Tag: jessica r patch

HUGE FALL SALE and a FREE BOOK!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey everyone! It’s fall. I love fall. It puts me in such a good mood that I’m sharing the love with you! 

Today, November 4th through the 8th, the first three books in the Seasons of Hope series are dramatically discounted and the 4th book is releasing!

Hope Under Mistletoe (#1) is FREE and a great time to grab it since it centers around Christmas!

Just the Way You Are (#2) is only $.99! 

More Than Words (#3) is also only $.99

It’s Always Been You (#4) is the last book in this series, and just released in time to read them all over the holidays, is only $2.99. Less than coffee. 

In fact, you can grab them all and still afford a coffee. 

Happy Reading and Happy Fall, Ya’ll! 

Feel free to share it with friends, too. 

Get the Seasons of Hope Series on AMAZON! Click HERE!!!!

Wanna Join the Patch Pack? Yes, You Do!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Together we can do anything!

Hey everyone! January will soon be here and I’m looking for some friends who are interested in joining my Patch Pack! 

What is the Patch Pack and what do I get out of it, you ask?

The Patch Pack is a group of friends from all over who would  like to help me spread the word about my upcoming novel, Fatal Reunion, and other books (check out my Seasons of Hope Series HERE).  Word of mouth is by far the best way to get the news out. I simply can’t do this alone and I need a pack of people who want to jump onboard the crazy train with me! Okay, it’s not crazy but it will be fun.

What does it entail? Simply spreading the word across social media such as facebook posts, tweets, pins on Pinterest, posting pics of you with my books on instagram. And writing a review (can be super simple) on review sites like Amazon, GoodReads, and B&N. But I stink at creating tweets and FB posts, you say! That’s okay, I’ll help you. Also, you can request my novels at your local libraries and if you’re in a book club, suggest my book and a Skype session with me! Think out of the box! 

How does it benefit me? First of all, you get to be privy to information before anyone else. You get to meet new people who have one thing in common as you–the love of books! You’ll also get a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (e Book) so you can leave that review on reader sites if you enjoy it. And you’ll be entered into giveaways that no one else is! I’ve got some cool prizes lined up for my Patch Packers. Also, I’ll need help brainstorming and naming characters etc…if I choose your ideas you get your name in print in acknowledgments and maybe even a character named after you, which is always fun to see in print! Also, I will love you forever but not in a stalkerish kind of way. 🙂 

Do I have to do something every day? Because, I’m like…busy with my own life. Nope! My books with Harlequin are only on book shelves for a month, so the most I’d ask of you to help me out is once a week. But if you want to do more like create cool memes or post quotes on social media that you really liked or spoke to you, feel free to do as much as you want; I won’t complain.

How long am I stuck in this group? I hope you’ll want to be in the Patch Pack for a super long time! But you don’t have to promote every book. You can leave whenever you’d like. You’re not obligated to anything. 

This sounds super cool. How do I join? It does, doesn’t it? All you have to do is email me at jessica (at) jessicarpatch(dot)com with the following information:

  1. What state do you live in?
  2. Have you read any of my books before?
  3. What social media sites do you regularly post on? (you do need to be on facebook!)
  4. Why do you want to be a part of the Patch Pack? 

Space is limited, so sign up soon before it’s full! Thanks so much everyone! I’m excited about Fatal Reunion coming out in January. Here’s the back cover:

WRONGLY ACCUSED 
When her beloved grandmother is almost killed during a home invasion, Piper Kennedy isn’t surprised that she’s a suspect—especially since Luke Ransom is on the case. The handsome detective she once loved thinks she knows more than she’s telling about the attack. And given her crooked past and the heartbreaking way she’d been forced to betray Luke years ago, Piper understands why he doesn’t trust her. But when attempts are made on her life, Luke insists on keeping her safe and finding out who wants her dead. And Piper and Luke soon realize a remorseless criminal will do anything to keep them from the truth
or an unexpected second shot at a future.

Preorder Now!

photocredit: freedigitalphotos/hin255

It’s Always Been You…FREE to subscribers

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that the last novella in the Seasons of Hope series is almost here! 

If you’re a subscriber to my newsletter, you’ll be receiving it for FREE! It’s scheduled for November but you just might get it before October is up! 

I’m so excited about this story and this series. It’s been a fantastic ride and I appreciate the support of all you friends who are Patched In. You’ve really been a huge encouragement to me. Your positive feedback has been a boost of confidence, and I thank you. Sincerely.

If you haven’t subscribed (above right corner on the sidebar), you can now and receive this novella for FREE! The other books are available on Amazon at an affordable price! SEASONS OF HOPE SERIES. The first book is a Christmas book, so grab it up as the holidays are a-comin’! 

So here is the back cover blurb for the final novella: 

Successful bistro owner and worship leader, Sierra
Bradley appears to have it all together, but inside she’s a hot mess. Often
dictated by fear, Sierra regrets not eloping with high school sweetheart, Ezra
Alcott. Now he’s returned to Mistletoe to sketch behind-the-scenes portraits
for his sister’s wedding and Sierra has agreed to cater the event. With no
escape from crossing paths, she has to deal with the heartache of what might
have been.
Ezra Alcott left for France to make his mark on the
art world and nurse the pain of rejection. But somewhere along the way he lost
sight of the kind of man he wanted to become. Back in his sleepy hometown, he
realizes God might be giving him a blank canvas to start over.

If Ezra can find the strength to ask for a second
chance, and Sierra can trust God with the things she can’t see, they might be
able to paint a lifetime together. 
If you’ve read the prior novellas, I’d love for you to leave a short (doesn’t have to be a professional) review on Amazon and Goodreads. You can simply copy/paste the same review on both sites! This would really help this ole girl out! Thank you!
So tell me, what is your favorite season?

Guess Where I Am?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Hey everyone! Today, I’m over at Jill Kemerer’s blog. Jill is my good friend and critique partner. Join me as I talk about this scripture in relation to my Christmas novella! 

“Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.” James 2:13 MSG

 Hope Under Mistletoe, is a FREE and exclusive gift to you for simply signing up for the Patched In–my newsletter! (top right corner)

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. 





See you at Jill’s! 

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

A Little of This and That

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
 

I’m in between books, which always makes me feel a little naked. Like when I forget my wedding ring. Or clothes. 

But during my break, I get to catch up on reading and I’ve been barreling through some books. I pick one book on my eReader and I only get to read while I’m at the gym, so hello extra motivation for going to the gym. I’ve read two books so far.

And I’ve been reading hard copy books in the car line and at night before I drift off to sleep. I’ve enjoyed them all. 

Also, I’ve been watching the Gilmore Girls. Thank you, Charissa, for having all 7 seasons on DVD. My husband wants to kill you thanks you too! I’m almost halfway through season 6 so when I get done, I’m sure a blog post and a debate between who Rory really belongs to will come. Right, Melissa Tagg? Anywho, I’m addicted to the show and can’t believe I didn’t watch it when it was actually on TV. Craziness I tell you.

Let’s see…my daughter is going to be bass captain next year which is so awesome and I’m excited for her! She finally gets to boss people around and not get grounded for it! 

I think my laptop might have a virus. It’s not puking or running fever but it’s super slow. Joint pain, maybe? I probably should have put some anti-virus software on it, but alas, I did not.

The weather is gorgeous here which makes for great days out on the patio, minus the wasps and bumblebees which just keep me in a state of anxiety so relaxation doesn’t actually come but I’m getting a little sun and exercise. 

My new favorite drink is the hazelnut macchiato at Starbucks. Not too sweet. Just loaded enough to keep my mouth running–as if I need any help. Ask anyone.

My niece is getting married soon and I’m stoked to be there, though I’m reading some off-the-wall poem I still can’t understand and I’ve read it at least a hundred times. I’m not sure they get it or anyone will get it but I’m prepared to hear dozens of attendees ask me, “Was that about (insert interpretation here)?

And I will say, “It was about one minute of my life I’ll never get back.” (I’m kind of kidding but not really.) Nah, I’m glad to be able to participate in the wedding. It’s going to be gorgeous!

Then I’m going on vacation. With my family. In case you weren’t sure. Not my family that got married. Then it would be the honeymoon.

And now the winner of Liz Johnson’s Stolen Memories is: Grove’s Photography!! Please email me at jrpatch(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can send the book to you! Congrats! 

What’s going on with you? 

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?

How to Prepare Yourself for Service

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Consecration. A word that means set apart for a specific
purpose.
When we think of consecration, we think of the Levitical
priesthood, setting themselves apart/consecrating themselves before ministering
before the LORD. The same is true today.
Set apart for a
specific purpose also means to prepare.
Last week, we talked about Daniel preparing himself for the
vision he received. He fasted three weeks, only eating bland foods. He
abstained from meat, bread, and wine.
It was a physical action he took.
But it came from his heart. Today I want to look at another
instance where Daniel set himself apart.
Imagine coming into Babylon a slave. Being spoken to in a
language you did not understand. 
Taken from everything you knew. No facebook,
google maps, or Travelocity to give you any idea of where you were going.
Nothing.
Daniel was taken, along with his three fiery-furnace
friends, and were to be integrated into society. Taught the language and
customs etc
and to eat meat and wine from the king’s table.
Daniel 1:8 tells us, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that
he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with
the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself.”
In ancient times, meat was sacrificed to false gods, and
wine was like a drink offering to them, so to sit at the table and eat and
drink, meant you were acknowledging, accepting, and even worshipping their
gods.
Daniel wasn’t being forced to hard labor. He was about to go
into a prestigious training program. Refusing to follow the rules could be disastrous
at the least and at most deliver a death sentence.
Don’t think Daniel didn’t think of the consequences. But in
the end, he purposed in his heart. 
He made the decision. To set himself apart.
To not compromise.
To be different.  To
be who he was called to be.
It took courage and bravery. 

Consecrating ourselves to God and to His purposes takes
conscious decisions. It will take determining in our hearts.
Whatever the outcome. Whatever the penalty.
The reward is always greater.
If you sit in the middle of the fence, nine times out of
ten, you’ll fall.
Make a choice. Determine in your heart what you will and
will not do.
And trust God with the outcome and rewards.
“So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs
had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,  â€œPlease
test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and
water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the
appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and
as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”  So he
consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.” Daniel
1:11-14
The results:
“And at the end of
ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the
young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.” Daniel 1:15
“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which
the king examined them, he found them
ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his
realm.” Daniel 1:20
How many times better were they?
Ten?
Coincidence? I think not.


What is
something you can set apart/consecrate to the LORD? 


photocredit/freedigitalphotos:imagerymajestic

A Year of Promises!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 
Welcome to
another new year, friends! I hope you’ve enjoyed your Christmas holidays.
Followed through with old traditions, made new ones. Enjoyed our wonderful
Savior.
 
Instead of
saying HAPPY new year, I’ll say something else. (I have said Happy New Year and
begrudge no one the saying, I’m making a point.) You see, some woke up this
morning still in physical and emotional pain, still struggling financially,
still grieving lost loved ones, still afraid or uncertain of the future. What I
will say is, here is to a promising new year. Here are just a few of those
promises. Happiness may not come, but the joy of the Lord is deep and abiding
even when things aren’t happy.
 
“If
you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My
Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you,
that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John
15:10-11
 
“For
I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I
will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry
wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
 
“No
weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against
you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the
Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
 
“All
praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with
Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
 
“May
God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and
whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming
of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable.
If he said it, he’ll do it!” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
 
“If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
 
“…nothing
can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels
nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even
the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above
or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to
separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our
Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39
 
“And
be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
 

 

Which of
these promises spoke to your heart most? Or if you have a promise you plan to
“stand” on this year, feel free to share it! 
 
Also, Happy Birthday to my mom today! I love you, mom! Here’s to a promising new year for you!