A few weeks ago, I posted my 2014 favorites, which you can see at My 2014 "Best of the Best" in Christian Fiction. Over the next few weeks, I am delighted to spotlight a few of these authors with giveaways, so be sure to come back.
By the way, Lorena told me that her publisher, Revell, has been calling her a "New York Times Bestselling Author" because Dying to Read, Book #1 in the Cate Kinkaid series, made it onto a NY Times bestseller list. That's indeed a great accomplishment! So please sit back and enjoy all that Lorena has to share . . .
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In Death Takes a Ride, which is the conclusion of the 3-book series, I wanted to use an idea that has been in the back of my mind for a long time, but which never seemed to fit into what I was writing at the time. A story about an obvious self-defense situation, backed up by a credible person witnessing it. But all is not as it seems on the surface.
I enjoy writing these lighthearted, fun mysteries. My mind, even when I'm thinking I'll be really serious, always seems to see the humorous aspects in a situation.
With the conclusion of the Cate Kinkaid series, I've been working on a book #5 in my older, but quite popular Ivy Malone Mysteries series. The title is "Go, Ivy, Go!," and I'm hoping to have it ready for release as an ebook in the first half of 2015. I've been working on it much longer than I originally planned, stalled several times by my own or my husband's medical problems (and a big "medical" problem with my computer too!). This is also a lighthearted series, about an older woman dismayed to find she seems to have aged into invisibility. But seeing that being "invisible" can be a useful asset for a sleuth. The titles are on the first four books are Invisible, In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded.
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Carole: Invisible was the first book of Lorena's that I read, and I was instantly a fan. So I am delighted that #5 in the Ivy Malone series will be coming out soon.
Lorena, I am honored that you would take the time to be with us and hope you will come back again. And thank you so much for sharing a copy. Readers, if you haven't discovered Lorena's books already, I hope you will try one soon. They are indeed a delight.
GIVEAWAY
To enter the drawing for Death Takes a Ride, simply comment on the following (DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL):
Lorena said that the "heart" of her series is that God may have plans for us that diverge widely what we have planned. I suspect that's something many of us have learned the hard way, so please briefly share an experience you've had in that area. If it's funny, that's all the better!
E-mail addresses are required for the drawing and be sure to leave them in a safe format - [at] and [dot].
"Likes" on my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, are greatly appreciated, as are followers on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and this blog.
Contest ends at midnight PST on Tuesday, February 3. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. US addresses only.
Thanks for sharing, Lorena!
ReplyDeleteI definitely know about God's plans being different from my own. Once, I had prepared myself to do a job I knew I would hate--but then God opened up an opportunity for me to work with some wonderful children. Couldn't be more grateful! :)
My email is thescribblingsprite(at)gmail(dot)com
Ally @ The Scribbling Sprite
Ally, do you think God sometimes smiles at the way we try to plan and do things ourselves? I'm glad you've been blessed by working with children.
DeleteCarole, Lorena McCourtney is a favorite of mine as well. She writes fun cozy mysteries that are not just fluff. Invisible was the first of her novels that I read as well. Love Ivy Malone! So glad to hear she will be back for another case. Thanks for posting this interview.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Beckie! They're not just fluff. I remember really liking Invisible and would like to take the time to read it again so I can review it - and then continue the series. Thank you for sharing, Beckie.
DeleteIn my first 50 years of life I never imagined I would move from one end of the state to the other to retire. We went from a small town of 300 to a town of 10,000.. I do enjoy retirement & I get to see my daughter everyday & live 1/2 way between my 2 sons.. Life is good! PTL :)
ReplyDeleteDeanna, you are so blessed to be near your children! And I should know, because my daughter lives in Germany. We manage to stay close through Skype and other ways, though. You just keep enjoying retirement with your children, Deanna!
DeleteI am such a homebody so I never would have dreamed that I would have lived in three other states and one other country, plus back here in my home state to the town where I went to high school. God knew I needed to be close to my parents, siblings, and other family members at this time in my life. I regret the circumstances that caused my move back here, but am grateful now that I've been close to family.
ReplyDeleteI read the first two books in this series so would be quite happy if I won Death Takes a Ride. I've also read the first Ivy Malone book. I enjoy Lorena's mysteries.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Pam, I'm a homebody also and would love to stay in my comfort zone, but God often has other ideas. Family is so important, and I'm sure they are glad to have you close by now. Thank you for sharing, Pam.
DeleteI never once, as I was growing up, wanted or planned to be a public school teacher. After I got married and had 3 children, I realized that it would be wise to go back to college and get a degree, so that I could support myself and the children, if the need arose. I believed it was God's leading to do so, especially since at the time, I lived only 10 minutes from a university. (That was way before the internet and online college opportunities). I went back to college and got my teaching degree. After obtaining a job and working for a very few years, I felt it was time to get on with my life, so I asked God, "...but what am I REALLY going to do in life?" He was silent. So, I taught for 25 years and then retired. I loved my job--especially working with the students and had many worthwhile experiences. It was not what I had envisioned, but it was where God placed me.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kay, your experience reminds me of the time when, after taking piano for five years, I said I would never touch it again, only to have all doors shut except for one - playing every Sunday for a small church. Sometimes God is silent and sometimes He isn't. But I believe He places us exactly where we can be used to minister. Teaching is such a rewarding field and I can tell you've been incredibly blessed. Thank you so much for sharing, Kay.
DeleteI agree--God does place us where He wants to use us for His glory.
DeleteThank you for this great spotlight!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Glad you visited, Melanie! Be sure to answer the question if you want to enter the drawing. Thanks!
DeleteWell, the only thing I can think of is when I first met my husband. We both worked for the same company and worked in the same office: I in the front office and he in the warehouse. I was new, he came into the office to speak to my boss and I had an instant premonition that we were going to be together. I did not want anything to do with him and tried all I could to avoid him. I had no choice in this, an invisible hand, wanted us together. So, after useless effort on my part, he grew on me and we have been together these past 26 years :)
ReplyDeletejslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
Lisa, that's a great story! And very similar to my own experience. I refused to commit to my future husband for almost two years. I guess I was waiting for that fictional "Prince Charming" and didn't realize that the real thing was right in front of me. It's been 41 years for us so far. Thankful that God got the attention of both of us, Lisa!
DeleteThis aspect of "God has different plans for you" happened in my own life too. I have a degree in Agriculture from college long ago. I'm not sure what I had in mind when I started college, but I finally decided I wanted to do agricultural writing. Was that what the Lord had in mind for me? Apparently not! Because here I am writing Christian mysteries - and very happy doing so.
ReplyDeleteLorena, I'm so glad you shared the "heart" of this series because it's inspiring to hear everyone's personal stories.
DeleteYou probably still enjoy agriculture or gardening, but I think that kind of writing would have stifled your wonderful humor. It's interesting how God redirects us because I once said I would never touch the piano again - and now I've been a church pianist for 51 years!
So glad you're with us this week, Lorena!
I love reading your books, I would be so happy to get this and settle down in and have a good read. feels like little vacations
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to enter the drawing, please answer the question and leave your e-mail. Thanks!
DeleteUnfortunately for me the biggest from God was the dissolution of my marriage, that was a hard one, but God has bigger plans!
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
Wow, Heather! I trust that you felt God's presence through all that. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteI'm a late bloomer (Seeking a relationship with God in my late 40's) I am Trusting in Him, but several circumstances beyond my control, I was losing my Faith. I almost quit going and be involved with church. God has other plans and I heard Him say "you are where you are supposed to be, I am Blessing you right where you are in life". I heard and obeyed His plans. That was a year ago. I love my church and God even more.
ReplyDeleteSherri, I think "late bloomers" are special because the ones I've been around are so passionate about their faith. Difficult circumstances are hard for all of us to deal with, and I'm thankful for your inspiring testimony. May you continue to love God and His church more every day!
DeletePlease don't forget to leave your e-mail, Sherri.
johnsonsherri45@yahoo.com
DeleteWhen my husband lost his job due to a company merger we decided to seek employment out of state. We chose some states we thought we might enjoy living in, deliberately leaving out Arkansas because we didn't think we'd like it. Even though he did not apply for a job in Arkansas that's where we ended up, it was God's choice, not ours, and we have been blessed.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I can't count the times God has led me where I said I'd never go, and then to be incredibly blessed. Thank you for sharing with us - and please don't forget to leave your e-mail address.
DeleteOh I know this all too well. I have come to a path in the road more times than I care to remember. Each one has eventually led me to a lesson.
ReplyDeleteMost recently it has been when a dear and trusted friend of several decades did something so horrendous I can't share it. I am now soul searching to find the correct lesson and which path I should take. I want to take forgiveness and understanding but have to wade through much pain. Will I come out stronger?
I have to believe this is part of a larger plan.
wismom works (at) gmail (dot) com
L J, it is so hard to forgive when you've been badly hurt, especially with a close one's betrayal. This topic isn't about Amish fiction, but I think what moves me the most is their belief in forgiveness. I mean, they seem to get it right more than we do. But I do know that unforgiveness only hurts ourselves, so I am praying that you will reach the place where you can let go of that hurt. You won't believe how relieved you will feel. Thank you so much for sharing, that, L J.
DeleteI've definitely learned that God's plans are not necessarily the same as mine, but they are always better. I had always said that I would not have kids past age 30. My mom was 32 when I was born, and my Dad was almost 34. Growing up, my parents always seemed so much....OLDER than everybody else's parents. I didn't want my kids to feel the same way. I was 28 before I ever got married, and had my first daughter at 29 1/2. We were happy with just one child, but God had other ideas in mind. When I was 34, I got pregnant while I was on birth control. There was no apparent reason for it, I had taken it for a long time with no problems, wasn't on antibiotics, took it as prescribed, etc. It was a horrible pregnancy too; I was sick the whole 9 months and ended up losing 20 pounds. I was heartbroken and couldn't imagine how I would raise another child. Three years later, I can't imagine my life without my little angel. She is truly a gift from God, and I am so glad His ways are better than my own.
ReplyDeleteimaclogger23@yahoo.com
Kim, what a wonderful story! I LOVE it! It's not funny...well, parts of it are. Do you ever laugh when you look back at those 9 months?!
DeleteI was older when my two precious children were born, because I was 26 when we got married and it took a lot longer than I expected to get pregnant. In fact, I thought that I would scream if one more well-meaning person at church asked, "Don't you guys want children?" So I was 31 when my son was born, 34 with my daughter. We're a close family and, like you, my life without them would be unimaginable. Thank you so much for sharing, Kim.
I was just the opposite. I got pregnant with my oldest daughter three weeks after we got married! I know there were a lot of people (both of our families included!) who were surprised I didn't have the baby BEFORE our 9 month anniversary! We had decided not to wait because of my age, and at the time my husband was in the Army Reserves and expecting to be deployed at any time. He never did have to deploy, he got out on a medical discharge when our oldest daughter was 9 months old. She was almost 6 when my youngest was born, and she was SO excited to be a big sister! When I look at the two of them now, I understand why God thought I needed another girl. The two of them need each other.
DeleteYes, God had a different point of view for my occupation, many years ago. I had a totally different idea, but he lead me where he wanted me to be. I have to admit, He was right and I was wrong! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI fought with God for yrs about my job. after being a stay at home mom the last thing I wanted to do was work with children but god had other plans. I couldn't get a job anywhere except with kids and overtime I would throw in the towel and try something else I would fail at it. I am still working with kids and it seems that is where God wants me . Decided to just go with it since he knows best.
ReplyDeleteTina wyatt tkpw222@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI believe God definitely has plans for our lives but we must allow ourselves to listen and follow. If we choose not to allow God to help us steer our path in life, we must face what comes but God will always be there to hold us up. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAt the end of my first year of teaching, my position was cut due to budget cuts. I really struggled with being transferred to a new school. However, I now know this was truly God's plan because I met a teacher who is now my best friend whose husband left her that year and she needed a friend. No question in my mind that God moved me exactly where I needed to be.
ReplyDeletemo1202007@yahoo.com
When I was 17 I was asked if I would fill-in as a Sunday School teacher for a couple of months. I said yes, thinking I could do this for just a couple of months, even though I didn't have experience with children & didn't think I would like it. Well, I actually really did. It was a good thing, too, because the regular teacher decided she couldn't come back. So I stayed on, for 10 years in fact.
ReplyDeleteSomething I never would have looked for, and at first, I viewed as something I didn't want, turned into a huge blessing for a big part of my life.
ischu9@aol.com
Becky
I can't enter with my Canadian mailing address, but just wanted to say how excited I am to see another Ivy Malone novel in the works. (Not that I don't like Cate -- I'll be looking for a copy of Death Takes a Ride now, too. Enjoyed the first two in the series.)
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting! I bet you just now heard a squeal of delight, due to me reading that book #5 is on the way! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble posting--seems like something is wrong with the site, so this will be short. When I was 13 and homeschooled, my mom needed a planner to help keep track of assignments and lesson plans. I made one for her on an old computer, and had some copied off. Well, we decided to copy off a couple more, just in case her friends wanted some too. They sold instantly, and now, over 20 years later, we have helped thousands of new "friends" keep records over the years. :) All because of a little school project.
planbooks gmail com
This commenting process is a great example of how rhings don't go how I planned. Could someone please check on this? It keeps deleting my posts. This is attempt 3. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteplanbooks gmail com
Lorena, your series sounds fantastic! There's nothing like a good mystery!
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity to read this cozy mystery :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I can't think of an example where my plans were widely divergent from God's plans for me. I do love cozy mysteries!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
conniesowards@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI wasn't planning to work at a certain juncture in my life but God had other plans for me. I was asked by the owner to work at a place that I loved to visit and had often thought how much fun it would be to work there :) The owner mentioned that just before she asked me if I would consider working for her, she had no intention to hire anyone. However, during our conversation she said she had the overwhelming feeling she MUST hire me :) I guess God had his own plans for her too :)
conniesowards@aol.com
I was going to college as a young married mom, when God had different plans for me as I became disabled from a surgery. Even though I am now disabled, I have been blessed in so many ways because I have been able to stay home with my kids everyday, whereas if I had not became disabled, I would have finished school & ended up working & not being home with my kids. God has truly blessed our family in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteandysavi.mom@gmail.com
Three years ago I was diagnosed with stage2 hodgkins lymphoma. I had a biopsy done and a bone marrow test.God is always beside me. I had 5 1/2 months of chemo and shots to protect my bone marrow. I believe God had a plan for me to slow down and to lean on Him 100%. I learned to let go and let God. I learned to be patient and Im so much stronger because of it. My feet are now numb from the chemo, but Im patiently(sort of) waiting for God to heal them. I know there is a lesson for me to learn in everything that happens in my life. Thank you for the chance :)
ReplyDeletesue-hull64(at)comcast(dot)net
One of my plans that was changed to what I wasn't expecting was that when I married at16 I had no plans to leave the small yown where my folks and in-laws lived, but my asthma got so bad that the doctor ask if I had had it down in the area where I had lived earlier. If notI ought to consider going back and see if I would be well. Luckily I had a brother and two sisters living about 4 hrs from where we were living when we were young so that brought me to Baytown, Tx. then eventuality to Pasadena, Tx. Near Houston. So my children grew up here and I was happy. Except for only seeing my parents once a year usually. But I guess this was where GOD wanted us to be. I have never like I heard GOD lead me to do a certain thing. But I always wanted to be married and become a good ,other like my mother. Guess I have succeeded there. I would love to win Lorena's mystery book. Please put my name in. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteI love Lorena's books, especially the Ivy Malone ones, so I am thrilled to hear that book 5 is coming! Hurray! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday!
ReplyDeleteTina