Welcome, book fans, to the “Writing is a Team Sport” blog hop with Janet Ferguson! This is stop # 1. If you’re starting this mid-hop, you’re in the right place!
We’ve got 4 fun posts for you to meet new authors, learn about their books, and earn entries for the HUGE GIVEAWAY by signing up for their newsletters. Once you’ve completed the hop, you’ll get a link back here to the giveaway form.
What books can you win??
I’m so glad you asked!
Her Texas Rebel (eBook), Christmastide at Bald Head Island (eBook), Blown Together (eBook), Unraveled (eBook), A Match for Magnolia (eBook), The Scarlet Coat (eBook), Reclaimed (eBook), Finders Keepers (eBook), A Pony Express Romance (eBook), A Thing of Beauty (eBook), The Lawman’s Secret Son (paperback U.S. only), Mistletoe Reunion Threat (eBook), The Whistle Walk (eBook), A Biltmore Christmas (paperback US only), Most Precious Gift (eBook)
That’s 15 books!
The giveaway will be open through 11:59EST on March 14, 2017.
While this giveaway IS open internationally (except where prohibited by law), paperback copies are only available to US winners.
I’m turning things over now to Janet Ferguson, but I’ll be back to send you on to the next stop!
Christian Fiction: A Team Sport by Janet W. Ferguson, Critique Partner Addict
Four years ago, I had a completed Christian fiction manuscript and no clue what to do with it. I attended a writers’ conference where I met a couple of nice Christian fiction agents who suggested I find a critique group.
I admit I went a bit crazy. Over the top—obsessive—compulsive…
So much so, my list of authors I critiqued with is spanning four blogs today.
We’ve brainstormed story ideas, critiqued each other’s work, carpooled to national conferences, teamed up in marketing events, but most of all cheered for and encouraged each other on this strange and sometimes lonely journey that is writing fiction.
First Critique Partners
Around the time I returned home from that conference, Tina Radcliffe of the Seekerville Blog was setting up pairs of authors to critique each other. She kindly introduced me to LeAnne Bristow and Courtney Phillips Ballinger. Courtney eventually dropped out to start a family, although not before winning the Genesis and numerous other contests.
LeAnne and I stayed together adding Misty Beller and Jackie Layton to our group. We’ve prayed for each other, emailed, called each other, and three of us finally met in 2015 at an ACFW conference.
LeAnne Bristow
LeAnne Bristow is one of the most determined writers I know. She won contest after contest, rewrote and edited her stories over and over, determined to get a contract with Harlequin. And she did! I’ve so enjoyed knowing LeAnne these past years, and I hope to finally meet her in person someday!
LeAnne Bristow may have been born and raised in central Texas, but she’s a desert rat at heart. After calling Southeast Arizona home for more than twenty-five years, her husband finally let her claim the title of an Arizonan. Her day job is teaching kindergarten, but her favorite pupil is her granddaughter and LeAnne is determined to teach her how to catch lizards and love the desert as much as she does.
“Critique partners are the coaches, cheerleaders and fans God uses to help you keep your eye on the goal.”
newsletter | website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Her Texas Rebel
He left so fast, she never got a chance…
He abandoned her when she needed him most, just as she’d discovered she was pregnant. And now, ten years later, struggling single mother Sabrina Davis has come home in search of refuge for her at-risk son. Except Tony Montoya, now a cop, has also returned to Salt Creek, Texas.
Recovering from being shot in the line of duty, Tony plans to use this time in his hometown to make amends for the trouble he caused as a youth. Amends for breaking Sabrina’s heart. But trouble seems to follow the police officer no matter where he goes, and he doesn’t want to hurt the woman he never stopped loving…or the son he’s just found.
Misty Beller
Misty Beller has been my guide in all things marketing, advertising, and technology. Oh how she’s helped me with the business side of writing, plus with critiques. I’m so thankful for Misty’s expertise! She’s such a sweet and gentle spirit, too.
Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family–both immediate and extended–is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
“My critique partners are one of the single, most-helpful forces on my writing through the years!”
newsletter | website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
A Pony Express Romance
After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster’s beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara’s family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara’s life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
Jackie Layton
Jackie Layton is probably one of the sweetest and most prayerful women I know. I’m so blessed to have her as a friend.
Jackie has written many stories and published In Focus with Forget Me Not Romances. Some writing awards she has received are 2016 Second Place Inspirational Fabulous Five Contest, First Place in Touched by Love Award 2016, 2016 Second Place in the Orange Rose Contest, Finalist in 2015 Genesis Romantic Suspense, Winner of Inspirational Category 2015 Show Me the Spark, Second Place Romance in the 2013 Writers of the Storm Category 5 Contest, 2014 Genesis Semifinalist Romantic Suspense, top 200 of the Family Fiction Short Story Contest in 2014, and Daphne du Maurier Second Place Inspirational in 2014. Jackie is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Bluegrass Christian Writer.
newsletter/blog | website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Christmastide at Bald Head Island
Literature weaves its way through the hearts of the Jordan family women.
Matriarch, Grace Jordan, has a particular affinity for William Shakespeare. Just as his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, spins a tale of the planning of one wedding but ends with three ceremonies, Grace and her two daughters, Rosalind and Miranda, discover rekindled love while planning Rosalind’s daughter, Jane Anne’s Christmas wedding.
In a twist of fate, ceremony plans change.
However, just like Elizabeth Bennett and Anne Shirley from Jane Austen and Lucy Montgomery’s respective classic tales, all four Jordan women discover what—and who—will make them truly happy.
Courtney Ballinger
Courtney Phillips Ballinger is about my daughter’s age and writes with such stellar talent and humor. With each sub she sent, I was more and more amazed and impressed with her ability. Though, she’s taking a break to raise her precious daughter, both her stories I read placed in contest after contest. She also won the Genesis! She’s definitely a name to watch!
About Courtney:
A homeschool and college graduate, I love just about anything related to reading and writing. My other loves include the South, cooking, eating, learning sign-language, and pretty much anything that’ll give me a chance to laugh.
I strongly believe a wise woman never stops learning. My highest goal is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of my life. After all, He’s more than worthy.
newsletter | website | Facebook | Twitter
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
newsletter | website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Blown Together
Southern Hearts Series ~ Book 4
When love storms in…
Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.
Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.
Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?
“My favorite part of being a team of Christian writers is worshiping and praying together!”
Time to Hop
Once you’ve signed up for the authors’ newsletters (giveaway entries!), head over to BookwormMama for stop #2!
What about you? Who are some friends that have meant a lot to you?
First, this is an awesome idea!!!
Second, my church friends have meant so much to me. These ladies will pray for me, lift me up when I’m down, and make me laugh. We have so much fun together!
Oh, and I cannot wait for Janet’s new book!!! I absolutely loved the first three ?
i love that! Having a support network like that is so important!
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much!! Christian women friends make life so much better! I hope you like Blown Together. It was my favorite to write 🙂
Awesome Jessica! I love the support of fellow friends of faith!!
What a fun glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of your writing, Janet. It’s amazing, the web of support that exists in the Christian writing community 🙂
Hi Emily!
Hi Emily!! You’re part of my amazing web, and I’m so glad!
Much love
Janet is an amazing critique partner as well as LeAnne and Misty. You’ll never meet three sweeter women.
And Carrie is so fun to be around in real life an online.
awww thanks, Jackie! 😀
So true Emily! I thought so too. As I’m more immerse in this community as a reader/blogger, I’m amazed by the great support of this community. And I think having that faith makes all the difference.
I’m thrilled to be included in this wonderful blog hop! Thank you very much for including me. This is a great bundle of books and more importantly, an awesome group of writers.
Hi Heidi! 🙂
Oh Heidi, you’re seen my first drafts and you’re still my friend! You’re awesome!!
Hi Heidi! I agree, this is a great bundle. So glad we’re involved in something together!
Ditto!
My best friend, Janice, means the world to me. She is more than a friend but I can’t find the words that best describe her. She’s always been there for me. When I was full time caregiver to my Mom for 5 years, she was my life line. She’s what kept me sane. At her own expense, she flew into Little Rock, arranged with my husband to take over for a couple days and insisted that I drive up to met her just to have some girlie time. She would do anything for me and just about has. The world would be a lot better with more people like Janice in it!
oh Kay, this is beautiful!! What a precious friendship!
Kay, Janice sounds like such a blessing! I’m so glad God put her in your life!
Wow, Kay. What an awesome friend. You are blessed!
O Kay. Your friendship with Janice have truly surpassed the times and I’m so happy for you. That is AWESOME!
Don’t know what I would do without amazing Critique partners. So honored to have worked closely with Janet! Love her writing! <3
Hi Angela! 🙂
Angela, It was wonderful that we finally got to meet in person, too! Can’t wait for your next book to come out!
Hi Angela,
It’s good to see you here at Reading is my Superpower!
Yay yay!
Carrie, Thank you for all the hard work putting this together, so that everyone could meet my friends!!
it was our pleasure!
So happy to meet your friends, Janet!
Such a pleasure to be part of this wonderful community! Reminds me of the “great cloud of witnesses” paul mentions in Hebrews. 🙂
Oh I love that description, Misty!
That is beautiful!
Wow! Great reference Misty. Thank you for sharing that!
This Is a great idea! Love learning about new-to-me authors! Am already adding to my massive TBR. This is nothing new though since I’ve been reading Carrie’s blog! ?
Hi Kim! Carrie keeps us stacking up that pile, doesn’t she? And I don’t have super powers, LOL! Thanks for stopping in to meet everyone!
hahaha Kim!
hahha. Kim, I second that!
I love Misty’s books, her characters come to life and she is always interested in what her readers have to say, i really enjoy books with a western theme.
Ann, Misty’s awesome! I’m so blessed to get that early sneak peak! Thanks for saying hello!
Ann, Misty’s stories pull me in from the rough draft to the polished finish. She’s is so talented and a gifted storyteller.
Ann, love your sharing. I’m new to Misty’s books. This hop have introduced a few (OK, more than a few) new authors to me!! Love it!
Thanks for such sweet comments, Ann! I’m so thankful God brought our lives together!
Love this hop. My friends are probably those who have know. Me for years but I have to say some of the other bloggers I have “met” are becoming great friends. We are supportive and caring to each other.
Hi Bree! Isn’t Christian fiction a fun crowd? Such a blessing! Thanks for saying hello! I’m glad I’ve met you, too!
this community is so fantastic!!
O, Bree.. Isn’t it wonderful, this community? It’s not only among authors, but also readers and bloggers!! Thanks for inspiring me to write a post on that! Thanks!! Will need to schedule it!
oh yay!! i can’t wait to read it!
What a great way to spend a Saturday!
I’ve had friends come and go throughout my life.I have friends that, despite not seeing each other for years, we can pick up without missing a beat.
My one constant friend is my sister. It wasn’t always the case, with me being five years older. I loved and cared for her when she was little, then there were some difficult years (thankfully those were few) though we live far apart, we know that no matter what we will always be there for each other.
Now, I have a whole new set of friends, I’ve never met them in person but I love them just the same.
Andrea, I’m so glad you have your sister! And I’m glad we’ve become friends through Christian fiction!
Isn’t God so sweet to give us friends all over?
=) Woohoo!! See you in the summer, Andrea!!!
What a great idea, Janet, and thanks for introducing me to these great new-to-me authors.
Hi Virginia! You’re welcome, and I’m so thankful for you and our Mississippi crew!
Hi Virginia, thanks for stopping by! It’s good to meet you here.
Nice to meet you Virginia!
Janet and Carrie! I love this!!! Thank you for giving a little glimpse into our community of writers. We are so much stronger together, and as one can easily tell by her post, Janet is an awesome cheerleader, prayer warrior, and friend. And the other women mentioned… awesome. Just awesome. 🙂
Janet IS awesome – and so are you! If I ever wrote a book (which is not likely) I would want you both on my team 🙂
Oh how sweet!! More hugs sent to you and Carrie!! Along with much love! BTW I will want to critique with you, Carrie 🙂
awww thanks!! 😀
Awesome is right!! Thanks Janet!
🙂
Hi Carrie! Whenever I see your blog I’ve wanted to let you know how great it is to find all these wonderful books and authors and have filled my Kindle with them. I’m an aspiring Christian fiction writer, with 2 indie-published books so far. My main character in my series is actually named ‘Carrie!’ 🙂
Is there anyone who is willing to give me some critique and feedback if I offer a free copy?
Julie, What an awesome name for your heroine!! Are you a member of ACFW? That’s where I found most of my wonderful critique partners! If not here’s the link. https://members.acfw.com/member_connection/critique_groups
I’ve also seen some FB review groups where you can get beta reads and reviews. I haven’t tried that.
Congrats on publishing!
Blessings
Janet, I’ve just decided to apply for ACFW. Thank you so much for the link!
Thanks, Carrie!
Awesome, Julie! It took me a while to move from the large group to a smaller one. You have to find the right fit.
The conference if great, too!
oh how marvelous, Julie! Your heroine has a fantastic name 😀
Hi Julie,
I love ACFW, and RWA can also pair you up with critique partners! Both organizations are amazing.
Julie, that is so true. Love Carrie!!
Have you tried connecting on Facebook groups? Avid Readers would be a great group to solicit readers. There is also an aspiring Christian writers group that have that purpose in mind. And what Janet said about joining your local ACFW group.
UM….YOU my dear!!!! <3
hahah. DITTO that for me, both literally (meaning Carrie) and figuratively (right back at YOU, Rachel!)
awwwww <3 <3 <3
It’s definitely true when they say ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’. And my husband (even before he was my husband) and my mother probably top that list. I have a dear friend who lives about half an hour away who has been my Titus 2 friend for several years now (in mothering, wifing, and homeschooling!), and I have dear friends scattered across the globe, not least of whom are those in the Christian fiction community. If only I was closer to you all! <3 <3
Oh my mother was such a help to me! Sounds like you have a great husband, too! So glad we’ve met!!
I may be biased, but I think he’s pretty great 😉 So pleased to count you among my bookish friends <3
🙂
Hi Katie,
So glad you stopped by. I’d be lost without my friends. I emailed Janet about a problem this week, and she said to call her. I did and felt so much better after we talked. I’ve just moved and asked a lady about finding a local Bible study, and she said she lead one in her home and invited me on the spot. I went and am starting to make friends in my new home.
I was happy to talk to you, Jackie!!
i’m so glad to hear this, Jackie!
thank you for sharing that Katie!! Love!
Carrie, thanks so much for hosting us! I hope you have a great day!
Hi Jackie!
My dear! What a LOVELY 1st stop……I’m so glad to meet so many new authors on this hop! I have met some wonderful friends on this journey of blogging, including you, Rachel, Beth, and of course the awesome author friends like Janet. Thank you, Janet for thinking of us.
I think of all of you often!! 🙂 Writing gets pretty lonely otherwise!
thank you, my sweet friend 🙂
Ladies, thank you for the EPIC giveaway!
I’m so grateful for the precious friends the Lord has placed in my life!
Friends are a blessing and a true gift!
amen, Caryl!
Carrie, what a fun and creative (and I’m sure time-consuming) blog post. I really enjoyed it. I found a few new authors, too, YAY!
I always enjoy your blog posts.
Blessings~
yay!! Thanks Robbie 🙂
Hi Robbie! It did take awhile to put together, ha! I’m so thankful for my reviewer friends!
Love your books,thanks for a chance to win
Hi Martha! Thank you so much! Good luck in the giveaway!
Carrie, I hate to see this hop end. Thanks for having this great idea!!
Much love!!
it has been such fun!