Seeds of Beauty by Lakeysha-Marie Green

The Seeds of Beauty by Lakaysha-Marie Green is an excellent book on beauty both inner and outer.  In Part 1 of the book Green dwells on inner beauty and the woman within.  She gives a short inspirational thought with brainstorming questions at the end of the chapter to get the reader thinking a bit deeper.  Part 2 has wonderful chapters focusing on outer beauty and tips and ideas ranging in various styles.  She covers body shapes as well.  You'll find tips on - basic white shirts, to dresses, jeans and evening wear.  Also accessories from - belts, handbacks, shoes, you name it

THE MOSES QUILT by Kathi Macias

Take a trip back in time as you read Kathi Macias' book The Moses Quilt.  You'll gain new knowledge about Harriet Tubman that you never knew.  Macias intertwines historical happenings into this contemporary novel setting.   With every turn of the page you'll gain a new love for Harriet Tubman like you'd never had before; and you'll probably become a Kathi Macias fan in the process.    Tubman's strong faith is what holds her together.  Macias has done an excellent job bringing together contemporary and history in the pages of this book.  You'll be on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what the next quilt block has to say about Harriet Tubman's life.

Visit guest post Kathi Macias wrote especially for my blog & excerpt from the book  here.

The Quilt Series sounds interesting, but what makes it unique or sets it apart from the many other quilt books that are so popular right now?

First, I must confess to NOT being a quilter. I’ve never even considered taking it up! Second, I love quilts and have always been fascinated by the stories behind them. I combined that fascination with my passion for writing issues-related fiction, and I ended up with a three-book series that is, for the most part, contemporary but told against historical backdrops.

Sounds interesting! Can you tell us a bit about each of the three books in the series? 

Sure! Book one, The Moses Quilt, involves an interracial romance, where the couple works through their concerns and apprehensions as they learn the story of Harriet Tubman’s faith and courage as told through the patches of the Moses quilt that represents her life. Book two, The Doctor’s Christmas Quilt, deals with the topic of abortion told against the backdrop of the life of America’s first woman doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, who was strongly pro-life. Book three, The Singing Quilt, deals with a young woman overcoming a physical disability; the background for that story is based on the “Queen of Gospel,” Fannie Crosby.

Was it difficult to do the research on these women, particularly Harriet Tubman? What did you learn about her in the process? 

I knew more about Harriet Tubman than I did about Elizabeth Blackwell or Fannie Crosby, but I expanded my knowledge of each as I did the research. Harriet Tubman’s amazing faith and courage is what stood out most to me about her life. Here was a woman born a slave, penniless for the majority of her life, and illiterate except for the scripture verses she had memorized (even if she couldn’t read them). Her prayer life was powerful, even as a child. After she escaped to the North and began making forays back into the South to help bring others out of slavery, friends would caution her against it. “Harriet, there’s a reward on your head—dead or alive. Aren’t you afraid?” She brushed off their fear and explained that she believed God had called her to help rescue her people; therefore, He would protect her. When her job was done, He would take her home to heaven, so what was there to fear? Wow, what a dynamic woman of God! I also learned that her achievements went far beyond rescuing slaves, though that’s what she’s best known for. She also served as a spy for the Union Army, worked as a nurse, and opened a home for indigent elderly former slaves. She died there herself in her mid-nineties, and the entire town flew their flags at half-mast in her honor.

Tell us a little more about the contemporary story in The Moses Quilt. 

The majority of the contemporary story is set just outside San Francisco. Mazie is white and deeply in love with Edward, an African-American lawyer who adores her and wants to marry her but tries to be respectful of her hesitation to make a commitment. What he doesn’t know is that Mazie is disturbed by what she considers secrets in her family’s past, secrets that begin to be unraveled as her great-grandmother, Mimi, tells her and Edward the story behind her Moses quilt, which she bought years earlier in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, a little town famous for its quilts. Edward thought he knew everything there was to know about Harriet Tubman, who had always been somewhat of a hero to him, but Mimi’s story opens up new avenues of discovery for both the young people in this relationship—and takes them straight back to the quilt’s origin in Gee’s Bend.

This sounds like more than just a “feel-good” story. Can it be used as a study book in some way? 

Absolutely! As with nearly all my books we have free downloadable discussion questions at www.newhopedigital.com that will enable The Moses Quilt to be read as a study book for individuals or used as a discussion/study book for groups.

___
For more opportunities for free copies of THE MOSES QUILT by Kathi Macias, please follow this book tour on Facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/CSSVBT.KathiMacias. This blog host was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on this blog. CSS Virtual Book Tours are managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

About the Author: Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.

We are celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH   For more opportunities to be selected for a FREE copy of this book, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/CSSVBT.KathiMacias.
 

This virtual book tour is hosted by: 

 

Welcome author Sandra Byrd and her French Twist Series

Read to end of this tour as there is a free kindle download offer for this book and other special offers including a chance to win a delicious box of Divine Delights petit fours

Book One in the French Twist Series.

Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. 

When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!

So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and her God with her future–très bon!

Be watching for my review on this book and others in the series.

You may visit the author's blog here.

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I, will publish in April, 2013.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. She is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more, or to invite Sandra to your bookclub via Skype.

Connect with Sandra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrabyrd

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrabyrdwrites

Do you have a favorite writing spot...(corner nook, room, chair)

I have an office, which I love. Earlier in my writing career I wrote "just anywhere" and while that certainly worked, it's better to have a set-aside place where I can close the door! My office faces out, so I can see who is coming and going, and it has a lovely water view beyond it, too. I have book and books and books, and often prints on the wall that relate to whatever I am writing at the moment. I love listening to music while I write and found that gamer headphones, actually, work best!

Your favorite eating restaurant (cuisine) 

 It would be divided between Indian food and French pastries. For the main course, definitely Indian. I love Butter Chicken and, because my daughter is a vegetarian, Butter Paneer. One thing I love to do is, once I taste something I love in a restaurant, I try to recreate it at home. I'm working on Butter Chicken right now and just learned that the secret to the sauce, besides the spices, is ground cashews!

Favorite snack (prefer: sweet or salt)  

Oh dear, both, in their own place? I remember the day I discovered a lightly chocolate dipped potato chip. Heaven! I do like Lemonheads while I'm working, so I guess that would be sweet and tart, right?

Favorite dessert(prefer: cake or pie)

Cake. For Sure. Let Them Eat Cake! The very best cakes are made with cake flour - so tender. I'm planning to make buttermilk Red Velvet cupcakes for Valentine's Day.

Do you have a daily schedule with a writing slotted time?

I write from early in the morning till late at night, but the best times, I think, are early afternoon and early evening. I have the "busy work" of the day behind me and can put my headphones on and slip away into the story. What has been your most unique item that has promoted a story Well, I love the petit fours that we're giving away on this book tour. When this book toured for the first time in print, little jars of sprinkles were made up with a Let Them Eat Cake label, and I thought that was clever, too!

Special offer Feb. 10-14th only
to download a FREE Kindle copy of Let Them Eat Cake 

Sandra is also offering e-books two and three in the French Twist series, special price of 99 cents each during this tour Feb. 10-14 only
Bon Appetit 
Piece de Resistance

To Enter Sandra's Petits Fours Giveaway

open to US residents only click here

An ecopy of these books was provided by the author in exchange for this post and my honest review. 

Unexpected Christmas Hero Kathi Macias

Kathi has done it again.  I've not be disappointed by Kathi's books.  Kathi is one of my favorite authors I've been reading and writing reviews for Kathi's books since 2008.  She was one of my first book authors when I started reviewing.  She writes both fiction and non fiction and I've read her books in both category.  Her book Unexpected Christmas Hero is yet another winner for me the issue Kathi writes about in this book is homeless.  Your heart goes out to the characters Josie and her children, Susanna and Jacob, and the other homeless that are portrayed in her book; also those that open their homes and lives to the homeless. I just can't say enough how wonderful this message is that Kathi has written about.  Macias keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what is going to happen next, where they'll spend they next night and get their next meal.  It gives you chills as you see how the Lord works in each situation.  What better way to enjoy the Christmas season than to relax and read a wonderful novel by Kathi Macias. 

What a chance to win a copy of Kathi's book, Unexpected Christmas Hero, visit my guest post with Kathi here.

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.

Homelessness is a tough topic for Christmas. What inspired you to use that as the basis for your annual Christmas novel?

I’ve been involved in homeless ministries, to one degree or another, for decades, so I’m not new to this area of ministry. But I’ll admit that I had never considered writing a novel about it until someone in my family, who had personally experienced homelessness at one time in his life, suggested it. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed the perfect theme for a Christmas novel. After all, at Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who was pretty much homeless at that particular point in time and was born in a stable because there was no room for them at the Bethlehem Motel 6.

Despite having previous ministry and even personal experience with the homeless, were there still some difficult times for you as you researched and wrote this novel?

Absolutely! I always try to climb inside the skin of my characters, and when I thought of myself as the young mother Josie, attempting to care for and protect her two small children while living on the streets, I wept. There were times when my own children were little that we didn’t have a lot of material things and almost never had enough money at the end of the month, but we always had a roof over our heads and never wondered where we would find our next meal. When I consider that approximately 25 percent of the homeless in America are families (either single or dual-parent) with small children, it breaks my heart.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of Unexpected Christmas Hero?

This is a story about a young family—husband, wife, two small children—who seem to be living the American dream. But when the husband dies unexpectedly, the wife (Josie) not only has to deal with that loss but quickly discovers that they are destitute. Her husband had lost his job some months earlier but didn’t want to worry her, so he hid it from her, hoping to find another position. He didn’t, and eventually ran up all their credit cards, took out a second mortgage on the house, emptied their savings, and even cashed in his life insurance policy. It doesn’t take long until Josie and her children lose their home and find themselves living on the streets, depending on the charity of others to survive. Then they meet Rick, a homeless Vietnam vet who takes them under his wing and, in a most surprising and sacrificial way, becomes their unexpected Christmas hero.

Tell us about the “story behind the story,” which involves the man on the front cover.

When the publisher sent the designer out to find someone to pose as Rick, the homeless vet in the book, he spotted a man on the street who looked amazingly like him. He asked the man—whose name is Willard Parker—if he would pose for the book cover. The man readily agreed and then explained that he truly was homeless and hoped having his picture on the cover would somehow help him find his family, particularly his grown daughter. We are doing our best to stay in touch with Mr. Parker and also to spread his story across the Internet and on radio/TV in hopes of fulfilling his dream to be reunited with his family. If anyone looks at the picture on the cover and/or recognizes the man’s name (Willard Parker) and knows the whereabouts of any of his family, we would truly appreciate it if they would contact me at ezyrtr@ca.rr.com so we can take the necessary steps to try and make this reunion happen.

Where can people find your book?

It’s available on any of the main online venues (Amazon, ChristianBooks.com, Barnes & Noble, etc.) and many stores nationwide.

Can you give us your website info?

Sure! You can find me at www.kathimacias.com or www.boldfiction.com. I’d love it if people would stop by there and check out all my books, as well as the video trailers that go with them. They can also sign up to receive my weekly devotional, or check out where I’ll be speaking in the near future. Above all, click on “contact” and send me an email. I’d love to hear from them, and I promise to answer.

A Message from Christian Speakers Services:

 Now here's how to put a BANG on the end of a book tour ... this just in from Kathi Macias ...

MOST EXCITING NEWS FOR YOU ALL! It's a Thanksgiving miracle!!! You may know that we've been trying to help Mr. Willard Parker, the homeless man who so graciously posed for the cover of my Christmas book find his family. Well, I just got off the phone with his grown daughter! Someone saw the book and told her about it, she tracked it down, and sure enough, it was her long-lost daddy! Both she and her other grown sister can't wait to see him--and to introduce him to his four grandchildren. Oh, God is soooo good!!!

This virtual book tour is hosted by: 

 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

A CHAT WITH SHEILA ROBERTS 

Tell us a little about yourself. 
First of all, let me thank you for inviting me to join you. Being both a writer and a reader, it’s always fun to connect with other readers. I love to read and have been hooked on books ever since I discovered The Wind in the Willows. I also am a big movie buff. I love my family and have fabulous girlfriends. I’m big on entertaining and love to host parties. And I like to stay active with tennis, dancing, and golf. And, I must confess, I’m a chocoholic. Chocolate is my favorite indulgence. 

Is that why you decided to write about a family that owns a chocolate factory? 
It seemed like a fun thing to do. I certainly wouldn’t mind owning my own chocolate factory! 

But in your book the chocolate company is in trouble. Can you tell us a little about the book? 
To sum it up, yes, we have a woman whose family business is in trouble. And her hometown isn’t doing so great either. They’re in a slump. So she and her mother and sisters come up with the idea of hosting a chocolate festival. The clock is ticking and they’re about to lose the business to the bank. (Not good for romance when the man you’re attracted to is also the manager of the bank that’s about to take your business!) Everyone pulls together to make this chocolate festival happen but between red tape at city hall and a landslide that closes the highway, well, it’s not looking good. And that’s only the beginning of our heroine’s problems. But all of this struggle is seasoned with lots of laughs and, since I’m a big believer in happy endings, my heroine will get her just desserts eventually. 

Do you have any chocolate recipes in this book? 
Oh, yes, and they’re to die for. 

So, tell us, what’s your favorite kind of chocolate? 
Chocolate mint truffles are my taste buds’ idea of heaven. I’m also terribly fond of white chocolate. Can you tell us anything about your next book? My next book, Merry Ex-mas, will be coming out in November. It’s a holiday tale about wives and their exes and involves a Christmas wedding, a country songwriter and a very naughty dog. I’m hoping readers will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And the good news is, my publisher has included a coupon for $1.50 off on it in Better Than Chocolate. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 
Only that I appreciate all you readers so very much. You’re what keep us writers writing! 

Sheila Roberts lives in the Pacific Northwest. She's happily married and has three children. Her books have been printed in several different languages and have been chosen for book clubs such as Doubleday as well as for Readers Digest Condensed books. Her best-selling novel ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS was made into a movie and appeared on the Lifetime Movie Network. Her novel ANGEL LANE was named one of Amazon’s Top Ten Romances for 2009.

When she's not making public appearances or playing with her friends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women's hearts: family, friends, and chocolate. Her latest book is Better Than Chocolate.

You can visit her website at www.sheilasplace.com.
Visit her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Sheila_Roberts
Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheila-Roberts/76502579853?ref=ts 
Pick up your copy of Better Than Chocolate at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Chocolate-Icicle-Falls/dp/077831345X 

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they’re about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?

After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They’ll have a chocolate festival! Time’s running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town’s behind them, so everything’s bound to go smoothly…. Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother’s attempts to help aren’t helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It’s enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake’s also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there’s something even better than chocolate.

Check out Better Than Chocolate Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule here and find blogs that are hosting Sheila's book for giveaway.

The Deliverer by Kathi Macias

In book three of the “Freedom” series, the main character, Mara, finds herself the object of her uncle's revenge. From a life sentence in prison, Uncle Jefe, who held her as a sex slave in his San Diego brothel, uses his underground connections to kidnap and drag Mara back into the dark shadows of human trafficking.
 
Now in the struggle for her life and her ultimate freedom, Mara finds herself kidnapped and experiencing something she never dreamed possible. She finally finds herself yielding to the One who can truly set her free—not only from her past life and all the fears and scars that go with it, but from herself and her own sin. This time her choice delivers her from the shadow of her name's meaning, "bitter" and into the light of true joy.
 
At New Hope Digital (newhopedigital.com) you can find study questions for each book in this series and an “ideas and resources” list to help educate readers and enable them to apply what they've learned and become actively involved in this massive and ongoing human tragedy—Trafficking in Persons.

I have been a Kathi fan for many years now.  I think she was one of my first authors I wrote blog review on.  She's an awesome writer and The Deliverer is no exception.  I hated to see this series come to an end, but I guess she has to move on to other things and if you read her interview below you'll get a glimpse of what she has in store for us in 2013.  I can't wait!  Though this book is in a series Kathi does a good job writing it that if you haven't read the first two books you won't be in the dark; however, I do recommend the first too books so you see how Maria (Mara)'s live progresses.  If you are interested in human trafficking and all this is an excellent series to read giving you some insight.  And if you aren't interested if you read this series you may get interested real quick like.  Kathi has done a wonderful job at portraying the evil of human trafficking in this series. You just fall in love with all her characters and feel for them and the situation that they have had forced on them, many at a very young age.  Human trafficking isn't always a pleasant topic but one that needs to be put in the forefront so people can become aware of the issue that is happening right here in the US.  The stories just break your heart for those that are forced into this immoral act.  

WIN a COPY of Kathi's BOOK.....
I have a guest post by Kathi "Let My People Go" and book giveaway for this book featured here.  Follow the link and enter in a chance to win Kathi's book The Deliverer.  

HURRY TODAY and TODAY ONLY

CSS is giving away a complete set of THE FREEDOM SERIES by Kathi Macias (all three books - Deliver Me From Evil, Special Delivery, & The Deliverer) on September 24. you must post a comment on their blog to enter at http://christianspeakerservices1.wordpress.com/.

While this is the third and final book in the Freedom Series, I’m sure there are people who are just learning about it. Would you please share what prompted you to write these books on such topic as relevant and difficult as human trafficking?

I was finishing up my previous fiction series for New Hope Publishers (the Extreme Devotion Series, dealing with the persecuted Church around the world) when Andrea Mullins (the publisher at New Hope) asked me what topic I wanted to tackle next. We discussed a few possibilities, and then she suggested human trafficking. I was aware of it and thought it was terrible but had no idea how widespread it was. I agreed to do some preliminary research and get back to her. When I discovered there are more than 27 million people held in various forms of human trafficking (sexual slavery, forced labor or military conscription, involuntary donation of body parts/organs) and that many of them are children (including an estimated 100,000—300,000 MINORS held in sexual slavery in the US today!), I was horrified. I was also convinced that I had to do everything possible to help educate others about this widespread horror and to call them to join the fight. Not only have I now written/released the Freedom Series on human trafficking, but I’m speaking on it everywhere/every chance I get.

What was your original objective in writing these books, Deliver Me From Evil, Special Delivery, and The Deliverer? And, what are you hearing back from people who have read the books? How are they taking action?

Originally my plan was to see the books alert readers to this horrific crime and, hopefully, challenge them to get involved in fighting it some way. That seems to be happening, but on such a larger scope than I had imagined. The response from readers is overwhelming! Pastors have written to say they are challenging their entire church to get involved on some level, and I’m being invited to speak all over the country on this topic. I am thrilled to see the Light being shined in this terrible darkness at last! As for specific actions, pastors and civic leaders are inviting me (or others in this ministry) to come and speak to their congregations/groups to help educate them on this massive tragedy. Readers tell me they are posting about my books all over the net to help snag people’s attention. I’m getting invitations to speak on radio and TV as well. I’ve also been contacted by readers who are getting involved in setting up safe houses for rescued victims, which is a huge need. I was even contacted by the Department of Homeland Security and invited to participate in group conference calls on the topic. Overall, I’m thrilled at the way God is using these books to help sound the alarm and to “rescue the perishing.”

It seems there is always someone in your books who is an intercessor. Why is that important for you to include?

This is vital to me, and as you said, I almost always include an intercessor in my novels. I know there were intercessors in my own life who prayed me through some incredibly dangerous and difficult times, and I appreciate those heroes of the faith more than I can express. Highlighting their importance in my books accomplishes two things: it enables me to honor those faithful intercessors who often get no recognition in this world, and it also calls others to get involved in intercession as well.

You write books as you often call them, parables with a purpose, on topics such as human trafficking, the persecuted church, illegal immigration, and your Christmas 2012 book is about homelessness. Some might call you an advocate. Why is it important for Christians, and the church as a whole, to discuss these issues?

You’re right that I call my novels “parables with purpose,” because I believe Jesus is our example and that’s what He told to His followers—parables with purpose. He didn’t just tell them “nice stories” to entertain them. He told stories that would grab them right where they lived, and then challenge them to change their hearts, their minds, and their lives. The Church has always been at the forefront of serious social change, leading the charge to abolish slavery for instance, and leading the charge on these other issues is right where the Church needs to be now. The first step is to discuss the issues, to make people aware of them, and then to call them to action. I believe gripping fiction is one of the most effective ways to do that.

Will you give us a glimpse, a taste of things to come -- without getting too far ahead -- of what’s in store for your next series and books on the horizon?

In addition to the 2012 Christmas novel, Unexpected Christmas Hero, dealing with homelessness in America, I will be releasing a new series starting in January. The first of the three novels is called The Moses Quilt, and it deals with a contemporary interracial romance, set against the background of a quilt that tells the story of the courageous, faith-filled woman known as Harriet Tubman. A contemporary novel dealing with the issue of abortion will follow, with the first woman doctor in America, Elizabeth Blackwell, as our backdrop heroine. The final book will be built around the much beloved Fanny Crosby, as we deal with the issue of people with disabilities. That series is from New Hope Publishers, but I also have a book releasing in the Spring of 2013 from B&H Publishers called Last Chance for Justice. It’s part of the multi-author Bloomfield Series, and I’m very excited about it.

You also write a devotional blog. Can you tell us what the focus is and where we can find it?

I started writing a weekly devotional several years ago, in response to a request from the then newly formed group CAN (Christian Authors Network). I sent it out as a group email and had about 40 recipients then. The devotional mailing quickly grew and expanded beyond the CAN group, with countless readers signing up to receive it. I also started posting it each week on my devotional blog (http://kathimacias.com/category/devotional-2/), which is part of my primary website (www.kathimacias.com), where you will also find my “Easy Writer” blog, which is more writing-related. (You can also sign up there to receive the weekly devotional in your inbox.) Over the years the devotional has been picked up by Crosswalk, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News (I offer it in Spanish as well as English), Believe.com, Christians in Recovery, etc., so the readership has mushroomed beyond anything I ever imagined. God is amazing, isn’t He?

Finally, we know you as an award-winning author, but you also enjoy speaking for women’s events, and other groups, as well. On what areas or topics do you focus your speaking presentations? How can a church or group find out more about having you speak for their event?

I speak on various topics, including the issues I address in my books, but on other topics too. One of my most requested topics is “When Passion and Purpose Collide.” That, along with several other popular topics, can be found in the speaking section of my website (http://kathimacias.com/speaking/). To see my current speaking schedule and/or to explore the possibility of having me come and speak, just go to http://kathimacias.com/speaking/speaking-schedule/ and click on the Christian Speakers Services button to make contact. You can also see some of my speaking endorsements at http://kathimacias.com/speaking/endorsements/.

For more opportunities for free copies of The Deliverer by Kathi Macias, please visit Facebook.com/CSSVBT.KathiMacias.

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.

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I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

Debut author appearance ...Kellie Coates Gilbert

I was filled with mixed emotions when author Kellie Coates Gilbert personally contacted me to do a review for her book...Why? I was sad that I had to say, "No" Right at this moment in my life I am maxed-out.  I'm feeling a bit blogged down there are just too many books coming out that I'd love to read and just don't have the time.  I'm working on studying for my teachers exam and that is high priority on my list of things needing to be done.  I'm over committed in good books right now.  I have turned many down and have opted to post lots of just spotlight/giveaway offers this fall.  However, I felt honored in that the author, herself, was contacting me.  Right now as you are reading this I'm on vacation taking my oldest back to college for the fall.  However, Kellie so graciously provided me with some interview questions to post.  I decided to post this brief spotlight on Kellie since the book's release date is coming ever so close.  The date for this book to hit the shelves is Sept. 1st.  In October I will be featuring her book again with a spotlight and giveaway offer so be watching.  This book just so caught my eye and I would love to read it some day. I just couldn't give Kellie honest time right now so I'm just going to post some things to whet your delight for this new author and say congrats to Kellie on her first book being published and I hope she has many more books published.  Be sure to visit Kellie's site and learn more about her and this book.

When did you decide to become a writer? 

I’m a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, who worked on many high profile cases, including the Jack in the Box e-coli litigation in the mid-nineties and the largest cattle fraud in the United States. People are often at their most vulnerable in these tense situations where much is at stake, which has allowed me a unique perspective on the human psyche. Early in my legal career, I recognized there could be value in telling stories about people facing life-changing circumstances. 

I made a serious commitment to pursue my writing in 2004, when I attended my first writer’s conference at Seattle Pacific University. Driving home, a deep longing formed and I awakened to what I was always meant to do. 

What did you do when you found out Mother of Pearl, your first novel, was going to be published? 

After telephoning my husband, I walked outside, looked up at the sky and said, “Well now, aren’t You something?” 

Years back, I’d prayed and asked for the outrageous. He heard. 

 Why did you want to tell the story of Barrie Graeber? 

 I didn’t even know how many things there were to be afraid of until I had my first child. From the moment that tiny infant was placed in my arms, a fierce need to protect bubbled from the deepest part of me. 

As a novelist, I asked the question: What would a mother do if suddenly life took a turn and she learned the child she thought she’d protected had fallen into the hands of someone unsafe? And what if she found out too late? 

 Early, when the inception of this story was still noodling in my brain, I saw a sadly recurring event on the news, the story of a coach who had inappropriately been involved with a teenager. The cameras were honed on the major players in the courtroom, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that girl’s mom was seated out of view. 

What was she feeling? 

How did you prepare/research for Mother of Pearl? 

Until I completed my research, I don’t think I was aware how prevalent this situation is, where adults cross proper boundaries and engage in inappropriate relationships with minors. 

 I spent time with Dr. Sherry Bithell, author of Educator Sexual Abuse, A Guide for Prevention in The Schools (Tudor House Publishing, 1991). Her book was cited in a U.S. Government study report on the issue. Her work helped me to understand how blurred the lines get in some situations and how often perpetrators are allowed to quietly resign and move to a new school, especially coaches. 

Nearly a year after I turned in my manuscript to my publisher, the Sandusky/Penn State situation hit the news—another sad reminder of how often people look the other way when a sports program is at risk. 

 I’m not necessarily a “soap-box” novelist. I have no agenda. But, I would not be sad if readers close the last page of MOTHER OF PEARL with more understanding and a desire to keep an eye out for our kids. 

Readers will be able to relate to this story on different levels. What do you hope readers will take away from it? 

People have many layers, and never more than in family dynamics and hard times. I’m intrigued with the coping mechanisms we employ to fill our empty places, the chasm only God can fill. 

When readers find themselves in the deep places in life, I hope they will think of Barrie Graeber and remember that life-changing circumstances can be conduits to His majesty.

 How does your faith impact your writing? 

St. Augustine tells my own faith story with this quote: “In my deepest wound, I saw your glory and it dazzled me.” 

I try to paint that sentiment on every page, but in a subtle manner. I want my books to appeal to all kinds of readers – those who sit on church pews and barstools alike. 

What’s your ideal writing environment? 

A quiet, organized place with lots of light streaming through the windows, Pachelbel’s Canon playing on the stereo, and a large glass of iced tea on a coaster next to my MAC. 

Did you have any expectations for your experience as a first-time novelist? 

Lots of hopes, but few expectations. I’d heard too many stories from other novelists to believe the publishing journey is a panacea. 

 I do long for readers to cry with Barrie, and cheer her on as she risks everything she holds dear to bring the coach to justice. 

Women are busy people and time is precious. Anyone who spends their hours immersed in the pages of my book is a treasure. I write for these readers, and I hope they find the time well spent. 

 What’s next for you? 

 I blog regularly at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com. Fun, light topics that only take a moment or two. (check out the post where I tell readers how I discovered a soup pot makes a great safety helmet during a tornado scare!) 

And, I’m currently working on a manuscript about a wealthy Texas socialite who loses her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle when her husband is arrested for cattle fraud.

Thank you Kellie for sharing.  Kellie has shared a Teaser from her book visit here.  It is a good one.   Be sure to check out Kellie's website.  Also be watching in Oct. for the book giveaway I'll be having for Kellie's book Mother of Pearl.