Christmas Spotlight on Amber Miller and giveaway

I am excited to introduce Elanna Scott the main character from Promises and Quills and the mother in Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller to join us. What is so awesome about this is Elanna is visiting us during the Revolutionary War period of American History. The magic of technology!!!She is going to share some of the traditions and foods that were eaten during this time. So get ready for a fun Christmas interview.

Elanna lets start off with my favorite subject besides books-food. Are there any foods that you only have at Christmas? Could you please share a family favorite recipe?

We did not have many unique foods when I was a young girl, but wassail and gingerbread were commonly available.

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 16 ounces of unsweetened pineapple juice
• 3/4 cup tea

Place in a cheesecloth sack:1 Tablespoon whole cloves1 Tablespoon whole allspice2 sticks cinnamon Allow the cheesecloth sack to brew with the cider and tea. Let it simmer very slowly for 4 to 6 hours. You can add water if it evaporates too much.

The recipe for gingerbread cookies has been adapted for those of you who are living in what I hear is a more modern time period than them time in which I live. If you were to bake these cookies the way we did, I do not believe you would have much success. Perhaps this adaptation will prove successful, though.

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup melted margarine
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup unsulfered molasses
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 4 cups stone-ground or unbleached flour, unsifted

Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted margarine, evaporated milk and molasses. Add the extracts. Mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to ½ cup additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking. When the dough is smooth, roll it out ¼ inch thick on a floured surface and cut it into cookies. Bake on floured or greased cookie sheets in a preheated 375° F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The gingerbread cookies are done when they spring back when touched.

Thank you for the recipes, I'll have to try them this Christmas. When we marry, our family traditions change to join with our spouse’s traditions. What traditions to you have that are different from when you were growing up? What traditions do you hold most dear?

One of my favorite traditions is the hardening and curing of oranges in preparation for making pomander balls to hang around our home. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and orrisroot were combined and inserted into holes poked into the oranges with nails, and whole cloves or other spices would also be added. Those combined with the netting filled with rosemary, dried lavender, rose petals and bayberry would make Christmas come alive with rich aromas. Even now that I am married, I have shared that tradition with our children. And they all love to be involved in the process.

My husband, Madison, hailed from Boston, and Christmas was quite different for him. We in the middle colonies never really identified the day as different from the rest, but we did honor the season with our decorations. But Madison and his family decorated with sprigs of evergreen and holly, attended a church service and even engaged in dancing afterward. They might also visit another family or receive visitors at their home. We adapted the evergreen and holly for our windowpanes, and now, we have a special meal, making a point to share this time with our family.

I love that you blended his traditions with your own. Christmas is a time that many memories are made. What is the best Christmas memory you have?

That must be an occurrence that took place this year. My daughter, Margret, had been keeping company with a young gentleman her father and I believed to be divided in his loyalties between England and our colonies. As such, her father forbade her from having any associations with him. However, on the night of Christmas, who should appear at our door but the young man himself, escorting Margret’s cousin who had been captured by the British during a recent battle at Cooch’s Bridge. General Washington’s army had reported him as missing, but Samuel Lowe brought him home. And despite being forbidden to appear at our home, he also made a bold proposal to my daughter, requesting permission for her hand in marriage. He had more than proven his loyalty and redeemed himself in our eyes, so Margret’s father had given his approval.
I am so happy to hear they are getting married. I wish them a blessed marriage. What does your family do to remember what the real reason for Christmas is?

Giving thanks to our Father in Heaven for sending His Son for us is ever present in our hearts and minds. We take time to ask for His blessings on our lives as the year comes to a close and request that He grant us favor and continued blessings for the coming year. As this time of year is always celebrated by time spent with our family, we have nothing else occupying our minds which needs to be dismissed. If we do exchange gifts, a reminder is always stated pertaining to the gift of God’s son for all of us.

Now a few questions for Amber Miller the wonderfully gifted author of three Heartsong Presents book. Two of which I have read and loved.

Amber, what led you to write a Christmas story?

This story isn’t exactly a full Christmas story, but it does conclude on Christmas Day. The book preceding this one included several traditions that are referenced in this one, but not given as much focus. As this time is a special time of year, and as the greater timeline of events provided a clear point where Christmas could be the focus, I decided to end the story there with references to what would happen later. It worked out quite well, I believe.

I look forward to reading Deceptive Promises. I love that you have written books that link three generations of family. Could you please briefly describe your novel?

Quills & Promises
Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

Deceptive Promises
Is deception fair in wartime? Margret Scott finds she must deal with this question as she becomes attracted to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret struggles to determine where Samuel's loyalties lie, despite his reassurances that they lie with the colonists. Samuel's duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he is often torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does. But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can relationships built in uncertainty survive?

If you would like to visit Amber's website click here

Amber has offered an autographed copy of Deceptive Promises to a luck winner so if you would like to win a copy please leave a comment and answer the following question. What Christmas traditions do you cherish the most? Don't forget to leave an addy in disguise (yourname[at]ouraddress[dot]net)

Review of Promises, Promises by Amber Miller

A little Background:

Raelene Straatford knows God has promised he will always be with her, but after she looses both of her parents she begins to struggle with that promise. She wonders what kind of God would leave a girl all alone in a country where women have no voice. Gustaf Hanssen, her neighbor, who has admired her promises her father on his deathbed that he will look after Raelene. Gustaf keeps his word to her father and begins to oversee Raelenes affairs including finding her a husband. These two fumble into a delightful love story.

The underlying theme that God is hope and He is with us to help us through the dark hours is very apparent in this novel. Amber Miller does an amazing job of showing that God uses bad experiences in our live to bring us closer to him. I am not one to read a lot of historical Christian fiction mainly because it often seems preachy but I have to say that Promises, Promises delivers a wonderful message and story. I love the fact that the setting is not the normal one you read about when reading historical fiction. I hope that Amber continues to write stories with unusual settings. The novel is well researched and Amber weaves the historical details beautifully throughout the book. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book check out http://www.heartsongpresent.com/.

Spot Light on Amber Miller and book giveaway

Spot Light on Amber Miller

Amber Miller is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband in beautiful Colorado Springs. They don’t have any children yet, but they do have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, who is half Border Collie and half Flat-Haired Retriever. Already nearing 65 pounds, she keeps them on their toes. And with her penchant for rising at 6am on the dot, Roxie is giving Amber and her husband a good taste of what it's like to be parents.Amber has sold four books to the Heartsong Presents line of Barbour Publishing with the promise of two more before the end of the year. A born-again Christian since the age of seven, her faith in Christ has often sustained her through difficult experiences. She seeks to share that with others through her writing. She currently has two books releasing this month. I am posting a review of Promises, Promises tomorrow so be sure to stop back by. Here is a short preview of each of her new books.

1. If you could do something really over the top what would it be?

That would probably be skydiving. Something about it scares the bejeebies out of me, but something also appeals to the adventurous spirit inside of me. My husband wants to take me white water rafting before the summer is out. The Arkansas has had a lot of snow melts this year, so it's flowing high and fast. *gulp*

2. What is the best gift you have ever recieved besides the gift of salvation?

Hmm, it would have to be my engagement ring, as Stuart took me completely by surprise on the time and place he chose to propose. We were already unofficially engaged and only 10 weeks from the wedding, but he went all out for the actual proposal with the ring.

Other than that, it would be my iPod Nano Stu bought for our 9-month anniversary. :)

3. What themes do you like to explore most in your writing?

I don't know that I limit myself to any particular themes. When I write, I don't set out to convey a specific theme; rather, the themes develop as I write. Oftentimes, I don't even know the themes when I begin a book. However, trust, faith and hope would likely top the list. If readers don't feel uplifted by the end of one of my books, I don't feel I've succeeded in writing a good one.

4. With all of the roads that are traveled to reach publication was yours smooth or did you hit many pot holes before reaching your goal?

My road was probably smoother than most. I'd known for years that I wanted to write for Heartsong Presents. The opportunity presented itself in Houston in 2003 when I spoke with Jim Peterson about an idea I had for a historical series. The setting was unique and hadn't yet been pitched to the HP line, and Jim was excited about the possibilities from the books. He asked to see a proposal, which I sent about a year later after all of the research. Seven months later, he asked for the full, which I sent about 1 month after he requested it. When I went back to inquire about the status, he said he had never received it. So, I sent it again. By now, it was 2006. By the summer, he had passed on his recommendation and Barbour agreed to publish it. Only I didn't receive word until December, as the company was undergoing a change of editors at the time. So, it took about 3 years from initial pitch to contract. Perhaps a little slower than usual, but it seemed fast to me!

5. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

To quote a great friend and fellow author, Linda Windsor, "Rejections are footprints in the sands of your career. If you're not getting them, you're not moving.” Another is, "You have to read in order to write. Immerse yourself in a wide variety of writing styles, find your own voice and stick to it. Then, write, write, write." I don’t know who it was that said that, though. Somehow, I managed to save it without jotting down the originator.

And finally, writing is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, patience, perseverance and faith. And it won't happen overnight. You have to maintain a teachable spirit and be open to constructive criticism, no matter how far along in your writing journey you get. In the end, the rewards far outweigh all the sweat and tears you shed along the way. Most importantly, if you feel this is the path for you, never give up!

6. What is a typical day in the life of Amber Miller like?

Well, since I also run a web design business from home, I don't have a 'typical' day, per se…unless I'm on a deadline, of course! Then, almost everything else takes a back seat or gets shoved to the back burner. However, I rise early (most days) with my husband and send him off to work by 8am, sometimes earlier. Then, I sit down at my computer and go through any email, respond and take care of business, make any updates to client web sites or work on design elements that are pressing in nature, and finally get to my writing.

My primary writing time is afternoon or later at night after supper as a way to unwind after a long day. These days are usually busy until about 8pm. It all depends on the inspiration or the motivation that strikes. On days that I remain home with nowhere to go, I try to set a page count minimum and stick to it. And I usually end up doing marketing work, watching a movie or playing a computer game to break up the day as I write. My errands, email replies and client work are usually run first thing in the morning.

7. When you are not writing, what kind of books do you find yourself curled up with?

Primarily, I read historical fiction, although I also love a good contemporary romantic comedy or a romantic western setting. I don't usually go for 1st person novels, but if it's tight 3rd person POV, I might give it a try.

8. What are you currently working on? Can readers expect any other books in the near future?

Right now, I'm finishing up my 4th book for a July 15th deadline. It's the first in another 3-book series, only this one is set in Detroit, Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. All 3 are scheduled to release in 2009, along with the repackaging of the first 3 books in an anthology entitled, Delaware Brides. Other than that, I have 2 full-length historical novels and 2 contemporaries that I'm attempting to sell.

9. Where can readers reach you?

You can always reach me through my web site. I have a contact form there as well as a blog on the main page, where you can comment on any post to leave me a message.

Thank you, Donna, for having me on your blog. It's great having you as part of the tour.

Promises, Promises:

Has God forsaken Raelene?

What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Quills & Promises

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

To order one of Amber's books click here: www.ambermiller.com/books.html

Check out Amber Miller's Blog Tour for other places to learn more about her books at any of the following sites. If you would like to win a copy of Amber Miller's book please leave a comment and be sure to leave an addy but put a costume on your addy to keep web tollers from getting it ie... yourname[at]address[dot]com. Since Amber has a lively puppy tell us about your pet if you have one. I have two dogs, Foxy and Red and a bearded dragon named Blaze.

Catch more of Amber Miller:
Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaly.blogspot.com/
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com/
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com/
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com/; Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com/
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/ / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com/
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview) http://www.trishperry.com
July 22 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com/
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com/