Month: March 2015

CELEBRATING JILL KEMERER AND HER DEBUT NOVEL

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

I’m thrilled to have my dear friend and debut author, Jill Kemerer with me today, to celebrate her Love Inspired novel, Small-Town Bachelor! I loved this book so much. Jill is quirky, fun, and the woman knows how to write romance! 

You can win a copy by entering the giveaway below!

It’s been an incredible journey for Jill and I’m so glad that I’ve been alongside her for the last few years.  

Let’s all settle in and have a major virtual party.

Chocolate. M&Ms. Champagne. Coffee. Yummy McDonald’s french fries! What’s your poison? Grab it and check out a sneak peek at Jill’s debut! And don’t forget to go buy it! Then we’re going to play a round of Would You Rather! 

Buy the book! 

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in. Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She’s this city slicker’s opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can’t ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can’t imagine ever leaving her behind…

Ah! Doesn’t that sound great? Okay, let the games begin! 

Would You
Rather…
…be stuck alone in a tornado or with someone you love in a hurricane?
Jill: With someone I love in a hurricane! I’m a big
baby. I don’t want to be in a disaster all by myself!
Reed: Alone. In both.
Claire: I would want to be with all of my loved ones
in the hurricane, and I’d take my baby otters with me.
…work really hard at an interesting job or slack off at a boring job?
Jill: I have the most interesting job, and it’s a
pleasure to work hard at it. A boring job is NOT for me!
Reed: Slacking off isn’t in my vocabulary.
Claire: I worked one summer at my dad’s car
dealership. Talk about boring! Never again. I don’t mind hard work when it’s
interesting.
…be in constant pain or have a constant itch?
Jill: What kind of question is this, Jessica?? I don’t
like pain, and I don’t like itching. I’m adding a third. A constant massage. J
Reed: My recent experience with a broken leg left me
with both. I’d rather be in pain.
Claire: Neither? I guess the itch. But that’s like
asking if I want to eat moldy cheese or a rancid meatball. Both are pretty bad!
…go through life unable to ask any questions or unable to answer any
questions?
Jill: I have a big mouth. I like to answer questions.
But I ask a lot of questions too… Let’s go with being unable to answer
questions. I’m a mom. Asking questions is what I do.
Reed: As a project manager for a construction company,
I have to be able to ask questions. The answers show up in the end result.
Claire: Oh, this is hard! If I had to choose one, I’d
say I’d rather be unable to ask questions. I love being a sounding board for my
friends and family.
Love these answers! It was a good question! Ha! Jill,
tell us what you’re working on next?
Jill: My second book, Unexpected Family, will
be in stores in September, so I’ve been preparing for that! Unexpected
Family is also set in Lake Endwell and features Claire’s oldest brother
Tom, who gets a life-altering surprise. I’m also polishing my third Lake
Endwell book, which is about Claire’s brother Bryan and his outdoor adventures
with the new girl in town. Thank you so much for having me today, Jessica!
I’m stoked to have you here. So proud of you, Jill!

Jill
Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full
time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with
her kids’ busy schedules.
Besides
spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals
and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two
children.  Jill loves connecting with
readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com
and find her on Facebookand Twitter.
Your turn: Answer one or all of the questions in the comments and don’t forget to congratulate Jill! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



photocredit/freedigitalphotos stuartmiles

Photo BOMBED!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey everyone! I’m over on Thoughts on Plot today giving another Super Sleuth Challenge! 

One ridiculous crime. Two fake answers and one real answer. You choose how the criminal was caught. It’s so much fun. See you there.

Also, have you signed up for my newsletter? No? Do it today and receive a FREE novella on April 2nd! Only those Patched In will have this opportunity. Click on “Sign up” at the top right corner. Easy peasy.

When Pastor Gabe asks
Audrey Gilbraith to use her mad florist skills to help him design a prayer
garden, she’s all in, especially since it helps take her mind off the fact
she’s about to lose her job and her apartment. But working closely with Gabe
and not falling for him is complicated. She’s not pastor’s wife material, and
she has the past to prove it.

Gabriel Brookson wants out
of Audrey’s friend-zone, but when he pursues her romantically, he ruffles more
than a few feathers in his congregation. How much is he willing to give up for
this wonderful, quirky woman, and will Audrey accept him if he risks it all?

photocredit: freedigitalphotos/selfie

DEAR SPY:

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Everyone today’s post is hilarious! They
say first impressions are everything and our lovely Nichole Parks shares hers
today and I laughed so hard, I nearly cried. 
We’re talking all things spies, which as a suspense writer, I happen to
love! Take it away, Nichole.

The time
I accused my brother’s new girlfriend of being a spy was risky. I can see that
now. Back then I only knew two things about Adrian.
           
She was “nice
and sweet.” Which didn’t comfort me any. Supposedly, KP’s starter girlfriend had been nice and sweet,
and I’d hit her car. Lucky for me, the only thing bent out
of shape was my parents. They decided I bumped What’s-Her-Face’s car on
purpose.
And maybe
I would have if I had thought of it.
If Adrian
was nice and sweet, she could save it for the rest of the family. I needed to get
to know her beyond two adjectives neighbors use to describe serial killers. This
is my brother’s heart we’re talking about.
After a
stilted Skype introduction thanks to my paranoid bro, I knew I’d have to take
matters into my own hands. I needed something KP couldn’t filter. But what? The
lovebirds study in Missouri and I’m nine hours north in Indiana.
Making
good use of my online stalking skills, I pulled the university’s address. Snail
mail could sneak by KP’s defenses undetected.
The thing was: I didn’t want to scare her off. Not really.
One honest conversation. That’s all I asked. So, ahem, I penned this letter.
Dear
Adrian (if that is your real name),
KP
tells me you are “nice” and “sweet.” But I know your secret.
You’re
a spy. A spy on a mission to… Well, I haven’t quite figured out what your
mission at Name of University is—yet.
Regardless, I’ve read too many romantic suspense novels to mistake “nice” and
“sweet” for mere adjectives. You’re on a covert op, yes? Flying under the
radar? Eh? Eh?
           
You
can tell me. Or don’t. A good spy never reveals her secrets.
           
I
would also like to thank you. Thank you for using my brother as part of your
cover. You’re a smart girl, knowing a couple is less likely to be noticed than
a single blonde. While most sisters would worry about their brother’s safety
under such dangerous circumstances, I trust he’s in good hands. You are after
all a spy and probably following in the steps of Cody Banks.
           
Before
I leave you to your “studies” or whatever stakeout you need to be staking-out,
you should know I too have secrets. Since I know yours, it’s only fair you know
mine:
           
I
have a taser. And a spikey flashlight. Please don’t take this as a threat. I
simply want to offer my weapons should they be of any assistance to you during
the stint of your mission. 
Warm
regards,
Nichole
Parks
           
To you, dear person reading, this letter
may seem drastic, even demented—especially for a first impression… And, yeah,
you have a point, but this is girlfriend #3. Seeing as how I fender bendered What’s-Her-Face’s
car, it’s basically go big or go home at this point.
           
Less than
a week later, Secret Agent Adrian wrote back. Confident she could trust me to
keep her information classified, she disclosed minor details regarding her
cover, assured me KP’s safety was top priority, and inquired about borrowing a
weapon or two.
           
Something
tells me this one’s a keeper.
           
What’s
the craziest first impression you’ve made/experienced?
Headshot photo credit: Heidi Abbott
 Nichole Parks
majors in dark humor and dark chocolate at Taylor University. She makes her
headquarters at Zondervan Library where she works remotely as Associate Editor
of Splickety Love, blogs at
nicholeparks.com, and perfects her application for The
Bachelor.


Connect with Nichole:
WEBSITE: 

3 Things Prayer Can Do For You

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

One of my favorite Old Testament books is Nehemiah. This book has so much to glean, from rebuilding your life, your faith, your church, your community, your leadership skills…the list goes on and on. 

Today, let’s talk about prayer. Prayer is essential in your daily life. Key word: Daily. Prayer can do many things. When I pray it builds my faith and dependence on God. It feels good to dump all the things I’m concerned about on Someone who can actually fix me…and the issues. I don’t always see immediate results to my prayers. I don’t always get the answers I want. But God is listening and answering. His way. His time. And if I sit still long enough, I’ll hear Him talk back. Through Scripture. Through ideas that come to mind. Many different ways.

Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. He was a trusted servant to the king. And at this time, many were going back to Jerusalem to rebuild what had been torn and burned when God’s people went into captivity. 

Chapter 1 is a prayer over the situation. Nehemiah confesses his sin, the sin of his people, and humbly submits his requests to God. Here’s just a portion: 

 “O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”” Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah needs success. He’s about to speak to the king and ask to go back to Jerusalem to help rebuild. 


Because of prayer three things happened for Nehemiah:

1. Permission: Nehemiah was granted access, permission to accomplish God’s will and to be used by God. 

 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
“So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”
Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.” Nehemiah 2:4-6 NKJV
When we come humbly before God with His glory and purposes in mind, we’ll find permission from Him and He will grant us access. But it doesn’t stop there! 
2. Provision: God didn’t just give Nehemiah favor with the king to grant him earthly permission, but He saw to it that Nehemiah had all the provision he needed to set out and accomplish the God-glorifying task at hand.
“Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River,[a] that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple,[b] for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” Nehemiah 2:7-8 NKJV
You never need to doubt provision and resources when God gives you permission to move forward. Whether it’s a new job, ministry, move…if God allows it, He won’t set you up to fail but always to succeed! Also a side note: remember to ask for anything! “You have not because you ask not” (James) Who knows what God will grant you, but you can be sure you’ll never receive it if you don’t at least ask!
And the 3rd thing we see is…
3. Protection: God made sure to protect Nehemiah on his journey. Now let me make a note to state this, I am not saying that if God calls you to something that you won’t ever get sick, or struggle, or your car break down. Sometimes that’s part of the faith-journey–trusting God through it all. Even Nehemiah faced serious adversity and opposition, to the point they were building with one hand and holding swords with the other. But there is a measure of supernatural protection. Those men never killed them or defeated God’s purposes, even when they threatened it. 
“Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.” Nehemiah 2:9
Whatever God is asking you to do, know that if He’s calling you to it, He’ll see you through it. 
“… The effective, fervent prayerof a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 NKJV

“I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 HCSB

“Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have notbeen done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.” Exodus 34:10 NKJV
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If you haven’t read Hope Under Mistletoe, it’s available on Amazon for only $2.99! It centers around Christmas but can be read anytime! 
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Creating a Killer Kiss!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey everyone! Join me over at Thoughts on Plot where I’m talking about Smoochic–creating killer kisses using music to set the mood!

You may not be a writer, but check out my process and maybe discover new music! 

Have you signed up for my newsletter? No? Well, you should or you’ll miss out on a FREE novella coming April 2nd to those who are Patched In! Just click on the signup button in the upper right corner. Easy peasy.

When Pastor Gabe asks
Audrey Gilbraith to use her mad florist skills to help him design a prayer
garden, she’s all in, especially since it helps take her mind off the fact
she’s about to lose her job and her apartment. But working closely with Gabe
and not falling for him is complicated. She’s not pastor’s wife material, and
she has the past to prove it.

Gabriel Brookson wants out
of Audrey’s friend-zone, but when he pursues her romantically, he ruffles more
than a few feathers in his congregation. How much is he willing to give up for
this wonderful, quirky woman, and will Audrey accept him if he risks it all?
photocredit/freedigitalphotos

Are You Ready to EMERGE?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
@HeatherSunseri

If you’ve known me two seconds, you know that I love Heather Sunseri’s books. Her debut Mindspeak series was off the charts amazing and her newest book EMERGE in a brand new series proves to be just as amazing.

In her true to “science goes sideways” form, she presents the coolest setting, fantastic quirky cast and a story that will rivet her readers. You should be one of her readers. Just sayin.




Happy Release Day! Now go, everyone, and buy the book! 
Buy the book!

Buy the books!
Mindspeak (the first book) is FREE! 


Plus, sign up for Heather’s newsletter and receive a FREE Emerge story!