Interview with Author Gail Kittleson

Today we're going to pry into the private life chat with fellow author Gail Kittleson! 

Virtual or not, we are all friends here. Since we are all friends, you should know that one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops and browse the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with Gail. <3

When Gail's not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you'll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters.

Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.

Connect with Gail Kittleson on her website, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, and BookBub!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL!

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? something else altogether?

Tea…a steaming cup hits the spot just about any time. My heroines feel the same, especially those living through WWII, when tea was rationed. Imagine how much a cup of tea came to mean back then. My pioneer heroine loves tea, too—what a coincidence! 

Love when our characters have pieces of us in them! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

I think a crusty salmon filet with sweet potato fries and a fresh salad.

Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place? 

Whether I’m in Iowa or Arizona, as long as I have my laptop, my office, the living room or the front porch—any of the above.

Sounds wonderful! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. You're among friends. ;-)

Mmm…maybe letting time slip by, forgetting to eat or do housework? I don’t see these as so odd, but they’re definitely connected to my writing.

I can relate to that! What inspired you to write Secondhand Sunsets? 

We spend the worst of the winter in the Arizona mountains, under the Mogollon Rim. This area has such intriguing geography, and right away, we noticed there is really no sunset or sunrise, because of the Rim right above us. But we do see the sun “rise” on the western side, across the canyon, and in the evening, sometimes there’s an incredibly rosy hue to the eastern side. That’s a reflection of the sunset. These aspects of our setting are so different from my native Iowa, where everything is flat, that this aspect plays a significant role in the life of my heroine.

In addition, I became interested in the Native Americans who once lived here, plus the weather extremes. At the time I started this novel, the Civil War era/pioneer times interested me, also. Because this area is so isolated, I began to imagine a young woman living here with virtually no contact with anyone but her husband. And his value system left a lot to be desired . . .

That is so cool! What led you to write in this genre? 

I hadn’t yet become addicted to the WWII era, for one thing. I may have thought “pioneer” stories would be the easiest for me to write—at least, I kept trying. I left several other pioneer manuscripts by the wayside, but this one just wouldn’t leave me alone. And it needed SO MUCH help!!

Love when a story won't leave you alone! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

No matter how convoluted our lives become, the complications our bad decision lead to, or the extent of the shame we feel, our God never forsakes us.

Amen! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

I’ve written a Texas Hill Country novel—WWII. It’s unique in that the hero emigrates from England before the war, so he sees things through British eyes. Also, I have a cozy WWII mystery just about ready for submission.

These sound amazing! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?

I love the story of the woman who touches Jesus’ robe to be healed of her hemorrhaging. Her need is met beyond her wildest dreams—including the shame that accompanied her physical agony. Isn’t it wonderful that we often receive more than we realize we need?

Such a powerful example of God's love! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine -- want to know! ;-)

I just finished Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas. I don’t often read a book twice, but this one was just as powerful the second time through. Next, I might tackle Victor Davis Hanson’s Carnage and Culture. Not light reading!

Nice! Thank you so much for hanging with us, Gail!

Check out Secondhand Sunsets by Gail Kittleson!

Available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, Apple Books, 

and Google Play Books!

Thanks for hanging with us today! See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Heart of a Princess by Hannah Currie

About the Book ~

To the watching world, Princess Alina has it all—maids to serve her, a kingdom to revere her, a prince to marry her, and a wardrobe filled with enough frills, flounces, and shades of pink to rival a flower shop. But behind the smiles and designer clothes, Alina has a secret. She’s barely holding it together. 

After a moment of panic almost ends in tragedy, Alina is sent to a refuge far from the palace to recuperate. Her family claims it’s for her own good but—faced with cows, knife-beaked ducks, and far too many of her own insecurities—Alina is pretty sure it will kill her first. And Joha Samson, infuriating man that he is, will laugh as it does. 

Only there’s more to Joha than she realizes, and more to herself too. When the time comes to make a stand, will she find the courage?

For more information about Hannah Currie and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Heart of a Princess by Hannah Currie is a MUST for anyone who loves princesses, faith, relatable characters, hate-to-love romances, and did I mention princesses?

The Daughters of Peverell Series fills the void my princess-loving heart has felt since I finished The Selection Series, and Heart of a Princess by Hannah Currie exceeded all my hopes and expectations!  Truly, I hope the author never stops writing princess stories because the only thing that's holding me together right now is knowing that there's a third book in this series!

Alina is the kind of character I love in fiction! Love, love, love! She's not perfect. She can have an attitude, makes mistakes, says the wrong thing, and finds herself in a hate-to-love romance to boot! I love it when authors dare to give readers imperfect characters, characters who are raw, real, and relatable because the growth is genuine when we have that human trifecta! The author took us past the perfectly imperfect exterior to the broken, strong, and beautiful interior that made Alina who she was. Readers, I dare you NOT to laugh, cry, and be transformed alongside Alina! You'll lose.

What makes Heart of a Princess stand out from among other princess stories is the faith element. It's like The Selection Series meets the book of Daniel in the Bible! No spoilers, but Alina's faith journey will humble and strengthen her readers with God's everlasting truth: all will be well. 

Five Stars ~ Heart of a Princess by Hannah Currie is a MUST-READ! Heart of a Princess is the second book in the author's Daughters of Peverell Series. Heart of a Princess can be read as a standalone, but there will be major spoilers for the first book, Heart of a Royal, if read out of order.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased an additional copy, but I was not required to do this.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Book Three Cover Reveal!!!

That's right! It's time for the COVER REVEAL of Kaylee's story!!!

If you participated in the cover survey in my last newsletter, thank you again! I am so incredibly thankful for each vote and comment! You guys rock!

You'll remember from that newsletter that I was on the cusp of a Vizzini breakdown over this particular detail, so the awesome team at WhiteFire Publishing proposed the idea of a survey. You know, to put me out of my misery. LOL!

Based on the votes and comments, you guys were just as split as we were! However, a majority vote eventually took shape, and almost twice as many votes to this dramatic, gorgeous redirection.

To all my fellow OCD people, I know. Really. I know. But trust me when I say that this cover is perfect on every. single. level. for Kaylee's long-awaited story.

Are you ready?
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Am I annoying you yet?
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TA-DAH!!!

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material.

Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he’s in need of new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

Available November 2020!

As you can see, the cover to Kaylee's story is STUNNINNG!!! While I love every single detail, I think my favorite part is the microphone.

Because that microphone is a piece of my heart.

I sing. I sang for a long time, and I've started singing again. While I'm definitely an amateur, those of you who've been with me since the beginning may recall that I started writing songs before I dove into stories. I plotted Kaylee and Gabe's story at a time in my life when I had closed the door on singing. For good, I thought.

God knew differently.

You guys...the journey MY life took while writing Kaylee and Gabe's story is incredible, and the journey Kaylee and Gabe's story took is incredible! I can't wait to share it with you this coming November! For now, I hope you enjoy the fun snippet below!

Sneak Peak ~

“I need a singer. For my band.”

            I blink. I would have expected some vague encouragement or referring me to a friend of a friend. But asking me to sing in his band? I at least expected something legit.

            “I’m not in high school anymore, Gabe. I’ve got nine years of wrinkles around my eyes to prove it. I need a real, grown-up job that can pay the bills and ensure that I don’t have to sell vital organs to keep a leaky roof over my head.”

            “This would pay the bills.”

            “A band?” I raise my eyebrows. “Do you have a record deal or something?”

            “We’re a wedding band called All Yours. Trust me, it pays the bills and then some.”

            “A wedding band?” I scoff. “Do you not see the irony in that?”

            “I didn’t until you pointed it out right then, no.” Gabe at least has the decency to look sheepish.

            I hate that his sheepish expression is still cute. It’s infuriating!

            I stand up, scooping my shoes by the straps and dumping them into my purse. “I wish you a lifetime of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler moments with your wedding band and some other gullible sap, someone who still believes in the power of love or recently had a head injury. But that person won’t be me. So goodbye, Gabe. I’m sure we’ll meet again at the next most inopportune moment of my life.”

Thank you for celebrating another cover reveal with me! What is YOUR favorite detail? I would love to know!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Release Day and GIVEAWAY!

Guys!!!!

IT'S RELEASE DAY!!!!!

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available NOW!!!

Yes, that's right! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is available now! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is an inspirational romantic comedy and written from a Christian worldview. It is the second novel in my contemporary romance series from WhiteFire Publishing and the sequel to Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations. However, it functions as a standalone, so you do NOT need to read my first book to enjoy this one. However, there are some jokes and things that will make you grin if you have! ;-)

Guys, I have been thinking about what to say for days... Something that conveys the epicness I'm feeling. Something new, something that I haven't already said. Something with WOW! factor. Something from my heart to yours.

For the last couple weeks, I have been so focused on my huge To-Do List and my nervousness - oh, the nervousness! - instead of resting in how happy and blessed I am that you want to read my stories!

Because I am so happy and so blessed!

And I'm going to rest in that joy now.

It's here! It's really here! This beautiful story of my heart is ready to travel through the world and find a home in readers' hearts. I poured so much heartache, hope, and love from my journey into Apryl and Chance's story. Through their story, Abba opened my heart to rediscovering my worth in Him, to Him. And while this story won't resonate with everyone, I know it will touch some. It's in God's hands now, and there's something beautifully freeing about that.

I hope you guys swoon at all my favorite parts. I hope you laugh and grin from ear to ear. I hope my pop culture references will make you think I'm the new (and shorter) Lorelai Gilmore. But most importantly, I hope you close the story with no doubt in your heart about your worth to our loving Father. <3

And now it's time for a giveaway!

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

There will be a US Giveaway and an International Giveaway with separate Rafflecopter sign-ups!

US Giveaway - A signed print copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, a custom Roaring Twenties Art Deco theme book sleeve from The Cozy Life on Etsy, and a hand-carved Reading Willow Tree Figurine!

International Giveaway - A digital copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations!

Both giveaways will close on March 1st, 2019, at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

The winners will be drawn within four days after the closing of the giveaway. If the winner(s) does not respond to my e-mail(s) within one week of notification, then a new winner(s) will be drawn in their place.

And may the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter the US Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter the International Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you guys so much! I am so honored that you follow me and read my stories. I am blessed!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Changes, Updates, and Fun Info

Hello, friends!

There are some big changes happening in the online world...

Google announced that they are shutting down Google Plus, their version of Facebook. In fact, this shutdown has already started - talk about speedy! This will probably affect traffic to my blog for a little while, so I've started making some changes to my blog and platform.

My Blog ~

If you enjoy my blog, please follow it! There are three ways:

1. The "Follow by E-mail" option is still available, and my blog posts go straight to the e-mail you've signed up with!

2. The "Subscribe To" option is still available, and this allows you to subscribe to my blog and/or the comments of a specific post.

3. On February 4th, 2019, I added the "Blog Followers" option, allowing you to follow my blog directly on Google! And since I've only recently added this option, I really need followers, LOL!

Also, I share ALL of my blog posts on Facebook and Twitter, and I share all of my blog reviews on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads. I'll be posting at lot more in Facebook groups, too!

My Newsletter ~ 

Yes, that's right! I'm finally taking the plunge. *takes deep breath* Barring some sort of virtual disaster, my newsletter will be ready for sign-ups within the week! ;-)

You'll be able to sign up on my blog or at my website!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Reviewer and Influencer Sign-Up Form ~

Also, Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is just days away from releasing, and I'm assembling an elite team! If you're interested in applying to be a reviewer/influencer, sign up here! Sign-ups will close at 11:59 PM EST on February 14th, 2019.

Also, if you're looking for me on a certain platform, check out my Social Media Page for the links to all my public platforms!

And that's it! LOL! Thank you guys so much for sticking with me! I look forward to connecting with you! <3

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available February 14th, 2019!

Pre-order Now from Amazon!

Guys, I am just so excited for this story of my heart to release! SOOO EXCITED!!! So yeah, I had to share it again. :-D 

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Story Behind the Story

I've always been a romantic.

Lacy wedding dresses, first kisses, winks, and secret smiles - they all make my heart swoon!

So it wasn't just natural for me to write stories with some serious romance vibes, it was like breathing - natural and necessary. Honestly, I could write a whole other post about the God-given beauty in romance. Maybe another day... ;-)

While Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations is not an exclusive tell-all, let's just say that there are definitely some themes that were draw from my own experiences in the romance department. And one of the key ingredients to Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations is trust in God, something I excel at. Not.

When I started writing this story, I was very single. I tended to binge-watch Say Yes to the Dress and fret about my lack of love life. And I loved this guy. We'll call him "Luke." And Luke cared about me, too. Had for years. Be we had never pursued a relationship because we went to a small Christian school where dating was a capital offense. The unofficial plan was that we would pursue a relationship once we had both graduated. That day came, went, and many months few from the pages of the calendar. I thought this was God's plan, but nothing was happening. I had a lot of those, "God, come on!" moments. One day I started venting my frustration writing, and Izze, my main character, started chattering in my head. I'd always been obsessed with weddings, and the idea of a single woman in the wedding business who wanted to get married and was fed up with the leading man seemed to be right up my emotional alley.

I started and stopped and rewrote this story many, many times. During one of the "stopped" phases, this guy FINALLY asked me out. But it was really awkward and weird. However, I was still sure this was just a dead squirrel on the path to Happily Ever After.

Three days later, Luke said we should just be friends.

Naturally, I binge-ate a lot of chocolate.

What followed was a particularly confusing and painful season for me. God and I may have exchanged some angry words... Okay, they were my angry words. But the more I turned to God, the more He whispered this message to my heart of hearts: I needed to trust Him.

This was SOOO not easy, especially when Luke started volunteering at the youth group where I was a youth leader, so I had to see him even more. I tried bargaining like, "God, if I trust you, then You need to do this for me." Shocker, but that didn't work out so well. I just needed to trust God and put Him first in my life. He would sort out the details. And He showed me again and again that He was - and is - trustworthy.

Today, that guy and I are married, and we have a beautiful little girl.

 

I don't regret our separation. In fact, I'm actually glad it happened because it taught me to rely on God in a way I never had before those hard days. My husband went through a similar journey with God, and I believe we are stronger together because we learned to trust God when we were apart.

When people read Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations, I hope they laugh a lot and enjoy Izze and Miles' story. But most importantly, I hope they see that they can trust God with their hearts. Because He has the very best in store for them. He loves to give us beauty for ashes.

Isabel “Izze” Vez, bridal consultant extraordinaire, has been helping brides find The Dress for years. She loves nothing more than helping make wedding dreams come true…but sometimes the happy endings grate on her. How many times can a girl discover someone else’s gown without dreaming of the day it’ll be her turn to wear one?

When James Miles Clayton walks into her life, he represents everything Izze can’t handle: change. He’s determined to bring the Ever After Bridal Boutique into the black…and to prove to Izze that she should give him a chance.

But if there’s anything Izze handles worse than change, it’s trust. She may have a few issues—fine, she knows she does. But will they keep getting in the way of any chance of her own Happily Ever After? She wants to trust God to give her those dreams of love and lace, but that’s going to require some…minor alterations.

 

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million!

  

P.S. My apologies if you've read this story before, as this is an updated post from last year. I wanted to be able to refer and share this story with my amazing bookish people without referring them to a post with an event that has ended. I may be a bit twisted, but I'm not that cruel. ;-)

 

God bless you, my friends!

 

Hugs! <3

 

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 



WhiteFire Scavenger Hunt Stop 8!!!

WhiteFire Scavenger Hunt Stop #8
 

 
Welcome to the WhiteFire Publishing Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to go back to stop #1 and collect all the clues in order. Once you have them all, you’ll have uncovered a secret message. Turn that in at the final stop for a chance to win one of THREE amazing prize packages! (Oh. My. Goodness! Those prize packages are the dream, my friends!!)
 
A few things to note:

~ The Hunt begins at Roseanna White’s site

~ Take your time! You have all weekend to complete the Hunt—entries will be counted until Monday June 26—so have fun reading all the posts along the way and getting to know each author.

~ Lots of extra prizes! Many of the authors are featuring unique giveaways as well, for even more chances to win!

~ Submit your entry for the grand prizes back at Roseanna White’s blog.

The Story Behind the Story ~

Hi everyone! *waves awkwardly* I'm Joy. I'm an awkward bookworm, purple fanatic, and Gilmore Girls groupie. I'd like to share a little about the story behind the story of my debut novel, Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations. One of the key ingredients to this story is trust in God, something I excel at. Not.

When I started writing this story, I was very single. I tended to binge-watch Say Yes to the Dress, and fret about my lack of love life. And I loved this guy. We’ll call him “Luke.” And Luke cared about me, too. Had for years. But we had never pursued it because we went to a small Christian school where dating was a capital offense. The unofficial plan was that we would pursue a relationship once we had both graduated. That day came, went, and many months flew from the pages of the calendar. I thought this was God’s plan, but nothing was happening. I had a lot of those “God, come on!” moments. One day I started venting my frustration writing, and Izze, my main character, started chattering in my head. I’d always been obsessed with weddings, and the idea of a single woman in the wedding business who wanted to get married and was fed up with the leading man seemed to be right up my emotional alley.

I started and stopped and rewrote this story many, many times. During one of the “stopped” phases, this guy FINALLY asked me out. But it was really awkward and weird. However, I was still sure this was just a dead squirrel on the path to Happily Ever After.

Three days later, Luke said we should just be friends.

Naturally, I binge-ate a lot of chocolate.

What followed was a particularly confusing and painful season for me. God and I may have exchanged some angry words… Okay, they were my angry words. But the more I turned to God, the more He whispered this message to my heart of hearts: I needed to trust Him.

This was SOOO not easy, especially when Luke started volunteering at the youth group where I was a youth leader, so I had to see him even more. I tried bargaining like, “God, if I trust you, then You need to do this for me.” Shocker, but that didn’t work. I just needed to trust God and put Him first in my life. He would sort out the details. And He showed me again and again that He was – and is – trustworthy.

Today, that guy and I are married. Four years in August, and we have a beautiful little girl.

I don’t regret our separation. In fact, I’m actually glad it happened because it taught me to rely on God in a way I never had before. My husband went through a similar journey with God, and I believe we are stronger together because we learned to trust God when we were apart.

When people read Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations, I hope they laugh a lot and enjoy Izze and Miles’ story. But most importantly, I hope they see that they can trust God with their hearts. Because He has the very best in store for them. He loves to give us beauty for ashes.

Isabel “Izze” Vez, bridal consultant extraordinaire, has been helping brides find The Dress for years. She loves nothing more than helping make wedding dreams come true…but sometimes the happy endings grate on her. How many times can a girl discover someone else’s gown without dreaming of the day it’ll be her turn to wear one?

When James Miles Clayton walks into her life, he represents everything Izze can’t handle: change. He’s determined to bring the Ever After Bridal Boutique into the black…and to prove to Izze that she should give him a chance.

But if there’s anything Izze handles worse than change, it’s trust. She may have a few issues—fine, she knows she does. But will they keep getting in the way of any chance of her own Happily Ever After? She wants to trust God to give her those dreams of love and lace, but that’s going to require some…minor alterations.

Here's the Scoop on Stop #8 ~

You can order my book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million!

Clue to Write Down: AND if you want the TRUTH, then you'd better read this sentence twice. Hehehe  ;-)  Yes, the clue is "and truth,".

Be sure to check out Stop #9 with June Foster!

Need the full list of stops?

Roseanna M. White
April McGowan
Cara Luecht
Christine Lindsay
Debra Marvin
Dina Sleiman
Gail Kittleson
Joy Palmer
June Foster
Melody Carlson (hosted)
Nelson Hannah
Rachelle Rea Cobb
Sara Goff
Susie Finkbeiner
Susanne Dietze
Suzie Johnson  
 
All finished? Submit Your Entries!
 
But wait, there's more! Now it's time for my giveaway!

Bonus Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

There will be two winners! Yay! :)

>>> US Giveaway ~ 1 Signed copy of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations, a $20.00 Gift Card, an Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar, a Hershey's Cookie Layer Crunch Vanilla Crème Bar, and a Bag of Ghirardelli's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Squares!
 
*Disclaimer ~ The chocolates do contain various allergens. The recipient is responsible for their own health concerning the chocolates.*

>>> International Giveaway ~ 1 eBook Copy of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations!

My giveaway will run from today, Thursday, June 22nd, through Monday, June 26th.

Please enter using the handy Rafflecopter ~

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Thank you for hanging out with me today, and I hope you have an awesomely fun time hanging out with the other wonderful WhiteFire authors! And as Effie Trinket might say, may the giveaway odds be ever in your favor! ;-)

Blessings and hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. She is a youth leader at her church, and loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.