Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron Blog Tour with Giveaway :)

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Hope Discovered  
Series: Welcome to Ruby #1  
Author: Cynthia Herron  
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: December 31, 2018

Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe?

Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery. Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course?

Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents.

Nestled in the Ozarks’ hills and hollows is Ruby, Missouri, a quaint, cozy town where “neighbor” is merely another word for “friend.” Ruby will charm and delight as will her quirky, lovable characters who will steal your heart, but hand it right back—with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Savor your new friends’ sorrows and successes in the community where offbeat is perfect and mishaps and mayhem never tasted so good.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.

“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.

She is a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story Words from the Heart appears in The Story Anthology (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction) via Salem Publications, 2014. Her work is represented by Sarah Freese at WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.  

For love, fun, and encouragement ~ Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS

***GUEST POST***

What inspired you to write your first book?

Because I grew up in Small-town, USA, I'm drawn to close-knit communities that offer just the right blend of nostalgia, humor, and homespun charm. Add to that my penchant for romance, conflict, and hope-filled endings, and Her Hope Discovered was born. It's the story that tugged my heartstrings, a story of second chances that became book one in my Welcome to Ruby series.

Though HHD isn’t the “first book” I’ve written, I’m thrilled this series kick-started my writing career. And maybe one day, those other stories I’ve ferreted away? Perhaps, they’ll become living, breathing books, too!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe? is the tagline for Her Hope Discovered. The takeaway I’d love for readers to grasp is that sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones is okay—in fact, it’s necessary to move beyond our emotional safety nets to realize God’s best is still ahead. Also, no matter one’s age or station in life, I hope the theme of second chances resonates with readers and that my story will encourage others to test their wings and try new things.

What books have most influenced your life?

Oh, so many! I’d have to say, though, I fell in love with Jan Karon’s fabulous Mitford series from the very beginning. Then, of course, I’m a huge Debbie Macomber fan. I love these authors’ “down-home” feel, and as I shared recently with my friend Jennifer Hallmark, their themes and stories resonate with me. I love the smooth flow of their writing style. I also connect with the small-town aspect and the characters who live in those towns. While each author’s voice is unique, the overriding message in both authors’ work is love and perseverance. Also, the spiritual thread is subtle, not preachy. At the end of their stories, I’m uplifted rather than depressed.

I’d also add Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love to the mix. Oh, my goodness! The heart of this book—forgiveness, grace, and redemption—resonated in a huge way with me. While the subject matter of Redeeming Love is intense and difficult at times, the lasting impression is forever imprinted on my brain. Stellar author. Stellar story.

What are your current projects?

Currently, I’m working on books two and three in my Welcome to Ruby Series. His Love Revealed (book two) is the story of Ida Mae Hoscutt, beloved local and proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner—Ruby, Missouri’s favorite town hub.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

From day one, God’s been an integral part of my writing journey. My faith has bolstered me at every delightful—and those not so delightful—twists and turns. Too, there have been many supporters and encouragers along the publishing path. The national ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America) organizations have been key in my publishing success. MozArks (my local ACFW group), in particular, grounded me and cheered me on as I moved forward toward my dream.

Oops! That’s more than one! 😊

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

As a little girl, I mastered reading and writing at a fairly young age. I loved sitting down with paper and pencil, and creating characters and stories that were unique to my six-year-old self. As I grew older, various teachers encouraged my writing efforts. In high school, I served on the journalism staff and that sparked an intrinsic desire to one day write novels. In college, I took some additional writing courses, and though my career path veered a different direction for many years afterward, I never forgot my first love.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Since my stories are set within the Ozark Mountains and foothills, this is a geographic region I well understand. Having been born and raised in this area, I “get” the people, heritage, and culture here. I grew up in a small town, much like fictional Ruby, Missouri—the setting for Her Hope Discovered and my Welcome to Ruby series—and crafting realistic locales are like second nature. That being said, I still travel to various towns and points of interest within the Ozarks to “people watch” and further my knowledge base.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

You hear it often, but it really is so true—continue moving forward. Enlist mentors and critique partners—those perhaps, a little farther along in the craft. Join writers’ groups, attend writing conferences, enter contests. Do the work. The writing life isn’t for the fainthearted. Sometimes, there are knee-knocking lows, and sometimes, there are jaw-dropping highs. The successful writer—the resilient writer—is one who understands and appreciates writing is a career, a business. As with any business, you have to approach it knowing there will be trade-offs for work expended. And eventually, those efforts are rewarded. It rarely happens overnight, but when your work is recognized in the form of a first contract, past hardships fade. The future and the possibilities that await beckon you!

What is your favourite theme/genre to write about?

Second chance stories involving reconciliation and new beginnings are themes near and dear to my writer’s heart. I love small-town stories with quirky, loveable characters and “underdogs.” Of course, I’m all about the romance, too!

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

I think if authors are honest, there’s a little bit of us in many of the characters we write. In Her Hope Discovered, I’d been where Charla (our heroine) is at. I totally changed my career path, despite the gnawing fear, and I’ve never looked back. I understood Charla’s reservations, yet, I was also excited to realize my dream.

Ida Mae Hoscutt, too, is a character I identified with. Like Ida Mae, I’m about as down-home as you can get. I’m drawn to people and their stories, and I love encouraging others in their goals and desires.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card from the author (US only)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 18, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 25, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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