Wednesday Writers–Joan Deppa and her Season of Love series

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Autumn Discoveries, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers, exceprt from Whiter than Snow, inspirational romance for all ages, Joan Deppa, Seasons of Love, Summer Dreams, Upper Peninsual of Michigan, Whiter than Snow

Today I’m welcoming Joan Deppa to the blog. Joan will be talking about her Seasons of Love series and has included an excerpt of the first book in the series, Whiter than Snow, for your reading pleasure. Welcome, Joan.

 

Hi, my name is Joan Deppa. I have been a wife, mother and pastor’s wife for many years, but have started a new adventure.  I am now an author.  They say you should write about what you know, so that’s what I have done in my series, “Seasons of Love.”  When I came home from my dad’s funeral, and after a March snow storm that left everything white and clean, Whiter than Snow was born.  It’s based on some of my dad’s past, as well as my husband’s, his salvation experience and how it brought about the release of the pain and bitterness of his past, and then the wonderful results it brought. It takes place in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as that’s where we were living when I began writing it.  Throughout our ministry, we have counseled many people who have been hurt by the pain of divorce, as well as experienced it ourselves when my parents, as well as one of our sons went through a divorce.  It causes a lot of feelings of rejection, insecurities and fears that only Christ can heal, so that is the theme for my second book, Summer Dreams. I am currently writing the third book entitled, Autumn Discoveries. It will deal with the issue of high expectations that we, as well as others, place on us.

My books are for women of all ages, are a fun-read, inspirational and share wonderful sights and activities to enjoy in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

WHITER THAN SNOW

by Joan Deppa

Bonnie Turner has recently moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is enamored by its beauty in the winter time. While enjoying the beauty, Brad Jorgenson “bumps” into her and takes it upon himself to show her the sights and how to enjoy Winter in the Upper Peninsula. But will Bonnie be able to show him how to release the anger and bitterness he’s carried since childhood and introduce him to the Creator of the beauty he enjoys? Can God’s love and forgiveness really make him, “whiter than snow?”

 

 

Excerpt of Whiter than Snow:

The snow was gently falling from the sky, kissing Bonnie’s face as she looked up. The snow covered the branches on the trees like a soft blanket and made a thick white carpet on the ground. It was a beautiful, winter wonderland. Bonnie loved being out in the woods on a day like this, just her, God, and nature.

“Hey, look out!” screamed a voice from behind Bonnie, but too late to stop her from landing on her backside as she tried to get out of the way. She looked around to find the person responsible for the outcry and saw that he also was on the ground with his skis pointing to the sky, ski poles on either side of him and his back toward her. But not for long. As he turned around, she knew he was very angry, and she braced herself to hear about the trouble she had caused.

“What do you think you’re doing, standing in the middle of the ski trail like that?” He reached to take off his skis and stood up.

“I’m sorry,” Bonnie said, as she awkwardly tried to get up. But the snow on the side of the trail was softer, and she was having a hard time in the deep snow.

Then a hand reached down to help her. As she looked up into his face, it looked less angry and more concerned for her welfare. “Here, let me help you up. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No. Thankfully I had the snow to cushion my fall. How about you? Are you all right?”

“Yes, although I’m sure we’ll both have some bruises we didn’t have before. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to walk on the groomed trails? It ruins it for cross-country skiers, and coming down this hill it’s hard to stop. I didn’t see you until I came around that turn. What were you doing here?”

“I was enjoying the beautiful day, just like you…”

 

 

SUMMER DREAMS

April Phillips is a 6^th grade teacher who loves children but feels she should never marry due to the history of divorce in her family. So instead, she pursues her dream to learn to Kayak and buys an older house that she can make into the home of her dreams. However, Aaron Matthews has his own dreams – to marry April and have a family of their own. But first he needs to help her realize that God is able to break her chains of fear and give her a love that paddles through the storms and difficulties of life and thrives. Whose dreams will be realized? Can they both win?

 

 

About the Author:

My husband and I have been in church ministry for over 30 years and have counseled many hurting people. I have always loved to read and now write inspirational fiction, sharing God’s love, forgiveness, wisdom and ability to change lives yielded to Him, in a way that people can relate to. My hope is that my readers will find true joy, guidance and forgiveness in Christ from their past and present challenges in life. We have four adult children, eleven grandchildren and have lived mostly in the Midwest. We enjoy seeing all the beauty of God’s creation wherever we are, and I share some of our favorites in my stories. I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Where to Buy My Books:

Books may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or my website: http://www.joandeppa.com/.

Social Media sites:

Facebook – JoanDeppa

Twitter – @JoanDeppa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpts:

Summer Dreams:

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A Writer’s Garden–HL Carpenter shares Green Thumb Moments

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A Writer's Garden, Author Catherine Castle's gardening blog, Green Thumb moments, HL Carpenter, Walled In, young adult novel

Welcome to A Writer’s Garden where writers who are gardeners or just love gardens will be sharing their garden and flower stories, as well as a bit about their writing gardens—aka their books.

Today’s guest is mother and daughter writing team HL Carpenter sharing some of their favorite Green Thumb Moments. Welcome, HL!

 

Green Thumb Moments

by HL Carpenter

 

 

Our gardening friends are scattered like seeds in the wind. North. South. East. West.

 

 

When we get together, the day feels sunnier as we discuss all things gardening and marvel at each other’s glorious flowers.

 

And we exchange gifts.

The gift might be a stick with a leaf and a root attached. Replanted, the little sprig grows into a healthy plant. We call that experience a green thumb moment.

Last fall a relative arrived with four blueberry bushes and a pear tree. This year tasty treats fresh from the garden grace our table, providing more green thumb moments.

 

 

Other gifts are less practical but no less appreciated, like the whimsical solar paneled turtle we recently received. Not for any special occasion. Just a wonderful surprise from a fellow gardener. The cheerful turtle now resides on a sunny spot of ground near an unruly tangle of flame lilies. By day, Mosey the Turtle smiles as we pass by. At night she lights our way. Occasionally, we tell her about our latest book-in-progress and she winks at us.

 

Okay, the winking part might not be true. Sometimes we’re more fanciful than Mosey the Turtle. But whether she winks or not, each time we see her, we think of the friend who sent her.

Yes, gardeners make the day brighter. They also make us realize we can never have too many flowers or too many gardening friends.

And that’s the best green thumb moment of all.

About the writers/gardeners

Mother/daughter author duo HL Carpenter write family-friendly fiction from their studios in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories, is unreal but not untrue. When they’re not writing, they enjoy exploring the Land of What-If and practicing the fine art of Curiosity. Visit HLCarpenter.com to enjoy gift reads and excerpts and to find out what’s happening in Carpenter Country.

 Walled In

 A young adult, sweet novel by HL Carpenter.

When her father is accused of fraud, seventeen year old Vandy Spencer discovers her entire life has been built on a heart-shattering deception.

Amazon buy link for Walled In

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers—Can’t Live Without You by Ginger Solomon

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A Christmas to Remember boxed set, betrayal, Can't Live Without Yoy, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Contemporary Christian Romance, Excerpt from Can't Live Without You by Ginger Solomon, forgiveness, Ginger Solomon

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Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Ginger Solomon back to the blog. Ginger will be talking betrayal and her Contemporary Christian Romance Can’t Live Without You, her story in the boxed set A Christmas to Remember. Welcome, Ginger.

 

Forgiveness After Betrayal

by Ginger Solomon

The other day, I was having lunch with a friend. We started talking about my books, and I gave her the run-down on each of the stories. I talked too much, but during our talk, I realized God works on ME when I write my books. It may not be the main aspect of the story, but somewhere in there, God speaks to an issue I’m dealing with.

In Can’t Live Without You, a novella in the boxed set A Christmas to Remember, Clarissa feels betrayed by her best friend, Sawyer. When a friend read it for me, she said, “I have dealt with betrayal and Ginger described it very well, and the process of getting past that and forgiving and still loving is so adequately described and detailed in this awesome book.”

Some of my books deal with things I’ve never had to experience. Sadly, with this one, I was and am acutely aware of what betrayal feels like. It’s hard—hard to accept, hard to forgive, and hard to get over, but we must do all of those. And yet, many times we can’t do it alone. We need help from loving friends or family with whom we can talk and not worry about them sharing with others. And it takes help from God. We must allow him to work in our hearts to forgive.

And it may not happen overnight. I like to think of forgiveness as an onion. One layer at a time, we forgive. When the next layer is revealed (and sometimes it takes days, weeks, or months to happen), then we have to forgive again. Or we have to remind ourselves that we have forgiven.

In Clarissa’s case, she had a hard-nosed, spiritual Momma come alongside her and give her sound advice: Spend time in the Word and listen to what God wants to tell you about the situation. And what He says may not be easy, but it will give you peace. And that is the most wonderful feeling in the world.

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Can’t Live Without You

By Ginger Solomon

Clarissa Harding’s upcoming marriage is a business arrangement. When he dies and his secret comes out, she’s hurt. When she finds out her best friend, Sawyer Chasin, knew his brother’s secret and didn’t tell her, she’s devastated. Feeling betrayed, she walks away from God, her family, Sawyer, and their newly-discovered love.

Sawyer Chasin hated keeping secrets from Clarissa, and now he may have lost the only person his heart wants. Recovering from the same car accident that killed his brother can wait. He needs to find her and make her understand the choice he had to make.

Love covers a multitude of sins, but betrayal stretches its boundaries.

Excerpt:

“Rissa, it’s temporary. A year, two at most. And both of our families benefit.” He reached for her hand.

She nodded but didn’t look at him as she tucked her hand under her leg to avoid his. The ticking of the clock seemed to mimic a time bomb. The expressions passing across her face cut him deeply.

He hadn’t expected his agreement with the plan to cause her so much pain.

After several minutes, she spoke, “I’ll do it. For you. I hope everything I’m giving up is worth it.” She sniffed as tears trickled down her cheeks. Without looking at him again, she stood and left his study.

Sawyer felt like an idiot. His decision hurt Rissa, and maybe even ruined their friendship, but Chas Inc. needed the cash to survive. He hoped she’d forgive him.

He didn’t want to choose between the welfare of his family and disappointing his best friend, but he didn’t have much choice.

Want to read more? You can find Can’t Live Without You at  Amazon

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About the Author:

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre, and if she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, books are on her mind. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.

Author Links:

Website

Facebook Author Page

Twitter @GingerS219

 

Wednesday Writers–Camp Hope: Journey to Hope by Sara L. Foust

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Camp Hope: Journey to Hope, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, excerpt from Camp Hope: Journey to Hope, inspirational romantic suspense, kidnapping, Sara L. Foust

Today’s Wednesday Writers is welcoming back Sara L. Foust, a multi-published, award-winning author of Inspirational Romantic Suspense. She’ll be talking about hope and her book Camp Hope: Journey to Hope. She also has an excerpt of the book, so be sure to read to the bottom of the post.

 

Real Hope

Sara L. Foust

Hope. It’s a simple word we often overuse. “I hope I get to go out to eat on Friday.” “I hope it doesn’t rain.” “I hope we can make it.” We use the word hope in a lot of casual ways. My newest release is Camp Hope: Journey to Hope, and I hope (hehe) that I’ve done a good job projecting the truth of God’s hope, not the flippant, passing-by kind, with the words I’ve written.

The story’s faith journey is about two people, Amy and Jack, who have terrible scars from abusive childhoods. As grown-ups, Jack has found his faith in God, but Amy is still struggling to believe He cares for her. I wrote the storyline with some of my own struggles to find Jesus in the forefront of my mind. Though I had an idyllic childhood, I still struggled to believe Jesus would want a personal relationship with me. It wasn’t until nineteen I finally allowed His love to permeate and give me a new hope.

I think it’s easy to cling to “pretty” hopes sometimes. The ones we picture for our futures, with the shuttered house and the manicured lawn. Or the successful raising and flying the coop of our children. But sometimes it’s hard to look at the hope of death in a pleasant light. However, that’s exactly what we born-again Christians get to do. Yes, dying is scary and not something I want to do any time soon. But I know where my hope lies, in heaven with my Father. Amy and Jack’s stories aren’t always pretty. There’s some brutal ugliness in their pasts, but their futures are bright because of God, just like mine.

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Camp Hope

By Sara L. Foust

AMY DAWSON directs a summer camp for foster children near Briceville, Tennessee. A foster mom for the first time, her responsibilities as mother to a traumatized child bring a whole new set of challenges and joys.

But when Amy’s four-year-old foster daughter is dragged into the mountains of Royal Blue by a former employee, parenting challenges are overshadowed by a new nightmare. The Sheriff’s department fails to procure viable leads, and Amy can’t sit idle. Her childhood friend and first love, JACK EVANS, returns to lend his skills as tracker. Problem is, he also stirs up romantic memories Amy would rather leave buried.

Jack struggles to let go of his past failures and prove his reliability by bringing Mattie home, but fears when he left camp nineteen years ago and failed to keep a promise to Amy he permanently lost her confidence.

As Amy plunges into the wilderness on horseback to search for Mattie, she must decide who she trusts, let go of her childhood traumas, and learn to rely on hope in God. Facing dehydration, starvation, and a convoluted kidnapper, will she succeed in recovering her precious foster daughter or get lost in the vast wilderness forever?

 

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

The long awaited call came in the pre-dawn hours. When the farmhouse sagged and dared not breathe. Amy Dawson dug herself out of a deep sleep to answer. “Hello?”

“This is Diane with Child Protective Services. Would you like to take a placement?”

She bolted upright. This was it. After all the terrifying training classes, the long weeknights worrying about her decision, the moment was finally here. What was she supposed to ask? Amy took a breath to calm her shaking hands. “Can you tell me about the child, please?”

“Mattie is a nonverbal four-year-old. She’ll be coming from another foster placement. They’ve decided they can no longer keep her.”

“In the middle of the night?”

Diane clicked her tongue. “It’s complicated. Would you like to take her?”

Amy took another deep breath. “Why doesn’t she talk?”

“Doctors believe she can speak but chooses not to. Oh, and one more thing. She’s a type I diabetic, so she needs a strict diet and insulin. Are you familiar with the disease?”

Was she ever. Memories like dark photographs flashed in her mind. Injections twice a day, every day, whether her mother was conscious or not. “I’m familiar with it. Anything else I should know?” Could she handle caring for a child with diabetes? The memories that would barrage her?

“There isn’t much information to go on.”

Amy expected that. They’d taught her as much in classes. Especially with a middle-of-the-night placement. What if she couldn’t keep Mattie safe once the summer campers arrived? What if she couldn’t adhere to a strict schedule with the medicine?

“Ms. Dawson?”

None of it mattered really. Not if she listened to what her flying heart was telling her. “How soon can you get here?”

“Great. Give me an hour.” A long pause and Diane shuffled papers. “Maybe longer considering where you live.”

Amy chuckled. “That’s what everyone says. I’ll be ready.”

How her life was about to change. The solitude she’d been fighting to build all these years was about to be penetrated by a sweet child in need of help. Though she was the same age as most of the other people in the Parents as Tender Healers classes, they had been mostly young couples with experience raising children of their own. She knew how to be a good camp counselor. She’d been doing that half her life. What if she failed miserably as an actual parent?

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Want to read more? You can find Camp Hope at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest.  Sara also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Gain access to a FREE digital scrapbook detailing some real-life places from Callum’s Compass by signing up for her newsletter: www.saralfoust.com.

Connect with Sara on her social media links.

• Website: http://www.saralfoust.com/
• Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–The Shenandoah Road by Lynne Tagawa

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Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, colonial America, excerpt from The Shenandoah Road, historical fiction, Inspriational romance, Lynne Tagawa, The Shenandoah Road, theological themes

Today Wednesday Writers welcome Lynne Tagawa to the blog. To pique your curiosity, she’ll be interviewing a character from her historical novel The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening. She’s also sharing an excerpt from the story, so keep reading to the end. Welcome, Lynne!

The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening

 

An Interview with John Russell

 

Q: Mr. Russell, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about yourself. What brings you to Philadelphia? I understand it’s a long trip from the Shenandoah Valley.

A: Aye, it’s a good distance. We need supplies. For good linen, flour, molasses and such, ye need to come—at least as far as Lancaster. Or east over Rockfish Gap. And I have family here.

Q: Oh?

A: My father and my brother and his family. And . . . well, I wrote Da about a wife.

Q: You mean to marry?

A: [clears throat] Aye, I need to marry. My wife . . . died. Was killed. It were an accident, ye see? Not a massacre, not really. A stray musket ball. The valley is not as dangerous as some make out. The Indians rarely trouble us.

Q: I am sorry for your loss. You mean to marry again?

A: Aye. My daughter, Susanna, is four. [pause] She needs a mother.

Q: Your father is going to help you?

A: He wants me to meet the daughter of the chandler he does the books for. He says they are godly folk, but they’re New Englanders, ye ken? So we’ll see. I had hoped to meet a young woman at the Reverend Tennent’s meetinghouse, but they all know how Janet died. The mothers aren’t quite sure about me.

Q: Tennent? Is he the Presbyterian minister who supports George Whitefield’s ministry?

A: Oh, aye—ye’ll know of Whitefield’s preaching? I’ve not heard him in person myself, but Mr. Franklin carries his sermons. And have ye seen that huge meetinghouse they built for him? Philadelphia is a changed place since I’ve been here last.

Q: I do hope you find what you’re looking for, Mr. Russell.

A: Thank ye kindly.

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The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening

By Lynne Tagawa

John Russell’s heart aches from the loss of his wife, but the Shenandoah Valley frontiersman needs to marry again for his daughter’s sake. At first he believes he has found the right young woman, despite their differences in background, but his faith falters when time reveals she isn’t quite what she seemed. Can he truly love her? And what about his own failings?

Unlike her disgraced sister, Abigail Williams obeys the Commandments. At least, she thinks herself a Christian until a buckskin-clad newcomer courts her. He treats her kindly but also introduces her to a sermon by the controversial preacher, George Whitefield. Her self-righteousness is shattered, and she wonders about their relationship. If she confesses her lack of faith, will John continue to love her?

“Lynne Tagawa transports readers into the faith and hope, and sorrows and fears of 18^th century colonial America. While other books feature the raw grit of frontier colonial life, this book goes deeper and reveals the heart.” —Douglas Bond, author of numerous books, including War in the Wasteland and Hostage Lands.

“Raw, realistic, and historically packed, this story will make you think. If you enjoy stories with deep theological themes, you will enjoy this.” —Amber Schamel, author of Solve by Christmas, winner of the 2018 Christian Indie Award

 

Excerpt:

She almost didn’t recognize him. Blinking against the brightness of the sunlight, Abigail stood in the doorway, paralyzed.

An Indian. No, the face was wrong. Blue eyes gazed down at her under concerned brows. John’s face, but he was wearing Indian clothes. A button-less buckskin jacket, belted in place, fell to mid-thigh, where long leggings covered his breeches.

“Abigail, you may sit in the keeping room.” Her mother’s voice seemed far away.

“Yes, Mother.”

Stepping back, Abigail motioned for John to enter. The smell of herbal salve and new sweat accompanied his strong presence as she led him toward the hearth. An object hung from his belt. Some sort of axe?

She settled on her stool and found her voice. “Welcome.”

Incongruous against the backdrop of buckskin and gleaming steel, a large book nestled easily in John’s broad hand.

Noticing her gaze, he stood and stepped toward her, book in hand. “For you.”

Abigail scanned the front of the leather-bound volume. The title was in Latin. Pharmacopoeia extemporanea. What did that mean?

“My father told me ye like botany. Plants and such.”

She nodded, opening the beautifully embossed cover. “Oh,” she murmured. This was wonderful. She turned a page, transfixed. Some plants she knew, but now she had instructions on their practical uses. Grind finely, steep in hot water …

The sturdy pages crackled slightly as she turned them. Sassafras. Jesuit’s bark. Finally she looked up. “Thank you. I don’t know what happened to my manners.”

“Ye like it?”

“Oh yes. What does the title mean?”

“How to make medicine.”

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Want to read more? You can find The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening at Amazon , Grace and Truth Books and other major book sellers.

 

About the Author:

Lynne Tagawa is married with four grown sons and three marvelous grandbabies. A biology teacher by trade, she teaches part-time, writes, and edits. She’s written a Texas history curriculum in narrative form, Sam Houston’s Republic, and two novels, A Twisted Strand and The Shenandoah Road. Lynne lives with her husband in South Texas.

Connect with Lynne at her website and Goodreads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–To Claim Her Heart by Jodie Wolfe

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book excerpt from To Claim Her Heart, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Cherokee Strip Land Run, Christian romance, historical romance, Jodie Wolfe, To Claim Her Heart

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest is Jodie Wolfe with a great story about how she wove some family history into her new historical romance release To Claim Her Heart. So, without further ado, I give you Jodie!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

 

September 16th will mark the 125th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run which took place in Oklahoma Territory in 1893. There were nine different starting places along the Kansas and Oklahoma Territory. Over 115,000 people showed up to race for only 42,000 packets of land. I can well imagine the fierce competition that took place.

While researching my new release, To Claim Her Heart, I discovered some interesting things about those who claimed the same parcel of land. Some waited until the courts decided for them, others went back to their original starting places and re-raced to see who won the second time, and of course some of the disputes were bloody in nature by one person shooting the other.

This book is especially meaningful for me because I was able to use some of the stories from my husband’s family who participated in the land run. The photo here  is taken of the original land that was claimed. The house was built in 1894.

Come journey back in history with me to a rough and rugged land.

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To Claim Her Heart

by Jodie Wolfe

In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his ‘Promised Land. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancée. He hasn’t counted on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he is sadly lacking.

Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith’s only hope for survival, and not just any plot, she has a specific one in mind. The land’s not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. She’s willing to put in whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and Elsie’s determined to keep it.

Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has no intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land . . . or her heart.

 

Excerpt

Chapter One

Competition should be relegated to the male species. Proper young ladies should avoid a situation which permits rivalry, particularly involving the male species. If unavoidable, allow the gentleman to win. Be above reproach in this manner.

Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society

 

September 15, 1893, Kiowa, Kansas—Border of the Cherokee Strip

“Elmer Smith?”

For once in all of her days, Elsie welcomed the name Pa had insisted on when her life began and Ma’s had ended.

“Is that you, son?”

“Ain’t your son.” Ain’t no one’s son. Elsie shifted her Stetson lower to ward off the man’s scrutiny.

“There’s no need to get your prickles up. Do you testify you’re at least twenty-one years of age and head of your household?”

Elsie nodded and bit back a retort.

“Then sign here.” The man shoved a paper across the makeshift desk. Beads of moisture dotted his upper lip.

She scrawled her name on the line. The page crinkled when she folded and shoved it into her shirt pocket, along with the copy of The Homestead Laws and Pa’s hand-drawn map.

“Get out of the way, kid.” A scraggly looking fellow jabbed into her shoulder.

Elsie stepped out of line, glaring at him. He ignored her and turned his attention to the clerk.

She elbowed through a crowd of men. How had her small town swelled to so many folks? Thankfully there were few she recognized, or, more so, who could recognize her. The less who knew her gender, the better. She certainly didn’t need no man to help her get the land she and Pa had dreamed about.

Elsie scooted her hat up and swiped at the sweat on her forehead before dropping it back into place, scrunching the thick braid she’d pinned up three days prior. Hefting her saddlebags to her opposite shoulder, she hiked the short distance to the livery and retrieved Buster. A short ride would clear her head and prepare her for what lay ahead.

Dust swirled and nearly choked Elsie as she rode in the opposite direction of the throngs, to see the old farm one last time.

Acrid smoke filled her lungs. Nearby fires, to deter Sooners from entering the strip before the race began, burned in the west, but not out of control.

Elsie urged Buster, careful not to tire him. Everything hinged on finding the land tomorrow.

Everything.

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Want to read more? Check out Jodie’s book To Claim Her Heart at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA) and has been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She’s a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at Jodie’s website.

Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

 

Wednesday Writers-The Putting Green Whisperer by Zoe M. McCarthy

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Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Contemporary Christian Romance, excerpt from The Putting Green Whisperer, The Putting Green Whisperer, Zoe M. McCarthy

 

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest is Zoe McCarthy who will be sharing the story behind her Contemporary Christian Romance The Putting Green Whisperer. Welcome, Zoe!

 

 

 

 

The Story Behind The Putting Green Whisperer

 

Thanks for hosting me today, Catherine.

The Putting Green Whisperer will release September 14, 2018, but I started writing the novel in December 2012. That year, John and I joined my sister and my brother-in-law at a PGA seniors tournament at Rock Barn Country Club and Spa in Conover, NC. My sister and I sat on the fifteenth green in our fold-up chairs and watched the over-age-fifty golfers putt and then move on to the next tee. In one group, a male and a female caddy stood side by side on the edge of the green with their backs to us. The two young caddies talked quietly while their players moved about the green preparing to putt. The male caddy was tall, and the female caddy was petite with her blond ponytail protruding from her pink ball cap. My heart experienced a sappy moment, and romantic what-ifs cluttered my mind. I turned to my sister, pointed at the caddies, and said, “My next book will be about those two caddies.” It wasn’t my next book. Two other books published before The Putting Green Whisperer. And why was that?

The book still needed work. I learned two important lessons from working on The Putting Green Whisperer. Don’t allow one element of the story to overshadow a more important one. And, main characters should have flaws, but they must show inherent goodness.

In early versions, I’d worked hard to make scene settings authentic. My editor believed too much golf in the setting and action distracted from the romance between caddies Allie and Shoo. She told me Allie (then named Sissy) was intense to the point she came across as unlikeable. I’m thankful my editor pushed me during a few rewrites to find the right balance of golf setting and romance and to write an intense but sympathetic and inherently good heroine.

In the final version, Allie’s passion for what’s right (sometimes only in her eyes) makes her a strong character, and her humor and tenderness draws the reader to root for Allie to the end.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Putting Green Whisperer

by Zoe McCarthy

Suddenly unemployed, petite and peppery Allie Masterson returns home to Cary, North Carolina, where she caddies for her father on the PGA Seniors Tour. There, she encounters Shoo Leonard. The easygoing caddy frustrates Allie, but Shoo’s uncanny ability to read the contours of the greens and his determination to overcome a personal hand injury, fascinate Allie. She agrees to use her sport science degree to become his trainer…and then she falls for him. Shoo Leonard is grateful to Allie for her singular determination to get him ready for the PGA tour, but he isn’t ready for anything more. Still raw from a broken engagement and focused on his career, he’s content to be her fist-bumping buddy…but then he falls for her. What seems like a happily-ever-after on the horizon takes a turn when Allie decides she’s become a distraction to Shoo’s career. Is it time for her to step away or can the putting green whisperer find the right words to make her stay?

Excerpt

 

What was that all about? Shoo stared at the retreating caddy, whose blonde ponytail protruding from the back of her golf cap danced wildly as she hurried off. He craned his neck to keep her in sight as she wove through the caddies on the cart path.

Approaching him, she’d seemed like a girl on a mission. Her striking blue eyes, bright against her tanned skin, had focused on him, as if she’d rediscovered an old friend. No doubt about it, her smile had beamed at him. Then, bam! She’d done an about-face and slammed into the check-in table.

But he didn’t know her. Did he?

He mentally scanned his female acquaintances. No match surfaced. Unlikely he’d have forgotten the petite blonde.

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Want to read more? Zoe’s book is available for pre-order right now and will be released 9-14-18. Click here to order your copy now.

About the Author:

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. She is the author of The Invisible Woman in a Red Dress, Gift of the Magpie, and Calculated Risk. Believing opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. Zoe and her husband live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

 

Social media links

 Website and blog: zoemmccarthy.com

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Cherished Wings by Tracey L. Dragon

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book excerpt from Cherished Wings, Cherished Wings, Tracely L. Dragon, Wednesday Writers, WW II romance

 

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Tracey L. Dragon. She’ll be telling us the story behind the story of her WW II novel Cherished Wings. She’s also sharing an excerpt from the book, so be sure to keep reading to the bottom of the post. Welcome to the blog, Tracey.

 Thanks, Catherine.

Cherished Wings was inspired by my own mother’s story. Although she never spoke of it, my sisters and I were aware of the pair of World War II Navy wings she kept hidden in her dresser drawer. The wings belonged to a beau who was killed on a mission during the war. After my mother’s death I cleaned out her dresser, and when asked by my father if I’d found anything else besides her clothes, I lied and said, “No.” He then explained to me that my mother used to keep photos of an old boyfriend, and he seemed pleased that she’d gotten rid of them. I didn’t have the heart to tell him otherwise. For although I did not find the wings, I did find an envelope containing the photos—one was cut to fit the size of her locket. She’d kept those photos for sixty years. I also found the chunky, pyramid–shaped glass top of an old bottle of French perfume. The stopper had been broken off, and the bottle was nowhere to be found. I wondered why she kept it. I could only assume it meant a great deal to her. The mystery around these items sparked the idea for Cherished Wings, and Fran and Jack’s love story was created. This book is dedicated to my mother.

Cherished Wings-Book 1 of my Return to the Home Front Series, published by Soul Mate Publishing, is a dual-time romance where you have two stories—a contemporary and a historical intertwined in one novel. Examples of similar books would be Bridges of Madison County and The Notebook which some have compared Cherished Wings to. I call it Romance-Where the Past and Present Meet.

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Cherished Wings

by Tracey L. Dragon

When Sara Kennedy returns to her small hometown in Western New York and visits her dying grandmother, she asks her about the pair of World War II Navy Wings she found in her grandmother’s dresser drawer. Her grandmother reluctantly shares with Sara the powerful love story she had not spoken of in over fifty years. As the tale unfolds, Sara finds herself caught up in a time where things were simpler, yet more complex—where love and war were not compatible.

A story so poignant, it rocks Sara’s world and changes her life forever.

Excerpt

The knock on the door followed by a chorus of greetings stirred Fran to take one final glance in the mirror before heading downstairs. Amy and Red’s voices were distinctive, and she could clearly make out their boisterous teasing. It was the third voice that stopped her in her tracks—rich, deep, and smooth as fine whiskey. It sent shivers down her spine and struck a chord deep within her.

As she stepped onto the landing, Red turned in her direction and whistled.

“Ah, there’s my girl now.”

She parted her lips to refute his statement, but found the words stuck in her throat when the tall sailor in dress uniform standing beside Red turned to acknowledge her presence.

The stranger’s mesmerizing eyes locked with hers and for a moment it was as if time stood still.

Fran froze mid-step when a pair of startling blue eyes met hers. A sense of déjà vu overwhelmed her as though their souls had met before. Her hand locked on the stair rail to prevent the unchecked motion of her body as her stride faltered.
“Are you all right?” The dark-haired man standing at the foot of the stairs stepped forward with an outstretched hand.
Disconcerted by her visceral reaction to Red’s friend and feeling self-conscious and more than a little clumsy, she blurted the first thing that came to mind.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Now that my guy’s home.” She forced a smile. Ignoring Red’s grin and Amy’s choked expression.

Red shouldered aside his friend. “Now don’t you be trying to horn in on my gal.” He reached for her hand, tugged her forward, and slid his hands to her waist, lifting her up high.

She slapped Red’s shoulder. “Put me down you big oaf. You’re embarrassing me in front of your friend.”
Red swung her down but held her with her feet just above the floor. “How about a kiss from my favorite girl?”

“In your dreams, sailor, I’m sure you’ve used that line in every port.”

Red set her down and dramatically crossed his right arm over his heart. “Oh, how you wound me.”

She rolled her eyes at him and laughed. “I see you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy. I would have thought you’d have gained some polish while stationed in the city.”

“Ouch. Cut to the bone. You’ve sure gotten sassy while I’ve been away.”

“Just you remember that buster.” She poked him in the chest. “Now how about you quit being rude to your pal and introduce us.”

“Oh, all right. But don’t you be making sheep’s eyes at him like all the gals in the city. You’d think he was Frank Sinatra or something. He just casts his baby blues at the girls and they practically fall at his feet.”

His friend cleared his throat. “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you, Red?”

Red turned to his buddy and grinned. “Just want to make sure Fran doesn’t become another one of your victims.”

“Well, how ‘bout you do me the courtesy of an introduction first, you big galoot.”

“Fran meet Jack. Jack meet Fran. Now that that’s over, what do you say we get going?”

Jack just shook his head at Red, his eyes sparkling with humor. He then stepped forward and extended his hand. “Lieutenant McOmber at your service, ma’am.”

Fran put her hand in his and then with indrawn breath withdrew it quickly. “Frances Jones, but please call me Fran.”

“I’d be honored to, Fran.” His lips curled warmly.

“All right, Casanova.” Red tucked his arm through Fran’s leading her toward the door and away from his friend. “What do you say we leave? I’m anxious to dance this pretty little redhead around the floor, and boy can her feet move. I’m telling, you. She can jitterbug like there’s no tomorrow. I usually have a hard time keeping up with her—always had a bit of a left foot.”

Fran flushed at Red’s praise. She hated having attention drawn to her. She’d always been shy that way, but she did love to dance.

Amy grabbed Jack’s arm. “Come on, Jack.” She led him toward the car. “We can sit in the back, and you can tell me all about yourself.”

Fran gave her friend a frown. So much for just catching a ride. She had no one to blame but herself for being paired with Red. After all, she opened her mouth and inserted her high-heeled shoe. She wanted to hit herself in the head with it. She replayed her words over again in her mind. Why wouldn’t I be fine, now that my guy’s home? What on earth had come over her?

Jack’s baby blues, that’s what.

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Want to read more? You can find Cherished Wings on Amazon

About the Author:

Tracey L. Dragon is a relocated New Yorker, former Navy wife, and retired educator who now lives in Florida with her husband and their Miniature Goldendoodle. After seven military moves, raising two Navy brats, and twenty years teaching troubled youth, she is now able to put her full attention to publishing the children’s stories and romance novels she’s written over the years as a hobby. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and Florida Writers Association.

Connect with Tracey on Social Media at:

http://traceyldragon.com/

https://facebook.com/traceyldragon

Check out a Review of Cherished Wings at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2423311584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Love in Pictures by Alexis A. Goring

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Alexis A. Goring, book excerpt from Love in Pictures, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, contemporary sweet romance, devotion, Hinckely Yachts and Heavenly Homes, Love in Pictures

Today Wednesday Writers would like to welcome Alexis A. Goring to the blog. Alexis will be talking about yachts and Heavenly homes. I have to admit that she piqued my interest with the yacht, especially when I read the excerpt and discovered the hero owned a Hinckley Talaria 48. So naturally, I went searching for the Hinckley yacht mentioned in the book excerpt. Made me wish I could afford one. She’s also sharing an excerpt from her book, Love in Pictures. Welcome, Alexis!

 

Hinckley Yachts and Heavenly Homes

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

I wrote a book called Love in Pictures. My story’s hero, Logan, is quite the character. His parents are wealthy and generous, so for his college graduation gift, they bought a Hinckley yacht for him to live on.

Hinckley is known as perhaps the best yacht company in America. Its design is smooth, sleek, luxurious and comfortable. If you love the water and you live on it in a Hinckley then you really have it made.

I found out about these alluring details during my story research for Logan’s character. I spoke to a Hinckley representative, told him that I was writing a fiction story, and explained how Logan’s parents bought a Hinckley for him to live on as his college graduation gift. When I shared this, the representative asked me, “Are they adopting?” He asked because he wanted parents in real-life who would give extraordinarily good gifts to him like Logan’s.

All of this inspired me to think. The Bible says that God as our Father in Heaven wants to give good gifts to His children (you and me). Let’s read about it in Matthew 7:11 (NKJV). The Scripture says, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

As our Heavenly Father, God wants to give us good gifts—dare I say Hinckley’s included? But above fancy homes to live in on the water, He wants to give us more than the worldly possessions that we desire; He wants to give us eternal life!

The Bible says that this world is not our home. As Christ followers, we are strangers passing through a foreign land. Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 in The Message Bible (MSG). The Scripture says, ^“Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.”

The Bible also says that in Jesus Christ’s Father’s House there are many mansions. Read John 14:2. He is preparing a place for us to live and it is out of this world, literally because that place is Heaven.

Living on the water in a Hinckley boat here on Earth sounds amazing but living in Heaven and being in the presence of God for eternity sounds so much better!

The Bible advises us to store our treasure in Heaven not on Earth, as Scripture says in Matthew 6:19-21. Therefore, I am setting my sights on my heavenly home. What about you?

~*~

Love in Pictures

By Alexis A. Goring

Wedding photographer Michelle Hadley has a passion for diversity and believes that love comes in all colors. So, she’s working hard to convince editors to feature her clients’ images on the covers of the mainstream bridal and wedding magazines.

Despite having a career that focuses on celebrating forever love, Michelle has never actually been in a romantic relationship, and she’s not looking for love, until she meets the one man she cannot forget.

Since his fiancée broke his heart, Logan Emerson’s focus has been on his career. He’s won awards for his work as a print journalist and dreams of greater success on television as a broadcast journalist. But his personal struggle presents many challenges that might prevent his dreams from coming true.

Michelle doesn’t date often, and since his heartbreak, Logan has shied away from the dating scene. But something about Michelle awakens Logan’s desire to love again.

 

~*~

Chapter 7

(Story Excerpt from Love in Pictures by Alexis A. Goring)

Michelle tugged at her snug top and pale-blue skinny jeans as she strolled down the dock to the boat Logan had described. She hoped that she wasn’t overdressed—or underdressed. A cool breeze blew through her hair, and the fresh scent of the bay refreshed her soul on this sunny, early summer day.

Though she’d lived here all her life, this was her first time in the marina. She’d never met someone who lived on the water. This was a new experience.

She stopped when she reached a boat that resembled the one in the picture Logan texted her yesterday. It was more gorgeous and expansive in real time. Clearly this was more than a boat. Not knowing much about yachts, Michelle lacked better words to describe this sleek, smooth creation painted in white with blue and gold trimmings. As she reached out to touch it, Logan emerged from the lower deck.

He waved. “Hey there.”

“Hey.” She smoothed the cool fabric of her comfortable boat-neck top, hoping it wasn’t too much. “I didn’t know what to wear. This is my first date on a boat.”

He gazed at her with his beautiful sea-blue eyes then encircled her waist and drew her in for a hug. “Don’t worry. You look beautiful.”

Michelle’s heart somersaulted. He steadied her in his embrace. “You okay?”

Michelle gathered her wits and focused her attention on the horizon. “Does she have a name?”

Logan chuckled. “Yes, she does. Her legal name is Talaria 48. She’s a Hinckley.”

“Hinckley?”

“Yes. Only the best boat maker and yacht experience in America.” He stepped ahead of Michelle on the slip then turned and reached for her. “Come aboard, my lady.”

Michelle’s neck warmed. She placed her hand in his and stepped onto the swaying boat.

She allowed him to continue holding her hand until they settled into the cockpit where he had prepared a light dinner. The aroma of apricot-glazed baked chicken mixed with the scent of fresh salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and sweet sparkling apple cider. By the looks of it, he was a very talented chef.

He moved so that Michelle could take a seat then settled across the table. He reached out and took Michelle’s hands into his. “I’d like to pray, if that’s okay.”

Michelle’s heart warmed. He was a man of faith in God too? In a world where it looked like most men threw chivalry out the window, Logan was slowly but surely becoming her knight in shining armor. Not that she believed in fairy tales and happily ever after romances . . .

~*~

Want to read more? You’ll find Love in Pictures at Amazon

 

 

About the Author:

 

Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart who loves the arts with a passion for the color purple and an affinity for the serene color blue.

She earned her B.A. in Print Journalism and her MFA in Creative Writing. Alexis is an established author, blogger, editor, writer, and photographer who enjoys exploring matters of the heart.

Love in Pictures is her second book published by Forget Me Not Romances.

Alexis hopes that her writing will connect readers with the forever love of Jesus Christ.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennedbyAlex

Website: https://alexisagoring.jimdo.com/

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Apocalypse TV by Thomas Allbaugh

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American reality TV, Apocalypse TV, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, ecpcert from Apocalypse TV, literary mystery, satire, Thomas Allbaught

 

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today we’ll be taking another departure from romance as my guest blogger Thomas Allbaugh talks about how he came to write his debut book, Apocalypse TV, which Thomas describes as a literary mystery that moves toward satire.

 

 

Finding the Right Combination for a Fiction About a Reality TV Show

by Thomas Allbaugh

The premise for Apocalypse TV came from two different images: first, a scene I imagined of a character named Walter, an English professor, reflecting one night that he has never shot a gun; second, a religious reality show on BBC from ten years ago about people walking around England and trying to compel others to go to church.

That was it. Those two strands led me to tell the story of an English professor from a private American college who tries to be taken seriously on an American reality show.

As Sam Knight has observed, writing in the New Yorker last fall, we can learn a great deal about a culture by its reality shows. That the BBC would air a reality show about getting people into church says something significant. In contrast, American reality TV seems focused on talent, schemers, bachelorettes, winners, and survivors. Our dreams move us toward individual success and failure, not spiritual questions or ambitions.

I was interested in how “games” can take on realities of their own. Thinking about that old BBC production first got me onto the idea of writing about a religious reality show on which things go wrong. I should add that I don’t really watch reality shows myself.

But in the crossroads of these two notions, Walter’s story began to emerge—a man takes himself seriously in an increasingly trivial reality show production. Through about six revisions, the story ironies grew and deepened. Walter Terry begins naively thinking that in traveling across the country on this show, he will be taken seriously and be influential. Instead, the reality show engages in trivial matters. For starters, at the Plymouth Colony re-enactment site, the site of the Pilgrims’ first colony, Walter hopes to talk about grace and sin in the founding of this historical setting. Instead, the show producers have him involved in a trivial game that leads to real contention between him and his fellow show travelers. From that point on, the ironies deepen as bad things happen.

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Apocalypse TV

By Thomas Allbaugh

 

When a reality TV scout “discovers” Walter in a diner near the hospice where his father has been placed, his life has reached a low point. His father is dying, his college teaching career is under threat, and his life is adrift. The scout wants him for a reality show about religion. In a more self-assured period of his life, Walter would have rejected her offer, but now he wavers and allows himself to be drawn in. Maybe this is the jolt of energy his life needs. Maybe, if the show succeeds, his university will be so impressed that they’ll finally treat him with respect. Maybe the show will even be what the producers promise it will be, a serious inquiry into faith. Maybe he’ll become famous.

The show brings Walter attention, but for all the wrong reasons. He is misquoted, misinterpreted, misunderstood, and then shot after he has been dragged across the country in an increasingly frustrating and absurd series of challenges. Will his career and reputation survive the publish protests? Will his marriage survive the hints of affairs on the road? Will any kind of “reality” emerge to restore his self-respect?

 

Excerpt:

Minutes before his sister texted that she had moved their father to a hospice, Walter Terry listened behind half-empty rows of chairs in the Haskins Room as the new writer-in-residence read from her work. It was an early draft, she had announced, and it concerned a bride-to-be hunting elk in Wyoming, a part of the country Walter had never seen. And it came to him with sudden finality: he could never write a great American novel; he had never shot a gun.

Nothing was more American. Faulkner, Hemingway certainly, both knew guns. And Walter had never felt one kick back and ruin his shoulder. He had never had the gunpowder residue spotting his hands, his face, and his clothes.

Those details? They came from TV.

The writer had to feel it, not just hear about it.

His colleague’s writing signaled that she knew guns, and Walter had never shot a beer can. He couldn’t tell a Smith and Wesson from a Remington. He wouldn’t know if they were names for handguns or rifles. Sure, he could Google them. But how many others wouldn’t have to?

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Want to read more? You can find Apocalypse TV here.

About the Author:

Thomas Allbaugh is an associate professor of English at Azusa Pacific University, where he has taught Composition and Creative Writing since 2001. Currently, he lives in Southern California with his wife and their four children.  Apocalypse TV is his first novel.

Connect with Thomas at: His website:  Facebook Page: Twitter: @tallbaugh1