Congratulations to Cheryl who won last week’s giveaway!
This week we get write to the point with Diana Brandmeyer.Christian author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, writes historical and contemporary romances. She’s also written We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families. Once widowed and now remarried she writes with humor and experience on the difficulty of joining two families.
Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?
I’m a mom of three boys. I was widowed very young and married another widower that also had a son. My husband is a landscaper so I’ve come to love rainy days because I know he’ll be home. We usually go to a little independent restaurant, Shiloh Grill for breakfast. I’m from Missouri and now live in Illinois. I’ve been writing since I was seven.
How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?
I don’t have a story to go with this. I know a lot of Christians do. I was raised in a family that believed in Jesus. I’m sure at a very young age I knew it as sure as I do know. I’m thankful to have been raised in that kind of family.
Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?
I have two—We’re not Blended, We’re Pureed A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families which I co-authored with a licensed family counselor. It’s my family’s story. The other book I’m super excited about is A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee. It’s a historical that takes place right after the War Between the States ended. The interesting thing is both the nonfiction and historical fiction book have the message I hope readers will remember: You are never alone as long as you believe in Jesus.
Here’s the back cover blurb to A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee:
Heaven’s Stolen His Heart
After witnessing the ravages of the Civil War, Travis Logan vowed to give up doctoring. But when fellow steamboat passenger Caleb Wharton collapses at his feet, Travis knows he must lend his aid. As the old man lies dying, he makes Travis promise to take care of his land and find Heaven. Travis can’t help but wonder what Heaven has to do with a real place, so he heads to Caleb’s farm to fulfill his promise.
Weeks of facing marauders and caring for her father’s home have finally taken their toll on Heaven Wharton. When an unknown young man charges the house, Heaven attempts to fire a warning shot but ends up shooting the man instead. Shocked, she and her sister, Angel, drag a semi-conscious Travis into the house and nurse him back to health.
As Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn that only a heart that follows God can ever find peace on earth?
A timeless message. One we can never hear too much and one we must pass on to others.
How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?
I try to blog 3 times a week. My blog is called Home in My Heart and I cover a lot of topics, from home remodeling projects, baking gluten-free and sewing. I also post book reviews and author interviews. I think of it as if my blog reader were someone I talked to on the phone what would I want to tell them?
Can you share with us a favorite book you have read?
That changes from week to week. I am so fickle with it comes to favorites that aren’t classics. I have some that I will always love, Little Women, Lord of the Rings series, and Harriet the Spy. Before the book was discovered and made into a movie I checked it out of the library so many times the librarian refused to let me take it home for a month.
The focus of this blog is Genesis 50:20. Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?
That’s easy. When my first husband died at 33 I was 32 with two small children. I could have turned away from God and turned to the party life looking for a replacement husband. God didn’t let that happen. He held me close, got me through the pain and showed me the perfect husband for me.
Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Where can we find you on the web?
You can find me at all of the links below. I enjoy connecting with readers so please stop by and say hi.
Blog: http://www.pencildancer.com
Web: http://www.dianabrandmeyer.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/dianalesirebrandmeyerauthor
Twitter: @dianabrandmeyer
Thank you for having me on Genesis 5020 today.
Thanks for stopping by. It was great learning more about you Diana. 
Readers, Diana is giving away a copy of her book A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee to one commentator. Leave a comment for Diana and you will be entered in the drawing. Deadline to enter is May 8 at 5:00 PM.
Genesis 5020 
Melissa … is this only US or is Canada included? i loved the review, and will be looking for the novel. Thank you
Canada too. 🙂
Diana
sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Liz, if you win I hope you like it. Diana
This sounds like a great book and I love reading books set in that time period.
Wendy, I like reading in this time period too, it seems like such a nice time without all the things that pull you out of your home–like the internet. 🙂 Diana
Lovely interview, sounds like a great book! I’ll have to keep my eyes out for it 🙂
I’m fickle about my favorites books too, sometimes it just depends on what kind of mood I’m in 😀
I was wondering if there was a way to follow this blog other than email, is there?
crazi.swans @ gmail dot com
Hi Faye, thanks for stopping by. Yes, you can follow my blog through RSS feed. Just click on RSS posts, a new page will come up and click on subcribe to this feed. Thanks for asking!
Faye, thank you! How can anyone choose just one all time favorite book? There are so many wonderful ones. Diana
Philippians 4:13 is a favorite verse of mine too. A Bride’s Dilemma sounds like a book I would enjoy. Enjoyed the interview.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Beth,
Philippians 4:13 is important to me because I’ve had so much grief in my life. Why is it your favorite?
Sounds like an interesting book. On my wish list if I don’t win. Thanks for the giveaway.
Beth,
Philippians 4:13 is important to me because I’ve had so much grief in my life. Why is it your favorite?
Karen, I feel special being on your wish list! Awesome!
Diana
Can’t wait to read this book! It sounds so interesting!
Lynne, well the book has lots of ups and downs in it. 🙂 Diana
This book looks great! Thanks for doing this giveaway! 🙂
Hi Joelle,
Thanks for the comment love.
Diana
Love reading books set in the south. Sounds like a good one!
Patty, there’s just something about the south isn’t there?
Diana
I would love to win a copy of this book. I haven’t read anything by Diana and would love to get to know her through her books. I too loved the Lord of The Rings series. Can you believe that it was my son who talked me into reading that series? He badgered me until I gave in! I was saddened to read that Diana was widowed at 32 with two small children. I too lost a husband to death. God takes our trials and tribulations and works them out to his glory!
Blessings!
Judy
sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by Judy. He most definitly does take our trails and use them for His glory. Genesis 50:20!
Melissa Finnegan http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com
Judy, you are so right about Him taking our trials and tribulations and working them for His glory. I’m sorry you lost your husband too. It’s hard. What was his name? My first husband was John.
Hi. This sounds like a book I could lose myself in. I like that the heroin’s name is Heaven. Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me.
Hi Amy, thank you. It means a lot that you like Heaven’s name.
Diana
I’m one of Diana’s critique partners and the story is great! I’d love to win a published copy. 🙂
Hi Laura, hmm I really should have put the group on the list to get copies.
Yes, everyone, Laura was there from the beginning of writing this book. It’s a good thing too because she catches mistakes before they go to print.
Diana
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