Wandering Wednesday: Discover Brazil with a giveaway!

By Lisa Harris @heartofafrica

In my last Wandering Wednesday post, I mentioned how one of the things our family has been blessed to do is travel together, especially while our kids were growing up. Today, I'm sharing a few memories from our time in Brazil back in 2008 and 2009. (Wow. . .has it really been that long?)

And since this blog is all about books, I also have to share the with you about the novel our time in language school inspired. No Place To Hide releases from Love Inspired Suspense this Sunday, and I'm so excited to share it with you! (Keep reading for a chance to win a copy.) 

Now while our time in Brazil was a bit of a rollercoaster for me--I was homeschooling for the first time, finishing up a novel, AND trying to learn Portuguese--my hero and heroine in this book have it a whole lot worse! She's a witness to murder. . .now running for survival. Thankfully nothing like that happened to us while we were there! Instead, we came to love the country and made friendships that have lasted for all these years!

I'll share a bit more about the book in a minute, but first, here are some highlights from our time in Brazil. We were able to take two short trips--we decided we had to see some of the beautiful country--so these photos are from Rio and the Amazon.

RIO

My hubby snuck me away for an overnight trip to Rio, which ended up being so much fun! One of the best ways to see Rio's spectacular views is from the cable car that transports you to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. From there you can see the stunning Guanabara Bay, Rio, and the Atlantic Ocean spread out beneath you. 

We spent time browsing through seller's stands till midnight and walking along Copacabana Beach. 

Christ the Redeemer, the 125 foot famous statue that sits on top of the Corcovado Hill, is another incredible place to see the city of Rio. 

THE AMAZON

Our whole family flew into Manaus where we saw from the air the 'meeting of the waters.' 

Here the dark Rio Negro meets the pale Amazon River (Rio Solimões). Here the two rivers run side by side without mixing because of the differences in the waters temperature, speed, and density. After landing, we took a boat up the river a couple hours to our rustic hotel.

One of the favorite things our kids did was fish for piranhas--and I admit it was pretty fun! The cooks prepared them for our dinner and they tasted like chicken. And yes, they have very powerful jaws!

Another favorite thing was swimming with the pink dolphins. Definitely one of 

those experiences you never forget!

NO PLACE TO HIDE:

And now for another fast-paced romantic suspense novel. . .Former navy diver Ryan Kendall’s father sent him to Brazil with a simple assignment: extract compromised witness Ellie Webb. But with Ellie determined to trek into the Amazon, following a lead on her father’s murder, Ryan must protect her. As cartel members and pirates chase them, though, can they survive the dangerous jungle…and take down a killer?

*You can pre-order your copy now and it will be released on Sunday, July 1st!!*

Amazon                            Barnes & Noble                        Christianbook.com

GIVEAWAY:

I'd love to give away an ebook of No Place to Hide. To enter, please leave a comment on this post with a way for me to contact you. I'll pick a random winner from the comments on Friday, July 6th at Midnight PST.

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent almost fifteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com

Vanishing Point - meet author Lisa Harris + Giveaway

Many romantic suspense readers have loved the NikkiBoyd series in the past couple of years. Our very own Lisa Harris is the author of this tremendous series.

The fourth instalment in the series launches TODAY and Lisa was kind enough to respond to a few questions I posed her about the series.

ICFW: Vanishing Point is the 4th in Nikki Boyd series. Would you mind briefly summarising each of the novels.

Lisa: VENDETTA is the first book in the series where we are introduced to Nikki Boyd, her work as part of a missing person task force, and a possible romance with a close friend of hers. We also learn the motivation behind her career change—her own sister who went missing ten years ago--but it isn’t long before the connection between the case she’s working and her own missing sister collide.

MISSING, book two in the series, is a brand new missing person case Nikki and her team have to deal with involving a missing couple, but it also continues with a possible romance between Nikki and Tyler as well as Nikki’s continued search for her sister.

Book three, PURSUED, jumps into the action with a plane crash and a missing woman as her romance with Tyler continues to develop.

The last book in the series is really being marketed as a stand alone for a couple reasons. While the first three books are all told in Nikki’s point of view, VANISHING POINT is her sister Sarah’s story and is from the point of view of the investigators that first took on her case before Nikki was even a police officer. While it was really hard to write—the story stretches over ten years—I think it ended up being the perfect conclusion to the series and hopefully will satisfy readers who want to know what happened to Sarah.

ICFW: I can’t wait to get my hands on it, Lisa. When you conceived the series, or did you conceive it as a series, how many stories did you have at the beginning?  

Lisa: I pitched it to my publisher as a three book series, though wouldn’t have minded writing more. :-) In the end, I was able to write this last story that really wraps up the series, which I loved being able to do.

ICFW: I really like Nikki Boyd, she’s gutsy but vulnerable, is a fighter for the truth and loves the Lord. Was there someone you had in mind when you created Nikki?

Lisa: I’m so glad you like Nikki! She was so much fun to write. I really didn’t have anyone in mind when I created her, but I like writing about women who are like you said, gutsy, but vulnerable. Ordinary people who God can use in ways they never imagined.

ICFW: Your romance is suspenseful. Your stories always have great pace from the first page. For those of us who want to be able to write suspense what’s a tip you have for creating it and then maintaining it?

Lisa: It’s hard, I’ll confess. Part of it I think is writing until it feels right. Maybe that’s vague, but I always seem to know in my gut when something is off, even when I’m not sure what is wrong. And I always listen, which means working to fix what’s wrong—even if it means lots of rewriting. That’s not easy, but worth it. I also try to have every chapter end with a hook. I actually had someone give me a bad review because I do that, but that’s okay. If it’s suspense, there has to be a lot of twists and turns, right? I also love it when I’m writing and a twist comes up that I didn’t see. (My husband thinks that’s a bit crazy) But when I surprise myself, I figure I’ll also surprise my readers!

ICFW: Is Vanishing Point the end or are there more Nikki Boyd stories in the pipeline?

Lisa: This is it. Part of me has been sad not writing anymore, because I spend a couple years writing her stories, but I’m on to something new which I’m also excited about.

ICFW: As sad as I am that we won’t get to read more Nikki Boyd, I’m excited to hear more of your next project. You’re currently on furlough with your husband, back in your homeland. Besides your kids, family and friends, what's something you were hanging out to do when you got back to the US? And have you done it yet? 

Lisa: One of the best parts of being here has been having all my kids together under one roof with me, even if it was short. We’re all spread out again, but at least we’re on the same continent! So that is a family thing, but that’s really what I’ve been most excited about. :-) Other than that I have to say a few good Mexican meals are a must, and I’ve already enjoyed a couple.

Thank you so much for having me stop by, Ian! I appreciate it!

Thanks, Lisa. Enjoy these next few launch weeks.

If you're a keen romantic suspense reader and you haven't read any of the Nikki Boyd series I'd encourage you start from the beginning with Vendetta and read all four. You won't be disappointed.

We’re excited to be able to give a copy of Vanishing Point away to one lucky reader. If interested, leave a comment and an email address where you can be contacted. I’ll contact the winning reader over the weekend 11/12 November.

BIO: LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over thirteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com

Introducing Award-winning Canadian Author Stacey Weeks with Giveaway

Sandra Orchard here.

I have the pleasure of introducing fellow writer and friend, Stacey Weeks. The Word Awards named Stacey’s debut novel, The Builder’s Reluctant Bride, the Best Christian Romance by a Canadian author in 2016. 

Her debut non-fiction book, Glorious Surrender, won the Women’s Journey of Faith award in 2016. Stacey and I met about six years ago. She read an article in the newspaper about my debut book series with Harlequin and noticed we lived relatively close together, so she emailed me. She soon became a valued brainstorming partner, instrumental in helping me finish several books, most memorably, Identity Withheld.

Thanks for being here today, Stacey.

I’m happy to be here! You know, I laughed when you said I was instrumental in helping you brainstorm and finish a few books because my first two novels would still be unpublished without your input and encouragement. I feel like I benefit from our writing friendship far more than you!

Ah, that’s so sweet of you to say. You have a new novel releasing soon. Can you tell me about that?

Yes, White Rose Publishing releases In Too Deep on November 3^rd, 2017.

Can you summarize the story in about 30 words?

A cautious lifeguard’s only hope of rescue rests with an adventurous risk-taking camp director, but his confidence wavers when a saboteur emerges determined to destroy the camp at any cost.

What inspired you to write In Too Deep? Where do you find most of your ideas?

I save newspaper articles with strange but true reports. A daring water rescue inspired one scene from In Too Deep. I used the idea near the end of the book, so I plotted the book backward – from end to beginning.

That’s interesting. Do you plot all your books that way?

As a planner, I always plot my stories, but plotting backward was a first. However, the plan doesn’t always transfer to the story the way I envision, and near the end of In Too Deep, I was frustrated because the characters unexpectedly led the story a new way. I was stuck. I discussed the issue with you, and I posted some questions onto my Facebook author page inviting my followers to comment. The solution came from a suggestion posted there, and you helped me weave it through the story.

Do you post questions to Facebook often?

I invite my followers to make suggestions for every book. Often, the best ideas come from avid readers. The most helpful tip earns one lucky commenter a signed copy of a book.

Writing definitely has it ups and downs. Can you share how you have navigated the disappointments?

Interestingly enough, when my first novel submission was rejected, I kept the email because it contained some encouragement and great advice. Years later, and I mean YEARS later, I resubmitted the book and that same publisher picked it up. The Builder’s Reluctant Bride.

What changed from the original submission in the one that sold?

Almost everything! The characters changed so much that I eventually renamed them. You and I reviewed the plot and your concerns matched the concerns of that first rejection. We worked together and a successful story emerged.

😊 Do you have a book to give away today?

Yes! The Builder’s Reluctant Bride is an ebook, and I will send a free download code to today’s winner.

That's awesome. Since our blog readers are all over the world, we'll give readers a few days to leave comments and randomly choose a name on Friday. Could you direct us to where readers can find you?

Website: www.staceyweeks.com - I post weekly devotionals and regular home renovation projects and crafts under the blog tab and you’ll find links and information to all of my books.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/writerSWeeks - This is where I post questions to readers and collect feedback for projects. It’s also where you’ll find the most up to date information.

Newsletter:   http://eepurl.com/cZgDb9  The newsletter is emailed once every spring, summer, fall, and winter and is full of information, deals, and opportunities available only to subscribers.

Twitter: @writerSWeeks

 Thanks so much for visiting with us today. 

Your Turn: Please leave a question or comment for Stacey to be entered for a chance to win a copy of her first novel. 

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books, including A Fool and His Monet; Another Day, Another Dali; and the Port Aster Secrets series. The winner of six Canadian writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers’ Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com.

Interview with Nikki Boyd (+ a chance to win a copy of Pursued!)

In celebration of the release of Pursued, book three in the best-selling Nikki Boyd Files, here is an interview with Nikki about her work and family.

I recently caught up with Special Agent Nikki Boyd inside her parents’ Nashville restaurant. Dozens of vintage guitars and retro signs hung on the reclaimed wood walls. One of Nashville’s up and coming artists crooned over the sound system. But I wasn’t there for a meal or for the music. I was there to learn how the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s newest task force was making waves across the state.

“I appreciate your meeting with me.” I shot her a smile, hoping to put her at ease. “I believe it’s important that the public realizes the impact of the missing person task force you’re working on.”

“I don’t normally do interviews, but you’re welcome.” She took a sip of her iced tea. “What people need to know is that for every statistic there is a real person who’s gone, leaving friends and family to face the crisis. Those left behind need someone with experience and resources to step in and find that loved one. That’s where we come in.”

I’d read through the statistics. The majority of children who went missing were endangered runaways, with one in five of those victims of child sex trafficking. Ten percent were family abductions. Only one percent were nonfamily abductions. But I could see in Nikki’s face that it had never been about the numbers.

“This job you do,” I continued, “bringing missing people home. You’re not just in it for a paycheck, are you? It’s personal to you.”

Nikki’s hand automatically grasped a small locket hanging around her neck, a nerve clearly struck. “Just over a decade ago, my sixteen-year-old sister Sarah vanished on her way home from school.”

A silence hovered between us, interrupted only by the music. I’d read the news articles behind Sarah’s story. Over a decade had passed and no body had ever been found. 

I didn’t want to intrude, but I needed to know more. “I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through. The not knowing.”

“We believe she was taken by what the media calls The Angel Abductor. He stalks his victims before abducting and killing them. The only thing he leaves behind is a Polaroid of the girl. Six girls and he’s never been caught.”

“Do you think there’s still a chance of finding your sister alive?”

“I honestly don’t know.” Nikki caught my gaze. “But after all these years of searching, what my family longs for most is closure. Which is why I won’t ever stop looking for her.”

I glanced at the clock, knowing my time was almost up. “I do have one more question. I heard rumors when I was down at the precinct that there’s a man in your life.”

I caught the blush that swept her cheeks. “I thought we were here about my job.”

“We are, but everyone loves a good romance and a happy ending.”

Nikki’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “There is someone. And yes, I think there’ll be a happy ending with this one.”

You can read the first chapter of Pursued here!

To win a digital copy of Pursued (or book one, Vendetta if you haven't read the series) leave a comment below with a way for me to contact you. I will draw one winner on April 12th.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

_____________________________________________________________

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over thirteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website. 

Researching Desert Secrets + a Giveaway

If you love romantic suspense, I wanted to give you a heads up about my latest Love Inspired Suspense novel set in the Saharak and Morocco. This book was so fun to write, mostly I believe, because the setting was so fascinating.





Since I've never been to North Africa, I spent a lot of time doing research on this unique part of the world. The Sahara is an incredible place for people who love the beauty of nature with a hint of adventure. Think camel treks, a star-studded sky, sand dunes, and kasbahs--old fortified Moroccans homes with long narrow passages and secret rooms.

While researching, I discovered a ton of interesting facts.

• The Sahara is the largest hot desert, and the third largest desert. 

• It's about the size of the United States, 3,600,000 share miles.

• The temperature can get extremely hot, but in the winter, the temperature in certain parts can also drop below freezing.

• What about camels? Camels really don’t store water the way most people think. Their humps are actually made of fat, allowing them to keep their body temperature down. And they have three eyelids!

Night sky

• The milky sap of the desert plant called the Alkhad can be used to treat a scorpion sting.

• There are also heavily-armed drug convoys that make their way through the desert's vast expanse, often laying landmines out to stop the authorities.

• Holding people for ransom--like in the story--has become a global business. In 2013 alone, $66 million dollars were paid out, primarily by European governments. 

Here's a blurb about Desert Secrets from the back of the book.

"When aid worker Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint in Mali, she quickly learns her kidnappers are really after her brother—and the money he's stolen. Landing at the secluded desert compound, ex-military pilot Colton Landry has a clear mission: rescue his brother-in-law, who's being held for ransom. But after discovering the kidnappers also have Lexi, there's no way he's leaving her behind. Their daring escape soon turns into a deadly chase when their plane is shot down, stranding them in the desert. Making a desperate run for the Moroccan border, Lexi and Colton must trust each other and rely on their strength and ingenuity to survive. But it may not be enough to outrun and outsmart their relentless pursuers…"

 

To win a digital copy of Desert Secrets, leave a comment below with a way for me to contact you. I will draw one winner on March 3rd.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

_____________________________________________________________

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over thirteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website. 

Winter Wonderland Christmas and #Giveaway

For much of the English-speaking/reading world, Christmas means snow and wintry weather. On this international blog, that’s less true than many places.

I’ve just finished reading An Aussie Summer Christmas by Narelle Atkins, Marion Ueckermann, and four other authors, which reminded me that summer heat, barbecues, and visits to the beach are typical for Christmases in the Southern Hemisphere. Likewise, my son-in-law was born and raised in Chile, and it’s taken him a while to become accustomed to Canadian Christmases and the different traditions we have in a cold-weather climate.

For me, Christmas and winter go hand-in-hand. My goal as an author is to permeate my Christmas stories with some of the following:

• Snow, including winter driving, snowball fights, snow angels, snowmen, and tobogganing parties
• Hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies
• Acquiring and decorating a live pine or fir tree
• Caroling parties
• Sunday school Christmas concerts
• The wonder as seen through the eyes of children
• The story of Jesus’ birth
• Families, friends, and traditions
• Candlelight and fireplaces
• Aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint

Not every story has room for all of those, of course, even if it includes a northern Christmas! For a Christmas story to be successful, it needs to remind readers of Jesus' birth, tug at the heartstrings, and offer a feel-good nostalgic experience. Do you agree?

More Than a Tiara debuted in 2014 as part of Snowflake Tiara and showed up again in 2015 as part of Home for Christmas. It’s recently released as the first in the Christmas in Montana Romance series, closely followed by Other Than a Halo. Next year will see the release of Better Than a Crown.

About the Christmas in Montana Romance series: Welcome to Helena, Montana, and fall in love at Christmas! Enjoy the rich heritage and innate charm of Montana’s capitol city in this Christmas romance series celebrating heart-warming stories of love and second chances as Marisa, Bren, and Heather discover love amid the glitz of beauty pageants.

Interested in reading one of my Christmas in Montana Romances and experiencing a northern Christmas for yourself? I’m offering one reader a copy (winner’s choice, e-book only, worldwide). If you'd like to put your name in the hat, please add your email address with your comment before Friday, December 9, replacing @ with (at) and .com with (dot) com.

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

Valerie Comer's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.


Valerie is a USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She has been called “a stellar storyteller” as she injects experience laced with humor into her green clean romances. Visit her at ValerieComer.com.

Visiting my Writing World (and eBook giveaway)

by Marion Ueckermann

In two weeks, I’ll be heading for the airport to catch a Qatar flight to Doha, and then on to Edinburgh, Scotland. I can’t wait for this overseas trip for many reasons. I’ll be seeing my brother, Lenny, and sister-in-law, Hanlie, who immigrated in September last year. Hubby’s coming with which is great because we both need a good holiday after an exhausting year—plus, I think my brother needs some male company for the 17 days we’re there because my sister is also going with us to Scotland, as are her two crazy daughters (no, they’re not literally crazy, but it is definitely going to be a barrel of laughs from beginning to end with them around). I’ve booked the seats in front of them on the plane for Noel and I, and have warned them that if they misbehave, I’ll recline my seat as far back as I can the entire way. Jokes aside, I can’t wait to show my sister and nieces the land of our ancestors. I’ve been to Scotland twice and loved it.

My brother lives in Falkirk now, about an hour from Edinburgh (one of my favorite cities), and an hour from Glasgow. Below are pics of The Kelpies close to his home. Aren’t they magnificent works of art?

Care to join me for a minute and take a look at what I’ll be experiencing and seeing? Click here. I promise, it’ll be a minute well spent.

This brings me to the second reason for my excitement for this trip. Have a look at the photo below to see what’s waiting for me at my brother’s house. Because postage is cheaper and safer to Europe than to South Africa, I’ve sent my book shipments there. I’m certainly glad my hubby, sister and nieces are there to help me lug the 26kg of my books back home. I’ve already claimed 5kg baggage from each of them (think I deserve some recompense for booking the tickets and sorting out the visas, don’t you?)

And here’s just one more good reason why I can’t wait for this trip. Glasgow Grace, my third Passport to Romance novella published by Pelican Book Group, releases on July 22nd, and I cannot wait to visit the places I researched and wrote into this story. Places like The Clyde Auditorium, also known as The Armadillo—a concert and public event venue in Glasgow (remind you of another opera house down under?); Buchanan Mall; Anderston Quay; and all the bridges that cross the River Clyde—Bell’s Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Clyde Arc or The Squinty Bridge. Here are two photies of Lenny and Hanlie’s recent trip to Glasgow. Doesn’t it look like such an interesting city?

I found two photos of The Armadillo on Wikimedia Commons to share with you (no guesses why it got that nickname).

I cannot wait to get to Scotland and see all the above. We're also spending four days beside Loch Ness...I wonder what Scottish stories my mind will conjure up during this time. 

To get you as excited as I am, here’s the cover and blurb for Glasgow Grace. As soon as this novella releases next month, I’ll give away a free eCopy to one lucky reader who leaves a comment on this blog. 

Opera singer, Skye Hunter, returns to the land of her birth as leading lady in Phantom of the Opera. This is her first trip back to bonnie Scotland since her mother whisked her away to Australia after Skye’s father died sixteen years ago.

When Skye decides to have dinner at McGuire’s, she’s not going there only for Mary McGuire’s shepherd’s pie. Her first and only love, Callum McGuire, still plays his guitar and sings at the family-owned tavern. 

Callum has never stopped loving Skye. Desperate to know if she’s changed under her mother’s influence, he keeps his real profession hidden. Would she want him if he was still a singer in a pub? But when Skye’s worst nightmare comes true, Callum reveals his secret to save the woman he loves.

Can Skye and Callum rekindle what they lost, or will her mother threaten their future together once again?

MARION UECKERMANN's passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. She now lives in South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and their crazy black Scottie, Wally.