by CJ Peterson

Good Morning, CJ. Thanks for being here and for agreeing to do this interview. 🙂

1) Tell us about your newest book. 

HEARTS UNITED (Book 3, Divine Legacy Series) came out at the end of August 2018. This book continues the journey of the next generation A.N.G.E.L.s (Available to Nurture God’s Eternal Love). The Divine Legacy Series is a continuation of a combination of The Holy Flame Trilogy and the Grace Restored Series. The characters crossover storylines, which allow you to see deeper into a character. When I combined both series into the DIVINE LEGACY, it was twenty years after the finish of both sets, allowing the next generation to take over the A.N.G.E.L.s. In doing so, they need to come together, amidst a myriad of personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. In ARMY RISING, the two teams split in order to find their new teammates from around the world. In doing so, Angel English tried to rescue a future team member’s sister from a sex traffic ring. The other side found out that the ring had Angel, and took her captive. 

HEARTS UNITED continues her struggle to survive, while the other side does their best to get her to work for their side. In the meantime, the A.N.G.E.L.s, both current, new, and retired are doing their best to come together and rescue her without losing anymore A.N.G.E.L.s. Read, and find out if they do so!

Paperback: 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PDLddp

**NOTE** The paperback  should be priced at $18.95. For some reason, Amazon has it higher. If it’s higher, Barnes & Noble, and Booklocker have the accurate pricing. #HappyReading 

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2MvhJAu 

Booklocker: https://bit.ly/2NfgC4b

Ebook: 

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2wW5r9D

Nook: https://bit.ly/2CANh3v

Booklocker: https://bit.ly/2NfgC4b

iTunes: https://apple.co/2MjL8Zv

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2N1EJY4

2) What’s your next project? 

My current work-in-progress is CHAINS BROKEN, the fourth and final book in the Divine Legacy Series.  

Here is the summary: 

The final book in the Divine Legacy Series, Chains Broken, follows the A.N.G.E.L.s as they continue on their journey. There will be wedding, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations, which should bring about a fresh start…but will it? 

Kit’s battle is coming to a head. Can she overcome what is trying to lay hold, or will she succumb like her mother? Have the issues of anger been worked out within the team? Who will win the battle for the Outback? What about the other box? Do the A.N.G.E.L.s have a lead on it? 

These questions and more will be answered as this exciting series wraps up. Chains will be loosened, and hearts and lives will be connected in Chains Broken. (Book 4 of the Divine Legacy Series.) 

1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

3) What are your future projects? 

After CHAINS BROKEN, I will be heading into a standalone book. I’m really excited, yet sad at the same time. I’ve been with the A.N.G.E.L. characters since 2013, so it’s kind of sad for me to move on. I am leaving it open for potential books later if I choose to. I’m excited, though, to head into different characters and storylines. I don’t want to share too much about the stand-alone, only to say there is a major moral dilemma that will take place. If you had to make the choice between your love and the law, what would you do? 

After the standalone, who knows where I will go next!

4) Are their characters/stories/scenes/etc based on anything in real life? 

There are many scenarios based on either my own life, or the life of those close to me. I feel this brings realism to the storyline, and helps me to place you (the reader) even deeper into the perspective of the characters. Now, which ones are of me, I’ll never tell! That doesn’t stop people from trying to guess, though. Pick up one of the books and try it for yourself!  

When people start the three series, they often ask me which one to start with. My suggestion is to start with SEASONS OF CHANGE and the Grace Restored Series, before moving on to The Holy Flame Trilogy. After that, feel free to head into the Divine Legacy Series. All questions will be answered by the end of the Divine Legacy Series!

5) What is your writing style? 

My writing style is unique, to say the least. I am a Christian, but a realistic Christian. My characters walk, crawl, stumble, fall flat on their face…yet, with the help of God and His Word, they will recover. I use the Bible as their foundation to bring them to the place where God wants them to be. 

I tend to also go into subjects that many steer clear from. For example, in SEASONS OF CHANGE, there is domestic violence. In FOREVER CHANGE, it handles a perspective of abortion. In ARMY RISING, there is sex trafficking. In all of these situations, I handle them in a clean way, which will allow an opening for deep conversation between parents and teens.  

Some people try to lock in a genre regarding my books, but in all honesty, I’ve had teens, as well as older adults love them. I do not recommend them for teens below a mature eighth grader. I’ve had military men, women in their seventies, homeschool moms, and teens all enjoy them. I love hearing their reactions! 

The books are a mix of action, adventure, inspiration, and romance all wrapped up into one!  

#HappyReading!

6) What is your favorite book/character? 

That’s like asking who is your favorite child! LOL! Each character holds a special place in my heart, mainly because they come from my heart. Each one has their quirks, and their issues, their struggles, and star moment! 

I know many have their favorite characters that they enjoy. I pray you enjoy their ups and downs as well, and continue to cheer each one along on their journey!

7) Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction? 

There are many things I enjoy, such as travelling, writing, and photography. The travelling allows me to meet many people, explore new cultures, and see stunning places. Some of the travelling will show up in a book at one point or another. To see some of my photos, feel free to browse on: 

https://www.cjpetersonwrites.com/photos.html  

I am also a youth leader at our church for the middle school girls. My current group is in eighth grade. After that, I will be teaching seventh grade. 

I thoroughly enjoy pouring into these young ladies, and look forward to seeing what God will do in their lives.

8) How many books do you have out? 

There are currently twelve out. The first book I put out needs to be rewritten, so I do not suggest reading STRENGTH FROM WITHIN until that has been completed. I will keep you updated. If you read it, it may frustrate you! LOL! 

GRACE RESTORED SERIES (5 books) follows Katie MacKenna through her journey from a young girl, through to her adulthood. She has not had an easy life, after losing her mother to Leukemia when Katie was seven. Her father didn’t handle it well at all, and took a lot out on Katie. Read, as she works through this, along with a myriad of other issues to become the woman God intended her to be. Her story has been known to want to make you laugh, cry, and strangle certain characters.  

THE HOLY FLAME TRILOGY (3 Books) follows Casey Carter, and her journey as a Rookie firefighter. After the loss of her brother and caretaker, she runs into a group called the A.N.G.E.L.s (Available to Nurture Gods Eternal Love), who have been looking after her since her teen years. Can she lead two different lives, or will one catch up with the other? 

DIVINE LEGACY SERIES (Will be 4 books – the 4th is targeted to come out in Spring 2019) follows Rachel Sullivan and Angel English, as they take over the A.N.G.E.L.s. This causes all sorts of upheaval and even an international incident – A.N.G.E.L. style! It’s full of action, adventure, travel, intrigue, highlights, discouragements, and many other emotions. Follow their journey into leading the next generation.

9) What is the “message” of your writing? 

As I said before, my characters go through it all. Life happens. The message I hope to show to others is that no matter what we go through, if we are a child of God, we are never alone. As the good shepherd, He is always there for us. Jesus is always walking with us. The Spirit is continuously guiding us. 

No matter the storm, He is there to protect us if we let Him. We’re going to go through it regardless, but if we rely on Him, we never lose hope. 

When my husband and I decided to publish the books, we felt it would all be worth it if the books helped even one person. I have had many write me, expressing that more than one person was helped. It is my prayer for the messages within the pages to touch your heart as well!

10) Since you have several books out, tell us what you think works for promotion. What are your thoughts on ebooks versus print books and different ways to let people know about you and your books? 

As far as promotion, the best, and to me holds the most value, is word-of-mouth. When a reader tells a friend about my books, that means more to me than anything! There are multiple other venues I utilize as well. Feel free to join me on my social media networks! My links can be found on: 

https://www.cjpetersonwrites.com/about.html  

Another venue is through book shows. To get a signed copy of my books at special book show pricing, and to meet me, come on over to one of the shows, where I will be appearing. To find out where, head over to: 

https://www.cjpetersonwrites.com/home.html  

I would love to meet you! See you there! 

As far as ebook versus print, that’s a personal preference. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. It depends on the reader, and their preference. Both still allow one to dive into the story, allowing it play out in their mind. That’s the magic of books! (Ebook OR Paperback!) 

Enjoy and God bless, 

C.J.

About the Author:

I was raised in a Christian military home, but it was far from tranquil. Like many young people, I left home as soon as possible, and went my own way, thinking I knew better. To me anything was better than where I was. Unfortunately, some of the choices I made led me away from the Lord, and sometimes that path was a dangerous one.
God is faithful, even when His children are lost and wandering. When I needed Him most, the Lord was there for me. He led me out of that danger and into a new life…a life where I am loved and appreciated. He taught me what ‘real love’ is, and what it’s supposed to look like through my family and wonderful husband.
Who knew that “Prince Charming” actually existed? I hoped and prayed he was out there, and I found him! He is a 24 year Navy veteran and the love of my life! With his encouragement, I rediscovered the creativity I thought I had lost a long time ago, and have begun to publish the books I have written through the years. The words in these books helped me through my struggles, and my prayer is they will help others.
The way in which I write my Christian Books, is unique to say the least. I am a realistic Christian. People are people, they stumble, they fall, they trip, but God continues to dust us off, and set us back on the path again, if we just learn to trust in Him.
The challenges faced in my past give me a perspective on the realities of living the Christian life that some people may never see. There are times we wander away from God…there are times when we draw closer to Him. In our arrogance we think we can make it on our own. However, the One who made this world, and who made you, has the answers, and thankfully, He forgives our impudence and petulance and loves us through it all. God is a God of love, mercy, grace, and guidance. He loves us and only wants the best for us.
Those who have read my books, describe them as encouraging, frustrating, and a wonderful read all at the same time. The same character that could have you crying one minute, will have you cheering the next! One of my editors, stated that ‘she was so into the story, that she forgot to edit, and had to go back to do the editing’.
I pray you will enjoy my books as well!

While the stories are fiction, the journey is real.

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