Author Spotlight week - Excerpt from Fire & Ash

Half asleep, Sadie entered the kitchen and headed directly to the coffee maker. She took a cup from the cabinet, picked up the glass coffee pot and poured. Behind her she heard a roar of laughter. Looking down, she found the cup, as well as the pot, was empty. Aggravated, she glanced over her shoulder to the kitchen table where her family all sat watching her. "Who drank all the coffee and didn't start another pot?"

"That's what you get for sleeping in," Liz said with a grin.

Hannah got up and moved toward her. "Here, honey, sit down here and finish mine. I'll start another pot."

Sadie gave her a hug. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now go on, sit down, and eat your breakfast."

She flopped down in the chair Hannah had vacated, traded the dirty place setting for the clean one next to it, then picked up her fork and stabbed the last pancake.

Joe handed her the plate with the last of the bacon. "Don't think that just because you were out all night that you're skipping out on church this morning."

Sadie glanced up at her uncle's comment just as Liz laughed. Sadie had hoped for a reprieve. It didn't appear as though she was getting one. "Fine, I'll go to church, but I'm not wearing a dress because I didn't bring one."

"You can borrow one of mine, I brought an extra one."

Sadie kicked her cousin under the table. "Mind your own business," she warned, a smile lingering just below the surface.

Liz seemed about to speak when Mary and Robbie ran into the room. Mary paused next to Sadie's chair. "It's about time you got up."

Liz laughed again.

Robbie climbed onto the empty chair next to Sadie. "Where were you last night?" he asked. "You were supposed to color with me."

Having just taken a bite, Sadie swallowed quickly, before turning to the young boy. "I'm sorry, Robbie. We'll color today, I promise."

"Okay." He plopped one elbow on the table, rested his chin in the palm of his hand, and watched her eat. "Are you coming to church with us?"

"Of course she's coming to church with us," Joe answered for her.

Sadie forced a smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Hannah filled her coffee cup. "So are you going to tell us where you were all evening?"

"No." Sadie scooped up her breakfast dishes and moved past Hannah to the sink. She smiled to herself as she rinsed off the plates and placed them in the dishwasher. She and Quinn had stayed at the arcade until Julius insisted he had to close. She'd had a wonderful time, despite her earlier confrontation with Dustin Zweener.

"Well wherever she was, the police had to bring her home. I saw a police cruiser leaving the drive shortly before one," Liz said loud enough for Sadie to hear.

"Did Sadie get arrested last night?" Mary asked.

Oh, good grief! Sadie returned to the table, grabbed her cup of coffee, and met Mary's widened eyes. "I did not get arrested. I was working on a case."

"You were with Quinn all night?" Joe joined in the interrogation.

Sadie rolled her eyes. "I'm going to get dressed. Where's your stupid dress?"

"Hanging in my closet," Liz answered with a smile. "Be sure and do your hair, you'll want to let him know there is a feminine side to you."

She ignored her comment and headed toward the stairs. "Is there something going on here I should know about," she heard her uncle ask, followed by a round of laugher from her aunt and cousin.

Author Spotlight week - Anne Patrick shares her favorite author

Hands down, my favorite author is Dee Henderson. Ms Henderson began her career at Steeple Hill before moving to Multnomah where she authored two series, The O’Malley series and The Uncommon Heroes series. Both of which are outstanding Christian Fiction. Her books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA Award.

Her O’Malley series is my favorite. The O'Malley’s, an inspirational group of seven men and women, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Each member of the family has their own story that will rock your heart and drive you to pick up the next in the series. Although the prequel, Danger in the Shadows, wasn’t released until later in the series I suggest you read it first.

I like Ms Henderson’s work because she creates believable and challenging characters. They’re not perfect; they all have flaws, just like we do. She mixes just the right amount of suspense, romance, and inspiration to create stories that lingers on our mind long after you’ve put the book away.

Out of all the authors I’ve read, Ms Henderson has inspired me the most. I hope to someday write with the passion and skill that she does.

Author Spotlight Week - Anne Patrick shares her favorite movie

Although I’m a diehard fan of suspense, I also love romantic comedy. Topping that category is the movie French Kiss, starring Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline and Timothy Hutton.

Kate (Meg Ryan) and Charlie (Timothy Hutton) have planned the perfect life together, buying a house, kids...the whole nine yards. Then Charlie has to fly to Paris for a medical convention. While in Paris Charlie meets and falls in love with another woman and calls off the wedding. Kate, determined to win Charlie back, flies to Paris. On the plane Kate meets petty French thief Luc Teyssier, played by Kevin Kline. Luc has problems of his own. He’s estranged from his family, and on the run from the police. Fearing he’ll get caught with a stolen necklace, he places it with a smuggled grape vine into Kate’s bag without her knowledge. At the airport Kate and Luc get separated, then her bag is stolen by another petty thief who Luc just happens to know. Luc and Kate track the thief down and manage to find the plant, but the necklace isn’t there and the thief swears he hasn’t seen it. The necklace later turns up around Kate’s neck. So off to Cannes they go. Luc’s goal is to get the necklace back and Kate’s to get Charlie back. But along the way, Kate and Luc begin to have feelings for one another and that changes the course of their lives.

This was a really great love story! Kate’s life is shattered when Charlie breaks her heart, but instead of giving up she faces her fear of flying and goes after what she wants. However, fate intervenes and she realizes Charlie isn’t the man for her. The classic opposites attract and love happens when you least expect it movie.

Author Spotlight Week - Anne Patrick shares her passion for Romantic Suspense

Short answer: I like to read and write stories that grab at your heart; keeps you on the edge of your seat, and uplifts and inspires you at the same time.

Truth is, I was born and raised a suspense junkie. I have my mother to thank for that. She loved her mysteries and thrillers. I think we watched my first Alfred Hitchcock movie together when I was ten, maybe younger. Of course I ended up sleeping with her that night, and I still get nervous when I see more than a dozen birds gather in one place.

It was the old Hitchcock movies and Nancy Drew Mysteries that fueled my already over-active imagination. My childhood days were filled dreaming up adventures for me and my friends. Later, probably as a way to keep me out of trouble, my mom suggested I write my exploits down instead of living them out. And the dream to be published was born.

My mother, of course, was always my biggest fan. She read everything I ever wrote and encouraged me to submit my stories. Unfortunately, she passed away before my dream was realized. I’m thankful she shared her passion for a good mystery with me. But more importantly, I’m grateful she shared her faith. She didn’t do that by words alone, but by her actions.

I incorporate that same faith in my stories. I know it’s hard to imagine a story about murder and mayhem as being inspirational, but since I love suspense and I want all my writing to reflect my faith that’s how my muse works. There is both evil and good in this world and I like combining the two and watching how my characters deal with it.

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with Anne Patrick

I'd like to welcome author Anne Patrick to the Desert Breeze Spotlight this week! Anne's latest release with Desert Breeze is "Fire and Ash," and inspirational romance centered on firefighting. Welcome Anne?

STEPH - What was the inspiration behind your story, "Fire and Ash?"

ANEE: The idea came to me while watching the DVD of the movie Backdraft a couple of years ago. I know, I’m a little behind in my movie watching :-). Anyway, I loved Robert DeNiro in the part of the fire investigator and was really intrigued by what all goes into finding the answers to why a fire started.

STEPH - I don't know much about the book. Can you tell us?

ANNE: Fire and Ash is an inspirational romantic suspense. Here’s the book blurb: Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor is called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance the fire looks accidental. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community and may cost one of them their life.


STEPH - I see that's about firefighting. Did you have to do research for the story?

ANNE: Of course! I read several books and did some online research. I then had the good fortune of meeting a real life fire investigator named Keith Tarbox who helped me get inside the head of my main character, Sadie McGregor. He also read over the entire manuscript to make sure the fire scenes were believable and that I did my homework.


STEPH - How long have you been writing?

ANEE: I’ve been spinning tales since high school, but I didn’t really get serious about my craft until about three years ago.

STEPH - What attracts you to inspirationals?

ANNE: I like to read and write stories that grab at your heart; keeps you on the edge of your seat, and uplifts and inspires you at the same time. Inspirational romantic suspense does all that.



STEPH- Have you written any other genres?

ANNE: I write inspirational romance under the name Kinzie Monroe.

STEPH - Do you have any hobbies you'd like to share?

ANNE: I love to hike and go as often as I can. I also like role-playing video games, like the Final Fantasy or Tomb Raider series.

STEPH - What was the last book you read?

ANNE: True Courage by Dee Henderson. I have all of Dee’s books and have read each one at least twice.

STEPH - What's your favorite TV show?

ANNE: I don’t watch much TV, but when I do have the time I watch crime shows like The Closer or CSI. Imagine that :-).


You can find Anne's book on Amazon for Kindle, Barnes & Noble for Nook, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, Books on Board, Apple Ibookstore, Kobo and at the Desert Breeze Online bookstore.

The Reviews are in!! Recent Desert Breeze Reviews

THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO
"This is the first in the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be waiting for the next one, just to see what happenx next. The hint of romance blended in, promises sparks will fly...I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep you reading. Enjoy. I did."

Anne K. Edwards - Mysteryfiction.net

BY HEART AND COMPASS

"This is the first book that I have read of Ms. Thorne’s but I was captured right from the beginning. I especially like the sayings before each chapter. Read as a pirate would say it. Excellent Book... You’ll be in for a great adventure."

Miss Lynne's Books and More
Rating = 5 Stars - 'A'

FIRE AND ASH
"Another Fastastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully...A fantastic read!"

Ursshebear - Night Owl Reviews
Rating = 5 Stars

Featured July Release - Fire and Ash by Anne Patrick

ABOUT THE STORY:
Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor has been called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance the fire looks like the girl was just careless. What Sadie and Sheriff Quinn Harrington discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community of Emerald Point and put Sadie’s life on the line.

Sadie’s life isn’t the only thing at stake. Struggling with the guilt of having been responsible for the fire that killed her family, when she was only seven, Sadie doesn’t feel she’s worthy of God’s love and forgiveness. Will Quinn be able to prove otherwise before it’s too late?

EXCERPT:
It was late afternoon before they arrived at the address the Ingram's had given them. Quinn parked his truck across the street and glanced up at the three-story brick building. "Third floor, right?"

Instead of an answer, Quinn heard Sadie's door close and looked over just in time to see her crossing in front of the truck, as usual, taking the lead. He smiled, grabbed the keys from the ignition, and reached for the door handle.

The sound of squealing tires caught Quinn's attention. He looked out his windshield as a black sports car pulled away from the curb. Shifting his gaze to the street, he saw Sadie was directly in its path. He jumped from the truck and yelled, "Look out!" then saw Sadie dive onto the hood of a parked car.

Quinn's heart pounded in his chest as he raced across the street. When he came around the front of the car she'd dove onto, he found her sitting with a dazed look on her face. He knelt beside her, "Are you okay?"

She blinked her eyes. "I definitely need to visit the gym more often."

He chuckled, relieved she was all right and that her humor was still intact. "I don't know I haven't seen a move like that since Starsky and Hutch."

"Will I need to call my insurance agent?"

He rose on his toes to peer across the hood of the late model Buick and saw a fairly good size dent in the hood. "I'm afraid so."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child Anne always had a very vivid imagination. When most kids on her block were playing with their dolls and army men, Anne and her detective friends was busy solving make believe crimes in the neighborhood. Each day was a new and exciting adventure with danger lurking around every corner. Then in high school, after discovering the wonderful world of romantic suspense, Anne decided to put that imagination to better use. She has been spinning stories ever since. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures. She makes her home in Kansas with her playful German Shepherd, Zoe, and an ornery cat named Sailor.

Desert Breeze congratules Anne on her latest release.