About the Book

Book: Intentional Fires (Book Two in the Sunrise Crik Series)

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers

More from Rebecca

There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Rebecca McLafferty totally agrees!

Rebecca is the author of the Sunrise Crik Series, which consists of action-packed romantic suspense novels set in current-day Montana. She and her husband have vacationed and explored the Livingston to Bozeman area where this series takes place. The town of Woodridge is fictious, but a number of area establishments mentioned within her stories are real.

The phrase “The Big Sky” was coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author A.B. Guthrie in his 1947 novel of that name. In addition to the obvious vision of unobstructed sky, Big Sky Country—to Rebecca—represents big dreams and big faith. It symbolizes the backbone of Montana!

Are you wondering how Rebecca can authentically write about growing Christmas trees? It’s because she and her husband owned Country Memories Farm in Wisconsin where they raised alpacas, and planted and grew Christmas trees! She also operated Country Memories Mercantile (now downsized to an online store). Their love of educating others evolved into an operation that hosted school, family, and community events. That’s why she loves to interact personally with people from all walks of life!

And are you wondering how Rebecca knows about police department operations—even drug smugglers? She worked for a tourist-town’s police department—a fascinating place to get ideas!

Rebecca admits to having worked dozens of unusual jobs (great discussion material for another time). She wondered why she experienced such diverse occupations before God revealed to her that she needed authenticity for her novel writing. What she hasn’t experienced herself, she has visited or thoroughly researched.

The title, Intentional Fires implies forest fires. That’s obvious. But there are other types of fires that burn intentionally. Internal fires can sustain a 90-year feud and lifetimes of unforgiveness, resentment, and broken dreams. Do you suffer from an internal fire?

• Whether you live in Montana or dream of visiting the west . . .
• Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit that wants you to succeed . . .
• Whether you want to fall in love, rekindle your faith, or root for an underdog . . .

Come and experience the heartfelt struggles that Montanans fight with all their might to protect.

Interview with Rebecca

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

I’ve been a voracious reader since I was young. I loved how my soul connected with heroines and I experienced new worlds. As I grew, I read the Little House books and Janete Oke’s Love Comes Softly series. Those books entertained me while teaching me about living a strong, courageous life—and about Jesus.

In junior high school, I took part in a Voice of Democracy contest sponsored by the VFW. I poured my heart into that project, and got to read my winning paper on the radio—even my dad listened. That experience changed everything. Now I wanted to write. But what?

Later, I became editor of the high school paper—The Spirit! That experience solidified my passion for writing. In the meanwhile, I kept reading and writing. And in 2024, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English and Creative Writing from Liberty University. Now I have the knowledge and confidence to pursue my writing dreams.

How do you create your main characters?

I first need some idea about what the character will struggle with in the story. What role will they play?

One of my favorite tasks is consulting the Myers-Briggs personality charts. This adds depth to my characters. I choose a personality type. The data then outlines the pro’s and con’s of that personality, likes and dislikes. The character might be a control freak, or perhaps an obnoxious person who never obeys rules. Those traits not only round out the character, but they lend themselves to delicious plotting opportunities. Imagine a timid, frail person who must step in for their popular and athletic twin.

I also consider the character’s personality arc, formulating how they will grow (or decline) during the story. I consider their struggles, how they will interact with others, and where they must be at the end of the story—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I consider everything from physical characteristics to how they dress, their social status, political and religious beliefs, and life goals. I have a l-o-n-g list of traits to complete for each character.

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

For me, the hardest part of writing a book is taking the time to figure out how to market and sell it. I love the writing process in its entirety. Unfortunately, the book won’t magically appear on shelves or in the hands of readers. It takes planning and expertise to get to that next point. It’s hard to relinquish control, but it’s necessary to obtain skills that aren’t my strong points.

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

Do you mean there’s supposed to be a time when I’m not writing? 😊Just kidding.

I love reading, but I also love kitchen time. Cooking and baking are therapeutic. I learned cake decorating in Germany and taught cake decorating and baking classes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I also enjoy cooking for a crowd. The larger, the better!

My husband and I enjoy activities with family and friends. In the summer, I crave being outdoors. We have a raised garden and a flower-pot-brigade to tend. Joe has a green thumb. I fake it. I also play with and walk our Ausiedoodle, Tessa Marie. Especially in the winter, I love watching old classics movies—and we’re BIG football fans!

We love our church family and spend time volunteering.

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

I’ve written two fiction books in the Sunrise Crik Series (with the third in the works). I’m planning for six books in the series. So far, I’ve written Intentional Heirs and Intentional Fires. The book-in-process is Intentional Motives.

I also wrote Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields. That was a special book to write, and it makes a great gift.

My favorite book? It’s a tie!

I always love hearing from readers. They can email me at mclaffertyenterprises@gmail.com or visit our website at https://www.mclaffertyenterprises.com/author-rebecca.

Thank you so much for graciously offering this interview. It was a pleasure!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Stories By Gina, March 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Blossoms and Blessings, March 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 27 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

A Reader’s Brain, March 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Guild Master, March 31

For Him and My Family, April 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 2

Holly’s Book Corner, April 3

Vicky Sluiter, April 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54181