Bearing Good Fruit!

Debby Giusti here!


One of my favorite scriptures is John 15:16: It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.

 The idea of bearing good fruit for the Lord is always front and center in my mind. It's the reason I write. My stories are the fruit of my labor. Hopefully, the message in my books resonates with readers and touches some who are struggling to accept the Lord into their lives.

Often my characters feel alienated from God, usually because of a past mistake they've made. When they realize that the Lord is a God of mercy, they're able to forgive themselves and open their hearts to His love.

The weather in Georgia has dipped a bit cooler. The summer is waning, and fall is in the air. Farmers bring their produce to town each Wednesday and Saturday to sell at the local outdoor market. Vendors proudly display the fruit of their labor at the bi-weekly neighborhood gathering, and I love to wander through the stalls and select fresh fruits and vegetables to buy for my family.

Just as writers work to create stories that touch hearts and uplift the reader, the bounty of each farmers' harvest brings joy and sustenance to all who buy their produce.

What type of fruit are you producing? How do you see the Lord working in your life?

Wishing you abundant blessings!

Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com

PERSON OF INTEREST
By Debby Giusti 

WOMAN ON THE RUN

While babysitting a young servicewoman’s infant, Natalie Frazier hears a murder in the neighboring army duplex. Convinced her former commander is behind the crime, the ex-soldier bolts with the baby. But who will believe her story? Army investigator Everett Kohl deals only with the facts, but this time his gut instincts can’t be denied. Is the attractive Natalie a cunning killer, as his ranking officers believe, or an innocent victim? Ordered to bring her in, Everett has a decision to make. Helping her could cost him his job…but not protecting  Natalie and the baby could get all of them killed…

Order your copy in digital or print format: Amazon.

Also available in digital format: Coffee Shop Romances, featuring my novella, "Stolen Kisses."

Remembering 9/11...The World Trade Center Museum!

At the RWA Literacy Signing on July 22, 2015.

Debby Giusti here!

As most of you know, the Romance Writers of America National Conference was held in New York City last month. I arrived early to see some of the sights and was deeply moved by the World Trade Center Museum.

If you get to New York, be sure to put the WTC at the top of your Must See List! The museum provides a poignant yet artful remembrance of 9/11 and the heroes who lost their lives that day, as well as the many men and women who worked tirelessly to help others during the attack and in the days that followed.

Hopefully, the pictures I took will give you a short glimpse into what makes the museum so special.

One World Trade Center. Do you see a cross on the side
of the building?

In memory of those who died on 9/11.

A pillar from Ground Zero. Notice the wall of the
tower. The museum sits under the pools.

The words of Virgil mark the entrance to the WTC Museum.

A painful reminder of the brave firefighters who gave their lives
on 9/11.

The Survivors' Stairs: 100 people made
their way to safety down these stairs.

The cross found in the rubble.

One of the many American flags unearthed at
Ground Zero. 

I hope the photos shared here will encourage you to visit the World Trade Center Museum the next time you're in New York City. I spent 41/2 hours in the North Section of the Museum, which focuses on 9/11 and the day before and the day after. I also visited the Memorial to all those who lost their lives that day. Next time, I hope to explore the South Section. Thanks to all those who worked to create such a lasting reminder of that fateful day. May we never forget and always remain vigilant.

God bless the United States of America..."the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.Seekerville.blogspot.com

PERSON OF INTEREST goes on sale TODAY! Hope you enjoy the story!

PERSON OF INTERST

By Debby Giusti

WOMAN ON THE RUN

While babysitting a young servicewoman’s infant, Natalie Frazier hears a murder in the neighboring army duplex. Convinced her former commander is behind the crime, the ex-soldier bolts with the baby. But who will believe her story? Army investigator Everett Kohl deals only with the facts, but this time his gut instincts can’t be denied. Is the attractive Natalie a cunning killer, as his ranking officers believe, or an innocent victim? Ordered to bring her in, Everett has a decision to make. Helping her could cost him his job…but not protecting  Natalie and the baby could get all of them killed…

Available in digital or print format: Amazon.

Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon 2015!

Debby Giusti (R) with Barbara Vey (L) at
her Fourth Annual Readers Appreciation
Luncheon

Anyone who knows Barbara Vey knows that she hosts wonderful events. This weekend was the Fourth Annual Barbara Vey Readers Appreciation Luncheon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Barbara outdid herself to ensure everyone had the time of their lives! 

Debby Giusti (L) with NY Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen (R) 

of Rizzoli and Isles fame.

I flew in on Friday and roomed with fellow Love Inspired Suspense author and RITA finalist, Katy Lee. 

(L to R) Love Inspired Suspense Author Katy Lee,
Love Inspired Historical Author Winnie Griggs and
Love Inspired Suspense Author Debby Giusti
represented Love Inspired Books at the luncheon!

We enjoyed dinner that night at The Packing Company, compliments of the WisRWA Chapter who treated the 61 authors to a yummy dinner. After the meal, we bused back to the hotel for a fun Q&A with readers. 

My table.

Tote bags decorated the chairs at my table.

Saturday, the authors were in the ballroom early to set up their tables and get ready for the readers. Doors opened at 10:30 AM, and the readers scrambled to find their tables and connect with their favorite authors. I loved meeting and getting to know the delightful women who sat at my table. 

My wonderful table! Thanks, ladies, for making
the day so special!

Author baskets were given away during lunch with even more raffle drawings after lunch. A book signing followed. 

Lots of author giveaways!

 Thanks, Barbara, for a wonderful event and a chance to get to know so many readers. 

Happy Reading!

Wishing you an abundant blessings!
Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com

STRANDED

BY DEBBY GIUSTI

AMISH COUNTRY REFUGE

Colleen Brennan has one goal—take down her sister’s killer.  But chasing after evidence leaves her in the path of a tornado and stranded in an Amish community. With the killer nearby, Colleen must depend on the kindness of Special Agent Frank Gallagher. Although the army officer is recuperating from a battlefield injury, he wants to help the beautiful woman he rescued from the tornado’s fury. He can tell she’s hiding something important. But getting her to reveal her secrets may be his most dangerous mission ever.

Order your copy in digital or print format: Amazon.

A Special Book Signing!

Debby Giusti (L) with WWII veteran,
Frank Forth

By Debby Giusti

Last Thursday, my wonderful independent bookseller hosted a signing for my latest Love Inspired Suspense, STRANDED. The book features a wound warrior recuperating from a war injury and is dedicated to Frank Forth, a member of the Greatest Generation who fought and was severely injured in the Battle of the Bulge. I invited Frank to join me at the signing.

Frank always has a funny joke or a heart-warming story to tell, and those who attended the event were entertained by the memories he shared about his youth, his wife Gacie, and his time in the military. Even at ninety-two, Frank can still play the bugle and loves listening to the Big Band sounds of the Forties, which brought even more stories to mind. So many of my readers already knew Frank and love him, just as I do. Those he met for the first time that night were taken by his genuine concern for others, his zest for life and his love of the Lord.

Frank charms the crowd!

I always donate the proceeds of my local book signings to a charity, usually one that benefits the military. This time, in honor of Frank, the proceeds are going to two organizations that Frank holds dear:  the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, of which he is a member, and Bugles Across America, a non-profit organization that recognizes the service of our veterans by providing buglers who play a live rendition of Taps at their funerals.

 

I am so blessed to have such wonderful support
from my local community!

As always, I am so grateful for the support I get from my local community. The signing was a huge success. Frank was overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of well wishes and the heartfelt thanks for his service from those he met that night.

 

Barbara Jackson won my author basket!

Do you have a special book signing or author event that touched your heart? If so, please share that memory with us.

Wishing you abundant blessings and a joyful Easter,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

STRANDED

BY DEBBY GIUSTI

AMISH COUNTRY REFUGE

Colleen Brennan has one goal—take down her sister’s killer.  But chasing after evidence leaves her in the path of a tornado and stranded in an Amish community. With the killer nearby, Colleen must depend on the kindness of Special Agent Frank Gallagher. Although the army officer is recuperating from a battlefield injury, he wants to help the beautiful woman he rescued from the tornado’s fury. He can tell she’s hiding something important. But getting her to reveal her secrets may be his most dangerous mission ever.

Order your copy in digital or print format: Amazon.

Holiday Defenders and M&M!

Debby Giusti here!

Lots of fun things are happening this month. HOLIDAY DEFENDERS released early in October and features three Love Inspired Suspense novellas with military heroes. The anthology includes my story, "Mission: Christmas Rescue;" Susan Sleeman's "Special Ops Christmas;" and "Homefront Holiday," by Jodie Bailey. I loved working with Susan and Jodie and hope our readers will enjoy the three stories.

For anyone in my local area, I'll be hosting a book signing on Wednesday, October 22, from 4-6:30 PM at Omega Book Center, 100 North Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, Georgia. Proceeds from the signing will benefit Wounded Warriors at Atlanta’s Shepherd Spinal Center, in conjunction with their SHARE Military Initiative. Orders can also be phoned in at 770-487-3977, and autographed copies can be held for pickup or mailed.

LtoR: Larissa Reinhart, Debby Giusti and Leslie Tentler
present "The Three Faces of Romantic Suspense" at M&M.

Last weekend I attended Georgia Romance Writers' Moonlight and Magnolias Conference and presented a workshop, "The Three Faces of Romantic Suspense," with authors Leslie Tentler and Larissa Reinhart. GRW is my home chapter, and the conference was filled with dear friend who made the weekend so special.

Love the tote I received at the M&M Conference!

Debby Giusti signs at the M&M!

I hope you're enjoying the cool temperatures and falling leaves. What's happening in your local area?

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THREE MILITARY MEN OF HONOR MUST DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

Mission: Christmas Rescue
by Debby Giusti
On the run from a killer, Elizabeth Tate must accept U.S. Army Captain Nick Fontaine’s protection for the sake of her young niece and nephew. Now her life is in the hands of the very man who broke her heart years ago.

Special Ops Christmas
by Susan Sleeman Researcher
Claire Reed’s top secret project is stolen, putting her at risk of being kidnapped to unlock it. Her undercover bodyguard—her former love, Green Beret Travis Chapman—is on his most dangerous mission yet.

Homefront Holiday Hero
by Jodie Bailey
When someone tries to kill the daughter of a military official, U.S. Army major Tyler Rainey must keep Kelly Walters from harm…while guarding his own heart against very unexpected feelings.

Order your copy here.

A Heroic Christmas

Susan Sleeman here. I've been attending weekly sessions of our local police academy to get insights into the job of  a police officer. I not only get to hear from the fine men and women who protect me, but I'll also get to go on a ride along. I'll spend four hours of a shift with the patrol officer traveling the streets of my city and seeing his or her job first hand. I can't wait. I'm so in awe of our law enforcement officers and the troops who defend our country. I see each and everyone of them as heroes who deserve our utmost respect.

So when my editor asked me to join with Debby Guisti and Jodie Bailey to create a Christmas themed novella featuring military heroes, I wholeheartedly accepted and enjoyed every minute of writing my story, Special Ops Christmas. The book is releasing in a few days and here's a quick description of the stories and I hope you'll look for it in stores or at online retailers.

 

HOLIDAY DEFENDERS 

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THREE MILITARY MEN OF HONOR MUST DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

Mission: Christmas Rescue by Debby Giusti 

On the run from a killer, Elizabeth Tate must accept U.S. Army Captain Nick Fontaine’s protection for the sake of her young niece and nephew. Now her life is in the hands of the very man who broke her heart years ago.

Special Ops Christmas by Susan Sleeman 

Researcher Claire Reed’s top secret project is stolen, putting her at risk of being kidnapped to unlock it. Her undercover bodyguard—her former love, Green Beret Travis Chapman—is on his most dangerous mission yet.

Homefront Holiday Hero by Jodie Bailey 

When someone tries to kill the daughter of a military official, U.S. Army major Tyler Rainey must keep Kelly Walters from harm…while guarding his own heart against very unexpected feelings.

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SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational and clean read romantic suspense books. Awards include Thread of Suspicion-2013 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Best Book Award, No Way Out-2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence finalist, and The Christmas Witness-2012 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence finalist. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts the popular website TheSuspenseZone.com. She currently lives in Oregon with her husband, but has lived in nine states. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. To connect with Susan outside of her – Website visit any of these social media sites-

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Researching Crime and Law Enforcement!

Debby Giusti here!

I recently attended the Writers' Police Academy, held in Jamestown, North Carolina, and came home with a notebook full of information I can use in my stories. The conference is the brainchild of Lee Lofland, a former cop turned writer. He brings law enforcement experts from around the country together each year and hosts four-days of workshops, drive-alongs, hands-on demonstrations and simulated activities for writers.

Debby Giusti (L) with fellow writer Connie Gillam (R)
taking part in an ambulance drive-along. The sirens were screaming
and lights flashing as we raced around the campus!

A mock crash site demonstration. 

The Sheriff's Department Dive Team put on an
Underwater Evidence Retrieval Demonstration.

This year, registration booked up in twelve hours, which proves how many authors want to take part. For anyone writing in the suspense or mystery genres, the Writers' Police Academy--or WPA--is a dream come true. The faculty was eager to answer our questions and even add tips they thought would improve our stories. Not only did we get the facts, but we also learned about the person behind the badge. Hearing them banter back and forth, tell jokes and war tales, provided lots of fodder for our own stories.

Lucky me to get my picture with Michael Conneally, the
guest speaker at the WPA banquet SAT night. According
to Lee, Michael gets it right about cops in his novels.

Check out information about the WPA on their website. Lee also has a great blog, The Graveyard Shift, and he's always open to comments and questions.

I'm hoping to attend next year. Maybe I'll see you there!

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THREE MILITARY MEN OF HONOR MUST DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

Mission: Christmas Rescue by Debby Giusti 

On the run from a killer, Elizabeth Tate must accept U.S. Army Captain Nick Fontaine’s protection for the sake of her young niece and nephew. Now her life is in the hands of the very man who broke her heart years ago.

Special Ops Christmas by Susan Sleeman 

Researcher Claire Reed’s top secret project is stolen, putting her at risk of being kidnapped to unlock it. Her undercover bodyguard—her former love, Green Beret Travis Chapman—is on his most dangerous mission yet.

Homefront Holiday Hero by Jodie Bailey 

When someone tries to kill the daughter of a military official, U.S. Army major Tyler Rainey must keep Kelly Walters from harm…while guarding his own heart against very unexpected feelings.