27 January 2017

Friday Fifteen and Giveaway: Janet Bly

It's time for another Friday Fifteen! Today I'd like to welcome Janet Chester Bly, Janet is the widow of author Stephen Bly, and she's here today to introduce her new novel, Dawn ... and to tell us about her fifteen favourite authors. Welcome, Janet!

Fifteen Authors Who Influenced my Life and Writing by Janet Chester Bly


1. George MacDonald

Historical 19th century Scottish romances, edited and made available for contemporary readers by Michael Phillips

This was my introduction to Christian fiction. Great stories.

2. Louisa May Alcott

Little Women and character Jo’s writing journey and advice given, “Write what you know.”

3. Eugenia Price

Strangers in Savannah, a Civil War epic, longest novel I ever read that kept my interest throughout until Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

4. Frank Peretti 

This Present Darkness, 1989 groundbreaking early Christian fiction bestseller that brought hope of dusting off and re-writing manuscripts hidden in drawers for lack of publisher interest

5. Edgar Lee Masters 

Spoon River Anthology, fascinating story style through a collection of post-mortem autobiographical epitaphs of former citizens of the fictional Spoon River town.

6. Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God, introduced to me in a black heritage college literature class

7. Catherine Marshall

Nonfiction, inspirational, and fiction works including Christy and Beyond Ourselves – the story of her writing journey as a widow inspired me early on.

Christy and Julie are two of my favourite Christian novels.

8. Anne Perry

English historical detective fiction, best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series

(She used to live in New Zealand, where she's better known for inspiring Heavenly Creatures, one of Peter Jackson's early movies)

9. Mary Higgins Clark

Her use of three names, including maiden name, and her suspense novels

10. Sue Grafton

The clever development of her A-Z titled series

11. Brandilyn Collins

Author of memorable, contemporary fiction standalones and well developed, unpredictable Seatbelt Suspense® novels

Aren't they great?


12. Randy Alcorn

Intriguing novels with concurrent scenes in heaven

13. Karen Kingsbury

Fast writer of family and relational stories with emotional impact

14. Kristin Heitzmann

Excellent contemporary romantic suspense

15. Stephen Bly

My late husband, award-winning western author who was my partner in writing and editing, research and publishing.


Introducing Down Squash Blossom Road

WHAT SECRET LIES DOWN SQUASH BLOSSOM ROAD?
Cowgirl Reba Cahill’s schedule is full. Save the family ranch. Free her mom from a mental institute. Solve a murder and kidnapping. Evade a stalker. Can she also squeeze in romance?

Reba Cahill focused on the duties of the ranch, along with her widowed grandmother. But a crippled Champ Runcie returns to Road’s End in a wheelchair and seeks revenge for the accident that put him there. He blames Reba's horse. Meanwhile, a letter from her estranged mom forces her and Grandma Pearl back on the road: I can leave now. Come get me. Love, Mom

When they arrive in Reno, her mother issues a demand and refuses to return to Idaho. They head west instead. In California, Reba’s friend Ginny’s marriage is on the rocks. The family business is threatened. And squabbles turn deadly.

Reba digs deep to find the courage to forge a relationship with her mom and escape a crazed man’s obsession. She also hopes for a future with a horse trainer who offers her a new horse to replace the one she lost in the accident. But why does he have a photo of a pretty woman on his wall? 

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Leave a comment to be entered in drawing to receive copy of Down Squash Blossom Road, Book 2, Trails of Reba Cahill, Janet Chester Bly’s newest release.

 Giveaway ends midnight Central Time on 3 February. Winner will be contacted on 6 February.
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About Janet Bly

Janet Chester Bly is the widow of Christy Award winning western author Stephen Bly. Together—his, hers, theirs--they published 120 fiction and nonfiction books for adults and kids. Janet and their three sons finished Stephen’s last novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. Down Squash Blossom Road is Book 2 in the Reba Cahill contemporary western mystery series. Book 1 is Wind in the Wires. Find out more at www.BlyBooks.com

Connect with Janet Chester Bly on these Social Media links:

'Like' Bly Books on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlyBooks
Bly Books Blog: http://www.blybooks.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetchesterbly
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetcbly/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/269265.Janet_Chester_Bly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blybooks/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janetchesterbly
Google+: http://bit.ly/2iXYwaQ
Check out other favorite authors at On the Western Trail blog: www.blybooks.blogspot.com




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19 comments:

  1. Susie-Q28 January 2017 at 01:33

    Janet, your Friday Fifteen list interested me since you included many books that I've read and enjoyed. Down Squash Blossom Road sounds intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown28 January 2017 at 07:22

      Susie-Q: Thanks much for the note! I know what a kinship it can provide to meet folks who've read the same books I have. A kind of shared history together!

      Delete
    2. Iola31 January 2017 at 10:47

      Janet has some excellent books, doesn't she? There are a few new-to-me authors I should check out.

      Delete
  2. Melanie Backus28 January 2017 at 02:14

    I love your Friday Fifteen, Janet! What a great list! I think I am going to think on this and make a list of my own. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown28 January 2017 at 07:23

      Melanie: Thanks for the comment! Glad you're encouraged to write your own list!

      Delete
    2. Iola31 January 2017 at 10:48

      Melanie, I'd love to see your list. But I found it's harder than I thought to choose just fifteen!

      Delete
  3. Neil A. Waring28 January 2017 at 12:13

    Nice list, I have read some from five on your list including your late husband. Good post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iola31 January 2017 at 10:48

      If you've read five, that gives you ten more authors to try!

      Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
    2. Unknown1 February 2017 at 08:02

      Neil: So glad you have read some of Stephen Bly's books!

      Delete
  4. Jan H29 January 2017 at 12:48

    I like your list. Now I have more authors to check out. I have read some of these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iola31 January 2017 at 10:50

      I haven't read all the authors on this list, but the ones I have read are excellent. Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
    2. Unknown1 February 2017 at 08:02

      Jan: Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    3. Unknown6 February 2017 at 14:11

      Greetings, Jan: Congatulations! You were randomly chosen to receive a free copy of my new novel, Down Squash Blossom Road. You may choose paperback (USA only) or PDF for your digital reader. Let me know which you prefer and send me your snail mail address or email at janet(at)blybooks(dot)com or if that doesn't go through, try janetbly(at)connectwireless(dot)us

      Delete
  5. Becky G31 January 2017 at 08:26

    I have started off 2017 by reading books written by people who have influenced others and have done great things for others as well. I am currently reading Daniel Christian Bradley's Tailored Dreams. It's been fantastic, I am inspired by him as a person and his book is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iola31 January 2017 at 10:49

      What a great title! I hope you enjoy it.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
    2. Unknown1 February 2017 at 08:03

      Becky: Thanks for the book recommend!

      Delete
  6. Anonymous2 February 2017 at 06:53

    Good Morning! Enjoyed scrolling down your list of authors who have inspired you! Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' is one of the books that got me really interested in reading books! Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite authors, also Karen Kingsbury! Thank you for this chance to win such a great 'sounding' story! You, Janet are a wonderful author, as was your husband!��

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown2 February 2017 at 07:52

    Anonymous: Thanks so much for your kind words! And that we share some favorite authors!

    ReplyDelete
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