Audra Jennings

Don’t miss  Dave & Neta Jackson ‘s latest book in the Windy City Neighbors series,  Penny Wise . Meet another family in “the neighborhood”-the Jaspers, busy with demanding jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers, juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those “good things” feed into a series of crises that affects the whole family. Something’s gotta change! {MORE ABOUT  PENNY WISE } A Windy City Neighbors book Michelle Jasper doesn’t have much time to hang out with her neighbors—not with thirteen-year-old twins, another teen with hoop dreams, a full-time job as a caseworker, volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, and heading up the women’s ministry at Northside Baptist. Her husband’s constantly changing shifts as an air traffic controller at the world’s busiest airport—Chicago’s O’Hare International—and responsibilities as a trusted deacon at Northside only add to the juggling act at t...

Last week I finished my latest "non-Litfuse, for my own reading pleasure book." Every once in a while I do get those in between other books I am reading for and from work.  Today's featured book Derailed , book 2 in the Windy City Neighbors series by Neta and Dave Jackson  (thank you Worthy Publishers) . About Derailed : What's it going to take to get him back on track? After marrying Estelle, the love of his life, ex-cop Harry Bentley's apartment feels too cramped, especially since he's now raising his grandson. God seems to provide the perfect solution - a two-flat that would also provide an apartment for his elderly mother. But when plans go awry, Harry has to go back to work as a detective, receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train and raises suspicions about his own son's involvement in a major drug cartel. It feels like God keeps switching signals - left, right, stop, go? Each time Harry thinks...

An interview with Deeanne Gist, Author of It Happened at the Fair Q: What was your inspiration behind wanting to write about the Chicago World’s Fair? I’m always drawn to events in our country’s past that are strangely absent from our history classes. Why the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition has been left out, I don’t know, especially since it was such a pivotal event for us. It set the standard for architecture in the upcoming century; it introduced foreign cultures to our amazed population. It wowed the world with our scientific innovations, and it gave women their first official, recognized board position and approved by an Act of Congress (all before we had the right to vote). But it was technology that claimed the day as it nipped at the heels of horses, buggies and man-powered tools. Between that and the evocative backdrop that lent itself to so many possibilities, how could I resist? Q: What were some of your favorite details to share with readers from your ...

Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!   One "fair" winner will receive: An iPad Mini A $25 iTunes gift card Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the " It Happened at the Fair " Live Webcast Event on May 22nd . Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening. So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!) Don't miss a moment of the fun;  RSVP today .  Tell your friends via  FACEBOOK  or  TWITTER  and increase ...

My blog has always had a major book element to it. I set it up as a way to promote the books I work on. And yes, lately, it's been really book heavy. A) Litfuse is working on a lot of great books and B) I don't have a lot exciting going on in my life anyway, so I can easily talk about it on the weekends. The truth is, there's not enough time in the day to read every book I post about all the way through. Therefore, I don't request a lot of books to read and write reviews for. Until last week, I hadn't bought a book in months since I have so many great options coming to me for work and some really great Kindle freebies.  However, I have requested some books to review lately. Today's featured book is one of them (thank you Worthy Publishers) .   You know I have an affinity for Neta and Dave Jackson. They have a brand new series out, so I'd like to share more about it and my thoughts on the first book in the series, Grounded .  About the Windy City Nei...

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR DEEANNE GIST BRINGS CHICAGO’S 1893 WORLD FAIR TO LIFE IN HISTORICAL NOVEL, IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR   “Gist takes intriguing historical facts and creates a world of fascinating characters, lighthearted moments and timeless crises that we can still relate to today.” –Romantic Times Top Pick ( A Bride in the Bargain) “Gist’s historicals have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real.” –Library Journal The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair overflowed with the latest innovations welcomed by a throng of people from all around the globe. This setting replete with history, intrigue and wonder is the backdrop for beloved author Deeanne Gist ’s latest release, It Happened at the Fair . “I’m always drawn to events in our country’s past that are strangely absent from our history classes. Why the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition has been left out, I don’t know, especially since ...

Deeanne Gist’s E-Short Gives  Readers a Peek Inside World’s Fair Digital Short Story will be available  from online retailers for 99 cents Deeanne Gist fans won’t have to wait until the April 30 release of It Happened at the Fair to read her latest work! On March 19, readers will be able to purchase the e-short, Tempest in the White City , a 40-page short story prelude to It Happened at the Fair , for 99 cents from all online retailers. While the characters from the short story are not carried over into the full-length release, audiences will get a taste of the awe-inspiring backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and will be anxious to spend more time exploring the exhibition.   In true Gist form, Tempest in the White City combines her trademark humor with romance. Hunter Scott is one of the elite. A Chicago World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character and ability to serve and protect. When Hunter is overcome with debilitati...