Interviews with Clash of the Titles Authors & 6 book giveaways

Stop by K. Dawn Byrd's website and enter drawings for six books, including my debut novel, "DawnSinger."

K. Dawn Byrd, Author: Clash of the Titles & Janalyn Voigt book giveaway

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Crestmont" by Holly Weiss

Crestmont, Holly Weiss's debut novel, transports the reader in style to a bygone era. Young Gracie, blonde and beautiful, flees from an impossible situation and applies for a position at the Crestmont Inn in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania in the 1920's. She hopes to save enough money to pursue a singing career by the end of the summer. But Gracie's fortune accumulates more slowly than her list of friends.

The story, as it unfolds, explores the special bond that grows between Gracie and the Woods, the family that owns and runs the Inn. It also presents Gracie with options for both a career and romance. The path she chooses resonates with truth.

Rich natural settings detailed with consummate skill, insightful characterizations and an unpredictable plot set Crestmont far beyond the pale. This is not a book to read quickly but to savor in moments of leisure. I will not forget Gracie or the other vivid characters who populate the pages of this exceptional book.

I highly recommend Crestmont to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the Roaring Twenties. This book is teen-approved for its realistic portrayal of family life.


©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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*Thanks to Holly Weiss for providing me a complimentary copy of Crestmont for purposes of review. Although Holly is my co-blogger on Book Readers Central, my opinion of her book is genuine. 

** I am an Amazon Associate and benefit when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Meet and Greet: Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Book Giveaway Drawing!
Read the details later in this post.

Shannon Taylor Vannatter married her high school sweetheart. Since then her husband answered the call to preach and they became first-time parents 16 ½ years into their marriage. 26 years later, she is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/writer. When not writing, she runs circles in the care and feeding of her husband Grant, their eight-year-old son, and their church congregation. Home is a central Arkansas zoo with two charcoal gray cats, a chocolate lab, and three dachshunds in weenie dog heaven. If given the chance to clean house or write, she’d rather write. Her goal is to hire Alice from the Brady Bunch.

Her series with Heartsong Presents launched in May with White Roses, followed by White Doves in October, and White Pearls in January. Each title releases to the 10,000-member Heartsong book club before releasing to stores six months later. All three books are set in Romance and Rose Bud, Arkansas. Brides and lovebirds take advantage of the re-mailing program to have wedding invitations and Valentines cards mailed from Romance with a unique postmark. Romance also hosts several annual weddings with Valentine’s Day the most popular date.

BRC: How would you describe White Pearls?

Shell Evans and Ryler Grant are both unsaved, drifting and searching. They've had a previous intimate relationship and fell for each other, but it scared them to death because they've always been no string types. When they're forced to work together, restoring a historical plantation into a bed and breakfast, they've realized their lives are empty, but they don't know what to do about it. It's the story of two lost souls who have tried everything to feel complete, yet they're still empty.

What message do you hope your book conveys? 

That we all have a God-shaped hole in our souls and we'll never be complete until we accept Christ.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book? It was fun and different writing both a hero and heroine who were unsaved. Exploring their darkest thoughts and immorality. Writing a character with no moral code opens up lots of possibilities, but I didn't want to go far enough to offend anyone. It was a delicate balance.

What did you dislike most about writing this book? When it ended. Back when I was writing the first book in the series, White Roses, I thought Hmm, I'd like to explore the blond bimbo and convert her. It was fun slowly changing her and watching her blossom.

What inspired you to become a writer? 

I've answered this question before in a previous interview here, so I'll expand. I couldn't find any clean romances anymore and didn't know the inspirational market existed. At the same time, I had a story in my head from the time I was 15. I'd replay it over and over, but didn't know what to do with it. Finally, 15 years later, I realized it could be a book. And it was, my first really badly written manuscript. Maybe someday I'll try to rework it with what I know now.

BRC: What are you working on now? 

I'm reworking a rodeo series and a longer romance between an estranged married couple.
What books do you enjoy reading? Inspirational romance. I don't get to read as much anymore, but I really like Christine Lynxwiler's books and I've only read one of Annalisa Doughty's, but I really enjoyed it.
Where can readers buy your book? As of January, it will be available through heartsongpresents.com. It will hit stores and Amazon in July.

Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com. Her blog, The Inkslinger, features true love stories, inspirational author’s real-life romances, insight into the love lives of their fictional characters, book excerpts, romantic destinations, and weekly book giveaways at http://www.shannonvannatter.com/blog. Her group blog: http://www.inkspirationalmessage.com features ten writers on life and writing. She’s active on Facebook: facebook.com/shannontaylorvannatter and Twitter: @stvauthor.

Book Giveaway Drawing: Shannon Taylor Vannetter will give away a free copy of  White Pearls to a reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in a separate comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win. 

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Saturday at midnight (Pacific Time/US). 

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico" by Lena Nelson Dooley

When rough old miner Phillip Smith advertises for a mail-order bride, Jeremiah Dennison thinks his friend has gone off his rocker. He plans to send back any applicant he doesn't approve of before Phillip can even meet her. But when a vision named Madeleine Mercer steps off the train, Jeremiah forgets his intentions.

With a strong sense of place, sensitive characterizations and a sweet romance, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico takes the reader back in time to the days when the West was young. This book stands above many others in its genre because of its historical details and authentic depiction of life on the Western frontier. The reader won't find glossed-over modern lingo or any pandering to today's cultural mores.

A theme of unmerited grace propels the story to an unexpected conclusion that examines the very nature of forgiveness and love. Just like the vinegar pie Jeremiah samples in the story, this story's tartness tastes sweet.

I recommend Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico to women who enjoy historical romances set in the Old West.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books


Emeril Lagasse's Vinegar Pie Recipe

*Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased on Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

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Meet and Greet: Diana Symons

Hi! My name is Diana Symons. I write fiction for both kids and adults. Today, I’d like to talk about my children’s book called Where the Jewels Are. It’s a story set in the Land of Wonderful and the castle of the Great King. The Princess is a very beautiful, very spoiled young lady. I’m afraid she’s doesn’t quite appreciate everything that she has. In fact, she actually wants more. She’d love to have a jewel as beautiful as a star in the sky, so her father sends her on a journey to find just what she’s looking for. She just doesn’t know yet that what she really finds is an old friend, a real jewel.


It was actually an accident that I came to write this story. Some time ago, I realized that I had forgotten my best friend’s birthday. Unfortunately, I was laid off from work with no money so I brainstormed what I could do for her. I decided to write her a fairytale and I gave her a hand bound copy of Where the Jewels Are. After that, I realized that there were more stories from the Land of Wonderful so I kept writing. In all, there are ten stories, but this is the first one in print.

Currently, I am writing an adult novel about a society living in fear of its Great Temple. They’ve been told that any who go to the temple would die. But one young man doesn’t believe the wives’ tales and discovers that the temple is a portal to God Himself. Unfortunately, that discovery unravels the very fabric of the society and only those who truly believe will survive. The working title is called The Temple.

For more info on what I’m up to or to follow my blog, FaceBook, or Twitter, go to www.dianasymons.com.

Where the Jewels Are is appropriate for kids 8-10 years old.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased at Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! Christmas Novella by Vickie McDonough

Congratulations, Wendy! You won the giveaway drawing for reader's choice of a Christmas novella by Vickie McDonough. Thanks to all who stopped by Book Readers Central this week. Be sure and stop back in future weeks for more giveaways, interviews and reviews. This blog is available by feed or email.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "A Simple Amish Christmas" by Vannetta Chapman

Young Annie returns from her rumschpringe, a time when some Amish teenagers sample the non-Amish world, to discover her father bedridden after an accident. Annie, rather than indulge in Englisch delights during her absence from her family, trained in nursing and so undertakes her father’s care. This puts her in direct contact with Samuel, the Amish Doctor who cares for her community.  Sparks of hostility and then attraction fly between Annie and Samuel but an age gap and unresolved grief separate them.  Perhaps carefree David, who is more Annie’s age, would suit her better.

Vanetta Chapman does a fine job of representing the Amish with respect in A Simple Amish Christmas, her debut novel. The storyline is as simple and straightforward as the book’s title, which makes it perfect reading material for the Christmas season. Despite brief author intrusions to explain various aspects of Amish life, the story flows. The characterizations, while not deep, engaged me. The author did a fine job of presenting an inspirational message while letting the story take first place. You won’t find pat answers or preachiness in this book, a fact that lets it cross over to general readers.

I recommend A Simple Amish Christmas to women who enjoy Amish romances and to those who welcome light but meaningful Christmas novels.

© 2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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*My thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this title for purposes of review.


**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when books and products are purchased at Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Meet and Greet Monday: Vickie McDonough

Book Giveaway Drawing! 

Read the details later in this post.

Award-winning author Vickie McDonough has lived in Oklahoma all her life, except for a year when she and her husband lived on a kibbutz in Israel. Vickie is the author of 20 books and novellas, including the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. Historical Christian romance is her favorite genre to read and write. 


Vickie is currently the ACFW Treasurer and a founding member of WIN, an ACFW chapter in Tulsa, OK. She is a member of RWA, CAN, Women Writing the West, OKRWA, and OWFI. Vickie's books have won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, Texas Gold, and the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a multi-year finalist in ACFW’s BOTY contest. This year she is a triple finalist in the ACFW’s Carol Awards(formerly BOTY) She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four grown sons and grandma to a feisty four-year-old girl. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, and traveling.


BRC: How would you describe your new book? 

Second Chance Brides is a light-hearted Christian historical romance that deals with some difficult issues.


BRC: What message do you hope it conveys?  


The theme of the book is trusting God when your situation seems impossible. I want readers to know that no matter what they’ve done and whatever their circumstances are, God is just a prayer away. He’s always waiting for us to put our faith and trust in Him and He will walk with us and help us through the hard times.


BRC: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?  


I put my poor characters through some rough situations. They’re probably still mad at me for making them endure so much.


BRC: What did you dislike most about writing this book?  


Second Chance Brides was close 100,000-word book. You have to have a lot happening in a book that long to be able to hold a reader’s interest. I really prefer writing a book that’s shorter, more like 70,000, so I found writing this a bit of a struggle.


BRC: What inspired you to become a writer? 


It was a God thing. For years and years I’d prayed that God would give me an idea for a home business. I also wanted to travel. We couldn’t afford to travel much when our four boys were young. I never consider becoming a writer until a story started running through my mind
and wouldn’t go away. I finally wrote it down in hopes it would leave my head, so I could sleep at night. 


I just kept writing, and taking writing classes, attending conferences, and about three years later, I sold my first novella collection. God opened the door for me to become published, thus answering my prayer to bring in extra income for our family. A side perk I never anticipated is being able to travel to conferences and on research trips—another answered prayer—and these trips are writing expenses, thus tax deductible. J Isn’t it cool how God works?


BRC: Tell us about your writing process. 


Uh. . .well, I just sit in my recliner, get my laptop, and start writing the next scene in my current wip (work in progress). I do most of my research ahead of time. I plot out my stories and my charcters in fairly good detail so I know what needs to happen in each scene—and then I start writing.


BRC: What are you working on now? 


Actually, you caught me in-between books. I just turned in Secrets of the Heart, which is the second book in my South Carolina historical series for Heartsong. I’ll be working up a synopsis for the first book in a prairie series that I’ll be writing next spring for Guideposts, then I’ll be starting on the third SC book, Dueling Hearts.


BRC: What books do you enjoy reading? 


I love historical romances set in the late 19th century with a western America setting. I read other genres, but that’s by far my favorite.


BRC: Where can readers buy your books? 


Most of my books are available at Christianbook.com and Amazon.com or in local book stores.


BRC: Where can readers find you online? 


My website is www.vickiemcdonough.com. Leave a message in my Guestbook and you’ll be entered in my quarterly drawing. I’m also a regular contributor at Bustles & Spurs blog. www.bustlesandspurs.com.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books.

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Book Giveaway Drawing: Vickie McDonough will give away a free copy of  reader's choice of any of her Christmas books, which can be seen on her website under the Novellas tab, to a reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in your comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win. 

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday at midnight (Pacific Time/US). 

The winner will be announced on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

*Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when books are purchased through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! "A Door County Christmas" by Cynthia Ruchti

Congratulations, Linda! You won this week's giveaway copy of A Door County Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti. My sincere thanks to everyone who visited Book Readers Central. To stay apprised of future giveaways, author interviews and book reviews, be sure and sign up to receive this blog's posts by email or feed.

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Whistlestop Book Review: "The Preacher’s Bride" by Jody Hedlund

“We must protect the children”

The Preacher’s Bride is an engaging, skillful narrative. The intriguing cover drew me in, and as I read I was immediately transported and immersed in the day to day lives of the Puritans of 17^th century England.  Some reviewers have erroneously hinted that The Preacher’s Bride takes place in America in Amish country. 

Set in the framework of the rancor between English Royalists and the Puritans, the book’s message is that enduring faith, children and family trump persecution.  I was unable to put the book down until I learned the fates of John Costin, a tinker “called to mend souls not just kettles,” and his housekeeper.

Elizabeth Whitbread, the heroine of this refreshing Christian historical romance, is a compassionate, persistent and perceptive young woman bent on protecting and nurturing the children of the recent widower. “My conscience before God will not allow me to stand idly by,” says Elizabeth.  

Author Jody Hedlund is particularly adept with dialogue and has the gift of swiftly moving her plot along.  Her personal experience as a mother of five has evidently enabled her to delve easily into the fanciful, innocent world of children.  Her young characters literally jumped off the page into my heart.  Particularly impressive is the characterization of Mary, the blind eight-year-old, whose sixth sense is clairvoyant and prophetic.  

The Preacher’s Bride is a page-turning tale that will keep you engaged. Kudos for enthralling storytelling about the wife of John Bunyan. Highly recommended Christian Historical Fiction and not restricted to Christian audiences.

©2010 Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

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**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon affiliate and benefits when books are purchased through links from Book Readers Central.

Meet and Greet Monday: Cynthia Ruchti

Book Giveaway Drawing!

Read details later in this post.

Cynthia Ruchti writes and produces THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME radio broadcast and served American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) for the past two years as president. Her debut novel--THEY ALMOST ALWAYS COME HOME (spring 2010 from Abingdon Press)--was nominated for an RT Book Reviewers' Choice Best Inspirational Novel award in suspense. A DOOR COUNTY CHRISTMAS, a novella collection from Barbour Publishing, with her novella "The Heart's Harbor" released in September of 2010.

Dear Reader,


I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. An innkeeper! And an author. How can I do both? Make one of my characters an innkeeper for a Victorian bed and breakfast in a charming, artsy, nature-rich village along the shores of the Green Bay part of Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin.

Actually, two characters in my novella The Heart’s Harbor in the collection A DOOR COUNTY CHRISTMAS (Barbour Books) are innkeepers. Lola Peterson owns the inn. Amanda Brooks is drafted to run it in Lola’s absence. That would work okay if Amanda knew anything about innkeeping and if Lola’s budget-conscious son could keep his adorable nose out of it.

The Heart’s Harbor started out as one of those projects abandoned to a computer file. When the opportunity arose to work on a novella collection with author-friends Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips, and Becky Melby, I took it out of storage. But what I thought would require a few adjustments to fit the category and focus of the novella turned into a much larger project as the comedic aspect begged for a voice and Amanda, Jordan, Lola, and all the other characters in The Heart’s Harbor tugged at my sleeve for a chance to tell their stories.

I discovered that even lighthearted romantic comedy can offer layers of deeper meaning for readers, including myself. As I worked on the story, I discovered a defining thread I didn’t know was there, an important stabilizing principle for successful relationships. It’s spelled out on page—

Glad I caught myself! Wouldn’t want to give it away before you’ve had a chance to read it for yourself and watch the drama (and comedy) build to that moment.

A novella length doesn’t offer much “time” to spend on complicated plots. But life is naturally complicated sometimes, isn’t it? Amanda’s disappointments, Jordan’s regrets, and Lola’s matchmaking converge in a “what are we going to do?” situation that challenges their creativity,
their patience, and their relationship skills. As readers watch Jordan and Amanda figure out when a love is worth pursuing and Who authors that kind of love, they may catch a glimpse of answers for their own relationships. And share a laugh along the way.

When I choose a book from the shelf and settle into my cushy chair with a cup of strong black tea (or an exotic flavor), I find myself drawn to intriguing-but-real characters living through extraordinary-but-believable circumstances, usually in the women’s fiction genre. Living through…and triumphing. I’m working on a couple of projects that are just shy of ready to talk about. Soon! Heart-tugging, soul-stirring life lessons will no doubt catch me by surprise in those pages, too.

You can purchase A DOOR COUNTY CHRISTMAS through most Christian bookstores, at many Sam’s Clubs and Wal-marts across the country, and online sources like www.amazon.com. It is sold out in many markets, which is another reason to get excited about the giveaway Janalyn is conducting.

Stop by my website for information about other books I’ve written and other projects that keep me from being idle. www.hopethatglowsinthedark.com or www.cynthiaruchti.com.

Thanks, Janalyn, for the opportunity to chat with your readers.

It's always a pleasure to host you, Cynthia.



©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing: Cynthia Ruchti will give away a free copy of  A Door County Christmas to three readers of this blog. To enter, leave a comment to this post. If you are a follower of Book Readers Central and tell me so in your comment, I'll give you an extra chance to win. 

Please include a valid email address in an anti-spam format (example: youremailhandle[at]gmail[dot]com]) or your entry will become invalid. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday at midnight (Pacific Time/US). 

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central on Friday. The winner must respond within two weeks of notification. Detailed rules of giveaways on Book Reader's Central are located in the footer of this blog.

Announcing My New Co-Blogger

I'm pleased to introduce my new co-blogger, Holly Weiss, who will grace us with her book reviews. Holly is a debut novelist in her own right, and her many reviews have earned her expert author status at Ezine Articles. Be sure and stop by Book Readers Central next Wednesday to read her review of Jody Hedlund's The Preacher's Bride. Meanwhile, here's a little more about Holly. Be sure and scroll down to watch her book videos. 


One voice led to another when professional singer Holly Weiss transitioned to writing for health reasons. She is a vocal instructor, a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a cutting-edge reviewer of books. She holds a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and was listed in the 2007 Marquis Who’s Who in America. A polio survivor, she lives in upstate New York with her husband. Holly has recently become an "Eradicate Polio Advocate." Crestmont, her debut novel, was released in May 2010.

 "Crestmont is a fine and riveting read for historical fiction fans, highly recommended."

    —Midwest Book Review of Oregon, WI rated Crestmont 5 stars on Nov. 7, 2010

Visit Holly Weiss Online.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books
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** Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon affiliate and benefits when books are purchased through links from Book Readers Central.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Michigan Brides"

Congratulations, Carol, you won the giveaway copy of Amber Stockton's Michigan Brides." Thanks to all who visited Book Readers Central this week. Stay tuned for more interviews, giveaways and book reviews.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Head in the Clouds" by Karen Witemeyer

Adelaide Proctor lands herself in a fix when she seeks a proposal from a reluctant beaux. Dislocated and unemployed, she accepts a job as a governess on a sheep ranch in the wilds of Texas. Her young charge, Isabella, soon captures her heart. When Isabella's father, Gideon Westcott, stirs her admiration, Addie reins in her romantic tendencies. She doesn't need another humiliation, and besides, Gideon seems to prefer it that way.

When life-threatening events loom, the two face a choice that will impact many lives.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer gives a compassionate analysis of the question: Why does God let bad things happen to good people? I highly recommend it to women who enjoy historical fiction set in the West and especially for those grieving a loss.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books.

Purchase through Bethany House

*Thank you, Bethany House, for providing a complimentary copy of this title for purposes of review.

**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon affiliate and benefits when books are purchased through links from Book Readers Central.