Author Interview of Kassandra Garrison with a Giveaway of Dear Daughter

 

RL: Hi, Kassandra! Welcome to Radiant Light

Kassandra: Thanks, for having me. 

RL: Let’s break the ice with some fun get-to-know-you, questions.

If you could hang out anywhere for a week would you go to the beach or a mountain lake?

Kassandra: The beach!  My husband and I went to the beach on our honeymoon and on every vacation since we've gone to the beach.  We love to hunt for shells, snorkel offshore, and drink slushies on the warm sand.  

RL: The beach is my happy place! Born in San Francisco, living up and down the California coast for 22 of my adult years, then Florida where I call home, and living for four years in Hawaii, I am definitely a beach rat. LOL 

Do you consider yourself a night owl or an early bird?

       

Kassandra: Can I be both? I don’t tend to go to bed very early.  I’m either reading or writing after the kids go to sleep.  I love to sleep but have never been able to sleep in too late.  Plus, I love mornings!  There’s something about a fresh start… everything is just waking up and it’s so peaceful.

RL: Yes! You can absolutely be both! 

The peaceful quiet is what I love about the nighttime so I definitely understand that. Getting up early makes the day drag especially if I'm home alone. 

When it comes to curling up with a good book would we find you drinking coffee, hot or iced tea, water, or something else?

 

Kassandra: I know mood reader is a thing but what about mood drinker?  It depends on how I’m feeling, what temperature it is outside, what time it is, etc.  If you’d have asked me a few years ago, I would have hands down said coffee but I lost my taste for coffee after my last pregnancy.  I still drink it occasionally but it’s lost its appeal in a way.

RL: I totally get the temperature outside thing. When it's cold here in Idaho no matter what time of day, I want coffee. And in the summer I will want ice-cold water or sweet tea.

What is your favorite book or book character from your childhood?

 

Kassandra: My favorite book as a kid was Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell.  I was really into Arthurian legends and I loved how this story was told from the point of view of a young woman.  I actually read this book out loud on a long road trip once.  My husband listened quietly from the driver’s seat until we got about halfway through the book.  Then, he started asking questions, sharing his thoughts, and hinting at wanting me to read it.

RL: I've not heard of that book but what a fun road trip activity. Reading is more fun when we share our favorite books with the people we love. I bet it gave you some great memories.

We all have reading and writing spaces that are unique to all of us. Where is your favorite place to write?

 

Kassandra: I have a few writing spots which I frequent on a regular basis:  my desk, the couch, and my bed.  My favorite would probably be the couch.  It has a recline option, a cup holder, and my favorite fuzzy blanket. 

RL: I have a desk and I do use it but with my couch being a recliner I favor it as well. And fuzzy blankets are the best!!

What would Olivia say about you as an author?

 

Kassandra: I’d like to think Olivia would appreciate the raw emotion of the book as well as the message it contains.  There isn’t a fake bone in Olivia’s body.  She would want the lessons she learned in her life to be shared with others with realism and not unrealistic fluff.

RL: You definitely created raw emotion within the story. And Olivia isn't fake at all. 

When you think of your daily activities would you consider yourself a golden retriever or a spoiled Chihuahua?

 

Kassandra: I would consider myself a golden retriever: loyal, hardworking, and active.  I stay busy and am always trying to serve others.  I am also a low-maintenance person.  I like to save money versus spend it and I’m more of a gift giver than a receiver.   

RL: Those are all wonderful characteristics. The world's economics are definitely not those of God. I'm low-maintenance as well. Something my husband appreciates but makes gift-buying difficult for him.

Here on my blog, I say that it is a radiant light and source of encouragement for both readers and authors. What do you hope radiates from your daily life?

 

Kassandra: As any Christian should, I want Christ’s love to radiate from my life with kindness, selflessness, and respect.  

RL: I agree. That's how I feel about encouraging Christian authors and readers. I want them to find encouragement in the books I review, and the authors I support.

What is your hope for people who read this book?

 

Kassandra: My hope for anyone reading this book, or any of my other novels, is for the story to touch their hearts.  This world is hard enough.  I want my writing to inspire and uplift the reader.  My books revolve around love whether it’s between love interests, family members, friends, or God.  Because isn’t love the reason we’re here?

RL: I'd have to agree with you. 

I want to thank you for spending some time with me and my readers today. I loved getting to know more about you.

Kassandra has graciously agreed to give away an electronic copy of her book Dear Daughter.

About the book: Understanding her past may be the key to her future…

When Olivia Larson finally escaped her childhood home and abusive mother, she never imagined she would have to relive the trauma of her past. Yet, after complications during childbirth, God sends Olivia on a journey back through her life. Desperately, she scrambles to hear God in the midst of her memories. With every moment she relives, Olivia draws closer to a life-changing realization, one that will forever alter how she loves herself, others, and God. Will it be too late for Olivia to get back to her family or will God give her another chance at life?

To enter the giveaway you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment saying so. You will have other opportunities for extra entries, however, you have to be a follower and comment to be entered originally.

Please visit Kassandra on the following social platforms. 

Website || Facebook || Instagram 

Follow this link to the Rafflecopter Giveaway https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cb953a6027/?

Interview Featuring Julie Lessman with a Giveaway

Welcome to Radiant Light, Julie! I'm so glad to have you here.

Julie: Thanks so much for having me, my sweet friend!

RL: If you could go anywhere for a long weekend where would you go?

Julie: Oh, gosh, I would go to Isle of Hope, Georgia in a heartbeat. Why? Because that is the setting of my contemporary Isle of Hope Series, which I absolutely fell in love with! We actually had a trip planned to IOH before I wrote the series, but we sold our house the week prior, so we had to cancel. Consequently, I was forced to research Isle of Hope via books and the Internet instead of in person, which lit a fire under me to see the real thing because it is SUCH an amazing place!

When I started writing that series, I knew I wanted a locale on the Eastern Seaboard, and I’ve always loved Hilton Head and Savannah, so I prayed about it, then checked out a map. I was absolutely blown away to discover “Isle of Hope,” a small peninsula 15 minutes away from Savannah that actually becomes an island when the tide comes in! How cool is that?

With a unique Southern charm all its own, Isle of Hope’s seaside beauty and low-country allure has drawn movie makers and photographers for years, boasting films like the Oscar-winning Glory, the original Cape Fear, The Last of the Belles, Forrest Gump, and The Last Song. And, with a name like “Isle of Hope,” it was—for me—the perfect setting for a story of hope restored.

RL: I'd love to visit Isle of Hope, Georgia! That would be so much fun! Especially going with you!

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Julie: A little of both, I think. My hubby and I head up to bed around ten or so, where he watches TV while I read. But I’m usually up long after he nods off, devouring anywhere from 6-8 books a month because that’s about the only time I get to read, often to midnight or so. But … I also like to get up early, too, if I can—anywhere from 6-7:00 AM—to get a jumpstart in catching up on TV news, my Bible/devo time, exercise, breakfast, emails, etc. before I dive into writing anywhere from 1l:00 AM-1:00 PM.

RL: I 'm definitely a night owl. But, I am noticing that I'll wake up earlier and earlier. Getting out of bed when I don't have to be somewhere or do anything is the hard part. 

  

Who is your favorite book character from childhood?

Julie: Okay, here’s a shocker for you—Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind. I know, I know, most people think I’m crazy when I say that, but Scarlett was definitely one of a kind. I mean, seriously, how many heroines do you know who were as selfish as she was, yet carried people’s interest in a novel over 1,000 pages long? And not just any novel, but a Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel that made over $400 million as a movie, which when adjusted for inflation is the highest grossing film of all time?

Yeah, I thought so.

When I first read Gone With the Wind at the age of twelve, I was so swept away by the romantic tension between Scarlett and Rhett, that I actually wrote 300 manuscript pages of what today is my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. Scarlett was not exactly a role model, I know, but I loved her strength, her confidence, her inability to be false or phony … and I especially loved the pull she had over Rhett whether he liked it or not. That’s what true romance is—a man who will cherish you and love you no matter your failings.

RL:  Not shocked at all. I remember when I read Gone With the Wind and was surprised a book of that length kept my attention. But, I didn't even think about her character in the way you did. She definitely was quite a character! I can definitely see how it inspired A Passion Most Pure. 

What is the weirdest thing you’ve Googled while writing a book?

Julie: Oh, gosh, there have been sooooo many things I’ve Googled, especially in my most researched book to date, A Wing and A Prayer, which is Gabe O’Connor’s story during WWII (from the O’Connor family saga, The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series).

Some of the weirdest (and most interesting) things I researched in that book were the inside of a military Jeep, the inside of a cockpit of various planes, and the top soft drink during WWII. For instance, I have a scene where Gabe leans to kiss the hero in a military Jeep, so I had to find out if there was a gear shift in the way, if it had doors for my hero to lean back on, and how to start it after he gets angry enough to gun away. There is a gear shift in the way, there are no doors for the hero to lean on, and there are no keys/ignition in a military Jeep—only a floor pedal.

As far as the top soft drink during WWII, it was Coca-Cola, which was supplied to the troops throughout the war. Unfortunately, Coca-Cola was also Hitler’s favorite drink because there was a German Coca-Cola division in Germany that the U.S. cut off from shipments of Coca-Cola syrup during the war, so the Germans had to come up with a poor substitute, and voila! Fanta was born. J

RL: Those are some fun searches. I really like the information about Coca-Cola and Fanta. 

Here on my blog I say that it is a radiant light and source of encouragement for both readers and authors. What do you hope radiates from your daily life?

Julie: My love for Jesus, which is deep and passionate and my utter fallibility without Him.

RL: That is beautiful, Julie! I can testify that your love for Jesus is deep and passionate. I am so thankful for your willingness to pray when asked to. I, too know I would be a complete mess without Him.

If I asked Faith to describe you as an author what would she say?

Julie: LOL, what a great question! I think she would say that she and I are very much alike. We both have hot tempers and get our “Irish” up more than we should and both of us are deeply spiritual. So much so, that you might say Faith is my spiritual self. She has an intimate relationship with God—she talks and prays to Him as naturally as if He is her best friend, but she gets angry with Him too. I like to say that she (and I) are emotionally engaged with the God of the Universe—we laugh with Him, tear up at His goodness to us, and worship Him with all of our hearts. As a matter of fact, Faith and I are so much alike in the spiritual sense, that a good friend once told me that reading A Passion Most Pure was “like going to lunch with me.” I hope that’s a good thing!

RL: I love that! I get my Italian up a lot more than I should so I completely understand that. That's a fabulous way to look at A Passion Most Pure. I feel like I've sat and had an in depth conversation with you after I've read one of your books. 

I believe I know this answer, which character out of all that you’ve written is most like you?

Julie: Well, at the risk of sounding narcissistic (gulp), three of my sister characters are based on different aspects of my personality. Basically, I like to delve into characters on a deeply emotional level, and so I draw upon the wealth of emotional baggage from my own past. And trust me, we’re talking the mother lode!

For instance as mentioned above, Faith is my spiritual self and most like the woman I am today—heavily dependent on God, emotionally involved with Him, and a person who prays at the drop of a hat, so I almost feel one with her.

Charity, the sister heroine of Book 2 A Passion Redeemed is my rebellious and “passionate” self, before I came to the Lord. I was a wild child of the seventies before Jesus got a hold of me (as he does Charity in Book 2), so my heart goes out to her and the woman I used to be—selfish, manipulative, lost. I think that’s why she fascinates me so much, because I look at her (and women like her) in the same way I suspect God looked at me back then—with eyes full of love and hope that we all can become new creatures in Christ Jesus. And quite frankly, I think Charity is just downright funny and such a hoot that she makes me laugh. Which kind of shocks me because I never ever thought I was a funny person and yet I created Charity and her quirky sense of humor! Go figure!

Then finally, Lizzie (or Beth), the sister heroine of Book 3 A Passion Denied is my dreamer self. Lizzie is a bookworm bent on fairytale romance, just like I used to be as a little girl, sneaking downstairs to watch romantic movies after my parents went to bed. In her story, Lizzie has to learn (just like I did) that true romance, the kind that really satisfies, comes from following God’s precepts, not the world’s.

RL: Oh, man, Julie, I love that! I think it's great that you incorporated not only parts of your personality but things from your life into your characters. I think that is why so many reader's feel like they know you from reading your stories. I see all three of the sisters in you. I see Marcy too. 

What do you hope reader’s take away from A Gift Like No Other?

Julie: Well, let’s start with the second most important thing I want readers to take away from A Gift Like No Other, and that is as Christians, each of us needs to be keenly aware of just how easy it is to inadvertently “sow the seeds of divorce” in our marriages or relationships by focusing on the negative. And then, the first most important thing I tried to convey in this novella is that prayer should always be a first resort, not a last, and that it can tackle and resolve any problem we face, large or small. Because the bottom line is, it truly is “a gift like no other.”

RL: I definitely agree with you. Until I went through my divorce I hadn't paid attention to the seeds of divorce that we had sown into our marriage. While I wasn't the one who cheated, lied, or abused, I can look back now and see that we didn't put a hedge of protection around our marriage like we should have. I am really glad that Mark and I have done that.

Before we say good-bye for today, what’s coming up next for you?

Julie: Right now I’m in the process of writing book 2 in the Silver Lining Ranch Series, Love’s Silver Bullet, which I hope to release in the spring. After that, I am chomping at the bit to write a secular book.

Why secular, you say? Well, I’ve been feeling God nudging me toward the secular market for about a year now and have been praying about it heavily. So, when my agent suddenly had interest from two secular publishers on Gabe’s story (which I had planned to indie release this fall), I prayed about it some more, then revamped that story for the secular market per my agent’s instructions. Which meant, of course, deleting all references to God and words like pray, prayer, blessing, etc. and adding more sensuality (which is a must in secular romance), but all within moral parameters that I so believe in. Now, spirituality is the most important thing to me in my books, so trust me—it was very difficult to take it all out. But, I told God that if I was hearing correctly from Him and He wanted me in the secular market, He would have to get me a contract there.

Needless to say, I was totally shocked when my agent told me a secular editor wants to buy Gabe’s story and has taken it to pub board (where they say yay or nay), so I’m in the wait mode on that novel. If I do not get a contract from them, then I intend to release Gabe’s story as a Christian indie right away and then publish the secular version I revamped under a different title and my maiden name. That way, I get to write what I want in the indie market, but hopefully broaden my reader base in the secular. Ultimately, I am hoping and praying that some of those who like my writing in the secular market will then cross over into my Christian books, which as you know, is where my true ministry is. 

RL: First, I can't wait to read Love's Silver Bullet! That is a great title! Second, I think that Christian writer's need to be in the secular market. I mean in the Christian market it's like preaching to the choir. I know I love walking away from a book being encouraged and feeling drawn to dig into scripture more. Yet, when I think of what's available on the secular market I don't see it as encouraging and uplifting and could you just imagine if someone read a book of yours in the secular market, and jumped into your Inspirational books and saw God for the first time. What a huge answer to prayer that would be! I mean I was a believer and A Passion Most Pure spoke to my heart about staying pure during my divorce and until I remarried again whether I did or not. 

I'll jump off my soap box now. Thanks for spending some time with me today, Julie. 

Julie has a great Christmas giveaway for you to enter. Just click the image to enter!

Fun Author Interview Featuring Jen Turano and Giveaway

Hi Jen, welcome to Radiant Light!

Jen: Hi, Andi. Thanks for having me!

RL: Let’s break the ice with some fun get to know you questions.

If you could hang out anywhere for a week would you go to the beach or a mountain lake?

Jen: Since I live within view of the Rocky Mountains, definitely the beach. I must admit that I miss water, what with Denver being rather land-locked, so waves and sand hold great appeal for me these days. 

RL: I've always been a beach girl. Growing up and living on the coast most of my life has given me a definite love for the beach.

Would you consider yourself a night owl or an early bird?

Jen: Early bird. I’m up by five, take my five mile jaunt on the trail, then sit down to work by eight. However, because I’m up so early, I retire with a book way before nine at night.

RL: I'm definitely a night owl. I can go to bed around nine, but I'll stay up way past midnight reading. Which makes getting up before eleven in the morning difficult. 

When it comes to curling up with a good book would we find you drinking coffee, hot or iced tea, water, something else?

Jen: So…have I mentioned I’m on this crazy diet – Weight Watchers to be exact – and because of that, I’ve given up beverages. Yes, that’s right, I don’t even drink tea these days, it’s strictly water. But I made my weight goal in less than four months, so I’m sticking with this new regime for, well, ever. Too bad water isn’t more, ah, tasty.  

RL: Uh, no you neglected to mentioned this crazy diet - HAHA. Weight Watchers isn't too awful. Muhaha! I've done that and got down to my pre-pregnancy weight and got pregnant. Haha! But, YAY!!! CONGRATULATIONS on making your weight goal!

When you think about your daily activities would you say you’re more of a Golden Retriever or a spoiled Chihuahua?

Jen: Hahahaha – I’d love to say I’m a Retriever, but in all honesty, I think I may very well be the Chihuahua, and definitely a spoiled one at that.  

RL: I had to toss in a silly question. But, you're definitely not alone! I too wish I was more of a Retriever but I'd have to say that I, too am a Chihuahua, and very spoiled! Hahahaha!

Here on my blog I say that it is a radiant light and source of encouragement for both readers and authors. What do you hope radiates from your daily life?

Jen: I suppose I just hope I radiate a genuine liking for people. I get such enjoyment out of conversing/interacting with a wide variety of different people, and can only hope that their days are brightened just a bit as well from conversing with me.  

RL: That is lovely, Jen. I know that I felt that way after spending time with you in April at CFRR and even reading your books.  

If I asked Poppy to describe you as an author what would she say?

Jen: I believe she’d say I’m temperamental, change scenes at what she sees as my whims, and strenuously argue with characters when they balk at something I want them to do. She also would tell you that I talk to myself…out loud and a lot, and I’ve been known, when my characters are being pesky, to stretch out on the floor of my office, bemoaning my fate as a writer.  

RL: Oh, Jen. That's funny! I talk to myself too. I think it keeps me sane. I've experienced those pesky character's when I've competed in NANO and they can make you want to pull your hair out. Haha

Since we're talking about writing what would you say is your kryptonite as a writer?

Jen: Scenes that I decide are fabulous, but ones that really aren’t. I’ll write around those scenes until it feels like I’m writing through mud, unwilling to delete what I know needs to be deleted. I don’t experience writer block, however, when I try to keep a scene just because I think it’s overly amusing but it doesn’t really fit, that’s when the writing slows down to a crawl and I’m sure my career as a writer is over. 

Then I usually get around to giving myself ‘the talk,’ which then results with me finally using the delete button, and then I’m back in business. 

RL: I can't even imagine cutting scenes or words period. That has to be so hard, especially if you believe they are so fab and should stay in the book.

Let's turn our focus to Diamond in the Rough. Is there a favored quote from Diamond in the Rough 

you’d like to share?

Jen: I have quite a few, but the one I’ll share with you is from a scene that takes place in…jail.

“And then she slapped me, which had me knowin’ she was no man,” the man missing a few teeth said as he sent a smile Viola’s way. “I’d not mistake you for a man again because you’re the most beautiful critter I ever seen.”

“I believe you mean creature, dear,” Viola corrected, which had the man smiling wider than ever as he nodded. 

“Creature, that’s the word. Don’t know what I was thinkin’ callin’ you a critter.”

I read that to Al and he responded by telling me he thought I’d finally lost my mind.   

RL: That is fabulous! Why is it I can see Al saying that to you?

As we wrap things up do you have any Facebook release parties, or book signings coming up?

Jen: I don’t at the moment, but I will be on a TLC blog tour – here’s the link. 

RL: Thanks for spending time with me today and sharing a bit about yourself and your new book. I also appreciate you offering up a signed paperback copy of Diamond in the Rough. 

Jen: Thanks, for hosting me, Andi!! 

Book Blurb:

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become. 

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

GIVEAWAY . . .

To enter the giveaway you must follow my blog and you must leave a comment telling me that you are a follower and if you've read a book of Jen Turano's and which one. This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will stay open until Thursday, September 19th. Once I contact the winner they will have 48 hours to respond to my email with their address.

You can read my review of Diamond in the Rough and see where you can connect with Jen Turano, HERE.

Author Interview and a Giveaway: Kaitlin Covel & Atoning For Ashes

Hi Kaitlin, welcome to Radiant Light. It’s nice to have you here.

Kaitlin: Thank you, Andi! It is great to be here!

Let’s break the ice with some fun get to know you questions.

Me: Mountains or beach?

Kaitlin: Mountains are beautiful, but I’m a beach girl 100%!

Me: I'm right there with you! I was born in California, and as a Navy brat, former Navy wife I lived in more beach states than any other.

Me: Novella or long novel?

Kaitlin: I’ll take a nice long novel any day! The longer the better!

Me: I love a novella for a quick read, but long novels are the best!

Me: Hymns or Choruses?

Kaitlin: Hymns. I’m an old-fashioned girl in more ways than one. My favorite hymn is Be Thou My Vision.

Me: I like both. My favorite hymn would be A Mighty Fortress.

Me: E-book or physical copy?

Kaitlin: If I had a reading preference, I would prefer paperback, but I have to admit: I love the convenience of downloading e-books!

Me: I am the same way. I also like the ease of searching for something instead of flipping through all the pages if I didn't flag it.

Me: Do you have a favored genre, author, or series?

Kaitlin: My favored genre is Historical Fiction. That hasn’t changed ever since I was a little girl and discovered that history fascinated me!

Me: I'm a Historical Fiction fan as well.

Me: What inspired you to write?

My love of words I suppose. Words have been musical to my ears for as long as I can remember!

Me: I love that!

Me: What is your writing Kryptonite?

Noise! Sounds really distract me so I listen to instrumental music when I write to drown out unwanted noise.

Me: I understand that one!

Me: What defines literary success to you?

The definition of literary success to me is when the author reaches their audience with the message they had in mind while also delivering a captivating story with a sound plot, strong characters, and a believable setting. Charles Dickens is an excellent example of this in my opinion!

Me: That's beautiful and so true! As a reader it is those things that draw me to books, especially Christian fiction and make me continue to read.

Me: How realistic is your upcoming release, Atoning for Ashes? And what inspired you to write it?

Kaitlin: I’m a realist by nature, but I’m also an old-fashioned romantic. I love happy endings, but to me a happy ending is all the richer if the characters face some hardship first. In my opinion, Atoning for Ashes is realistic perhaps with the exception of the happy ending because I know those don’t always occur in real life. What inspired me to write it was imagining how the commonplace “marriage-of-convenience” story would end up if the man and woman actually fell in love.

Me: What book or books were your favorite growing up?

Kaitlin: Many classics including: the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley, All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor, Nancy Drew mysteries by Carolyn Keene, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin, Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune, Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Weiss, all books by Thornton Burgess, and many others. As you can tell, I loved books with animal characters when I was growing up!

Me: Those are some great books! 

Me: Which author would you consider a mentor? And how have they mentored you?

I’ve met many authors who have truly been a blessing, but I would consider Laura Frantz to be a mentor as well as a dear author friend. She endorsed my debut novel, she has provided valuable advice and insight, and she has been so supportive and encouraging throughout the launching process of Atoning for Ashes!

Me: Laura is a special lady and friend. I have enjoyed reading all of her books. I do think she mentioned your book to me before you contacted me on Twitter. 

Me: What would you like to tell us about your upcoming release, Atoning for Ashes?

Atoning for Ashes releases on February 14^th, 2019. I’m hosting a launch party at 6 PM EST on my Facebook author page: @AuthorKaitlinCovel. You are most welcome to join me! 

I am so grateful to Kaitlin for stopping by today and she has offered a signed paperback copy of Atoning for Ashes to one of my readers!!!!

Here's a little more about Kaitlin:

Kaitlin Covel has a thirst for adventure much like the heroines of her stories. She is an old-fashioned romantic, and if she could time travel to any historical period, it would be the Regency Era. Here in the 21st century, she is a certified Nutritional Therapy Technician, but writing is her passion, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. Her debut novel, Atoning for Ashes, releases on February 14^th, 2019 from Deep River Books. She has honed her craft since childhood, benefiting from the insights of other writers through professional writing associations such as the Jerry Jenkins Writer’s Guild and Hope*writers. She lives with her family in Maine, where she enjoys teaching the teen Sunday school class at her church. Her favorite things are family, books, history, chocolate, music, the ocean, and strong cups of tea. 

You can connect with Kaitlin on these platforms:

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest ||

Book Blurb:

Josie Chadwick dreams of marrying for love in Cornwall, England, but with her father’s debt threatening to destroy all she holds dear, her romantic options are dwindling. When her elder sister Delia is disowned, Josie finds herself heiress of Chadwick Park, torn between dreams and duty. After sacrificing her heart to atone for Delia’s sin, Josie clings to the hope she will learn to love a distant husband, whom she fears is incapable of requiting her affection.

Charles Radcliffe’s heart has been scarred and hardened by rejection. He fears hurting his new bride, but his fears of betrayal and rejection are stronger, making it impossible for him to trust her love—let alone the love of her God.

As Josie and Charles face their new life together, ominous events warn of dark family secrets that could shatter them both. More than a loveless marriage is at stake if they cannot stand as one. Haunted by a nameless fear and faced with lies, they must learn to trust God and each other before it’s too late. Will they turn to God for answers as He redeems their past and restores their future?

The giveaway is opened to all U.S. residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview - Pepper Basham

Today I am going to interview Pepper D. Basham. She is the author of five full length novels and one novella.

Let’s break the ice . . .

Me: Mountains or beach? I think I know the answer to this . . . *giggle*

Pepper: HA! You’d better know the answer to this by now 😉 MOUNTAINS!!!

Me: While there are things I love about the mountains I am definitely a beach girl.

Me: Novella or long novel?

Pepper: Long novel

Me: Long novel too.

Me: Iphone or android?              


Pepper: iPhone, but in truth I’ve never really given android a try

Me: I have an iPhone now but I had an android. I think I like the iPhone better especially since I can FaceTime with my kids and grand kids.

Me: Hymn or chorus? & What is your favorite one?

Pepper: Trick question 😊 I love both for different reasons. Hymns are RICH with theology and allow for more ‘corporate’ singing and harmonies, IMO. Choruses can be great to repeat an important theme and many times (if done thoughtfully) pack a powerful punch in a few words while being very singable. Favorites? Sheesh...that’s tough. How about a few of my favorites: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, It is Well, Great is the Faithfulness, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Choruses? Indescribable and What a Savior by Laura Story, 10,000 Reasons, and In Christ Alone. 

Me: I have to agree that was a trick question. I grew up on hymns and they remind me of my faith heritage and I get teary-eyed singing them. Choruses do seem to pack a punch, and are easier for this old brain to remember.

Me: Kindle or book?

Pepper: Book

Me: I like both. I seem to read faster on my Kindle so I gravitate to that more often.

Me: What inspired you to write?

Pepper: I can only say it was a God-given desire born in me. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t ‘story-creating’. But the first time I actually realized I was a ‘writer’ was when my grandmother called me one at age 10

Me: That had to be a very special declaration from your grandmother.

Me: What is your writing Kryptonite?

Pepper: Time 😊

Me: I can just imagine!

Me: What defines literary success for you?

Pepper: Hmmm…. what a great question. I don’t know. I guess the nuts and bolts answer would be that I’ve written a well-crafted story, but the deeper answer is that I’ve glorified God through my writing. Financial compensation would certainly be nice too and having people enjoy my stories is also a bonus, but at the core of my definition of ‘success’ would be that I’ve done what God has called me to do with my whole heart. 

Me: That's a great answer!

Me: How much of your books are realistic? 

Pepper: Realistic? Well, the stories are plausible for the most part, I think. With my historical novels I really try to bring as much of the true events surrounding the story into the novel, if I can. So when I include those events, I try to be very accurate. The Lusitania was my most extensive research to date – and riveting research.

Me: They feel very realistic.

Me: What are your favorite childhood books?  

Pepper:  As far as picture books, I love Dr. Seuss 😊 Chapter books? I was a Nancy Drew junkie but I also fell in love with classics like The Secret Garden followed by Little Women…and then once I was introduced to British literature through Jane Eyre, well I was a goner 😊

Me: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? I think I may know the answer to this question too. *giggle*

Pepper: HA! Laura Frantz!! But also Ruth Logan Herne. Both have been instrumental in different ways in wrapping their arms around me and encouraging me on this journey. I’d also add Siri Mitchell and Cathy Marie Hake to this list, more in my early writing years than now, but they were both amazing encouragers. 

Me: I was wrong. I thought James Rubart would be one because of his "Branding Course." I can definitely see an influence of Laura Frantz in your writing.

Me: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?  

Pepper: I LOVE interacting with you guys!! Love it!! Let me know what you think of my stories. I hope you discover HOPE in them.

Me: Interacting with authors who write our favorite books, like you, makes the reading experience so much more fun.

Thanks for joining me today and letting me interview you. I absolutely adored your new book, Just The Way You Are. Such a fun Britallachian book!

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