?
JW: Please pray for my son since he’s uppermost on my heart right now. This month he’s getting out of the Navy while also trying to find a job, a place to live, as well as working to get custody of his two children.
CC: Those are all such hard things. I am continuing to pray, and please thank him for his service to our country.
CC: What are you reading right now?
JW: I’m reading Jody Hedlund’s The Heart of a Cowboy and Chip Ingram’s I Choose Peace.
CC: Oh! I haven’t read either, but I’ve heard good things about Jody Hedlund’s. I’ve not heard of Chips, so I’ll be checking that out as we get off here.
CC: What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
JW: The past few years have been my biggest writing challenge. Various circumstances as well as chaotic times killed my creativity. I finally decided to stop fighting against the chaos in my life. Funny thing, as soon as I did that, God gave me ideas for a story and words to write. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. 🙂
CC: LOL, I love how God words. It’s always when we surrender fully to Him that He reveals things He’s been holding back while waiting for us to really trust Him.
Since your release, Protecting Annie, was November 12, let’s talk a bit about that.
![Protecting Annie (Burrton Springs Brides) by [Jodie Wolfe]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KTXO+jk7S.jpg)
After twenty years of living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem, she no longer requires his protecting so he’s unsure of his next step.
Annie McPherson needs a change after the death of her father. She accepts a position as schoolmarm, hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky sheriff who continues to question her ability to adjust to life in the west and creates confrontations at every turn.
When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging him into the turmoil, Josh has to decide who he’s willing to defend.
CC: Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
JW: This is a hard question since they all are fun to create. Sorry, I have to go with two. 🙂 The first is from book one in my Burrton Springs Brides series. In Taming Julia, I created Julia (Jules) Walker who was full of quirks and lack of knowledge of what it’s like to live in a town since she and her brother lived along the trail all her life. In Protecting Annie, book two in this series, I had fun creating Annie McPherson, who has a lot of book knowledge, but not a lot of common sense.
CC: Those sound like fun characters to create and read about. I’m looking forward to seeing how they both survive living in a western town.
How do you select the names of your characters?
JW: Sometimes the name just comes to me. Other times I search the time period I’m writing about to find out what the common names were. At some point a name will jump out to me and I go from there.
CC: That’s fun! I have census records I look through, and even found several books of local census records from my time period at the last library book sale.
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?
JW: I would love to go to New Zealand. My absolute favorite movies are The Lord of the Rings trilogy that were filmed there.
CC: I have a friend who went pre-Covid and toured all the LOR the locations. IT WAS SO COOL!! I loved looking at her pictures. I hope you get to make it at some point too!
You can purchase Jodie’s book at Amazon.
Reader question:
Jodie said the characters she created both lacked knowledge, one of how to live in town and the other common sense. What sort of trouble can you imagine characters like that getting into? Have you read other characters with these type of challenges?
by Crystal Caudill | Oct 13, 2021 | Author Interviews
One of the great things about being an author is you get to meet so many other great authors. I met Danielle Grandinetti through an editing Facebook group and then through a Word Count Sprinting group this year. Yesterday she released her prequel novella, To Stand in the Breach, and in April, A Strike to the Heart will release. Both books however are already available to purchase/preorder for just $0.99 each.
I am so excited for you to meet Danielle and to get to know this wonderful person and author.
Danielle Grandinetti is a book blogger at DaniellesWritingSpot.com. Her short stories have appeared in several publications and her writing has won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award. Originally from Chicagoland, she currently lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Danielle especially loves quiet mornings served with the perfect cup of tea.
You can check out her landing page for To Stand in the Breach here.
Connect with her through her newsletter, on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, her website, or her blog.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Danielle with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
DG: Dark
CC: Print or E-book?
DG: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
DG: Dogs (My dog’s name is Penny.)
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
DG: Morning
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
DG: Fall
Now for a couple fun personal questions:
CC: What are you reading right now?
DG: My next-up books include The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund, Night Prey by Susan Sleeman, and Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard
CC: Oh! Those sound like good reads. I’ve actually never read any of those authors yet, even though I have a few of their books on my shelf waiting for time.
CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
DG: I think of my first draft like a skeleton. It’s short of my word goal and needs much fleshing out, which I do during the second draft.
CC: I just giggled at the very punny image of a skeleton and “fleshing” it out. I’m familiar with the terms, but it never fails to amuse. 🙂
CC: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
DG: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, so I’ll pick a whole book. The Psalms. They always express what my heart is saying better than anything else.
CC: I do love how the Psalms really show the unrestrained emotion of man, and yet how it is always brought back to God.
CC: What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
DG: Since I’m a mama of littles, I snag writing time whenever and wherever I get a chance, but mostly during naptime.
CC: Bless you! Writing with littles is so hard. I am amazed you are able to do it.
CC: What is your writing Kryptonite?
DG: Description does not come naturally to me, but it’s fun to layer it in during the editing process.
CC: Praise the Lord for editing processes, and for your willingness and desire to layer it in, even when it is hard.
Since yesterday was your release, To Stand in the Breach, let’s talk a bit about that.
She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay?
1933, Wisconsin – Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life. But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe.
To Stand in the Breach is the prequel novella to A Strike to the Heart, releasing April 2022 from Heritage Beacon Fiction/Iron Stream Media.
CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
DG: The bad guy. Making his reasoning logical when it … isn’t.
CC: Villians are so challenging because they always are the hero in their minds.
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
DG: Katy. Her character began to develop while writing A Strike the Heart and I knew I had to tell her story.
CC: I love when side characters take on their own life and demand their own story.
CC: What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for To Stand in the Breach?
DG: Cow health issues, such as udder infections, and the prevention and ramifications of them.
CC: That would be fascinating. . . and kind of gross.
CC: How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything through the writing?
DG: Not so much taught as provided an outlet for my own wrestling through what it looks like to stand between those with power and those without in a given situation.
CC: Writing is a great way to wrestle through those tough topics!
CC: How do you select the names of your characters?
DG: In the case of the animals, Clover, Nessa, and Glenn, I purposefully chose Irish names as a nod to Katy’s Irish heritage.
CC: That is fun! I love looking up names for characters, and I love how you connected the animals to Katy’s heritage.
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?
DG: My list is too long! I’d probably pick New Zealand because it’s the only hemisphere I haven’t been to yet.
CC: I want to see the hobbit holes there!!! One day we will both make it!
You can purchase Danielle’s book at Amazon or other retailers.
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 24, 2021 | Author Interviews
Hi friends! I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Cynthia several times, so this time I shook things up from my normal format for interviews. First let me give you the traditional introduction:
Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational, bestselling author with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the hearts of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the mid-1800’s prairie and Civil War era. Her Prairie Sky Series consists of Amazon bestseller, Under This Same Sky, Under Prairie Skies, and Under Moonlit Skies, a 2020 Selah Award winning novel.
Cynthia writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband of twenty-seven years. They have two grown sons and a daughter-in-love. When she isn’t writing or researching, Cynthia can be found hiking, biking, gardening, reading, or riding sidesaddle with her husband in the combine or on their motorcycle. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit Cynthia online at: www.cynthiaroemer.com
Now for a little more personal introduction. I meet Cynthia four or five years ago at a book signing I attended with a friend, and have since had the enjoyment of reading all her releases. (I’ve got her newest one sitting on the corner of my desk waiting for me to finish a couple of other required reads first. So watch for that review in the next month or so.) Cynthia is a beautiful woman who has walked through some very difficult trials over the last two years– her husband’s cancer, the death of her beloved father, and her own continued battle with cancer. Through it all, she has been an amazing example of loving and trusting God even in the hard times. She has graciously agreed to share some of her experiences and how they have affected her and her writing.
CC: Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your story. While you were writing Beyond These War-Torn Lands, you faced multiple family and personal challenges, including fighting an aggressive cancer diagnosis. How have you seen God work during that process?
CR: The past year and a half have truly been challenging with both myself and my husband being diagnosed with cancer and the loss of my dad. But through it all, the Lord has given me the strength and determination to press on. Writing provided a welcome distraction from the dismal reality of cancer and chemo and helped me focus on something worthwhile that I enjoyed.
CC: Writing certainly has been a gift from God for me in troubled times. I am so glad He provided you the strength and determination to keep at it.
Did any of your experiences, emotions, or struggles with this time play into Beyond These War-Torn Lands? How so?
CR: I do feel the depth of emotions and spiritual content were enhanced by my experience. I’ve always had a deep sense of emotion, but during this health challenge, the Lord drew me in even closer to his unfailing love, and I pray that resonates with readers in this story.
CC: You have been such a light of faith, grace, and courage to your readers on social media as you go through this valley of struggles. What gives you the greatest encouragement on those hard days?
CR: Thank you, Crystal. Just knowing others are praying for me is such a comfort. I received more than a hundred cards and so many gracious comments on social media. We had people stop by to bring food and offer to help in any way. All of those expressions of Christ-like love truly inspired me to keep going. I feel so blessed!
CC: How can we be praying for you as you move forward in your treatment and in your writing?
CR: You are so thoughtful, Thank you! Specifically, I would appreciate prayers for renewed strength and healing, for my kidney function to return to normal (it has suffered from treatment), and for the Lord to be glorified through this experience and in my writing. Please pray what I write will honor Him and that I will be obedient in whatever He calls me to do. Thanks so much!
CC: Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into this season of life for you. I’m excited to introduce readers to your newest release, Beyond These War-Torn Lands.
The War brought them together ~ Would it also tear them apart?
While en route to aid Confederate soldiers injured in battle near her home, Southerner Caroline Dunbar stumbles across a wounded Union sergeant. Unable to ignore his plea for help, she tends his injuries and hides him away, only to find her attachment to him deepen with each passing day. But when her secret is discovered, Caroline incurs her father’s wrath and, in turn, unlocks a dark secret from the past which she is determined to unravel.
After being forced to flee his place of refuge, Sergeant Andrew Gallagher fears he’s seen the last of Caroline. Resolved not to let that happen, when the war ends, he seeks her out, only to discover she’s been sent away. When word reaches him that President Lincoln has been shot, Drew is assigned the task of tracking down the assassin. A chance encounter with Caroline revives his hopes, until he learns she may be involved in a plot to aid the assassin. (Purchase here.)
CC: What are you most proud of with this story?
CR: All the historical details I was able to weave into the storyline. It was such great fun inserting my characters into encounters with real historical events and people. Countless hours of research went into this novel, and it’s so rewarding to see that appreciated in reader reviews and comments.
CC: I can only imagine all the work that went into creating this novel. What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
CR: The main themes are forgiveness and loving our enemies—two issues that are challenging to us all! The theme verse for Beyond These War-Torn Lands is Matthew 5:43-44:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”
Throughout the novel, both Drew and Caroline face challenging people “enemies” that they must make the difficult choice to seek revenge against or show Christ-like love to. With all the hatred and bitterness going on today, I feel this is a message we can all benefit from hearing. Loving the unlovable is one of the hardest things we’re asked to do but, as Christians, we are called to love even when others are unkind toward us.
CC: Was there anything you found fascinating while researching for this story?
CR: Oh, wow! I could write another book on that. LOL! This was the first novel I’ve written that involved so much actual history and I became lost in the research numerous times. But, for the sake of time and space, I’ll share just a couple of fascinating tidbits that I ran across.
In the opening scene of Beyond These War-Torn Lands, my hero, Sergeant Andrew (Drew) Gallagher, is injured at the Battle of Monocacy Junction, a lesser-known battle that was a loss to the Union. The Union commander in the battle was General Lew Wallace. After doing a little digging, I discovered something intriguing. If you’ve read or seen the movie, Ben Hur, you might find it interesting that it was written by none other than the retired Union General Lew Wallace!!
I also found that renovations to the U.S. Capitol dome began in 1861, but were stopped briefly at the start of the Civil War. Work quickly resumed, however, and was on-going throughout the Civil War and completed in 1866! I find that amazing!
CC: I love the research that goes into a story. There are so many fascinating details. Who was your favorite character to create? Why?
CR: Oh, I loved Drew. He was such a good-natured guy, so fun to create. I dearly loved how he related to Caroline, his horse, his men, his superiors, and God!
CC: Who was your most challenging character? Why?
Definitely Caroline’s father, Eugene Dunbar. He was gruff, overbearing, and spiteful—all the traits in a person that make me want to curl up in a ball and hide!
CC: I am with you on that type of book. Will there be others in this series?
CR: Yes. I’m currently working on Book 2 in my Wounded Heart Series which will be Drew’s younger brother Luke’s story. It begins in Richmond, VA in the final week of the Civil War and during the aftermath. The story is still in the developmental stages, but is slated to release in November, 2022.
CC: Ooooh. Already sticking it on my TBR list. 🙂 I’ve always enjoyed reading your stories. As always, I love to wrap up with a fun question. If you could choose to have lunch with any book character, who would you choose?
CR: Hmm. That’s an interesting question. The first that comes to mind is Anne of Green Gables. I love her down-to-earth nature and her tenacity! I’m certain we would be kindred spirits. =)
CC: Thank you so much for the interview, Cythnia. I truly appreciate it and will be praying for you. Readers, which book character YOU would choose to have lunch with? Tell me in the comments so we can create a virtual luncheon. 🙂
If you’d like to connect with Cynthia Roemer, you can find her at any of these places:
Website: https://cynthiaroemer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer
Author Newsletter Sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/2a0d03dfaa50/newslettersignup
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Roemer/e/B06Y1CJ588/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynthia-roemer
Twitter: https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaroemer_author/
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 6, 2021 | Author Interviews
It’s been a while since I’ve managed an interview, but today is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you Jennifer L. Wright, one of the 2021 Christian fiction debut authors.
Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a Master’s degree in Journalism at Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news for her to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was plucked from the Heartland after being swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, and every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home. She tries to squeeze in time to write in between rolling with the punches of her husband’s unpredictable schedule and corralling her two children (and one grumpy old dachshund).
She currently resides in New Mexico and has discovered a passion for all things green chile.
She is a member of ACFW and can be found on https://jennwrightwrites.com/, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, and sometimes (but very rarely) on Twitter.
Her debut novel, If It Rains, will be released on July 6, 2021. Pre-orders can be purchased on Amazon, through Tyndale House Publishers, and any other place where Christian fiction is sold.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Jennifer with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
JLW: Dark
CC: Print or E-book?
JLW: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
JLW: Dog
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
JLW: Morning
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
JLW: Fall
I’d love to learn a little more about you before we dive into your debut novel.
CC: What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
JLW: My biggest challenge has been patience! I have been writing steadily for over ten years, and yet ‘If It Rains’ will be my first published novel. Publishing requires a lot of grit and persistence, more than little luck, and mounds upon mounds of patience. It takes long time to complete a book, from first draft to polished manuscript, and even longer to get it into the hands of readers. Learning to be still and wait has been a huge but valuable challenge for me.
CC: A valuable challenge to be sure, but so hard to endure as it is being developed in you.
CC: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
JLW: I keep several Bible verses taped to my desk, but the one I read daily is: “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is a mighty rock, my refuge.”—Psalm 62:7 Especially as I move into the time of publication, I know I will be confronted with criticisms and not-so-nice reviews; it comes with the business. This verse is a reminder that, no matter what happens with my book, my salvation and my honor depend on God alone. He determines my identity and nothing else.
CC: As silly as it sounds, I am so proud of you for walking into it with that mindset and totally surrendering it all to God. You are absolutely 100% right, He does determine your identity and nothing else.
CC: What is your writing Kryptonite?
JLW: Reading a really, really, really good book! As crazy as that sounds, if I find one of those rare reads that leave me breathless and stay with me long after I’ve finished, I have a terrible tendency to hate everything I write because I feel as if I’ll never write anything as good as that book. It usually takes a little while before I regain my confidence enough to start writing again.
CC: I both love and hate that. Reading is such a wonderful escape, but it can also be a stumbling block when you read something from someone so amazing you just know you’ll never compare.
Thanks for sharing those fun things. Let’s dive right into talking about your debut novel, If It Rains!
A story of resilience and redemption set against one of America’s defining moments—the Dust Bowl.
It’s 1935 in Oklahoma, and lives are determined by the dust. Fourteen-year-old Kathryn Baile, a spitfire born with a severe clubfoot, is coming of age in desperate times. Once her beloved older sister marries, Kathryn’s only comfort comes in the well-worn pages of her favorite book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Then Kathryn’s father decides to relocate to Indianapolis, and only the promise of a surgery to finally make her “normal” convinces Kathryn to leave Oklahoma behind. But disaster strikes along the way, and Kathryn must rely on her grit and the ragged companions she meets on the road if she is to complete her journey.
Back in Boise City, Melissa Baile Mayfield is the newest member of the wealthiest family in all of Cimarron County. In spite of her poor, rural upbringing, Melissa has just married the town’s most eligible bachelor and is determined to be everything her husband—and her new social class—expects her to be. But as the drought tightens its grip, Henry’s true colors are revealed. Melissa covers her bruises with expensive new makeup and struggles to reconcile her affluent life with that of her starving neighbors. Haunted by the injustice and broken by Henry’s refusal to help, Melissa secretly defies her husband, risking her life to follow God’s leading.
Two sisters, struggling against unspeakable hardship, discover that even in their darkest times, they are still united in spirit, and God is still with them, drawing them home.
CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
JLW: Helen was an extremely difficult character to write. There’s a fine line when you’re creating a villain; she had to be unlikeable but also believable. Though her actions may be unforgiveable, I hope I did justice to why she did the things she did. People are not black and white. We are all shades of gray, and I hope readers find something redeemable in Helen (even if they hate her!)
CC: Villians are some of my favorite to write because they are complex. I know I never do it justice, but I am looking forward to seeing Helen and why she is the way she is.
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
JLW: Kathryn was the most fun to write. She’s obnoxious and immature and pigheaded, but she also has a lot of heart. She is based partly on how I was as a child (minus the clubfoot, of course), and it was so much fun to dig into that side of myself as I wrote her.
CC: Oh that is fun! I bet it was really fun to revisit that aspect of your life.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
JLW: It’s no secret If It Rains is an homage to L Frank Baum and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I’ve hidden several Oz easter eggs within the pages, from names to character parallels to quotes, and I can’t wait to see how many my eagle-eyed readers can spot.
CC: Secret admission…I’ve never read it and I can’t remember the last time I watched The Wizard of Oz. Now you have me wanting to before I read your book just so I can find all the easter eggs
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
If you had to live in any time period except modern-day, which time period would you choose? Why?
JLW: I have such an obsession with the Roaring Twenties. The fashion, the music, the overall mentality of our nation during that time—take me back to the days of The Great Gatsby please (minus the booze!) I’m sure I’m romanticizing it all in my head, but I still find everything about that era fascinating.
CC: It is definitely a fascinating time. My mind tends to wander to all the dark crime of that time, but I tend to write romance with suspense so that makes sense. LoL Thank you so much for joining us today. It is such a blessing to have had you.
You can purchase Jennifer’s book at any of the following retailers or your favorite bookseller.
Amazon Baker Bookhouse BarnesandNoble.com Christianbook.com
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 6, 2021 | Author Interviews
This month I have the great pleasure and honor to introduce to you author, Kimberly Duffy. I met Kimberly through a mutual friend just before her debut book came out. Kimberly is a wonderful mom, wife, and author. I hope you enjoy getting to know her better as much as I did.
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio. When she’s not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn’t mind.
You can connect with her at:
Newsletter (free short story): http://kimberlyduffy.com/index.php/newsletter/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorkimberlyduffy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberlyDuffy
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Kimberly with some rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
KD: Neither. I’m allergic to caffeine.
CC: Ugh! That must be so hard! I stress eat chocolate way more than I should.
CC: Print or e-book?
KD: Print!
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
KD: Allergic to those, too.
CC: You poor thing! I guess the best pet in those instances is a fish.
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
KD: Night Owl.
CC: The night seems to be when everything is finally quiet.
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
KD: Fall or spring. I love both seasons.
CC: They really are each pretty in their own rights. I could do without the tree pollen though. LOL
Before we dive into your book, let’s learn a bit more about you. What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey??
KD: Not falling into the trap of comparing my journey with someone else’s. Especially with social media, it’s hard to resist that temptation. It’s in your face all the time and typically, you only see the very best parts of someone’s journey.
CC: Hugs. Comparision is so incredibly hard. I think it is a trap we can all be tempted to fall into, and often do.
Why do you write with settings in India?
KD: India is the most vibrant, colorful, energetic, warm place on the planet. It lends itself well to beautiful imagery and descriptive writing, as well as being so diverse which makes writing each book an opportunity to dive into new research. Though, only the first three books are set there. I’m looking forward to writing other places as well.
CC: I am looking forward to seeing India through your writing. It is such a unique location, although, any location you write is bound to be wonderful.
So let’s talk about A Tapestry of Light.
Calcutta, 1886.
Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.
When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie’s English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.
But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn’t forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.
CC: If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?
KD: If I could be anyone from Tapestry, it would be Damaris who is my heroine’s closest friend. She has a larger-than-life personality, kindness tempered by a realistic outlook and sharp sense of humor, a stunning figure and mound of red hair, and purpose. She’s also loyal, lives with a wealthy, permissive aunt, and honestly deserves her own book. Maybe one day?
CC: She definitely deserves her own book! And I have a feeling you will have many readers clamoring to read it.
What drew you to this story?
KD: Initially it was the beetle-wing embroidery. I stumbled across a piece of 18th-century ruffle at an Indian fabric exhibit and was just fascinated by it. The Victorians were big fans of using things from the natural world in their fashions and elytra are the most beautiful green, iridescent, and have a long history of being used in embroidery. Then I was drawn to Ottilie’s fierce strength, her pursuit of truth, and her willingness to wade through hard things.
CC: That is so cool. For our readers, here an image of some beetle-wing embroidery to feast your eyes upon.
Dress fabric embroidered with beetle wing-cases, makers unknown, 1858, Hyderabad, India. Museum no. 4498:1/(IS). © Victoria and Albert Museum, London (https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/indian-embroidery)
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing us with a taste of you and your story. The last question is always my fun one:
If you could have any super power, which would it be?
KD: Teleportation definitely. I’ve actually seriously considered this question in case I’m ever offered the opportunity. I love to travel. I wish I could wake up in Paris, eat a croissant, then hop on over to India for lunch and a visit with friends, then be in Greece for dinner time and a walk along the ocean.
CC: I’d definitely jump on board with that one, but for a completely different reason. LOL It would be so nice to get my family where they need to be in seconds instead of taking all day. 🙂
Seriously, thank you again so much for the interview. It’s so neat to get to know you a bit more.
Readers, you can purchase Kimberly Duffy’s book at any of the following retailers or your favorite bookseller.
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes and Noble Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Book Depository Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Reader Question: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Secrets have the power to ruin lives. Faith and love have the power to disarm those secrets.
