My First Author Spotlight: Karen Witemeyer

 I'm SO excited to feature Karen Witemeyer for my first author spotlight!  Karen is a two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion. She is a bestselling author that writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/. (thanks, Amazon : ))  Karen is an author that writes a great story without adding all the "junk" that you can often find in secular novels.  I explained to her my heartfelt desire to introduce my blog readers to Christian fiction that is entertaining but also helps protect your heart and put your mind on Christ.  Here are a few questions I had for her related to this: 

1) What inspired you to begin writing Christian fiction?

I've always been drawn to romantic stories, but when I decided to write stories of my own, I knew I could never write for the general market. I'd read those books, even enjoyed them, yet I knew there were expected scenes that I would never be able to write with a clean conscience. I wanted to publish stories that my teenaged daughter could read. One that I wouldn't be embarrassed to tell people at church about. More than that, though, I wanted to write stories that would glorify the Savior I adore, stories that would minister to his people and encourage them in their own faith walks.

2) What are some of your favorite Christian fiction novels?
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist
Out of Control by Mary Connealy

3) How has being a reader and writer of Christian fiction encouraged you in your faith?
Reading is such a pleasure for me, and when I find something that uplifts my soul in the middle of a great story, it's like finding that pearl of great price. God can speak to us in so many different ways, and he often sends me timely reminders or gentle nudges while I'm reading.
Writing is a spiritual journey in and of itself. I pray over my words every day and ask the Lord to guide the story in the direction he wants it to go. I can't tell you how many times an idea pops into my head that is perfect for the story, yet one I never thought of during the plotting phase. In those moments all I can do is whisper thank you to the Giver. He is so good.

Amen, Karen!  And not only did she answer my interview questions, but she also sent us one of her favorite recipes!!  I can't wait to check this one out!

Here is one of my family's favorite recipes that includes two of my favorites - chocolate and peanut butter. Yummmm!!!

Chocolate Nut Krispies
1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

2 Tbls butter or margarine

2 cups crunchy peanut butter

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 12 oz pkg chocolate chips

In a large saucepan, mix the syrup and sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir in crunchy peanut butter and margarine until melted. Add crispy cereal and stir until evenly coated. Spread into a 13x9 inch pan. Use wax paper to press evenly into pan.
In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Once completely melted, spread chocolate over peanut butter mixture. Chill one hour then cut and serve.

Now that you've gotten to know Karen a little bit (this is so cool!), I would love to introduce you to some of her books! 

A Tailor-Made Bride...Jericho (J.T.) doesn't care much for the new seamstress in town. Hannah wants to help his sister find a beau while trying to prove to him that there's more to her than just what's on the surface.

To Win Her Heart (one of my all-time favorites!)...Levi is a man with a past who's starting over.  Eden isn't interested in marriage but in running her lending library.  Will they be able to deny the connection that grows between them?

Short-Straw Bride...Karen's new release!  Check out the book trailer...

 

A big thanks to Karen for the recipe and interview!  Please go and check out Karen's books!
God bless~Stacey