Review for At His Command

Brenda Coulter has given us a wonderful love story of two people who are considered heroes in the eyes of others, but both have doubts about that. Jake Hopkins decides he has an allergy to Maddie Bright because every time he’s around her, he suffers the same symptoms that arise when he eats peanuts. Besides, she’s younger than he is and the sister of a friend for whose death he feels guilty. None of that matters to Maddie as she works to conquer his heart. She’s an army nurse and the darling of Prairie Springs, Texas. He’s an older pilot and won’t allow Maddie to get near enough to shoot down his heart. How these two opposites resolve their differences makes for a delightful read to show that when God is in a plan, man must step back and let Him work. This is a great read.

At His Command

Interview with Brenda Coulter

1. Where did you get the idea for your story?My editor asked me to write Book 3 of the six-book, multi-author "Homecoming Heroes" series. She gave me the names and ages of the hero and heroine, their current occupations, and said she wanted a story about a jaded older man who finds himself charmed by a younger woman.

2. How did it become a part of the Homecoming Heroes series?(See above.)

3. What gave you the idea for the plot?I really couldn't say. I fiddled with and discarded several ideas before it started coming together. That's how it always works for me.

4. What inspired the title for you story?It was assigned by my editor. I have to say I had a problem with it at first, because "At His Command" suggests the hero is a military officer--and when the book opened, my hero had already left the army and become a civilian attorney. But then it occurred to me that "At His Command" could be a reference to the fact that by the end of the story, both the hero and heroine have decided to serve God fully. So that worked out great.

5. What was the most difficult thing about writing Jake and Maddie’s story?I really don't think in terms of "easy" parts and "hard" parts when I'm writing. It's all a wonderful challenge!

6. How much research did you have to do?Quite a bit. But it was all fascinating, especially what I learned about Apache helicopters.

7. What advice would you give to those desiring to write romance?Read romance every day. Pay special attention to how the author is whipping up your emotions and try to figure out what techniques she's using to accomplish that. Romance is all about emotion!

8. What was your favorite thing about writing At His Command?As always, I loved writing the "guy" scenes, especially the ones where you see Jake's befuddlement over his developing love for Maddie.

9. How long have you been writing? How many other books have you written? How many published? I began writing in December 2000. Not counting my work-in-progress, I have completed seven romance novels and sold four of them.

10. Any words of wisdom for new writers?Don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun!

Thanks Brenda, this is a great book and hope many go out and buy it.

Interview with S. Dionne Moore

1. Where did you get the idea for your main character LaTisha Barnhart?
I had an agent tell me she loved my spunky, mature women characters. I decided to base a story around such a character and since Barbour was starting a new mystery line and I just happen to love mysteries, I gave it a shot. LaTisha’s height is based on one of my close friends, with Hardy’s based on her husband—they make quite the couple, just like Hardy and LaTisha.

2. What gave you the idea for the plot?
I love history. Old ghost towns and treasure hunts. . .pirates and cops and robbers. . .well, my imagination got so stirred up I decided to use a modern town whose businesses occupied old buildings. Then I spiked that with the town legend of the assayer stealing gold from Maple Gap citizens and getting shot for his deed.

3. Who chose the clever title?
Originally, LaTisha’s story was called Get Off My Bunions, but when it became a mystery, my editor and I decided Murder on the Ol’ Bunions would be a better fit.

4. What was the most difficult thing about writing this story?
Ugh, making sure all the clues tied in and that no thread of the plot had been dropped. Writing a mystery is TIGHT writing.

5. What was the most fun?
I love doing the scenes between Hardy and LaTisha. They are so much fun and so real to me. Hardy is LaTisha’s conscience when she gets carried away, and his softness plays well against her tough gal demeanor. Of course, LaTisha is really a teddy bear inside too.

6. What advice would you give to those desiring to write mystery?
Start with something else. Writing a mystery is much more difficult than writing a romance where there are only two main characters. Mysteries involve so many clues and red herrings, twists and turns. . .it’s pure craziness trying to keep everything straight.

7. What is your favorite thing about writing?
Doing the writing is my favorite part. I hate editing. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. Once I’ve finished a story, I want to take a break from it. A LONG break, but I seldom get that opportunity since content edits and line edits are a reality of signing a contract.
8. Any words of wisdom for new writers?
Try your hand at writing in a completely different genre than you imagined. So many get stuck writing in one genre that they never stretch themselves. I wrote historicals for years. Murder on the Ol’ Bunions was my first try at a mystery. Can you believe that? If I hadn’t taken the plunge I would have never known I could do it.

Murder on the Old Bunions

What a fun read. LaTisha Barnhart discovers the body of book shop owner, Marion Peters behind a counter and in a pool of blood. Thus begins the merry adventures of LaTisha and her husband, Hardy. This empty-nest mother of seven is taking a course in Forensic Medicine and decides to do a little investigating into the murder on her own, especially when she becomes a suspect. You’ll laugh at the way she manages to get information from officials on the case until she finds herself smack dab in the middle as part of the investigation team. Your mouth will water at all the foods LaTisha cooks in order to think and get things straight in her mind. You’ll thoroughly enjoy all the twists and turns that get you to the end, and “who dunnit”. You don't want to miss this cozy mystery.

Leave a comment and enter a drawing for this book.

Hi,
This week I'm offering a free copy of the novella, Sugar and Grits. It contains 4 stories by DiAnne Mills, Janice Thompson, Kathleen Y'Barbo and myself. The stories revolve around four women who are good friends in the finest of southern traditions. Set in Calista, Mississippi, you'll find laughter, tears, and fun in all the stories. DiAnne's story Mississippi Mud is also a finalist for BOTY for ACFW. So leave a comment and earn a chance to learn more about Berta, Dottie Jean, Sassy, and Sue Ellen.