​Tell us a bit about yourself? I’m short and sweet. My husband is a big biker dude. I ride with him and pretend I’m in a gang, but nobody ever believes me even though I lost my hair from chemo at the beginning of the year and look kinda tough now. Besides write and ride, I also teach yoga and work for an airline so I can fly for free. My youngest of three kids is a senior in high school, which makes us almost empty nesters, and we are really enjoying our midlife crises.
 
What is your book about? A Caffeine Conundrum is the first in my CaFUNated Mysteries, and it’s set at Christmas, which is why I’m telling you about it instead of my newer books, but of course you’ll want to read them too. They all have the danger of suspense, the chemistry of romance, the addiction of coffee, and the jokes that make it fun instead of scary when someone dies. (Think of the TV show Psych.) Oh, book one also has a character named after the one and only Jennifer Pierce.
 
Why did you write it? Because I love danger, chemistry, addiction, and jokes. And also Christmas. Actually, after a producer optioned another one of my Christmas novels (Finding Love in Big Sky), I wanted to get more books optioned, and I knew she was looking for a mystery set in a coffee shop. She hasn’t optioned this one yet though, so you don’t have the excuse of waiting for the movie and are going to have to read it.
 
If you had a pet unicorn, what color would it be and what would you name it? The name and color don’t matter as long as it eats rainbows and poops butterflies.
 
Where can we find you online? My website is www.angelaruthstrong.com. I’m ashamed to tell you how much I hang out on Facebook, but you can see for yourself here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220
 
Weirdest thing you've done in the name of research. I had my friends lock me in the trunk of a car once. https://www.facebook.com/angela.r.strong/videos/10156743291882806
 
 
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you want to play your Hero and Heroine? Can we get in a time machine and bring back young Harrison Ford? Is that allowed while we’re dreaming here? I mean, if you want me to talk about a pet unicorn, I feel like time machines are also an option.
 
Do you write in different genres? If so, what genres? Yes. I’ve written a children’s series. (The Snowball Fight Professional is a perfect stocking stuffer.) I’ve written suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. My Resort to Love Series is romance, and it includes my book optioned for film. Plus, coming out in July 2021, Husband Auditions will be my first romantic comedy.
 
Fun fact about the book/character. The murder weapon is coffee. I didn’t make that up. It really put my husband’s friend in the hospital. After he survived, we had a good laugh, and I knew his story had to go in a novel.
 
Favorites:
Bible verse: Psalm 102:18 is tattooed on the wrist of my writing hand.
Book: The Scarlet Pimpernel. I assume you mean fiction, though it’s tied with the Bible for how many times I’ve read it.
Cartoon: Inspector Gadget. Which is a good indicator of what you’ll find in A Caffeine Conundrum.
Cereal: Homemade granola
Color: Red
Movie The Count of Monte Cristo
Song: When I finished chemo, I got to ring a bell, and I rang it to I’m Still Standing by Elton John. https://www.facebook.com/angela.r.strong/videos/10158508732007806 Elton John didn’t actually write it. The man who wrote it goes to church with my friends in California. I’m hoping to visit and meet him one day. 

Kara is not only my amazing editor, who I think was a therapist in a past life, she's also an amazing author! 
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Kara Leigh Miller. I’m a full-time wife and mom, part-time editor, and sporadic writer—okay, so maybe not so sporadic, but I definitely don’t have any sort of consistent writing schedule anymore 😉 I live in Michigan with my family, though I was born and raised in a very small town in Upstate NY. I enjoy working out, binge watching Netflix, and sometimes even playing golf with my husband, though I totally suck at it.
 
 What is your book about?
Perfectly Imperfect is about two imperfect people trying to be perfect, which doesn’t work out so well for them. Here’s the official blurb:
 
Isabelle Carson is charging into her senior year equipped with a handy checklist to ensure nothing goes awry. Things she didn't account for: a hot, new guy who almost runs her over, a messed up class schedule, and a boyfriend who dumps her for one of her best friends. All of that pales in comparison to the threat of her dirty family secrets breaking free from the perfect façade she’s diligently maintained since the death of her brother.

Grayson Alexander is on his fourth school in as many years. Lakewood Valley High is exactly like all the others, with one shiny exception: Isabelle Carson. She’s smart, funny, beautiful— the perfect package. But Isabelle is hiding something, and Grayson is determined to do whatever it takes to win her trust, except step foot in another hypocritical church.

As Isabelle’s life spirals out of control and her carefully crafted, picture-perfect image begins to shatter, Grayson does what no one else can: he makes her laugh and allows her to be imperfect. With rekindled faith, Isabelle sets out to right all the wrongs in her life. But Grayson has been damaged by his own family secrets, and Isabelle will have to decide if the boy she’s falling for more and more each day is a right or a wrong.
 
 Why did you write it?
Because I wanted to? LOL. The idea originally came to me as nothing more than a flash of a scene. A girl walking into school with her friend and almost being run over by a motorcycle—that then parks in the bicycle rack. She marches up to him and points out his error. While I thought the scene was cute and funny as it was playing out in my head, that was all I had, so I shoved it away and tried to keep working on my current project at the time, but the idea just would not go away. Belle and Grayson became louder in my head, and I knew I needed to tell their story.
 
Ultimately, I wrote it because it wouldn’t leave me alone, but beyond that, I hope readers will see that it’s okay to be imperfect, that God loves us no matter what.
 
 If you had a pet unicorn, what color would it be and what would you name it?
I’m really more of a cat person…
 
 Do you need background noise when you write?
This really depends on the book. When I was writing Perfectly Imperfect, I would turn on the TV and let it play in the background, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. With the current series I’m writing, I have to have my playlist going; otherwise, I just can’t seem to focus.
  
Do you write in different genres? If so, what genres?
Sure do! I find being limited to a single age category or genre to be boring. I need to be able to jump around as my muse sees fit. I’ve written Christian adult romantic suspense, YA Christian romance (Perfectly Imperfect), and I’m currently in the process of self-publishing a secular YA paranormal romance series (The Cursed Series).
 
 Favorites:
Bible verse: Philipians 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Book: The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Cartoon: I don’t watch cartoons
Cereal: Cap’n Crunch
Color: Purple
Movie: Napoleon Dynamite
Song: Depends on my mood, though I generally love anything by Luke Bryan, Twenty One Pilots, and Black Veil Brides.
​
Get Perfectly Imperfect here.

Social Media Links:
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Welcome to Tuesday Author Interviews. My first guest is Tabitha Bouldin.


​
Tell us a bit about yourself? 
Do I have to? Ha! Just kidding. I’m a homeschooling mom of two boys, and I started writing in 2015. After self-publishing my first series, I decided to seek publication with Celebrate Lit for their Independence Island series. I have a habit of taking on different hobbies, everything from baking to photography, and none of them ever seem to really stick except for photography. Being an author is not something I ever saw myself doing, but now I don’t know how I managed to wait as long as I did. 

What is your book about? 
Mishaps off the Mainland is my first title with Celebrate Lit and is book 5 in the Independence Islands series. It’s about a mobile pet grooming business run by Melody Carmichael, a spunky, slightly sarcastic woman who would rather spend her time helping animals than dealing with people. But when one of her clients escapes, Mel is forced to accept the help of Zeke Solomon, a businessman-turned-carpenter who is running from the pressures his father has burdened him with.

Why did you write it? 
When I first saw the idea Sandy and Chautona had for the series, I knew I wanted to do something fun. Something that could stir up a lot of mischief and humor while still showing how good God is to His children. That brought me to the idea of a mobile pet groomer. From there, I knew Mel needed to experience some serious setbacks and having a pet escape while in her care seemed like the perfect outlet for a series of mishaps. Mel’s story also spoke to me on how we might misinterpret God’s path for us. 

If you had a pet unicorn, what color would it be and what would you name it? 
Well, it would have to be purple, with a glittery silver mane and tail, and a silver horn. I would name her Amethyst. 

Do you need background noise when you write? 
Yes. With two teenagers in the house, noise is a constant, and I need something to cut through the voices and help me focus. I listen to a lot of instrumental music, and I recently discovered themed music on YouTube. So when I’m writing my beach novels, I might turn on some ocean waves. Or a romantic scene might need a fireplace crackling or rain. It’s fun finding music to fit the story’s mood. 

Do you write in different genres? 
Everything that has been published has been contemporary Christian romance. However, if you had a peek at my hard drive, you’d see several manuscripts that are Christian fantasy. I’ve never been very good at staying in one spot, and although contemporary Christian romance is one of my favorite genres, I don’t see myself being exclusive to one genre. 

If so, what genres? Fun fact about the book/character. 
I recently completed a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling that I’m praying will be published next year. Several years ago, I wrote an urban fantasy that’s still collecting dust. I have ideas for many, many more but no time to write them all so I’ve become picky about which one gets my attention. The steampunk Alice in Wonderland, though, that one made my heart sing and I’m hoping to write a sequel. Fun fact, the book is written as though Alice never left Wonderland at the end of Lewis Carroll’s original version. 

Some of her favorite things:
Book: Nuh-uh. That one is impossible. I can tell you my favorite book from this year is The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox.
Cartoon: Looney Tunes, specifically, Wil E. Coyote
Cereal: Lucky Charms-with chocolate puffed cereal
Color: Purple
Movie: The Man from Snowy River
Song: This is Me by Keala Settle (from The Greatest Showman)
Bible Verse: ​

When I first started writing, I did several flash fiction pieces. I think this is my favorite.

The Field
“Meet me” a voice said, sending shivers of excitement coursing up her spine. She didn't need to see who had spoken those words to know who it was or where they would meet. Hidden deep in the forest was a field of flowers in shades of pinks, yellows, and purples. 

They had been meeting in the field for years, ever since they were kids. The field had provided an escape. Escape from life, from pain, from everything. 

They would lay in the field and watch the clouds, talking about everything and nothing. They poured their hearts out to each other there in the field. 

She was walking what was once a well-worn path through the dense forest. Weeds now sprang up where her feet had walked so many times before. Even with the path disappearing she could find the field, her heart would lead her.

She paused at the tree where the forest ended and the field began. Their initials were carved in a heart into the tree trunk. She ran her fingers over the letters, remembering the day he had pulled his knife from his pocket and carved them. He had done the same on the tree that was at the end of his path. That way when they left the field and headed their separate ways they would have a reminder that their hearts would be together even when they were physically apart.

She stepped out of the forest and the sun shone down on her face warming it. She took in the rainbow of colors that lay in front of her. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the flowers.

The scent brought the memories flooding in. Memories of their first kiss, their professions of love, his proposal. When the day comes for her to take his name, she would wear a crown of flowers woven from the flowers in their field. 

She strode to the center of the field and sat. She started picking flowers and making necklaces. Hours were slowly passing by and still he had not shown. The sun was setting but she wouldn't leave. She wouldn't miss the chance to see him. 

She didn't doubt that he would show. There had been delays in the past. Chores his mother had made him do before he could leave. Once his dog had gotten loose and he’d had to chase him all over the neighborhood before he could meet her. 

She needed to see him now, to look into his beautiful blue eyes. The crickets began to chirp and the lightening bugs were dancing in the field. 

She laid back and stared at the sky. Slowly the blue sky faded to black and stars danced in the night sky. She could name all of the constellations that filled the sky. 

Her eyelids drifted close.

“Wake up my sweet.” His warm breath tickled as he whispered in her ear. 

She smiled. He had finally come. She rolled onto her side not bothering to open her eyes. She could feel his warmth.

“Tell me. Tell me what the future holds.”

“We will marry in the little church in town. You will be stunning with these flowers in your hair.” She could feel him move a strand of hair from her face. Still she didn't open her eyes.

“We will move into a little house with a picket fence. I will tell you I love you every day. I will cherish you. We will have children and grow old together.”

“But first you must leave. You must don your uniform and ensure that our children will have the freedom we have enjoyed.” She said as her heart broke a little knowing he would be so far away from her.

“I will, but I will come back to you.” He gently kissed her forehead.

Suddenly she was cold, she could no longer feel his warmth. She opened her eyes and he wasn't lying with her. She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. 

“Where have you gone?” She looked around the field, looking for his shadow. 

She couldn't find him. Her heart sped up, she felt so alone.

“Gavin! Come back to me!” She screamed into the night. She was beginning to get scared. He was nowhere to be seen.

“Gavin!!”

She could see flashes of light coming from his path. She raced to the path, chasing him. 

“Gavin! Come back! Please don't leave me” Tears had begun to fall from her eyes, wetting her cheeks. 

Her foot caught an old tree root sending her slamming into the ground. She whimpered and climbed to her feet and began her run through the forest after the man she loved. 

The light was getting closer. Finally, she caught up to the light and stopped. It wasn't Gavin. It was her brother. 

“Peter, what are you doing here? Have you seen Gavin? He was just here, in the field.” She was panting from the run and tears were still streaming down her face. She needed him.

Peter stepped to her and grabbed her in a tight embrace. “Claire, He's gone.”

“What do you mean he's gone? Where did he go? He said he would come back for me.” Her hysteria was building.
“Claire, he died, remember? He's gone. He's not coming back” He held her face still and looked into her eyes. 

“No! I heard him. He told me to meet him. We laid in the field and he told me our future. He moved the hair from my face.” She couldn't breathe. She had to go find him but Peter held her still.

“Claire, he was killed in combat. He's not coming back. You must have fallen asleep in the field. The wind blew the hair from your face.”
​
He caught her as her knees gave out when it all came rushing back, the funeral, the taps, the 21-gun salute.