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June 23, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Books to Movies: With God All Things Are Possible

Books to Movies

With God All Things Are Possible

When I became a novelist there was a comment that I received often, but one I didn’t expect.

“Wow,” readers would tell me. “This novel would make a great movie!”

That’s something a novelist likes to hear, but it carries as much weight as when your son hits a home run for the first time. “Wow, your boy’s going to be in the Big Leagues.” It’s a nice dream, but the reality of that happening is so slim.

The thing I like about God is that He likes slim odds!

Guy and Amber Lia at the Moms' Night Out Premiere — Guy and Amber Lia at the Moms’ Night Out Premiere

Over a year ago my friend Courtney from Women Living Well connect me with Amber Lia. Amber is an awesome blogger at Mother of Knights. Amber and her husband Guy are founders and producers at Storehouse Media Group. They are amazing and talented people. We connected our dreaming-big and currently Guy and Amber are shopping some of my novel ideas around Hollywood. While there is no guarantee that a movie will result in their efforts, they are getting great feedback!

I’m blessed to work closely with these amazing people and I was honored to visit their home when I was in LA in April. I truly consider them friends and I’m praying for all their efforts to bring quality Christian movies to the television and big screen–not just mine.

Also when I was in LA, Guy, Amber and I were able to pitch to one of the executives at Hallmark. He seemed interested in our idea, so we’ll see where that goes!

Amber Lia and Tricia Goyer — Amber Lisa and Tricia Goyer

Do you like the idea of some of your favorite books being make into movies?

I encourage you to pray for Guy and Amber Lia and others in Hollywood who are working hard to make that happen. There is so much that needs to happen behind the scenes before a book is transformed to the big screen. Pray for all those who are involved in the process. Consider it YOUR part in helping God’s messages of hope to reach a wider audience!

Hollywood may seem like a tough market to penetrate, but with God all things are possible! And your prayers are needed!

The thing I like about God is He likes slim odds! @TriciaGoyer

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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May 7, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 33 Comments

5 Things I Learned from Writing ‘Moms’ Night Out’

Do you have a dream that you don’t dwell on long because the idea of it coming true seems so unattainable? I’ve had a dream like that. It’s seeing one of my novels make it to the big screen, and on May 9th that’ll be happening!

Well, to clarify, I wrote the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. That means they sent me an “almost complete” copy of the movie, and I wrote a novel from it. Yet even though I didn’t come up with the concept, there so much of “me” in this book. And more that what I gave to the project, I’m blessed by what I was given, too.

Here are 5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

1. Sometimes God gives you the desires of your heart even when they don’t look like what you think they do. Writing this book made me feel special. It’s as if God knew how much I’d love this project, and He honored me with it. He showed me He knows my heart even better than I do. He knew what would bring me great joy.

2. Sometimes God uses past struggles to encourage people we’ll never meet. The main characters of Moms’ Night Out are a teen mom, a ministry mom, and an overwhelmed mom. I’ve been all three! How crazy that I was able to share the struggles and journeys of each of these characters, mainly because they were my story, too.

3. Sometimes fictional stories hit our hearts deep. I’m not too proud to admit that I cried in this movie a number of times. Yes, it’s a comedy, but there are also heart messages that hit deep. The most important one is, “Mom, you are enough.” I’m getting teared up just thinking about it.

4. Sometimes you think a project is about one thing, but it’s actually about something else. Yes, I loved working on this book, but the new friends I’ve made along the way are amazing! Because of working on this project I’ve found heart-friends that I won’t trade for anything. (I’m pointing at YOU, Kerri Pomarolli!) I’ve often found that the people I get to work with are a bonus beyond the projects! Have you found the same?

5. Sometimes moms need a break . . . and they just need someone to get the ball rolling for the fun to start. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve just gone out with mom-friends. After watching this movie, I realized I needed to do this more. I might have gone a little over the top because I’ve rented a whole theater for my girlfriends to watch Moms’ Night Out with me. (A little over the top.) All I can say is that it’ll be great to be surrounded by 148 dear ladies (and a few brave gentlemen). And no popcorn fights, please!

What about you? Do you need time out with friends? I highly recommend Moms’ Night Out, to be released on May 9. (Find a theater near you, here.)

Also, friend, don’t be afraid to talk to God about the desires of your heart. Yes, there are some things that seem over-the-top, but I’m discover a God who loves to bless His daughters. Turn to Him with your desires and see what HE can do!

What did @TriciaGoyer learn from writing the novelization of @MNOMovie? Find out!

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Read the original post, plus other awesome posts, over on The Better Mom!

Leave a comment below and tell me about what you’d like to do during a time out with your mom-friends, and I’ll give one person a copy of my new book, Moms’ Night Out!

Steps You Can Take

Take a few minutes to call, text, or email your mom-friends!
Set a date for your own moms’ night out.
Bonus points if you make it to the weekend opening of Moms’ Night Out!

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for placing in my heart these desires; I know that wanting to spend time away from my children does not make me a bad mom. It just means I need some time to refresh and recharge. Help me to make time to do this.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

Moms’ Night Out by Tricia Goyer
Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions to Help You Survive by Kerri Pomarolli

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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April 30, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 9 Comments

Congrats to the Winners of The Kissing Bridge Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who entered my “Beautiful Bridges and Special Kisses” giveaway. I loved reading about your favorite bridge and your most special kiss, both on your blogs and in your comments! The five winners of a collection of ten Amish novels are . . .

Amy Bateman: Amy shared her favorite bridge, which is in Omaha, Nebraska! It crosses the Missouri River, so you can technically be in two places at once: Nebraska and Iowa! This bridge is going on my list of places to check out.

Jennifer Smith: Jennifer shared her special kiss: with her newborn son! After five years of trying to get pregnant, Jen and her husband finally welcomed their newborn son into the world. Such a sweet story!

Rachel DeVaugn: Rachel shared a story of weight loss and her grandpa being able to give her a kiss no matter what the number on the scale said. So inspiring!

Audrey Grant: Audrey’s story is a bit different. When she was younger, she was scared of bridges, water, and drowning. She faced her fear on what is now her favorite bridge and through that experience came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior!

Tori Close: Tori’s favorite bridge is in my old hometown of Kalispell, MT. Tori shares a beautiful story of faith you have to read.

Winners, please email your mailing address my assistant Caitlin to claim your prizes!

Congrats to the winners of @TriciaGoyer’s The Kissing Bridge #giveaway!

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Read about my beautiful bridge and special kiss!

THANK YOU for supporting the latest release in my Amish series Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors. The Kissing Bridge is the story of a young woman caught between a stifling Amish community and the unnerving outside world and the daredevil bachelor determined to find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Find out more here.

I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

April 24, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 22 Comments

3 Steps to Finding the Grace to Chase a Dream | Guest Post by Cara Putman (Plus a Giveaway)

3 Steps to Finding the Grace to Chase a Dream | Guest Post by Cara Putman

Once there was a fourteen-year-old who quickly realized her favorite authors simply could not write books fast enough. Because she was young, she decided she could write books, too. Her mother smiled and allowed her to write as part of her English. Slowly two novels grew on an old computer, paragraph by paragraph, page by page. She loved creating ideas, research, writing. The process delighted her soul, and she wondered if she’d found what she was created to do.

Then life got busy. College, a career. A husband and a family. Writing was pressed to the perimeter of her life by the busyness of a full life.

Most days it was enough.

But some days, the whisper to write became a roaring ache to try. When this occurred, this girl-turned-woman would take the dream to God, hold it in open hands, and ask Him if this was His dream for her. If not, show her so she could kill the dream and focus on His will for her life.

Have you given up on a #dream? @Cara_Putman has encouragement for you:

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In due time, He announced it was time to follow her dream. Nine years later she’s awaiting the publication of her eighteenth and nineteenth books later this year.

You may have already guessed: I am that girl. I know what it’s like to have a dream burning inside me and wonder if anything would ever come of it. I want to encourage you. If this is you. If you’re convinced your dreams have disappeared under a pile of laundry, dirty diapers, and grocery lists, that there are ways to live with grace until the appointed time for the dream to burst to life.

Here’s what I learned on the journey:

Hold the dream loosely. Pry your tight grip from the dream and offer it to God. Ask Him for wisdom to know if this is the time or the dream. Seek Him first. A dream without Him at the center is simply not as fulfilling.
Prepare when you can as you can. For me that meant continuing to read voraciously. Through that I had a core understanding of what made a story and characters work. I might not have known all the lingo, but I intuitively gained an education. It also meant I read how-to write novel books. Each time the itch would resurface, you’d find me in the stacks looking for another book, so I could get structural understanding.
Be prepared to run when God gives you the go-ahead. The years since God told me it was time to test the dream have been a whirlwind of work. It has required immense discipline and stick-to-it-iveness. I’ve had to let go of things to make room for the dream. Are you willing to do the same?

Waiting for a dream is hard. But with God’s grace, the waiting can be a time of preparation and drawing closer to Him.

Want to win a copy of @Cara_Putman’s latest book? Check out @TriciaGoyer’s blog:

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Steps You can Take

Hold the dream loosely.
Prepare when you can as you can.
Be prepared to run when God gives you the go-ahead.

About Cara

Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women’s ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at her website.

About Shadowed by Grace and a Giveaway

Rachel Justice is desperate to save her dying mother. She doesn’t want to leave her, but she accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy and photograph war images. No one knows her photography is a cover and that Rachel is really seeking to find the father she never knew, hopeful to get some help with her failing mother. Dedicated to her mission, Rachel is focused on completing it. Soon, though, she finds her priorities and plans changing when she is assigned to Lt. Scott Lindstrom, on mission as a Monument Man. Their meeting will have far-reaching consequences. Will this derail her plans? Will she ever find her father? Is her faith enough to carry her through?

You can read the first chapter here.

Cara is giving away THREE copies of Shadowed by Grace! Enter below. Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win.

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April 10, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

The Books Authors Read | Shelley Shepard Gray

What was your favorite book as a child?

My favorite book was Alice In Wonderland. It’s still one of my all-time favorites. Right there with Little Women.

What book did you read that first made you want to be an author?

Boy, I can’t remember a particular book. I have always been a voracious reader and still do read a lot. I wrote my first page during my lunch hour when I was teaching sixth grade. The only reason I wrote something was because I had forgotten the book I was reading at home. I never, ever thought I would get published.

What was the last book you read, just for fun?

Hmm. I’ve been reading some of Nora Roberts’ Chesapeake Bay romances, Charles Todd’s The Walnut Tree, and Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilly. Kind of an eclectic mix!

What upcoming release are you most looking forward to?

I absolutely love Anne Perry’s Victorian Mysteries. I buy them in hardcover the day they are published. Her latest one was published in March. She can’t write fast enough for me.

What books influenced Shelley Shepard Gray most? She shares with @TriciaGoyer:

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About Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Find out more about Shelley at her website or on Facebook.

About Hopeful

Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.

Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.

If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website.

March 27, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

Spring Cleaning for the Soul | Guest Post by Liz Curtis Higgs

Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Here’s what I love about stories: They let us step inside someone else’s shoes and, in the process, take an unexpected journey of our own.

In my new novella, Mercy Like Sunlight, Mary Margaret Delaney is coming out of a long season of depression and discouragement, only to find her neglected house needs a lot more than just a spring cleaning. When the mother of her pastor offers to help, Mary is afraid of what the woman might discover. And how she might respond. Here’s an excerpt:

Mercy Like Sunlight Excerpt

Mary couldn’t think of the last season—the last year—her three-story house was truly cleaned from top to bottom. “Is that what Jake said it needed?” Mary looked at Pastor Jake, then at his mother, feeling her insides turning into one huge knot. “A simple afternoon of spring cleaning. Is that what you’re expecting?”

“No, not at all.” Jake’s mother clasped her hands behind her back, her expression growing more serious. “Jake gave me a pretty clear picture of what you’re up against.” She glanced at her son. “I hope you don’t mind, Mary Margaret. He meant no harm by telling me. Sometimes we have to get rid of the old things in our lives to make room for the new. Is that how you see it?”

“What I see . . . ,” Mary began, her voice shaking in earnest now. “What I see is a house full of heaven-only-knows-what. Honestly, I don’t even remember buying most of it or know where it came from.” She looked at the toes of her shoes, dropping her voice to a shame-filled whisper. “Or how I paid for it. If I paid for it. Or what I thought I was going to do with it all.”

She looked up again, certain she would find pity in their eyes. Or loathing. Or disgust.

It was none of those things. It was mercy.

Get a sneak peek of @LizCurtisHiggs’ new ebook on @TriciaGoyer’s blog!

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When we least expect it or even deserve it, God delivers mercy to our doorstep, often through the eyes, hands, and hearts of those who know us best.

A friend offers a listening ear, with no trace of judgment.  A coworker covers for us, instead of exposing our weakness.  A spouse quietly holds us close, rather than demanding an explanation.  A child whispers “I love you, Mommy,” right when we’ve decided we are the worst mother ever.

Sometimes the hardest part is accepting those expressions of mercy. We’re more comfortable beating ourselves up, so it’s difficult to take down our defenses. We don’t feel worthy of forgiveness, so we push that precious gift away.

Steps You can Take

Here are three steps to take today to embrace the mercy God offers.

1. Remind yourself that God alone is good and perfect. Everybody on the planet is in the same shoes you are—in need of forgiveness, longing for a fresh start. So, lay aside your pride and your false humility as well, and let the Lord who loves you shower you with his grace. He wants you to live in freedom. Really. He does.

2. Resist the urge to walk around covered in shame. When God extends mercy to you, he doesn’t want to add to your shame—he wants to remove it. So, when you ‘re tempted to speak words of shame and self-condemnation—“I never do this good thing” or “I shouldn’t do that bad thing”—say instead, “I’m so grateful for all God has done for me.” Soon, you’ll be too busy thinking about God’s blessings to dwell on your own blunders.

3. Look for opportunities to extend mercy to others. One of the great things about forgiveness is the boundless supply. After you’ve embraced God’s mercy and grace, you can open your arms and share it with others, without the fear of losing what God has given you. In fact, your understanding of mercy will increase each time you give it away. Think of someone you know who needs to hear this assurance: “No matter what you’ve been through, God loves you.”

Spring clean your soul and embrace the mercy God offers you! @Triciagoyer @LizCurtisHiggs

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Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Your Word tells us you are a gracious and merciful God, that you freely pardon those who seek you. We’re coming to you today—again, still—with our broken hearts in our hands, in need of the healing touch of your mercy and forgiveness. Thank you for offering it so generously and so abundantly.

In the name of your Son, Jesus, amen.

About Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of more than 30 books, with 4.5 million copies in print, including her nonfiction bestseller, Bad Girls of the Bible, and her novel based on the biblical story of Ruth, Mine Is the Night, a New York Times bestseller. Her latest release, Mercy Like Sunlight, is an eBook exclusive. Liz also has a popular online Bible study at her blog. Connect with Liz on Facebook and Twitter!

March 25, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 60 Comments

The Books Authors Read | Susan May Warren (Plus a Giveaway)

What was your favorite book as a child?

The Ghosts (a time travel story)!

What book did you read that first made you want to be an author?

The Little House on the Prairie books!

What was the last book you read, just for fun?

Burning Sky by Lori Benton

What upcoming release are you most looking forward to?

When I Fall in Love (coming in July)!

What books influenced @SusanMayWarren most? She shares with @TriciaGoyer:

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About Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website.

About It Had to Be You

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Purchase a copy here.

Giveaway

Susan is giving away a copy of It Had to Be You to one lucky reader! Enter using the widget below. Only those in the contiguous U.S. are eligible to win. For more chances to win It Had to Be You AND a $100 Visa cash card, check out this page!

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March 4, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 73 Comments

Family Is Spelled L-O-V-E | Guest Post by Rachel Hauck (Plus a Giveaway)

Family Is Spelled L-O-V-E

If you’ve read any of my blogs or guests blogs around cyber space, you know my husband and I don’t have children. Of our own.

But after twenty years in youth ministry, we have a few of OPK—Other People’s Kids.

We’re even Oma and Opa to five little cuties!

It’s not the same as being a bio or adoptive parent. Our “kids” have parents. And they love them!

Nevertheless, we have formed a special relationship with several young women who are like daughters to us.

This summer my husband walked one of them down the aisle.

At Christmas, our girl Carrie came. She is becoming a regular at holidays. She spent Christmas day with us and the day after with her mom and stepdad. At Thanksgiving, she was here for a few days with her sister, Cassie. Another one of our girls. This time they stayed with their mom and visited us at the end of their trip.

Part of our job as TOP—The Other Parents—is to roll with it. Be flexible.

At the end of the day, we are not really their parents.

We’ve no obligation to them. They’ve none to us. But we chose to be together simply because we love each other.

Last time Carrie called to say she was coming to town and asked to stay with us I said, “OK, that’s the last time you have to ask. Next time, just tell us you’re coming home.”

We love when she comes. The house is warmer and brighter. Same with Cassie. Well, with any of our kids!

Family is really what we make it to be. It doesn’t have to be biological. Or legal in any way. Just real. Loving. With open hearts and arms.

We met our girls when they were young teens so we’ve been involved in most of their lives. Watched them grown into mature, amazing, Jesus loving women. We’re proud of them.

They bring their friends “home” for vacation.

We have a son of the house too. We’re not far enough apart in age to really be his parents, but we were mentors. And now, at forty, he mentors us.

I call him son, brother, friend, and father.

And he’s black. But he’s every bit a part of us as if we shared the same melanin.

He calls. “We’re coming in town to visit [my wife’s] family. Can we stay with y’all?” (We’ve known his wife since she was a preteen.)

“Dude, you don’t have to ask. When do you arrive?”

Other sons live far away, and we don’t see them much. But when they are here? They are sons.

Sometimes we meet new people and we immediately know: “Ours!”

Family—it’s important (even if you’re not related by blood)! @RachelHauck @TriciaGoyer

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We met a young woman last October and adopted her. She was just here for a visit last weekend, and we loved her all the more.

“Too late now,” we said. “You’re our kid.”

She’s got siblings. A mom and dad. But now she has us too!

At the end of the day, I still don’t know who will take care of Hubster and me when we’re old. I mean, Yes, the Lord! He’s promised in His Word to take care of us in our gray hairs.

So, I don’t have children of my own but—

Oh hey, did I tell you about my nearly eight-year-old niece who Facetimes me just to talk?

Yeah, I’m blessed.

Family. It’s everywhere. Because family is anyone you fit in your heart.

About Rachel

Rachel Hauck is a best selling, award winning author. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship for their annual conference. She was named ACFW 2013 Mentor of the Year.
She lives in Florida, where she is also a worship leader, with her husband and mini schnauzer. Her novel, The Wedding Dress, was named Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year and is an Amazon #1 Best Seller. Her novel, Once Upon A Prince, earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher’s Weekly, and hit #1 on Amazon in Christian romance. Her next release, Princess Ever After, released February 4th. Visit Rachel at her website.

About Princess Ever After and a Giveaway

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.

But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.

Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever.

Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love. Purchase a copy here.

To celebrate the release of Princess Ever After, Rachel is holding a giveaway where you can enter to win a $200 Visa cash card! Details and entry forms are here. Rachel will announce the winner at her upcoming author chat party this Thursday, March 6! You can also enter to win a copy of Princess Ever After below. Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win.

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February 18, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 9 Comments

The Books Authors Read | Suzanne Woods Fisher (Plus a Giveaway)

What was your favorite book as a child?

The first book I remember my mother reading to me was Hitty: Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field. Hitty was a doll who belonged to a little Quaker girl during the whaling days. The irony is not lost on me that my next series will be set in Quaker Nantucket in the early 1800s. I’ve gone full circle!

What book did you read that first made you want to be an author?

In high school, I read a lot of Luci Shaw and Madeleine L’Engle—two women who happened to be good friends. There was something about their writing that spoke to me, deep down. At that point, I’m not sure I felt like I could be an author, but I felt like I loved language and writing.

What was the last book you read, just for fun?

Anne Lamott’s Stitches. She is such an original.

What upcoming release are you most looking forward to?

I’m right in the middle of writing an historical fiction, set in 1737, about the first Amish who crossed the Atlantic to reach Pennsylvania. If this story comes together in the way I envision it, then I will be thrilled. I’m starting to think and talk in pirate lingo. . . .

What books influenced @SuzanneWFisher most? She shares with @TriciaGoyer:

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About Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including “Amish Peace.” She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the free app!

Find out more about Suzanne at her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

About The Calling

Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime’s accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher–and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.

When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves–and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.

Purchase a copy here.

Giveaway

Suzanne is giving away a copy of The Calling to one lucky reader! Enter using the widget below. Only those in the contiguous U.S. are eligible to win.

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February 11, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 6 Comments

A Review of ‘The Monuments Men’ Movie (Plus a Giveaway) | Guest Post by Cara Putman

If you haven’t yet heard, The Monuments Men movie released this past weekend—just in time to coincide with my Monuments Men-era book The Swiss Courier going on sale for $1.99!

My good friend and fellow author of her own Monuments Men story, Cara Putman, recently had a chance to see and review the movie; here’s what she had to say! (Read the original post here.)

Last night, Eric and I got a chance to watch The Monuments Men on opening night. This is a movie I have anticipated since learning George Clooney was in production in the fall of 2012. That’s a long time to anticipate the movie!

I wasn’t disappointed.

This movie captures the tone of The Monuments Men. It grasps what this small group of men was trying to do and honors their memories. It also communicates their sacrifice and devotion. It visually portrays a piece of what was at stake during WWII — and the balancing act. Yet it did this without becoming dark and maudlin. Eric and I saw the 9:15 p.m. showing — in a theater filled primarily with college students — students who laughed out loud multiple times. The humor never detracted, but in enhanced the movie because it didn’t become slap-stick.

The Monuments Men has an A cast: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Boneville and more. They all fell into their characters and became the Monuments Men they portrayed. The movie is a war movie, but the violence is limited and at a level I can take my 13 and 10 year-olds to see. There was some language, but not heavy . . . I didn’t count, but it wasn’t a distraction.

There is also only mild innuendo and the outcome to that was PERFECT. I literally bounced in my chair because it mirrored history!

There were a couple twists to the story. Nothing major — the key one being the kid who interpreted didn’t show up as early as they portrayed, but he did play a role later in the process. This is a movie I will see again — and enjoy.

Enter Today | 2/10 – 2/23!

Cara Putman Shadowed By Grace Monuments Men

Want to see #MonumentsMen? Read @Cara_Putman’s review, then enter to win movie tickets! @TriciaGoyer

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Do you also want to see The Monuments Men movie? Cara is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to see the movie, and to accompany the tickets, she’ll also be giving away copies of her new book based in the same era, Shadowed by Grace! Enter to win using the widget below.

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February 3, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 7 Comments

The Books Authors Read | Robin Lee Hatcher (Plus a Giveaway)

What was your favorite book as a child?

Anything to do with horses. Everything to do with horses. Two books that I still own today (although the paperback is seriously ready to crumble into a thousand pieces) are: Golden Cloud and Old Bones.

What book did you read that first made you want to be an author?

I won’t give you the title because the book that made me want to try to write a novel was one that I didn’t like. I basically thought, If this can get published, I could get published. (I’m sure my early books launched a few careers for the same reason.) Aspiring writers don’t realize how arrogant that statement is until we actually begin to write, one book, then another and another and another. By the time we discover just how hard this particular career path is, it’s too late. We are hooked on storytelling.

What was the last book you read, just for fun?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

What upcoming release are you most looking forward to?

Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

What books influenced @RobinLeeHatcher most? She shares with @TriciaGoyer:

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About Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. A best-selling author, she is the winner of the Christy, the RITA, the Carol, and many other awards, including the prestigious RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of 70 novels and novellas with more than five million copies in print. Her latest release, A Promise Kept, is a deeply personal story to Hatcher, based on her own experience of being an alcoholic and the reconciliation God brought to their relationship.

For more information about Hatcher and her books, visit her online home at www.robinleehatcher.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

About A Promise Kept

Tony Kavanagh had been Allison’s dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.

The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she’d misunderstood.

Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma’s attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.

As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma’s life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord?

Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher’s emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers—in His own time and His own ways.

Find out more and purchase a copy here.

Giveaway

Robin is giving away a copy of A Promise Kept to one lucky reader! Enter using the widget below. Only those in the contiguous U.S. are eligible to win. You can enter to win more copies of the book and a Kindle HDX by clicking here, plus RSVP to her upcoming author chat party!

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