Inkspirational Messages

Posts Tagged ‘Shannon Vannatter’


Posted on August 19, 2012 - by

And the Winners Are …

And the Winners Are …

Thank you very much to all the authors–Judith Miller, Christine Lynxwiler, Shannon Vannatter, Rose Ross Zediker, and Kathy Sattem Rygg–who shared a bit of themselves with us this past week. We loved hearing your personal stories!

Thank you also for generously providing your books as giveaways.

And a special thanks to all our readers who took time to chat with us. Our door is always open, so you’re welcome to stop by anytime!

Now, here’s the announcement you’ve been waiting for: Giveaway Winners!

A HIDDEN TRUTH by Judith Miller: Bethany! Please contact Lorna Seilstad at LornaSeilstadATyahooDOTcom.

THE RULUCTANT COWGIRL by Christine Lynxwiler:  Mary Holmon! Please contact Shannon Vannatter here: http://shannonvannatter.com/contact/

COWGIRL AT HEART by Christine Lynxwiler: Marianne Barkman! Please contact Shannon Vannatter here: http://shannonvannatter.com/contact/

WHITE DOVES by Shannon Vannatter: Karen! Please contact Shannon Vannatter here: http://shannonvannatter.com/contact/

RODEO HERO by Shannon Vannatter:  Marianne! Please contact Shannon Vannatter here: http://shannonvannatter.com/contact/

JOB’S TEARS by Rose Ross Zediker: Karen K! Please contact Shari Barr at ShariBarrATShariBarrDOTcom.

ROSE OF SHARON by Rose Ross Zediker: Deb Hauser! Please contact Shari Barr at ShariBarrATShariBarrDOTcom.


Posted on August 11, 2012 - by

Author Interview Sneak Peek!

Author Interview Sneak Peek!

Our next two weeks here at Inkspirational Messages are so exciting that I just had to give you a glimpse!

Once again, it’s author interview time, and we have a wealth of gifted authors visiting us.

Let’s see, we’ve got Julie Lessman, Judy Miller, Becky Wade, and Rose Ross Zediker! Woo hoo! Excited yet?

Wait–there are more!

Also visiting us is Julie Klassen, Shelley Shepherd Gray, Christine Lynxwiler, Kathy Rygg, and our very own Shannon Vannatter! Can you say WoW?!

PLUS we’re going to have a bunch of contests–books and chocolate! You won’t be able to resist returning each day to discover if we’re giving something away.

I can’t wait! What about you?


Posted on August 8, 2012 - by

Fall Fiction Favorites!

Fall Fiction Favorites!

My to-be-read pile for fall is about twenty books deep–I’ll be kind and resist talking about all of them. But there are a handful written by my favorite authors that I’ve been impatiently waiting for and now they’re almost here!

Steven James has quickly become one of my favorite storytellers. He writes intense, complex thrillers that leave you on the edge of your seat from word one. This fall he has two new novels coming out!

In Opening Moves, Bowers Files Series prequel (Signet Select, September 20120 release), James takes the readers back in time with FBI Agent Patrick Bowers, back to the murder mystery that’s haunted him throughout the series. I look forward to gleaning more insight into what make Patrick Bowers tick.

Description: FBI agent Patrick Bowers’ first major murder investigation begins in Milwaukee, 1995. In a city still reeling from the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, a woman’s body is found with the lungs removed. Local cops think a Dahmer copycat is on the loose. But Patrick Bowers, working as a homicide detective for the Milwaukee Police Department, sees from the timing and location of the crime that this is not a copycat at all, but a killer with an entirely different agenda.

Then Steven James introduces his readers to a brand new protagonist, Jevin Banks, in Placebo, Jevin Banks Series #1 (Revell, October 2012 release). I don’t doubt that this new series will be just as riveting as the Patrick Bowers series.

Description: While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons’ tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

Now if you’re not into highly-detailed thrillers, then I’d recommend Borders of the Heart (Tyndale House, September release) by Chris Fabry.  Fabry has won two Christy’s and was a finalist once. He’s an author who delves deeply into the heart of multi-faceted characters. He tells his stories with rich, musical prose that you want to savor like fine chocolate. I’ve no doubt Borders of the Heart will be equally as beautiful as the rest of Fabry’s novels.

Description: Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an “illegal,” call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction. Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself.

I do have to throw in one debut author–I’m guessing we’ll want to have tissues handy for Kathy Harris‘s novel, The Road to Mercy (Abingdon, September 2012 release).

Josh Harrison, a contemporary Christian singer, and his wife Bethany face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Ben Abrams urges her to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and decide to carry the baby to full term.

During the next few months, Josh struggles with his faith, Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.

 

And how can I not mention our very own Shannon Vannatter?! Her sixth book, Rodeo Ashes, releases this month for Heartsong Presents book club members, and it will be available to the public in September. Yeah Shannon! Of course since I’m her critique partner I already know it’s another heart-tugging romance that Shannon excels at. I can’t wait to hold the published copy in my hands!

Description: Lacie Gentry, a young widow and mom, is struggling with the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death. When she bumps into former classmate Quinn Remington, her future is undecided. She accepts a job teaching kids to ride at Quinn’s neighboring ranch, hoping to revitalize her life with an old pastime but soon sees in Quinn a chance to move forward with new love…if she’s ready.

It’s been years since Quinn has seen lovely Lacie Gentry—the girl he always admired in high school but never came close to dating. By the time they met, Lacie was engaged to rodeo star Mel Gentry then happily married. Now Lacie’s closer than ever. The attraction is still there, but so is a secret that might end any chance of romance.

Can they rise from the rodeo ashes?

There are sooo many more, but I’ll stop for for now … well, not without giving a handful of others a quick mention.

What books are you looking forward to reading this fall?

 


Posted on April 18, 2012 - by

D.E.A.R. Day Dilemma

D.E.A.R. Day Dilemma

Dear Drop Everything And Read Day,

You have placed me in quite the dilemma. As you know, I love to read, and dropping everything to pick up a book is never a difficult task.

But …

The question is, on this very special day What should I read? Oh my, the plethora of good books out there puts me in quite the quandry.

First of all there are new books out by our very own Inkspirational Messages authors! (Congratulations Lorna & Shannon!!) So, do I read Lorna Seilstad’s fun new release, The Ride of Her Life? (For amusement park fanatics like me, note that sweet roller coaster.)

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger–who designs roller coasters, of all things–intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Or do I pick up Shannon Vannatter’s heart-stopping release, Rodeo Hero? (Seriously, who can resist a cowboy?)

Kendra Maddox is a new Christian trying to live her new beliefs. Stetson Wright is a youth director/rodeo clown who believes true love waits. Can they overcome her promiscuous past and claim a future together?

And then there are the three books I just picked up from my local library. DiAnn Mills’ (one of The Best romantic suspense authors out there) The Chase sounds riveting.

To the FBI it’s a cold case. To Kariss Walker it’s a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it’s a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl’s missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the the partners into a witch’s brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss’s pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag?

Tom Pawlik’s Beckon will likely make me sleep with one eye open.

Some things weren’t meant to be discovered. Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin’s disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle. One by one they discover the town’s ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?

And if I feel like reading a tear-jerker, Legacy Road by Graham Garrison will encourage me to keep tissues handy.

Journalist Wes Watkins is on a roll. His career is taking off, he’s going back to school, and he’s about to propose to the love of his life, Emmy Stewart. When his stagey proposal flops, Wes’s world tilts. Emmy, a National Guard medic, is about to be deployed to Afghanistan. Wes’s mentor, Paul Gavin, persuades Wes to involve his estranged father, Ron, in a class Wes is taking on the Civil War; Ron, who had abandoned his family in favor of alcohol, has Civil War–era letters from a family ancestor. Wes naturally distrusts his father; Emmy has a secret in her past. When Wes finally reads a cache of letters Ron sent him as the younger man was growing up, other secrets emerge.

So many good books!

Oh, D.E.A.R. Day, how do I choose?

Well, I guess there’s only one good answer: Make every day Drop Everything and Read day! I’m in. How about you?

Sincerely,

Voracious Reader

Brenda Anderson

 

 


Posted on October 29, 2011 - by

Celebration Time!!!

Celebration Time!!!

Remember a few years back when you were in elementary school, the days you looked forward to the most (besides weekends and vacations of course) were the holiday celebrations. Those were the days you actually wanted to go to school. You’d get to dress up for the Halloween parade, share a gift with a fellow student for the Christmas celebration, make a Valentine card to give to everyone in your class, etc. Food was usually involved in some way too.

Well today we’re interrupting our Writing 101 class to celebrate Publication <insert confetti throwing and noisemakers>. Yes, two of our esteemed authors  here at Inkspirational Messages–Jerri Lynn Ledford and Shannon Taylor Vannatter–have new releases out.

It’s time to party!

I’ve brought bars to share (reminder for non-Minnesotans, bars in this case are not the place you go to drink alcohol, rather they are highly sweetened, often chocolate treats, usually layered in a pan. Calories? <shhh. We don’t talk about them.>) Anyway, I digress.  If you’d like to bring something to share, that would be great!

So please come celebrate with us as we honor two of our very own.

Jerri’s debut novel, Biloxi Sunrise, released just this week. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for just 99 cents. Yes, you heard me right: only 99 pennies. I already have it on my Kindle. Don’t have a Kindle or a Nook? No problem. Both Amazon and Barnes and Noble have computer apps you can download. So, no excuses.

Want to know more about Jerri? Stop by her terrific website: http://www.jerriledford.com/. You can also *like* her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerri-Lynn-Ledford/147815135313371

BILOXI SUNRISE

The Biloxi Series

Debut Novel by Jerri Lynn Ledford

Deep South Press 2011

He hadn’t protected them.

When Homicide Special Investigator Jack Roe’s daughter is killed in an auto accident and his wife dies from a drug overdose, he abandons a promising career as a Military Police Officer. If only he’d been there when they needed him, he could have saved them both.

He didn’t protect her.

Six years later, Jack is in Biloxi, Mississippi to be close to his sister and her daughter, Lisa. As long as he’s around, nothing can happen to them. But then he’s called to the hospital in the middle of the night and learns that Lisa has been abused by her mother’s boyfriend. Jack must confront old wounds that never healed, and a burning anger that’s been buried for far too long.

She can’t protect him.

The same night, a woman’s body turns up on the beach. A few days later, so does another one. Jack must deal with his past and his present while he and his partner, Kate Giveans, race to find a killer before another woman dies. But Kate harbors a secret that just might get Jack killed.

Click <here> to purchase Biloxi Sunrise through Amazon

Click <here> to purchase Biloxi Sunrise through Barnes and Noble

~~~~~~~~

You’re all familiar with Shannon’s fabulous work. No one writes romance fiction better than Shannon Vannatter–all those awards she won for her White Roses series are proof enough. And now Rodeo Dust, the first in her Texas Rodeo series, is out courtesy of Heartsong Presents (Barbour Publishing). Rodeo Hero and Rodeo Ashes will release in 2012.

Shannon has a wonderful website, http://shannonvannatter.com/, and a popular romance blog, http://shannonvannatter.com/blog/. She’d also love it if you’d *like* her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannontaylorvannatter

 

RODEO DUST

Texas Rodeo Series

by Shannon Taylor-Vannatter

Heartsong Presents 2011

Ad exec, Rayna Landers meets bull rider, Clay Warren at the State Fair of Texas. While Rayna thinks she’s content solo, Clay longs for marriage and family. Though poised to win his third world championship, his ranch is in a slump. Clay convinces his publicist to hire her advertising firm in a last-ditch effort to keep his employees and lasso her heart.

Soon the city girl is on the ride of her life, until the rodeo unearths buried memories from her past. Clay sees her through the trauma, but an injury and his stubborn determination to get back in the hypothetical saddle threatens their budding relationship. Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?

Click <here> to go to Shannon’s page at Barbour Publishing. Last I checked Rodeo Dust wasn’t listed, but it’s coming soon so keep checking back.

Enjoy today’s party, but remember, next week we begin classes again.


Posted on April 23, 2010 - by

So Many Books, So Little Time

So Many Books, So Little Time

As usual it’s the eleventh hour and I’m trying to make up for lost time, though it would take a month of Sundays to wax poetic on the subject of time the way my sister inksters have.  When I find myself with time on my hands, I usually fill both with a book. It’s thrilling when I find one that will stand the test of time and when I do I hunt down every book that author has written.  And that’s often a race against time since some books have a short shelf life, like those wily Love Inspired ones! That means we’re working against the clock from the very second they are put on the shelves and if we’re not careful the ship will sail without us!   So I worked into the small hours to come up with a plan that would help me remember important book release dates even when I’m pressed for time.

 It’s called a Release Calendar! And I created it just in the nick of time since the near future holds a multitude of incredible new inspirational book releases. Believe me, you’ll have the time of your life reading them!  But this list comes with a warning…these books are guaranteed  time-stealers! 

 Kav Disclaimer:  This is by no means a comprehensive list.   So many books – so little time! Books are listed in chronological order.

White_Roses_Cover-147x196 White Roses by Shannon Vannatter May 2010 (if you belong to Heartsongs Present Book Club) or in stores November 2010

 A grieving widower and single parent, Pastor Grayson struggles with letting go and moving on.  Adrea Welch doesn’t understand how she can be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife. But can their developing relationship survive the secrets from Adrea’s past?

 Our very own Shannon’s debut novel!  She’ll have to tell us what it’s like to have to wait for an accepted manuscript to finally transform itself into a book!

 Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James June 2010love on a dime

 Lilly Westbrook writes dime novels and does everything she can to conceal that fact from friends and family because of the stigma attached to her career.  But then, former suitor, Jackson Grail becomes Lilly’s new publisher – only he doesn’t know it.  What he does know is that ‘Fannie Cole’s’ dime novels are good for business and they’d be even better if he can track his star writer down and convince her to go public! 

 Isn’t that an ingenuous plot?  I’m really excited about this one.  I think the premise is very clever.  I can’t wait!!!!!

 morrow

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz  July 2010

 We’re back in  18th century Kentucky for Laura’s second historical novel.  Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of a Shawnee raid that tore her family apart.  Now that she is  grown, she faces difficult choices about marriage.  There is no shortage of men vying for her attention, but she finds herself  inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love.

 Laura’s rich, lyrical text is inspiring and this will definitely be one for your keeper shelf – right along side The Frontiersman’s Daughter.

 

  Waiting Out the Storm by Ruth Logan Herne July 2010herne

 The author has dubbed this a “Hatfield/McCoy” type romance.  It’s the second in her North Country series and features Craig and Sarah who we met in Winter’s End. I don’t know much more than that – except I’ll love it!  Ruthy’s writing style flows and her voice is strong.  I’m prepared for a few laughs, some tears and a big satisfied sigh at the end.  It’s going to be good…I just know it.

 

making waves Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad September 2010s 

Marguerite Westing is thrilled to spend the summer at Lake Manawa with her family. What better way to put some distance between herself and a boring suitor?  And what would summer be like without romance?  One that doesn’t involve the young gentleman from back home!  But Marguerite’s  idyllic summer is ruined when her father’s gambling problems threaten to ruin her family and she is faced with an agonizing dilemma.  Does she marry to secure her family’s fortune or will she follow her heart?

 A debut novel by our very own Lorna!  I’ve read some of her work so I know that this will be a captivating read and I’m a tad shy of giddy at actually seeing it in my local Christian bookstore! 

 A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman  September 2010hope undaunted

 Set in the late 1920’s, little Katie O’Connor is all grown up and looking toward an exciting future which includes a career in law and a husband.  Of course Julie Lessman wouldn’t let it be that uncomplicated! So while future husband, Jack, is left waiting in the wings, Katie’s childhood nemesis, Cluny McGee resurfaces to throw her world – and plans – into chaos.

If you’ve read her Daughters of Boston series, you’ll be well acquainted with Katie O’Connor.  Readers have watched her grow up and I think we all feel motherly towards her.  It will be interesting to see what Julie has thrown at the youngest O’Connor girl — how Katie handles it!

 healer's apprentice

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson October 2010

 A new YA medieval romance is about to hit the market in the form of a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I love this genre and am beyond excited to see this book release in the fall.  Isn’t the book cover gorgeous? And it’s Melanie’s debut novel!

 Rose, the woodcutter’s daughter, apprentices to the town healer and loses her heart to a forbidden love.

 And just to wet your appetite even more, take a look at her book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2m9-Ap4IZE

 

Really looking ahead:

 Made To Order Family by Ruth Logan Herne  September 2010

Wrangler in Petticoats by Mary Connealy October 2010

Fatal Judgement by Irene Hannon – January 2011

What about you – are there any titles you just can’t wait to get your hands on?


Posted on September 23, 2009 - by

To Name A Few Titles …

To Name A Few Titles …

For a reader, there is no better subject than books, so when this topic came up, I was ecstatic. But, being I’m limited to 600 words, I’ll just mention a few.

Now, how do I narrow it down?

SN850513

On My Bed Stand

Do I just talk about the books currently on my bed stand? Let’s see, I’m reading Ends of the Earth by Tim Downs. Downs writes fascinating suspense with a forensic entomologist as his lead. That means the hero deals with bugs on dead people. Ewww. As I said, fascinating. Oh, and I’ve already read The Familiar Stranger, the debut novel by Christina Berry. It’s a story of love, forgiveness, & new beginnings. The rest of the books you see pictured, I’ve yet to read, and that pile doesn’t include the thirteen books I have on the library waiting list. As you can see, I make very good use of our public library.

Perhaps I should talk about the books I grew up with. First, there was the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. I read all the Nancy Drew books, but Nancy was just too perfect. I preferred Trixie Belden, a teen tomboy and amateur detective. My daughter prefers them as well. (Her friends, too.) And, of course, I read Tolkien and Lewis. I don’t usually care for fantasy, but I loved The Lord of the Ring series (and the movies). But, do I really want to talk about that? Let me think …

My Favorites

My Favorites

Oh, I know! I can tell you all about my favorite authors: I love the literary prose of Charles Martin, W. Dale Cramer, Athol Dickson, Ann Tatlock, & Christa Parrish.  Amy Wallace’s romantic suspense is leaps above Dee Henderson (And I loved Henderson’s O’Malley series). As far as favorite titles, I’d recommend Scared, by Tom Davis, for everyone. It’s about AIDS in Swaziland. Once you read it, you’ll realize how blessed we are in America. A Season of Grace by Bette Nordberg is a poignant story about a family dealing with homosexuality and AIDS. A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers, is one I’ve read several times, about a Christian Jew in Rome after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.  All of those books are permanently on my bed stand.

SN850510

Minnesota Writes

Hmmm. What else? Oh, yes. Being from Minnesota, I love to support area writers. Vince Flynn writes riveting geo-political thrillers. They’re not Christian, but when I’m done reading, I feel hope for the world. Sharon Hinck is a writer who refuses to be pigeonholed. This award-winning author has written mom-lit, fantasy, & contemporary fiction, and she does them all well.

SN850512

Thrillers

One of my favorite genres is suspense. Steven James’ Patrick Bowers thrillers are probably the best in the Christian market. He combines spellbinding suspense with solid character development, and underscores it all with a subtle faith message. The only thing bad about his books is that I always have to wait a year for the next one to come out. I also love Mel Odom’s NCIS series, and Jason Elam & Steve Yohn’s Riley Covington thrillers. (Think professional football plus international intrigue.) Captain Jeff Struecker (Black Hawk Down fame) and Alton Gansky joined together to write an impressive special ops suspense novel. All of the above thrillers combine complex plots and deep characters to create stories you can’t put down, and they achieve this without the sex and cursing found in the general market. They’re books you can actually give your teen.

Oh, and not to forget, the upcoming debut novels by Lorna Seilstad, Shannon Vannatter, and …

What? 600 words already?  I didn’t even get to mention Jane Eyre. Maybe next time …