The Artist Librarian

I love Becky Wade's books, so I'm looking forward to this Facebook party! I might be able to squeeze it in between my final projects and assignments ... Then I hope to be back to blogging regularly next week! I have a ton of reviews to catch up on ... =( My sincerest apologies!

A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! Her One and Only, book four in Becky Wade's Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on her Facebook page on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.

Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of Her One and Only will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more details on how to purchase a copy, click here.

About the Book

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.
[Disclosure: This blog post is part of participation in a Litfuse blog tour.]

What are some of your favorite recent reads? Let me know in the comments!

Join Becky Wade for a Facebook Party Tomorrow! (May 5, 2016) [Litfuse Blog Tour]

The Heir War that Leads to The End of All Things [Review]

Just a quick update to why I haven't been blogging a lot this month --"Real life" has been crazy-busy, mostly having to do with my last semester of #libraryschool.

Earlier this month, I was studying for Orals. For our program, in order to graduate, you have to take a hour long oral exam in front of two faculty members where you talk about topics such as your professional philosophy of librarianship, ethical issues such as intellectual freedom and access to library resources, programming and outreach, and digital library collections. The biggest hurdle is that there were no notes allowed (which totally freaked me out) but I passed! So, as long as I get passing grades in all my classes this semester, I will be graduating with my MLIS degree in mid-May. ^_^

And then, I've most recently come back from a spring break trip, in which my family was able to visit my grandparents for the first time in several years. They don't have internet, so it was nice to relax, take a break from school, spend time reconnecting with my grandparents and other family members, and to be "unplugged" for a bit ...

1. Hakari Mikagami

Finally, I haven't posted about creating costumes a lot, but one of my good friends commissioned me to sew a Hakari Mikagami cosplay for a upcoming anime convention --I'm hoping to have that done next week. I've never played the video game this gorgeous prosecutor is from (Ace Attorney a.k.a. Gyakuten Saiban) but her outfit is really awesome-looking and I'm excited that I've gotten my very first cosplay commission.

I've seen other bloggers do monthly "wrap up" or recap posts, so I thought I'd try it out this month ... because it sort of fits with my topic today. =)

In March, by participating in several blog tours (two which included book giveaways), I was able to interview Dani Pettrey (one of my fave romantic suspense authors), Ruth Logan Herne (my Seekerville friend and prolific author), and reviewed Rachelle Dekker's latest dystopian, The Calling.

So while I didn't really post a lot this month, I have a backlog of book reviews that I'll be working on writing up --including part two of Jill Williamson's epic new fantasy novel!

Finally, the reason for the title of this post. Some of you may remember last year when I reviewed J.L. Mbewe's fantasy novel, Hidden Secrets. Well, Jennette is running a birthday bash on her blog and had a story contest where she asked her readers to write out a scene in which you remove Desmond, "the other half" to protagonist Ayianna's upcoming arranged marriage. So, I've written my first fanfiction drabble and decided to eliminate Desmond from the story ... Project Runway style. ;-) You can take a look here and please vote for my story (before Friday) if you like it. The winner gets an ARC of the sequel Darkened Hope, which released later this year and I really want to find out what happens next! ^_^

Do you like or read monthly recap posts? Do you have a favorite blog that does recaps or month-in-review posts? How do you feel about FanFiction? How has March been for you?

1. Image (c.) Capcom Co., Ltd.

The Artist Librarian Writes FanFiction (and an Update) - March 2016 Recap

The Intrigue Builds and No One is Safe - The Calling by Rachelle Dekker [Review & Blog Tour]

Today, it's my great pleasure to introduce you to another of my author friends I met through the Seekverille writing blog, Ruth Logan Herne (better known as Ruthy). Read on to learn more about Ruthy, her latest novel, and get a chance to win a copy too!

Title: Back in the Saddle

Author: Ruth Logan Herne

Genre: Adult, Christian, Romance, Western

Publisher: Multnomah Books

Publication date: March 15, 2016

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne loves God, her family, her country, dogs, chocolate and coffee! A country gal with a heart for the big city, Ruthy likes nothing more than to write the kind of books she loves to read, and she's even more happy that now she gets paid to do it! She's been married for a Very Long Time and she and her husband Dave live on a small farm in upstate New York where lake effect snow buries them on a regular basis in winter. But that's all right... it gives her more time to write! Connect with Ruthy online at ruthloganherne.com or on Facebook, Twitter, & Goodreads.

Ruthy, thanks for stopping by The Artist Librarian! It seems like you've published hundreds of Love Inspired books. :-P Was anything different about writing or publishing a full length novel with Waterbrook Multnomah?

Jen, I’m so glad to be here!!!! I feel like I’m truly in Hawaii!!!!! :-) Well, yes and no. I’d already started doing big books with Franciscan Media, and they published Refuge of the Heart last September (2015) and just published More Than a Promise this past week, so that was exciting! And dipping my toes in with them and Waterbrook was just plain fun. Waterbrook had changed their schedule after contracting me, so normally we wouldn’t have two books releasing within two weeks of each other, but I honestly think it’s advantageous to both stories because first: They’re so different! One is more of a women’s fiction romance…

And Back in the Saddle is more of a family saga romance, imagine “Bonanza” meets “Dynasty”… three motherless men, a father who has created a dynasty out of angry, restless energy, and the loss of mothers for all three boys-now-men… So for this one, I was able to delve into family and town relationships much more than in a Love Inspired story. 20,000 words extra is a big deal, right?

But this wasn’t hard at all. I’ve always written longer stories, and when Love Inspired contracted me, I had to learn to write with that quicker curve… and I did it! Help from Seekers and Melissa Endlich to coach me along the way, and it worked!

Ah, that's right! I totally forgot Refuge of the Heart was published last year ... With my art background, I have to ask: What was the book cover design process like for you as the author? How much input (if any) did you have in the final cover art?

Waterbrook was marvelous about the covers. First…. Um, GORGEOUS!!!! Colt’s cover is totally perfect for his story, the prodigal coming home to what he knew first. Yeah, he left in anger… but it will always be home because that’s how it is. You can come home again… you can mend relationships… you can make choices… So I love this story for all of those reasons! Then when the cover is done, I have approval rights, and who in THEIR RIGHT MIND would diss that cover???

No one.

So that was fun!

I think the cover definitely fits too! It sort of reminds me of Diana Palmer's book covers (I remember shelving her contemporary cowboy romances at the library all the time).
Why should people read fiction? Why do you write fiction?

Let’s answer the second question first. I write fiction because I have always, always, always wanted to tell stories. From the time I was a little kid, I made things up constantly. I thought I was normal. (See, that’s a misconception so many of us have, because to us WE ARE NORMAL…). :-) But to the rest of the world, we might be considered borderline nut jobs with voices in our heads. Now the voices are paying me to develop them, and I’m okay with that! And Jesus was the ultimate story-teller. He taught with stories.

I do, too.

He showed better ways and better choices by analogizing and creating parables.

I do that, too. And here’s why: I was a poverty-stricken kid from a very shoddy background. Books were my escape. Books were my balm in Gilead. Books took me out of the crazy I lived, and tucked me into a reality I longed for.

If nothing else, books should always be around to help heal the hearts of today’s children, just like they helped heal mine… and develop my fighting spirit!... so long ago.

Aw, I'm trying to imagine a "little Ruthy" now ... ;-) What inspired you to write this story?

Money.

KIDDING!!!!

I’ve been dying to do a cowboy series and when Waterbrook seemed interested, I developed the idea for them and they bought it. But the long story is…

During the crash of 2008 I saw lots of young college educated investors go home. My two sons in New York City watched their friends' jobs dissolve out from under them. All those years of college and training, gone. And there was little recourse.

(they are all re-employed now, though, and a few have gotten married!)

Seeing that, I wanted to create a reason for a man who wiped the dirt of his hometown off his heels (much like Jesus did and instructed his disciples to do) to have to go home… and to realize it wasn’t quite as bad as he remembered. And that goes back to a grown-up vs. a child’s perspective.

Oh, I'm glad they were able to find jobs again! The city or the country and why? ;-)

Both. I was raised in Rochester when it was a great city to raise a family. I’m no stranger to city living. But I’ve been on a farm for almost thirty years, so this is ingrained now, too…

I love both. If I had to leave the farm today, I could tuck myself into a city neighborhood and do fine as long as I had a little spot for a garden. I love going to big cities, I love going to New York, I can walk for hours and hours and hours and just love on the craziness… but then I’m always happy to come back to the green and golds of the country.

Ooh, I had a feeling you'd choose country (guess I'm only half right though, LOL). Back in the Saddle features cowboys --do you have any favorite westerns (any media: book, tv, film)?

Oh, gosh, I love westerns. I love those old John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart westerns, and I’m over the moon in love with Lonesome Dove… And of course Tombstone…. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance… The Snowy River movies from Australia. My whole family LOVES those! Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton??? Great romance! Dances With Wolves? Oh be still my heart. I could go on naming them for a long time, and my husband would count all the Clint Eastwood movies… I’m not as big a fan, but I did love Unforgiven…

Can you give us a hint on what you're working on next?

Oh my stars, yes! I’m in a spring collection with two other “Year of Weddings” authors and our print copy is coming out in April! “Toss the Bouquet” is me with Janice Thompson and Amy Matayo, doing romance from inside the wedding industry! My story “All Dressed Up in Love” is based on the great things I learned in eight years of being a bridal consultant… so much fun, Jen!

Home on the Range and Peace in the Valley are done, and I’ve got my third Franciscan book coming out in September, The First Gift and my second Grace Haven book, “Her Unexpected Family” (Love Inspired, I love my Love Inspired books!) coming out in August and then there are two Christmas novellas coming in the fall… One historical collection (can’t name names, contracts aren’t signed yet) and a contemporary collection from St. Martin’s Press…. And you know I love writing Christmas stories! So that’s plenty for one year, right??? :-)

Right now I’m working on things for next year… Rory’s story for Grace Haven #3 and I’m working out details on a fun trilogy concept that might just catch someone’s eye… if they like sweet towns, quirky characters and heart-tugging romance with babies!!!

Oh, my goodness, plenty for one year and then some, Ruthy! LOL --Thanks for answering my questions!

Jen! It’s been a pleasure, absolutely!

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Discussion with Ruthy ...

Feel free to comment with your answer (or any comment) below and be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour this week!

March 14--The Artist Librarian | cherylbbookblog
March 15--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | deal sharing aunt
March 16--Smiling Book Reviews | The Power of Words
March 17--Mel's Shelves
March 18--Fiction, Faith, and Fun | Singing Librarian Books
March 19--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection

Back in the Saddle Interview with Ruth Logan Herne! [Blog Tour & Giveaway!]

I'm so excited to have one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, Dani Pettrey, here at The Artist Librarian! Read on for an exclusive interview and a chance to win her latest novel, Cold Shot!

The Artist Librarian: Thanks for visiting The Artist Librarian, Dani! Can you tell us a little about Cold Shot and the inspiration behind it?

--Dani Pettrey: Cold Shot is the story of four childhood friends who have grown apart after one of them goes missing just before their college graduation. When modern remains are found at Gettysburg, the remaining three friends who are all in law enforcement are brought together to work the case.

The inspiration behind Cold Shot was two-fold. On one hand, Cold Shot started with an idea from my editor that I took, played with and completely turned upside down. It went from a story about a re-enactor at Gettysburg to modern remains being found at park, which lead the characters down and dangerous and winding trail of mystery and suspense.

On the other hand, I wanted to write a series set in my own backyard. Maryland is such an amazing state. We have everything from mountains to the ocean, a major metropolitan area to rolling farmlands, and amazing towns and suburbs in between. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and I’m ecstatic to share it with readers.

Photo courtesy of Dani Pettrey

That's awesome! I wonder if you felt more pressure to accurately represent the Chesapeake Bay area because you're from there? I know I would!

What comes first: the plot or the characters? I really enjoyed your last series, Alaskan Courage, and was curious to know if you had the plots for each McKenna siblings' book in mind when you pitched the series or if you came up with the characters first, then the story? Was it the same process for the Chesapeake Valor books?

--For me I have a premise in mind. For example for the Alaskan Courage series it all began with a movie I happened to watch with my family about cave divers. It got me thinking—I wonder what people are crazy enough to do something so skilled, amazing and dangerous for a living. From there I started to think how fun it would be to write about a family of adult siblings who pursue adrenaline-packed adventure for a living. Since I’d seen the cave diving movie, I knew I wanted the eldest sibling to be a cave diver and then I moved to setting. After some research I decided on Alaska as the perfect setting for a wide range of adventures, a gorgeous backdrop and a wilderness with an innate sense of danger (if you aren’t properly prepared).

With Chesapeake Valor it began with the setting, then the characters and then a ‘what if?’ Once I have those factors I sit down and write. I love seeing the story unfold as I write and getting to know the characters during my first draft.

Alaskan Courage series (c.) Bethany House Publishers

Alaska was the perfect setting for the McKenna family's stories! I can't wait to get started reading Cold Shot! As The Artist Librarian, I have to ask you about the book cover design process. What was that like for you as an author? Do you have input on the cover art?

--My publisher is so gracious. They ask for images of whom I picture as my hero and heroine, along with any other images I’ve used for inspiration. I’m a very visual person so I typically have a good number of pictures to send them. They also ask if I have any ideas for the background or if there are any book covers that I particularly like the feel of. My publishers have completely exceeded my best expectations with each and every cover. I’m very blessed to get the privilege of getting to work with such a talented team.

Great job, Bethany House Publishers! Their graphics/art team is one of my favorites. What I really liked about the Alaskan Courage covers was how much they coordinated as a series. I can't wait to see how Chesapeake Valor evolves ...

Finally, why should people read fiction? Why do you write fiction?

--I think people should read fiction because it lets you travel to far off places, to experience life through another’s eyes, to live vicariously through others—all by simply opening the cover of a book.

I write fiction because I love the power of story. I love how story can transport you into a completely different world, how it can make you laugh or cry, and how a good story stays with you forever.

The librarian in me loves this answer so much! ^_^ Thanks for stopping by and giving us a "behind the scenes" look at your work. I hope you'll visit again soon, Dani!

--Thank you so much for having me! ~Dani

About the Author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson. You can connect with Dani on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

(c.) 2016 by Bethany House

About the Book:

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper.

When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

GIVEAWAY! Bethany House Publishing has graciously offered a chance for one of my readers to win a paperback copy of Cold Shot! (U.S.A. residents, 18 years and older only.) The drawing will be held March 7, 2016 and the winner will have 24 hours to respond to the email. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below (please read the full terms and conditions there). If you have trouble, contact me and I will enter you manually.

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Bonus Giveaway: Bethany House is also running a Maryland-themed sweepstakes with over $500 in prizes! Click the banner below for more info: