A “spotlight” is defined as “intense scrutiny or public attention.” “A lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly onto a place or person.” Or in my case, possibly a great author. Come back regularly to check out my latest Spotlight!
Taming Julia
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.
Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
About Jodie Wolfe
Hi! I’m Jodie Wolfe. I was bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and 
watching Little House on the Prairie. I love writing stories about feisty heroines and strong, godly heroes. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts motivates me to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. I believe my books provide history, hope, laughter and happily-ever-after. When not writing I enjoy spending time with my husband, reading, walking and being a Grammie
I’m striving to find hope in a chaotic world. When all else fails and everything seems to be impossible, hope filters through and spurs me on to what God has for me. Not hope in myself, because I’m fallible. I fail and get discouraged. No, my hope is in Christ and Who He is. I cling to His promises and the fact that He only allows those things in my life that will help me to grow to be more like Him.
I like the movies and books where the hero or heroine faces all kinds of troubles and things look hopeless of ever changing. But then… that moment comes where they have to make a difficult decision. They are tested and sometimes fail, but they never give up. They press on to the call on their life.
My characters have quirks because I do, and chances are, you do too. 🙂 God designed us uniquely different. Together, let’s set out on that journey where hope and quirky meet and discover what God has in store along the pathway. Will you join me? Let’s go!
I was able to ask Jodie a few questions about writing Taming Julia, as well as a few other things related to her writing. It was great getting to know her and I know you’ll enjoy meeting her!
1) Why this book? What intrigued you about the story enough to write it?
I’ve always been intrigued by the whole mail-order bride possibility. How could a woman answer an advertisement, choosing to leave all she’d known in order to take a chance on love and find a new path in life? How did she choose to leave the familiar and step into the unknown with someone she’d never met?
The more I studied stories and clippings from the past, the more my mind kept spinning with ideas. What would happen if a pastor was dictated by his congregation that if he wanted to keep his job, he had to find a wife by a certain time? What if the wife he advertised for was completely different than what he expected? How would he handle it? That nugget of an idea is what spurred the inspiration for Taming Julia.
2) How much research do you do while writing a historical novel?
It all depends on the book and where it’s set. There’s always some amount of research, whether it’s learning about the area where the book takes place, what inventions/kitchen gadgets, were around at the time, clothes, etc. My book, To Claim Her Heart required extensive research because it was set during the last great land race in Oklahoma – the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893.
3) At what time of day are you must productive with writing?
Morning and afternoon. Once I hit later afternoon and evening, I’m ready to sit with my feet propped up and relax with a good book. 🙂
4) Okay, give us the truth. What do you snack on while writing?
I’ve recently been diagnosed as diabetic so I’ve had to alter some of my snacking habits. These days you’ll most often find me reaching for some sort of nuts and cheese.
5) Coffee or tea? What kind/flavor is your favorite?
Tea! I’ve never liked the smell or taste of coffee. As for a favorite, I have several – Oolong, nutcracker tea, friendship tea, and peppermint bark.
6) What’s next for author Jodie Wolfe?
I’m working on two books – a sequel to Taming Julia (part of the Burrton Springs Brides series), as well as a book set in the town where I live dealing with belonging entitled, Hannah’s Quest.
Get to know Jodie better!
Jodie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She’s a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
You can purchase Taming Julia online at:
Follow Jodie on her website and see what she’s up to!
You can connect with her on social media. She’d love to meet you!
About the Book
Book: Beyond Second Chances
Author: Shirley Quiring Mozena
Genre: Christian, Religion, Christian Life, Inspirational
Release Date: August 31, 2015
A woman who knows grief and loss after the death of her second husband, is jilted just before an ill-advised remarriage, yet retains her trust in a loving God. Shirley Quiring Mozena leans on her relationship with her faithful God while experiencing the pangs of loneliness and regret. Weaving in her family’s backstory, she tells of a shy pastor’s daughter who through dramatic life experiences learned a deep trust in God’s faithfulness in all circumstances. When a new man in her life appears, can Shirley trust his love? One woman’s story of love triumphing over loss will strengthen and inspire.
Click here to get your copy.
I was able to ask Shirley a few questions about her book, and her cookie preference.
Does writing your book bring healing to you, personally?
Most definitely. As I write, I remember what it was like during the time I’m writing about. It brings to my mind the comfort I was given by the Holy Spirit.
Why did you write this book?
When I wrote my first book, Second Chances At Life and Love, With Hope, I hadn’t experienced the broken engagement, and my meeting my now-husband, Jim. I wanted to tell the story of the miracle of our meeting, falling and in love, and how we both believe it was from God. I felt like the “rest of the story” needed to be told. Everyone like a good romance with a happy ending, and this has it!
What is your favorite cookie?
That’s easy, oatmeal raisins with walnuts. Yummy!
Shirley, I recently made some. Pecans instead of walnuts but still yummy!
What is your favorite time of day to write, and why?
Usually early in the morning. My mind is freshest, I’ve just had my quiet time with the Lord and am ready to go—oh—I had my coffee too. 😉
Coffee seems to be very important to those of us who write. Haha.
Do your books reflect your spiritual journey?
Yes, I believe they do. Most people have commented that I’m very real and open about my feelings, I am real about my spiritual journey too.
About the Author
World traveler, Shirley Quiring Mozena is happy hiking a trail, sitting by the fire reading 
a good book, or having a cup of coffee with a friend. She loves adventure and is ready to go at a moments notice. Shirley has shared her story throughout the country, and is a retired music teacher and librarian. She enjoys entertaining with her husband in their home with a good meal and scintillating conversation.
More from Shirley
Can you find love again on a couples matching site? Yes. And no. In my first book, Second Chances, I share how I found love and married second time on a matching site. Seventeen months after our marriage, my husband died. I didn’t think I’d ever love again, but after time, explored the same website only to be crushed with disappointment. My dreams were destroyed. As a result, I learned to fully surrender to God and be contented in whatever state I was in—married or single. This book continues my story and ends in joy! Find out what happens in this second book. God blesses us Beyond Second Chances. Read my story and be encouraged.
Blog Stops
For the Love of Literature, January 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
My Devotional Thoughts, January 30 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 31
janicesbookreviews, February 1
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 2 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, February 3
Blossoms and Blessings, February 4
Andrea Christenson, February 5 (Author Interview)
Quiet Quilter, February 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 7
Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, February 9
Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 10 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Shirley is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and a copy of Second Chances!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f532/beyond-second-chances-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book: School of the Miraculous
Author: Kynan Bridges
Genre: Non-fiction / Christian / Pentecostal & Charismatic
Release Date: December 20, 2019
Demystifying Miracles
What if you could experience something miraculous every day?
Many Christians think of miracles as rare events for a select and fortunate few. But miracles don’t have be something mysterious and out of reach. They don’t have to be the exception. Just as they were common in the early church, they can become common for you.
School of the Miraculous: A Practical Guide to Walking in Daily Miracles by Dr. Kynan Bridges shows how every believer can develop a miracle mind-set, operate in miracles, and establish a lifestyle in which miraculous events occur.
Dr. Kynan has encountered many believers who are frustrated because they are not seeing evidence of God’s power in their circumstances. They have a growing desperation for more of His intervention in their lives. This book was designed to answer that cry for more.
The Holy Spirit is the Miracle Worker—but all miracles involve human participation in some way. Dr. Kynan reveals that our growing intimacy with God’s Spirit will lead us to see and participate in His miracles—living in His power and setting our expectations increasingly higher for His miraculous works in our lives.
This practical guide for every believer is filled with ideas for personal application, encouraging testimonies, and spiritual activation prayers for tapping into the miraculous. Enroll in the School of the Miraculous today!
Click here to get your copy.
About the Author
Dr. Kynan T. Bridges is the senior pastor of Grace & Peace Global Fellowship in Tampa, 
Florida. With a profound revelation of the Word of God and a dynamic teaching ministry, Dr. Bridges has revolutionized the lives of many in the body of Christ. Through his practical approach to applying the deep truths of the Word of God, he reveals the authority and identity of the new covenant believer. A highly sought speaker and published author of several books, including Invading the Heavens, Unmasking the Accuser, The Power of Prophetic Prayer, and Kingdom Authority, Dr. Bridges is also a committed husband to Gloria and father of five beautiful children: Ella, Naomi, Isaac, Israel, and Anna.
More from Dr. Bridges
- A miraculous way of life is a daily pursuit of the presence and power of God.
- Signs and wonders are the spiritual advertisements of the power of God’s kingdom.
- Power that is not recognized is power that is not released, and power that is not released is power that is not realized.
- A prayer never prayed can never be answered, and a claim never placed can never be received!
- Prayer is the spiritual life-force of the supernatural.
- The anointing is the dynamic, yoke-destroying, burden-removing power of God working in and through us.
- The attitude of expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.
- Action activates miracles. If you want to see a miraculous display of God’s power, act on His Word in faith, regardless of how you feel.
- Jesus calls us beyond the place of fear into the place of faith, where we are empowered to live supernaturally.
- There are certain spiritual benefits you can’t experience until you know and act upon who you are in God.
- The more conscious and respectful you are of the presence of God, the more qualified you are to host the atmosphere of heaven.
- Every time you proclaim the Word of God in faith, you conform your world to God’s Word. The more you proclaim, the more your life will reflect heaven.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 7
Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, February 9
For Him and My Family, February 10
Simple Harvest Reads, February 11 (Author Interview)
Genesis 5020, February 12
deb’s Book Review, February 13
A Baker’s Perspective, February 14 (Author Interview)
Just the Write Escape, February 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16
For the Love of Literature, February 17 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, February 18 (Spotlight)
All 4 and About Books, February 19 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, Kynan is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f5b7/school-of-the-miraculous-celebration-tour-giveaway
I’ve had the privilege of interviewing B.J. Garrett about her journey while writing her new book, Unwanted No More. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know B.J. and her zest for life! And don’t forget to enter the giveway at the end of this.
So B.J., be honest here. If you had to give up snacks or music while writing, which would you choose?
For sure music. I can snack and write. Music tends to distract me. I can pop a cookie in my mouth and keep writing. I may break out in my own private air guitar solo if I have music going.
Well, we’d love to see some of that air guitar!!!!
Do your books reflect your spiritual journey?
Oh most definitely. I share very intimate and tragic experiences throughout my life and my complete journey to redemption and healing.
Does writing your book bring healing to you, personally?
I thought when I began writing, that I was already healed. I could not have been more wrong. Writing caused me to dig deep into brokenness that I had buried and silenced all of my life. To be authentic in my book, I had to open up those wounds, search for answers I had never wanted to know previously and allow the Lord to fully turn my wounds to healed scars.
Why did you write this book?
It sound so cliché to say this, but truly but honestly, the only reason I wrote this book was because I truly feel the Lord told me to. I was afraid if I refused, then someone else would say yes, and I would miss my opportunity. Luke 19:4 (BJ Garrett paraphrase) says that if I refuse to worship Him, the rocks will take my place. I did not want the rocks to take my place. If the Lord would choose me for this story to live, then I have to right to keep it to myself if He wants me to share it. And if I refuse… He can use a rock.
Maybe it sounds cliche’ to some, but when God says move then we move, right? And we’re so glad you did!
If you could write anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Either on a quiet beach with waves roaring at my feet or on a mountain top. Both of these places remind me of His majesty and gives me the safety of being held in His arms.
You could come to Michigan and write. We have the quiet beaches with waves! No mountains, but our Great Lakes make up for that.
B.J., thank you so much for sharing a bit of your heart with us! Readers, make sure you grab a copy of Unwanted No More.
About the Book
Book: Unwanted No More
Author: BJ Garrett
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: December 1, 2019
I can still feel the emptiness in my heart. So many memories of ugly…
As a preteen shattered by a sexually abusive father and an absent mother, B. J. Garrett is left unprotected, unloved, and unwanted by the people who should have loved her most. Instead, BJ finds herself wanted by the wrong people for the worst reasons.
Her search for self-worth leads to sexual promiscuity and unplanned pregnancies, which only further warps her view of love, leaving a trail of broken relationships. It’s not until losing everything to the blaze of a house fire that the course of BJ’s life takes a turn toward a God whose love is pure. With the shadow of shame lifted by her newfound faith, BJ makes a startling discovery—she’s been wanted all along, and her new love-filled life comes with a call to ministry.
Written with soul-searching vulnerability, this story shows that regardless of what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, there is hope and redemption in a relationship with Jesus. Unwanted No More reminds you that no matter how ugly your past, you can experience unconditional, beautiful love and a life of purpose.
Click here to get your copy.
About the Author
B. J. Garrett serves as the executive director for Christ-Centered Abortion Recovery & 
Education. She holds an associate of divinity degree from Baptist Missionary Theological Seminary, and she has served in church ministries as a youth director, singles director, missions director, and women’s ministry team leader. She and her husband, Jay, live in Texas and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
More from B.J.
All my life I have battled with feelings of being unwanted and unloved. Somewhere between the insanity of the Jerry Springer show and the emotional outcry of the Oprah show, the unbelievable redemption details of my life are unfolded onto the pages of this book.
Spunky. silly, and sassy are the three words that best describe my personality. I believe the Lord gave me a love for hamburgers to make sure I never return to a life of selling my body to make ends meet. Spending time with my grand kids who are basically perfect is my favorite pastime. I love being Jay’s wife and serving beside him on the mission field. By God’s amazing grace, I have come full circle, receiving complete forgiveness and healing from a childhood full of abuse, teen pregnancy, sexual promiscuity, abortion, and working in the sex industry. If the Lord can use a story like mine, rest assured He will use a story like yours!
If like me, you have ugly in your past, I want to encourage you that no matter what you have done, no matter what has been done to you, there is hope and healing through Jesus Christ.
Blog Stops
Vicky Sluiter, February 7 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 8
For the Love of Literature, February 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10
Through the Fire Blogs, February 11 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, February 12
A Baker’s Perspective , February 13 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, February 14
Inklings and notions, February 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 16 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19
Book Love, February 20 (Guest Review from Gail)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, B.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f5b9/unwanted-no-more-celebration-tour-giveaway
I recently had the opportunity to interview author Sue Borrows LaRue. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her!
So Sue, let’s start out with a serious question. If you had to give up snacks or music while writing, which would you choose?
That’s a fun question. I would say music. I prefer quiet when writing. Music would probably be a distraction for me. I found that I talk it out when I write sometimes so snacks are a good distraction!
What is your favorite time of day to write, and why?
I found that my favorite time to write was in the wee hours of the morning. I am an early bird by nature. It is so quiet and peaceful you could almost hear yourself talking to yourself as you type, if that makes any sense, haha.
I’m sure my readers are wondering if writing your book brought healing to you, personally?
Many people have asked me if writing was cathartic for me and I always came back with, “no”. Constantly going over the details many times brought me pain. My healing came from my intimate moments with the Lord not with writing. Feeling His beautiful presence right there with me was amazing.
Then why did you write this book?
I wrote this book because the Holy Spirit kept prompting me for over 2 ½ years to finish the book. It is now very clear to me, after hearing so many testimonies, why.
Okay, one more fun question. What was your funniest moment as an author?
I received an email from UPS that I would be receiving my very first shipment of books on July 2nd between 8-11am (which also happened to be Daryle’s birthday) so we set up a book party at my home at 4pm. I then received an email that stated it wouldn’t show up until 8pm! So, my son Rick and I had no other choice but to hop in the car and search the town for him. We stopped for ice cream, stopped one truck and one garbage truck (not him) but then…we spotted him, and he let us take the books!! He even took a picture with me.
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Sue just a little bit. Following is information about her book, which I hope you’ll buy, as well as a giveaway. Make sure you enter!
About the Book
Book: Good Grief
Author: Sue Borrows LaRue
Genre: Religion/Christian Life/ Death, Grief, Bereavement
Release Date: August 13, 2019
This is a true story of love, loss and new life. Suzie Borrows battled for her husband’s life praying for a miracle. God answered her, but not in the way she imagined. He had a plan that exceeded her dreams, and through undeniable revelations His purpose became her purpose.
Click here to get your copy.
About the Author
Suzie moved from N. Ireland to America as a child, accepted Jesus at 11, married the
preacher’s son at 18, had two children, and a loving marriage for 32 years. Nothing she had experienced prepared her for the devastation she would face. She depended completely on God for comfort and direction. Which led her to begin a widows group, Boston radio show, www.sueborrows.com and www.YouTube.com/WidowsWednesday Suzie now lives in Westport, MA with her husband Bruce.
More from Sue
What do you do when writing a book was never on your radar? Answer, you write it in tune with the Holy Spirit in three weeks! An amazing hand-written letter from God, original poetry, and prophetic words from the Lord delivered to my doorstep and so much more! You are never alone when you are hurting or grieving and if you allow Him, God will be undeniably present and you will know His heart for you.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, February 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5
Vicky Sluiter, February 6 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, February 7
For Him and My Family, February 8
deb’s Book Review, February 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 11 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, February 12
CarpeDiem, February 13
A Reader’s Brain, February 14
For the Love of Literature, February 15 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16
Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour. Sue is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a paperback copy of the book Good Grief “A True Story of Love, Loss, and New Life”!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f610/good-grief-celebration-tour-giveaway
