Tag: fiction

Because I LOVE you!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Ever had a random stranger tell you they love you? I’m not talking about when you step aside in the grocery line so someone with less items can go first. Although, I have heard that. I have said that. 

I mean a stranger that says, “I love you.” And means it. 
Never happened? Really? Well, here you go: From me to you, I love you. 
Like I really do. I mean, not romantically, that’s creepy. I don’t plan to stalk you. But then I never plan my stalkings. *wink wink*
I write because I love it. I do. I feel compelled. But I also write because I love readers. I love you. If you’re not a reader, I still love you but you’ll never know because you’re not reading this. Point is, I do love you. I love you enough to spend hours penning stories that will entertain you, take you on a wild ride, open up doors of mystery, adventure, romance, new places, new foods, and most of all a chance to encourage you with real hope. 
I’m a fan of hope. I’m a fan of Jesus. And I’m a fan of writing broken and flawed people into the people I know God knows they can be. Not every character chooses hope. Not every character chooses change. Every person struggles. With fear. Doubt. Confusion. Helplessness. Bitterness. Rejection. Loss. Finances. Anxiety. (Insert anything here)
So yeah, I do all of this because I love it. And I love you.
And to prove how much I love you, I want to give you something for FREE! A story. You can’t buy it online. You won’t find it in bookstores. 

But you will find it here on my website. 
Simply subscribe to my newsletter and it’s yours (top right hand corner of the website). A Christmas story about fictional characters with real struggles. Real questions. Real doubts. Real fears. They wrestle. They win some. They lose some. And in the end, Hope wins out. 
I’d love to share this Christmas novella with you! After you subscribe, it will immediately come straight to your inbox! 
Here’s a peek:

A
rowdy bar owner. A widowed pastor’s wife. And Christmas Hope that brings them
together.
After widower Eden
Snow’s church almost burns to the ground, she’s compelled to find a temporary
place to hold services and Christmas cantata practices.
Has-been hockey player,
Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on the ice and with women.
Except Eden. She’s always been a fascinating mystery to him, which is why he
agrees to let her use the back room of his bar—with one rule: No converting his
customers.
But when Eden brings
the church to the bar, it offers something the bottle can’t. Hope. And he finds
himself falling in love with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue.
 One other thing I’d love to share is my Hope Under Mistetoe story board! Meet the cast, and take a sneak peek around the fictional town. 
Hope Under Mistletoe Pinterest Page

Do you like Christmas stories? What’s your favorite holiday and why? 




And to go one step further, if you share the news about the Patched In (newsletter) and the free gift, you’ll be entered to win a $20 Amazon card! Tis the season for shopping, right? 


Photocredit: freedigitalphotosdotnet/rinjithkrishnan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Would You Rather w/ Sandra Orchard & the Cast of Identity Withheld!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

 Today, Sandra Orchard is
in the house and playing a few fun rounds of WYR with her characters. And she’s
giving away a copy of her newest release, Identity
Withheld.
Would You Rather…
…feel pain or feel nothing at all?
Sandra: Are we talking emotionally or physically? Emotionally, I’d
say feel pain, because I wouldn’t want to miss out on feeling all the other
great emotions, too. Physically…not so sure.
Jake: I’m probably the opposite to Sandra. Losing my wife was the
worst pain I’ve ever known.
Kara: Neither!
…be the hero or the sidekick?
Sandra: Hero. It’s a great feeling to “save the day” … I imagine.
😉
Jake: Definitely the hero. My wife always told me I had a hero
complex. Probably a lot of firefighters do.
Kara: Sidekick. Playing the hero for that poor baby I saw sold
has landed me in a heap of trouble, not that I’d choose differently if I had to
do it again.
…be invisible or read minds?
Sandra: Be invisible. I think being able to read minds could be
harder on the emotions than reading 2 star book reviews! At least being
invisible, I can leave the room if I don’t like what someone’s saying about me,
or…I could spook him so badly that he’d think twice before he ever said a nasty
word about anyone ever again. 😀
Jake: Read minds. I know Kara is hiding something and if she
would trust me with her secrets, I’m sure I could help her.
Kara: Be invisible. With a crooked adoption ring, likely
connected to organized crime, out to silence me, being invisible would come in
very handy. Although…reading minds would help me know who I can trust and who I
can’t. Then again, neither would have helped me escape my house being torched.
Love these answers, ladies
and gentleman! Sandra, tell us what’s on the horizon for your books? What are
you working on? When can we expect your next book?
I have two books coming
out next year that I’m currently awaiting copy edits and line edits on,
respectively. Desperate Measures is the final book in my Port Aster Secrets
mystery series with Revell, releasing June 2015. Emergency Reunion is my next
Love Inspired Suspense. The heroine of that one, a paramedic, is the cousin of
the hero in my current release. The release date hasn’t been set yet.
In the meantime, I’m
writing the first novel in my next Revell series. The heroine is an FBI agent in
St. Louis. I had great fun last month touring her hometown and place of work. J
Sherri! Whoop! Can’t
wait to read your new stuff. Thanks so much for being here. Sandra is
graciously giving away a copy of Identity Withheld. Enter below!
Buy the Book! 
WITNESS IN HIDING 
After exposing an illegal adoption ring, newly named “Kara Grant” is promised safety in Witness Protection. But someone has found her—and wants her dead. If only she could trust the handsome firefighter who catches her fleeing from a suspicious fire. Jake Steele seems to think she’s guilty of burning her own home. But how can she tell him who she really is and what she’s been through without bringing danger to the widowed single father’s door? Yet with the criminals quickly closing in, taking such a risk might be her only chance at survival. Because the price she’ll pay for her silence could be her life.

Now, you answer on or more the questions in the comments (it’s
an entry, too.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sarah Varland and the Cast of Tundra Threat

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Hey everyone! Welcome author Sarah Varland to the blog today. Sarah’s newest book, Tundra Threat has just released and we’re going to play a few rounds of WYR with her and the cast as well as discover what inspired the book, and as an extra bonus Sarah is giving away one copy! 
Let’s get started.

Would You Rather…
…do the laundry or do the dishes?
Sarah: Laundry. It’s pretty
much my favorite chore ever. If you’re washing/drying clothes you can listen to
the machines working while you read, which is awesome. And if you’re folding
clothes, you can watch your favorite TV show (mine happens to be Gilmore Girls)
and still be productive and not feel guilty!
Will: Washing and drying
clothes is easy. And I have no problem pulling clean clothes straight out of
the laundry basket to wear, so that’s no problem.
McKenna: Dishes. If I have to
pick. Housework in general isn’t my thing.
…change something about your past or see what your future
holds?
Sarah: I’m with McKenna on
this one. It’d be nice to see the future, unless I didn’t like parts of it and
then I think that would be hard. But I don’t have much about my past I’d care
to change.
Will: There are things I wish
I could go back and change. Things I wish I had said and done differently. But
I’m learning that God really is in control and the past isn’t worth changing—He
still works out our future.
McKenna: I’d love seeing the
future. Although that’s because I like to try to prepare for things and control
things, which you can’t always do…but I’m happy with my past for the most part,
so I’m going with see the future.
…fly or read minds?
Sarah: I’m not really big into
heights, so probably read minds. But I’d want it to be selective, since
sometimes you really don’t want to
know what other people are thinking. If there was an option to be able to swim
and breathe underwater without any kind of scuba equipment, I’d take that one
for sure. Swimming is a lot like flying…right?
Will: Since I’m a pilot, I’m
guessing my answer is obvious here. I’ve wanted to fly as long as I can
remember.
McKenna: Read minds! Imagine how
much easier all of life would be if we could do this. And my job? It would save
me so much time questioning suspects…
…feel emotional pain or nothing at all?
Sarah: Wow, this is a hard
one! I think emotional pain. I think sometimes I pretend like I’d rather pick
the other answer, but God made us people with passionate emotions and I think
I’d rather feel something than
nothing. That’s living, right?
Will: I’ve been through times
where I felt intense sadness and times when I couldn’t feel anything even
though I felt like I should. Pain if I had to pick, but if I get a vote here,
I’d really like a few years of happiness.
McKenna: I have to be feeling something. I can’t even imagine feeling
nothing at all. (I can just hear Will
laughing in the background now. He knows how well I demonstrate my emotions.
Poor man.)
Sarah, Will, McKenna,
I love your answers. And I think you’re right, Sarah. Pain is a part of living
for sure. Now, tell us what inspired this incredible story!
What inspired this story:
It’s funny because all
of my stories seem to start differently. For Tundra Threat, I wanted to write about an Alaska Wildlife Trooper
and I could just picture the character who would become McKenna, doing her job
and kicking at the snow when she got upset (she’s always had a temper!). The
scene I originally “saw” her in got deleted, but that’s where her character
started. From there I wanted to find someone it didn’t seem logical for her to
fall in love with, so I called my dad and he said “how about a hunting guide?”
and it was the perfect (well, imperfect) match. From there everything else
developed out of the characters.
Wow! My stories usually
start with a scene too and it’s never an opening one. Ha! Thanks so much for
being here, Sarah! It’s been the coolest. And because YOU guys have stopped by,
you have the chance to enter below and receive Sarah’s book! There are all
sorts of ways to win.
Here’s a peek at Sarah’s
book: 

Buy the book! 

DEADLY TERRAIN 
Two murdered men are the
last thing wildlife trooper McKenna Clark expected to find in the stark Alaskan
wilderness. As the only law enforcement in the area, the responsibility for the
case rests on her shoulders—along with the danger. Hunting guide and pilot Will
Harrison wants to ease the load, but McKenna balks at the thought of letting
him close enough to break her heart again. When McKenna’s investigations put
her in harm’s way, Will must race against the clock to save his second chance
at love from becoming the killer’s final victim.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Would You Rather with Hannah Conway

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey friends! I’m super excited to have author Hannah Conway on the ole’ blogaroo today to celebrate her debut novel, The Wounded Warrior’s Wife! We’re playing a few rounds of Would You Rather. 

Would
You Rather…
…have a job you love with very low pay or a have a job you
hate that pays very high?
Hannah: A job
I love with low pay! You have to love what you do!
Collier: It’s
not like I’m getting rich in the Army, so I’m gonna go with the low pay.
Whitleigh: Gonna
have to say low pay. I’m a stay at home momma and I’d rather be paid in kissed
any day.
…find your true love but have all your friends hate you or
never find your one true love and have a lot of caring, good friends?
Hannah: That’s
hard Jess! I see the pros in both! It’s all about learning to be content in
whatever situation you’re in. Since I HAVE to answer, I will. I would find my
true love and have all my friends hate me. There’s something beautiful about
the marriage bond God designed. Friends have to understand that.
Collier: Hmm.
Well. I get the whole having friends thing, but when you find the one you love
you need to go for it. Fight for it. Friends don’t cuddle to well anyway.
Believe me, being out in the field with a bunch of smelly guys. Yuck.
Whitleigh: First
off, I’d have to find out why my friends hated my one true love. There’s
something to be said about wise council. Perhaps they could see things in my
love that I couldn’t, and then I could address those issues with him. With that
said, I’m going to side with Collier and his answer.
…If in doubt with the person you love is it better to
continue following or let go?
Hannah: My
initial reaction is to always make it work. I’m so pro-marriage it’s not even
funny, but you didn’t mention anything about marriage, lol. If you’re in doubt
with that person you love, talk to them. Try to work it out. Get professional
counseling if need be. The lack of communication is a love and relationship
killer. 
Collier: As a
soldier you follow orders as their given no questions asked. There are some
serious consequences if you don’t, but in love, that’s a different game. If
we’re talking marriage, follow, work it out, but if you’re dating, try to work
it through but don’t break your back without a commitment there. Know what I
mean?
Whitleigh:
Hannah, I couldn’t agree more. Collier and I struggled with communication. We
weren’t getting each other and then we stopped talking about the big subjects
for one reason or another. I had many doubts about our relationship, but it was
important not to let go.
…always be serious or never, ever be serious about anything?
Hannah: I
would be always serious, but I’d have to have someone never, ever serious
around me to provide comic relief while I freak out over solving the world’s
problems.
Collier: Never,
ever be serious. Life is so full of terrible things that I honestly would
rather laugh my way through life than have to keep seeing the things I’ve seen.

Whitleigh: I’m
okay with Collier being the never, ever serious one. I’ll go ahead and be
always serious. Like Hannah said, that would be a nice balance to have one with
the other. I tend to be more serious anyway.
Great answers! You can connect with Hannah in various ways!
Email:                      authorhannahconway@gmail.com
Web:             www.hannahrconway.com
Twitter:        www.twitter.com/hannahrconway                      #thewoundedwarriorswife
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/authorhannahconway
Pinterest:    www.pinterest.com/hannahrconway
Goodreads:            www.goodreads.com/authorhannahconway
 Here’s a peek at Hannah’s novel:
Battles Raging Within Are The Ones
You Must Fight To Win

Buy the Book! 

Army
wife, Whitleigh Cromwell, struggles after an unexpected deployment during the
height of the Iraqi war sends her husband, Collier Cromwell, away for another
year. Their lives tumble down a path marked with strife, and fatalities,
crippling their faith when Collier brings home a war of another kind leaving
Whitleigh wondering if some wounds are beyond God’s ability to restore.

A Message for All of Us with Maria I. Morgan

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
I’m so glad to have my friend, Mari Morgan with me today,
and to be able to share with ya’ll her newest children’s book, Louie’s BIG Day! No matter what age you
are, this story has a wonderful message for you and your child.
Maria, thanks for being here today and giving us parents
some ideas to teach truth to our children.
From Maria:
Do you remember when you were really young? Were you afraid you would have a hard time
making friends? Maybe you were anxious about trying out for the soccer team.
You might have been concerned you wouldn’t be invited to a classmate’s birthday
party.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, we all face fears. The
question is whether we let those fears prevent us from doing what we were made
to do – or we persevere in spite of them.

Passing
along truth
The Lord has a purpose and plan for each person He has created.
And part of His plan includes relationships with others.
It’s never too early to begin teaching our children biblical
truths like these. Here’s how Moses put it:
And
thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:7

A fun option
Teaching godly truths can be done throughout the day in a
variety of ways. If you enjoy reading to your kids, my new children’s book, Louie’s BIG day! will help you convey
these concepts through a fun storyline:
Louie
is a bright red lawnmower who used to live at the hardware store with his
friends: Ruthie Rake, Eddie Edger, Bobbie Blower, Terri Trowel, and Henri Hose.
Recently he was purchased by a man and his wife and now he’s on his own.
Louie
misses his friends, but it’s time to find out if he can do the job he was made
to do. Join Louie for his BIG adventure and discover the surprise that awaits
him at the end of the day!

Louie
the Lawnmower series
The first in the Louie the Lawnmower book series, Louie’s BIG day! wraps up with questions
to engage you and your child in conversation and help you re-emphasize biblical
truths.
Louie even has his own website where you can download a free
copy of the audio version of Louie’s BIG
day! Louie’s adventures are just getting started. Keep your eyes open for
the second book in the Louie the Lawnmower series: Louie & the Leaf Pile, due out later this year!
Purchase Louie’s BIG day!
here: 

About
the author

Maria I. Morgan was born with an active imagination that
shows up in her endearing stories for children. Originally an inspirational
author and speaker for adults, Maria has widened her circle to include kids.
She lives in the muggy South with her husband, two retrievers, and two Maine
Coon kitties – the perfect mix to fuel her creativity for years to come!
(You can find her devotionals and download a free copy of
her eBook, God Speaking, at
www.mariaimorgan.com)
Connect with the author:
Website: www.mariaimorgan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterMariaIMorgan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariaimorgan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mariaimorgan/
Connect with Louie:
Website
I’m still on a blogging break until October 3rd! See you then! 
 What’s your favorite children’s book? 

Heather Gilbert and the Cast of Miranda Warning!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Guess who’s in the house today? Author Heather Gilbert! Her newest
book released—Miranda Warning, a twist-turning
mystery! Today, she’s agreed to play a few rounds of Would You Rather and then
share with us the inspiration behind the book. Here’s a peek!
Child
of the Appalachian mountains, Tess Spencer has experienced more than her share
of heartache. The Glock-wielding, knife-carrying housewife knows how to survive
whatever life throws at her.
But
when an anonymous warning note shows up in her best friend Miranda’s mailbox—a
note written in a dead woman’s handwriting—Tess quickly discovers that ghosts
are alive and well in Buckneck, West Virginia. Hot on a cold trail, she must
use limited clues and her keen insight into human nature to unmask the
killer…or the next victim might be Tess herself.
Tinged
with the supernatural and overshadowed by the mountains’ lush, protective
presence, this twisting psychological mystery is the first in A Murder in
the Mountains series.
Okay, Heather, let’s begin with the fun questions!
Would
you rather….

…be famous or the best friend of someone famous?
Miranda: Oh,
honey, I think I’m too old to be famous. But if I were, I think I’d want it to
be for playing chess. I’m always beating that sweet little Tess Spencer and she
says I’m really good at it.
Tess: Famous?
Me? I don’t have time to be famous. I’m in the middle of something right
now…and I’m actually pregnant. Yes, that is a latte I’m drinking. I’m not
always one to follow rules, you know. I would like to see my husband, Thomas,
make a little more money at his lawyer job. But fame? I’m pretty happy where I am.
In all actuality, right now I’m kind of trying to lie low…
Heather:
I’d love to be famous for writing great books, so I could be a financial
blessing to others as others have been to me over the years. But in the
meantime, I can say I know some famous authors in Christian circles and they
are some of the humblest, sweetest people I know. That’s the kind of author I
have so much respect for.
…find out that the life you are living now is an ongoing memory
and you are actually older and looking back on your life with life-like detail
OR your life was a very detailed imagination coming from a younger you
imagining your future?
Miranda: I’m
not sure I understand the question. I’ve been getting these heart flutters and
can’t seem to concentrate. But I am older
and looking back on my life, and so I spend a large part of my days walking
down memory lane. I like thinking about my husband, Russell. Why that man had
to leave this earth before me, I’ll never understand.
Tess: I
already have a better memory than I’d like (almost like photographic, only in
videos). But instead of looking back on life with intricate detail, I’d much
rather be young again and re-imagine myself a new childhood. Mine wasn’t the
best.
Heather: Call
me weird, but I’ve always looked forward to being old and the wisdom that comes
with it. So I’d rather be old, but still looking toward the future, if that
makes sense. I had a great childhood and I’d love to remember that in detail.
But I also love looking forward to living life to the fullest as I grow older.
Someday I look forward to being in heaven, maybe reviewing my life and
understanding why certain things happened and how everything fit together.
…be a thief or a beggar? 
Miranda: I’d
be a beggar. I’d never steal from anyone.
Tess: Well…my
husband is a lawyer, so let’s just keep this quiet, but if my family was
starving, I’d be a thief. Only I’d be a nice
thief. I wouldn’t kill anyone, I promise.
Heather: Wasn’t that Jean Valjean’s crime in Les Mis, stealing food for his family? To be honest, I’d rather not
beg. I would ask for something
nicely, but if people refused to help and my family was in need, I think I’d
find a way around it. I’d try a lot of resourceful options before stealing, and
even then, I might not do it. But I would find a way to help us survive. I just
watched Catching Fire so obviously
I’m in a dystopian, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it mood. 🙂
Thanks so much for playing, Ladies! Loved your answers. Now,
share with us what inspired this story.
I was inspired to write this Appalachian mystery because
I’ve grown up reading mysteries: in particular, Agatha Christie. I love her
married detectives, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, and how they are different
yet they work their strengths to solve crimes. Even though my mysteries center
on Tess Spencer, housewife detective, her husband, Thomas, plays a large role
in supporting her and helping her see crimes in new ways (he’s a lawyer).
I also loved the psychological vibe of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and I knew I, too, wanted to get deep
into my characters’ heads in each mystery. Plus, I’ve recently moved back to my
home state, West Virginia, and it’s chock-full of paranormal stories, so it
lent itself very handily as a setting for this series.
I wanted to explore West Virginia the way it really is today, with all its beauty and
yet its heartbreak. This series will delve into some dark and sad places, but
ultimately the light of God shines through, just like it does in real life.
However, sometimes people choose to reject it and I feel it’s important to show
the ultimate end of those choices, as well. That’s why I say my writing is bittersweet.
I do hope Tess is a “sleuth” (love that word!)
people can root for. She has her foibles, yes. She’s newly married and has
issues that plague her from her past. But she’s going to grow and change even
through the hardships of hunting down murderers. Her marriage will also change.
I’m looking forward to taking readers along for the ride.
I rooted for her, Heather! Looking forward to the next one.
Okay, everyone! Pick one or all of the questions and answer
in the comments!
***The winner of Donna Pyle’s prize package is            . 
I will notify Donna of the winner.
Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing stories about authentic,
believable marriages. Sixteen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband
have given her some perspective, as well as ten years spent homeschooling.
Heather is a monthly contributor to Novel
Rocket, a site dedicated to bringing helpful information to authors.
You can find Heather at her website, Heather Day Gilbert–Author, and at
herFacebook
Author Page, as well as Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube. Her novel, God’s
Daughter, is an Amazon bestseller. You can find it here in
three formats–Kindle, softcover, and audiobook.

Chatting with the cast of Here to Stay and Melissa Tagg!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
@Melissa_Tagg
Facebook 
Pinterest
Website/blog
Today, I’m beyond excited to once again have my amazing friend and author Melissa Tagg hanging out. Anytime she’s here is going to be loads of fun. So prepare to laugh, ya’ll. Melissa’s second contemporary romantic comedy just released and I can tell you, it’s one for your bookshelf! You can read my REVIEW on Goodreads.
JP: You said the idea for your first
novel, Made to Last, came from watching Christmas in Connecticut. What inspired
you or helped inspire the masterpiece, Here to Stay?
MT: Well, mainly the inspiration for
this story was Blake. He first appeared in Made
to Last, playing more of a secondary role and a total goofball. But a lot
of people said he was their favorite character and the longer I worked on Made to Last, the more I realized this
guy had a story of his own to tell. And though the story itself doesn’t exactly
mirror a movie like Made to Last,
Autumn, the main female in the story is loosely inspired by George Bailey from
It’s a Wonderful Life—one of the greatest movies ever.
JP: I was a huge fan of Blake in book 1
and fell further in love with him in Here
to Stay! And you’re right, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the greatest
movies ever. Since Blake was a minor character and a reader fave in Made to Last, who would you consider to
be your favorite minor character in Here
to Stay?
MT: Ah, good question. Blake and Autumn
felt so huge and real to me writing Here
to Stay, so thinking of a favorite minor character is harder. You know, I
really like Ike the flight instructor. He’s only in a few scenes, but he’s this
calming force in Blake’s life…but he also sees Blake’s deeper desires, his
hopes, and he says just the right things. Like when he tells Blake he doesn’t
have to see every open door on the way to his future…just the next one in front
of him. I resonated with that quite a bit.
JP: I did too! It was great insight. I
loved Harry. He made me laugh and I’d like to see Autumn’s sister have a story.
She lost so much, it’d be nice to see her find love and purpose, hint hint.
Well, we’re talking peeps, do you have pictures of who you would cast as Blake
and Autumn?
MT: Actually…I saw the cover for Here to Stay before the characters had
fully formed in my brain. So I picture Autumn and Blake from the cover as THE
Autumn and Blake. I can’t even picture anyone else in place of those models!
JP: I can totally see Autumn as the
cover model, but in my mind, I see Blake bigger with flippier hair. J Okay, it’s time
for a round of Would You Rather with you, Autumn and Blake!
·       
What
is your favorite TV show? The one you can. not. miss.
Me: I can’t decide
between 24 or Sherlock. Sherlock is smart…24 has the nostalgia factor for me.
So, instead I’ll say Gilmore Girls. LOL!
(Jess—Yes! Gilmore Girls!)
Blake: I am seriously
not the TV watcher type at all. But if I had to pick something, I think I’d watch
From the Ground Up starring Randi
Woodruff just so I could say to people, “Hey I pretended to be married to her
for a month once.” (Am I allowed to pick a fake show for Blake?)
(Jess—I guess. It was pretty clever
actually!)
Autumn: That one show
on PBS with the guy who travels different places and tells you about it.
(There’s a show like that, right?)
(Jess—Dr. Who???? Lol I don’t know. I
don’t think so rofl!)
·       
When
you’ve had a bad day, what is your go-to food?
Melissa: It’s a toss up
between pizza and Chinese.
Blake: Lasagna made by
yours truly.
Autumn: Pop-tarts. Or
really basically anything as long as my friend Betsy makes it.
·       
What
is your guilty-pleasure movie?
Melissa: What’s Up Doc.
NOT because I feel guilty about the movie itself. It’s one of the greatest
movies ever. The guilt comes in when I realize just how many times I’ve watched
it. I mean…it’s ridiculous.
Blake: Wild Hearts
Can’t Be Broken. Don’t tell anyone.
Autumn: Nacho Libre.
LOL!
(Jess—These are hilarious!)
·       
If
you had one last day on this earth and you had to spend it doing one super-fun
thing, what activity would you choose?
Melissa: This question
makes me sad! But if I did have just one last day, I’d definitely want to hang
out with family…and maybe just go on one long road trip all together. Maybe
through the Appalachians. Because that’s my favorite place and car rides with
the family are always hilarious and fun.
Blake: I would take
Autumn flying. J
Autumn: I would tell
Blake to take me flying. J
(Jess—Aaaww! I love that! Great
answers.)
Thanks for hanging out today, Melissa.
It’s been so much fun. Everyone, you really should buy Here to Stay. I know you’ll
love it as much as I did. Lots of grinning, swooning, out-loud-laughing, and
thinking…yes…thinking. Weaved into this story are some amazing truths to
consider.
Buy the book! 
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…

If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.

Okay,
your turn! Answer one or all of the Would You Rather? questions in the comments.
 Have a great weekend!

Do You Enjoy Murdering People?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Cause like, that’s a crazy
question, right?
That’s a
question that comes with two answers: Yes. And no.
Before I
get the police called on me, I’m talking about writing inspirational romantic
suspense.
Does that
even go together? Inspiration and murder? You might ask the question (and yes,
I’ve been asked this before) why do you write about murder and mayhem since
you’re a Christian?
Good
question. One I asked myself. Why do I do this? (I also write contemporary
romance.)
I think
it’s complex but I’m going to try and break it down like this.
Romance:
I can’t
write a single book without including romance. It’s not an after thought. Or a
sub plot. I love romance! We’re built each and
every one of us to love romance. It comes from God. You may disagree. I
think the entire Bible is God’s love for us. He speaks to us as his Bride. He
is the Groom. It’s page after page of him pursuing us. A divine romance. Love that song by Phil Wicka-wicka-Wickham!
I love the
dance of romance. From the first flutters to the first kiss to the
hope-ever-after. Romance. Easy enough.
Suspense:
Here’s few
questions: How can we entertain ourselves with serial killers, abductions,
heinous evil–whether in books, movies or TV? Seems wrong.
Agreed.
When we find the thrill in the evil side of life. When we glorify evil.
I believe
we, humans as a whole, love puzzles. Love to figure things out. By nature we’re curious to seek things out.
Truth. Answers. We want to solve things. That’s why my stories never give up
the killer/villain right off the bat. They’re more of a mystery. Because I like
to solve puzzles. I’m not a box puzzle kind of person, but I do love to answer
riddles, go on scavenger hunts…discover answers. Discover truth.
I love the
Word of God because it can be very much like a treasure hunt. Read, dig,
search…find answers. Truth.
Shows like
Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Insert favorite crime show here __________ are
all about solving a puzzle. Finding truth. We find it entertaining, engaging.
Our minds
are curious. How could someone be that demented? So far gone? Completely
depraved? We cover our eyes then peek through spaces between our fingers. We
gape. We cringe. Sometimes we even turn off the TV or toss books that cover
hard subject matter. We want to pretend evil doesn’t really exist. Innocent
people do not die. Revenge, power, greed do not motivate people to take drastic
and frightening measures. And monsters aren’t really lurking in the darkness or
the broad daylight.
If we can’t see it or hear about it, we can live in our happy bubble.
Yet it
does exist.
Tragedy,
death, despair, pain, torture. Abuse, assault, the list goes on. Every day it
gets worse. We can’t turn blind eyes. Can’t wish it away.
But there is hope. Even amidst the evil. There is good. God is good.
As a
Christian writer, I want to take that evil, create a puzzle to solve and bring
readers along with me. Let’s solve this. And while we’re at it, let’s throw in
some really flawed characters we can relate to, identify with– who are also
searching for answers. For some truth. For some hope.
It’s not
just about good conquering evil. It’s about God saving, rescuing, loving,
holding, guiding, loving, touching, healing, blessing, showing grace, showing
mercy and compassion, loving, strengthening, renewing, restoring, directing,
teaching, comforting, loving…it’s about a God we can’t always understand, but
we can trust.
In green
pastures where the sun shines and still waters beckon us to rest. And in the
valley of the shadow of death.
Do I love
to create a sick, twisted villain–yet crafty and smart? Yes. The grittier the
villain, the more depraved the better.
Why?
Because no matter how big and swallowing the villain is. God is bigger.
God is greater. God is stronger. God is an all-consuming fire.
 I’m a Christian writing from a Christian point
of view (not in every character! And not in a Bible-thumping manner). I can’t
write without hope. Sorry. No. Can. Do. Because I’ve experienced it (Him!) in
my life. Every day. Over and over.
So when
you find me hunting down ways, or doing research, to make things bad or
terrifying for a character/s, I’m doing it so I can show God bringing good,
administering peace and hope.
Because he
does. He will. It’s who he is. And my prayer is that readers, who are
experiencing some of the same feelings as my characters, will discover that the
same hope in the pages of the story, is available and real to them and that
they will grab hold of Him, our anchor in this evil temporary place called the
world, our Hope for better things to come.
*I just created a suspense and romance board on Pinterest! It’s in the early stages but I’d love for you to come and follow where it leads…muwahahahaha. 

Click here to hang with me on Pinterest!

Do read romantic suspense or watch suspenseful shows/movies? What’s
favorite of yours?

Heather James Brings It! Gush Fest

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Heather James 

Hey everyone, no I’m not off my blogging break yet but I had to pop in because if you aren’t reading Heather James’s Lure of the Serpent series, you cray-cray!

I read Unholy Hunger back in April of 2013. I think on a recommendation from the amazing Jordyn Redwood and I’m so glad I did.

At first, after reading the back cover, I was like uh…I don’t know if I can handle this because it’s about a little child abduction and murder and that stuff freaks me out, especially as a mama but I wanted to see just how Heather James pulled it off. I, personally, have never seen this subject matter tackled in the Christian Publising market (doesn’t mean it hasn’t just means I haven’t read it) so I decided to take the plunge.

Oh. My. Word. I am so glad I sucked it up because from page one I was so sucked in. James’ voice…just incredible and Evelyn Barrett–her main character? Talk about wit, sharp tongue and dark humor (which is so perfectly placed when dealing with sensitive subject matter and also very respectfully done.)

I most loved the strength this woman allowed God to give her. Oh, it didn’t come without some serious issues. This book was raw. Real. Gritty. Totally big screen worthy, ya’ll and the way she presented evil…with a special gift given to Evelyn…just phenomonal.

So when I saw the second book in this Lure of the Serpent series had released, I had to read it!!!

Again, we’re dealing with serious evil. And again, Evelyn is back with such a witty and sharp tongue with a determination of steel, that you fall in love with it. Also, there’s a softer side to Evelyn we get to see in this book as well and I enjoyed that! Another gritty book done tastefully–nothing tossed in simply for shock value. 

I can’t say enough ya’ll about these books and this author. Here are my goodreads reviews for each book and a link so you can buy it, because you really need to. Can’t wait for book 3! Please tell me there’s a book 3! I love this heroine. And this author!

Review
BUY THE BOOK 

Evelyn Barrett wants to die.
As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did
this man—this stranger—destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to
justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million
questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer
must be punished for his crime. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate
truth—of crime and verdict, of life and death—cannot be swayed by a mother’s
revenge.

In this first book
of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she
finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the
source of true peace.

Review
BUY THE BOOK

Evelyn Barrett has a new job, a new baby, and a new life—of
sorts. Nearly crushed by the horrific abduction and murder of her daughter
(book 1, Unholy Hunger), Evelyn is moving on as best she can. No longer allowed
to practice law, she is recruited by one of the detectives from her daughter’s
case to become a police consultant. Her inaugural case becomes a baptism by
fire as she joins the hunt for a chillingly methodical and sadistic serial
rapist and murderer. Her revulsion and anger fuels a passion for justice . . .
and then it becomes personal. Her friend and law school roommate, Jen, becomes
a victim. The rapist has made a catastrophic mistake with Jen: he has left her
alive and able to talk. Filled with the chilling tension of Unholy Hunger,
Hands of Darkness explores the emotional and spiritual consequences for all
involved when justice and compassion collide head-on with the darkest examples
of human depravity.

Okay, I’m now going back to my blogging break! I’ll return soon.

Do you shy away from books with tough subject matter?

A Suspense-Full Week!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Buy HERE!

Hey everyone, I’m not back from my blogging break, officially, but this week is going to be so cool because it’s a week full of suspense!

Today we’re going to play Would You Rather with Patricia Bradley, friend and author of Shadows of the Past and her hero and heroine, Nick and Taylor!

Wednesday, Pat is sharing a devotion that that threads her spiritual arc in her novel.

And Friday, Faith Readers (our local book club) will be giving our group review of Shadows of the Past, so hang with us this week for lots of fun. Le’ts play!

Would You Rather….


…stay in
for a nice dinner and a rented movie or go out?
Pat: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie.

Taylor: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie. 
Nick: Let’s go to the Blues Espresso…jam a
little. 
…travel
by car or plane?
 Pat: Well…if I could fly without having to travel
2 hours to get to the airport, and I’d be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt
for flying. Otherwise, I’ll drive. 🙂

Taylor: Well…if
I could be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt for flying. Otherwise, I’ll
drive. 🙂 
Nick: Love flying. Airports are great places to people watch. 
…sleep
in a scary, abandoned house all night by yourself with a lantern or, have to
walk through acres of woods in the pitch black with a friend? 
Pat: Always, share
scary things with a friend. Always.
Taylor: Always,
share scary things with a friend. Always. 
Nick: Can you
imagine the ideas a writer can come up with staying all night alone in a creepy
house? 

This was
fun, Jessica! 
Sneak peek!
Psychology
professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to
solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the
disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on
his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to
investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is
stalking her.
Nick
Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is
how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could
have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick
sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to
find is trouble.
Join the
chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys
to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and
love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a
promising and already award-winning writer.
Visit Pat!

Join in! Answer all or one of the questions! Would You Rather…