scavenger hunt

November 2, 2016 by Tricia Goyer 30 Comments

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #25

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 31 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 3 grand prizes!

The hunt BEGINS with Stop #1 at Lisa Bergren’s site.
Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 11/6)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books.
Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the clue on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #31. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Please give a warm welcome to my guest author, Maureen Lang! Maureen writes stories that celebrate a mix of God’s love, history and romance. Here’s a bit about her latest release, The Cranbury Toymaker:

The moment Raina Wingate arrives in Cranbury, she’s convinced God brought her there for a reason. Surely her toymaking talents and aspirations can help her Aunt Esther restore the dilapidated Cranbury Inn! Since Cade Levick’s return to his small hometown after the heartbreaking loss of his wife and, more recently, his young daughter, he’s worked hard at two things: woodworking, and establishing himself as Cranbury’s very own curmudgeon. But when Raina discovers Cade was once a toymaker himself, she recruits his unwilling help to make her soft toys the best they can be. Will Raina’s perpetual good cheer break through the boundary Cade has erected around his life?

How One Introverted Writer Created An Extroverted Heroine

by Maureen Lang

It seems to me we’re born as either an introvert or an extrovert. I’ve often noticed telltale traits in kids from a very young age and I admit I identify with introverts from firsthand experience.

Topping the list of introvert traits is a need for time alone to recharge. Being in a large group exhausts introverts, even when among enjoyable people. Introverts don’t want to be alone all the time, we just tend to miss our alone-time if we’re forced to go without for a while.

And although we may talk a lot to those closest to us, when we’re in that big group we’re not the ones with the entertaining jokes and stories or known to bask in the limelight. In fact, if the limelight accidentally hits us we’re more apt to move rather than keep that attention coming our way.

Being an observer is probably the most important introvert trait for a writer. We see what’s happening, so wanting to know why is the next logical question. That’s what every author asks when putting a book together – why would a person, or in this case a character, do what they’re doing, or react in any given way?

I’m not sure what the introvert ratio is among authors, and I’m certain an extroverted writer can create introverted characters, too. But I think they’d agree with good old Sherlock—who may never have said “Elementary, my dear Watson” —but demonstrated the best way to figure out anything is through observation. That’s the key to creating a character we haven’t a thing in common with.

My historical heroine in The Cranbury Toymaker is an extrovert unafraid to stick to what she believes, to get involved in everything from teaching Sunday school to performing in a melodrama. Most importantly for a romance, she lets her interest grow for another toymaker who, at least initially, wants nothing to do with her toy-making efforts—or with her. He’s not only an introvert, but imagines himself the town curmudgeon. Maybe the most important thing for him to learn is that love can bridge a gap, even between introverts and extroverts.

Maureen Lang is the author of thirteen Inspirational novels and five novellas that celebrate a mix of God’s love, history, and romance. Find her on Facebook at or sign up for her newsletter on her website at www.maureenlang.com.

Here’s the Stop #25 Skinny:

You can order Maureen’s books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore!

Clue to Write Down: find

Link to Stop #26, the Next Stop on the Loop: Maureen Lang’s own site!

But wait! Before you go, I’m offering a $25 Etsy gift card! All you have to do is enter the giveaway widget below. I’ll announce the winner on my blog on November 7th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October 29, 2016 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Mark Your Calendars for the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt!

Mark your calendars—Lisa T. Bergren’s biannual Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt starts soon, and I am thrilled to be one of the stops again! Here’s the scoop:

WHO?

More than 30 Christian fiction authors are a part of the this fall’s hunt, offering great prizes and books to pick up along the way to the grand prize!

WHAT?

The Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt is a biannual online event that helps you discover Christian fiction authors from different publishing houses (including Indie); it also offers a great opportunity for readers to see the latest releases in Christian fiction and get a taste of new-to-you authors you might want to read. During the hunt, fans get the chance to read exclusive bonus material and enter giveaways for great prizes. It is open internationally.

WHERE?

The first stop is at Lisa T. Bergren’s site, our lovely scavenger hunt hostess. The hunt continues to each participating authors’ blogs.

WHEN?

November 3 – November 6

Be sure to come back Thursday for more information and to join in the fun!

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

October 17, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 53 Comments

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt (Win a Kindle Fire HDX & more!)

Welcome to the Autumn 2014 Scavenger Hunt!

You have arrived at Stop #8.

The hunt begins at noon (Mountain Time Zone) on October 17, 2014. You may have arrived here before the start which could mean all of the sites aren’t ready quite yet. Once the official start has begun, you should go to Stop #1 and then work your way through the sites, gathering clues and entering bonus giveaways, until you reach the final stop which will also be on the site of Robin Lee Hatcher.

The hunt ends on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at one minute before midnight (Mountain). That means you have all weekend to finish it, so take your time. Enjoy reading the exclusive content the authors have prepared for you. You will collect A CLUE IN RED at each stop. Write them down as you go. At the end of the hunt, you will enter the clues into a Rafflecopter form. (The answer will make sense, even if you aren’t familiar with the quote.)

The hunt is open to international entries. (Yay!) The grand prize is a Kindle Fire HDX. Two runners-up will receive a new release from each of the participating authors.

[In case you find a broken link… Robin Lee Hatcher has prepared a “cheat sheet” with direct links to each author’s post in case a site goes down or a link gets broken. We hope there will be no such issues, but just in case, please make note of the URL for the Participating Authors & Stops page so you can check back and be able to complete the hunt.]

Happy Hunting!

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt starts today! @TriciaGoyer

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Please welcome my friend …. (name to be revealed below!)

Today I’d like to introduce you to a very cool writer and friend! But before I tell you who he is, I have to tell you a story!

A good many years ago I was teaching at the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference. I was standing around with a small group of conferencees when one of the gentlemen asked me what I wrote. “I write mostly historical fiction. I have seven novels out …”

There, right before my eyes, this man dropped to his knees and shook his hands in the air. “A real published author! I’m not worthy!” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I also knew I was going to like this guy!

I had a chance to talk to James L. Rubart more during the conference. I even had a chance to read his book proposal. It was pretty good! After the conference I helped Jim with some editing and gave him some writing advice. Soon he had an agent and a book deal. I always claim I discovered him, but it’s more like he won me over with his flattery … and I couldn’t help but to help him!

I’m excited to host James on my blog today. He’s a super nice guy and great writer. Check him out!

– Tricia

Spirit Bridge by James Rubart – Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt – TriciaGoyer.com

The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling forth the Spirit Bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.

The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on.

Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart’s Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com

Four Steps to Greater Freedom

by James L. Rubart

I’m often asked what kind of path I want my readers to be walking on after reading one of my novels. My answer is always the same: “The path of more freedom.”

I believe Jesus did come to heal our broken hearts. I believe he came to set the captives (us) free. (Is 61:1). And I believe the reason Jesus came to set us free was for freedom’s sake itself. (Gal 5:1)

With that in mind, here are four ways I’ve found more freedom in my life, and I pray they’ll help you do the same.

Step One

Realize that when Paul says we have an enemy roaming this earth seeking Christians to devour, (I Peter 5:8) what he means is we have an enemy roaming this earth seeking Christians to devour. I’m not trying to be funny. Many Christians pay lip-service to that verse. So when things go wrong they either think they’re blowing it, or God’s blowing it. Once we accept that there’s often a third factor at play, it will free us from self-condemnation and help us fight the attack more effectively. We need to believe it when Paul says our wrestle isn’t against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. (Eph 6:12)

Step Two

Know the Word. Think of your mind like a computer. The world and the flesh and the enemy are trying to install software on our computers that isn’t exactly freeing. So we need to remove the malware and replace it with the right kind of software. That’s scripture, sharper than any two-edged sword.

Step Three

Don’t go it alone. In the movie(s) The Lord of the Rings, Frodo needed a fellowship to complete his quest. So do we. Going to a gathering of believers on Sunday morning is not the same thing as having friends you can pour your heart out to; the good, the bad, and the really ugly. We need one or two people we can go DEEP with. When walk alongside another in this kind of fellowship, we bestow freedom on them, and they do the same for us.

Step Four

Solitude. If the Son of God needed time alone, pretty good chance we do too. I know, for some of you that seems almost impossible, especially for those with young children. But it’s essential to take/make time to be alone with the Spirit. I’m not talking studying the Bible, or racing through prayers. I’m talking sitting alone in silence, giving time for God to speak, and letting simply being in his presence fill up your soul with his light.

About James L. Rubart

James L. Rubart is the best-selling, and Christy award winning author of six novels. During the day he helps authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, water skis, golfs, does sleight of hand, and takes photos. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and two sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

Thanks so much for stopping by my site and participating in the new Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt.

Before you move on to Stop #9, which is James L. Rubart’s site, to pick up your next clue, be sure to write down this Stop #8 clue: Caroline Gordon

Also, please note: Many of the authors use Rafflecopter for their giveaways. Rafflecopter requires JavaScript to work. If you can’t see the form, please turn JavaScript on in your browser in order to enter. Rafflecopter sometimes doesn’t work on mobile devices. If you are on a mobile device and can’t see the entry form, then you’ll need to find a computer.

Speaking of Rafflecopter, I’m giving away a copy of An Amish Second Christmas and a copy of Where Treetops Glisten to one lucky U.S. reader! Enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

October 18, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 330 Comments

A Grandmother’s Influence: Scavenger Hunt Stop #12

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt—fall edition! This time around, the hunt has 25 stops and runs from 10/18 (noon MDT)–10/20 (midnight MDT). It’s a great way to discover new books from some of your favorite authors (and maybe meet some new authors you haven’t yet heard of). The grand prize is an iPad Mini, plus two chances at a 25-book prize pack. AND some individual stops have an additional prize, so read each post carefully!

There will be a red clue at the bottom of each post that you’ll need to write down, and that clue will guide you to the next stop. It’s best to begin the scavenger hunt at stop #1, Lisa Bergren’s site. Then after you’ve gone through all 25 stops and collected all the clues, fill out the Rafflecopter form on Lisa’s site. Be ready to provide the completed clue quote within 24 hours of email notification from Lisa, or another will be drawn randomly. No need to email or submit it unless you’re notified on 10/21. The contest is open internationally, so everyone is welcome to participate! Let’s get started!

Meet Suzanne!

I’d like to welcome my friend and fellow Amish-fiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher to my blog today! Suzanne is an award-winning, bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction. The Waiting was a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award, The Search won a 2012 Carol Award, The Choice was a finalist for a 2011 Carol Award. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Find out more at her website or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Suzanne’s latest novel, The Letters, is the first in the Inn at Eagle Hill series. Here’s a bit about the book: “Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.”

Just where did Suzanne get part of her inspiration for the novel? She spills the beans (or maybe I should say Toll House cookies!):

A Grandmother’s Influence

“You will always leave something behind. Your influence.” Amish proverb

My grandmother, Marion Woods, was a bundle of high energy. After her five children were raised, she decided to start a tearoom on the sun porch of her large country home called Eagle Hill, on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. When my dad brought his future bride home to meet the family, my grandmother handed her a knife and a bowl of tomatoes and told her to start slicing. After all, the tearoom was booked with lunch reservations and Marion needed extra hands. My mother, who came from an oh-so-proper home, was appalled. My grandmother didn’t even blink.

The tearoom was so well received that my grandmother decided to expand Eagle Hill and build cottages that surrounded the lake. She planned to rent out the cottages to vacationing families during the warmer months. In a rare moment of reflection, she decided to first visit with her friend, Ruke Wakefield, who ran the nearby Toll House Inn, also in Plymouth County, to glean some tips about inn keeping.

The name of Ruth Wakefield may not be familiar to you, but I can guarantee you have benefited from her influence in the kitchen. Ruth had a delicious family cookie recipe, Butter Drop Cookies, with melted chocolate stirred into the cookie batter. One day, Ruth was out of baker’s chocolate so she substituted broken pieces of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate, expecting the chocolate to melt and absorb into the dough. (I’d like to think that might have been the very day my grandmother paid a call, but I think that’s just the fiction writer in me.) Ruth chopped up the semi-sweet chocolate and tossed the diced pieces into the batter instead of melting them first. When she removed the pan from the oven, Ruth was surprised to discover the chocolate pieces hadn’t melted but were intact, soft, and creamy. Accidentally, she had invented the world’s first “chocolate chip cookie.”

At the time, Ruth called her creation “Toll House Crunch Cookies.” As the popularity of Toll House Crunch Cookies increased, sales of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate bars also spiked. Soon, Nestle started to sell chocolate chips as a product. Nestle and Ruth Wakefield came up with an agreement: Nestle would print the “Toll House Cookie” recipe on its package and Ruth would be given a lifetime supply of Nestle chocolate. The Toll House Cookie is still the most popular cookie in America. Talk about a woman’s influence!

Back to the meeting between my grandmother and Ruth Wakefield. My grandmother left Ruth filled with encouragement and enthusiasm and ideas about how to expand Eagle Hill as an inn, which she promptly did. The 17-acre farm transitioned into a delightful, sought after destination. Fifty years later, I wrote a three-book series, starting with The Letters, about a strong, determined woman who started an inn called Eagle Hill.

My grandmother passed away when I was very young, but her “can do” influence remained. It’s encouraging to realize your example as a parent or grandparent goes deep into your children’s development. Such awareness is a motivation, too, to be our best self at all times. Be it cookies or innkeeping, you have a lasting impact on the next generation.

You can purchase Suzanne’s novel, The Letters, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or your local bookstore.

The Scavenger Hunt Skinny

Before you go, write down stop #12 clue: TO AMISH.

Your next stop is Suzanne’s own blog! Make sure you make the rounds to all 25 stops and then enter the Rafflecopter form at stop #26 back at Lisa Bergren’s site to be in the running for all the big prizes!

Bonus Prizes!

I’ll also be giving away FIVE sets of The Big Sky series! Use the widget below to enter!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway