Rachel L Miller writes sweet Amish romance with a focus on faith, family and friendship.
She feels very strongly that God has led her to live a simpler lifestyle; thus her deep kinship with the plain people. She enjoys spending time with her family and doing fun, simple things like swimming, making sun tea, sitting outside watching the sunrise or listening to rain fall on the tin roof.
Rachel enjoys writing Amish fiction and hopes that the purity of her stories will allow God’s message to shine through more clearly. She also writes Contemporary Inspirational Romance – and with all of her stories she focuses on presenting romance the way God intended it to be.
Readers can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads and her website.

1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
My mother is who truly inspired me. I have been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, but she was the one who really pushed me to write, and she was the one who believed in me the most.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up? Did becoming an author ever cross your mind?
I never settled on a specific career. I always wanted to be a mother more than anything else. Becoming an author was always a pipe dream… I never thought it was even remotely possible for me.
3. What can you tell us about your research and writing process for A Mother for Leah?
There was a considerable amount of research, most of which meant reading. I have read quite a few non-fiction books and at least one fiction book by every major author of Amish fiction on the market today; trying to get a feel for where I wanted my community, what sort of rules and standards I wanted, etc… And then, of course, we had to visit actual Amish communities.
4. What inspired the idea for A Mother for Leah?
​Prayer. The story was entirely God-led. I had no idea where I wanted any of it to go when I started. I just prayed and followed where God led me.
5. What do you want readers to take away from reading A Mother for Leah?
I hope that readers will take away a sense that they are not alone in whatever personal struggles they are dealing with. I hope that readers will be inspired to bring their families closer together.

6. When you are not writing, what other “hats” do you wear?
Mother, Graphics Designer, Website Builder, Personal Assistant

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the INSPYs, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, Just the Way You Are, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, Charming the Troublemaker, releases in November 2017. You can connect with Pepper over at her group blog, 

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1. What is your favorite dessert?
I think this is an unfair question when there are so many wonderful desserts in the world, BUT if I was hard-pressed to answer...I'd choose the Sogno Di Cioccolata from Carrabbas. Oh My GOODNESS! It's called The Chocolate Dream for a reason.

2. What is your favorite beverage?
Tea.  Hot or cold. Always sweet. 

3. What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
No way to answer this!! I love too many. ONE of my favorites is Masterpiece Theater's Jane Eyre. I love Austenland too. And Tangled. And.... the list can go on. Right now, I'm enjoying The Good Doctor on TV and I'm an avid Agents of Shield junkie :-)

4. Where is your favorite place to go on holiday?
Anywhere as long as my family is with me.

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? Did becoming an author ever cross your mind?
HAHA!! Well, I've been writing stories as long as I could draw/write, but I didn't know I wanted to be a writer until later. One of my first (and lingering) professional goals was to be a pediatrician - Dr. Pepper :-) My Granny called me a 'writer' when I was ten, but to see it as a REAL profession...well, I didn't even consider that until I was in my mid-twenties, even though by that point I'd written several novel-length stories (that will remain in the drawer of forgetfulness)

2. What authors do you enjoy? Do these authors inspire your own writing?
WOW! Another question with LOTS of possible answers: I love Laura Frantz lyrical writing style. So beautiful. I love Siri Mitchell's fun yet poignant style. I enjoy Denise Hunter's contemporary voice and themes. I've recently fallen in love with Roseanna White's snappy style and beautiful prose. I think reading any well-written, thoughtful novel is inspiring to an author because our minds are in constant 'story-mode', if we want to grow as authors, I guess. Or so that's what my mind is doing :-)

3. When you are not writing, what other 'hats" to you wear?
HA! Colorful ones :-) I'm a mom, wife of a music minister, a speech-language pathologist/autism specialist, choir singer, praise team singer, book cover creator, author encourager, amateur baker-wanna-be, Jesus lover, and an excellent chocolate-taste- tester!

1. What inspired the idea for the Mitchell's Crossroads series?  What in particularly inspired the idea for Charming the Troublemaker?
I LOVE small towns and I was watching My Fair Lady one day when I wondered (dangerous for writers) "What would Henry HIggins be like as a speech-language pathologist?" Then I thought...oh, SLPs weren't even around in Henry Higgins' time. So...what if I changed the time period?? And there you have it! Once I began brainstorming the small town, the characters starting emerging out of the "word" work, so to speak, and this family materialized...and  had the 'feel' for my awesome extended family in the Blue Ridge. Charming the Troublemaker became an extension from book one. I was halfway through writing ATOF when Alex popped back onto the page and I wondered...um...what is he all about? So I had to find out! :-)

2. What do you want readers to take away from reading Charming the Troublemaker?
Don't check your phone while driving down a muddy country road! LOL (Just kidding). God sees us as loved, even when we're broken or bruised. He measures success in a very different way than we do, at the heart-level, and when we belong to him, we're loved. Infinitely. No strings attached. It's all about HIM.

3. What is your current WIP? What can you tell us about this project?
Okay, well, I have a few things in the works right now.
I'm most excited about my new Barbour contract to write the last book in the My Heart Belongs In...series due to arrive in January 2019. My story is My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge and it's a fictionalized version of a family history story about a wounded teacher from England who comes to teach in Appalachia (think Christy role-reversal). And...there MIGHT just be a shotgun wedding, or something awful close to one.

I'm also working on the second Pleasant Gap book  - which will be Julia Jenkins' story. Interestingly, this is the first book where both of my main characters are introverts, so that's new for me. As you probably know, I'm not a super-introverted sort of person :-) I love the way their story is coming along though and can't wait to share it with readers!

I also have two novellas coming out in 2018 - a WW2 espionage-romance and a rom com :-)

I'm gonna be really BUSY!!!!

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​1.What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Our family is pretty low-key about Thanksgiving and celebrate with immediate family only, so I can’t say we have any surprising traditions. We don’t even watch football! But after many years of my mom running point on the cooking, she recently handed off the responsibility to me. I’m having a lot of fun finding my own go-to recipes that will hopefully turn into family tradition. My mom always made Italian sausage stuffing; I make cornbread stuffing with chorizo and apples. And while I know that many people hate cranberry sauce, I think I could change their mind with my scratch-made cranberry-orange relish.

2. What character was the easiest to write? The most difficult?
Alex came pretty naturally to me, since he’s a writer and he’s quite self-aware. We also share an interest in real estate and a dislike of mean book reviews. I’ve been told that Rachel is the character that resembles me most out of all my past heroines, but she was also the most difficult to write. She’s very restrained and closed off toward romance, and writing that in a way that worked with her otherwise assertive personality was tricky.

3. What type of research did you do for this book?
I had been cooking pretty seriously for a couple of years before writing this, so the food bits were fairly easy. But I spent months researching the culinary world, reading chef memoirs, and trying to understand the mindset of professional cooks. It really is much more of a lifestyle than a profession. I also took some side trips into Japanese knives (and may have ended up as a collector… good thing my budget keeps me from going overboard!) While I do live in the Denver metro area, I spend most of my time in the suburbs, so I also had to learn the character of the various city neighborhoods in which the book is set.

4. Are any of the scenes/characters in your story based on real-life events or people?
The relationship between Rachel and her friends is loosely based on my relationship with my two closest writer friends. However, in that relationship, I’m not Rachel but Ana, the tough-love professional publicist friend. I’m definitely the one dishing out advice and trying to fix things for everyone.
 
As far as the cheffy parts go, bits and pieces came from real life cooks that I either know or have read about. One reference in the book to an ill-fated panel discussion at Denver’s Johnson & Wales University was inspired by a similar incident from Gabrielle Hamilton’s cooking memoir, Blood, Bones, and Butter.

5. What is something readers would find surprising to learn about you?
I’m somewhat of a minimalist, so I don’t keep lots of books in the house. I have a couple of shelves for research and reference, plus a handful of favorite novels, but I just don’t have the space to store all the books that I read. So besides borrowing from the library, I buy books and donate them, give them to friends and family, or trade them in for credit at the used bookstore. I wish I had a dedicated space for a huge library, but having lots of stuff in my main living space is more stressful than enjoyable. I do collect cookbooks, but I’m pretty ruthless in culling the ones I don’t like or use. My highest honor for a book is adding it to my permanent collection.

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1. What is your favorite dessert?
I'm off sugar right now (depressing, I know), but when I can, I love good milk chocolate.

2. What is your favorite beverage?
Hot chocolate, the thick, rich kind with spices

3. What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
Spirited Away, from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was little, I was going to be an actress. In my twenties, I became an artist, graphic novelist, and graphic designer. Becoming an author in my thirties was a surprise, but I think its a good fit, and I'm going to keep writing. 

2. What authors do you enjoy? Do these authors inspire your own writing?
I'm a lifelong reader, and I love so many authors' work. A few that have influenced and inspired me are Jane Austen, Stephenie Meyer, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Georgette Heyer. Each of them for their romance, Austen and Bujold for the wisdom, Meyer for the emotion, Heyer for the Regency period accuracy and the pure fun. My writing has a tendency toward the dark and emotional, and I have to remind myself to put some fun in it. 

3. How many publishers have you written for and who are these publishers?
I've published three books now with Cedar Fort. I worked for them as a graphic designer for several years, so I had an in. After this release, I’ll have a few more though Cedar Fort, and I'll also be self-publishing other series.

4. When you are not writing, what other "hats" do you wear?
I'm a full-time graphic designer and a wife. My husband and I have been working on our health for several years. I keep trying to cut down on stress, and not managing to do it. How do you be not stressed and still get things done? Question for the ages.

1. What inspired the idea for The Darkest Summer?
I have always loved the story of Hades and Persephone. I'm attracted to dark brooding heroes who need healing and redemption, and love to read about bright heroines who help bring them happiness. I started with a hero who makes a bad choice—because kidnapping women is not a good thing, thank you—and worked to bring the hero and heroine together to a place of forgiveness, love, and happiness. It was a challenge, but I wanted to take it on.

2. What do you want readers to take away from The Darkest Summer?
That overcoming past hurts and current mistakes is possible, and love and caring for others can bring joy. That you can go from selfishness to selfless love (Adam), and you can find your own confidence and claim your own happiness when you’ve discovered where it lies (Cora). 

3. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about this project?
​I'm working on the sequel, The Darkest Sea. It's inspired by Homer's Odyssey, especially the relationship of Odysseus and Penelope. The hero is Adam's brother Nicolas who everyone thinks is dead. Spoiler!/Not spoiler—he’s alive, and he's also secretly married. He's been gone a long time, but he's coming back. It’s going to be fun.

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1. What inspired you to become an author? An older sister created the challenge by writing and publishing two books, and throughout my business career people complimented me on my writing. Ultimately, though, I believe God challenged me late in life to hone my skills to write Christian novels as my missional contribution.

2. What does your writing process look like? I have a favorite chair in a sunroom with a view of nature not far from the Mississippi River. I usually write in the mornings. My first draft is long-hand in a spiral notebook, second on the computer. My plot outline is usually a couple of pages with just enough detail to get me started and keep me headed in the right direction. I then back-fill along the way.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Do they inspire your own writing? I’ve been to two Christian writers’ conferences (Colorado and Florida) and have learned to appreciate Dan Walsh and Tim Shoemaker for their voice and style. As male role models in the Christian fiction genre, their success has been an inspiration.

4. What inspired the idea for The Baker’s Daughter? After watching Ken Burn’s WW II series and taking a Great Course about Christian martyrs, I became determined to weave the examples of sacrificial love exhibited by Maximillian Kolbe (gave his life in exchange for another in a concentration camp) and Dietrich Bonhoeffer into an historical fiction piece in which the protagonists would learn by their examples.

5. What do you want readers to take away from reading The Baker’s Daughter? I want the reader to truly understand the full extent of God’s unconditional love for each one of us (even a Nazi officer whose evil heart could be redeemed), such that we have the courage to step out with sacrificial love towards others in many ways (doesn’t have to be a monumental Christ-like sacrifice like giving of one’s life).

​6. When you are not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy? I spend way too much time watching and following local sports teams, with the Minnesota Twins and Vikings being my two favorites.

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1. What inspired the idea for Fawkes?
Well, I’ve always loved the idea of old London filled with duels and intrigue and the fantastical. But the true spark behind writing this story came from some of today’s turbulent cultural changes. I found myself examining the difference between standing for what you believe in versus digging for truth. It’s so easy to get caught in the whirlwind of other people’s opinions or passions and—in the midst of a culture that had multiple opposing sides—I constantly found myself having to seek truth and get to the core of things for myself. It can be a very lonely journey and I wanted to capture that through a story.

2. What do you want readers to take away from Fawkes?
I want them to come away from it inspired to be bold, but also understanding that there are two (and sometimes three, four, or five) sides to every story. Even in battles (physical, emotional, online), we are all still humans and can still be unified even if we disagree. In short: I want to inspire deeper love for each other—no matter our disagreements or differences.

3. When you are not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy?
I love to cook! And walk. When I’m not writing, I’m usually exploring the grocery aisles or the back roads of my little town. :) 

I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!
I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.
I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

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1. What is your favorite season?
Spring—it’s a (ahem) robin thing… I love the return of color, especially green. New life, the world awakening again. A bird can stretch her wings…

2. If you could go to dinner with one of your favorite authors, who would you pick and why?
OY VEY!!! So many fav authors and just one dinner!! Can it be a banquet? Dame Agatha Christie comes to mind. I’ve long been a fan, and in high school my fanTAStic British accent earned me the role of Dr. Anne Armstrong in Ten Little Indians. (it was written as a male) Her novel, Death on the Nile, is the first story that made me think about how she did it; she had to know the crime before she knew how it was solved.

3. What inspired the idea for The Tilting Leaves of Autumn?
I’m a pantser and had only a vague notion of what this story would be. The series, Seasons, is really one giant story, so carrying it from one book to the next, with a new POV and MC, has been lots of fun. I had intimated at Scarlett’s situation in The Long Shadows of Summer, and I knew her story would be her fight to be free from that.

4. What do you want readers to take away from reading The Tilting Leaves of Autumn? 
That God is with us in the darkest times, no matter how cruel the circumstances may be. He sees us through, and walks beside us each step of the way. We have but to acknowledge His presence. (He’s there regardless.)

5. What type of research did you do to write this story?
More for the first book, but continued with TTLoA, but French words and language since I use snippets and phrases throughout. I talked to a viticulturist (like horticulturist for vineyards) for details on the vineyards. Specifics of early automobiles, and driving them. And, of course, Google maps for specifics. The hardest one is (still) the Indian culture, which thus far has been a brief mention a few times.

T.K. Perry lives with her husband and daughter in a lovely Oregon forest filled with wildlife (there is probably a house, too, but that’s less picturesque). When she isn’t writing or watching said wildlife, she enjoys making jewelry, pretending to be a photographer, and trying to save the world (a frustrating task since she lacks both superpowers and a costume).
T.K. has a B.A. in International Relations from Brigham Young University, an M.A. in International Politics from the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies, and a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law. Law is her profession, but writing is a favorite hobby. This is her first published book.

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1. Whom or what inspired you to become an author?                        I wrote my first book in 3rd grade: The Nosy Kid. I meant to title it The Noisy Kid, but I couldn’t spell, and when my teacher, Mrs. Mensen, read it out loud to the class, I just went with it. My classmates laughed and my teacher was encouraging, so I just kept writing.
2. What does your writing process look like?
Once I get an idea, I just start writing chapter one, and research as I go. Most of my books only get a handful of chapters before I abandon them. Elissa Blue is one of only five books that I’ve finished.
3. What is your current WIP?  What can you share with us about it?
I am in the editing stage with Lexi Monarch: Book Two of The Winged, and hope to publish it in December (but maybe January!). I am currently writing book three of The Winged series.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up? Did becoming an author ever cross your mind?
I actually wanted to be a fighter pilot.  I did plan to publish a book at some point, but I never thought of it as a career, and I still don’t (just a fun hobby).
5. What inspired the idea for Elissa Blue?
I was reading Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart where she described some of the fairies as having butterfly wings and others dragonfly wings. I had just started studying entomology (as a hobby) and I thought how interesting it would be if fairies were subject to some of the oddities of bug biology like pupa states, pheromones, and short mating periods. I just couldn’t resist writing it.
6. What do you want readers to take away from reading Elissa Blue?
I’m hoping they’ll learn from my romantic mistakes. Dating is a minefield, and choosing a husband requires you to navigate it.
7. When you are not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy?
I’m a nature nerd, so I’m always watching and photographing wildlife. I also enjoy making jewelry, reading (of course), and cooking.

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1. What or whom inspired you to become an author?
It’s probably a combination of loving to read (I’ve been a voracious reader my entire life) and having an active imagination. When you throw those two things together, you end up sort of inevitably (I think) writing down stories of your own.

2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Do these authors inspire your own writing?
I have so many favorites it’s hard to narrow it down. I’ll stick with Christian authors this go-round and …it’s still hard. Um. Stephen Lawhead is a huge favorite. Chuck Black is another. More recent favorites include Valerie Comer and Heather Gray. And I’ll stop there or we’ll be here all day.

3. What did you want to be when you grew up? Did becoming an author ever cross your mind?
When I started seriously thinking about a future career (vs. the younger President/Princess/Pediatrician/Astronaut phase), I wanted to teach programming at the college level. And I did that for many years. I would say, yes, being an author crossed my mind, but I didn’t really take publication seriously until I was a stay-at-home mom.

4. What does your writing process look like?
I’m not a plotter – so the process is kind of “sit down and write.” Then, when it’s finished, I do several read throughs before it goes to my beta readers and then editors.

5. What inspired the idea for A Heart Restored?
My sister and I took a road trip with my boys on a sunny summer afternoon and ended up touring Swannanoa Palace in the south western part of Virginia. It’s so pretty—and yet also in need of some TLC. So while I was imagining what I’d do if it was mine, Deidre started to take shape as well.

6. What do you want readers to take away from reading A Heart Restored?
Ultimately, in addition to having spent some enjoyable time relaxing, I guess it would be that second chances and grace are a good thing to have in our lives.

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1. What is your favorite dessert?
Brownies. FUDGE brownies to be specific. Made from the box. NO frosting. NO nuts. Just brownies. <happy sigh>

2. What is your favorite beverage?
Dr Pepper. But I’m REALLY trying to quit. (not hard enough, given the bottle beside me… :)

3. What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
You’ve Got Mail. My husband and I got married in 1999, the movie came out in 1999, and we met online! It is our “theme” movie. OH and my favorite flowers are daises too. And I am a writer (albeit not for kids…) Regardless, I sigh as I watch it while eating brownies and drinking Dr Pepper….

4. Where is your favorite place to go on holiday?
The beach. Usually down at the gulf. Sun, sand, waves, a good book in my hand! Ahhh, perfect!

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? Did becoming an author ever cross your mind?
I changed my mind a lot. I wanted to be a pediatrician, but ew blood. Then I wanted to be a teacher, cause I always found it fun when we swapped papers at school and I got to mark answers wrong on classmates papers. Those red X’s were fun… but then realized that enjoying marking answers wrong was probably not a good attribute for a teacher. I loved to write, but I also loved math. Since math paid more, and bills needed paid, I went into an accounting-type field to help pay the bills, but still never lost my love for writing. I now work part-time in accounting and part-time as a writer. Best of both worlds!

2. What authors do you enjoy?  Do these authors inspire your own writing?
Oh goodness. This list could get VERY long. There are so many. I’ll stick to the contemporary romance genre, so I’d say Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Pepper Basham, Katie Ganshert, Courtney Walsh—oh goodness. I’ll stop here but there are SO MANY MORE! And reading a good book definitely helps inspire me!!!

3. How many publishers have you written for and who are these publishers?
Technically, 3. My debut novel was with Abingdon Press, then I dipped my toe into indie publishing under my own publisher name, OWD Publishing, and The Engagement Plot is published through Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour.

4. When you are not writing, what other "hats" do you wear?
​It’d probably be easier to list the hats I don’t wear. I am wife, mom to 4 kids, a wanna-be-nurse to my youngest who has some special medical needs, treasurer and church board member at my local church, bookkeeper, wanna-be book cover designer, blogger. Of course, just the title of “Mom” adds on cook, housekeeper, taxi driver and a host of other hats. But for the sake of time, I’ll just keep the summary of “mom” for those ​

1. What inspired the idea for The Engagement Plot?
At some point I started watching The Bachelor/The Bachelorette. I know, not the most wholesome show. I don’t know why I got hooked. I always teased that it was for research. HA. But most good books start with a question, and my questions were: 1.) What happens to the contestants AFTER the show? And 2.) What must it feel like for the small handful of Christians who have been on the show and confessed that they were and planned to stay until they were married, a virgin? Because the secular show REALLY plays that up and makes it like it is some huge oddity—like only aliens can wait for marriage to sleep with their significant other. So that was the initial inspiration. But it evolved into so much more than that. It’s about those snap judgements we make of people based on media that is very slanted. It’s about how we judge people when we don’t really know them. It’s about the fact that everyone has a backstory, a reason for how they are, and often time that backstory is tragic. It’s about how easy it is to tune God out when we focus on ourselves instead of Him.

2. What do you want readers to take away from The Engagement Plot?
First, I hope they take away a laugh. Life is hard sometimes, and I truly pray that they get a few laughs to help lighten up their day. Second, my hope and prayer for every book I write is that the reader is encouraged to dig deeper into their faith. My characters dealt with things that were specific to their story, so that will probably relate to every reader differently. I do hope they see the value of grace, though. And I do hope they see the value of looking beyond the surface of those they may perceive as their enemy to see what God sees underneath, something of worth and something that is most definitely salvageable.

3. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about this project?
​I’m working on Carly’s story from The Engagement Plot! It is still in a fairly early stage, so I don’t want to say a lot yet because it is subject to change, but if you’ve read The Engagement Plot, you know Carly is a fun, passionate woman who is amazing, but also has her own fair share of deep hurts she is trying to cover up. I can’t wait to share her story with you all!