Friday, September 12, 2014

Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Lorna Seilstad


After reading my first of Lorna Seilstad's books recently, I can certainly say that it is an honor to have her with us for the next few days. Lorna is a funny, sensitive, and talented author who writes historical romance with a charm, and she has become one of my favorites. You can see my review of While Love Stirs, book #2 in the Gregory Sisters Series, here.

Lorna has a great sense of humor, and I just have to share these words from her website:  "I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees."

Lorna is graciously giving a copy of While Love Stirs to one of you and entry details follow this interview. Now enjoy Lorna . . .


Q:  Have you always wanted to write, Lorna, and does your writing fit into a particular style or genre?

I’ve wanted to write since the fourth grade. I have always loved making up stories. My writing style is often described as breezy. As far as genre, I always say that I write historical romance with a generous dash of humor.


Q:  Please share 3 random or surprising facts about you.

1) I have potty trained over 20 children. I did daycare for about 15 years.
2) I knew I’d marry my husband the night we met. It scared me to death, and I didn’t talk to him for months.
3) Like Charlotte in While Love Stirs, I love to cook. I grew up on a pig farm. My mother made me a deal. I could either cook supper—and do it well—or I could scoop pig pens. Needless to say, it was great motivation to become a good cook.


Q:  I understand from your bio that you enjoy working with youth, Lorna. Is there a special experience or child's story that has touched you over the years?

There have been several, but I’m especially close to a little girl right now whose mother is in jail. This little girl is a tenacious, spirited survivor. Not only does she come to church on her own (a member brings her), but she brings two neighbors. I’d love to pack her up and take her home.



Q:  Tell us about the Gregory Sisters Series and how the novel we're featuring today, While Love Stirs, fits in.

After the death of their parents from influenza, the Gregory sisters must pull together to survive. They make a promise to support one another’s dreams. While Love Stirs is the story of the middle sister, Charlotte, whose dream was to have her own restaurant.


Q:  What will draw readers to Charlotte and Joel?

Great question. I think both Charlotte and Joel are very real. Joel is a little OCD, and Charlotte knows what she wants, but doesn’t always present her thoughts in the most productive manner. I always try to create main characters that a reader would like to have as a friend—warts and all.


Q:  Times have certainly changed! Putting yourself in Charlotte's place, how would you have responded to these words of Chef Reisen:  "Go home, little cook. You don't belong in a real kitchen. No woman does"?

Since I’m not as confrontational as Charlotte, I would have probably suffered in silence. That’s why it’s so much fun to write characters who will stand up for themselves. The attitude of some men of that day is hard to take. The chef wasn’t being mean with his   condescending words. It was an accepted attitude that’s hard for us to imagine.


Q:  I loved these words of wisdom from Molly's character:  "God doesn't want us to settle for what's in front of our face. He wants to bless us with things beyond our imagination." Have you found this to be true in your own life, Lorna?

Absolutely! When I held my first published book in my hands, I was overwhelmed by this thought. I would have probably kept on writing stories for my friends if I hadn’t felt God’s strong nudging that it was time to seek publication. Then, he opened doors in absolutely amazing ways that I couldn’t have possibly imagined.


Q:  What do you hope readers will take away from While Love Stirs?

I hope readers will take away the importance relying on God and not on ourselves. We all expect to be so self-sufficient today that I think we forget to let God fill our empty vessels.


Q:  What stories can readers expect from you in the days ahead?

As Love Blooms, the story of Tessa, the youngest Gregory sister, will come out in April 2015. It was such a fun story to write!


Q:  How can we support and/or pray for you, Lorna?

I would greatly appreciate prayers for my writing ministry. I want the stories I write to minister to those who need a little boost of encouragement and joy in their lives. As a relatively new writer, the best way my reader friends can support me, besides prayer, is by telling others about my books.


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Lorna, I am so glad to have discovered your writing! It has been a joy having you here and I hope you will come back soon. Readers, you can learn more about Lorna and her writing at lornaseilstad.com.



GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for While Love Stirs, simply leave a comment about Lorna's interview or a question for her. E-mail address are required for the drawing and be sure to leave them in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Please "like" my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, if you haven't already. And new followers of this blog are always welcome!


  • E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
  • Contest ends at midnight PST on Saturday, September 20. No purchase necessary.
  • Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail by Monday, September 22. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
  • Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

71 comments:

  1. While Love Stirs sounds like an amazing book. Thank you for the generous giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  2. I have really enjoyed this interview! She makes me want to try to write something of my very own, but I could never do that.This book is one of the era's I love to read in.I am looking forward to more of her books and am going to try to request one from the library very soon.

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    1. Paula, you are so warm and outgoing . . . I'd love to read something you wrote!

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    2. Oh, Paul, you should write something of your own--even if it's only for your own pleasure. Writing is a lot like playing with Barbie dolls on paper.

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  3. This interview was fun just getting to know a little more about you and how you write. I would love to read this book
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Danie. I hope you'll enjoy reading While Love Stirs.

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  4. A book with cooking involved sounds wonderful. Thank you for the insightful interview and giveaway. christyjc(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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    1. The only warning I have, Christy, is that some readers say they get hungry every time they read the book. :)

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  5. Thank you for doing the interview, I greatly enjoyed it! I have read one book by Lorna Seilstad -- Making Waves and really loved it! I look forward to more by her!!

    i_lovenuk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Anne, this was my first of Lorna's books and it definitely left me wanting to read more of her stories.

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    2. Anne, thank you for reading Making Waves. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Did you know that the other two in that series, A Great Catch and The Ride of Her Life, are only $3.99 on Kindle right now?

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  6. I am eager to read this book and the other two in this series. Lorna, I wish you the best as you continue to encourage through your ministry of words.
    Connie Saunders
    cps1950@gmail.com

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    1. Connie, I had not read the previous book, but While Love Stirs can stand alone. However, I'm eager to read all of this series!

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    2. Connie, thank you! The final book in this series, As Love Blooms, will come out next spring. It's was a lot of fun to write.

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  7. Being a teacher or mother brings on responsibilities and some are just plain good at it! You are wonderful :) Great story...
    dkstevensne (at) outlook.com

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    1. Thank you, Deanna. I loved being both a mother and a teacher. I feel very blessed to have enjoyed every phase of my life.

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  8. Neat interview. Great that you got published
    God bless u
    Chris
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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  9. Really enjoyed the interview and the book sounds like a great read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

    Ann Ellison
    abilene_nana@yahoo.com

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  10. I don't think my first entry went through! I really enjoyed the interview! My question is Do you like to cook, if so whats your specialty? Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this great book!
    Ruth Toy
    happymarried52408@yahoo.com

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    1. Your comment came through just fine this time, Ruth. Sometimes the Blogger program acts up; I've even found comments in my spam folder!

      And that's a good question for Lorna. Personally, I'd have to say that breakfast is my specialty! LOL!

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    2. Great question, Ruth. I love to cook and my specialty is cookies. I sell them at Christmas and I'm known as the "Cookie Lady." One year, I made over 140 dozen cookies as Christmas.

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  11. I love the theme of this book to rely on God and not on ourselves. You are a new author to me and I would love to read this book.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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    1. Merry, that theme seems to pop up in all of my books in one way or another. I think it's something we all struggle with in our self-sufficient society. I know I certainly do!

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  12. Sharon Richmond BryantSeptember 13, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    Enter me for this great book!!
    Sharon Richmond Bryant
    Conway, SC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  13. Carole, I just had to come over as I was SO delighted that you're delighted with Lorna and her writing:) She's a dear friend to me and has been since we got into publishing together and share the same editor. You've already discovered Lorna's wonderful senses of humor that makes her books really shine. She's a keeper! And so are YOU!

    Pls don't enter me in the drawing as I have Lorna's books:)

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    1. Laura! Hello my friend. I think God had a special plan in bringing us to the publishing world at the same time so we could become friends.

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    2. Laura, I love the way the friendship between you and Lorna grew from shared experience, and am glad to play a small part in promoting the two of you. It means a lot to both of us that you took the time to leave a comment. And I'll be starting your book in a few days!

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  14. Lorna, you sound like a wonderful person and I'm anxious to read about the Gregory Sisters. Thanks for the chance to win. I had to chuckle about the series title because I have a friend named Greg (Gregory) and he's like my brother so I guess that would make me one of the Gregory Sisters. LOL!

    Nancy Goldberg Levine (NutsieNan@aol.com)

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    1. So you're a real Gregory sister? That's perfect. You'll have to let me know which sister you take after the most.

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  15. Kate, you can certainly relate to my motivation. I did have to help bale hay some. I drove the tractor sometimes if the crew was desperate, but I too, preferred making dinner.

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  16. I like books that are a series I always eagerly wait for the next book in the series to see what happens to the characters the one in the preceding book as well as the main character in the following book

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    1. Good thoughts! I love being reunited with characters that I grew to love in a previous book, too.

      Be sure to leave your e-mail address if you want to enter the drawing.

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    2. I love series, too. These books standalone, but are connected by the sisters.

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  17. I spent my summers growing up on my grandparents' farm and always had to help with the chores but my favorite time was that spent in the kitchen with my grandmother watching her cook I never had to clean hog pens but did have to gather eggs and some of thosehens ccould be pretty mean I'm looking forward to reading your books Lorna

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    1. When I was little, my grandmother stayed with me while mom worked and I learned so much from her! Never could make biscuits from scratch like she did, though!

      Be sure to leave your e-mail address if you want to enter the drawing. Thanks for visiting!

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    2. Gathering eggs can be tricky. You're right. Chickens can be mean. I'm glad you cherish those times with you grandmother.

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  18. I've never read Lorna's books but will have to now that Laura Franz has recommended her. I started reading Laura this year and she's terrific. I like to enter contest to have a chance of wining books by author's I haven't tried. Then if I really enjoy them I will leave reviews. Lorna this sounds like a terrific book & will try it whether I win or not.

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    1. Laura Franz is high praise indeed, Pat! She rates high in my book. I was initially drawn to Lorna's book because the cover - didn't they do a great job?! I hope you enjoy her writing as much as I do.

      Be sure to leave your e-mail address, Pat.

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    2. Thank you, Pat! Laura is a dear friend. She was published by Revell shortly before me. We met face-to-face at an ACFW conference. I love her (and her books) to death.

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  19. Just popping in to say "hi!" I've got my copy, so don't enter me in the giveaway, but if you haven't read this one, it's a joy to read!!! I can't WAIT for Tessa's story next year! :) Big hugs, my friend!

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    1. I'm with you, Regina! I thought Lorna created a lot of interest in Tessa, really setting her up for her own story. Thanks so much for dropping by.

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    2. Oh, Regina, I think you'll enjoy Tessa's story. I cried when I wrote the end because I'll miss the Gregory girls.

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  20. Thank you for this giveaway. I am looking forward to reading this one! clshamion (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Have you read the first book in this series yet?

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    2. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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  21. Sounds like a great book, thanks for the interview.

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    1. Marilyn, please leave your e-mail in order to be entered. Thanks for visiting!

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    2. Hi Marilyn! Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

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  22. What a delightful interview! I've been really wanting to read this book. I hope I win!!! Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday! Hope to see you again next week.
    Tina

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to visit here, Tina. I love your website and will try to post regularly there.

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  23. Great Interview! I look forward to reading this book. I wonder how I would have responded to the chef if I had lived during that time. I guess that is why I like the historical books - I can explore those kind of questions with the characters. momrain [at] aol [dot] com

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Loraine. I think historical novels are interesting because of the different eras in which they're written, but I also like that things weren't as out in the open as they are today, more respect and manners maybe. Not sure that made sense . . . sometimes it's hard to explain why I like something! LOL!

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  24. From Rats Smith: I don't normally read the historical novels but this one sounds like it would be awesome, so thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway in hopes of winning it and maybe it will get me started on the historicals! Thanks so much Carole for a job well done. ratsmith140@gmail.com

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  25. If ever I needed a book, I need this one now. You said the importance relying on God and not on ourselves. We all expect to be so self-sufficient today that I think we forget to let God fill our empty vessels. It is so hard to admit that we can't do it all ourselves. Sometimes it is hard to stop and let someone else help and to make time for reflection with God. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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    1. Well said, Jan! I think it's human tendency to try to do things ourselves, only turning to God when we totally fail. And that's a lesson I have to learn over and over.

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  26. Loved read about Lorna's mom! I also love the idea of a series with sisters! Ican't wait to look into Lorna at Amazon!
    Juanita Decuir
    silhouettesinscale @yahoo .com

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    1. Juanita, I love when specific books focus on different family members, all related and seen throughout the series. I think you'll like Lorna's books.

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  27. I thoroughly enjoy relaxing and reading what I consider a sweet read. This just sounds like a delightful book to make some quiet time to read. And with Fall's arrival, perfect timing too!

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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    1. I enjoy this type of books also, SewCalGal. I think you'll like Lorna's books. Thanks for visiting!

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  28. I would love to win this book...thanks for the giveaway! rita.navarre@yahoo.com

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  29. Sounds like a great book!

    kathae at jacobfam dot net

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  30. Thank you for sharing with us. This book sounds like one I would really enjoy. Sounds like this is the 2nd in the series since she's the middle sister? I like to read things in order so will be searching out the first book and putting it on my wish list.

    Andrea annby@centurylink.net

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    1. Yes, Andrea, this is the second in series, but I had not read the first one and did fine. I do want to go back and read #1, When Love Calls. Thanks for visiting today.

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  31. Wow! Potty training 20 kids! You have my respect!

    The book sounds fantastic--thanks for the interview and the giveaway. Danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

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    1. Lorna gets my respect too, Lynda! I'm an only child and never even held a baby until my son was born - and I don't even want to think about potty training! Thankfully, we both survived!

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  32. I can't believe how hurtful that chef was. Chef Reisen is such a jerk, luckily I have never been treated with such disrespect. I am very excited for this new book!
    erinzachjj [at] gmail [dot] com

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  33. I see in your interview that you work with youth. I retired 2 years ago at age 68. The following spring I started helping with our church youth group every week. They are so amazing you can't help but love them.

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