Interview with AMBER SCHAMEL and giveaway of HEALER'S TOUCH, ends Sept 20

Welcome AMBER! We are so happy to have you here this week, and that you have agreed to share a bit about yourself.

AMBER: Thanks Kathy! It's great to be here. I've been very excited about this interview, and I'm a big fan of your blog and your writing. ;)


Q: First of all, apple pie and ice cream, apple slices and caramel, or apple juice in your juicer J note the sliding scale from decadence to health?
A: I'll take the ice cream and the fresh apple juice. :) I try to keep everything in balance. My favorite thing from my juicer is celery and carrot juice.

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?
A: I have always had an active imagination and even as a young girl I would make up stories and play them out in my make believe. I started writing those stories down when I was about fourteen. But the real calling came about the time I graduated from High School. I had been doing a lot of study on how media and books affect people's attitudes and worldview. It was astonishing how the subtle messages that have been worked into entertainment over the years has completely transformed our nation and our morals. I realized that someone needed to write stories that upheld morals, faith and godliness. The Lord then led me to Habakkuk 2:2 which says " And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." That became my commission.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing?
A: My faith plays very strongly into my writing. All of my stories come from a distinctly Christian world view with a high moral standard. However I never want my reader to feel like they're being hit over the head with a Bible. :) That hurts.

Q: If you could sit down and interview any person, fictitious or real from any time, who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?
A: Wow, that's a hard question! I would want to interview Jesus. But everything I think about asking Him, He's already left an answer for. I thought about asking Him to explain how much God loves us, but the whole Bible is filled with examples, symbols and types. He would just say to me "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son." I thought about asking Him when the rapture would come, but He would answer "No man knows the day." So I would probably ask Him why I wasn't born during the time when He walked the earth. That's something I've wondered about a lot.

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?
A: The ladies over at Seekerville have been a great inspiration to me and have taught me so much by their blog posts etc. I have also learned a lot from Giovanni, my rep over at Helping Hands Press. He's taught me a lot about marketing and staying in touch with readers.

Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from your debut? And can you hint at any works to come?
A: I want my readers to come to the same realization that Aaliyah does, that bitterness is a terrible disease that is far worse than leprosy. And Jesus Christ is the only one that can heal us of that disease.

Next, I'm working on a Christmas story I'm calling The Swaddling Clothes. Many stories have been told down through the ages about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings, angels, and stables. But there is one story that has never been told. One story that has remained hidden in the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes.

Q: Do you have a question you would like our blog readers to answer?
A: Have you ever struggled with bitterness? What helped you to overcome it?

Amber is offering a digital edition of The Healer's Touch to one lucky commenter this week. Leave an answer in the comments to her question (in green, above) to enter to win. If you share this post on facebook, twitter, Google+, and if you like or follow any of Amber's links below, let me know for extra entries!  

The Healer's Touch Synopsis:

Aaliyah's last chance at winning her husband's love is destroyed when she is banished from her home as an 'unclean' sinner, exiled to the leper colony. When a chance at being cured comes in the form of a rumor, she must risk her life to appear in public, or die a leper.

Amber Schamel was born in Littleton, CO and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. She was raised in a family of 11 children, homeschooled through education and currently works with their 10 family businesses as bookkeeper and marketing director. She volunteers half of the summer at a non-profit Christian Family Bootcamp in rural MO helping and ministering to young girls and Christian families. Amber loves history, culture, reading and music. She has a musical ministry and travels throughout the United States ministering thru song. During her spare time she enjoys crafting Christ-honoring stories that will inspire and encourage her readers. Amber currently lives with her family outside of Colorado Springs, CO.

To learn more about Amber, visit her author website: http://visionwriter.weebly.com

Amber, thank you for being with us this week. I wish you every blessing as you write for His glory!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog this week, Kathy! I've enjoyed hanging out with all of you. I'd love it if ya'll would stop by and say hello. Here's where you can find me.

www.AmberSchamel.com

www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com (an awesome group blog I'm a part of)

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter - @AmberSchamel https://twitter.com/AmberSchamel
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough

Vickie McDonough is one of those authors who can do it all. She made me laugh, she moved me with sympathy, and she had me totally engrossed in this story of three romances-in-one. Jack is the headstrong daughter of Rachel from the first book in the Boardinghouse Brides series. She falls head over heals for the new preacher in town, except that the new preacher isn't really all that new to town. . . Noah has a secret. He not only used to live in Lookout, Texas, but he was the town's former schoolyard bully. If folks--especially Jack--discover his secret, he will lose everything, including his job and his hopes for love.

Rand Kessler is the wealthy bachelor from the first two books who I longed to see hitched, since he was so patient and understanding after being scorned twice. I wouldn't have minded him having a bigger role, but the center stage was rightfully occupied with Jack, Noah and also Garrett and Carly, two other returning characters.

Carly struggles to feel accepted after serving time in prison. She longs for a chance at love and family, but the constant glares from townspeople make her dreams look impossible, until Garrett Corbett comes a courtin'. He was the prankster from the first romance, who ordered three mail order brides for his cousin Luke. The trickster has mellowed with age, but retains an endearing cantankerousness that puts him and Carly at opposites. And we all know that opposites attract like north and south magnetic poles.

Finally A Bride was the best of the series, in my opinion. Historical romance has a rising star in Vickie McDonough. You won't want to miss this book!

Leave a comment with your email addy and follow this blog for your chance to win a copy. Winner to be announced Friday, May 6.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall has added another great nautical historical romance to her impressive fleet. Surrender the Heart, set amidst the backdrop of the War of 1812, had me savoring the adventure, tension and romance between a high-born lady of Baltimore's aristocracy whose fortunes have run out, and a working class man of ambition who initially sees her as a means to an end.

Marianne Denton wishes only to care for her sickly mother and little sister. She needs her inheritance money which her marriage to Noah Brenin will unlock. She braves the prospect of a loveless marriage, accepting her fate as an ordinary, plain woman unworthy of love. But she is not without her pride. When Noah acts the cad and leaves their engagement party abruptly to embark on his father's merchantman, she chases after him to give him a piece of her mind.

Captain Noah Brenin carries his fate in his cargo hold. He believes that financial success will liberate him from a family scar. But he has sailed with precious cargo he hasn't bargained for: Marianne has accidentally stowed away.

With war brewing between Britain and the United States, peril awaits them at sea. The hand of God awaits, too, poised to turn their fortunes again and shape the course of history, if the cast of eclectic and endearing characters will trust His divine leading.

Fast-paced, suspenseful, and resonating with the patriotic virtues of courage, selflessness, and passion for freedom, this book is an authentic portrait of a little-understood but vital part of our history.
As rich as the history and research, the romance is not to be undersold. Love born of mutual admiration and genuine character makes this story transcendent.

Seasons in the Mist by Deborah Kinnard

OH, MY! This was hands-down the best book I've read in a while. Deborah Kinnard has made me an instant fan of Medieval romance. The element of time travel would not have been my first choice of story material, to be honest. And the cover didn't quite catch my attention. For me, this was a book that sneaked up on me and seized my heart almost against my willful skepticism and doubt. And it accomplished this through the following ways.

First of all, Kinnard's masterful writing skill. She has a very distinct, enjoyable voice. She created a story world so tangible and inviting that I totally suspended my initial disbelief. In fact, she managed to get this non-sci-fi/fantasy reader to feel cascading chills in the description of her time-travel portal. And to make this writer fall in love with language all over again. And to infect me so deeply that I found myself thinking in her quaint middle English patterns of speech.

The second reason this book resonated with me is Kinnard's historical detail. Images, sights, sounds, names, customs and places became so real to me I feel a loss now that my journey to Fourteenth Century England is over. I experienced castles, the King's court, fabrics, feasts, and falcons so real that I could smell, feel and taste them. Music, hearth-baked bread, lover's kisses, the majesty of lords and ladies. . . I didn't want the living history to end.

Third and last, what made this such a fantastic read was the love story which defied space and time. I felt Bethany Lindstrom's conflict as she placed her future in God's hands, letting His sovereign will choose whether she pursue an intellectual understanding of history in the present age, or live history with all of her heart, her soul and her mind, and to offer her deepest affection to the man who had stolen her heart, only to risk her promise to marry if God should send her back to her original life. I agonized to the last pages to see what would become of her and Lord Veryan. I didn't just fall in love with the characters, I felt I had become part of their tapestry.

I really can't say enough about the book. Except to say I cannot wait for Kinnard's next. If this novel indicates her consistent skill to weave a fine tale of sweeping romance full of historical inspiration, I am her biggest fan. Bravo!

A cuppa with Tammy Doherty

(K)Tammy Doherty, you and I share much in common. We both love gardening, animals and writing. We both had the fortune to marry wonderful men of Irish decent, and I suspect you have the Emerald Isle in your blood, as well. We both belong to ACFW Northeast, and we both are stunningly brilliant. Okay, that would be just you. But I welcome you to put your feet up and sip some tea with me.

(T) You are too kind, Kathy  I do love gardening, animals and writing. And my wonderful hubby is Irish. I, on the other hand, am mostly Scottish and French. But we’re both 100% American That said, could I sip coffee while we chat?

(K) Ha! Yes, I have this delicious Folger’s chocolate silk coffee—to die for! Pour a cup and settle in, then tell me. How long have you been writing and what milestones mark your writing journey?

(T) As a teen, I made up stories with my best friend. Some of them I wrote down. All of them wouldn’t even make it as bad fan fiction I didn’t get serious until 2001, when we bought our first computer. It took me almost a full year to write my first novel. I journeyed alone with that one, although I did share the manuscript with a few friends.
After publishing the first book, Celtic Cross, I joined Romance Writers of America (RWA). I learned a lot through that organization, but still journeyed mostly alone while writing the next two books. I did enter a few contests and eventually paid attention to judges’ comments. Then I joined ACFW in the fall of 2007. It has definitely been the best thing to happen to my writing career. That’s where I found my wonderful critique partners.
My three historical novels have not won any contests – being self-published limits the contests I can enter. But they have received great reviews. My current work-in-progress, a contemporary romantic suspense, has placed (3rd and 5th) in a couple contests.

(K) Awesome, Tammy. So, are you one of those wonderfully organized folks I’ll have to secretly hate who have a daily word count goal, or do you write as inspired?

(T) I dream of being organized, one day I don’t have a daily word count goal, though I have tried to set monthly goals. Working full-time, managing our home business, and raising two kids, means goals have to be flexible. That said, when inspiration hits I find time to squeeze in writing – including bringing a notebook to library reading hour.

(K) I like you more and more as I see how brilliant you really are! How do you find the inspiration to create? Music, movies, books, nature, Bible . . . Name your muses.

(T) Music is my muse. I write best listening to instrumental, but I have one character who likes classic rock and creating scenes for him works best listening to “his music.” LOL
I have a CD of Irish hymns that I enjoy as well as the Braveheart and Gladiator soundtracks.
I’m also a visual writer. I created pages kind of like a scrapbook, with pictures of actors/actresses that best represent how I imagine my character looks. I find photos of the location or setting, pics of houses and even floor plans. They all help me visualize as I write.

(K) With a name like Kathleen Maher, I couldn’t help but notice that the titles in your three-book series have an Irish theme. Give us their titles here, and tell us a wee bit about all three.

(T) I may be Scottish by heritage, but I love everything Irish. The title inspiration for my first book came from a Celtic cross necklace given to me by my husband. The novel Celtic Cross is a story about trust: Cristeen Latham learned long ago to trust no one, not even God. Matt Donovan’s faith has gotten him through the death of his parents. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it’s too late?
Claddaugh is a book about forgiveness. Headstrong Leigh Latham has always done what she wants without considering consequences. When her ill-fated marriage falls apart, she returns to Colorado – and the man who once loved her. Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh, until she comes back. Each must learn to forgive and accept forgiveness. Leigh is hiding from something. Can Rory protect her and his heart at the same time?
In Celtic Knot, Secret Service agent Kyle Lachapelle is undercover working on the Big L-O ranch, looking for a counterfeiter. Abby Finnigan will never love again after the death of her husband. Then she meets Kyle – handsome, easy to talk with, a true gentleman. When she finds out his true identity, can she ever trust him again? Abby's journey through love, grief, suspicion and danger twists and turns like a chain of never ending Celtic knots. Throw in assault, murder, kidnapping and a shoot-out and Celtic Knot is a western that lives up to its name!

(K) As you write historical romance, do you relate more to the heroine or the hero, or both? Why?

(T) In Celtic Cross, Cristeen’s difficulty with trust came from me. She isn’t me, but at the time of writing the novel I also had trouble trusting. Except I knew the need to rely on the Lord. So for that book, I related more to the heroine. Leigh Latham was difficult for me to write because I could not relate to her. When I began Celtic Knot, I “knew” Kyle better than Abby, but as the book went on I began to relate to them equally well.
I confess, though, that growing up I always wanted to be a cowboy. Tomboy was an understatement describing me! I have a tendency to relate better to the hero in my stories. Learning to a create strong, likable heroine who isn’t at all like me was a tough journey but well worth the effort.

(K) Who are your favorite characters you’ve created and do you borrow from your life and experiences to create them? Have you learned from them?

(T) As I said above, Cristeen stemmed from my life. She was my first heroine and has a special place in my heart. It’s difficult to say any one is a favorite, though. Possibly, Kyle is my favorite hero. I have a soft spot for Simon, another character in Celtic Knot, because his personality is full of twists and contradictions and he was fun to create.
I learned a great deal from Cristeen. Researching the Bible to help with her spiritual journey helped me focus my faith. And I learned to trust a little more-because even if a risk didn’t pay off the Lord would be there to comfort me. I also figured out how to do historical research and found some great websites. The most enjoyable thing I learned was some Gaelic phrases. It sparked a desire to learn the language. And I will – someday!

(K) Would you discuss the spiritual themes of the series?

(T) I work carefully to craft novels that are not preachy, yet the spiritual themes are key to the overall story. Cristeen Latham must learn to trust the Lord, not herself, in order to survive the climatic events of Celtic Cross. Leigh Latham harbors resentment and anger that keeps her from accepting God’s forgiveness and finding peace.
With Abby, in Celtic Knot, I had to work on showing how someone could accept a loving God who also lets bad things happen. I was able to do this by using the fact that Abby is a mother. Being a parent, I think, gives you a different perspective on God.

(K) Give us a snapshot of Celtic Knot. What is it about, and how can we find it?

(T) After the death of her husband, Abby Finnigan has returned to Prophecy, Colorado, a town ruled by the Bigelow family. Her family. Her father refuses to acknowledge her existence. Her playboy older brother, Clayton, acknowledges her but only because he enjoys tormenting her. Eugene, her younger brother, hasn’t spoken to Abby since she returned. Her only friends are the owner of the saloon where she works as a maid and his “upstairs girl.” Sheriff Boone Warren professes his love for Abby. She distrusts him, afraid that his feelings aren’t pure. Plus, he’s little more than Clayton’s puppet.
Pastor Stanton and his family offer Abby friendship, which she finally accepts when Clayton evicts her. The pastor is also friends with Kyle Lachapelle, a newcomer to town. Kyle is working at the Bigelow family ranch. He’s kind, considerate and seems to be a real gentleman. But can Abby trust him? Can she risk heartbreak?
Secret Service agent Kyle Lachapelle is attracted to Abby from the moment they meet. Yet he’ll be moving on as soon as this undercover case is wrapped up. It wouldn’t be fair to toy with Abby’s affections. When he learns her connection to his chief suspects, can he afford to be interested in her?
Things get complicated after that! A dead body, an assault, a jail break, murder, and kidnapping. And while all of this is going on, Abby has to figure out exactly how she feels about God. Can she open her heart to His love? And will that be enough to conquer the fear separating Abby and Kyle?
All of my books are available at online booksellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

(K) As you’ve researched your time period, what are two social customs or ways of life that you wish were still true today, and what are two things you’re glad are not true anymore?

(T) This is a hard one to answer  I think what I wish for the most is less urbanization of our country. Researching the area of Colorado where the books are set, I found photos of gorgeous open land, free of houses and highways. Even as close as 30 years ago my region of Massachusetts was rural farmland. Now we are suburban.
The other thing is more a social custom. In the era of my books, the late 1800’s, public display of sexuality was frowned upon. Only a woman of ill-repute went about scantily clad. And it was considered normal for men and women to wait for marriage before having sex. Yes, promiscuity occurred. But it wasn’t right out there in the public. People didn’t brag about it. I hope that doesn’t sound prudish!

(K)Not at all. I’m with you!

(T) Romance should be about love, not sex. I wish we could be more like that these days. A great kiss, with just a hint of suggestion, then leave the rest to imagination.
The thing I’m grateful isn’t the same anymore is medicine! All three of my novels couldn’t happen in the latter half of the 20th century simply because of modern medicine. Anesthesia wasn’t around back then. Imagine surgery without it!
I’m also happy to be living now when women are treated as equals to men. Most of the time. In Celtic Knot, Abby struggles because her father never wanted a girl child. He refused to acknowledge her as his, treated her with less regard than he did the servants. Now that she’s back, her brother Clayton uses threats and the power of the family bank to ensure no one will give her employment. He tries to force her into marriage with Sheriff Warren, where he thinks he’ll control her. I know even now many women have similar struggles, but in the 1880’s women had little to no legal recourse. Shelters for battered women were rare. I’m glad we’ve made strides in this area.

(K) I’m with you on those things. Thank God for modern plumbing, too!
So, tell me. Should we look for more in this series, or do you have other projects simmering? Do other times and settings in history tug at your fingers and heart to write them?

(T) This series is complete. Friends have suggested I spin off from secondary characters and maybe one day I will. Currently I’m working on contemporary romantic suspense. I do have an idea filed away for “someday” – to write about my hometown region during the early part of the 20th century. This area was once a vacation hotspot. Our town was a favorite of legendary George M. Cohan! Think of the stories…well, someday 

(K) Oh, yesss! You must write that, Tammy.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your books? What have you taken away from them?

(T) Writing these three books brought me closer to the Lord and strengthened my faith. I hope that Christians who read them will take away the same experience. Beyond that, I feel strongly that all three are good books for someone who isn’t a believer or maybe is on the fence about believing in God. I hope the messages of trusting the Lord to take care of your every need (faith), accepting His forgiveness and forgiving others (hope), and the meaning of true love (His love) will stick with those readers and start them on the path to becoming Christians.

(K) Tammy, thank you for being with us here and sharing your love of writing and history. Always a pleasure to share a bit of tea (or coffee) and the gift of gab with a fellow Celt!

(T) Thanks again, Kathleen, for inviting me to share. The Irish in me simply loves words 

(K) If you wish to know more about Tammy or her writing, visit her website at http://tammydoherty.com/
(K) Or follow her blog at http://faith-fiction-friends.blogspot.com/