AP Author Spotlight: Kelly Martin

 

Kelly Martin

 

Blog: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Twitter ID: @martiekay

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552501.Kelly_Martin

Facebook: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552501.Kelly_Martin

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KMbooks/

 

Describe yourself in three words:

Indecisive. People Pleaser.

 

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Saving Sloan is the sequel to Saint Sloan and takes place about five months later.

Sloan Bridges is doing her best to move on from a horrible attack that left her scarred, literally. Her attacker is in a wheelchair awaiting trial. With him out of her life, she focuses on other things like school, Prom, and those Hunter boys.

Someone won't allow her to be happy.

On Sunday, she receives five long stem roses and a note in the front seat of her locked car: Five days before the fall.

What the fall is, she has no idea. Whatever it is, it doesn't sound good. Every day, Sloan gets one less rose and another note. No one else sees them, though, and they think she's either losing her mind or taking too much pain medicine.

She knows better. With the countdown nearly complete, can Sloan figure out who is threatening her before someone she loves pays with his life?

 

 

What is your earliest memory?

I remember sitting in my sister's lap. I was 3. Not sure why I remember that, but I do.

 

What would you consider the greatest moment in your life?

When I became a Mommy. When I got my first teaching job... and the first 'yes' from a publisher.

 

What’s the hardest thing in in life you’ve done?

Tell a child no for it's own good. The look a 3 year old gives you when you 'break their heart' hurts.

 

What have you learned in life so far?

That I don't know much about life ;)

 

Everyone’s favourite question: if you could invite five people for dinner, who would it be?

My Daddy (he's been dead 11 years). My mama. Bill Clinton, Judas, and Jesus -- That would be an interesting conversation...

 

 

Chance for our readers - what else would you like to know about Kelly Martin?

31 Days of Halloween-- CROSSING THE DEEP by Kelly Martin

Fall, Inspy, Suspense, YA

 

$0.99

 

Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.

Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.

As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.

With their food gone and the temperature dropping, time is running out. Will Rachel be able to do what needs to be done to get home? And can Asher find faith when he needs it the most?

 

BUY LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Astraea Press

New Release: Crossing the Divide - Kelly Martin

Four months after Rachel and Asher were rescued from their grueling ordeal in the moun-tains, nothing is the same. Asher has moved on, or is trying too. Those pesky nightmares of his dead friend, Sid, won’t let him. And Rachel is upset because her leg cast is no longer needed. It means she has to move on, and she’s not ready.

One afternoon. One chance to talk. Can Rachel and Asher find a way to move on or will they be emotionally stuck on the mountain forever?

Purchase Link: ASTRAEA PRESS

Excerpt: Crossing the Deep - Kelly Martin

“Rachel, are you going to hate me forever?” Sid asked as he draped his arm around her shoulder. His dark red coat matched his hat so perfectly that Rachel wondered how long he had searched for a coat the exact same shade as his favorite headpiece.

“I don’t hate you,” she said, shrugging him off.

“Sure you do. You both do. Carly told me you did.”

“She did what?”

“Yeah, in the van. She said both of you royally disliked me, and I wanted to hear it from you.”

The soft sound of the running water echoed through the trees. It sounded peaceful, tranquil. If only Sid would be quiet long enough for her to enjoy it.

Rachel held on to the flimsy, wooden handrail as she started across the swinging, single person bridge across Deep Creek, which ran perpendicular to the trail. Deep Creek wasn’t very big; maybe fourteen feet across, and appeared more of a trickle than a creek. She didn’t even see a waterfall. It kinda bummed her out.

“Deep Creek,” Sid read the sign at the beginning of the bridge and followed behind her. “Original. Misleading, but original.”

Rachel couldn’t argue with that. A few boulders were scattered across the creek basin. To Rachel, it looked like if something bad did happen and the water actually covered those rocks, then the creek would live up to its name.

“I don’t know what Carly told you, but I don’t hate you.

Carly is her own person and can think or feel what she wants,” Rachel said once she reached the other side of the bridge. ”But I don’t hate you. I don’t like what you did, but I don’t hate you.”

“Look, I know I messed up. I more than messed up. I screwed up and hurt someone I care about. I know that. If I could take it back, I would. Can you just please talk to Carly when we get to the picnic area? Make her see that I’m not a bad guy.”

Rachel didn’t know what to say to that. She had always heard once a cheater always a cheater, but she also knew it was her Christian duty to forgive.

“Come on. Help a guy out,” he added in a pitiful voice. “I told her I was sorry. What more does she want?”

“You’ll just have to figure that out yourself,” Rachel said, unsure of how to help him.

“Just talk to her. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease…”

“Okay!” she said just to shut him up.

“Thank you!” His face lit up like a Christmas tree, and he kissed her on the cheek before running up the trail toward Asher, who was leaning on a tree. “You’re the best!” he yelled back at her.

Rachel stopped walking. What had she agreed to, and what was Sid thinking kissing her like that? It wasn’t like he was letting his intentions be known, as her grandma liked to say. But still, being kissed — even in a chaste way — wasn’t something that happened to her every day.

She watched as Sid slapped Asher on the shoulder before running by him, and without thinking, her fingers went to the little spot on her cheek where his kiss had landed.

“If you get that riled up from a little peck on the cheek, I’d hate to see what would happen if you got a kiss on your lips,” Asher yelled, folding his arms with that same smirk he’d had at the snack machine. Rachel’s cheeks burned like fire, knowing what she must look like, staring all swoony--‐‑eyed at Sid. When did she start swooning?

“On second thought,” Asher said, narrowing his eyes, “maybe it would be a fun thing to see.”

“That would imply that I’d let you.” Rachel made her legs move again.

“Very true.” Asher laughed, falling in step beside her.

“What are you doing on this trip anyway?” Rachel asked, harsher than she meant. Her mouth was in defensive mode.

He shrugged, not seeming to take any offense. “Didn’t have any other place to be.”

Awkward silence filled the space between them as they walked. Rachel just wanted him to run ahead with Sid and leave her alone.

“You should cut him some slack, you know?”

“Who? Sid?”

“Who else? Yeah, Sid. He messed up, sure. He cheated. We all mess up. Even perfect little Christians like you.” He had a lot to learn about her. “I’m by no means perfect,” she said, her voice hard.

“And neither is Sid.”

“I’ve never cheated on a boyfriend.”

“Have you ever had a boyfriend?”

Ouch, that stung. “That’s none of your business.” Sure, she had never had a boyfriend, but she knew without a doubt she wouldn’t cheat on one.

“I’m sorry,” he said, almost like he meant it.

“Whatev—”

“And Sid’s sorry too,” he said without skipping a beat. “Making out with Easy Emily wasn’t the smartest move. One, because her lips should be retired for excessive use, and two because it hurt someone he cares about a lot.”

Rachel knew he was right. She’d even used the same argument with Carly. For some reason, she just wanted to stay mad at Sid, more so after he thought it wise to buy her help with a little peck on the cheek. The kiss had irked her. And her reaction to it irked her even more.

Asher spoke when she didn’t. “You Bible types are all about forgiveness,” he shook his head, “until it'ʹs you who has to do the forgiving.”

“What do you know of the Bible, Asher?” she spat. “Do you even own one?”

Without warning, Asher stepped in front of her. She could either stop or run over him; she chose to stop. Her eyes came up to his chest, and she tilted her head up to see his face. That close, she could see how blue his eyes were and the little moon--‐‑shaped scar on his chin. He didn’t look amused anymore, and the twinkle was gone from his eyes. “You think you know it all, don’t you? It’s all black and white with you. No gray areas. All or nothing. Well, guess what?”

He moved his hands to her shoulders and pushed her windblown curls back. “The world doesn’t work like that.” Asher lingered a moment, staring into her eyes. He stared so long, Rachel wondered if he was going to kiss her too, but that was stupid, because he obviously didn’t like her. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Watching him go, her mind raced and felt completely empty at the same time.

She had no idea what in the world was happening on this trip.

ASTRAEA PRESS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Promo: The Inaugural Astraea Press Fan Fest!

On July 16th Astraea Press authors Kelly Martin and Wendy Knight are hosting the first ever Astraea Press Fan Festival. There are over 40 authors participating and TONS of giveaways! The event is from 9AM until 9PM!

Have a favorite AP author you're just dying to ask questions? Want to ask an AP author anything? Comment on this blog post with your questions and on the 16th we'll post your questions at the event!

To join in on the fun, click HERE. If 150 respond by Friday we'll give away our first prize!

Grace Awards: Crossing the Deep - Kelly Martin

The Grace Awards are pleased to announce the first place winner in the Young Adult Fiction category, to Kelly Martin, for Crossing the Deep. From the alluring cover design to the last page, Ms. Martin has constructed an engaging, age-appropriate story which will keep the readers captivated throughout the book. Rachel Harker joins a church youth group retreat with her close friend and other teens. During a hike in the Smoky Mountains, she makes a brief diversion from the trail, which unfortunately for Rachel, results in some devastating consequences. What began as a breezy hiking activity turns into a struggle for survival. Rachel and her friends find themselves stranded in a cold, rainy environment and must prepare themselves for the possibility of animal attacks, exposure and eventually, despair. Their faith, endurance and friendship are tested to the maximum as they desperately search for the “right path”. The characters in Crossing the Deep were realistically portrayed and much is learned along the way about certain events which influenced their lives. Faith in God is a point of contention for the characters along with an abundant share of twists and surprises. Despite the challenges facing the characters, the readers will find themselves cheering the teens on to victory. Crossing the Deep is a well-written tale which readers of all ages will enjoy and appreciate. Congratulations to Kelly Martin for creating such a marvelous, character-driven story!

Purchase Crossing the Deep from Astraea Press | Crossing The Deep | Barnes & Noble

We here at Astraea Press want to congratulate Kelly on winning the Young Adult Fiction Grace Award!

Excerpt: Crossing the Deep - Kelly Martin

“Rachel, are you going to hate me forever?” Sid asked as he draped his arm around her shoulder. His dark red coat matched his hat so perfectly that Rachel wondered how long he had searched for a coat the exact same shade as his favorite headpiece.

“I don’t hate you,” she said, shrugging him off.

“Sure you do. You both do. Carly told me you did.”

“She did what?”

“Yeah, in the van. She said both of you royally disliked me, and I wanted to hear it from you.”

The soft sound of the running water echoed through the trees. It sounded peaceful, tranquil. If only Sid would be quiet long enough for her to enjoy it.

http://images-cdn.ecwid.com/images/235058/51617067.jpg
Rachel held on to the flimsy, wooden handrail as she started across the swinging, single person bridge across Deep Creek, which ran perpendicular to the trail. Deep Creek wasn’t very big; maybe fourteen feet across, and appeared more of a trickle than a creek. She didn’t even see a waterfall. It kinda bummed her out.

“Deep Creek,” Sid read the sign at the beginning of the bridge and followed behind her. “Original. Misleading, but original.”

Rachel couldn’t argue with that. A few boulders were scattered across the creek basin. To Rachel, it looked like if something bad did happen and the water actually covered those rocks, then the creek would live up to its name.

“I don’t know what Carly told you, but I don’t hate you.

Carly is her own person and can think or feel what she wants,” Rachel said once she reached the other side of the bridge. ”But I don’t hate you. I don’t like what you did, but I don’t hate you.”

“Look, I know I messed up. I more than messed up. I screwed up and hurt someone I care about. I know that. If I could take it back, I would. Can you just please talk to Carly when we get to the picnic area? Make her see that I’m not a bad guy.”

Rachel didn’t know what to say to that. She had always heard once a cheater always a cheater, but she also knew it was her Christian duty to forgive.

“Come on. Help a guy out,” he added in a pitiful voice. “I told her I was sorry. What more does she want?”

“You’ll just have to figure that out yourself,” Rachel said, unsure of how to help him.

“Just talk to her. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease…”

“Okay!” she said just to shut him up.

“Thank you!” His face lit up like a Christmas tree, and he kissed her on the cheek before running up the trail toward Asher, who was leaning on a tree. “You’re the best!” he yelled back at her.

Rachel stopped walking. What had she agreed to, and what was Sid thinking kissing her like that? It wasn’t like he was letting his intentions be known, as her grandma liked to say. But still, being kissed — even in a chaste way — wasn’t something that happened to her every day.

She watched as Sid slapped Asher on the shoulder before running by him, and without thinking, her fingers went to the little spot on her cheek where his kiss had landed.

“If you get that riled up from a little peck on the cheek, I’d hate to see what would happen if you got a kiss on your lips,” Asher yelled, folding his arms with that same smirk he’d had at the snack machine. Rachel’s cheeks burned like fire, knowing what she must look like, staring all swoony--‐‑eyed at Sid. When did she start swooning?

“On second thought,” Asher said, narrowing his eyes, “maybe it would be a fun thing to see.”

“That would imply that I’d let you.” Rachel made her legs move again.

“Very true.” Asher laughed, falling in step beside her.

“What are you doing on this trip anyway?” Rachel asked, harsher than she meant. Her mouth was in defensive mode.

He shrugged, not seeming to take any offense. “Didn’t have any other place to be.”

Awkward silence filled the space between them as they walked. Rachel just wanted him to run ahead with Sid and leave her alone.

“You should cut him some slack, you know?”

“Who? Sid?”

“Who else? Yeah, Sid. He messed up, sure. He cheated. We all mess up. Even perfect little Christians like you.” He had a lot to learn about her. “I’m by no means perfect,” she said, her voice hard.

“And neither is Sid.”

“I’ve never cheated on a boyfriend.”

“Have you ever had a boyfriend?”

Ouch, that stung. “That’s none of your business.” Sure, she had never had a boyfriend, but she knew without a doubt she wouldn’t cheat on one.

“I’m sorry,” he said, almost like he meant it.

“Whatev—”

“And Sid’s sorry too,” he said without skipping a beat. “Making out with Easy Emily wasn’t the smartest move. One, because her lips should be retired for excessive use, and two because it hurt someone he cares about a lot.”

Rachel knew he was right. She’d even used the same argument with Carly. For some reason, she just wanted to stay mad at Sid, more so after he thought it wise to buy her help with a little peck on the cheek. The kiss had irked her. And her reaction to it irked her even more.

Asher spoke when she didn’t. “You Bible types are all about forgiveness,” he shook his head, “until it'ʹs you who has to do the forgiving.”

“What do you know of the Bible, Asher?” she spat. “Do you even own one?”

Without warning, Asher stepped in front of her. She could either stop or run over him; she chose to stop. Her eyes came up to his chest, and she tilted her head up to see his face. That close, she could see how blue his eyes were and the little moon--‐‑shaped scar on his chin. He didn’t look amused anymore, and the twinkle was gone from his eyes. “You think you know it all, don’t you? It’s all black and white with you. No gray areas. All or nothing. Well, guess what?”

He moved his hands to her shoulders and pushed her windblown curls back. “The world doesn’t work like that.” Asher lingered a moment, staring into her eyes. He stared so long, Rachel wondered if he was going to kiss her too, but that was stupid, because he obviously didn’t like her. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Watching him go, her mind raced and felt completely empty at the same time.

She had no idea what in the world was happening on this trip.

Excerpt: Saint Sloan - Kelly Martin

“That’s a good question.” Aaron’s voice boomed from the kitchen entryway. Sloan jumped when she heard it. Ray said he slept until ten, and it was barely eight. Friday night she had been so
appreciative of him. Now, thanks to the testimonies of others, she was nervous to see him. He looked tired with messy hair, wrinkled navy blue work pants, and a day--‐‑old beard. Despite herself, she couldn’t take her eyes off him, specifically his lack of a shirt. Aaron had his arms crossed over his well--‐‑built chest and leaned on the door facing.

“Why did you tell Miss Sloan to stay away from me, brother?”

Sloan tore her eyes away from Aaron’s biceps in time to see Ray lean back in his chair and cross his arms as well, almost as if accepting a challenge. “Because, brother, for all of your good
qualities, you can still be a jerk sometimes.”

“Runs in the family.” Aaron smirked as he walked into the room and grabbed a paper plate. He piled the last remaining pieces of pizza on it and got a soda from the fridge. He turned a seat
around and sat at the head of the table next to Sloan, putting her smack dab in the middle of them. “What ya working on?”

Sloan forced her eyes to stay on his and not venture down his very long, very muscular, very kissable…“Biology,” she said quickly. “We’re studying biology.” Don’t look at his neck… don’t look
at his neck.

“Biology. Not chemistry.” He winked at his brother, who glared.

“What are you doing up so early?”

“Why? Have a special evening planned with your lady friend here?” Aaron grinned at Sloan.

“Not if you count homework as fun.”

“I don’t. That’s why I dropped out.”

“You dropped out?” Sloan asked before she could stop herself.

Aaron wiped his mouth with a paper towel and narrowed his eyes. “Kinda had to after Ma left. Got my GED and never looked back. I guess Ray told you the whole sordid affair.”

“A lot of it, I guess. I’m sorry she left you like that.”

“Don’t be. It was the best thing she’d ever done for us, right, Ray? To answer your question, brother, I have to go into work early tonight, nine instead of eleven. At least it’s overtime. Money.”

“I didn’t know,” Ray said.

Aaron shrugged. “I didn’t tell. But it worked out well. I got to spend time with my little brother and his new woman.”

“I’m not his woman,” Sloan said, then tried to backtrack. “I mean, I don’t mean that I wouldn’t like to be or there is something wrong with him… but we just… met… again… and….”

Aaron laughed and fell back in his chair. “I’m kidding, girl. Don’t read so much into it.”

Her phone vibrated on the table, and Sloan panicked. “Oh, no!”

Everything okay???

It was her mom! She’d forgotten to text her. Sloan prayed with everything she had that her mom hadn’t already called the police. Fine, mom. Sorry. Got carried away talking. Be home soon.

“Your mom didn’t call the cops, I hope,” Ray said.

“The cops? You use the same line on him that you did on me?” Aaron scoffed with his mouth full of pizza. “Man, you’re brutal.”

“Safety first,” Sloan said before her phone vibrated again. Okay. If you’re sure.

She let out a calming breath and put the phone back on the table. “Phew. Mom’s okay with all of this, but I really need to get home. Ray, we got everything finished we intended to do tonight,
right?”

“Right. We got the outline done. Now all we have to do is finish writing the blasted thing.”

“Fun times.” Sloan smiled and put her book back into her backpack. Once that was done, she grabbed her phone to text her mom again. “I’ll tell my mom to come pick me up on her way home. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Why? I’m going that way,” Aaron spoke up as he walked to the trash can with his plate. “I have to be at work at nine anyway. Why don’t I drop you off?”

“I can drive her.” Ray sounded almost defensive.

“That would be silly, Ray. Her house is on my way to work. It only makes sense for me to take her… home.” Aaron glared at Ray, and Ray did the same, with Sloan stuck between them.
“It’s fine, Ray. Really. It’s not like he hasn’t driven me home before,” Sloan said to break the tension. Truthfully, she’d rather ride home with Ray but didn’t want to be a burden to him.

“You’re sure?”

“She’s sure. Come on, my dear.” Aaron stood behind her seat and helped her up. The gesture would have been gentlemanly, even romantic, if he wasn’t doing it just to aggravate Ray. “Don’t
stay up too late, little brother. Remember, it’s a school night.”

Aaron ruffled Ray’s hair before Ray smacked his hand away.

“Be careful,” Ray said slowly.

“I will,” he said, helping Sloan get her backpack on. “Precious cargo and all.”

“Thanks for everything, Ray.” Sloan smiled and hoped he understood how much she meant it. “Supper was delicious.”

“You should see what he can do with spaghetti,” Aaron said from behind her.

“Aaron…”

“I’m not lying. It’s really good. Maybe you can come back and try it some time.”

“I’d like that,” Sloan said, and she meant it. Except for a few awkward moments, she’d had a good time.

“Tomorrow at school we’ll pick another day for you to come over, if you want,” Ray said as he cleaned up his and Sloan’s plates.

“It’s a date then,” Aaron clapped from the hallway. “Come on, princess. I’ve got to get a shirt on. Let’s get you home.”

Sloan followed Aaron to the hall and tuned around to Ray. He was watching her from the sink and looked sad to see her go. She wondered if it was more because she was going home or
because she was going with Aaron. Sibling rivalry didn’t seem fun, not that she would know anything about it. She was an only child. Taking a deep breath, she walked back to Ray, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for supper.”

When she leaned away, he smiled and peeked over her head toward the hallway.

She didn’t have to look to know Aaron was there. Aaron may have won round one (taking her home), but Ray won round two (the first kiss). “You’re welcome. See ya at school tomorrow.”

~*~*~*

BUY LINKS (if you need them)
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Saint-Sloan-ebook/dp/B00BMQ9E9O/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

BARNES AND NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saint-sloan-kelly-martin/1114723748?ean=2940016377308

SMASHWORDS: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/290677

ASTRAEA PRESS: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=20839143

KOBO: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Saint-Sloan/book-wNrqosRRB0i2jU9ym34izg/page1.html?s=4Xoj6XizzUOFvTfhOsZ87Q&r=1

Three Truth's and a Lie with Kelly MArtin

~Kelly Martin is a writer, blogger, mommy, teacher, wife, and sleep deprived lady (not necessarily in that order). She writes Young Adult/Christian fiction. Her first book, CROSSING THE DEEP, is available now. Her second book, SAINT SLOAN, is coming late winter 2013. For more information on her, please visit her blog at http://www.kellymartinstories.com/ or follow her on twitter: @martieKay.

Now for the fun. See if YOU can guess Kelly's little lie :)

*I was sixteen years old when I saw my first movie in a theater.

*I have a tiny blue scar on my forehead.

*My favorite movie is Toy Story.

*I've only had one wreck in my life. The participants in that wreck (excluding me) were named: Mary, Joseph, John, and Jesus.