Today kicks off my new winter series, Books to Beat the Winter Blues. I know I struggle a bit with “seasonal affective disorder” (boy! that sounds serious, doesn’t it? But what a great acronym ha!), but when the weather outside is icky and the sunlight levels are low, I love to curl up and read a good, uplifting book. Don’t you? I will be spotlighting books and authors for the next several weeks, and especially focusing on why these books would be an encouraging winter read. I hope you’ll join me each week!

Today, I have Donna Schlachter previewing two of her novels, perfect for the Holiday Season. Donna also moonlights as her alter-ego, Leeann Betts. (How fun!)

Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released six titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with Hidden Assets released the end of June. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published a book on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or find her on her blog at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com. Donna can be found at www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com where you can subscribe to her free quarterly newsletter on all things historic, or at her blog www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com.  All books are available on Amazon.com in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital format.

Why do you feel your book(s) will be uplifting for readers? I believe “The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado” will be uplifting for readers because the story is about a second chance at love. And I think readers will enjoy “Christmas Under the Stars” because the story is about miscommunication, preconceived notions, and second chances.

Second chances at life and love are always encouraging! Why did you choose the genre(s) you write in? I love writing historical suspense because I love history and I love a good mystery, so what better way to get the best of both worlds?

So true! Have you ever felt like you get the “winter blues?” If so, how do you combat them? Winter blues, summer blues – I struggle with depression, almost always caused by being overwhelmed by everything I feel I have to do. As Christians, many would say we’re not supposed to admit a weakness like that. However, I believe, at least in my case, the Lord uses it to get my attention, like the proverbial 2X4 up the side of the head. “Hello? Did you forget Who is supposed to be running the show?” I usually get the message within a couple of days.

I, too, struggle with depression, but I feel God can use it in me to help others. So, I completely understand! Do you have a favorite book or genre you like to read? I love to read any kind of mystery, but am particularly fascinated by historical settings. I love Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes, Murdoch Mysteries, and the like.

Oooh, those are great ones! What’s next for you? I just signed a contract with Barbour Publishing for another novella in a collection that will come out late 2018 or early 2019.

That is SO exciting! Congratulations! What are you most looking forward to in 2018? I’m looking forward to the next big move of God. Everywhere I go I hear folks talking about an anticipation that the Lord is about to do something really huge, and I want to be a part of it!

You and me both! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us!

In Christmas Under the Stars, Edie Meredith and Tom Aitken head for California to start their new separate lives while suspicious ‘accidents’ plague their journey. Is someone trying to keep them from reaching their destination? Or will misunderstanding and circumstances keep them apart?

In The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado, Can Matthew find a reason to go on living, and can Edith find someone who wants her for herself, before their Christmas Inn refuge is closed and they are forced to continue their search elsewhere, alone?

If you’d like to check these uplifting stories out, please visit Donna’s Amazon page here. Or visit her websites above.

Thank you, Donna and readers, for stopping by. I’ll see you next week with authors Pam Watts Harris and Katt Anderson. They will be telling us about their new release, Smoky Mountain Brides.