Today I’m happy to announce a new release by Minnesota author Traci DePree.

A State of Grace
book #2 in Mystery and the Minister’s Wife
by Traci DePree

Unveiling her deepest secret could save her daughter’s life.

Kate Hanlon is at it again. Minister’s wife, stained-glass artist, and sometimes sleuth, Kate Hanlon discovers more than she bargained for when she visits a woman whose daughter is battling leukemia. Before she knows it she’s on the road uncovering clues that could be the girl’s very survival.

Book #2 in Mystery and the Minister’s Wife, A State of Grace picks up where Through the Fire left off as Kate and Paul Hanlon learn about life in small town Tennessee. Follow Kate as she comes to know the town and its inhabitants. Admire her persistence, intelligence, and strength of character as she slowly, but surely, begins to unlock the town’s secrets.
About the author: Traci DePree is the author of four novels, including the Lake Emily series by WaterBrook Press. She, her husband, and their five children make their home in a small town in rural Minnesota.

About the series: Each novel in the MYSTERY AND THE MINISTER’S WIFE series is a page-turner, a good old-fashioned “whodunit.” They’re books that bring truth to light, that reveal dreams, and that show that trust in God always trumps fear and anxiety.
Learn more about Traci DePree at her website.

These books are part of a Guideposts book club. Readers have two options for ordering this book or the series. They can join the series online or they can call the customer service number, which is 1-800-431-2344. There, they can sign up for the series, in which case they will get every book (a new shipment every six weeks), or they can request specific books in the series (i.e. A State of Grace).

Another photo of the signing for The Restorer at the NavPress booth first thing Monday July 9, from 10-11 am.

But still going back a few steps, before ICRS began, I was VERY privileged to share a morning devotion with members of the Logos retreat on July 6th.

These are independent Christian bookstore owners – and I felt so at home with them. My husband’s parents owned an independent Christian bookstore for many many years, and I spent some vacations working there.

I was able hear their stories, and speak from the heart about what a difference their efforts are making. My faith journey was deeply nourished by the books of Christian authors over the years.

A few days later, I was walking in to the Baker dinner, and met Brother Andrew. I heard him speak in the 1970s in Minneapolis, and followed and supported his work for years. Another chance to greet someone whom God used in my life.

Then the day of my signing for the Restorer, a sweet woman chatted while I signed her book. “My husband also has written some fantasy,” she said quietly.

“What’s his name?”

“Calvin,” she answered.

I stared at her name badge. Her last name was Miller.

I gulped. “THE Calvin Miller?”

I began to sputter and hyperventilate and try to express how much his books have meant to me over the years. She accepted my hysteria (and her copy of The Restorer) graciously. A little while later she returned. Calvin Miller was signing his new book at the same time as my signing, so she had him sign one for me and she delivered it to me. Wow.

The line continued steadily, but at eleven, I was supposed to head to a different booth for the Fantasy Fiction Tour meet and greet. Ted went to let them know I was still deep into the NavPress signing. They’d all forgotten I was doing that event, and had been leaving worried messages on my cell-phone as they were carrying in the swords and costumes and getting prepared. Ted explained my dilemma and they schmoozed the crowd without me for awhile until I could get there. More on the team, our swords, and the initial tour events in my next blog! But you can also see highlights on the video diary page of the Fantasy Fiction Tour website.

The photo shows me at my ICRS booksigning for The Restorer, at the NavPress booth, with friend Amy Wallace.

How marvelous to be back at home and have access to my computer! Before I begin sharing all the cool “God stories” of the book tour, I need to back up to the awesome experiences and wonderful people in Atlanta.

I flew from Minnesota to Atlanta on July 5th. My first treat was running into writer friends at the airport who were on my flight. Wonderful chats prepared me for the weeks ahead. 🙂

That evening I had the opportunity to visit with a sales rep from my publisher. She had read The Restorer and loved it. I consider it a HUGE honor when any of the super-busy folk at a publishing house have time to read one of my books. They are all hard at work promoting the many books produced by the publishing house, and could never possibly read them all. That’s just the realities. So it was a wonderful gift to hear her enthusiasm and passion. I felt very blessed.

I was also doubly blessed by my two amazing roomates, Susie Larson and Susie Meissner. I asked if I could be an “honorary Susie” for the week. These deep, strong, powerful women of God are the kind I love to hang out with, hoping a little of their wit and wisdom will rub off on me. 🙂 More about ICRS in my next blog post…

If you haven’t seen it, the last several days of the video diaries from the tour are now up – all organized in order on a special page at the Fantasy Fiction Tour site.

When I was a choreographer and ballet teacher, I sometimes taught a class for stretching and strengthening. The Fantasy Fiction Tour has done for my soul what those classes did for dancers’ muscles.

I had hoped to post frequently along the way, but the experiences have been so amazing, that many small encounters deserve their own post. So I’m planning a day-by-day recap, complete with the terrific video diary (produced by Grandath Films for us).

Yesterday I had several hours to relax at LaGuardia airport waiting for my flight home to Minnesota. As I pondered the tour, I realized how bonded I feel to my tourmates after this experience. Statesman-like Bryan, gentle Wayne, and energizer-bunny Christopher have been part of my every waking moment for the past eight days, along with sweet Amanda, deep Jennifer, and relentless Kayla. I hope I’ve absorbed some of the amazing greatness of each of them.

There are wonderful practical and tangible things to report about the success of the tour (great press coverage, enthusiastic crowds, etc). But I’m especially rejoicing in the intangibles, and hope to share that in the coming days. Here are a few hints of some moments that warmed my heart along the way:

God-moments. Praying and crying with a man who has committed his life to caring for his son with autism – and him saying my description of The Restorer IS his life. Oh, how I long for the book to bring encouragement to those pulled into adventures they didn’t expect! Prayer service at the Brooklyn tabernacle (we did an event for their bookstore). Hearing from readers how deeply they appreciate our efforts to write a genre that has been under-represented in CBA in the past. Bonding with three other authors who are deeply committed to sharing Christ through their books, but also in their conversations. Our prayer times together – sometimes snatched in a bookstore parking lot. Telling a group of homeschool families that their efforts for Christ matter. Sharing with a youth group at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. That they CAN be heroes for Christ as they follow Him. Hearing from book store owners and managers how The Restorer has impacted their lives. Or the woman who was reading it on a Manhattan subway and said her heart was beating so fast she had to stop to breathe before diving back in…

… and much more.

Please pray for Wayne as he prepares to do an interview for Fox network tomorrow about Christians writing fantasy fiction! He is the most good-hearted, humble, and earnest guy, and needs our support.

More as soon as I get unpacked. 🙂
Sharon

For clear and chronilogical updates on our east coast book tour, visit the Fantasy Fiction Tour website. You can also view the video diary for each day (Christopher and Jennifer have been editing on-the-fly and posting everytime they have a hook-up).

Today I have a moment at my host home’s computer and want to share some delightful surprises in all-mixed-up order. Since I’ve been living out of suitcase since July 5th, and have been in more cities than I can count, “mixed up” is my middle name. 🙂

Last night we were at a Barnes and Noble in Ellicott City (Wayne’s hometown) and a huge crowd gathered to chat with the authors and get books signed. As a woman approached the tables, I reached out my hand and said, “Hi! I’m Sharon. I’m from Minnesota.”

Her grin was full of mischief as she said, “I’m Gail, from New Jersey. Your cousin.” Then my Aunt Helen stepped out from behind her. HOW COOL!!!!! I haven’t seen them since my wedding 28 years ago. Of course we had a good laugh about me introducing myself to Gail.

What’s extra cool was that it had been a long day and I’d been missing family a lot. When we pulled up at the store, Bryan’s daughter and Christopher’s wife (who have been traveling with us and had spent the day relaxing) came out to meet them, and Wayne’s wife got out of her car to hug him. I stood in the parking lot feeling one of those “poor me” waves of lonliness. How amazing that God had an uplifting surprise only minutes away for me. I knew that my east-coast relatives were at a Bible camp this week and none could make any of the events. But Gail made arrangements and surprised me.

Speaking of mixed up, at a store in Richmond, I was chatting with a woman and asked where she was from. She said, “Richmond.” and I said, “How cool! We’re going there next.” She gave me a funny look and said, “um, that’s where you are NOW.” Sigh.

Saturday night was another one of those gifts from God. We’d been stuck in horrendous traffic coming up from Richmond (I think) and arrived at the store late. When we got there, dozens and dozens of children who are fans of Bryan and Wayne were waiting in line with their books in hand. I didn’t spot anyone needing me to sign a book, so I asked Michelle and Donna where the restroom was. They took me back into the employee area, and when I came out, they each hugged me and told me they’d read The Restorer and how much it meant to them. I’ve been feeling fairly upbeat most of the tour – excited by the folks I met, the enthusiasm we were all seeing for Christian fantasy, the fellowship of the amazing tour members, and God’s many treats along the way. But that night my head was throbbing, I was beyond exhausted, and I needed those encouraging words more than I can say.

The staff had created a rack behind our signing table for our swords to hang while we signed, had a row of endcaps from one end of the store to another featuring our books (TONS of them!!!) swords on the floor to lead people to the signing, and four beautiful banners created just for us (which they gave us each to keep). But more than that, they spoke to me about the value of what I’m doing and that they saw and appreciated the sacrifice involved and were supporting me through prayer. It ministered to my heart in an incredibly deep way.

Just a few glimpses of the amazing surprises that have been meeting us at every turn. There’s so much more to tell, but I need time to sort out all my impressions and organize my thoughts. My sinus infection thingy is ALL better and my throat has stopped hurting. Considering the primary food groups in our van have been Cheetos and Pepsi, and that sleep has been a rare commodity, it’s amazing how quickly I’ve recovered. Last night I was up off and on through the night with some stomach probs…so those of you praying for my health, please direct prayers that direction. 🙂

I think the best thing about the tour has been feeling a refreshing in my spirit and new strength in my faith. The vagabond life is rich with opportunities to need to trust God in new ways, and it has rattled me out of my comfort zone in good ways. I’ve also enjoyed being in a setting of “community” with our tour group. Hearing each of them speak Sunday morning to a youth group in Washington D.C., I marveled at the beautiful souls and diverse gifts that God created in them, and felt so honored to be having this adventure with them.

Today we have three events before we finish the day in Delaware (I think)and tomorrow we’re in New York city. Keep praying! Thank you to all who’ve prayed. I’m so grateful.
Hugs, SHaron

Yesterday was FULL. Full of wonderful interactions, new friends, and faces of readers excited about Christian fantasy fiction.

We started with a lovely breakfast at Jodie’s home (she’s Christopher’s editor and let us all sleep at her place) then did a drive-by at a general market store. Then we did a full event at a different store. They had prepared a beautiful large area for us to sign books, draw for door prizes, and chat with customers at the front of the store. Jackie, from Wayne’s publisher, then graciously treated us to a quick lunch before we buzzed to another store for a fast drive-by to greet staff and sign in-store copies of our books. Then it was time to hit the road for the next city.

I seriously can’t keep track of which city I’m in or what day it is…but you can keep track by checking our itinerary on FantasyFictionTour.com.

We’re traveling in two vehicles, a white van and a black car (don’t ask me the models, I never know that stuff). On this next leg I rode with Jennifer (Christopher’s amazing wife) so we could have “girl talk” and get to know each other. She is a gem.

We finished the day somewhere in North Carolina at a big Barnes and Noble (I think…or was it a Borders?) with a REALLY warm, fun staff. A woman who teaches stage combat stopped by and offered to teach some moves to the guys. Pretty soon she had a crowd in front of the store while a couple of the guys played with their swords.

Other than Christopher trying to lop off my leg at our mid-day event (he was demonstrating his ballet pique-turns while wearing his cloak and sword) there were no mishaps. People everywhere have been curious, gracious, excited, and warm.

Last night, I rode up to Charlotte with my friend Margaret. She came down to the Ashville event to get me, so I could spend a night at her beautiful new home. Margaret was the founder and head of the small writer’s group “Word Servants” that I joined when I began writing The Restorer. She remembers the night I brought in the first chapter to read. It was a treat to reminice with her. We are celebrating how God can open impossible doors and do beautiful things through our humble availability to Him.

Still battling the cold, cough, sore-throat, sinus stuff. Keep praying please. 🙂
It might help if I stopped chatting non-stop, but people are just so COOL I can’t help it. I’m thanking God for honey-lemon Halls cough drops. They are keeping me going.

Don’t know when I’ll have access to a computer or internet next, but as always, watch the video diarires on our Fantasy Tour official website.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

It’s Wednesday…

SO much happened on the book tour yesterday that after each event I asked Wayne what day it was… yet it was always still Wednesday.

We left Atlanta about 9:30 and hit the road, chattering like only a group of writers can about plot and craft and goals and process and reader mail and loads more.

The theme for me in the past few days has been one of God reconnecting me with past spiritual heritage links…

At ICRS I met Brother Andrew (His book, “God’s Smuggler” was very influential in my life in my teen years). I felt so much awe meeting someone who has served the Lord with risk and sacrifice for so long.

I discovered that Christopher Hopper (one of the tour mates) grew up as part of the community of Love Inn in upstate New York. When I was a teen, Scott Ross and his radio show, and the arts focus of their community inspired my fledgling faith. Not only that, but his next door neighbors were Ted and Dawn Sandquist. At a large Christian conference (I think it was Kansas City) also back in the 70s, I saw Dawn dance a worship piece to “Courts of the King” and God quickened my heart as He showed me that I could use my love for dance to communicate about Him… it started me on a path that led to one day being artistic director of a Christian dance/drama ministry. It was like discovering a long-lost cousin to chat with Christopher about all that.

Then, one of the pioneers in our generation for Christian music, Phil Keaggy, came to our signing last night. Meeting him was another honor – and reminded me again of the interweaving threads of spiritual influence and heritage.

Another AMAZING thing about last night’s event…

A marketing gal from Wayne’s publisher came, a group of ACFW writers that I knew from online came, many of Bryan’s young fans came (in costume!) and of course, Christopher’s friend Phil, as well as plenty of strangers…. and they all mingled at various times and made interconnections. One of the guys commented on how well God multi-tasks.

We arrived at our host home (Christopher’s editor) about 1 am, and are preparing to leave for some drive-bys and then a noon event before another lengthy drive. Tennessee is beautiful. Nashville was amazing. Onward and upward.

P.S. Thanks to all for praying. Weather has been lovely, cars working, not getting lost, everyone getting along AND building true bonds of fellowship. Keep praying about my bad cold. My voice goes in and out, throat still hurts quite a bit, and very congested. But yesterday I was running on adrenaline and barely noticed most of the time. 🙂

Don’t forget to watch the “Fantasy Fiction Tour Video Diary”!

Yesterday was another super day. Wonderful conversations, lots to learn.
I started feeling head-achey (pretty normal with the travel and lack of sleep)…but last night got a BAD sore throat.
Please pray for healing. I have almost two weeks of non-stop converstaions, speaking evenets, and interviews ahead.
It would be lovely to manage more than a painful croak. 🙂

Today booths begin going up at the conference center, and I’ll be heading over there to pick up my badge and get the lay of the land for all of Monday’s and Tuesday’s events.

I’ll be moving to a different hotel, and won’t have my roommate’s computer to borrow anymore, so it might be awhile until I can post again.

THANK YOU so much to all who are praying.

Using my friend’s computer to send a quick update.
Flight to Atlanta was fast and fun…chatted with writer friends I bumped into along the way.
Spoke to the Logos members’ retreat yesterday morning and felt like I was “among my tribe.” Wonderful, inspirational men and women serving both the Christian community and the world by their hard work and sacrifice to provide books by Christian authors. I shared how much certain books have meant to me in my Christian growth over the years, and how they are my heroes for the work they do.
Spent all day yesterday in a writer’s workshop led by Donald Maas (Writing the Breakout Novel). Delicious, challenging, inspirational. Provided AWESOME and specific tools to help me improve and grow as a writer. What a blessing!
And of course scattered in has been wonderful conversations with other writers.
What a comfort to hear stories of their adventures and know that I’m not alone.
Off to another day of writer retreat events….
Ate a Georgia peach with my supper last night. Traveling is fun!
Thanks to all who are praying!
Sharon