Whistlestop Book Review: "The Invisible World" by Anthony Destefano

The title of Anthony Destefano's new release, The Invisible World: Understanding Angels, Demons and the Spiritual Realities That Surround Us would seem to make a grandiose claim. Does this book deliver on its promise?

With an undeniably engaging style, the author gives his take on subjects like premonitions, angels, demons, spiritual warfare, grace, suffering, heaven and hell. While on the whole, this book may inform readers who need to be made aware of spiritual realities (and some points of apologetics were well-stated) it raised some concerns for me. First, let me state that my remarks should be taken with the understanding that I don't need convincing of the validity of the spiritual world or the viability of miracles. I agree with Mr. Destefano on these points.

I appreciate the author's intelligence, which is evident in the unique perspective he brings to his subjects. He'll make you think. However, examples are often given without documentation. In the opening chapter, for example, the author cites the case of a little girl who, while ready to undergo risky brain surgery, receives a visit from a pretty nurse who tells her she's all healed. And she is. An MRI shows no trace of the brain tumor the doctors plan to remove. No one knows who the mysterious nurse was. That's an impressive story but it would have been more powerful had the author included documentation.

The reader is asked to embrace some radical ideas. Here's a quote from the chapter entitled "Invisible Helpers." "Right now, as you're reading these words, there is an angel right next to you." The author goes on to state that "throughout sacred Scripture we find it implied that each of us has our own angel watching over us in a highly unique and personal manner." I won't argue for or against the existence of guardian angels here. Rather, I wonder why the author gave no Scriptures to back up his point. In fact, throughout most of the book the reader is asked to accept the author's remarks as fact with little to no substantiation. Am I the only one who finds this a potentially-dangerous practice?

I don't want to cast aspersions on Mr. Destefano's intentions or doctrine, although I don't always agree with what he says. I just wish he would have more clearly labeled his opinions as opinion. He does do this occasionally but not nearly enough. I like that he presented the gospel message in a unique and beautiful way.

If you are spiritually mature and able to measure what you read against Scripture, I think you can benefit from reading The Invisible World. The author's remarks on heaven are worth the purchase price of the book. However, a reader who is uncertain of Biblical truth would be better off to read the Bible itself.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book given for purposes of review.

Meet and Greet: Ann Shorey

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


Ann Shorey has been a story collector for most of her life and a full-time writer for over 20 years. Her writing appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul and the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut the The Edge of Light. Book one in the At Home in Beldon Grove series released in January 2009. The third book in the series, The Dawn of a Dream, will release in April of 2011. 


Ann says she's tempted to thank Peet's coffee and Dove chocolates when she writes the acknowledgements for her books. 


When she's not writing, Ann teaches historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. Ann lives with her husband in southern Oregon.



Hi! I’m Ann Shorey. It’s a pleasure to visit here on Book Readers Central! Let me have a sip of my coffee, and I’ll tell you about my latest release. 


The Dawn of a Dream is the story of a young woman who battles huge roadblocks to reach a goal that has long been a dream. The tagline on my website is “Yesterday’s women—today’s issues.” My books are historical fiction, but when I plot a story, the issues facing my protagonist have to be situations to which women today can relate.


Luellen McGarvie is the main character in The Dawn of a Dream. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I won’t tell you her specific circumstances. Needless to say, they’re daunting. Her goal is to get an education so she can obtain a teaching certificate. 


Sounds basic, but The Dawn of a Dream is set in 1857, when education was considered wasted on women. Married women couldn’t be teachers, and it was assumed that all women would get married, so why waste the schooling?


I chose this plot theme because I see so many young women in my community today who give up too soon when it comes to reaching their goals. Personally, I didn’t attend college immediately after graduating from high school because I was afraid. Plain and simple. I didn’t think I could do it.


At this point in my life it’s easy to look back and condemn my decision, and that’s the point I hope to make in The Dawn of a Dream. Don’t be afraid—reach for your goals, no matter what you see as barriers.


I’ll get off my soapbox and sip some more coffee now—better make it decaf! 


The Dawn of a Dream is a fun read, not a lecture.  I had fun writing about Luellen! Those of you who’ve read The Edge of Light and The Promise of Morning will recognize Luellen McGarvie as Molly McGarvie’s daughter. In this book, she’s all grown up and has become a spunky young woman. And the man she meets . . .


Well, I’ll let you read the book for yourself.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing: 


Ann Shorey will give away a free copy of The Dawn of a Dream. 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 coming Sunday at midnight (Pacific Time/US).

I'll announce the winner on Book Readers Central next Monday. 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.


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

Whistlestop Book Review: "An Uncommon Crusade" by Caron Guillo

Janalyn Voigt

Simon, who has left his training as a monk, carries stolen parchments containing the Word of God.

Hugo is a cottager eager to escape the bondage of servitude.

Golden and beautiful, Kateline wears rags with the grace of a noblewoman.   

Elizabeth, a victim of rape condemned by her village’s priest, believes she must reach the Holy Land and fight for Christ to exonerate herself. When things start to go wrong, she’s certain it’s a result of her “curse.”

An Uncommon Crusade tells the story of these and ten thousand other children who, in 13^th Century Europe, were coaxed to join a Children’s Crusade by Nicholas of Cologne and, in a simultaneous movement, by Stephan of Cloyes.

Written by former world history teacher, Caron Guillo, the story is well-researched. It is also well-plotted and written in exquisite style. An Uncommon Crusade by Caron Guillo will not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction.  

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Laura V. Hilton

Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools her children. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

She is the author of Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books and a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan. The first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House will release in April 2011, the second book in September 2011, and the third in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. As a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, Laura has over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

Laura is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray at Hartline Agency.

BRC: What brings you to Book Readers Central? 

I’m hoping to promote my first book in the Amish of Seymour series, Patchwork Dreams. It releases April 5, 2011 from Whitaker House 

BRC: That's tomorrow! Much success to you. Tell us a little about Patchwork Dreams.

This first contemporary Amish romance series is set in Seymour, Missouri, and it’s about a man swap that the Amish do to get new blood in different communities, to hopefully keep genetic disorders at a minimum. 

BRC: That sounds intriguing. Care to give a plot summary for Patchwork Dreams? 

Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community. Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin. Instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap--sending men from his Pennsylvania district to the Missouri district to bring new blood into the Amish community. Becky dreams of marriage, but doesn't dare hope that anyone would choose her--not with her history. Can God use the lies that have affected Becky and Jacob to bring them together? Or will Jacob rebel and head home to his first love? 

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

God is the God of second chances.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Oh, that’s hard. I fell in love with Becky, Jacob, and Becky’s dad, Daniel. They were all so special in different ways. Becky is sweet, quiet, and hurting. Jacob is compassionate, caring, and confused. Daniel tries to stay out of it, but gently guide…

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

No, not really. My family is so supportive of my writing – they are so proud of me. And they know when I’m buried deep in the story that if they want to eat, they cook whatever I put on the menu. And my husband is working forty hours a week, plus going to college but yet he takes the time to read each chapter as I write it, and then the whole manuscript at the end. 

BRC: What a wonderful family you have. Tell me, why do you write? 

Because I have to. It’s a sanity saver. I have all these voices living in my head and its either I let the characters “live” on the pages of a book or I get admitted to a mental hospital. J 

BRC: Describe your writing process. 

I’m what they call a “seat of the pants” writer. Which means there is no plan. J I let the idea stew awhile until I “dream up” a good starting scene and then I let the characters take over and sometimes I’m surprised where they take me! 

BRC: What will you write next? 

I just turned in the second book in this series to the publisher, and so I’ll start book three soon. 

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers? 

Writing books? I love my Flip Dictionary and I found Susan May Warren’s books From the Inside Out and Deep and Wide helpful. 

 Fiction books? That is harder. Depends on your favorite genre. Amish books – I LOVE Beverly Lewis. Newer favorites in this genre are Mary Ellis and Susanne Fisher Woods. Contemporary romantic suspense, I love Susan May Warren. 

 I could list many many favorite authors from every genre out there. Too many to go into. So it depends on my mood and the genre. 

BRC: Where can readers find you online? 

I’m on Facebook – Laura Vernet Price Hilton. Or my blog is http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ or http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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And We Have a Winner!!! "An Ocean Away" or "Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris

Congratulations go to Lisa Nelson, who won her choice of either An Ocean Away or Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris. 


Thanks to all who participated. Be sure and stop by again next week!


Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "A Place of Healing" by Joni Earkeckson Tada

Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

Why does God allow pain?  Is God concerned with suffering and involved in it? Plato, C.S. Lewis, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Henri Nouwen, the apostle Paul and others have all addressed these age-old questions.

Instead of focusing on how God is involved in the problem of pain, Joni Eareckson Tada chooses instead in her book, A Place of Healing, to examine how God can use pain to draw her closer to Himself and lift her above her human sufferings.

Joni, left a quadriplegic from a diving accident four decades ago, is the author of over fifty books and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization devoted to accelerating Christian outreach among those with disabilities. She will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the 2011 National Day of Prayer, held on the First Thursday of May. In addition to coping with the struggles of living from a wheelchair, Joni now has new challenges. She is assaulted with unrelenting, chronic pain and has been diagnosed with cancer.

Her reactions?  “Suffering may be a part of God’s…mysterious plan, but God’s intention is always to demonstrate compassion and unfailing love.” Joni illustrates over and over in her book how powerfully God’s love touches her at her deepest point of need.

The chapter headings ask difficult questions:

What Benefit is there to My Pain?
How Can I Go On Like This?
How Can I Bring Him Glory?
How Do I Regain My Perspective?

This devout, genuine woman answers each question with tender, heartfelt examples from her walk in faith. Suffering can make us bitter or compassionate. Suffering can drive us away from God or make us fly into His arms. A Place of Healing is her testament to the restorative power of loving, committed service to God, no matter what our circumstances. She rejoices in the fact that God had plans for her life much wider, higher and more profound than she ever could imagine. Her last chapter entitled, “Thank you, God, for this Wheelchair” demonstrates that because of her circumstances, not in spite of them, she is happier as a child of God than she ever dreamed possible.

Do you have a friend or relative struggling with grief, financial loss, health issues or physical pain?
Give them a copy of A Place of Healing. May they find comfort in the profound testimony of someone who treads where they walk, albeit, in a wheelchair.

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Meet and Greet: Lisa Harris

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

Lisa Harris is an award-winning author who has over 20 novels and novella collections in print. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live near the Indian Ocean in Mozambique as missionaries. As a homeschooling mom, life can get hectic, but she sees her writing as an extension of her ministry, which also includes running a non-profit organization. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8). 

When she’s not working Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, and heading into the African bush on safari. 

Dear Reader,

I’m thrilled for the opportunity to stop by and visit Book Readers Central! I’m an author and homeschooling mom, living in Mozambique, Africa with my husband and three children where we minister as church planters and discipleship makers. I currently write romantic suspense and love the challenge of creating paging-turning adventures.

Last month, Zondervan released book two in my Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant. While the first book dealt with the very real issue of today’s human trafficking problems, the second is another fast-paced suspense set in a refugee camp.

In this story, Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

If you enjoy historicals with a strong thread of adventure and romance, I have a second book, An Ocean Away that is being released this month from Summerside Press. Half of the story is set in Northern Rhodesia (Africa) while the other half is set in New York City in the early 1920s. This was definitely one of the most fascinating, but also research-intense books I have ever written. With two settings and a 1920’s time frame, I wanted to bring that period--from sides of the world--to life and show the stark contrast between the two continents.

Another thing I love about writing is the chance to learn from the characters I create. In Blood Covenant, my main character, Paige comes to the realization that she has to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on. 

As I wrote the story, I was reminded again and again how God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. He’s the one who gives us the strength to live daily for Him. 

Because let’s be honest, life has its constant ups and downs just like the writing life has its ups and downs. For those of you who are writers, you already know that writing is hard work. I’ve learned and studied and continued to write for over a decade, always aware that there is more to learn. It takes perseverance to keep writing after receiving a rejection from an editor or a bad review which isn’t always easy.

On the positive side, I love getting to know these characters and what makes them tick, because as a writer, when I spend months creating characters they come to life in my mind. I also love it when they don’t act the way I expected them to. Often, I find that when this happens, the story ends up coming together stronger because of it.

For more information about my books and life in Africa please stop by my website, Lisa Harris Writes or My Blog In the Heart of Africa. We’ve also just started a non-profit to help address the physical needs of people we work with. You can find out more about that project at The Echo Project.

Thanks again for letting me drop by!

Be blessed,

Lisa Harris

Blood Covenant Book Trailer from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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


Book Giveaway Drawing: Lisa Harris will give away a free copy of the winner's choice of either Blood Covenant or An Ocean Away. 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 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.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Abigail's New Hope" by Mary Ellis

Congratulations go to Dawn, who won a free copy of Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis. Thanks, everyone, for participating. Stay tuned for more great interviews, giveaways and reviews on Book Readers Central. To stay informed, sign up for the blog feed or to receive posts by email.

See you again soon!

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Whistlestop Book Review: "Kaydie" by Penny Zeller

Janalyn Voigt

Pregnant and widowed in the Wild West, Kaydie would seem to need a husband. That's not how she sees it, though. After a bad marriage to an abusive man, she wants nothing more to do with romantic love.

But then there's her sister's ranch hand, Jonah. With an unloving father and a mother who abandoned him in boyhood, Jonah has never had good family ties. He decides to keep it that way.

Can they ignore the growing attraction between them?

Kaydie brings us a beautiful story of redeeming love. This tale is not dark, despite it's subject matter. Although it delves into the pain of abandonment and abuse, the story focuses on the healing power of love.

I recommend Kaydie by Penny Zeller to women who enjoy historical romance set in the Wild West.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this title, given for purposes of review.

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

Meet and Greet: Mary Ellis

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

Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmer’s markets and woodworking fairs. She loved their peaceful, agrarian lifestyle, their respect for the land, and their strong sense of Christian community. She met her husband in college and they married six days after graduation.

She, her husband, dog and cat now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish in the country—a four-county area in central Ohio. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, research for her best-selling books, and enjoy a simpler way of life.

Mary enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught Middle School in Sheffield Lake, Ohio and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate for twenty years—a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. All three of her Miller Family series, A Widow’s Hope, Never Far from Home, and The Way to a Man’s Heart have made the CBA and CBD bestseller lists. A Widow’s Hope was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards for 2010 in the long contemporary category, and a runner-up in the 2010 Holt Medallion Awards.

BRC: What brings you to Book Readers Central? 

I am pleased to announce my latest release from Harvest House Publishers, Abigail’s New Hope, the first in the Wayne County series.

BRC: What type of books do you write? 

I write Amish inspirational romances.

BRC: Why do you write? 

I couldn’t keep from writing. Writing is my passion, my creative outlet, and my personal ministry. I love creating stories about faith-based people that, hopefully, will inspire others.

BRC: How would you describe your newest release? 

My latest release, Abigail’s New Hope, deals with growth within a marriage, grief after a suffering a loss, and reaching beyond your comfort zone to bring a “handicapped” person into the Christian fold. I use the italics because we are all “handicapped” in some fashion—some personal challenges are more easily recognized than others.

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it? 

My heroine relies on her Christian faith to carry her through an unbelievably difficult period in her life. We all face challenges in our lives. Hopefully, my readers will be inspired by Abigail’s level of commitment to her personal code of ethics.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Without a doubt, it is Abigail, my midwife.

She deals with her husband’s initial lack of support marvelously—far better than I probably would have. She is an inspiration to me to be more patient as a wife when things don’t always go my way.

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book? 

When my innkeeper and I visited the Amish & Mennonite birthing center, the midwife in charge looked at us and scratched her head—neither of us was Amish and neither of us was pregnant. They don’t get many walk-in visitors.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process. 

I just love this question! It forces me to formulate a “process” and stick to it. All joking aside, I am a morning person. So after 2 cups of coffee I sit down to write. I usually write out scenes longhand on a yellow tablet. Yes, that’s right…longhand.

When the chapter is done, I type it and edit it and proofread it before moving on to the next chapter. The longhand stage allows me to create a closer-to-finished book by the time it’s done. (Did I mention I’m a dinosaur?) It takes me approx. 5 months to create a 95,000-word book in this fashion.

BRC: What will you write next? 

I am about to finish the second in the Wayne County series, called A Marriage for Meghan. It deals with a former problem student who’s trying to live down her past reputation and become the permanent head teacher. As a former problem-child and a former middle school teacher, I am writing on themes near-and-dear to my heart.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers? 

There are so many great works of Christian fiction out there that I couldn’t possibly narrow the field to one or two suggestions. Everyone’s personal taste in books is different. But I will say this: Don’t discount the “classics.” They are classics for a very good reason. When I want something special, I re-read something by Louise May Alcott.

BRC: Where can readers find you online? 

My readers can find me at my blog site: www.maryeellis.wordpress.com And I’d love to hear from them!

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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

Book Giveaway Drawing: Mary Ellis will give away a free copy of Abigail's New Hope 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 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.

And We Have a Winner!!! "Yesterday's Tomorrow" by Catherine West

Congratulations to Linda, who won the giveaway drawing for a free copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West. Thanks to those who participated. Stop by again for more interviews, giveaways and book reviews. To stay informed, sign up for feed or email delivery of posts. I hope to see you
next week!

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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

Author Trivia Quiz: Who Said This? (Ten Quotes About Reading)

Janalyn Voigt

Surprise Pop Quiz!

Name the quoted author. Answers follow, below.

1.  'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.
   
   
2. Read every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.
   
   
3.  To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.
   
   
4. The good of a book lies in its being read. A book is made up of signs that speak of other signs, which in their turn speak of things.
   
   
5. The only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves.
   
   
6. We read fine things but never feel them to the full until we have gone the same steps as the author.
   
   
7.  No one who can read, ever looks at a book, even unopened on a shelf, like one who cannot.
   
   
8. When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.
   
   
9. The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.
   
   
10. A book is good company. It is full of conversation without loquacity. It comes to your longing with full instruction, but pursues you never.
    

1. Mark Twain
2. Christopher Morley
3. Victor Hugo
4. Umberto Eco
5. John Keats
6. E.M. Forster 
7. Charles Dickens
8. Maya Angelou
9. Sir James Barrie
10. Henry Ward Beecher

© 2009-2011 Janalyn Voigt

Meet and Greet: Catherine West

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

Catherine West

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, will release in March 2011, through Oak Tara Publishers. 

BRC: Welcome! What brings you to Book Readers Central?

I’m a new author, my debut novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, releases on March 15^th!

BRC: What genres do you write?

I write contemporary romance and women’s fiction. I love my books to have a spiritual theme woven into the plot, and of course I’m big on romance, so that’s definitely in there!

BRC: Why are you an author?

I write because I love it! There’s something very satisfying about creating a story, watching characters come alive on the page, and then later, hearing feedback from readers who really resonated with the themes in the book.

BRC: How would you describe your book?

Yesterday’s Tomorrow is an Inspirational Contemporary Romance. Here’s the blurb:

It’s 1967 and Kristin Taylor wants to go to Vietnam to report on the war, and honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning journalist like he was. But no editor will send her. So she strikes out on her own and steps into a world more terrifying than she’d imagined.

As she encounters the horrors of war, Kristin struggles to report the truth while desperately trying to keep tabs on her only brother who enlisted some time ago, but both tasks seem impossible.

When she meets photographer Luke Maddox, Kristin knows she’s found a story. The mystery beneath his brooding eyes triggers her curiosity. She’s convinced he’s hiding something and determines to discover his secrets. The only trouble is, he won’t let her within three feet of him.

In an unexpected twist, Kristin and Luke are forced to work together. With war raging all around them, they engage in their own tumultuous battle of emotions. Headstrong and willing to risk it all for what they believe in, they’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill their own private agendas. Kristin is after a story that might get her the Pulitzer. Luke wants retribution from the enemy that took away his family. In the face of death, Kristin and Luke must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.

BRC: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading it?

I would love for readers to gain a better understanding of that tumultuous time period and the hard decisions people had to make. Also, I hope they receive the underlying message that God is there through the hard times, even when we don’t think He is, and that He’s working for good in our lives.

BRC: Which is your favorite character from your book?

Luke. J He’s gone through some really horrendous things, yet he refuses to give in to the pain. And I love his sense of commitment to his country and the ones he loves.

BRC: Do you have a funny or touching story that relates to your book?

Researching Yesterday’s Tomorrow was a time-consuming process. Admittedly, I really knew very little about The Vietnam War. Once I was immersed in the research and writing of this book, my whole outlook on war and the men and women on the frontlines had changed. I have a deep admiration and utmost respect for those who serve their country and lay down their lives in the name of freedom. I had to think about those who protest war as well, because they also believe in what they stand for. I’m not sure I’ll ever make sense of it all, just like my heroine, Kristin, didn’t, but I do know that we all need to honor our Veterans and never forget the price they paid.

BRC: Good thoughts. 

          Tell us about your writing process.

I’m a Seat-of-the-Pantser, meaning I don’t plot. I try to come up with a bit of an outline once I have a story idea taking shape in my head. I spend a lot of time working on my characters first, and then go from there. I also tend to edit as I go, which is time consuming and a habit I’d like to break, but it’s pretty ingrained in me now!

BRC: What will you write next?

I’m working on a family saga type novel called Reprisal. It’s about five estranged siblings who reunite to decide what to do with their family estate in Nantucket that they can no longer afford, and their elderly father who is showing signs of dementia.

BRC: Which books do you recommend to readers?

I think if readers are looking for good quality fiction, any book in *CBA fits the bill, and we have plenty of genres to choose from! Outside of *CBA my favorite authors are those who write in a similar vein – Lisa Wingate, Debbie Macomber, I love Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

Visit my website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Twitter @CathWest

Facebook Author Page

Posted by Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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Book Giveaway Drawing: Catherine West will give away a free copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow 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 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.

Whistlestop Book Review: "Lady in the Mist" by Laurie Alice Eakes

Janalyn Voigt

Set in Virginia during a time of strained relations between America and Britain, Lady in the Mist tells the story of a midwife caught between a past love and a British bondsman who is not all he seems.

It's a midwife's job to keep secrets, but one in particular puts Tabitha in danger. Raleigh, the fiance who abandoned her, and Dominick, a servant with aristocratic manners, also carry secrets. Do their secrets have something to do with the disappearance of young men from the village? And can Tabitha discover the truth in time to save the two men she loves?

Laurie Alice Eakes shines as a gifted storyteller in Lady in the Mist. It's a must-read for those who enjoy historical romance filled with intrigue. This story is teen approved for its realistic portrayal of the consequences of immorality.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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


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