Meet Stephany Tullis, Chandler County, and A New Christmas "Season of Suspense"

Welome GLIAS friends. I’m excited today to tell you about my new romantic suspense holiday-themed Box Set, “A Season of Suspense: A Chandler County Christmas.” This set contains six brand new, heart-racing romantic suspense stories by six award winning authors—who just happen to be me and five of my friends and fellow authors!

I’m especially thrilled to introduce you to author Stephany Tullis, one of the masterminds behind

“Season of Suspense” and, in fact, one of the architects of the entire Chandler County world where the stories of SOS are set.

Stephany is a USA Today and Amazon Best Selling cinematic writer of edgy inspirational fiction. Her books cross several genres including Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Satire. She currently lives in Metro Atlanta.

You can check out her #1 Best selling book “Blue Lady’s Mission Under Fire”

HERE

Stephany, along with former GLIAS crew member PJ Fiala, created the world of Chandler County several years ago, and have since welcomed more than a dozen authors who’ve written Chandler County romantic suspense novels.

The fictional Chandler County is located between Louisville and Lexington KY, an area largely affected by the Kentucky Derby and the goings on surrounding that iconic race. It’s two main towns, Chandlerville and Bourbonville are rich in culture, diversity, horse ranches, bourbon distilleries, politics, their respective businesses and business owners. Guests float in and out of town as the Derby approaches and also in November, when the Chandler County Birthday Bash rolls around.

The stories in “A Season of Suspense” are all short novellas set in the Christmas holiday season. The box set will release on November 4, 2019, but it’s available for PRE-ORDER now— and there are a number of awesome things that happen when you pre-order from any online retailer. Read on for more info.

 Here’s a little about the six amazing authors and stories you’ll find in “A Season of Suspense.”

Stephany Tullis: “Missing Joy” – They came seeking love, peace & joy but will they find it in the midst of the Storm?

Lizbeth Selvig “Missing One Angel” – Finding Angel was their second priority. Staying alive to do it was their first.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: “Missing Under the Mistletoe” – Love at death’s door. Not her first choice…but it could end up being the best choice.

Cherime MacFarlane: “Missing Family” – One minute he was the heir. Now he doesn’t have a family.

Dionne Grace: “Missing You for Christmas” – Tyler was intrigued by his new neighbor, but would the dilemma that materialized be his undoing?

Tearra Rhodes: “Missing Wishes” – Could one missing wish hold the key to her heart even while another holds the key to a tragic mystery?

If that sounds intriguing, here’s the place to go:

PRE-ORDER LINK

And once you pre-order, you’re eligible to receive six free bonus books from the SOS authors.

Follow this link after ordering http://bit.ly/SOSFreebie to get instructions for downloading the freebies!

But the coolest thing that happens when you pre-order is that you’ll be teaming up with the SOS authors to help rescue and rehome retired racehorses. A SEASON OF SUSPENSE is partnering with CANTER Minnesota / CANTER USA, a wonderful non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming ex-racehorses. 50% of pre-sale profits will go to this deserving organization. So pre-order and help a racehorse! To date CANTER has found new loving homes and new careers for over 25,000 former racetrack thoroughbreds!

I hope we’ve intrigued you with this upcoming set of romantic suspense stories. 

GIVEAWAY: If you’d like to sample some of what Chandler County has to offer—just leave us a comment about your favorite suspense novels, TV shows, or movies. What is your favorite whodunnit? Or who is your favorite detective or sleuth? I have two Chandler County e-books for on commenter:  Stephany’s “Missing Pieces” and my (Lizbeth’s) “Missing by a Heartbeat.”

And if, for fun, you’d like to know a little more about Stephany’s novella “Missing Christmas Joy,” and mine “Missing One Angel” from the upcoming box set, you can read the blurbs below.

Missing Christmas Joy

By Stephany Tullis

In this story of suspense, romance, family ties, and sinuous passions, USA Today Bestselling author Stephany Tullis weaves a page turning holiday adventure.

When Ms. Isabel Johnson decides to celebrate the first year of her thriving B & B business with the first annual Holly Jolly Holiday Couples Retreat, she has no idea that her life will never be the same. An idyllic spot with over 250 acres and home to now four generations of Johnsons, Ms. Isabel runs the Home on the Ranch B & B with the help of Manager, Joyeaux Noelle, Head Chef, Louis St. Cloud and new hire handyman, Frankie Sanders.

In the spirit of Christmas and despite dire storm warnings that predict the worst weather the county has faced in 10 years, the influx of jubilant couples descend on the festively decorated grounds in search of love, peace, joy, fulfillment and in some cases renewed relationships. When the highly recommended retreat leaders find themselves stranded at the Louisville International Airport due to strong winds, blowing snow and building ice, Ms. Isabel twists her grandson’s (Dr. Jared Johnson) arm and convinces him and his wife Marissa Johnson to co-lead the holiday Retreat. 

An unexpected visitor disrupts the intended romantic and Christmas spirited festivities not only exposing family secrets but threatening the lives of Retreat guests. To further complicate matters, when Mr. James, the postman, delivers a special priority Christmas card to Ms. Johnson, her inner voice warns that this will be a Christmas like none other. 

MISSING ONE ANGEL

By Lizbeth Selvig

As an abused child and a serial runaway, Mallory Carrick experienced early on the dark side of the foster care system and the tough world of life on the streets. But all that is behind her since finding a job and a family at Crosby Racing. Based at the racing stable’s home, Sanctuary Pond Farm, Mallory’s bright and cheerful personality, as well as her empathy for animals and people alike, makes her everyone’s favorite confidante and friend. And nobody has fallen for her harder than Sawyer Hawkins.

Sawyer, too, has a home at Sanctuary Pond where owner Winn Crosby has built a super-successful stable with the help of young adults needing second chances. Like Mallory, Sawyer had a rough start in life. Working with horses changed him, but finding Mallory Carrick saved him. He’s more than ready to build a future with her, and she wants the same.

Enter precocious, difficult, and homeless thirteen-year-old Angelika Coltrane. “Angel” certainly does not live up to her nickname, and when she stows away in a horse trailer bound for Sanctuary Pond, she starts a chain of events that threatens everyone in her path. Mallory immediately empathizes with the girl and is the only one to bond with her, inviting her to stay at the farm with her. Sawyer knows they aren’t ready to take on a runaway. But it’s holiday season and even he doesn’t have the heart to send a girl named Angel away at Christmastime.

But Angel isn’t simply a difficult teen. She has a secret she’ll only hint at. The crime she’s witnessed makes her a danger to herself and anyone around her. Just when the holidays start to mean something special, when her new surroundings offer people who actually understand her, and she gets the chance she’s always dreamed of to work around horses, Angel’s past catches her and she’s kidnapped.

Mallory and Sawyer must find out why she’s gone and where she’s been taken, but the danger tests their young love in a way that might destroy it. They have to decide if they possess the strength—or even the desire—to search for Angel before it’s too late for all of them.

Tamara Ruth

I'm excited to introduce you to Tamara Ruth.  I met Tamara a couple of years ago at an Author/Reader Event, Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend.  Tamara was there as a reader and she sat at my table for breakfast with two other authors and another reader.  She brought her 9 month old daughter with her for just the beginning and sat next to me.  Trying to coo and woo her little one, it wasn't long before she was sitting on my lap. Tamara and I chatted about the baby and then her husband came in and took their little one away.  Through our breakfast and conversation afterwards, I didn't know Tamara was an author.  It was a few weeks later I got a card in the mail with a picture she had taken of me holding her baby and a sweet note.  I thanked her on Facebook messenger and we chatted a bit more.  She messaged me a few weeks later to ask me which of her cover designs I liked better and sent me the two pictures.  She then told me this was her second book and how excited she was to have completed it. 

Since then we touch base a few times a year and Tamara has had more books release.  She's hooked!  So, please welcome Tamara Ruth to Get Lost In A Story, it's my pleasure to showcase her and her latest release, 

Have you been on the blog before?

 Nope, my first time.

How often do you get lost in a story?

 Every time I read.

What's your favorite thing about your current book hero?

 His ultimate kindness to those around him regardless of the cost to him personally. 

Do you have a favorite movie of all time? Tell me about it.

 Nope. I have several favorite movies. My top five are Dirty Dancing, Moana, The Lake House, While You Were Sleeping, and Die Hard. Each for the fun I experience every time I watch them.

What's your perfect day like?

Cuddles with my kids first thing in the morning. Breakfast and hugs before school. Time to write. Time to pick up the kids. Dinner is frequently a frustrated time with cooking and hungry kids whining, but we are all smiles once we eat. My kids have already learned the term "hangry." Granted, I can thank their aunt for that piece of education. Then it's bedtime. Needless to say, much as I love time with my family, I am also thoroughly pleased to have them asleep.

Let's do some rapid fire questions.

Ok.

Okay, are we ready?  Favorite color?

 Blue

Favorite meal?

 Almost anything Mexican

Name something on your bucket list.

 Visit Australia and New Zealand.

Dream vacation?

 Taking the kids to DisneyWorld.

Favorite book boyfriend?

 Don't have one. It's the lack of a physical body thing that keeps me more interested in my hubby.

Favorite memory.

 Those moments after my kids where born, watching my husband hold them for the first time.

Geek or Jock?

GEEK!!! I'm married to an Electrical Engineer. You can't spell Geek without a double E! (Sorry, it's a bad EE joke and my husband HATES it but I love it and him.)

The most daring thing you’ve ever done… Care to share?

 Jumping out of a plane with a parachute. Never again. Thought I was going to vomit the entire free fall!

Do you have a giveaway? If so, tell me about it.

No. I do have the first book in my series free on all platforms until the end of February. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XB81M1O?tag=tamrut-20

Anything you want to share about your favorite shoes?

 This is my second identical pair. I will wear them until they start to break apart.

Okay, a little more about More Than Chemistry.

New Year's in LA. A frenemy at home. What could go wrong?

Edee expected a quiet Christmas but a midnight call from her frenemy changed that. Now she’s sharing a room with someone she’s not sure she can trust.
A fact which only makes Edee more excited to meet Adam’s family in LA. Romantic moments go a sideways when family gets involved and Adam’s has a few surprises in store for Edee.
When has meeting the family ever gone smoothly?

More Than Chemistry is the fourth book in the Smith and Guy University series. If you like contemporary romance set on a college campus, or off it as this book is, then you’ll enjoy More Than Chemistry. This book contains some detailed sexual scenes but no actual sex.

Amazon:

Kobo:

iBooks:

Universal Link:  

Let's get to know a little bit more about Tamara Ruth.

Tamara Ruth is a mother and wife with a heavy reading problem. Thankfully for her, her kids love being read to. But picture books aren't everything and Tamara enjoys reading across a wide range of topics and genres. Eventually her writing will follow suit. For now it's contemporary romance. And making playdough by the pound.

And, now you'll want to follow her everywhere.

Amazon:  

Facebook:  

Website: 

Meet Chandler County Author Traci Wooden-Carlisle

I’m so excited to introduce you all to Traci Wooden-Carlisle, who's here today to tell you about her new Chandler County series book Missing Us. It’s been a joy for me to get to know Traci as part of the Chandler County authors group. Each week since the end of October, a brand new story in the CC series has been released—and they’re all delightful. Traci’s book Missing Us (the sixth of eight) is no exception. You can see a list of the others below.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing poetry and short stories as soon as she was able to form words on paper. She used that as a way to creating worlds, as well as, to communicate with God. A native of Los Angeles, California, she grew up attending United Methodist Church under the leadership of a pastor whose heart was for youth. Once she finished college at she found herself at a loss. She felt caught in the transition between childhood and adulthood. She surrounded herself with saints and volunteered her services as a graphic artist. Through the early-morning prayer, all night Friday prayer and 3-day shut-ins she started on her journey toward her most desired gift, an intimate relationship with God. 
Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, David Carlisle. When she isn’t writing she teaches fitness classes and runs a jewelry and craft business.

HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT MISSING US

Dr. Atherton Nathan, Terry, never imagined that the pact he made four decades ago would cost him what he treasured most – his family. Though he survived the slow disintegration of his marriage, he held fast to the hope that he could win back the only woman he ever loved.

His youngest daughter now has a life and love he has always wanted for her and their relationship has healed enough for her to allow him to give her away during her wedding.  He hopes the weeks he will spend in Chandler County to ensure her transition from her life and career in Chicago to Chandlerville before the nuptials will be enough to convince his wife…ex-wife of his love for her and hers for him.

Reina Fellows Nathan can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Her youngest daughter’s life is out of danger and Shauna is carving out her own path towards happiness. All Reina has to do is get through the weeks it will take to help her daughter plan her wedding and avoid her ex-husband. He nearly destroyed her once and despite some of the changes he’s recently made she dare not trust her heart to him.

Each day brings new challenges that work against her resolve to remain unaffected by her ex- husband’s attempts to court her again, but secrets, lies and a long-held pact that comes to light may make it impossible for a true reconciliation.

EXCERPT

Reina was pulled from her thoughts by the ringing of the phone. She let it ring, slightly shaken by her thoughts. She was sure one of the others would get it. She was straightening her paperwork when Meredith’s voice came over the conference line.

“Reina, you have a call on line 2. It’s your husband?” Meredith’s voice rose at the end making what could have been a statement, a question. Terry had a way of doing that to people.

“Thank you, Meredith.” She responded before pressing the button that would open the line to her ex-husband.

“Reina.” His mellow voice reached through the line and caressed her senses.

“Terry.” She said trying to infuse as much coolness as possible into her tone.

“I need to see you.” No greeting. No small talk, no beating around the bush.

“No.” She hung up the phone.

BUY THE BOOK

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TRACI'S SUPER-FUN Q&A

LIZ: What was your favorite book as a child?

TRACI: Island of the Blue Dolphins. It was otherworldly to me. The imagery and detail truly allowed me to feel like I was there, and my second-grade teacher was a great reader.

LIZ: How did you come up with the idea for Missing Us? 

TRACI: I thought about the story for this book near the beginning of my first book in the Chandler County Series MissingDestiny. Dr. Atherton ‘Terry’ Nathan is the father of Dr. Shauna Nathan, the main character of Missing Destiny.  I knew he was a piece of work, but I needed to see if he was redeemable.

LIZ: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

TRACI: Creating jewelry is very therapeutic so I’ve made it a business. I am a freelance graphic artist and do personal fitness training.

LIZ: If you described your book in three words, which would you choose?

TRACI: Emotional, Inspiring, romantic

LIZ: If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?

TRACI: Boy, that would be a dinner to remember. Sometimes it’s like they are with me because they whisper in my ear if it takes me too long to get back to them. Does that happen to you?

In my book ‘My Beauty for Your Ashes’ there is Dominy, a gentleman who is kind of like the comic relief, but he really just tells it like it is in an obvious and slightly sarcastic way. I would normally want to dine with Paige, the main female character of that series, but she is going through some things right now and wouldn’t be much fun. Then there is Maddison from both Missing Destiny and Missing Us. She is Shauna’s co-worker and best friend, who is a fashionable, lively, unapologetic piece of work. I would probably pick her brain on fashion because I don’t have much when it comes to clothing and sit back to watch her interact with Dominy.

The third would be Ryan Grambling who is referred to in Missing Destiny and makes an appearance in Missing Us. He is dreamy, you know, the strong silent type. I would sit back and watch him for a moment and see how he got along with Maddison (who he may have a thing for) and Dominy. Then I would play 20-Questions with him because I really want to get to know him better.

LIZ: I just want to add that this was the best answer ever to this question! I do have my characters start bugging me if I don’t pay attention to them—but I love how there are exact questions you have in mind for your characters!

LIZ: If your house was on fire and you only had time to save three objects, what would you save?

TRACI: My bible, my laptop, and purse with my phone in it.

LIZ: You’ve been granted one superpower for one week. Which power would you choose, and what would you do with it?

TRACI: If it is for one week, I would like to be able to see in the future one month ahead and hope that I’m not going die in that time. I would like to have fun giving and making things easier for those I love through this power. I don’t want to see my death.

LIZ: Couldn’t agree more. The idea of seeing my own death gives me the shivers.

LIZ: Write us a haiku about your book or one of your characters!

TRACI: 

He wants his wife back.

She’s content where she is now. 

Who will win this time?

LIZ: Time for a mini blitz!

a) Favorite color? Song? Movie?

b) Summer or winter?

c) Morning or night?

d) Rain or shine?

e) Sweet or salty?

TRACI: a) In winter, blue. In summer, green. Today, James Taylor’s version of ‘Up On the Roof’. 2009 version of Pride and Prejudice

b) winter

c) Night

d) Shine

e) Salty

LIZ: Do you have any favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?

TRACI: Dee Henderson is one of my favorite authors because she delivers the message of God in her books in a subtle yet poignant way.

   

LIZ: Where is your favorite place to write?

TRACI: Bedroom

LIZ: What’s on your bucket list for this year?

TRACI: Taking my parents on a train ride up to Vancouver, BC and a cruise back from Vancouver to Los Angeles

LIZ HAS GOTTA ASK: What’s the most personal thing you’ve ever put in one of your books?

TRACI: Though ‘My Beauty for Your Ashes’ was fiction the main character and I shared some very tumultuous moments in our lives. We also share the fact that our relationship with Jesus has helped us let go of the anger and unforgiveness so we could be healthier in mind, body and spirit.

TRACI’S QUESTION FOR YOU: 

How many books in a series is a good number for you?

I am offering the e-copy of both Missing Destiny and Missing Us to one commenter. (It’s more entertaining to read Missing Us after you’ve read Missing Destiny.)

CONTACT TRACI:

E-mail:   authortraci@gmail.com

Website:   www.tawcarlisle.com

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/traciwoodencarlisle

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/traciwcarlisle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Author_TraciWCarlisle

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tawcarlisle

Blogs: www.tawcarlisle.com/blog

WHAT’S COMING NEXT ?

My next release will be early 2018. It is a First Street Church KW book titled Loves Bittersweet Beginning. I will also be releasing My Garment of Praise for Your Spirit of Heaviness, the third book in my Promise to Zion Series.

CHECK OUT SOME OF TRACI'S PREVIOUS RELEASES:

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Amazon

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Amazon