UPDATE: A winner has been emailed!
You don’t have to be online for long to run across articles on marketing yourself, making money online, building a platform for your business, and finding or creating a community for support and encouragement. The folks I’m writing about today have mastered all of these areas, and we can learn a lot from them.
They are Christian wives and mothers, business women, writing mentors, talented authors, and bloggers at one of the most popular sites in the writing world. Several years ago, these women banded together to promote their books and services and encourage fellow Christians who might be interested in venturing out on a similar journey. They’re the ladies of Seekerville—Mary Connealy, Janet Dean, Debby Guisti, Audra Harders, Pam Hillman, Cara Lynn James, Myra Johnson, Glynna Kaye, SandraLeesmith, Julie Lessman, Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe, and Missy Tippens.
What will you find at the Seekerville site?
- A wonderful example of online community. (If you leave a comment, one of the Seekers is sure to respond.)
- News about the latest in Christian fiction.
- Writing tips, how-to’s, contest updates, and encouragement.
- Free stuff—lots of opportunities to win free books.
- Favorite recipes.(Follow this link to the Yankee-Belle Cafe.)
What more could you want?
The Seekers are some of the most generous authors in the American Christian Fiction Writers. They and their guest bloggers shared information which spurred me on in my writing journey. But even if you’re not interested in books and/or writing, you can learn much about how to present yourself online from Seekerville. So head on over and visit the ladies today!
Now for a GIVEAWAY! The ladies of Seekerville write wonderful stories. However, because of time constraints and promises to the companies that offer free books in exchange for blog reviews, I have not reviewed many of their books on my site. I’d like to encourage you to check out their novels. So I’m offering a $10 Amazon email gift card to one lucky commenter.
Steps to enter the giveaway: (1) Visit the Seekerville site and view the “Our Books” slideshow in the sidebar. (2) Leave a comment telling me which books you’re most interested in reading. The contest will run until Saturday, March 3rd. Enjoy!
At the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, I was fortunate enough to meet several of the Seekerville authors . . .
Author Julie Lessman, ACFW 2011
Author Debby Giusti, ACFW 2011
I’d love to read The PRice of Victory by Sandra Lee…. I never read any of her books, but I LOVE the cover!
That is a great cover, Laura! Good choice.
RENEE ANN, you little doll, you!!! Thank you SOOOO much for the shout out, you sweet thing, and I am going to plaster this all over FB and Twitter, girl!!
Owe you a great, big, giant hug at ACFW, you hear??
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Julie! I’m so looking forward to catching up with you and other new friends at the next ACFW Conference
Goodness – Lots of books that look very interesting. The following caught my eye right off the bat: A Home for Christmas, A Heart Revelaed, Stealing Jake, Small Town Hearts and Love on Assignment!
Glad you found some good ones, Loraine! Thanks for stopping by
Renee Ann, you are the sweetest to promote Seekerville–they are a WONDERFUL group of ladies, aren’t they?? Very sweet and welcoming!
I visit their blog almost every day and cast a glance at the scrolling books. I honestly can’t say which one I’d like to read more than another. Maybe Janet Dean’s very latest release–coming out in May I think.
Please enter me!
caseym.writer(@)gmail.com
I agree about how wonderful and generous they are, Casey! I also visit everyday, though I don’t comment as often now. Here’s to a win
I attest to the loveliness of the Seekerville population! Wonderful women all. We love them. They love us back. What a supportive writing AND reading community.
I read or have read all the books mentioned but am waiting especially for the Brides of the West since it is a combined effort of three of my favorite authors!
Peace, Julie
Thanks for joining in the fun here, Julie! Good book choice
Here’s to a win.
I love Seekerville! That being said I haven’t gotten a chance to read to many of the authors books except for Mary Connealy (only haven’t read a couple of hers) The authors books that I ‘m most interested in trying are Julie Lessman’s and Cara Lynn James! Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
You’ll love Julie’s and Cara’s books, Abbi! Thanks for stopping by to enter the drawing. Blessings!
Renee Ann, thank you so much for all the nice things you’ve said about Seekerville. We have so much fun over there but it wouldn’t work without all the great commentors and friends who hang around with us everyday. We get as much as we give at Seekerville.
ARE YOU READY FOR SPEEDBO?????????????
I hope I’m ready for Speedbo, Mary! I’ll be jumping in with all of you for a month of fun
I’m so glad we’re not limited to one book we are most interested in reading! I’d love a chance to read any of the books from Mary Connealy’s Kincaid Bride series. Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman is also on my TBR list!
So glad you stopped by, Rina! Here’s to a win. Blessings!
Renee!!! You are such a sweetheart! Thanks so much for these kind words about Seekerville!
Honestly, it’s “Seekervillagers” like you who make the blog what it is. The daily chats and sharing of ideas–we’re all learning from each other!
Thanks for your kind words, Myra! We love you ladies at Seekerville.
I love the cover of “Promise me This.” Any book that deals with Titanic survivors catches my interest. It ought to be a great topic and sounds very good. Seekers looks like an interesting site. Thanks Renee!
Glad you stopped by to check them out, Barbara! Their books are all worth reading!
Oh I love giveaways! Especially for amazon (i.e. new book) money! I am a huge fan of Mary Connealy and Cara Lynn James, but I am dying for a new Julie Lessman book. Write faster Julie!!!
Thanks for joining in the fun here, Athena! I love Julie’s books, too. Blessings!
OH my stars! We have to pick ONE?!
I hope not!
Let’s see – Julie’s next one [September /sigh/]. Mary’s next one [August /more sighing/]. Sandra’s. Ruthy’s award nominated Winter’s End. Well… let’s be real. Any of them.
The Seekers are a truly wonderful community. I can’t begin to count how many friends I’ve made because of them! It’s not JUST the Seekers, but the whole gang who hangs out in the comments.
<3 them all!
Carol, you’re one of the commenters that helps make the site so lively! Hope all is well with you. Thanks for joining in the fun here!
I would love to read Mary Connealy and Cara Lynn James! I have Pam Hillman’s book on my kindle just have not found the time to read it yet.
I have Pam’s book, too, Jennifer. Love those Kindle freebies! Thanks for joining in the fun here. Blessings!
Oh my goodness…..telling me to pick a favorite on Seekerville….person or book! That’s nearly impossible, I really love them all. OK, I’ve read almost all of Julie Lessman’s books, except her newest one and I’m very anxious to read it. I’d mention it’s name….but I’m having brain freeze today….age…please remind me, Julie. But, that is an unfair question…..I’m so in love with books – so all books are favorites, and all authors are admired highly. Especially Seekerville!
Blessed Is The Author,
Barb Shelton
It is a difficult choice, isn’t it, Barb? Hope you’ll get to check out a few more of the Seeker books soon
Renee Ann, thank you for mentioning us! We wouldn’t have nearly as much fun without all you wonderful writers who hang out with us!
You’re so sweet to hold this contest. We appreciate you!
Thanks for your kind words, Missy! I love reading all the comments that build up on your blog during the day. Great fun!
Renee Ann, you’re talking about my favorite place on the web! Those ladies just ooze with hospitality and bring you right on into the conversation whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular. My day isn’t complete without a stop (or two, or six) in Seekerville.
Now, we have to choose one book we want to read? I try to read all of the Seeker books as they come out, but I’ve missed a few – it’s too hard to decide on one!
Okay, if you’re going to make me choose…. Mary Connealy’s Out of Control. In Too Deep is on my shelf, but it’s the second in the trilogy and I want to read the first one before getting “too deep” into the story line……
And yes, I’m ready for SPEEDBO!!!
They are great ladies, aren’t they, Jan? And I’m planning to try Speedbo, too. Thanks for stopping by to join in the fun. Blessings!
Renee Ann, what a really great giveaway idea and such a SWEET thing for you to do for The Seekers.
Goodness gracious me…while you thought you were “giving” something to your readers by giving away the $10 gift card (and you ARE, girlfriend!), you’re GIVING so much more to The Seekers just by being you!
This definitely put a smile on my face and joy in my heart to know that the Seekers have had an impact on your writing journey, and you’re paying it forward.
Blessings on you!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Pam! I’m glad you stopped in to say hi. Blessings!
Wow! So many great and interesting books. While it is hard to pick one, I have settled on “A House Full of Hope” by Missy Tippens. She is a new author for me and the book looks wonderful. =)
You’ll like Missy’s sweet books, Donna! Here’s to a win here so you can try a few!
I love Seekerville and the ladies there! They are all so sweet and encouraging! And YOU are awesome to promote them!!!
I was looking through the their books again and am having trouble choosing which ones I’d like to read! I want to read them all!!!! I think Janet Dean’s newest one…and her one to come in May looks great. Also Mary Connealy’s newest one, In Too Deep. Oh goodness…I could go on.
sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com
So glad you stopped by, Sherrinda! It’s great how the Seekerville site brings so many like-minded folks together. Blessings!
I would most like to read A Heart Revealed. Gorgeous cover! (I know, I know, you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover…) :0
It’s hard not to be impressed by those gorgeous covers, Kate! Thanks for joining in the fun here. Blessings!
Please don’t enter me for the giveaway since I already won a giftcard from you in the past. I just wanted to stop by and say I LOVE Seekerville! I haven’t been able to stop by as much as I have in the past but I love to read their insightful and fun posts about writing and life in general not to mention that they are all super sweet ladies! You are so blessed to have had the chance to meet a few of them. I have to say that I am most looking forward to Julie’s book, A Love Surrendered! I need a swoonworthy romance LOL!
XOXO~ Renee C.
I agree, Renee–swoonworthy is the best! BTW, I enjoy keeping up with you on FB. Thanks for stopping by the blog today
Hey Renee Ann! That’s so great of you to post about Seekerville, love it!! I enjoy seeing what’s posted there and getting to know the Seekers as well as other commenters
Thanks for the giveaway, very cool 
There’s SOOOO many great books to choose from, but I’m going for A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman! Thanks again! Blessings, Kara
Thanks for stopping by to share your support for Seekerville, Kara! Here’s to a win. Blessings!
I have read many Seekers books. the last being In Too Deep by Mary Connealy.
I am looking forward to An Inconvient Match by Janet Dean, A house full of hope by Missy Tippins, High Country hearts by Glynna Kaye to name a few. I do love going to seekerville and its good for readers as well as authors.
I enjoy reading your comments at Seekerville. It’s always good to keep up with what you’re doing and reading! Thanks for joining in the fun here. Blessings!
Thanks Renee, I will start to follow here too. Its nice seeing different blogs.
Thanks for the support!
I follow the Seekerville blog on a daily basis. It’s very fun. There are so many authors there that are awesome. I get the Love Inspired Historical Line each month, my cousin gets the Love Inspired Suspense Line, and we swap back and forth. The book I’m most wanting to read right now is still Julie Lessman’s Heart Revealed. It’s one I don’t yet have. Mary Connley’s In Too Deep I should be getting pretty soon from the publisher. I just got my shipment with the April Love Inspired Historical titles in so I’m reading those now.
That must be great to receive the LI Historical Line every month, Dawn! Looks like you made some good choices here. Thanks for joining in the giveaway fun! Blessings!
You are so sweet. Mary is right. We made Seekerville everything we wished we had found on an island before we sold. Fun, friends, information and a safe place to chat with no condemnation. Seekervillians have made Seekerville.
We appreciate all the work you put into Seekerville, Tina! Thanks so much for giving back in such a generous way. Blessings!
I dont know how I missed it, but Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Conealy sounds really good to m
I love that series, Cindy! Glad you stopped by to enter the giveaway fun
I’d read “In Too Deep” and “Out of Control” in a heartbeat! “An Inconvenient Match” looks wonderful, as well as the Military Investigations, and the Historical ones I spotted. Already read the 2 by Cara James -super!
So glad you found some good reads, Anita! Thanks entering the giveaway!
Gateway weddings looks cute.
thanks so much.
Thanks for checking out Seekerville and entering the giveaway, Jennifer!
Wow, sooo many good books, so little time to read them all. I think these sound amazingly good–Janet Dean’s An Inconvenient Match, High Country Hearts, and Brides of the West.
Those look like good ones, Sherri! Here’s to a win so you can grab them. Blessings!
Officer’s Secret and Nowhere to Hide, MIA Missing in Atlanta and Scared to Death. Of course I love all of Mary Connealy’s books and so far I have read all of them am reading In too deep right now.
So many great books to choose from, right, Lourdes? Thanks for stopping by and sharing in the comments. Here’s to a win!
Renee Ann, thanks for the wonderful comments about Seekerville! We wanted a place for writers to ask the questions that needed asking, find like-minded folks with an affinity for coffee and sweets, and of course, an island paradise for fun!
The Seekers would be awfully lonely without our Seekervillians to hang out with. So really, THANK YOU for coming to the island!
Thanks for your kind words and all you do for others through Seekerville, Audra! Blessings!
I would like to read “In Too Deep,” “Out of Control,” & “Sharpshooter in Petticoats” all by Mary Connealy
Great choices, Janet! Thanks for adding to the fun.
Golly, I remember back when they were “brand new” and just getting their followers. I love how the Seekerville gals are ministering to other writers, and readers, in the Christian community. Thanks for spreading the word!
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Carrie! Blessings!
Renee Anne, thank you for the shout out for Seekerville! You’re terrific to give a gift card for a Seeker book! Everyone who stops in and chats in Seekerville adds to the fun and the sense of community. I love starting my day with Seekervillians!
Janet
Thanks for all you Seekers do, Janet! We love starting our day with you. Blessings!
I really LOVE Camy Tang books, but for something I have never read, I would love to read either Out of Control by Mary Connealy or Love by the Book by Carolyn James.
Oops. That was supposed to say Cara Lynn James. Sorry about that!!
So glad you stopped by to join in the fun, Ladette! You’re in the drawing.
Renee, what a cool thing to do! Thank you so much for such a lovely shout out. You rock! Now I’m just grinning ear-to-ear seeing all these nice comments.
But I’m going to agree with the others, without our Writing Village, we’d be nothing. And your success just plain makes us happy.
Hugs to you! Thank you! Bless you!
Ruthy
Thanks so much for entertaining us and teaching us, Ruthy! I so enjoy keeping up with you on FB. Blessings!
I think I have almost everything they’ve written, but I loved this post and wanted to comment. What I think is really the BEST thing about the Seekerville site, is that they treat you like a friend. In fact, you get to call yourself a ‘friend of Seekerville’.
In this world of arms-length relationships, facebook friends, and twitter posts, having friends you can rely on makes all the difference in the world. Some days you just need somebody to say ‘good job’ or ‘keep going’ or ‘take it easy’ or ‘you’re doing great’. And they are the friends who say those things.
P.S. I love your Doorkeep verse!!! Love it!!!!
I agree, Virginia. The Seeker authors are just truly caring people. So glad you stopped in here to share your thoughts about them. And if you win, you can save the gift card for the next books they come out with!
Just realized I’d added an “e” to Ann. Sorry!
Renee Ann! Your site here is as fun and busy as Seekerville this evening!! Thanks so much for the shout out. All the Friends of Seekerville are what make it such a warm and lively place to visit. What’s been especially fun is when we get to meet some of you LIVE at a book signing or a writing conference. Last time I went to ACFW I was totally blown away by all the people there that I felt I already knew even though only virtually up until then!
I love how your site brings people together, Glynna! Thanks for all you do to uplift and encourage through Seekerville. Blessings!
Love on Assignment!
Good choice, Ashley! Here’s to a win
I would like to read A Heart Revealed.
Love that book, Emily! You’re in the drawing
Renee Ann, What a great honor to be mentioned with such accolades. Thank you. When we started the blog, we were so frustrated because we couldn’t find answers and we decided we wanted to share the information we gleaned. What a blessing it has been because we have made so many wonderful friends in Seekerville. And I agree with Glynna, it is really special to meet our friends in person at conferences. Thanks again.
Thanks for stopping by, Sandra! May God continue to bless the outreach of your books and the Seekerville site. Have a great day!
Those Seekers girls are the greatest….love their books. I visit their blog every day! Anxious to read Missy’s newest, Glynna’s newest, Cara J.’s last book, and Tina’s first that I missed somehow (have #2). Would love the Amazon gift card! Thanks for entering me!!
Thanks for joining in the fun, Jackie! You’re in the drawing
I’m most interested in reading Deep Trouble, A Hope Undaunted, Single Sashimi and Sushi for One.
Great choices! I love stories like those with spunky heroines
Hi Renee! Yeah, Seekerville is one of my favorite blog haunts. They definately provide helpful information and news, plus some pretty great advice.
I think that Julie Lessman’s “A Heart Revealed” looks like it would be good, and also Mary Coneally’s “In Too Deep”. 
gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com
I’m not surprised you like it there, Gwen. They’re all cheerful and talented–like you! Thanks for entering the drawing
What a party you’ve got going over here, Renee Ann.
And it’s so fun and encouraging to read all the nice comments.
I’m getting a little weepy. sniffling. trying not to sog up the keyboard (just so bad when that happens!! All wrong!)
Ha ha . . . keep that keyboard dry so you’ll be ready for Seedbo
I am a big Seekerville fan. It’s the only thing on the web I read daily. I encourage anyone who wants to write a book (or even a brochure) to check out the great writers information they have to share. They are a very warm and welcoming group of talented ladies!
You’re so right, Donna! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here and you’re in the drawing
Thank you so much for introducing me to Seekerville.
I’d love to start by reading God’s Spirit Within Me by Carole Frankel and Sandy Wardman.
There are so many new and exciting books featured on their site! Thanks again.
I’m so glad you joined in the fun, Jeana! I love to visit Seekerville and check out the books. It’s always a treat! Thanks for the visit. Blessings!
They all look great actually! I would love to read An Inconvenient Match and In Too Deep.
I know, Angela–it’s a tough choice because all the books are so good! Glad you were able to settle on two. You’re in the drawing
Mended Hearts sounds like a must read. Donna
Thanks for joining in the fun here, Donna! I’m glad you stopped by. Blessings!
I love Seekerville authors and have follow their blog a couple of yrs. I have “A Heart Revealed” in my tbr stack and want Julie’s latest in the series “A Love Surrendered”. I need to read her Boston series also. I have read many of these books and have a number on my wish list. I also love mystery and would love to read Debby’s “The Officer’s Secret”, or Camy’s mysteries. Thank you for promoting Seekerville. They are a great group of authors that everyone should read.
So glad you’re familiar with that great bunch of ladies! Thanks for joining in the fun here. You’re in the drawing!
A House Full of Hope
Good choice, Katie. You’re in the drawing!
Wow, there are so many books! I’d have to say that I would go with any of the Mary Connealy books. My sister loves them and has a stack for me to read as soon as I finish reading through my list
Sounds good, Rebekah! Thanks for joining in the fun here. You’re in the drawing!
Thanks for the contest! The book that caught my eye is “Oklahoma Reunion”—-I think it is because I live in OK, and that’s why I am interested in it.
That’s a good one, Tamara! Here’s to a win so you can buy it soon
The Officer’s Secret. I love suspense novels!
I’m a suspense-lover, too, Christina! You’re in the drawing!
What a wonderful, supportive group! Glad to meet you! Thank you for sharing on NOBH!
Thanks for stopping by, Diane! Blessings!
The Price of Victory by Sandra Lee sounds like a very compelling and enjoyable read. I would like to read this story.
You’re in the drawing, Sarah! Thanks for joining in the fun here!
I am interested in One imperfect christmas. I love christmas. I want to figure out what had happened to make it imperfect. Thanks for the giveaway!
So glad you stopped by, Jane! Here’s to a win!