Karen Witemeyer has released a brand new novel, More Than Meets The Eye, which serves as the start of a new series called A Patchwork Family. The first thing about the book that caught my attention was the beautiful cover which features a young woman that matches the heroine’s description, right down to the different colored eyes (one blue and one brown). The colors also come into play with the lettering colors in the title, “More” is in blue and “Eye” is in brown. It really fits the book. The second thing that hit me was the Prologue. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but be warned, tears for days! It’s beautifully done and hooks the reader immediately. More Than Meets The Eye is an excellent start to a brand new series and I am all for it. I haven’t met a Witemeyer series that I didn’t love. I find the concept behind this series fresh and unique. A patchwork family made up of three children (now adults) who were orphaned and banded together to make their own family in order to survive in the world isn’t a concept you come across often. This first installment in the series introduces Evangeline, Zach, and Seth “Hamilton”.
Evangeline has a very interesting and unique quality, her mismatched eyes, one blue and one brown. She grows up doing her best to hide them as most people either think she’s some sort of freak, a witch, or the devil’s spawn. She was orphaned at a young age and has had to fight hard for her place in the world, against nonstop rejection. Along the way she meets Seth and Zach, both orphans themselves. Both had traits that also made them unwanted, Seth was always a sickly child and Zach had a dark, cold demeanor. Through tragedy, they band together and decide to make their own family. They work together and look out for each other.
15 years later, the three have carved out a good life for themselves living on a farm in Pecan Gap, Texas. But not all is what it seems. Seeking justice against the man who stole his father’s land and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his family’s troubles. Only instead of finding a ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself, with an unusual family to boot. Logan soon finds out that Hamilton’s family is a bit odd, but enchanting at the same time…. Particularly his sister, Evangeline.
I have always enjoyed and admired Karen’s writing style. She has a true talent for spinning stories with earthy characters, an intriguing plot, and superb dialogue. I love the way she handles the dialogue in her books. She adds a great deal of wit and funny sarcasm to her stories. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve laughed out loud at the exchange between certain characters. I particularly enjoyed the exchanges between Logan and Zach, and Logan and Evangeline in this book. You can’t help but feel that you are right there with the characters, hearing their voices and seeing their facial expressions. Part of this is just a superb talent for writing dialogue, and the other part is her beautiful crafting of the characters themselves. Evangeline has become one of my favorite heroines, and of course what’s not to like about Logan? Karen gives her characters very human flaws and quirks, which is yet another thing I enjoy about Karen’s writing.
I also love the fact that Karen weaves great Christian values and Biblical lessons into her books. The message of justice vs. vengeance and the importance of forgiveness were strong throughout More Than Meets The Eye. That’s not to say it’s overtly strong to the point where non-Christians wouldn’t enjoy the book. Karen handles the whole thing with care and respect.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. Wonderful story, lovable and relatable characters, and a plot that won’t let you put it down until you’ve reached the end. Karen Witemeyer has another hit on her hands…. But then again, she hasn’t had a miss yet.
AuthorBorn and raised in Upstate NY, Liz Austin has been writing for almost a decade now. She got her start writing for country music blogs/websites, and then switched gears and focused on the world of books. She now works as a proof reader/beta reader/editor for several authors, on top of running The Book Corner Blog and writing her first book. You can stay up to date with Liz through her website:http://www.lizaustinera.com/ You can also find her on Twitter,Instagram, and Facebook.
The second book in the much anticipated new multi-author series Silverpines is finally here! Wanted: Horse Breeder is Barbara Goss’ first offering to the series and it is reliably enjoyable, as is the case with all of Goss’ novels.
For those of you new to Silverpines, the series takes place in 1899 Silverpines, Oregon. The series is based around two major disasters, a silver mine cave-in and lumber camp mud slide, which caused a shortage of young men in town. The women, as a result, were saddled with running businesses and ranches alone. Each book in the series will feature a woman from Silverpines, who enlists the help (and marries) of an outside man. This is a Mail Order Husband series, a new take on the age old Mail Order Bride theme.
Wanted: Horse Breeder by Barbara Goss is the second book in the growing series. The novel follows Laura Bennett, the owner of White Oaks ranch. After her husband was killed in the disaster that rocked Silverpines, Laura finds that she desperately needs a man to help her run the ranch. But not just any man will do, Laura needs someone who is educated in the horse breeding business. — Max Winters lost what he thinks is the love of his life, Catherine, to another man. He decides to get a fresh start by answering Laura’s ad and take a chance. He travels to Silverpines and is met with a beautiful bride and her adorable daughter, but also, many trials and setbacks. I’ve always been a fan of Barbara’s novels, I have yet to read one that I didn’t like, and I’ve read every single one of them. The book is a fast and enjoyable read, the characters are relatable, and the story is interesting. Wanted: Horse Breeder follows that formula that makes it an easy, enjoyable read that the Historical Sweet Romance genre has become known for. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series, and I look forward to Barbara’s next installment.
Josephine Blake released her latest installment of her The Hands of Fate series, A Twist of Fortunetoday! I had the honor of reading it prior to its release and my goodness, y’all do not want to miss out on this one. Before I get into the actual review part of this, I would like to highly recommend you read the first book in this series, A Brush with Death before reading this one. You don’t necessarily have to, but it will definitely make the experience even cooler, because you’ll be able to spot characters that you already know from the first book, including the main character (from A Brush with Death) that will tie the series together. But again, you can also read it as a stand alone. If it’s one thing that Josephine Blake does well it is that she spins an incredibly intriguing story. I was completely obsessed with the first book in her The Hands of Fate series, A Brush with Death, and was so excited when I heard that it would indeed be a series. A Twist of Fortune is just as fabulous as A Brush with Death. Usually sequels aren’t as strong as the first, but this is an exception! Josephine didn’t lose any power or intrigue while writing the second installment. The same enticing energy is present throughout A Twist of Fortune.
The characters are even more interesting and intriguing, and the plot is fresh and unique. The story centers on a group of rag-tag circus performers, who are all incredibly original in their own way. Josephine captures the spirit and comradery of circus life perfectly. They may be closed off and guarded towards outsiders, but they stick together and love their “circus family” fiercely. It was interesting to see the contrast between the circus performers and Malaina, who is an American girl who came to England on a mission that ends up derailed due to the circus. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil it for new readers, so suffice it to say, it really is a “twist of fortune”.
I love that Death, from A Brush with Death, makes an appearance in this book. This series is so fascinating because it’s linked through the theme of being handed a life changing choice/decision, but it also appears to be linked through the character of Death, albeit loosely. He doesn’t have a strong presence in the second book, but he’s there nonetheless. I think Death is the most fascinating character I’ve ever had the pleasure of “meeting”.
I highly recommend A Twist of Fortune. I give it a 10/10. It’s on my list of books you don’t want to miss in 2018.
Born and raised in Upstate NY, Liz Austin has been writing for almost a decade now. She got her start writing for country music blogs/websites, and then switched gears and focused on the world of books. She now works as a proof reader/beta reader/editor for several authors, on top of running The Book Corner Blog and writing her first book. You can stay up to date with Liz through her website:http://www.lizaustinera.com/ You can also find her on Twitter,Instagram, and Facebook.
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with actor, author, pastor and film producer, Lucas Miles. First, we’d like to thank you, Mr. Miles, for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us. And, to our readers, we do hope that you will take time out to watch his new movie, Rodeo Girl. It looks to be a great family movie and, now that it’s on Netflix, DVD and Amazon Prime, those of you who don’t get out much can still enjoy this great family feature.
CIAN: Mr. Miles, we would like to begin with a question about your new book, Good God, that is due out in March, 2016. I have read the material and excerpts available on-line for the book. I am a Christian who believes that God is indeed a good God. What can your book offer me as someone seeking a closer walk with God?
Miles: Like many people, I grew up in a church expression that spoke about God’s goodness but struggled making sense of the dichotomy that often exists in our understanding the harmony between the God of the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. In Good God, I attempt to tackle what I refer to as the “problem passages” that regularly create confusion and call God’s character into question. I think that anyone can pick up the book and fall more in love with the God of the Bible.
CIAN: Thank you and I do plan to read the book. I see you have a book signing coming up at noon on March 12th at Barnes & Noble in Mishawaka, Indiana. I hope our readers in that area can get out to see you. Now, continuing in the same vein of thought, how long have you been a Christian and, when did you feel the calling to be a pastor?
Miles: I actually felt a call to the ministry at about 15 years old. I was at a youth conference and the speaker told us to ask the Lord for the name of someone back home who needed to hear about Him. A girl’s name popped into my head and when I got home I called her and timidly told her what happened and that I wanted to know if she needed prayer for anything. She immediately started weeping. Once she regained composure, she informed me that the exact hour that her name was laid on my heart, she and her family had received word that one of her brothers had died. It was a powerful moment that I’ll never forget. Through that experience, I felt the Lord calling me to ministry.
CIAN: That was an amazing sign of things to come. Thanks for sharing that very touching story. Continuing on, Mr. Miles, when looking at your future, with faith and grace as your foundation and as you continue to follow Christ’s leading, what does your five to ten year life plan include?
Miles: I really believe that Grace gives us the ability to do more through God than we could ever do on our own. In many ways, I feel like I’m just starting. I am currently working on my second book, writing a couple screenplays, and making plans to produce a film this fall called The Penitent Thief. In 10 years, I hope I’ve been able to release more books, films, and continue to grow my nonprofit, The Oasis Network For Churches (http://oasnet.org/).
CIAN: Thanks. The Penitent Thief, that sounds interesting. I think we have a question about that later on. Please tell us, how does Miles Media fit into your future plans? Do you plan to continue to “produce” movies or do you plan, at some point, to also “direct”? (Or, is there a difference? An honest question; I don’t know.)
Miles: Miles Media is just getting started. We have some big things in store for the future and some really exciting projects in development. As for me personally, I direct segments of about everything we do. This past year, we worked on music videos, sitcoms, feature films, and even some commercial videos. As an executive producer, my job is to assemble the team, finance the project, and oversee it from start to finish. I enjoy directing, too, which is more singularly focused on telling the story, but I always suspect my attention will lean more toward producing, at least for now.
CIAN: Wow! That sounds like a lot for just getting started. Before actually delving into a few questions about the film producing aspect of your life, you are also a life coach and advisor for film stars and athletes. In this capacity, are you able to share your witness for Christ? Has being a Christian ever created any barriers or hindrances when selecting a client?
Miles: As a life coach or advisor, I’ve been blessed to really be able to decide who I work with. Most of my clients are high performers with a passion to leave their mark on the world – for the better. I love working with entertainers especially. Although not all of them are Christians, they usually know who I am and where my advice stems from before we start working together. I’ve had to work through some pretty sensitive scenarios with clients in the past. Entertainment can be a really morally complicated field, especially for actors, but I always love a challenge. Most of all, I find it really rewarding to help people get in touch with Christ in their heart and hear from Him regarding the steps of their life.
CIAN: Thanks for sharing. This is all so fascinating. I pray that God sends you some actors who are open to doing Christian movies and might also need good seed sown into their lives. Now, just a question of curiosity, how did you meet Kevin Sorbo and Dean Cain?
Miles: I only met Dean briefly on the set of Small Town Santa. I was working with one of the cast and got to enjoy some time connecting with Dean. He’s a great guy!
Kevin, on the other hand, starred in my most recently released film, Rodeo Girl, which I co-produced alongside Joel Reisig. Kevin and I have stayed in touch some since and I was really blessed to include him as an endorser on my new book, Good God: The One We Want To Believe In But Are Afraid To Embrace.
CIAN: Thanks. I’m a fan of both Dean and Kevin. I pray they are able to cross paths with you again; they are both great actors. As we continue into the film producing aspect of the interview, what do you look for in a script that makes you choose a project to produce?
Miles: Some things are a given; it has to be a great story and work well on screen. It also has to be able to be produced at our budget level. Every project we do has been bigger than the last, but since we aren’t funded by major studios, we have to look for projects that seem reasonable and that we can shoot creatively and still have them work on screen. Most people would be shocked by the budget of Rodeo Girl, but I think it turned out really well and works.
CIAN: I hope to see it soon. From viewing the trailer, it looks like a great film. What was the deciding factor(s) in the decision to produce The Penitent Thief? Do you know what prompted the writing of the book?
Miles: The story. I read the book in one day and was really moved by it. Don Willis, the author, has become a great friend and his writing really inspired me to see the depth in some of the characters in the Bible that is easily overlooked.
CIAN: Had you ever produced or acted in a movie before you became the principal and founder of Miles Media?
Miles: I had produced quite a few music videos and even a couple short commercial and documentary type pieces over the years. As a coach, I was always involved in telling stories on screen, even if I wasn’t actually directing them myself. I often times would be the idea guy and then hire someone to produce my vision. When I was a kid I made a trilogy called, The Particle Transporter. I always say I’m going to release it on YouTube one of these days, but just have never gotten around to it. For being made and edited completely on a single 1980’s camcorder, it’s pretty impressive.
CIAN: It sounds like you’ve always been moving towards being a producer. According to your bio, you have other varied accomplishments (martial arts, basketball, boxing, golf, plays harmonica, drums and guitar, even ballroom dancing and the waltz!). In your busy life, do you have any “down time”?
Miles: Travel is a big part of our life. My wife, Krissy, and I are definitely busy, but we try to get away any chance we can. Working out is always a big source of relaxation for me, though it’s easy to get out of habit with all that’s on our plates. I don’t play music as much as I used to, and I’ve had to hit pause on my black belt training, but I hope to pick that back up in the near future. I’ve trained in Kalsadapo Karate.
CIAN: Are any of the above listed activities considered recreation? If not, what do you do for fun and recreation?
Miles: If I could only do one thing recreationally, it would involve the water – boats, swimming, etc. Though I’m a pretty poor swimmer and didn’t learn till later in life, I still love the water; it’s so energizing.
CIAN: And, to bring our interview to a close and end on a more personal note, were you raised in a Christian home? Do you have any siblings?
Miles: I have a very successful older brother, Josh, who is one of the principals for a major Indianapolis branding firm called, MilesHerndon.com. My younger sister is super talented as well, and is an interior designer, photographer, and military wife. My parents raised us knowing God though I think that all our understanding of what this means has enlarged as we have come to know His grace.
CIAN: Thank you, Mr. Miles. We so appreciate being able to spend this time with you. We look forward to the possibilities of speaking with you again when you produce your next family friendly movie!
Interviews 