Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away three great books:

Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts ~ A heart-warming contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas where a former rodeo queen abandons her dreams in order to care for her deceased father's ranch and her two half-siblings, only to realize with the help of a young new pastor that God can turn even the most dire circumstances into seeds of hope. Spanning the Seasons of the Tallgrass, each story in this series reveals the struggle of the people who live there and the dreams they have for the land until they come full-circle in a never-ending cycle, just as man comes full-circle in his understanding of God.

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Latter-day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott ~ When rebellious Utah socialite, Kirsten Young, is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story, which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved, several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last. Meanwhile, Sedonnah is distracted by her mother's onset of Alzheimer's and her sudden attraction to the mysterious Salt Lake City police chief who is investigating the murder. Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah's cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife, Eliza, is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised' Could the murderer be asking the same questions' And most importantly, will they be able to stop him before he commits his biggest crime, taking out a Mormon landmark and dozens of sightseers'?

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The Mormon Mirage by Latayne Scott ~ Latayne Scott is a gifted writer with a thorough knowledge of Mormonism. The book is filled not only with excellent information, but keen analysis. Moreover, she demonstrates genuine kindness and empathy toward Latter-day Saints, based on her positive experiences growing up in the LDS Church...The additional material provides excellent insight into current trends and problematic issues facing the Mormon world. Ms. Scott is very tuned in to the current climate, and she addresses all of the key issues and debates. People often ask me to recommended books on Mormonism. This one has risen to the top of my list. --Ross Anderson, author of Understanding the Book of Mormon

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A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith ~ To receive her inheritance and make peace with her late mother, Kelli Jackson must abide by the woman's will. Even though it means working as a zookeeper for six months—with animals that terrify her. How can she possibly explain her fears—and her past—to her handsome boss, Jason Andover? The glimpses of kindness— and painful secrets—she sees in his eyes slowly have her sharing everything. But then she makes a startling discovery—one that may tear them apart forever. Unless she can return the gift of love he's given her.

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Winners will be announced on Saturday, 05/15/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith

Chapter 1

Of all the ways she could have chosen to spend a Thursday morning, attending a stranger’s memorial service wasn’t at the top of Kelli Jackson’s list.

Especially when that stranger was her own mother.

Kelli faced the front of the open-air amphitheater clasping a completely dry tissue in her lap and trying to ignore the curious glances being cast her way. Apparently everybody wanted to get a glimpse of the outsider who claimed to be Lillian Mitchell’s daughter. As people had filed toward their seats among the rows of semi-circular wooden benches in the moments before the service began, more than one puzzled whisper reached her ears.

“I never knew Lillian had any family. Did you?”

“Can’t say as I did. Looks like her, though. Wonder why Lil never talked about her.”

Kelli kept her face schooled in the detached, professional mask she wore when preparing a tax return for a new client. Wouldn’t do to show dismay at the humiliating affirmation that her mother hadn’t even cared enough to mention to those she worked with that she’d given birth to a daughter twenty-six years before. As person after person stepped up to the podium on the center of the stage to recall incidents from Lillian’s life, Kelli’s gaze kept stealing to the table where the polished wooden box holding her mother’s ashes rested, a single vase of flowers beside it.

The deep roar of a lion exploded in the distance, and a wave of gooseflesh rose along Kelli’s bare arms as the primeval cry reverberated in the air around her. The sound echoed across the years from childhood nightmares she’d thought safely forgotten long ago.

What am I doing here, Lord? This is no place for me.

The man standing behind the podium paused in his tribute and raised his head to listen until the roar died away. His smile swept the crowded amphitheater.

“Apparently Samson would like to speak a few words on Lillian’s behalf. He always was an attention hog.”

The crowd’s chuckle held an indulgent tone. Obviously Samson was a favorite among the mourners. Kelli shifted on the rough wooden bench.

“Actually, it’s fitting that Samson be included in this service to honor Lillian. She dedicated her life to making sure that he and the rest of the animals here at Cougar Bay Zoological Park receive nothing but excellent care and the highest quality of life.”

Of course she did. Kelli’s lips tightened, despite her efforts to keep her expression impassive. She cared more for those zoo animals than she did her own child.

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Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises
Copyright © 2010 by Virginia Smith

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

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A BB Tip...

Be sure to check out the Writing/Craft page this week. Sandra has started an interesting discussion on the problem of backstory.

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Author Interview ~ Virginia Smith

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes fiction in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. She and her husband divide their time between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for “research trips” (or so she says) to scuba dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.VirginiaSmith.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ginny.p.smith.

When did you decide to be a writer?

Not until my mid-twenties. Fiction has been a part of my life since before I could read. I devoured stories all through my childhood and teens, so it seemed like a natural step to write it. Reading fiction is like the difference between wading in the shallow end of the pool, and writing is like submerging yourself in the deep end. I love it!

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

I love critiques, so that was a hard step for me. I think I wore out my critique partners, though. When I started publishing several books a year, I felt like a leech to ask for critiques three times a year. So with my sixth published novel, I took the plunge and turned it in without having anyone else read it first. I do still run my first chapters through my critique group, though.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I have to be disciplined, or I won’t get anything done. When I have a book contract, I write every day, beginning after breakfast and ending when it’s time to cook dinner. Of course I take breaks for lunch and to go to the gym and check email in the afternoon.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

My husband and I love to scuba dive, so we try to take a few trips every year. For shorter escapes, we ride motorcycles in good weather. (I’m strictly a passenger.)

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

I have a different “favorite novel” every month! But one that stands out in my mind as an all-time favorite is a sci-fi/fantasy novel called The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. The setting was so vivid I felt like I was living on another planet. The characters were incredibly realistic, and their struggles relatable. They became real people in my mind. And the story itself was compelling from the beginning to the end. There’s a time travel twist in there that I absolutely loved. I’ve read the book about a dozen times, but not in several years. To be honest, I’m afraid to read it now that I’ve learned so much about the mechanics of writing. What if it isn’t as good as I remember? I’d rather keep the memory intact!

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Reading a great novel challenges me. It makes me want to stir the same emotions in my readers that the author stirred in me. I do try to analyze the techniques the author used to create the story, and then apply them to my story. For example, when I read Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins, I realized that she deepened the villain’s character and added suspense tremendously by giving the reader a peek into his personal life. Of course I’ve learned in workshops to avoid ‘cookie cutter bad guys,’ but Crimson Eve was a perfect example of one way to do it. Now I approach my characterization of my bad guys differently.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Kelli Jackson can’t imagine anything worse than becoming a zookeeper. Unless it’s working for Jason Andover, the handsome man who might -- or might not -- have wormed his way into her estranged mother’s affections in order to steal Kelli’s inheritance. But her mother is still trying to ruin Kelli’s life, even from the grave. She has to hold the job for six months, or walk away from her inheritance and, more importantly, the chance to finally understand the mother who never loved her.

Jason wants to comply with his former boss’s dying wish and help Kelli face the fears that haunt her from the past. But how can he, when she won’t tell him why she’s so terrified of lions? Besides, if she gives up, his beloved animals will benefit from the inheritance Kelli forfeits. Seems like an easy choice. He just never expected to fall in love with her.

Where did you get your inspiration for A DAUGHTER’S LEGACY?

I’ve always loved zoos, ever since my first visit with my grandfather when I was a child. In fact, I’ve harbored a secret desire to work in a zoo, but never had the opportunity. So this book was a way to realize that dream in a way. And I did get to work as a zookeeper for a day at the Utah Hogle Zoo while I researched the book. It was a blast!

Which character is most like you?

Kelli is probably the most like me, because she’s more than a little stubborn and she’s carrying around a lot of pain from an incident in her childhood. She has to ‘face her lion,’ so to speak, and I’ve had to do that.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Aw, you know I can’t play favorites! I can’t choose between Jason and Kelli, so I’ll tell you my favorite secondary character is Raul, the surly zookeeper who teaches Kelli how to care for the animals. He’s abrasive to people, but he shows a tender, caring side to the animals he loves. I liked developing his relationship with Kelli.

Did you know how A DAUGHTER’S LEGACY would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I knew the ending would turn out happy, of course. It’s a romance novel, so of course the guy and the girl are going to end up together. What I didn’t realize is how Jason’s relationship with his daughter would mirror Kelli’s relationship with her mother. That developed during the writing process, and it was so utterly perfect I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it all along.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

We all have ‘lions’ we have to face. Avoiding them doesn’t work; that just stops us from moving forward. But we have an all-powerful God who specializes in conquering the lions in our lives.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

Most of my marketing is focused online these days. I’ve sent review copies to some faithful reviewers. I’m doing interviews (like this one!) to get the word out. I’m doing tons of giveaways on my website so people can win a free copy of the book.

I do book signings, too. Last month, before A Daughter’s Legacy was released, I participated in a book festival, and I put a big photo of the cover on my table with a note saying, “Watch for my new release in May!” Lots of people asked about it. Since the book is available in Walmart and grocery stores (wherever Harlequin romances are sold), it’s going to be easily accessible. I hope show them the book cover so they’ll recognize it when they’re shopping!

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

In October, I have an exciting book coming out. Into the Deep is a romantic suspense novel with a scuba diving theme. It’s set partly in Key West and partly in Cozumel, Mexico. I’ve always said I wanted to do a book that lets me write about my passion for diving, and this is it.

Also, I just finished the manuscript for a new romantic suspense that will be out in early 2011 called A Deadly Game. It’s a fun but suspenseful book about a deadly scavenger hunt.

My next project is a book I’ll be co-authoring with bestselling author Lori Copeland. I’m so excited about this book! The details are being worked out now, so I don’t want to say too much, but it’s going to be great.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Join a critique group and start getting feedback on your work. I really do think my critique partners taught me how to write a piece of publishable fiction. Plus, you will start to build a network of support and fellowship, something we all need in this crazy industry.

Links to purchase:

Support your local bookseller! If you don’t see A Daughter’s Legacy on the shelf, ask them to order it. Or purchase online at:

Amazon.com

CBD.com
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Want more? Stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith.

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Author Interview ~ Latayne C. Scott

Latayne C. Scott is author of 15 published books, including the recently-released Latter-day Cipher: A Novel (Moody Publishers) and The Mormon Mirage: A Former Member Looks at the Mormon Church Today (Zondervan). She is the recipient of the Distinguished Christian Service Award by Pepperdine University for “Creative Christian Writing.” She has published hundreds of magazine articles and has also won national awards and contests for poetry, humor and radio plays.

When did you decide to be a writer?

In a way, writing chose me. As part of a school assignment when I was in the third grade, I wrote an essay on fire prevention that my teacher entered into a local contest. I won five dollars and have been a professsional writer ever since.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

I don’t know how to answer this without sounding prideful: I don’t feel personal pride in the fact that God has given me a kind of writing gyroscope that keeps me steady. I know that’s an unearned gift He could withdraw at any time. Writing has always been natural to me, exhilarating and satisfying. But in some ways like Paul who had a thorn in his flesh that kept him from becoming prideful, I have very vocal critics who hate what I write and why I write it. My sense of calling from God helps me ride along above those waves of criticism.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

That depends on whether I have a deadline or not. I’ll work all night on adrenaline if I do. Unfortunately I let distractions keep me from being as productive when I don’t have a deadline. (Maybe I’ll live longer that way.)

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

We live in a beautiful wooded area in central New Mexico. I love being outdoors. I also love thrift stores. And grandchildren. And our two children who gave us the grandchildren.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Oh, absolutely reading others’ work helps me. It stimulates my creativity. It refreshes my mind. And in one case, reading a book actually brought me out of a three-week slump when I wasn’t able to write a word. That book was Liars’ Club by Mary Karr. She described the quirky people in her childhood and it made me think of odd things that happened to me when I was a child. Once I wrote down one of those incidents it was like the dry pump had been primed and I was back to writing, stronger than ever.

You recently released a book called The Mormon Mirage. Can you tell us about it?

What would you do if you woke up tomorrow morning and had been convinced beyond a shadow of any doubt that the God you’d worshipped, served, and to whom you had brought others, did not exist?

For ten years, I was a faithful and very happy Mormon. I was devastated to learn that its founder Joseph Smith was a deceiver and that its “scriptures” could be definitely shown to be of human origin; but even more hurt by the knowledge that its formerly-human “Heavenly Father” god did not exist.

This book is the result of years of research and investigation. It has hundreds of footnotes and an extensive bibliography so people can follow up on what I have written. It is also in audiobook (15 hours long!) and was just this week released as an expanded e-book, with two new chapters that don’t appear in the print edition.

The first part of the book deals with LDS history and doctrine, while the second part examines the new issues facing the church in the 21st century, such as those of race, gender, and dissidents. It has gotten excellent reviews, and many of them comment on the lack of bitterness I show in the book.

Where did you get your inspiration for The Mormon Mirage?

It’s true that this book was released recently, but as a major revision and update of its first edition which I wrote when I first left the Mormon church years ago.

As incredible as it might sound, a Christian author I met at a book signing contacted a publisher because she thought my story needed to be told. The rest, as they say, is history.

What special challenges did you face writing this book?

One thing I did before finishing this revision and update was to go away to a town in another state. There I attended LDS church services and read only Mormon materials for a week. I immersed myself back into that world so that I could be absolutely certain I wanted to put myself into critics’ crosshairs again, and that I was being fair in my depiction of the church I once dearly loved. (And still miss, by the way.)

Can you give some advice to people considering leaving the Mormon church?

I was recently interviewed by a site called Ex-Mormon Scholars Testify. http://exmormonscholarstestify.org/latayne-scott.html I would urge anyone who has the courage to face the difficult issues that I faced, read this.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

About the time that The Mormon Mirage was published by Zondervan, Moody Publishers also published my first novel, Latter-day Cipher, also about Mormonism, a murder mystery. Not everyone learns in the same way – some people learn by reading facts and history, and others through story. I wrote the novel to speak to people’s hearts about how satisfying Mormonism is and what lengths people will go to, in order to show their loyalty to the Mormon Church and its members.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I think that my blog, Latayne.com, is a helpful, ongoing resource for people. It has what may be the most complete list of links to other sites about Mormonism on the Internet. And I constantly add to the “365 Reasons I Won’t Return to Mormonism” with new items of news or insight from other ex-Mormons too. I don’t think of this site as a marketing tool as much as an additional resource with tons of information for people who may or may not want to buy any of my books.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I call my WIP—with the title A Conspiracy of Breath --my first-first-second book. That is, it is written in the first person, and it’s about a first-century character, and it’s my second novel. Its premise is that a woman wrote one of the books in the New Testament, and it explores what it might have been like for a woman to have received revelation from God. I believe this will be the signature book of my life, and I’m nearly done with it. Or maybe it’s nearly done with me.

I’ve also got a proposal in to my agent, Janet Grant, for a book where I interview 9 other people who have left the Mormon church, asking them for advice for Christians and others who want to understand Mormons and reach them with the truth.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I am very grateful for the professionals in my life who help me write better. The authors at NovelMatters are wonderful advocates and cheerleaders. Everyone should have supportive writer friends – if you don’t have any, find some. Give to them and they will give to you a hundredfold. I am grateful for my agent, Janet Grant.

And I am grateful to editors. I often hear writers talking as if they feel that they are in an adversarial relationship with editors. I have never felt that way. Think of an editor this way: An editor is the one who tells you there is spinach on your teeth, just before you sit for the only portrait that may survive you.

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My Web sites:

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http://www.latayne.com
Blogging with five other upmarket Christian fiction writers at http://novelmatters.blogspot.com
Theological writings at http://www.representationalresearch.com
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Latayne is giving away a copy of her BOTH of her books, The Mormon Mirage and Latter-day Cipher. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Debut Author ~ Deborah Vogts

Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they raise and train American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I wanted to write books since high school and studied English and journalism in college, but it wasn’t until 2002 that I began taking serious steps to get to the goal. I joined a local writer’s group and ACFW, (an online writing organization). I also joined a critique group, started reading writing how-to’s and attended writing conferences.

I met my first agent at the ACFW Nashville Conference in 2005. We hit it off at our meeting, and she gave me some tips on making my book series “bigger.” I did that and submitted my idea to her and she took me on. We shopped my Seasons of the Tallgrass series for a year and had a few bites (one of them Zondervan) but no sale. In the end, she released me, which was a real heart breaker. However, we don’t always see the big picture like God does, and six months later I signed with agent, Rachelle Gardner with WordServe Literary, and we had an offer from Zondervan three months after that in May 2008.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Don’t give up. Keep dreaming, studying the craft, writing and reading. Stay tuned to what God wants for you and let scripture keep you afloat. Learn to depend on God for everything—every step of the journey. Just knowing that He is in charge and knows what is best for you, helps to alleviate the pressure of “getting published” so that you’re able to ENJOY the journey AND life.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

I’ve been surprised at how much time marketing takes. As aspiring authors, we’re told that you have to market, and yes, that it takes a lot of your time, but oh my goodness . . . I never quite expected it to take so much time from my writing schedule. I had always thought that I was good at multi-tasking, but when it comes to marketing and writing, I have to do one or the other—I haven’t figured out a good way to do them both. Maybe the best idea is to set aside one or two days a week to do “only marketing.” I’m not sure…I’m still working on that one. LOL

One other thing that has surprised me is how incredibly honored I feel to receive “fan mail.” That is something I never equated into the “author picture.” I LOVE getting letters or emails from my readers. That has been such a huge blessing to me.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I’ve had to learn to be disciplined with my writing time—and I’m still trying to learn how to do better—and how to convince my family that my writing is a real job. I’ve been fortunate that my books have been slated a year apart, but with everything that goes into the writing process and then the marketing, the months go by so fast!

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I like to take walks with our two golden retrievers or dig in the dirt in my flower beds or garden. Or even mow! I am weird in that I LIKE to mow. We have a large yard, so it takes me about two hours on an industrial-sized mower, but I enjoy this time to just think or sing. LOL. Yes, I sometimes sing when I mow. It’s also a good time for me to pray or to plot out scenes in my current writing project. Other than that, I enjoy playing the piano, baking something (I love to bake) or reading a good book! Oh the joys. :-)

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

There are two books I especially enjoyed – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and Peace like a River by Leif Enger. I like books that captivate me, have a lyrical voice, and that have strong characterization—books that leave you thinking about the characters for many days after you’ve read the book. Both of these books did that for me.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

It’s one of the best ways to improve your writing craft, so read excellent books. Study them and try to figure out what makes great scenes work, or why a particular phrase sounds so delicious on your tongue, why an opening grabbed you, or an ending left you longing for more. I’ve heard of writers who highlight books during the learning process. I’ve never done this—yet.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Seeds of Summer is the second book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series. A heart-warming contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas where a former rodeo queen abandons her dreams in order to care for her deceased father’s ranch and her two half-siblings, only to realize with the help of a young new pastor that God can turn even the most dire circumstances into seeds of hope.

Where did you get your inspiration for the Seasons of the Tallgrass series & Seeds of Summer?

Years ago, I took a Flint Hills Folklife summer course at Emporia State University that was taught by Dr. Jim Hoy. Along with classroom study, we took field trips into the heart of the Flint Hills and visited with old-time ranchers, schoolmarms and post-mistresses. It was such a delightful experience, especially our drives into the pastures. We would get on these back roads and drive over pasture guards into the open range. We would travel for miles without seeing another car or even an electric line—just pure, native prairie. That summer, I fell in love with the Flint Hills and it has stayed with me all this time.

For each of the seasonal books, I wanted to portray one aspect found in the Flint Hills—and I knew I had to include a story about a female rancher. Also because I have three daughters who are spread out in age, I started wondering what it would be like if something happened to my husband and I, and our oldest daughter was left to care for her sisters. It helped make the plot for Seeds of Summer real for me.

Which character is most like you?

None of them, really. I would have to say that Natalie is most like my oldest daughter, Samantha. Very strong, courageous and dependable.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I really enjoyed writing Natalie’s story and trying to get her through the difficult family problems she must face. She is a very strong character with an interesting twist in her story—she’s a former Miss Rodeo Kansas AND the first runner up Miss Rodeo America. I don’t want to give away any of the plot line, but I can say that much of my research involved studying the rodeo queen pageants.

Did you know how Seeds of Summer would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

For the longest time, I didn’t know how to end my story. Then about a month before my deadline, it came to me like a clanging cymbal. Also, there were a few plot twists created by my secondary characters—Libby and Tom—who never wanted to go in the direction I’d outlined for them. I don’t want to give away the story, so you’ll have to read the book to find out. :-)

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

I’d like readers to remember how important family relations are and that we can get through our difficulties if we remember to love and forgive each other. I also hope to give my readers a taste of the Flint Hills and of how God’s beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

We’ve actually had some really neat things happen for the marketing of this second book. First, Country magazine (Reiman Publications) interviewed me for their April/May issue, which was an incredible blessing and honor, as I’ve been a huge fan of their publications for years. If you go to their site, you can read a sample from the first chapter of Seeds of Summer as well as enter your chance to win one of my books. This drawing ends May 31. The link is http://www.country-magazine.com/

Also, I will be holding my official book launch at the Flint Hills PRCA Rodeo in Strong City, KS on June 4-5 and will be giving away some really nice prizes at this event. Because my main character is a former rodeo queen, I thought it quite fitting to hold my launch at the Oldest Consecutive Rodeo in KS.

What has worked well for me with this particular series is to understand your target group readers and to work to get promotion around those themes. For me that has been readers who like horses, cowboys, ranching, country life, Kansas, rodeo, etc.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I’m currently finishing up the third book in the series, Blades of Autumn, which is the story about Clara, the owner of Clara’s Café.

(Blurb for Book #3) With a café to run and three children to raise, Clara Lambert doesn’t have time for men or loneliness, despite what her heart might tell her. When two handsome cowboys vie for her attention, one of the brothers proves to be her soul mate, but at what cost? Will it tear the brothers’ relationship apart or is blood really thicker than water?

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Keep smiling, stay faithful to God and to yourself, and enjoy the moments He gives you . . .

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To learn more about Deborah and her work, visit her at:

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http://www.deborahvogts.com

http://www.deborahvogts.blogspot.com

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Deborah is giving away a copy of her book, Seeds of Summer. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Sunday Devotional

Part of Max’s charm is his absolute, unconditional faithfulness.

He attends me everywhere I go. When I go into the living room, he follows. When I wake in the middle of the night, he wakes, and his eyes remained fixed to me until my head returns to the pillow. When I rise to go into the kitchen to prepare a meal, he sits beside me at the stove. Even when I go into the bathroom, Max lies next to the door and waits until I finish. He’s like a long, low shadow.

It is from watching his display that I understand a little bit of God’s faithfulness toward us…and I understand a little bit of what it means to be faithful to God.

God is so worthy, so deserving of my undying devotion, and yet it is He who is faithful. He goes with me everywhere I go. He watches over me as I sleep, and sits beside me when I wake. I am in His every thought, and it is for me that He sent His Son to die.

What would my life be like were I to live every moment in utter faithfulness to my heavenly Father? Though I have not yet learned it fully, I intend to spend the rest of my finding out.
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Deuteronomy 7:8-10 (New International Version)

8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. 10 But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him.

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