About the Book

Book: Call to Embrace

Author: Maryann Landers

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: November 1, 2023

She’s detached in a stormy marriage because of both of their unfaithfulness. Now she faces the aftermath of her compromise with an unwanted pregnancy. Will fleeing bring her the freedom she yearns for?

Emily Corentin wants to escape the jagged edges of her brokenness. She believes the only option she has is to take her young daughter, leave her husband, and end the unintended pregnancy with an abortion. But her plans take an unexpected turn when the homeless shelter she finds is not the type of help she wanted. She’d buried religion years ago with the death of her Gran. Any God-fearing place will only confirm how much God abandoned her.

An offer from a shelter volunteer may be the lifeline she and her daughter need, but Emily only sees it as a means to an end. The unlikely friendship that follows, draws her closer to the answers she may have carried with her all along. But rash decisions bring new challenges that drag her further into a sea of helplessness.

When all hope is lost in despair will she be washed away by the patterns of her past? Or will she answer the call to embrace the mercy of the cross and in turn bring reconciliation to her marriage?

Cick here to get your copy!

About the Author

Alaskan based author Maryann Landers writes women’s faith filled fiction based on true stories of extraordinary women of her magnificent state. She loves to showcase the unique north and give her readers a little taste of rustic Alaska.

While writing in her log home in the woods she is also looking forward to her next adventure with her Alaskan husband, juggling mom tasks such as crafting homemade meals from moose and caribou meat, building DIY projects from scrap wood piles and guiding her teens in their homeschooling.

Her first novel in the Alaskan Women of Caliber Series; Alaskan Calibration released June 2021.

More from Maryann

Call to Embrace is inspired by a true story of a young mom that I met over 13 years ago as I walked alongside her during a difficult time of her life. A year and a half ago I stood in the Pacific Ocean dip netting for salmon near the mouth of the Kenai River. As the waters tugged at my waders, I remembered the church set on the hill behind me where a cross is always lit as a beacon and I thought there is a story here. With anticipation, I prayed what God wanted me to share. What unfolded is the plot line of my friendship with that young mom set in the stunning geographical area of South-Central Alaska.

Interview with Maryann

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was in elementary school I have a very short story published in a scholastic publication called Magpie Magazine that showcased submissions from kids in the area where I grew up. That was my first taste of working towards a writing goal. However, my inspiration to write a full length novel happen in 2020 when I shot my first moose. I’d love for you to go to my website and read that in on my author page.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I usually write a book within 2-4 months.

What is your real-life work schedule like when writing?

My real life is a stay-at-home mom who also oversees her teens’ homeschooling. The work of writing fits in wherever there is time. I keep that space in my room where I am free from distractions. I don’t have a schedule I fit it in when there’s time. I typically have a goal of when I wasn’t to publish a book and set my goals backwards from that and then establish weekly word count goals to meet my own deadlines.

What are your favorite books to read?

I enjoy the variety that women’s Christian fiction provides from Biblical fiction to historical and contemporary.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in 2020 when I was 45 years old.

How do you create your main characters? 

All of my novels are inspired by true stories and are based on people that I know. I interview them over coffee or lunch and get a character sketch from that time together.

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

The middle is called the muddy middle and it can be the hardest part to wade through. You’re working with your character to get them to a point where they see themselves for who they are and make a transition. I spend a lot of time here looking backwards in the story and forward to make it work.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Oh, lots and lots. I usually have several things going on at a time. I do building projects around the house, make my own furniture, cook, bake, sew, and I love to run or go for walks.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very supportive and encouraging.

Do you base your characters on real people?

Yes, I do. My hope is that will make the stories even more relatable. The goal is to show the extraordinary adventures and challenges my characters face are also applicable in many circumstances and with that we can find spiritual encouragement.

Have you experienced writer’s block, and how do you handle it?

Yes, I am currently stuck in my newest novel and I’m not necessarily handling it except I’m praying and seeking God’s timing. There are other things that are occupying my mind and space at the moment and perhaps they need more of me than if I was busy writing. When I do get to difficult parts of a book I usually go for a walk and talk to God about it and will also talk to friends and ask them for their input.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How the Lord uses the stories to impact different people. I love it when readers share how the story resonated with them because it might be a completely unique way.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written five full length novels, a novella and two short stories. My favorite book is my new release, Call to Embrace. It is the book that was most inspired each step of the way by the Holy Spirit and probably because of the sensitive content and it’s potential to impact. It’s also based on a true story of woman I walked alongside during a difficult time of her life.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

My website, http://www.mary-ann-landers.com, Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub and simply google my name and explore from there.

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Yes, I have two things to share. First, Call to Embrace is the first novel that I had a professional Audiobook made. If you want to explore vendors there are lots of choices for downloads.

Also when you go to my website I have a free reader magnet I’d love for you to have when you subscribe to my newsletter.

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line Lit, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 13 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Artistic Nobody, March 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Splashes of Joy, March 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 19

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, March 20

A Reader’s Brain, March 21 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Pause for Tales, March 23

Vicky Sluiter, March 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Maryann is giving away the grand prize package of a Alaskan themed gift pack including: one signed copy of the book, a half pint sized jar of canned salmon (caught and canned by the author from the mouth of the Kenai river where the book is set), a cross necklace and a promo code for a free audiobook version of the novel!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a2/call-to-embrace-celebration-tour-giveaway