A Chance for Kallie Mae – New Book Celebration!

This wonderful book is about an Appalachian community in the mountains that experienced the blessing of learning when the Moonlight School came to them. The author did a wonderful job capturing the heart of the mountain people, and the desire of many of them to learn to read and write. (Connie R)

I got my edited work in progress off to my editor just before midnight on Monday (my extended deadline ) and then celebrated the release of  A Chance for Kallie Mae  on Tuesday. Wow, what a start to my week. I worked so hard editing and trying to take out all the words that don’t matter and make sure the words that do matter stayed that I actually had blisters on s couple of my fingertips . Probably the finger that hit the delete button! But it’s off to my editor now and I just have to wait and see

The words I left in for my new book, A Chance for Kallie Mae, are all printed and wrapped in that beautiful new cover and ready for you readers to pick it  up to read or swipe through the pages on an e-reader or listen to narrator Susan Bennett read the story for you in the audio version.

Now the reviews are rolling in. Some posted and some just in comments. Of course, one comment a writer likes to hear is “I couldn’t put it down.” Or “I want to know what happens to these characters next.”

Gabhart does a masterful job of bringing the times to life and weaving laughter and sorrow in the same scenes. I had a hard time putting the book down in order to cook meals and fulfill other responsibilities. (Mugget)

Sunday I posted about encouraging words. When I check on Amazon for bits of reviews I could share here, I was blessed with many kind and encouraging words from some readers.

One of the things several of the reviewers noted was the setting. I have especially enjoyed writing stories set in the Appalachian area of Kentucky. I feel a kinship with the mountain characters since I’m a farm girl.

This is a fantastic second chance at love story with wonderful characters and an absolutely fantastic setting. There is faith, family, friendship, heartache, and romance. When I read a book by Ms. Gabhart I always feel like I have actually been dropped down in the Appalachian Mountains, the sights, the smells, the sounds; it all comes alive. (BooklovebyKristi)

The realistic Appalachian setting in this novel and the fact that Kallie Mae really wanted to be literate touched my heart from the beginning.  (Vickie W)

As the story unfolds, the author does a great job developing the characters, describing the setting, and taking the reader on a believable journey back into Appalachian history. (Grandaddy A)

This is Christian historical fiction with deep roots. The faith has breath in it. The mountain setting feels alive. The characters feel lovingly known. And the story honors something I treasure deeply: the immeasurable mercy of being able to read God’s Word for yourself. (DevotedtoHope)

A remarkable tale that had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. Highly recommend for readers who like a well-told story with faith, tender romance and some real history.  (Karen R)

After sharing these, I remember when I tried to share review quotes after my first inspirational novel, Scent of Lilacs was published. I was at an event trying to talk up my book and I had a printed sheet of some favorable reviews I wanted to give to  readers. One lady just waved it away when I tried to show it to her. Then she spoke some truth. “You wouldn’t have picked those reviews to show me unless they were all favorable.”

Of course, she was right. The same is true about these I’ve shared tonight. I wouldn’t be sharing them if they were saying not so good things about my story.

I haven’t run across any bad reviews yet. I do say yet. People have all sorts of different tastes in reading . My type of stories might not be their cup of tea. My stories are character driven and some readers like more plot driven stories. Others like more intense romance situations or suspense.  But to you who are ready to embrace my characters and take them into your heart, I say thank you and I hope that was or will be true for you when you read the book. And if you post a review, I will be doubly grateful. It doesn’t have to be long. A few lines or as many as you want to write works and are very helpful to authors. Thanks to those of you who have already read the story and posted reviews. Very appreciated.

The winners of my newsletter giveaway

In the newsletter I sent out a couple of weeks ago I had a book giveaway and promised to share the winners tonight. Only two winners, but I felt like a winner getting to hear from so many readers. So here are the two winners.

Sarah N from California – She picked These Healing Hills for her prize.

Judith M of Colorado – She picked A Chance for Kallie Mae for her prize.

Thanks to all of you who responded by my newsletter and took part in my giveaway.

And come Sunday when I will do another post, I will have a giveaway here. What game shall I play with you to make  giving away some of my books more fun?