Bonnie reviews WITH THIS SPARK - CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Four award-winning authors!

With This Spark

'CASTAWAY WITH THE COWBOY', author PAM HILLMAN - 5 stars

Pam Hillman whisks the reader away to a 1876 deserted Caribbean island in her adventurous romance, 'Castaway With the Cowboy'. Level-headed Montana horse wrangler/cowboy Zach Holifield is hired to deliver Jessup Grantham's prized stallion safely, by ship, to Costa Rica. When in an attempt to outrun a storm, the boiler blows a hole in the side of the ship, causing it to fill with water and catch on fire - Zach finds himself in a small rowboat along with passengers nanny Abby Lindstrom and her charges Meggie and J.J. (children of Jessup Grantham), cabin boy Toby, and middle-aged missionary couple Milton and Paulette Manning. After fighting choppy water to land on the beach of a deserted island with a steep, rugged terrain, steamy humidity, and bugs attacking from every direction - they are forced to work together for survival.

This beautiful story is full of adventure from beginning to end, vivid descriptions, romance, realistic characters, and wonderful elements of faith. I was mesmerized by the characters survival techniques, which kept me swiftly turning pages for the outcome, involving a surprising unexpected twist near the end. I found 'Castaway with the Cowboy' enthralling, the only downside was that it just wasn't long enough - I didn't want it to end!

Don't miss Pam Hillman's wonderful 'Stealing Jake' - just released in paperback, and new novella The Lumberjack's Bride, included in 'The 12 Brides of Summer' (Novella Collection #3) on eBook.

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'LIFETIME INVESTMENT', author MYRA JOHNSON - 5 stars

It is July 1929, newly-weds Lily and Adam Longmont are beseeched to move from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Agua Viva, Texas - after the death of Adam's uncle Richard. His aunt Stella is in danger of losing her working cattle ranch, supposedly from poor financial management, it is felt Adam can turn things around in a matter of months. Adam, who has lived his entire life in the city, and Lily, a college graduate with a shiny black Ford Runabout, milky complexion and delicate hands - are in for a rude awakening when they arrive, by train, in this desolate area just miles from the U.S./Mexico border. They are met by a brusque, cynical, gaunt aunt and driven in a buckboard to a ranch house without electricity, phone, or indoor toilet - and no car. Lily handles household duties, in order to free aunt Stella and Adam to handle ranch business; both Lily and Adam find themselves faced with continuous exhaustion and their marriage being torn apart from the strain.

The 1929 stock market crash and resulting Great Depression only add to the problems of disappearing cattle and other serious tragedies. Opinionated, stubborn Lily - and Adam, with his feelings of obligation to family, must learn to survive difficult circumstances through trust, cooperation, and communication - not only with each other, but through prayer and faith in God. 'Life Investment' is a touching, heart-warming romance which offers insight to a difficult era and setting. I loved this wonderful story by Myra Johnson, and highly recommend it!

Myra Johnson's 'The Sweetest Rain', Flowers of Eden - Book 1 (Franciscan Media) releases Sept. 18th; her (Love Inspired) 'Rancher for the Holidays' releases Oct. 20th.

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You can find WITH THIS SPARK - Christian Historical Romance for purchase at Amazon!

GIVEAWAY: OWG wishes to thank Pam Hillman, Myra Johnson, Ruth LoganHerne, and Mary Connealy for their generous contribution of 1 copy, each, of the 'With This Spark' eBook as giveaways for FOUR blessed commentators! Please leave a comment on Bonnie's reviews, as well as on Noela's - and you'll gain 2 entries in the drawing! (Please leave your e-mail if we don't know you.) 

Noela reviews WITH THIS SPARK - CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Four award-winning authors!

With This Spark

With This Spark – Christian Historical Romance

By Four Award-winning historical authors

By Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, MyraJohnson

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Texas Tea by Mary Connealy

“Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.” Those words make me grin as they conjure up images of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. But when Libby Cooper thinks of Texas tea… well, it just makes her mad! In Sour Springs, Texas, 1895, the beautiful thirty-something local teacher is living with her Ma and Pa on their large ranch. And none of them are interested in making money from the oil seep on a far reach of their property. Least of all Libby! In her opinion, those in the oil business are rough, ruthless, and unscrupulous varmints. So when her old childhood friend Luke Reeves comes back into her life and sparks explode between them, she’s mightily disappointed to discover he’s come looking for oil on their land. Libby’s past was embroiled with a couple of the most despicable men, one being a conniving, greedy oilman. How can Luke show her that he’s different and has her family’s interests at heart? And can he keep them all safe from the real scoundrels seeking to get rich on the Cooper’s oil?

With the customary finesse of author Mary Connealy’s pen, she had me flipping through the pages, devouring this delightfully spirited and romantic story with laugh out loud humor! Making this story extra special are revisits with characters from other books of Mary’s, providing some tempting bait to those who may not have read about them! A wonderful novella!!

*Don't miss Mary Connealy's fabulous 'Now and Forever' (Wild at Heart, Book #2) which was released June 2, 2015. Coming up Oct 26, 2015 is Book #3 of the Wild at Heart series, 'Fire and Ice'.

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The Pastor Takes a Wife by Ruth Logan Herne

Macy Evers is about to embark on a new life by becoming seamstress Hattie MacGillicuddy’s assistant in the aptly named town of Second Chance. Before she takes that first step through the shop door, Macy manages to knock the local pastor Will Barber down the couple of steps from the boardwalk and into the dusty street below! As the weeks pass, Macy manages to cause him to fall again… but this time it was his heart that tumbled for Macy. Although it is her long-held dream to be someone’s cherished wife, Macy’s secrets that accompanied her to Second Chance, results in her not only feeling completely undeserving and shameful, but also fiercely protective of those secrets. Can this woman who desperately needs a new beginning, find her second chance at life? Or will her massive deception crush all chances of happiness?

This engaging and uplifting story wrapped itself around my heart, touching me deeply with its powerful message of using God’s Word for guidance and the inspiring themes of forgiveness and trusting God. The ever so charming and likable personalities enriched the story all the more. And the tender love between the characters… made me realize afresh why I adore reading romances! Just perfect. Thank you Ruth!!

*Check out Ruth Logan Herne's fantastic 'Healing the Lawman's Heart', released on May 19, 2015.

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 *** I have read all four of these incredible stories and can highly recommend this collection! Here I’m just reviewing the first two novella’s in the book, and on Thursday, Bonnie Roof will review the following novella’s by Pam Hillman and Myra Johnson. ***

You can find this amazing book on Kindle for purchase at Amazon!

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GIVEAWAYS: We have FOUR Giveaways this week as each one of these four wonderful authors are giving away a copy of 'With This Spark'!! Leave a comment (and your e-mail if we don't know you) to enter!

Julie Lessman's Grace Like Rain and Pam Hillman's and Cara Lynn James' Novellas Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

With This Kiss - Historical Collection

With This Kiss -

Historical Collection
April, 2015

Note: I already reviewed Ruth Logan Herne's lovely novella in this collection. In this post I will be reviewing Julie Lessman's novella and Pam Hillman's and Cara Lynn James' novellas.  


GRACE LIKE RAIN by Julie Lessman: The only downside of this novella is that once I had read it, it was over! Loved this story of "Blake the Rake" finally getting his comeuppance via a sweet and reserved secretary who is able to resist his "charming" personality. I'll admit I mostly found him rather funny in Julie's other books--like somebody who thinks he's so "all that" that you know he is bound to get his due, and he does!

Patience is a sweetheart and has her own issues to deal with, much less managing Blake's persistent efforts to get her to go out with him. Julie is known for her high level romantic tension and of course this novella doesn't disappoint!!!

Just when you think maybe, just maybe, things could work out for these two, the other shoe drops. Will they be able to make it past this hurdle? Maybe not. Read and enjoy!!!  Can't wait for Julie's next book!!!

Highly Recommend - 5 Stars!!!

*****

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE by Pam Hillman: Alaina and Curt live next door to each other on farms. But Alana's dad had passed away and so has Curt's wife. Now his sister has left, gotten married, and he's got two little sweeties to take care of by himself. He needs help. BUT Alana knows all the work that has to be done for her crops to be brought it. Yes, Mr. Parker needs his brought in too but his demand that she watch the children and not assist with farm duties grates on her.  Can they find away to work together instead of at odds with one another?

Lovely story!!!

*****

THE INKEEPER’S PROMISE by Cara Lynn James: A family repost in New England is the setting for this charming story. Lydia and her disabled mother are left with a half interest in the fading resort when her step-father dies. He had run the inn and hadn't brought his stepdaughter and wife up to speed on how to manage the place.  Lydia and her mother lived a very marginal life before their move to the resort, which has been like a lifesaver for them.  The other half interest is from the stepfather[s nephew, a young man named Dane, who has spent a lot of time with the loving family over the years and who Lydia has a soft spot in her heart for.  But will his ambition destroy her dream? Will nature and a despicable neighbor destroy all chances of saving the lovely vacation spot?  

*****

CLOSER THAN BROTHERS by Mary Connealy: I did not read this novella as I have visited the site of Andersonville, a confederate prison camp during the Civil War, and I cannot bring myself to read anything about this terribly sad place. If you've ever visited there, you know what I mean.

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Purchase on Amazon!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of With This Kiss - Historical Collection!! 
Check back in a week to see the winner (upper right corner.)

Noela Nancarrow reviews WITH THIS KISS Historical Collection

With This Kiss - Historical Collection

With This Kiss -

Historical Collection
April 10, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Outstanding, original and refreshing, and superbly written! This exceptional collection of novellas from some of the finest Inspirational Historical Romance authors, will give you hours of unsurpassed reading pleasure that lifts your spirit and leaves you smiling!

HIS BELOVED BRIDE by Ruth Logan Herne: This incredibly touching story is dedicated to the courageous pioneers of America. It tells the story of the recently widowed Grace Hawthorne, with a new baby and no shelter or stock. When Phillip Dickerson suddenly discovers he needs a wife and child to receive an inheritance, marrying Grace seems like the perfect solution. Can love grow out of practicality and if so, will it be robust enough to withstand tragedy? This was a truly beautiful, heart-warming tale that had me in tears when I wasn't sighing or smiling. Ruth Logan Herne is an extremely gifted story-teller!

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE by Pam Hillman: An enrapturing story with so much promise and heart that it has you plowing through the pages! Neighbors Alaina Garland and Curt Parker were in a fix. They both needed their cotton crops plowed and hoed in time for harvest but Alaina was hard pressed to do the laborious work by herself and Curt couldn't leave his children alone. He strikes a deal with Alaina to mind his children while he worked both crops. But fulfilling each other’s needs also left them seeing the lack in in their own lives. Could the upcoming harvest bring in more than just cotton? This beautiful romance explores the issues of fear and trust, and delivers the perfect ending!

THE INKEEPER’S PROMISE by Cara Lynn James: The picturesque and tranquil scenery surrounding The Mountain View Inn at Shadow Lake, New Hampshire, seizes your imagination as does the captivating story about this beloved inn and its owners. Lydia and her mother desperately want to keep their inn operating, but when the ambitious co-owner Dane turns up and sees the mess it’s in both physically and financially, the only viable solution is to sell. Can the growing affection between Lydia and Dane be enough for him to give up on his own determined ambitions and find a resolution? Cara is a new author to me, but I so enjoyed this beautiful story on faith and seeking God’s will, that I’ll be seeking out more from this author!

GRACE LIKE RAIN by Julie Lessman: Invigorating and brilliantly witty, this novella excels in saturating your senses with sigh-inducing, lip-curving, and heart-hammering romance, while merging with a spiritually uplifting message of God’s overflowing grace. San Francisco’s most notorious bachelor Blake McClare takes everyone by surprise, including himself when his prim and proper receptionist Patience Peabody captures his elusive heart. How will he ever be able to persuade her to give this ‘rogue’ a chance? The romantic tension was powerful and achingly beautiful, and Julie’s trademark paralyzing twist takes you by surprise once again!

CLOSER THAN BROTHERS by Mary Connealy: This was a real change in pace, and is a riveting and compelling read. ‘Closer than Brothers’ is a prequel to the intriguing and entertaining ‘The Kincaid Brides’ series of books, and I’m sure upon reading this novella you’ll want to grab those too! ‘Closer than Brothers’ predominantly takes place at Andersonville, a confederate prison camp during the Civil War. We see what the characters from Mary Connealy’s later books, endured during this horrific chapter of their lives that had shaped their futures so profoundly. This heart-rending story was remarkably inspiring in watching these men band together in the fight for their lives. And yes, you can still expect kisses in this poignant and stirring tale!

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You will find this delightful Collection on Amazon!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of 'With This Kiss - Historical Collection'!! And in addition, Julie Lessman has generously offered a choice of any ONE of her books (choice of format) to one blessed commenter this week! 
(Please leave your email if we don't know you.)

The Homestead Brides Collection reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

The Homestead Brides Collection

The Homestead Brides Collection: 9 Pioneering CouplesRisk All for Love and Land

by Various Authors

Barbour Books (February 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow - 5 Stars *****

Founding futures on America’s Great Plains

The Homestead Brides Collection is a gathering of nine inspiring tales telling of the adventurous pioneering folks of the bygone 1800’s. These brave pioneers battled the land and forces of nature in their quest to improve their land and build a secure future. When love came their way, often it was as unpredictable as the land. Ultimately, their lives were enriched far beyond their dreams. Each outstanding story in this collection gives its own reward to the reader. Highly recommended!

Homestead on the Range

by Mary Connealy

When the new homesteader Colin Samuelson meets Elle Winter, there is an immediate chemistry… that is until the father of three discovered this pretty woman had four children of her own! Considering himself a poor father of his own three, he was ready to run for the hills. That wasn't about to happen however because his land adjoined Elle’s, leaving them both fighting their attraction to each other along with the forces of nature, and their children’s antics. Absolutely loved this entertaining novella… It was amusing, romantic, informative, and beautifully illustrated how God is with us in the storms of life.

Priceless Pearl

by Darlene Franklin

What happens when an inexperienced family leaves the city to make the run for land in the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma? Will this family survive the harsh winter with their inadequate knowledge and a tendency to be impractical from their days living comfortably in St. Louis?  Or might their neighbor who has his own deficiencies be able to trade off? This is a sweet story of hard work, hope, and love, with a future that promises to be as priceless as Grandma’s irreplaceable pearl!

Proving Up

by Carla Olsen Gade

Swedish Nils Svensson was ready to expand his lumber business and build a timber mill, and the property bordering his land was part of that plan. Discovering that the beautiful Elsa Lindstrom held the deed to the land he thought could become his, dispersed his dreams upon the prairie winds. Elsa had her own plans and when Nils despite himself, grew feelings for her, she accuses him of only wanting her land. Will it be possible for them to find a way to prove up on their land as well as their hearts? This is a wonderful story containing a fascinating forest of facts on the Timber Culture Act of 1873 that’s grafted into a blossoming love story!

Prairie Promises

by Ruth  Logan Herne

Philadelphia city boy Jack O’Donnell arrives at his widowed mothers Nebraska homestead, to a startling reception from a young pregnant woman that’s residing with his mother. He’s not sure whether to admire this pretty woman or be wary of her? Regardless, he means to take his mother home with him as he can’t leave her to this barren prairie and its harsh winter. How can he get his stubborn mother to agree to give up her land and more importantly, how will her plucky young widow friend that’s due to give birth soon, survive alone in a thatched soddy no less? A descriptive and beautifully told story that was refreshing, thoroughly engaging, and a delight to read!

This Land is our Land

by Pam Hillman

Mollie Jameson, orphaned and caring for a brood of siblings and a Grandpa with memory lapses, hasn't much time to spare to reach Lincoln, Nebraska if she wants to lay a claim to the land her father had homesteaded. They’ll all be homeless if she can’t make it in time, and when a blizzard sweeps in and slows them down, it seems that will be the case. Unless she can trust the cowpoke that they've only recently met who has no home or responsibility, to hightail it to the land office with their deed. Will the overburdened Mollie lose everything or gain more than she bargained for? This was a truly enjoyable and heart-warming story with endearing characters!

Flaming Starr

by DiAnn Mills

With anticipation swelling the closer Starr Matthews draws to her recently acquired homestead, she is relishing the thought of finally owning her own place to begin a new life. But her hopes were scattered like the tall grass prairie seeds when she discovers widower Aaron Conrad and his children have already claimed ownership. Although Aaron’s children would benefit from a mother and Starr’s soul heal from love and a new beginning, her pride and tainted past produce formidable barriers towards any happy outcome. Will Starr find her forever or the end in the town named Last Chance? Not too many novella’s touch me deeply enough to bring on tears, but this touching and memorable novella did. Loved it!

A Palace on the Plains

by Erica Vetsch

Hired as a seamstress for Walt Haskell’s upcoming wedding, Julie Farrington has arrived from the city to stay with Walt’s brother, Cyrus. The widowed Cyrus is none too happy having her and her ridiculous amount of luggage move into his tiny dugout that already houses his mother and two young sons. Julie wonders what she’s gotten herself into! She hadn't figured on encountering such a primitive dwelling with no space or privacy, or the gruff though admirable man she’s dwelling with. Julie’s true mettle is put to the test however, when she has to deal with sickness, arduous work, and extreme weather. Will Julie also find her happy ever after? I thoroughly enjoyed this absolute gem of a story, and found the incorporated information on building Soddy’s, completely fascinating!

Waiting on a Promise

by Becca Whitham

Marta Vogel is anxious that it’s taking so long for her fiancé to give her the go ahead to join him in Oklahoma. Ignoring his last letter again urging her to trust him and wait, she hops aboard the next train to Oklahoma Territory. But Karl Reinhardt had good reason to keep her away. He’s dealing with a land dispute and sabotage while trying to work on his land. When she arrives, he is fearful for her safety, especially when she makes friend with the enemy. Wow, what a great story! It’s not always easy to capture so much intrigue in a novella, but Becca manages to do that along with suspense, humor, and romance, in the talented strokes of her pen.

The Bogus Bride of Creed Creek

by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Iz McBride returns home to his Texas ranch in Creed Creek to discover a pregnant wife! Which is very strange seeing how he’s never met her before. And everyone in Creed Creek seems to love Cora McBride, even his traitorous dog. So does he evict her from his ranch or marry her proper? I loved the unique plot, and it was fun trying to figure out how this mixed-up tale of deceit and truths was going to unfold. The charming characters in this western tale strive to change past wrongs for future generations. A very sweet ending to this novella and to this wonderful book! 

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You will find this book at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; Books-A-Million; Book Depository.

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GIVEAWAY: This gorgeous book is up for giveaway to one very blessed commentator who leaves a comment below! E-book if the winner is outside of the US.

Homestead Brides Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Homestead Brides Collection

Five Stars ***** for this collection!
The Homestead Brides "Nine Pioneering Couples Risk All for Love and Land" from Barbour Publishing (February, 2015)

Destined to be a BEST SELLER!!! Don't wait--go and BUY yourself a copy ASAP!!!

All of the novellas in this collection are wonderful. There wasn't a weak one in the bunch which is pretty unusual. The authors are: Carla Olson Gade, Darlene Franklin, Erica Vetsch, Pam Hillman, Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Kathleen Y'Barbo, DiAnn Mills, and Becca Witham.

Our OWG blog guest this week, Carla Olson Gade, wrote "Proving Up", set in Swedeburg, Nebraska in 1885. Nils Svensson has worked hard for years to establish hardy trees. He's waited for his wife to return to Nebraska after she returned to a less-demanding life back home with her parents. Enter widowed Elsa Lindstrom, Swedish like Nils, and she has somehow procured land he'd expected to purchase. Instead, Elsa and her two younger brothers now occupy what he'd hoped to expand his orchards to. Elsa, too, plans to develop a tree nursery. Can these two like-minded Swedes work together? Lovely story and characterization and some sigh-worthy love scenes.  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Watch for Noela Nancarrow's review on Thursday of ALL nine stories!!! She'll have a separate giveaway.

Giveaway: A copy to one of our commenters. I recommend the paperback version as it has the lovely deckle edges on the pages plus it has built in bookmark cover ends that bend into the cover's interior.

Noela Nancarrow reviews STEALING JAKE by Pam Hillman

Stealing Jake

Stealing Jake
by Pam Hillman
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

Intriguing Historical Romance with a Great message!

It’s 1874 in the small but growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, on the outskirts of Chicago. The times are turbulent and everyone is doing it tough. But no one more so than the grimy homeless street urchins from Chicago, who have learnt the art of pick-pocketing in a bid to survive. Working in teams of two and with slick movements, the street kids lighten the pockets of unsuspecting men and women upon the boardwalks and streets of Chestnut. 
Young Luke, the self-appointed caretaker of these kids, is simultaneously on a determined yet risky mission to rescue his five year old brother from the clutches of the ruthless men running an illegal sweatshop.  The gripping and heartrending story of Luke’s and the other children’s dire circumstances is a powerful and tragic tale told throughout this amazing novel.

Livy O’Brien understands these misunderstood street kids and their bleak situation only too well. A runaway from Chicago, she’s come to Chestnut to make a new life for herself and feels blessed to have been taken in by Mrs. Brooks who runs the town’s orphanage. Livy would love to get these street kids into the orphanage, but getting these children on the run from the law to trust her, seems almost impossible.

Complicating things for Livy is Jake Russell, Chestnut’s charming, green-eyed and broad-shouldered Deputy Sheriff. Her first encounter with the deputy was delightful and impacting to say the least, but epitomizes the great effect they end up having on each other. But where Livy had a heart of compassion and understanding for the street kids, Jake was dubious and wanting to lock them up. Can Livy convince Jake to trust her about these young boys? From the very beginning sparks were flying between Jake and Livy, however Jake was a deputy and Livy was running from the law. Can Livy continue to run from her heart’s longing when Jake captures it? And as a man of law, what will he do when he suspects Livy?

Stealing Jake captures your attention from the first page and never lets it go. A thoroughly entertaining and intriguing historical romance that’s chock-full of action, suspense, inspiration, and a beautiful and delectable love story between the two charismatic heroes. There’s also a very stirring and encouraging message in this story about moving on and leaving your past behind, realizing it does not have to be your legacy nor your destiny. Yesterday does not have to define you and with God’s help, He can make all things new!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

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QUESTION: Have you ever left something negative (i.e. behavioral, attitude, or dysfunctional family, etc) behind in your past, and what helped you to do that? "LIKE" Pam's FB Author Page (and let us know), and answer the question to enter!

GIVEAWAY: OWG will be giving away a copy of either of Pam's books (winner's choice) and Pam is offering a signed paperback of her new-to-print 'Claiming Mariah'! (Thanks Pam!) E-book for winner's outside of USA.

Be sure to leave your E-MAIL for contact purposes if you are the winner!

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Pam Hillman Interviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Pam Hillman

Pam Hillman is the author of CLAIMING MARIAH and STEALING JAKE. Awards include RWA Golden Heart, ACFW Genesis, and EPIC eBook Awards.

Pam, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

What an interesting question. One of most difficult things I’ve had to overcome has been to peel myself off the wall and be sociable. Someone told me recently that I am approachable, so I take that as a good sign that I’m overcoming my natural bent towards not engaging with others overmuch.

Many years ago, I went to a writer’s conference with a group of authors and at the opening reception, the group of eight or so authors huddled together. My natural inclination was to stay in the huddle, but I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out to other “wallflowers”, so I left the group and cruised the room, speaking to those standing alone or in other small groups. It was really hard, but I did it.

I wrote a post titled Wallflower Writer to the Rescue. To this day, I make it a point to rescue other wallflowers at events. Others say they see me as outgoing and approachable. I can definitely say that was not the case twenty years ago. Thanks God!

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format?

I would love for my books to be available as audio books and large print, but alas they are not. However, my ebooks do have audio capability enabled, and are easily read in large print. Ereaders are amazing inventions!

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

Claiming Mariah is all about forgiveness. Slade Donovan has harbored a grudge against the Malone family his entire life. Some might say that Slade doesn’t come across as very heroic to begin with, but he has good reasons for his demands, not to mention he has the law on his side. He eventually softens toward the heroine and her family and lets go of his bitterness.

There is a wonderful review on Amazon that I’d love to share because it so perfectly sums this up, but it’s my understanding that I can’t share Amazon reviews, and I don’t think this one has been posted anywhere else. But it was posted on January 31, 2014 by Shannah under the heading “Such a Good Book”.

She mentions that if we don’t forgive, we can become bitter and blame others and God for everything that happens to us. By choosing to forgive, we open our hearts and lives to joy and happiness and a better relationship with God.

Sometimes we have much to forgive (like Slade did), and sometimes a tiny little thing can take root, spring up, and grow into a mountain of bitterness that chokes the very life and joy out of us. It is my hope that readers can learn to let go of bitterness (whether large or small) and offer forgiveness toward someone who has wronged them. I also pray that someone who has committed a wrong would have the courage to ask for forgiveness.

Thank you Pam for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Pam Hillman’s Social Media:

Website: http://www.pamhillman.com

Facebook Author PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamHillman or @PamHillman

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5800307-pam-hillman

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/wrtnbyph/

Group blog: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Note: Pam reports that Tyndale is doing a giveaway on Goodreads for 5 copies of Claiming Mariah. 
LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/78464-claiming-mariah

OUR Giveaway: OWG will be giving away a copy of either of Pam's books (winner's choice) and Pam is offering a signed paperback of her new-to-print Claiming Mariah (thank you, Pam!)  

Answer this question--Have you ever become bitter from unforgiveness?  What did you do to get past it?  "Like" Pam's FB Author Page (and tell us!)  and answer the question to enter! Leave your email address if we don't "know" you well here at OWG.