The Journey to Publication, Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Like most authors, my journey to publication was a long, long path filled with potholes (mistakes) and nuggets of gold (wisdom, guidance and acceptance).

I began writing over 30 years ago in 5 subject notebooks. Although I’d been an avid reader all of my life, my thoughts of how easy writing a book would be, quickly changed to how challenging it really is!

Oh the writing part is easy and for the most part, fun. However, writing isn’t all there is to this business….there’s editing, selling (or publishing) then promoting and marketing. And, when you write outside the norm, well, all of these aspects can make you want to throw in the towel and just chuck it all more often than not.

Alas, real writers don’t quit. Yeah, we make take a break or extended sabbatical but at some point we always return to our passion: Writing.

This journey has been filled with tears beyond measure and elation beyond description and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. In thirty-some-odd years I’ve published six novels, six short stories and more than sixty articles, essays and poems. In all of my adult life writing is the one “job” I’ve stuck with the longest.

What can I say?

I am a writer.

****

Not only is Pam a writer – she’s an acclaimed writer, and a real favorite of mine. Let’s take a look at Tempered Hearts, which is Book 1 of her Tempered Series!

Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel. 

Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them. 

It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

Tamera awoke in a mild state of panic and confusion. Glancing around, she realized where she was and who was beside her. A blush warmed her cheeks as she struggled to sit up. She released the filly and fumbled with the front of her gown.

“I couldn’t sleep.” she explained, glancing into the steel gray eyes. His gaze, soft and warm like liquid metal, made her blush harder as he brushed strands of hay out of her hair with a gentleness that seemed out of character.

Craig knew he was treading on dangerous ground, that people were expecting them, but couldn’t seem to get past the moment at hand. “I guess a kiss is out of the question,” he queried, his voice tender, gaze unwavering.

Emotions, raw and unfamiliar, shivered through her. Tamera attempted to scoot away from him, emitted a shaky little laugh and tried to quench the feelings escalating to frightening proportions. “A kiss? Why would you want a kiss? I didn’t think you even liked me.”

Craig wound his hand in her thick hair, stopping her movements. “Like has nothing to do with desire,” he moaned and crushed her to him as his mouth covered hers in a thorough kiss. “Absolutely nothing,” he assured as she clung to his shirt and trembled in his arms.

Purchase Links:

Kindle http://amzn.to/13V6uyI

Nook http://bit.ly/19C6Q5q

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9

****

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Connect with Pam at:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

Meet Karla Akins ~ The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots

This week I'm spotlighting a 'new-to-the-family' author at Pelican Book Group, Karla Akins. You're sure to love her, and her writing. Her book The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots has just released so I wanted to shine the spotlight on this gifted author! Leave a comment along with your contact info and you're entered to win a digital copy, so read on, and share the love!! Winner announced on Monday!!!


ABOUT KARLA AKINS

Karla Akins is a pastor's wife who rides her own motorcycle. She is the mother of four boys and one step-daughter, and grandmother of five. She lives in North Manchester with her husband who is the pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, her twin teenage boys with autism, mother-in-law with Alzheimer's and three rambunctious dogs. Karla and her husband have been in ministry together for 30 years. You can contact Karla for speaking engagements via her website at KarlaAkins.com

A CHAT WITH MARIANNE


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My earliest memory is writing on my chalkboard with either hand. I was ambidextrous and didn’t choose a hand until 1st grade when I chose my left for writing. (I still use my right for other things.) But my fifth grade teacher discovered some poems I wrote and to keep me from being so naughty (I was a notorious talker and liked to “help” teach) encouraged me to make booklets of them. She supplied me with construction paper to make covers. I was self-publishing before anyone knew what self-publishing was!

What books have most influenced you?
The Bible of course. But the fiction books that had the greatest influence were Christy by Catherine Marshall, and Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott. My mother read Tom Sawyer to me when I was very, very young and I loved that story, too. But I think Christy influenced me to do what I do today. I don’t think I’d have considered marrying a minister had I not read that book. Little Women spoke to the writer in me. I love that story and the character of Jo. The book, Little Men by Alcott meant a lot to me as the mother of four boys and one daughter. And I love stories set in the south, so Tom Sawyer is one of my all-time favorites. There are tons of books I’m fond of, though, not just these.

What book(s) are you reading now?
Colleen Coble’s Rosemary Cottage, Brad Thor’s Hidden Order, Dan Brown’s Inferno, Tom Threadgill’s not-yet-published, Hollow Target and a few nonfiction for research. I’m always reading more than one book at once. It’s weird that I love reading political thrillers but I have no interest, really, in writing them. Maybe someday, but I think you have to be immensely clever to pull them off well.

What are your current projects?
I’m finishing up my full-length historical, River Moon Don’t Cry about a Melungeon girl whose father gambles her off to a sex-trafficking, gambling steamboat. (Very different from Biker Boots. But don’t worry, there’s still some humor in it.) Also Marco Polo for my Brave Explorers Every Child Should Know series and a couple of others. I think it helps me to have more than one project going. I panic less if I get a little stuck on one of them. I’m also a full-time college student pursuing my degrees in Special Education.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Everything! I’m fairly new to writing novels so I’m constantly learning how to do it well. I’d like to get better at choreographing fight scenes. Even though I raised four boys, I’m just not that familiar with the mechanics of how guys fight. So I have to read a lot on that.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I’d like readers to come away with the message that we’re all valuable, we all have a purpose, and no matter our background and others’ backgrounds, Jesus died for all. As Christians we should embrace those who are different. Different doesn’t mean wrong, it just means different.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that God is in control, and that His purpose prevails. This is my very first full-length novel, so I also learned how to discipline myself, how to take criticism (from my crit partners who are lovely) and how to persevere.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Mainly the challenges were that I knew very little about the mechanics of novel writing, so I had a lot to learn. I had a good story idea, but didn’t know how to pull it off in a way that was marketable. I never could have sold it had I not had a critique group or attended writer’s conferences. As far as logistical, so much happened in my family during that time so I had to learn to keep writing through pain and chaos.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope they’ll enjoy the book and have a great ride while reading it. I’d love to hear from them! I love communicating with my readers. I’m fascinated by their thoughts and opinions. And I hope that they will be encouraged as Christians in this human race.


THE PASTOR'S WIFE WEAR'S BIKER BOOTS 

Pastor’s wife, Kirstie Donovan, lives life in a fishbowl, so when she hops on the back of a bright pink motorcycle, tongues start to wag at the conservative, century-old First Independent Christian Community Church of Eels Falls.

Kirstie loves roaring down a road less traveled by most women over forty, but she’s not just riding her bike for the fun of it. Kirstie has a ministry. However, certain church members have secrets to hide, and when God uses Kirstie’s ministry to fill the pews with leather-clad, tattooed bikers, those secrets could be exposed…and some will stop at nothing to hide the truth.

Join Kirstie and her motorcycle “gang”—two church matrons and a mouthy, gum-smacking non-church member—as they discover that road-toughened bikers are quite capable of ministering to others, and faith is fortified in the most unexpected ways.

Purchase Link: Pelican Book Group ~ Purchase Link: Amazon.Com ~ Purchase Link: Barnes & Noble




Good luck in the drawing, gang! Now, go forth and enjoy the ride!

Until next time ~ Blessings!

Mosey on Down to Heart's Crossing Ranch With Tanya Hanson!

Please welcome back to the blog a treasured friend and multi-dimensional writer, Tanya Hanson. Tanya writes in a number of genres, but always with a flair, and passion, for all things western (and all things cowboy!) She's got something for everyone - what's not to love?

Let's find out about Tanya, her writing, and her latest release, book six in the Heart's Crossing Ranch series - Angel Child!

First off, Tanya, what inspired you to write this book? What drove its creation?

It’s the sixth in a series. When I was asked for synopses for stories about the eight siblings of a Colorado ranch, I knew one of them would feature a little boy who is challenged by Angelman Syndrome, as is my godson.

I think that's what so appealing about your writing, you've witnessed and/or lived through a number of the circumstances you depict in your stories. They're so real and engaging! What’s a typical writing day like for you?

After a career teaching high school English, where I knew every second of every day where I’d be, I now enjoy being a free spirit LOL. Hubby is retired, and he still likes to hang out with me, even doing mundane things like grocery shopping or gardening. I nearly lost him to testicular cancer, so time with him is extra-precious. When the weather’s nice, I take my laptop outside and write on the patio, usually in the afternoon. I am soooo not a morning person.

When did you realize you were called to be a writer?

I think I’ve been writing stories in my head ever since I learned words. But the key moment was reading Little Women when I was eight years old. I knew then I’d someday be a writer. However, I waited far too long to try--until the kids went off to college. Sheesh.

What are you currently reading?

After seeing David McCullough interviewed on Sixty Minutes recently, I realized I need to finish John Adams! After that, it’ll be time for Finding Home. I so love London, Christmas, and you! It’s like the trifecta!

Oh, you sweet thing - what a wonderful compliment coming from someone I respect and admire so much! Here's a toughie: What’s item number one on your bucket list?

Watching an eagle fly. I’ve seen two wounded eagles close up at a rescue zoo, and nesting in ricks along the highway in Wyoming during our city slicker wagon train trip, but I want to see one soaring through the clouds.

That sounds awesome!! What’s your favorite comfort food?

Banana bread. My gramma made it best. She is my personal hero, a truly good woman.

What's coming up next for you?

Western historical romance. I am finishing two series I have going at The Wild Rose Press. I love the Old West setting and have Kansas hometeaders in my blood. MyAncestry.com is going to keep me busy--my resolution for 2013. Then I will probably try self-publishing with a full-length western historical inspirational I’m finishing up.

You're a busy lady - and we'll have lots to look forward to! Yay! Where and how can folks connect with you?

www.tanyahanson.com

www.petticoatsandpistols.com
www.goodchristiancowgirl.com
And my Facebook Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/ak5xqb5

A web-friend is helping me design www.goodchristiancowgirls.com [withgirls plural] so maybe I’ll garner a group of western gals to follow me someday!

I'll be the first in line, Tanya! Now, let's take a closer look at Angel Child - those Martin brothers - they sure are spectacular!

 

ANGEL CHILD BLURB:

Determined to get her life back on track, Mary Grace Gibson takes on a substitute-teaching job, grateful for the room and board offered at Hearts Crossing Ranch. The bustling family life helps her heal after abandonment by her ex. But her little boy’s serious disabilities make her cautious about revealing her secrets to anybody. Even Scott Martin, the handsome cowboy who’s fast stealing her heart.

Her former student now grown up, cowboy and graphic artist Scott Martin is instantly drawn to the beautiful single mom. She’s had some hard luck but never let go of her faith. Their age gap doesn’t fret him, and their kisses ignite his love. But as they fall for each other, Mary Grace’s lack of trust in him shatters his feelings, for he’s been down that broken trail before.

 

PURCHASE LINK:

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/angel-child

Tanya, congratulations on the release and God’s blessings on all that’s to come!! So glad you stopped by today!

Advance Praise for DEVOTION....

Sometimes it's tough to go 'all in' and pre-order a book based on nothing much more than the cover, or the blurb, or the author's reputation. Therefore, I thought I'd use this blog post to, hopefully, assure you about the powerful message being received by readers of my upcoming Harbourlight Books release, DEVOTION. Head to www.pelicanbookgroup.com or Amazon.com's Pre-Order Page and grab your copy today! DEVOTION will reach you in October. Meanwhile, check out my Facebook Reader Page and follow me on Twitter. In the months to come, I'll be giving you glimpses into Kellen & Juliet's story and I'll keep you up to date about exciting developments underway in conjunction with its release. Give it a go! Become DEVOTED!!

*****

Powerful. Emotional. Moving. Touching. Awakening. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I reflect on Devotion. Throughout this very true-to-life story, master story-teller, Marianne Evans, creates a believable and relatable situation between a husband and wife who have naturally become comfortable in their marriage . . . and the consequences of allowing the temptation of new passion to burn brighter than the flames of true love.


What struck me while reading this book is that while everyone enters a marriage with the best of intentions, no one is immune or above the throws of temptation. In fact, it’s usually in the area where we Christians are the strongest that Satan will try to sneak in and destroy us. Satan loves division, loves to tear the family apart, and too often he is successful.

However, this book also beautifully illustrates what restoration can occur when the mistakes and failures in our lives are completely turned over to Jesus. Through Him, true forgiveness happens and where families were once broken true healing occurs. Marianne Evans illustrates this truth so eloquently.

I recommend this book to anyone who is hungering for an amazing story of redemption from human weaknesses and the restoration of relationships that mean the most. I highly recommend this story to married couples to read together as a reminder of what is most important in life and how one moment of weakness can put it in jeopardy. But Devotion is a MUST READ for every couple struggling with the pain and betrayal of infidelity. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, THERE IS HOPE. Thank you, Ms. Evans, for sharing this hope with everyone who reads Devotion and for reminding your readers of the truth that true love really can conquer all. ~Jen Stephens, author of The Heart’s Journey Home and The Heart’s Lullaby

*****

Marianne Evans has written a touching story that will leave readers breathless. She has such a gift for the written word. ~ Mary Manners, Award winning author of Wisdom Tree, Tender Mercies, Light the Fire

*****

Marianne Evans has crafted an outstanding, beautifully written and compelling tale of love, loss and second chances. Devotion opens a window to see what can happen when you become complacent in your marriage. It shows the effects of not listening to God's still small voice. It spells out clearly that sin does not just affect the one committing it.


One verse that kept coming to mind while I was reading was Proverbs 23:7 'whatsoever a man thinks in his heart, so he is'. Don't entertain inappropriate thoughts! That's why the Bible is clear about guarding our hearts because out of it flow the issues of life.



Devotion is more than just a story, it's life-changing fiction and one I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It’s just what today’s world needs to hear. ~ Sherry Kuhn, Reviewer, Love2Read Novels

An Excerpt from DEVOTION.......

The church space sang to Juliet in a holy silence that wrapped around her like a welcome embrace. She knelt to pray, heedless of the fact that there were no kneelers in the pews of Trinity Christian. The hard tile floor felt good beneath her knees, and somehow grounding.

“God, what did I do wrong? We didn’t argue, we didn’t fight, we moved forward together in our marriage. Why did he leave it behind? How was that even possible for him? How did I fail him? And You?”

She sobbed openly, speaking the words aloud, heedless of being overheard. The space was empty anyhow. She laid her head on her folded hands trying desperately to bring herself to a new understanding of her life.

My promises are unchanging truth, and life. Your faith will save you. Go forward in peace, and be cured of your affliction.

The words, the glimpse of sacred Scripture, resounded through the entirety of her being. The decree swept through her with such power she went straight, tears drying on her cheeks as she blinked, and assimilated. Had she not already been on her knees, the summons would have knocked her there like the weakened heap of humanity she had become. She pondered. Go forward? In peace? How was she supposed to accomplish that? In prompt, near supernatural response, she received the answer.

Know that I am God, Juliet. Know that I am God.

She bowed her head, drained and empty, submitting herself as best she could. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed down the main aisle.

“Juliet?”

The call jarred her. She whipped her head around and gasped at what she saw. Kellen.

Kellen?

Did she simply think his name, or had she spoken it aloud? Stunned and overwrought, Juliet scrambled to her feet. In an untidy spin, she faced her husband. Just as quickly, she went weak, sinking onto the pew just a second or two after standing. She didn’t need a mirror to tell her that her makeup was smeared and her hair was a mess. She knew by the heat in her cheeks that her face was flushed; her eyes were probably red from crying. Kellen’s alarmed expression confirmed every one of her suspicions.

"Juliet, are you OK? Please talk to me. This is driving me crazy. What’s happened to you, love?”

Love. The use of that endearment caused her stomach to churn. Anger rose and obliterated everything else. “Don’t.” Kellen’s confusion intensified. “I mean it, Kellen. Do not call me that again. Not ever again!” She bit off the words; their bitter taste filled her mouth.

He reared back. Although he hesitated for a moment, he eased into the pew next to her. A mask of sorts, protective and inscrutable, now shaded his eyes. He didn’t speak. He waited on her, keeping to his corner of the pew. Juliet simmered and seethed. Just as quickly, though, the anger fled, washed away by a wave of sadness that stretched clear through to every cell in her body.

"This moment is killing me, Kellen, on so many levels. I’ve dreamed about it since the day we married, imagining it to be bursting with joy and anticipation. Instead, it’s breaking my heart."

“What moment? What happened?” Generally fearless and confident, Kellen regarded her now in open trepidation. “I have no idea what to do to hel—”

"I’ll never have another chance to say this to you for the first time,” Juliet interjected, “or share this moment with you the way I had always envisioned. I’m pregnant, Kellen. I’m pregnant.”

A mix of emotions swept across his face. Disbelief came first, erased quickly by joy, then the most crushing visual of all: his love, intimate and rich. It had once made her feel so precious. Despite her vocal firestorm, his reaction was everything she had prayed for. This moment should have made her heart soar. Instead, she was shattered.

“You seem shocked.” The words came out sounding waspish. Juliet hated that fact, but couldn’t escape the rage and heartbreak. The venom inside her needed release.

“I’m very happily shocked.” His response came fast, but sincere. “We’ve wanted this for so long, I’m thrilled—no wonder you’ve been feeling—”

"I’m sure you’ll remember the night it happened.” Juliet cut him off once more. “It was spontaneous and heated and wonderful. Remember? There were no thoughts of anything else but each other. Or so I had believed. But if you do the math, you’ll realize we conceived the night you met Chloe Havermill.”

Kellen went pale.

PRE-ORDER PURCHASE LINK:

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover

Enter Coupon Code: FALLPREVIEW 2012 to receive 30% off!!

Click on the video trailer to the right and enjoy yet another introduction to the world of DEVOTION!

Cover Art for Devotion

And a work of art is exactly what this is. Check out the cover for my upcoming Harbourlight release - it took my breath away, it's so gorgeous!! Let me know what you think, and for more on Devotion, please check out my previous post! I'm thrilled, and I can't wait until you get to read it!

JoAnn Carter, and Explorations of a Paradox

Welcome to A Minute With Marianne, JoAnn Carter!

JoAnn is a woman I've been blessed to call friend ever since I first heard about White Rose Publishing. She's a multi-published author of inspirational Christian romance, and she has a new release out with Desert Breeze Publishing called Paradox. I can't wait to read it!

For now, though, let me sit back and sip my java while I give you all a chance to meet this lovely lady, and hear even more about her work and where to find her!

JoAnn, the floor is all yours!

This morning while I was lying in bed in the early pre-dawn I heard a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not today. Today was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing! God used two rather "ordinary" things to create and extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace.

Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

This sends Goosebumps up my spine as I think about it. It's a paradox and truly a God thing. Especially since this word, paradox, has been near and dear to my heart. In fact, I kid you not; this is the very title of the book that I wanted to share with you today. Yet, perhaps paradox is not a word you're familiar with, so let me explain. Paradox is flowers on snow, joy in the midst of trials, compassion for others as your own heart breaks. It's what many of us just celebrated, Easter-- Jesus laying down his life for me, someone sinful and undeserving. It's victory and life born out of death and suffering.

Through this experience, God reminded me that He delights in using those ordinary things to accomplish His marvelous purposes. And that's super news! If He can use Fishermen, tax collectors, birds, and thunderstorms, I know He can use me—a very average, ordinary person to do extraordinary things for Him. Perhaps you're feeling "ordinary" today. Take heart, it's through that very thing that God can show His creativity, His power, and even His love just like He did for me in the midst of this early mornings storm.

***************************************************

A CONTEST TO HELP CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF PARADOX:

Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)

How? Help JoAnn spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 5/26/11.

--

JoAnn Carter writes stories that will encourage your faith through inspirational fiction novels and novellas. She resides in Vermont with her wonderful husband and four children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministries events, school events, and church retreats.

Find her here:

Visit JoAnn's Web site

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook

JoAnn's Blog

--

JoAnn, thanks so much for your visit today - it's been a treat!!

Be sure to pick up a copy of Paradox today @ http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

Watch the trailer here ~ http://youtu.be/mnOQeNeQuUE

A new release - just in time for Easter

Will a quest for the truth lead him to a miracle -
and the love of a lifetime?

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit...until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit. But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God's call toward faith and all of its mysteries.

Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth - hyperbole. To Sandy, it's everything - and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves.

Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relatinship from shattering?

EXCERPT

"I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That's part of why I love you so much. I'm torn in two about my feelings for you." Sandy's declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts. "Your reporter's instinct toward autenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There's nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths."

"Like God."

"Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight to with both hands."

She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul. Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight's event - out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet, here they were - together - out of a frustrated sense of love.

And if he wasn't mindful of her beliefs, she'd step away from him.

Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back. "I'll keep an open mind, OK?"

She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. "Keep an open heart. That's much more important."

Everybody Loves A Winner!!!

Whew!!

My month-long blog tour to announce the arrival of Hearts Surrender has come to a close, and I'm delighted to announce the prize winners! These are folks who left comments at one of the wonderful blogs I visited this past month! Prizes were awarded, via e-mail and blog notice, just a little while ago. Hope you enjoy!

Drum-roll please!!!!!

Miss Mae - $10 to White Rose Publishing - For visiting Regina Andrews blog!!
Rebecca Booth - $10 to Amazon.com - For visiting the Inspirational E Books blog!!
Rebeka Stowe - Autographed copy of Hearts Surrender - For visiting Tanya Stowe's blog!!

Congratulations, Miss Mae, Rebecca and Rebeka - and thanks to everyone who paid visits, offered love, support and encouragement. It means far more than these mere gifts can ever express.

Until next time ~ Blessings!

Marianne

The Hearts Surrender Tour!

Throughout the month of September, I'm blog touring to announce and support the release of Hearts Surrender. Join me, won't you, at the following locations? Those who comment on any of the blogs listed below will be entered in a contest to win:

1. A $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing

2. A $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com

3. An autographed print edition of Hearts Surrender

The three winners will be announced here on September 30th at the end of the tour - so stay tuned!

JoAnn Carter

September 03 2010

http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/

Dawn Roberto (Love Romances & More)

September 06 2010

http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/

Regina Andrews

September 07 2010

http://reginaandrews.wordpress.com/

Robin Bayne

September 08 2010

http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com/

Mary Manners

September 09 2010

http://marymannersromance.com/

Holly Hewson (The Romance Studio)

September 09 2010
http://theromancestudio.com/party

Clare Revell

September 11 2010

http://telscha.blogspot.com/

Therese Travis

September 13 2010

http://theresetravis.net/

Tanya Stowe

September 15 2010

http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/

Gina Welborn

September 15 2010

http://www.inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/

Delia Latham

September 17 2010

http://my-book-bag.blogspot.com/

Mary Eason

September 18 2010

http://www.maryeason.blogspot.com/

Casey Herringshaw

September 20 2010

http://encourageanauthor.blogspot.com/

Book Discussion-White Rose Readers Group
September 20-24 2010

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhiteRosePublishing/

Carol Ann Erhardt

September 29 2010

http://www.carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/

Shawna Williams

September 22 2010
http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/

Each comment earns you an entry, and here's a bonus - comment here, and that counts as well!!

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy Hearts Surrender! It's an awesome story of finding love and God's grace in the most unlikely - but wonderful - of places!

God bless!

Marianne