My guest today is new author Connie Mann whom I met back in 2002 at a Florida Writing Conference. Imagine my delight when she popped up talking about her new book! BTW, she will be giving away a print copy of her book within the US so be sure to leave a comment! Here’s Connie:

“Second Chances by Connie Mann

I have always admired strong women. Whether famous or not, my heroes are women who roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done, without worrying about the cost to themselves. They ignore the naysayers and the timid and take action, often heading into uncharted territory armed with nothing but courage and determination.

My grandmother, Emma Guddat, was a lady like that. During WWII, she managed to keep her four children alive in East Prussia during the Red Army’s advance and the Third Reich’s retaliation. My grandfather, who served as a cook in the German army, had been taken prisoner and spent time in a POW camp in Africa. But circumstances had forced Omi (grandma, in German) to move the family several times while he was gone. She worried that Emil wouldn’t be able to find them again. So she set out to find him herself.

It was like a scene from an Indiana Jones movie. Picture a diminutive lady of 5’2”, crouched in a train station in the dead of night, counting every heartbeat as she waited for the searchlights to pass over her so she could sneak on a train to Berlin. She made it and thanks for the efforts of the Red Cross, the family was reunited. Later, they immigrated to America, grateful to have found a new start.

To purchase, click here. Angel Falls

The heroine of my new novel, Angel Falls, is another strong lady. Regina grew up on the streets of Porto Alegre, in Southern Brazil, where she and her best friend did whatever they had to do to survive. As teenagers, they were rescued from the streets and given a home, an education and a fresh start. Now Regina and her friend run an orphanage in Porto Alegre, rescuing as many of the street children as they can—just as they were rescued.

But when Regina’s best friend Irene is killed, Regina vows to protect her friend’s baby—no matter what. Even if that means she has to deal with Brooks—a big, scary former Army Ranger she’s not sure she can trust. As they flee a madman bent on killing the baby, Brooks and Regina must learn to trust each other to stay alive. Will that be enough to save them?

Tough ladies like these often have battle scars, some outward and obvious; others hidden deep in their hearts. But our God is a God of healing and He delights in giving second chances to His children. My grandmother got her fresh start in America and my story heroine, Regina, got her new beginning in Angel Falls.

When it’s dark and scary all around you and you’re not sure what to do next, keep taking one more step. God walks beside you, ready to offer hope and healing.

And a second chance.”–Connie

Bio:

Connie Mann loves stories of suspense, adventure and second chances. She offers encouragement to busy women on her blog: www.BusyWomenBigDreams.com and is an active member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s also a USCG-licensed boat captain, so when she’s not writing, she’s usually on Central Florida’s waterways with local school children or her fabulous family. Please visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.

Blog: www.BusyWomenBigDreams.com

Website: www.conniemann.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieMannAuthor?ref=hl#!/ConnieMannAuthor

Twitter: @CaptConnieMann

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II8IWqaxakI

Another interesting family story. Connie’s grandmother brought to mind that while St Paul termed women as weaker vessels, what’s in those vessels can face anything!  Now for the question to enter the drawing– QUESTION: Has spring arrived where you are? Where are you? I know I usually ask heavier questions but as I look out on the fresh snow–spring is uppermost on my mind!–Lyn