What can I say? I hate technology. I hope y’all have a blessed weekend.

What TBR monthly challenge themes would YOU like to see?

This year, more than 70 Christian authors (including me!) of fiction and nonfiction Christmas books have joined with Sarah to bring you some holiday cheer in July.

It’s a simple concept–sign up and receive daily emails each day in July featuring Christian authors and their Christmas books. There’s nothing else you need to do to enter the contest!

SIGN UP HERE

Each day during the celebration, readers will get an email promoting that day’s Christmas books by Christian authors. Each evening, we will draw the names for the winners of that day’s featured authors. (Winners will be notified via the email they signed up with.) On July 31, we will also draw the names for our 12 grand prize winners, including one grand prize winner from our international readers.

The 2025 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza will hand out more than $2,000 worth of grand prizes to 12 overall prize winners, plus 74 daily winners.

NEW this year—we have some special love for our international readers, with an international grand prize and several days of giveaways exclusively for international readers!

US Grand Prize (Total value: $600)

• Copy (ebook or print) of each participating author’s Christmas book
• $500 Amazon gift card
• Faux leather journal
• Themed tote bag
• Themed pillow
• Themed fleece
• Themed bistro mug
• Hand strap for Kindle
• Themed bookmark, sticker

International Grand Prize (Total value: $513)

• Ebook copy of more than 25 participating authors’ Christmas books
• $500 Amazon gift card (or equivalent in winner’s country or origin)
• Themed bookmark, sticker
• Hand strap for Kindle

First Prize (Total value: $312)

• $250 Amazon gift card
• Themed spiral bound notebook
• Themed tote bag
• Themed bistro mug
• Hand strap for Kindle
• Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Second Prize (Total value: $138)

• $100 Amazon gift card
• Themed spiral bound notebook
• Themed bistro mug
• Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Third – Fifth Prize (Valued at $67)

• $50 Amazon gift card
• Themed spiral bound notebook
• Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Sixth – 10th  Prize (Total value: $42)

• $25 Amazon gift card
• Themed spiral bound notebook
• Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Here is the list of authors and the dates they will be featured in the contest newsletter. Each day, we will pull daily winners from the subscriber list–you’re entered in the contest when you sign up for the emails. For the dates marked “international,” we will be drawing from the readers with international addresses only. For the dates marked “US,” we will be drawing from the readers with US addresses only.

July 1, shipping to US addresses only

• Jerusha Agen/Midnight Clear
• Tanya Agler/The Triplets’ Holiday Miracle
• Mary Alford/In Past Tense

July 2, shipping to US addresses only

• Hannah Alexander/Dandelion Moon
• Amy R. Anguish/Mama Dated Santa
• Narelle Atkins/Romance in the land down under

July 3, shipping to US addresses only

• Laura Ashwood/One Sweet Christmas
• Barbara M. Britton/Christmas at Whispering Creek
• Crystal Caudill/We Three Kings

July 4, shipping to US addresses only

• Malissa Chapin/Hope for Christmas
• Naomi Craig/The Weary World Rejoices
• Susanne Dietze/A Small-Town Christmas Challenge

July 5, shipping internationally

• Jacqueline Adam/Targeted Witness
• Evelyn Grace/Mistletoe and Miracles at the Three Cats Cafe
• Kendall Hoxsey/An Imminent Christmas Threat

July 6, shipping to US addresses only

• MaryAnn Diorio/A Daddy for Christmas
• Loretta Eidson/The Marine’s Deadly Reunion

July 7, shipping to US addresses only

• Camille Elliot/The Spinster’s Christmas
• Eva Marie Everson/God Bless Us Every One

July 8, shipping to US addresses only

• Nancy J. Farrier/The Driftwood Cove Collection
• Mary A. Felkins/One Starry Christmas

July 9, shipping internationally

• Izzy James/Garrett
• Debby Lee/Peppermint Christmas
• Helena Smrcek/Love Across Time

July 10, shipping to US addresses only

• Tama Fortner/Simply Christmas
• Rachel J. Good/The Christmas Gathering

July 11, shipping to US addresses only

• Kelly J. Goshorn/Chiseled on the Heart
• Danielle Grandinetti/Escape with the Prodigal

July 12, shipping to US addresses only

• Pam Green/The Old Fool
• Anne Greene/A Williamsburg Christmas

July 13, shipping to US addresses only

• Erin Greneaux/Mary’s Treasure
• Winnie Griggs/Hear Harold’s Angel Sing

July 14, shipping to US addresses only

• Sarah Hamaker/Mistletoe & Murder
• Robin Lee Hatcher/Wishing for Mistletoe

July 15, shipping to US addresses only

• Annette M. Irby/A Christmas Duet
• Rebecca Price Janney/Easton at Christmastide

July 16, shipping to US addresses only

• Elle E. Kay/Healing the Hero
• Jill Kemerer/The Cowboy’s Christmas Treasures

July 17, shipping to US addresses only

• Rebecca Lake/Deception At Christmas
• Katy Lee/Christmas K-9 Guardians

July 18, shipping internationally

• Melanie D. Snitker/Marrying Noel
• Darlene L. Turner/Explosive Christmas Showdown

July 19, shipping to US addresses only

• Tracey J. Lyons/Heart of Faith
• Elizabeth Maddrey/Hope for Christmas

July 20, shipping to US addresses only

• Diana Leagh Matthews/Carol of the Rooms
• Susan G. Mathis/Madison’s Mission

July 21, shipping to US addresses only

• Cathy McDavid/Merry’s Christmas Cowboy
• Dana Mentink/Spoon to Be Dead

July 22, shipping to US addresses only

• Jordan Millsaps/The Holiday Exchange
• Mindy Obenhaus/Rediscovering Christmas

July 23, shipping internationally

• Jessica Wakefield/It Shouldn’t Be You
• Lynn U. Watson/The Essence of Joy

July 24, shipping to US addresses only

• Robin Patchen/Christmas in Nutfield
• Paula Peckman/Texas Heirloom Ornament

July 25, shipping to US addresses only

• Sally Jo Pitts/The Lost Box
• Terri Reed/Christmas Protection Detail

July 26, shipping to US addresses only

• Kathleen J. Robison/The Cross at Morioka Castle
• Donna Schlachter/Sleigh Ride for Ruby
• Laura Scott/Shielding His Christmas Witness

July 27, shipping internationally

• Wade Webster/The Extra Ordinary Christmas
• Ronda Wells/The Christmas Cherub
• James Yarbrough/Jingle Belles and Christmas Beaus

July 28, shipping to US addresses only

• Beverly J. Schweigert/Faith Unwrapped
• Toni Shiloh/The Christmas Catch
• Patti Stockdale/His Unforgettable Bride

July 29, shipping to US addresses only

• Tanya Stowe/Christmas Bells are Ringing
• Cheri Swalwell/Seasons of Green Pines
• Ann Swindell/Christmas in the Castle Library

July 30, shipping to US addresses only

• Virginia Vaughan/Peril at Christmas
• Suzie Waltner/Ever Green
• Meghann Whistler/The Baby’s Christmas Blessing

July 31, shipping to US addresses only

• A.C. Williams/A Cowboy for Christmas
• Virginia Wise/An Amish Christmas Inheritance
• Penny Zeller/Love’s New Beginnings

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his¬torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives South Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a farmhouse that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, chasing babies, or tending to her chickens, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

You can connect with her through:  Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  GoodReads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon

Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Grace with rapid-fire.

CC: Rain or snow?

GH: 1,000,000% Rain!

CC: Makeup or no makeup?

GH: Makeup, but just the five-minute and run kind 🙂

CC: Personal maid or personal chef?

GH: Personal maid! I love to cook, but cleaning is only bearable with audiobooks and podcasts, haha.

CC: Arrive early, just on time, or late?

GH: Early! 

CC: Food fight or water balloon fight?

GH: Water balloon!

I admire your ability to do makeup in five minutes. I don’t usually wear it, so it feels like it takes me FOREVER to put it on right.

What kind of stories are your favorite to write?

GH: Swoony romances with lots of adventure! It’s my favorite kind to read, so I always try to write a book that I want as a reader 🙂

CC: And you do them so well!!

Do you read fiction while you are writing your own stories?

GH: I do! However, I usually read a genre that I’m not writing in (Christian romcoms, clean paranormal romances, etc.). It gives me inspiration and a break from thinking about my story!

CC: I’ve been doing that more recently too. It’s been great too, because I’m less likely to compare myself to my favorite historical romance authors. Nothing like impostor syndrome to slow the writing.

What is your favorite part about writing?

GH: The first draft is my favorite!! All the creativity is flowing, and it is so, so fun to see that word count go up! My least favorite is the content edit. (It is just painful and I’ve read the story a lot by this point, so I start to think that it might be boring.)

CC: Oh, girl, do I feel you. I always try to add things in during the developmental edit because I get bored, and then I have to take it out again. LOL

Do you have a general writing process you follow or does it change all the time?

GH: I usually write the first draft for 8-10 weeks and edit (drafts 2-6) for 12 weeks! I try not to write on the weekends, but occasionally when the deadline is getting too close, I have to! I do a lot of read throughs in my writing, but I like to layer the story in slowly! 

CC: That is sort of similar to my method, although I’m MUCH slower than you. LOL

Now I’m excited to talk about To Kiss A Knight.

Purchase your copy at  Amazon  |  Signed Copy

And if you’re not convinced enough, here’s MY endorsement for the book:

“An authoress fleeing an unwanted marriage, a chivalrous thief who is not as he first appears, and a marriage of convenience? Yes please. Grace Hitchcock has pulled off another rollicking Regency with romance, danger, humor, and unexpected plot twists that you don’t want to miss!”

CC: What will fans of To Kiss a Knight love about your story and characters?

Reader, what books have you read with an authoress heroine? Or what about a funny Regency?

Giveaway

Here’s your chance to enter Grace’s Endorser giveaway. Visit her KingSumo Giveaway here for all the details.

Endorser GIVEAWAY! WIN Crystal Caudill’s Written in Secret, AND Betsy St. Amant’s No Place Like Home, AND Carrie Turansky’s A Token of Love And Rebekah Millet’s Kate Landry Has a Plan AND Misty M. Beller’s Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!!!!

38 Authors – 6 Days – 3 Winners

It’s time to dust off your detective hat and join in on a fun scavenger hunt where you’ll search for answers about some amazing authors.

How to play:

Visit each featured author and hunt for the answer to their question. Collect all the answers and then submit them via this Google Form. Take one or all six days to complete the scavenger hunt. Be sure to sign up for the authors’ newsletters that interest you and spread the word to others.

Recording Sheet if you desire it.

DAY ONE AUTHORS

1. Crystal Caudill– What is the name of the free novella you can download when you sign up for Crystal’s newsletter?  https://crystalcaudill.com/
2. Kelly Goshorn– What is Kelly’s nemesis?  https://kellygoshorn.com/
3. Sarah Sundin– What World War II plane did Sarah ride in?  https://www.sarahsundin.com/
4. Heather Tabers– When Heather’s not writing, what does she enjoy creating out of polymer clay? https://www.heathertabers.com/
5. Carrie Turansky– What is the title of Carrie’s free short story she’s offering readers when they sign up for her newsletter? https://carrieturansky.com/
6. Erica Vetsch– What is one of two sports teams listed on Erica’s home page? www.ericavetsch.com
7. Roseanna White– What’s the name of Roseanna’s patron group? http://www.roseannamwhite.com/

DAY TWO AUTHORS

1. Jennifer Diebel– What two foods would Jennifer live off of if she could? https://www.jenniferdeibel.com
2. Laura Frantz– Where is the author from and where does she live now? https://laurafrantz.net
3. Jessica Gustafson– In addition to writing, what type of art does Jessica Gustafson specialize in? https://www.jessicagus.com/
4. Carrie Hachadurian– What did Carrie buy during the pandemic in a delusional attempt to improve her skills? https://www.carriehachadurian.com/
5. Nicole Miller– How many purebred Arabian horses does Nicole own? https://nicolemillerwriter.com/
6. KyLee Woodley– What’s the title of the free short story you get for signing up for KyLee’s newsletter? https://kyleewoodley.com/

DAY THREE AUTHORS

1. Elizabeth Daghfal– What does Elizabeth have a *slight* addiction to–but never manages to do? https://elizabethdaghfal.com
2. Kristine Delano– What is the name of Kristine’s audio Novella? www.kristinedelano.com
3. Elly Gilbert– Name one or more of Elly’s dogs. https://ellygilbert.com/
4. Breana Johnson– What is the title of Breana’s free novelette? https://breanajohnsonwrites.com/
5. Katy Lee– What is Katy’s free book on her website called? https://katyleebooks.com/
6. Dana Lynn– Where did Dana meet her husband? https://danarlynn.com/

DAY FOUR AUTHORS

1. Alena Auguste– What state is Alena originally from? alenaauguste.com 
2. Lisa Jordan– What is Lisa’s tagline? www.lisajordanbooks.com
3. Carrie Padgett– How many pets does Carrie have? https://carriepadgett.com/
4. Jenny Snow– What mountain has Jenny climbed but never reached the top? www.jennysnow.net
5. Angela Ruth Strong– Which of her books was made into a movie? https://www.angelaruthstrong.com
6. Jeanne Takenaka– What is the name of Jeanne’s community? https://jeannetakenaka.com
7. Dalyn Weller–  What does Dalyn have too many of? https://dalynweller.com/

DAY FIVE AUTHORS

1. Mindy Graham– Who told Mindy the story that inspired her to tackle one rock at a time? https://www.mindygraham.com
2. Sarah Popovich– What are Sarah’s favorite reads? https://www.sarahpopovich.com/
3. Rebecca Reed– What’s the name of Rebecca’s dog? https://rebeccareedwrites.com
4. Cynthia Ruchti– What four word answer does she hope to hear readers say when they finish one of her books? https://www.cynthiaruchti.com
5. Jessica Stone– According to her Home page, what is Jessica’s story? https://www.jessicastonestories.com/
6. Amanda Wen– What type of pet does Amanda have? www.amandawen.com

DAY SIX AUTHORS

1. Brianna Foster Barrett– What type of cuisine is her cooking specialty? https://briannagrams.com
2. Leslie DeVooght– What is Leslie’s hometown? https://lesliedevooght.com/
3. Jen Dodrill– How many kids does Jen have? https://jendodrillwrites.com/
4. Erin Kohler– What was Erin’s first car? https://erinkohlerwrites.com
5. Gabrielle Meyer– What is something Gabrielle includes in each of her stories? https://gabriellemeyer.com/
6. Carolyn Miller– What country does Carolyn Miller live in and come from? https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/

For NEW Subscribers          For CURRENT Subscribers

Before we go in too deep, will you introduce yourself, Voni?

Hello! Waving hi from Alaska! It’s no surprise I grew up to write suspense novels. Dad was a law enforcement instructor. Mom was a newspaper editor. And God wove a love of words and story into my DNA.

My legal eagle hubby and I make our home on an Alaska island. We live with two dogs: Stingray, an Australian Shepherd, is obsessed with playing tug, and Kip, a Boston Terrier is obsessed with food. They all conspire to get me away from my computer and out into the real world of this beautiful rainforest in which we live.

Living in Alaska is truly the stuff of dreams. Winter days of darkness, summer nights of sunlight. Mountains, ocean, forest. Rain, snow, clouds, sun. Even earthquakes. These all meet here on the island in infinite variations. In the same way joy, music, fun, tears, laughter, fear, and surprise meet in life in infinite variations. Through it all is woven the light of hope in Christ. This is what I hope to catch in my writing … The darkness of suspense, the light of Christ.

You can connect with her through:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  GoodReads

Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Voni with rapid-fire.

CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?

VH: Candy corn is gross. Pineapple pizza!

CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?

VH: Ahem. I’m 4’6″, so I’m not diving in the deep end, lol.

CC: Guacamole or salsa?

VH: Salsa–as long as it’s mild.

CC: Silly hats or silly socks?

VH: Silly socks, of course!

CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?

VH: Handshakes aren’t that secret, LOL. Passwords!

Awwww, come on, Voni. Just because you’re short doesn’t mean you can’t dive into the deep end. 🙂 You’ve got the three of us (Angela, Liz, and me) to come after you. Although . . . maybe that isn’t such a good idea either. Liz might be the only one actually able to haul you out while Angela and I sink to the bottom.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

VH: Age 5. I loved finding out that Highlights published poems and short, short stories from kids. Plus, Laura Ingalls Wilder was a writer. L.M. Montgomery was. Ronie Kendig is. They all motivated me.

CC: I remember Highlights! Who didn’t love getting their hands on the magazine? Of course, my favorite part was the kid-submitted jokes. But that fits us, doesn’t it? LOL

What does your writing process look like in general from beginning to end?

VH: Plan the characters. Plan the plot. Write out a chapter by chapter synopsis. WRITE THE BOOK. Connect the dots and fix on my re-read. Rewrite and edit. Content edits. Line edit. Proofreading edit. Galleys. DONE!

CC: It is a process! My favorite process is the brainstorming with you how to connect those dots. 😉

What is your writing Kryptonite?

VH: Planning is great … unless you spend time in planning like you sank into quicksand.

CC: It’s definitely easy to overplan rather than get the words down.

What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

VH: Like I said above, moving forward instead of wallowing in writing quicksand.

CC: Wallowing is so easy to do. I’m so glad we have each other to be blunt and say that’s enough, move on, and then to help in the pulling out of the quicksand.

How have you seen God work through your writing journey? 

VH: He has worked through writing partners and mentors who have done nothing but encourage and push me (as did deadlines, lol).

CC: I agree. Having you as a writing partner has been a gift and definitely the hand of God. I am so glad that He has given you so many people to pour into you and motivate you.

Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories? 

VH: Pray, pray, pray. Always, always ask “why” as many times as it takes to understand where your story is going. And friends, friends, friends who won’t just pat you on the head emotionally about your writing because they want to help you level up your writing.

CC: Great advice and SOOO true. 

Now I’m excited to talk about Surge.

Love and Betrayal in a Race Against Time
Delaney Thompson isn’t just a dog trainer—she’s the key to preventing a disaster. With loyal Military Working Dog, Surge, by her side, she’s ready to prove herself on her first mission…even without military training. Her goal? Help the intense Belgian Malinois track down a specific chemical linked to a dangerous terrorist group before it reaches American soil. But to succeed, she must navigate unfamiliar terrain and an even more unpredictable partner.

Garrett Walker is a seasoned military operator, driven by duty and haunted by tragic losses. Reluctantly, he teams up with Delaney, whose lack of tactical experience makes her a liability as he leads them across Southeast Asia. Yet Garrett knows that mission success and the safety of countless lives back home hinge on his leadership, the Malinois’s special scent training, and Delaney’s unique skills.

The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Delaney and Garrett fail to locate and secure the toxic chemical, hundreds of thousands of Americans could die. As they hunt down the terrorists, their objectives are clear—find the stash, neutralize the threat, and try not to get killed. But with mutual distrust simmering between them, their greatest challenge may be learning to rely on each other.

A gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Dive into this high-stakes adventure where every moment counts…and falling in love might just be the most perilous move of all.

Purchase your copy at  Amazon  

CC: Who was te most challenging character to create?

Giveaway Info

Voni is graciously giving away a bookmark and sticker, and an e-copy of any of the A Breed Apart Legacy books. They are each stand-alone books; you do not have to read the others in order to read Voni’s.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader, what other books can you think of that have a dog?

Scroll down to see the details for the giveaway and bonus goodies.

Already know what you need and are ready to fill out the form? Click here.

ABOUT WRITTEN IN SECRET

In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history.

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.

“Danger, mystery, hidden identities, villains, heroes, and gallantry! Everything you would expect in a dime novel, but better!” —Erica Vetsch, author of the Of Cloaks & Daggers series

“What a cracking start to a new series! I always enjoy sneaking a peek behind the curtain of a writer’s life, and this tale of authorly misadventure between the Killer Queen of Romance and an upright police detective has something for everyone. Definitely worth diving into!” —Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series

Preorder Links (More being added as they come to my attention)

Print Links:

Amazon  |  Baker Book House  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books-A-Million  |  Bookshop.org  |  Christianbook.com  |

Ebook Links:

Amazon  |  AppleBooks  |  Barnes and Noble  |  GooglePlay  |  KOBO  |

If requesting from your library, this information may be helpful:

Title: Written In Secret
Author: Crystal Caudill
Publisher: Kregel Publishing
ISBN: 9780825449079
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Preorder Promotion Information

THANK YOU so much for your interest in preordering Written in Secret or requesting it your local library purchase it. You have NO idea how important preorders are for a book. Anyone who preorders or requests their library to purchase the book will receive a set of bookmarks, bookish stickers, and a signed bookplate with exclusive access to digital content that will come out release week.

Angela Carlisle is a writer and editor by day and prefers to spend her free time reading, baking, and drinking ridiculous quantities of properly steeped hot tea. Whether reading or writing, she loves stories with heart-pounding suspense, permeated with the hope found in Christ. She resides in the hills of northern Kentucky with her family and preschool-age sourdough starter. Learn more at AngelaCarlisle.com.

You can connect with her through:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Angela with rapid-fire.

CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?

AC: Pineapple pizza, lol

CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?

AC: Test the waters

CC: Guacamole or salsa?

AC: Guac all the way!

CC: Silly hats or silly socks?

AC: Yes. Find, if I have to pick one, we’ll go with silly hats.

CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?

AC: Passwords. I’m much more coordinated in my brain than my hands. lol

Says the woman who can knit a pair of fingerless gloves without looking . . . LOL 

What does your writing process look like?

AC: First thing that comes to mind is a hot mess. I am so much a seat-of-the-pants writer that I literally cannot plot, so while I might know the ending and bits and pieces of my story, I find out how to get there as I go and do much of my research as I go. I also don’t always write in order. If I can “see” a scene, I often go ahead and write it, even if it’s the climax and I only have the first chapter written already! I will say though, that I like to get to know my characters beforehand, and that helps with figuring out the story because then they can help drive my story by reacting to things naturally.

CC: One must never fight the characters, or they will completely derail the writer. LOL I still can’t wrap my head around writing out of order, but you do it so well! 

What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

AC: Honestly, it’s been my health. I deal with chronic illness and work full-time in addition to my writing, so having the energy and brain power to put out words is often difficult. But I love story, and I serve a God who is strong even when I’m weak.

CC: Amen. And we’ll all be praying for improved health and more brain space. (Right readers?)

How have you seen God work through your writing journey?

AC: Do we have time for that answer? Lol. I could cite so many instances of closed doors, open doors, decisions made that weren’t entirely logical (so I can’t take credit for them) but ended up being the best thing I could have done, providential delays, etc.

God has also grown me personally and brought so many wonderful people into my life through the writing world that I may never have met otherwise. For example, several years ago, I prayed for a group of close female friends, and he supplied that through my writing group, the Masters of Mayhem (of which Crystal is a member). I absolutely love writing and doing life with these three amazing ladies. 

CC: So similar for me. You know how I prayed for 15 years for God to provide me a close Christian friend. He provided several through the writing journey, but you were the first, and what a blessing that has been. God has been so good to bring us together.

Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?

AC: Be patient. Be teachable. Be determined.

Writing (especially if you’re writing for publication) is a long road. No matter how good a writer you are at the beginning of your journey, you have a lot to learn. And that’s okay—learning is good for us. But even once you have a great, super-polished story (or two or three), it’s probably still going to take a long time to get published, and then there will be many more edits! That’s just part of the game. But the rewards for sticking it out and refusing to give up are so worth it.

CC: So true and encouraging to hear.

Now I’m excited to talk about your debut release, Secondary Target.

A ruthless murderer. A deadly secret. An unbreakable love.

After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But then strange things begin to happen, and she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex, army veteran Bryce Jessup.

Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn’t willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina’s family before it’s too late.

Purchase your copy at  Amazon  |  Baker Book House  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Christianbook

CC: Where did you get the idea for Secondary Target?

Giveaway

Angela is graciously providing a signed print copy of her debut novel to one U.S. Resident over the age of 18. This giveaway will run until 11:59 p.m. on May 14.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader, what are your favorite elements of a suspense story?

As I’m working on reevaluating how I spend my limited time, I’ve been questioning whether or not I need to cut back on my blog posts. So to make a better-informed decision, I’m asking you–the ones who read my blog for more than giveaway opportunities–a few questions. For everyone who answers, I will put in a drawing for a $10 Baker Book House or Amazon gift card, your choice.

1. Which posts are the ones you tend to read on this blog?
2. Would you be opposed to only having 2-3 blog posts per month instead of 1-2 weekly? (One would always be the reading challenge post.)
3. If I am reducing the number of posts that I put up, which type of posts would you want me to post MOST OFTEN? (I’ll probably still do all of them throughout the year at different points, but I want to know what to focus my time on that will be most interesting to you. And please assume the only giveaway posts would be the reading challenge posts.)
   • Author Interviews
   • Character Interviews
   • Behnd-the-Story Posts – Personal and historical ties
   • Book Reviews

Thank you so much, and I’d really appreciate it if you would answer all three questions.