Random.org has spoken and the winner is Jackie Smith!
Thank you, Vannetta, for stopping by to visit and for offering a giveaway copy of Joshua’s Mission. Thank you, readers, for visiting and participating in the giveaway. I hope you’ll join me again for more giveaways, guest posts, reviews and more!
It’s my pleasure to welcome Vannetta Chapman back to Buzzing About Books! Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Vannetta, and for graciously offering a copy of Joshua’s Mission to one of my readers.
Thank you for allowing me to visit your blog today, Britney. I’m very excited about the release of Joshua’s Mission (2-1-16), which is book 2 in my Plain & Simple Miracles series. This book is a Christian romance story, but some of you may wonder … how do you find romance in the midst of a disaster? And how is this sort of story about the grace of God? Great questions!
Joshua’s Mission – Finding romance and grace in the midst of disaster
Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A budding romance? A call from God? A possible healing of his relationship with his brother? Joshua’s Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.
1. Romance? I love writing romance. I adore happily-ever-after, and I can find those stories in just about any situation. Middle of a hurricane? No problem. While your brother is intent on finding trouble with the law? Yeah. I can do that. During a recovery mission? Absolutely! I think love is, literally, all around us. And sometimes, it’s when we have trouble in our lives that we’re most open to a new relationship.
2. Grace? Disasters are a terrible thing. If you’ve ever experienced a first hand natural disaster, or been on site soon after one, you know what I mean. It’s heartbreaking to see people’s lives ripped apart. So how can we possibly have a story about grace in such a terrible situation?
The answer is in the way that we comfort one another. Christ told us to be His hands and feet, and during disasters we find people doing that very thing. We put down our cell phones, unplug from the internet, turn off the television, and we become involved with each other’s lives.
I had the awesome chance to experience this recently after we had massive flooding in central Texas. On May 25, 2015, the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos were hit by catastrophic flooding from the Blanco River. The river crested at an estimated 41.5 feet, nearly 30 feet above flood stage. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. But the people in the area pulled together. Volunteers showed up in droves. Donations came in. Rebuilding began. The experience I had helping one family certainly changed my outlook. As one of the men told my husband, “We had no idea where to begin, and then you all showed up. You gave us hope.” Wow. Grace in the midst of disaster.
3. Fiction. Joshua’s Mission is a fictional account of a hurricane that hits the Texas gulf, but I was able to use first hand testimonies of hurricane victims in other areas, my own experience working on an emergency response team, and interviews with people in the area to weave together a story. There’s a little romance and a whole lot of grace. I hope that you’ll give it a try.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
One lucky reader will win a print copy of Joshua’s Mission!
To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Monday, February 1 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on February 2nd.
To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.
Connect with Vannetta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Purchase a copy of Joshua’s Mission:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman
Review:
Dramatic and emotional, Anna’s Healing is a story that lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned. I loved this beautiful story of faith and family!
Introduced to Cody’s Creek in the e-short Brian’s Choice, I was eager to revisit this Amish community. I loved getting to know Anna and her friends and especially enjoyed the relationship she shared with her grandmother Ruth. Anna’s thoughts and emotions are palpable throughout the story, and her journey is one that will touch your heart. I can’t wait to read more of the Plain and Simple Miracles series!
“These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Project Linus is a very special project that is mentioned in Anna’s Healing. When you purchase a copy of Anna’s Healing through the AmazonSmile program, 0.5% of the purchase price will be donated to this wonderful organization. Simply follow the directions below!
Synopsis:
When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody’s Creek, Anna Schwartz’s life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.
Three people–Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz–join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle’s. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.
Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world’s attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Vannetta Chapman writes Fiction Full of Grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.
Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman
In a town where Amish and Englisch mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . or he strikes again?
Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been seen loitering around back.
Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.
The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and Village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village could have killed Owen Esch.
Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.
Thoughts:
Vannetta Chapman has spun quite a yarn with her latest release, Murder Tightly Knit! I loved this delightful tale of mystery, friendship, and romance!
Since reading Murder Simply Brewed, I have been eager to revisit the Amish Artisan Village. These books easily stand alone, but I encourage you to read them in order. In doing so, you will come to know these special characters and understand their stories.
I enjoyed catching up with several favorites, especially Amber Bowman and Hannah Troyer. So much has happened since their last sleuthing escapade and now they’re at it again. “Now they were in the midst of dark waters again. Perhaps, together, they could find their way clear.”
Once again, a murder occurs in the Village and suspicions and suspects abound. I eagerly turned the pages, trying to guess the identity of the murderer, but remained unsure of the culprit until the very end.
Murder Tightly Knit is a charming cozy mystery! I can’t wait to see what Vannetta cooks up in the next book in the series, Murder Freshly Baked!
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook
Vannetta Chapman writes Fiction Full of Grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.
Connect with Vannetta:
http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
The name drawn in the HIDDEN giveaway was:
Congratulations, Karen!
Thank you all for visiting, commenting, and sharing this giveaway. I appreciate every comment and hope you will join me again. I love sharing great books and have many more giveaways planned!
HIDDEN by Vannetta Chapman
Home is where our story begins …
DANA JACOBS would rather forget the night of tragedy and violence that marred her childhood. She is now supervisor in charge of the Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is prepared to handle any threat—biological, chemical, conventional, cyber, even nuclear.
BENJAMIN MARSHALL is newly assigned to Dana’s office. Straight from a six year military deployment, he is not what Dana wants or needs. Ben knows God has a reason for putting him in this place at this time—to help Dana. When a local school is threatened, they open a case which leads them on a chase through the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest, pursuing a man filled with a bitterness Dana can understand. But her anger is different. It’s justified, it remains hidden inside, and it hurts no one.
Can Dana face her own mortality? And when she does, can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven?
Thoughts:
Vannetta Chapman wowed me with this romantic suspense! Superb imagery and intricate details pulled me right into the story and gripping suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved Dana Jacobs and Ben Marshall, as well as the wonderful cast of secondary characters. A captivating storyline, coupled with heartfelt, tender romance, make Hidden a must read! I am screaming for more in the Jacobs Family Series!
You can read the first few chapters for free at Amazon and also at Goodreads. To order your copy of HIDDEN, visit http://vannettachapman.com/books/hidden/
Vannetta has generously offered one copy of HIDDEN to be given away to a Buzzing About Books reader!
Click here to meet HIDDEN’s hero, Ben Marshall, and enter the HIDDEN giveaway!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Thank you so much for letting me visit your blog today! Today I’d like to share with you the details of my newest release, a Christian romantic suspense entitled HIDDEN. Here’s the back cover copy:
DANA JACOBS would rather forget the night of tragedy and violence that marred her childhood. She is now supervisor in charge of the Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is prepared to handle any threat—biological, chemical, conventional, cyber, even nuclear. BENJAMIN MARSHALL is newly assigned to Dana’s office. Straight from a six year military deployment, he is not what Dana wants or needs.
Ben knows God has a reason for putting him in this place at this time—to help Dana. When a local school is threatened, they open a case which leads them on a chase through the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest, pursuing a man filled with a bitterness Dana can understand. But her anger is different. It’s justified, it remains hidden inside, and it hurts no one.
Can Dana face her own mortality? And when she does, can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven?
Doesn’t that sound fun? It is! It’s a story full of suspense, romance, and a good dose of humor, not to mention a focus on God’s grace.
I thought for today’s blog, I’d give you a peek into my main character, Ben Marshall.
Who is your closest relative? I’m close to all of my family, though I rarely live close to them. I was in the military for a time, and now I have a new job in Taos with Homeland Security. I adore all of my family, but I’m probably closest to my grandfather. We still talk on the phone regularly.
Tell us about your job. I’m actually an explosives expert. When I applied through Homeland Security they hired me, then sent me to the Taos area. I can tell you up front that there’s no doubt that is a God-thing. My best friend is from Taos, and though he was killed in the Middle East, I hope to have a chance to spend time with his family.
Any romantic relationship? Are you kidding? There wasn’t much time for that in the military, and now I barely know anyone in my new job. Though I will admit, I feel a special connection to my boss, Dana.
Dating your boss? That sounds risky. Oh, I wouldn’t say we were dating. In fact, I think she’d rather I was in a different office. That’s okay. Sometimes God puts us in a situation for reasons we can’t fathom. I’m happy to be here and to be close to Dana. I have a feeling that we’re going to become very close—whether it’s friendship or romantic, only God knows.
Anything that you’re afraid of? That’s a funny question. Men aren’t supposed to be afraid, and I suppose while I was overseas I did learn not to fear death. After all, every person dies at some time and in some way. Our hope is in our heavenly future. However, I do admit that sometimes I’m afraid I won’t have the time I need to speak to those who are important to me. Those things get pushed to the back, but they’re important. I guess I’m saying that it’s always a challenge to keep the main thing the main thing.
And what is the main thing? Relationships. The people we love. Sharing our faith. I’m not talking about handing out pamphlets or even preaching a sermon. I don’t know how to do that. No, I’m talking about being there when someone is in a crisis of faith. As believers, I think that’s one of the most important things we do.
Favorite hobby? Anything that keeps me moving—rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, even fishing. If I’m outside, then I’m happy.
Ben Marshall is one of my all time favorite heroes. As you can see, he’s not a real bold guy. Kind of laid back. A little on the quiet side. Boyish in some ways. But when you need him? Ben’s there, and he’s not going to leave until he’s sure that you’re safe.
I’m so happy to bring you the story HIDDEN, and I pray that it blesses your heart and reminds you of the grace and love of our Father. I would love it if you would give HIDDEN a try! You can read the first few chapters for free at Amazon and also at https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/372737-hidden.
Thank you for having me on your blog!
~Vannetta Chapman
Connect with Vannetta:
http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
Vannetta has generously offered a copy of HIDDEN to be given away to one lucky winner! Please leave a comment, including your email address, to be entered.
To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Let me know you follow my blog
◦ Sign up to follow my blog if you are not a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email
Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Monday, October 13 at midnight CST. Good luck!!
Susan Meissner shares a great interview with Lisa Wingate. Visit Susan’s blog and enter to win an autographed copy of The Story Keeper. A winner will be drawn at 10 AM Pacific on Sept. 12
http://susanlmeissner.com/new-from-lisa-wingate-a-giveaway/
Get to know Melissa Jagears and enter to win a print copy of A Bride for Keeps or A Bride in Store. Giveaway ends September 19.
http://www.christianfictionsite.com/blog/featured-debut-novelist-melissa-jagears
Donna from Donna’s Bookshelf is hosting a Vannetta Chapman Marathon during the month of September. Visit her blog and enter to win one of four great prize packages!
http://donnasbookshelf.wordpress.com/2014/09/01/vannetta-chapman-marathon-giveaway/
5 copies of Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes are being given away on Goodreads. Giveaway ends Sept. 30.
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/99852-driftwood-tides
Gina Holmes is also giving away a lovely book table! Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/events/350696688420899/
5 copies of Honor by Lyn Cote are being given away on Goodreads. Giveaway ends Oct. 2.
Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman
When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town’s reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.
Thoughts:
Falling to Pieces is the first book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. I was delighted by its unique storyline and loved the suspense!
Vannetta Chapman has written an Amish mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. With well-developed characters, both Amish and English, and a great plot, Falling to Pieces is sure to entertain. I enjoyed this fresh, engaging story and look forward to reading the next book in the series, A Perfect Square!
A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman
A Promise for Miriam introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.
Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn’t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.
Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek—and maybe find love again.
Thoughts:
A Promise for Miriam is a must-read Amish romance! With its endearing characters, emotional storyline, and tender romance, A Promise for Miriam captured my heart and made me long for more of this special community and its wonderful residents! I can’t wait to visit Pebble Creek, Wisconsin again in the pages of A Home for Lydia!
I love all of Vannetta’s books, but the Pebble Creek series holds a special place in my heart!
Buzzing About Books 