Wednesday Writers Christmas Reads– Icicles to Moonbeams ~ Christmas Eve Blessings by Sharon K Connell

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Christian Romantic Suspense, Christmas romance, clean romance, Icicles to Moonbeams, Sharon K Connell, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers Christmas Reads

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Christmas is coming and there’s nothing I like better during the holiday season than a good Christmas romance (or movie). So, on Wednesdays and Thursdays I’m filling out the year with a variety of Christmas romance book posts. Today’s guest is Sharon K Connell. Sharon will be sharing about her Christian Romance Suspense Icicles to Moonbeams ~ Christmas Eve Blessings. Welcome, Sharon.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Several people have asked me how the story Icicles to Moonbeams~Christmas Eve Blessings came to me. All I can say is, God put it in my mind. I’ve never been a grieving widow like Alanna McCarthy, but I know what it feels like to ache for true happiness after a heartbreak. I think all of us know that feeling.

Alana’s Grief

Maybe God had me write this story for a reader who has gone through, or is going through, the same experience Alanna faces. If my story helps a reader, I sincerely hope they’ll let me know.

Details for the setting of the medical office came easy in this story, as I worked in that field before I retired to write full-time. And who hasn’t dreamed of a dashing doctor like Christopher Maguire? Hmmm? He reminded me a little the Mr. Darcy played by Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice (at least, the Mr. Darcy in the end of that movie). But then, I based a character in one of my other books on Mr. Darcy as well. You don’t think I have a crush on Colin Firth, do you? (snicker)

Adding animals to my story is something I’ve been doing for some time now, thanks to my friend and fellow-author, Jackie Zack. She suggested adding them to the first story she read of mine, because people love furbabies. I learned that to be true after I wrote them in. Why I didn’t think of it before is a mystery to me. I love them myself. In Icicles to Moonbeams, the animals play a major part. Will you fall in love with them as did my critiquers?

Susie and Marmalade wait for Alanna

The on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense and mystery in my stories of love, fear, and the testing of faith is something I love to develop through the tale. After all, I do write Christian Romance Suspense. I try to include “Will they,” “how will they,” and “but what happened to”, among other questions. One of my critiquers got so wound up in the tension of another book of mine that she nearly flew off the chair when a phone rang beside her. I almost died laughing when she told me. I guess I’m kind of a tease in that respect. But I also like to add a twist or two, and maybe a surprise ending.

In Icicles to Moonbeams, I want the reader to wonder if the new love in Alanna’s life really is responsible for what happens, or could the obsessed former co-worker who wants Alanna all to himself be the culprit. And is the former co-worker really obsessed, or just in love. I hope my readers will have fun trying to figure it out and be satisfied at the end when they find out if they were right…or wrong.

Who will win the heart of Alanna?

 

Icicles to Moonbeams ~ Christmas Eve Blessings

by Sharon K Connell

 

Would life ever be the same for Alanna after the only man she’d ever loved died? A dog, a cat, and a handsome doctor cross her path and fill the void…at least for a while. The pets go missing, and she wonders about the doctor when he does too. But not until after he’s kissed her like no other man had ever kissed her, setting her heart on fire.

A former coworker who is determined to win her adds more stress.

Should she give up her dream of a happy life in America, leave the home her husband and she shared for ten years, and go back to Ireland?

 

Excerpt (from Chapter 1, a little from all three scenes)

 

A chill traveled through Alanna McCarthy as though icicles dripped down her spine. “How do I get over this pain?”

She pushed her bedroom window lace curtains aside and gazed out at the green and partially yellow leaves carpeting her front yard from one side to the other. Last night’s storm sure had ravaged the trees and plants. Houston trees didn’t usually lose so many leaves the first of September, not to mention several branches. But the damage matched her shattered heart. Since December twenty-second, the first day of winter last year, sharp pain like piercing icicles had replaced the warmth of Jake’s love.

…

The cell rang. She reached for her purse, yanked it onto the passenger seat, and fumbled for the phone. She pulled it from the purse and checked the caller ID. Steve again. Alanna shoved the cell back into the bottom of her bag and started the engine. “Why can’t that man leave me alone?” She’d told him over and over she wasn’t ready to start seeing anyone. Yet, he continued to ask. “Who on earth gave him my number?” So far, no one had owned up to it.

…

Prepare to ace the interview. Right! Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Her spirit and desire shriveled. All she could think of at the moment was making a big cup of hot chocolate, cutting a huge slice of chocolate cake, and dousing both with the entire can of whipped cream she had in the refrigerator from—when had she bought that? Probably too old.

What she needed was a pet to keep her company. People with pets always seemed happy. An animal would give her something to take care of, to talk to. She could handle that, couldn’t she?

But first, chocolate.

Want to read more? You can find Icicles to Moonbeams at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Author, Sharon K. Connell lives in Houston, Texas from where she writes Christian Romance Suspense, containing a bit of mystery and as much humor as she can get into a story.

Her education through college was received mostly in Illinois, and later she graduated from the Pensacola Bible Institute in Florida. Sharon holds a certificate in fiction writing from the International Writing Program through the University of Iowa. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Houston Writers Guild, Authors Marketing Guild, Texas Authors, and CyFair Writers.

Connect with Sharon at her Website: http://www.authorsharonkconnell.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers—Trapped by Lillian Duncan

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Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Christian Romantic Suspense, giveaway, Lillian Duncan, Trapped

 

 

Wednesday Writers welcomes Lillian Duncan back to the blog with a post about her latest romantic suspense novel, Trapped,  and a giveaway. Welcome, Lillian!

 

BABY STEPS

 

TRAPPED is my latest romantic suspense novel—heavy on the suspense but enough romance to add to the enjoyment. Being a Christian Fiction novel, there’s always a spiritual message hidden in the pages of the story as well, and this one is no exception.

Angela Matthews had the perfect life until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a mad man. Even though she’s rescued, she remains trapped by the memories she can’t forget.

That’s true for so many of us. Even after the “bad situation” whatever that may be is resolved, we get stuck and can’t seem to move forward with our lives. Instead, we’re angry and bitter or maybe sad and fearful or most likely a combination of all of those negative emotions.

In the story, her rescuer discovers that Angela is indeed still trapped by her horrible experience. He’s had his own share of horrible as a Chicago policeman. Because of that, he reaches out to help Angela.

One of the mantras in the story is “baby steps.” So often we think we have to go from a sitting position to a full-out run or we are a failure. This story reminds us that’s not reality. Each baby step we take toward our goal is a win. Every win brings us closer to our ultimate victory!

But TRAPPED isn’t a self-help book, it’s a suspense novel. That means there’s lots of action, not to mention twists and turns that will keep you guessing who the bad guy is until the very end!

 

Giveaway:

Two is always better than one, especially when it comes to giveaways. So, to celebrate the release of TRAPPED, I’m having two different giveaways! One lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card as well as a choice of one of my books (e-book only). Click Here to enter. Five more lucky winners on my website will win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, go to http://www.lillian-duncan.com/ and leave a comment under the TRAPPED Giveaway Post.

 

Trapped

By Lillian Duncan

Angelina Matthews has everything—riches, fame, and beauty—until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a madman, wearing only a stained t-shirt. The dirt is his—the blood is hers. Tormented and tortured, she cries out to God.

Help comes in the form of Nate Goodman.

When their paths cross months later, Nate discovers Angelina is still trapped—not in a basement but in the memories she can’t escape. Nate knows all about being trapped, and getting un-trapped. As an ex-Chicago cop he’s had his own demons to wrestle, but his faith helped him to move forward. He reaches out to Angelina whose paranoid delusions have her trapped still.

But are they delusions after all?

 

About the Author:

Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives—especially God’s Word.

She loves to write stories that entertain but also demonstrate God’s love for all of us. To learn more about her, visit http://www.lillian-duncan.com/ as well as her devotional blog at http://www.powerupwithgod.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Innocence Denied by Mike Garrett

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Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian Romantic Suspense, excerpt from Innocence Denied, Innocence Denied, Mike Garrett

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Mike Garrett, author of Innocence Denied, here to tell us how this  Christian Romantic Suspense started and to share an excerpt. Welcome, Mike.

Thanks, Catherine.

Innocence Denied actually began as an idea for a secular novel many years ago. What if someone falsely accused of murder skips bail and flees prosecution? For some reason I could never get motivated enough to actually write it. I knew essentially who my characters were but just wasn’t sure what their purpose of interaction would be.

Everything changed at a church service a couple of years ago when the message urged serving God with our spiritual gifts. Our Father had blessed me with the knowledge to make a career of something that I loved, so shouldn’t I be doing something to honor Him in return?

I immediately knew that the focus of my secular idea could easily be changed. A Christian man and an unbelieving woman would be thrown together under extraordinary circumstances never to be the same again.

With God’s help along the way, I put together what I consider a page turner—I wanted to make it difficult for the reader to find a place to stop, and the results have been high praise from reviewers. This was a writing experience unlike any other for me.

My goal with the novel was two-fold. First, I wanted to provide examples of subtle witnessing that Christian readers could adapt as a blueprint to witnessing to others. Second, I wanted the witnessing aspect of the story to bring unbelieving readers closer to God.

Of course, unbelievers would never choose to read a Christian novel. On the last page of the novel I ask readers to give their copy of the book to someone who needs to receive its message. Perhaps with the endorsement of a dear friend, an unbeliever might be willing to at least give the novel a try.

Innocence Denied is written in such a way that the Christian theme of the novel is minimal in the beginning and slowly increases closer to the end. There’s an element of suspense as to everything may not be as it seems. My hope is that an unbelieving reader may be hooked enough by the characters and story developments to be more receptive to its message.

Writing this book has been an honor, and if at least one lost soul is brought closer to Jesus as a result, it will have been a success.

 

Innocence Denied

By Mike Garrett

He saved her from life in prison,

then freed her soul . . .

Innocence Denied

EXCERPT:

Relaxing behind the steering wheel as they entered Arkansas, Derrick yawned, then said, “Tell me something good.”

Larissa glared at him in the dim light and answered incredulously, “Are you kidding me?”

Derrick smiled at her, feeling more at ease now that their destination was clear. “No, I’m not. There’s always something good.”

Shaking her head, Larissa snapped, “I’m running for my life. Nothing’s good.”

“You’re not in jail, right? That’s good.”

Larissa sat silently, apparently distancing herself from the conversation.

“You’re beautiful, you’re healthy, and you have a long life ahead of you. That’s good, isn’t it?”

Larissa sat silently. “Humph,” she finally responded, flipping down the sun visor to stare at her reflection in the mirror behind it, her image barely visible in the low light. “Just look at me. You can’t possibly call this beautiful.”

With a laugh Derrick shot back, “I told you before that you can’t hide your looks. Besides, your hair will grow back and you’ll laugh at this conversation.”

Larissa groaned and snapped, “So what’s good for you, Mr. Glass Half Full?”

Another big grin spread across Derrick’s face. “That’s easy,” he said. “I’m going home!”

 

Want to read more? You can find Innocence Denied at Barnes and Noble

 

About the Author:

MIKE GARRETT is a devout Christian and life-long resident of Alabama. His world revolves around God, his wife Sharon, two adult children, five grandchildren, and one granddog. He is an internationally respected book editor and previously published author. Mike first ventured into Christian writing by drafting humorous scripts for church dramas, one of which was “The Thirteenth Disciple.” He also wrote and produced a short film, “Mysterious Ways,” in which he combined his life-long interest in the classic TV show, “The Twilight Zone,” with a biblical theme. Innocence Denied is his first Christian novel. Its official website is http://www.innocencedeniedbook.com

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

https://twitter.com/mgarrett49

https://www.facebook.com/InnocenceDenied/?modal=admin_todo_tour

http://innocencedeniedbook.com/

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Christian Romantic Suspense Author Lillian Duncan

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book excerpt, book trailer Game On, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Christian Romantic Suspense, Game On, Lillian Duncan

Today’s Wednesday Writers post is chocked full of goodies. Author Lillian Duncan will be talking about where she gets her ideas for her books. To celebrate the release of her Christian Romantic Suspense Game On she has a giveaway (follow the link below), and we’re being treated to a book trailer  and an excerpt. So lets get on to the goodies. Welcome Lillian!

Thanks, Catherine.

One of the questions I get asked often is how do I come up with my story ideas. My answer is usually the same. From all sorts of places. Sometimes, I come up with a premise, such as what would happen if a big city lawyer fell in love with a farmer? (Pursued)

Sometimes a scene just pops in my head from nowhere. Like when a woman receives a phone call from a young girl asking for her aunt and she knows it can’t be for her because she doesn’t have a niece. Or does she? (Deception)

Sometimes a story comes about because of characters from another story. Both Betrayed and Redemption happened because I wanted to know what happened after Deception.

My Deadly Communications series happened when my writing life crashed into my other life as a speech pathologist. The series features a speech pathologist who gets way too involved with her clients!

One time I even had a dream that inspired a story. (Birthright). So, like I said my story ideas can come from anywhere at any time. My latest book, GAME ON, is no exception. I got it from watching a TV talk show of all things. Of course, all I got from the show was a germ of an idea.

After that it’s all about creating the story. One of the things I do is ask myself a lot of questions. In Game On, I knew I wanted the two characters to have a past with each other. Then I had to ask myself questions why it hadn’t worked out with them back then and why it wouldn’t work out now.

That’s how I came up with the fact he was rich (still is) and she was poor (not so much now). Never a good start to a relationship. And as we all know the rich parents had to get involved because they don’t want their son to get involved with that girl from the other side of the tracks.

But so what? Time has a way of making all that less important. So, then I had to come up with a secret that would come between them now. And I did! And it’s a BIGGIE!

Then there was the obstacle of “real life.” He’s a politician who golfs with the president and she’s a private investigator who likes to wear jeans. After that it was time to sit down at the computer and see what happens!

To celebrate the release of GAME ON, I’m giving away a virtual basket of goodies at www.lillian-duncan.com that including Amazon gift cards. For all the details go to my blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. Simply leave a comment on the blog post GAME ON at www.lillian-duncan.com and you’ll be entered.

And don’t forget to check out the book trailer for GAME ON at: YouTube

 GAME ON

BY Lillian Duncan

 

Politics is no game when a stalker nears and there’s nowhere to hide.

A run for the senate is just a step on the road to the White House for Congressman Lucas McMann. But his public profile has put him in the middle of a crazed gunman’s twisted game of stalking. If he wants to win the election and reclaim his life, he’ll need the help of the one person who’d rather leave their past behind them.

Private Investigator Nikki Kent knows how to dig up secrets and discover those who exist in the shadows. She should. She’s good at hiding secrets of her own. Can she risk her own discovery for someone so desperate for her help? For the first man who broke her heart?

With new-found faith, she’ll help Lucas search for the answers. But with the truth comes a danger they must face together.

GAME ON EXCERPT:

Lucan McMann walked down the street, pretending everything was normal. With his premature gray hair and his expensive suit , he looked the part of a senator even if he wasn’t one yet. And he never would be—if something didn’t change soon.

Scanning the area, his heart rate increased with every step. Only the strictest discipline kept him from breaking into a run. If he did that, then they’d know he knew.

He didn’t know why he’d been chosen to play the game. He didn’t know what they wanted. He didn’t even know who they were. There were many things he didn’t know about the game, but Lucas knew one thing. In the end, he would be the winner.

The situation was intolerable, possibly even dangerous.

As he forced his footsteps to slow, his gaze flitted from person to person. Was the young girl with spiked pink hair one of them? Or the older man dressed as a tourist? Or the well-dressed man pretending to be a businessman?

It could be any of them or all of them. They were everywhere. No matter where he went, he couldn’t get away from their prying eyes or their cameras. And now not even his home was safe. As they’d proven last week.

The Washington Monument towered over the city.

After all that he’d lost, his career was the only thing he had left. He’d never become the next US senator from North Carolina if he couldn’t stop them. There was no way he could focus on the upcoming election if these people kept hounding him.

It was part of the plan his father had mapped out years before. It had worked perfectly up to this point. First, local government, then the state. He’d been a US congressman for the past four years. Now it was time to move up to the Senate. Each step moved him closer to his ultimate goal—the White House.

President Lucas McMann? He wasn’t even sure how he felt about that anymore. But his father had wanted this so badly, Lucas owed it to his dad to at least try now that he’d passed.

Focusing on the well-known landmark, Lucas regained a little more control of his thoughts, his emotions, and his rationality.

To win this game, he needed a new plan—one to stop them. To end the game for good.

Want to read more? You can find Game On at PELICAN BOOK LINK:  AMAZON: VIDEO:

About the Author:

Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in Ohio Amish country with her husband. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense and mystery with a touch of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us. To learn more about Lillian, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.