Fabulous Feature-Andrea Boeshaar

Today we welcome author:

Andrea Boeshaar

Three commenters will win a copy of
Andrea's book:

 A Thousand Shall Fall

Scroll down to see how.

Mary here. Andrea has had an amazing journey. One many of us can relate to. Her post below shows her strength and positive spirit. I'm so happy Andrea is visiting with us today. Pull up a chair, grab your coffee and come chat with Andrea. I asked Andrea to tell us how God led her on her writing journey. Here is what she said: 

Romance Done Write

I didn’t read much while growing up in my family’s suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin home. I read what I was assigned for school, along with an occasional children’s novel like Pippi Longstocking and Little House in the Big Woods. 

When I was in fourth grade, I wrote my first novel, Little Miss Mouse. My mother kept it all these years and it’s now in my possession. I laugh when I read those ten handwritten pages. At the time, it was a laborious undertaking and it seemed as though I’d penned 200 pages. In junior high, I read The Saracen Lamp—probably the only novel I read at that age, but I still enjoyed writing stories and plays and singing folk songs with my guitar.

Shortly after graduating high school, I married my sweetheart. We’ve been married nearly forty years and raised three sons. When my boys were young, I became an avid romance novel reader. My best friend lived across the street and I often traded books with her and she recommended authors to me—authors like Shirley Busbee, LaVyrle Sprencer, and Kathleen E. Woodewiss. 

Soon I had ideas about writing my own romance novel. I signed up for a creative writing class at the local university, and learned some textbook techniques. My sons grew up to the sound of electric typewriter keys and the smell of Wite-Out correction fluid as I wrote and rewrote my many stories. 

It wasn’t until the fall of 1990 when I attended a workshop in Oak Brook, Illinois, led by Dr. Dennis Hensley, that I learned Christians wrote novels—and romances! I could not for the life of me, figure out how someone claiming to be a Christian could write romance. To me, the word romance was synonymous with explicit sex.

How wrong I was! But that initial, naïve question eventually led me to a saving knowledge of Christ. Not only did I read Dr. Hensley’s novel, but I read books by Louise Gouge, Lori Wick, and Elaine Schulte too. Their stories helped me understand the meaning of true faith and love--and, yes, romance.

In 1994, my first novel was published by Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line—a Christian romance. Since then, I’ve written thirty novels. They have been published by Christian companies such as Barbour Publishing, Summerside Press, Guideposts, Charisma House, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Prism Book Group, and Kregel Publications. 

For me, reading Christian romance led me (and ultimately led my sons and husband) to Jesus.

Now that’s what I call “romance done write!”

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Andrea Boeshaar has been married for nearly 40 years. She and her husband have 3 wonderful sons, 1 beautiful daughter-in-law, and 5 precious grandchildren. Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994. Since then, 31 of her books have gone to press. Additionally, Andrea cofounded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and served on its Advisory Board for a number of years. In 2007, Andrea earned her certification in Christian Life Coaching and she’s now the purveyor of Steeple View Coaching for Writers and The Writer’s ER.

To find more information about Andrea and her books:

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Website  

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In the autumn of 1864, spirited Carrie Ann Bell is searching for her runaway sister in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Disguised as a Yankee soldier, she stumbles into a skirmish near Front Royal—and instead of her sister, she finds trouble.

Colonel Peyton Collier of the Union cavalry division arrests her for impersonating an 

officer, but protects her from worse consequences. Soon the Southern girl finds herself drawn to the chivalrous Yankee horseman, discovering that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. 

But Carrie has promised to keep a dark secret, never suspecting that her silence might threaten the life of the gallant Colonel who holds her—and her heart—captive.

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Enter the contest to win a copy of Andrea's book:

A Thousand Shall Fall

here is how:

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The winner will be announced on my Facebook page

Thank you, Andrea, for joining us this weekend!

We enjoy chatting with you and are looking forward to reading your comments and questions. Or at least your hi, hello, or hey.

Thanks for stopping by!

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