Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #29




Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 30 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

• The hunt BEGINS on March 1st at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.


 • Hunt through our loop using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer). 


• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, March 4th, at midnight MST). So take your time, reading the unique posts. Our hope is that you'll discover new authors/new books along the way. 


• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #30. Most authors are offering additional prizes of their own, so be sure to sign up for those as well, as you are working your way through the various stops.

• If you get lost along the way, you can find the list of all stops, in order, here.


My Guest for the Hunt


I'm honored to host Lisa T. Bergren, who is as beloved by other authors as she is by her readers. Here's a bit about her latest release, Keturah:



Keturah is the eldest of three, the widow of an English Lord, and the one responsible for saving the Bannings' estate in England… as well as their ailing plantation in the Caribbean. Forced to make a hard decision, Keturah and her sisters sail to Nevis…and find more than their share of trouble…as well as the first stirrings of love.

Take it away, Lisa!




Five Things You Might Not Know About the West Indies & Nevis - Q&A with Lisa T. Bergren


#1 Where are the West Indies?
It’s an old name for what we basically refer to as the Caribbean. It incorporates Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (Haiti and the DR), and many islands between Antigua and Trinidad, including the island where KETURAH is set, Nevis.

THEPALMER, iStock Photo

#2 Why are the West Indies called "the West Indies?"
Columbus thought he’d finally found Asia, so he called it the Indies. Spain, when they discovered his mistake, renamed it the West Indies, to differentiate them from the East Indies, the Spice Islands of the Pacific (Indonesia).


#3 Who discovered the islands?

Well, there were natives on the islands for centuries, who were either enslaved or died of diseases that newcomers brought with them. It is thought that Columbus first set foot on the Bahamian islands, and Spain soon laid claim to all the biggest islands. The Dutch, French and English were the first to come and “settle” on other islands, bringing with them the sugar trade (via Brazil) in the mid-17th century. In short order, those who had been raising tobacco and rice realized that sugar was the more valuable crop, and land became a hot commodity…and countries began to vie for the islands that were making men millionaires.


#4 What are "absentee owners?"
While today we think of the Caribbean islands as paradise, people of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries would not have likely agreed. The islands were a hotbed for disease, routinely wiping out thousands with yellow fever and malaria—some say 3 out of 5 white people died within three years of arrival (African slaves were more resistant to the tropical diseases but suffered and died too). There were also hurricanes, droughts, mudslides, and earthquakes. So many wealthy sugar plantation owners established themselves and then left their plantations in the hands of overseers, so they could return to the comforts of home in England or France.


#5 What is Nevis's claim to fame?

The island on which KETURAH is set was once (17th century) the greatest sugar producer of all, and called “Queen of the Caribees.” By the time my novel takes place, others have surpassed her. But later it was the island on which Alexander Hamilton was born—the USA’s first Secretary of the Treasury, Founding Father (and subject of Broadway’s #1 musical).



Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over 50 books in many different genres, that have sold more than 3 million copies combined. She lives in Colorado with her family, but spends most of her time planning her next trip abroad. For more info, see LisaTBergren.com



Mindy's note:  If you're a reader of my blog or Facebook, you'll know I'm a HUGE Hamilton fan and even won the Hamilton Lottery, which you can read more about here. Thanks for sharing, Lisa. Fascinating!


Here’s the Stop #29 Skinny: 


You can order Lisa's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or at your local bookstore! 


Clue to Write Down: a joy!


Link to Stop #30, the Next Stop on the Loop


But wait–before you go, as a fun addition to the scavenger hunt, I’m hosting my own giveaway! Enter to win an autographed copy of The Amish Quilter and a pair of sterling silver “quilt” cloisonné enamel earrings!






To enter:

            1) Like me on Facebook 



            2) Click on the button below and complete the entry form. 






Deadline to enter is 11:59 pm ET on March 4, 2018. Drawing will be held and the winner announced March 5, 2018. Please note that the earrings will be sent in March, after the winner is announced, but the book will be sent separately in May, once it has been released. 

Thanks for participating, and best wishes on completing the Scavenger Hunt!

Now that you're one stop from the end, I'd love to hear in a comment below, have you enjoyed the Hunt? What was your favorite part?


81 comments:

  1. I'm sorry, but the links won't open for me when I click on them.

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    1. Hi Shoni, that's because the hunt hasn't officially started yet. Come back at noon MST, which is when it begins, and all the links will be up and running. (We always have to post ahead of time so that the coordinators can check and test everything before the hunt starts and make sure there aren't any problems.) Sorry for the confusion.

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  2. These scavenger hunts are so much fun!

    - Kailey Bechtel

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  3. I LOVE the scavenger hunts!
    perrianne.askew@me.com
    Perrianne

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  4. It is just fun to read about the books and authors and find new ones too. Thank you for sharing and the opportunity to win. Lovely earrings!

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  5. Thanks for hosting. I enjoyed reading your post for the hunt.

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  6. I loved finding new authors and new releases that are coming out. I got to know the authors better which was my favorite part.

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  7. I really have enjoyed this hunt. It introduced me to some new authors and some books I have not yet read written by authors with whom I am already familiar

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  8. I had a couple of problems with the links also.

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    1. I should add this was a great way to read about new books and authors. I will re-read some of the posts.

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    2. Sorry to hear that! I hope you were able to complete the Hunt successfully regardless.

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  9. Yes I have really enjoyed this hunt and I am so excited to have gained so many new authors as well as book titles!

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  10. I've had fun hearing from some of my favorite authors and getting to know a few new ones too!

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  11. This is my first hunt and I have to say it has been awesome. I have been wanting to find some new authors to start reading, as well as reunite with some authors I have let slip away. This has been fun and I'm sure I will do this again.

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  12. It's fun to read the blogs and reader comments. And I love the chance to read prizes.

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  13. This was my first scavenger hunt. It was challenging,enlightening and exciting. I took notes so that I could revisit some of the websites. I loved it!

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  14. I love these scavenger hunts. You get to know a little about the authors and their new books or previous books that are out. Thank you!

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  15. It was fun and very enjoyable. I discovered some new authors and new books I intend to read!

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    1. So glad to hear so many of you say this! It's always so fun to discover new authors!

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  16. It's been great! I've found authors I had forgotten about and have come across several I haven't heard of! I'm super excited! Thanks so much!

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  17. I was already following you on FB, Goodreads and Amazon. This has been fun & my first online scavanger hunt. It was fun and found some new authors to read. Better not tell hubby how many books I'm going to be buying in the next few days - he might have another heart attack. :c)

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    1. Thanks for being a follower, Pat! That's great to hear!

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  18. You are my favorite author! I don't own ALL of your books, yet. I think my family is tired of your books (that I don't already have) being on my Christmas list every year. :-) Thanks and keep up the GREAT work.

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  19. I "met" a couple of new authors to me which is the best part of these hunts. I'm always on the lookout for new reads.

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  20. I loved the hunt! The posts were fun to read, and I enjoyed finding new authors.

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  21. I have absolutely loved this spring's scavenger hunt. I found a few authors that are new to me. Reading all of the different posts is a blast for me.

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  22. Thank you so much! I learned about you at the last Christian fiction scavenger hunt. That's what I like about these is hearing about new-to-me authors! And it's fun to have a chance to win :)

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  23. The hunt has been a great way to meet new Christian fiction authors and read several inspirational articles along the way, among them your article "How Whisper the Cat Made His Way Onto the Pages of a Novel." Thank you for sharing with all of us.

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  24. Mindy, I did a double take when I came to your stop on the hunt. The daughter-in-law of a dear friend is Mindy Starnes Clarke -- your name with extra 'e's. And your photo resembles her except that her hair is slightly darker.

    I loved that you worked the cat into the story. Can hardly wait for May to read it.

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    1. Oh how cool, thanks for sharing. People are always trying to stick "e"s in my name, so the alternate spelling isn't all that surprising. :)

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  25. Love this! So many new books I HAVE to read! My local bookstore is gonna love me!

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  26. I so enjoy reading Amish stories. I will be looking to read THE AMISH QUILTER soon.

    Thank you for being a part of this Scavenger Hunt. I've participated in them before, just not sure if it was a Christian Fiction one or some other.
    I have found some new-to-me authors, and scads of books to add to my TBR list. Now finding the time to read them all. I will be keeping my library busy as I ask for books to be brought to my little branch.

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  27. Loved your mysteries. Not as fond of Amish because I've read too many Amish books by too many authors and they tend to bore after awhile. Yours are still worth reading, though.

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  28. I love your books! Sisters of the Dove- what a great series! Honestly, I have over everyone of your books! Thank you for writing such great stories and great characters!

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  30. Call in the hounds, this hunt is almost done! And I've enjoyed it very much! I've gotten to read things from some authors I simply love, others I'm familiar with, and more that I'm hearing about for the first time!

    Thanks for hosting on this scavenger hunt, Mindy! And thanks for the post, Lisa - fascinating stuff to this history buff!

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  31. I have enjoyed this hop so much and met so many new authors! Lori DYkes

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  32. I've never done one of these before but it was a lot of fun! It's a good way to hear about new authors I haven't read before while getting caught up on the other authors I have :)

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  33. This was my first scavenger hunt and it was really interesting. Some I knew and most I didn't. This was fun.

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  34. All done!!!! Thank you for the opportunity!!! God bless!!!:)

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  35. Thanks for the fun scavenger hunt!! Lots of books will be added to my idea list, I'm sure:)
    Hope my entry with the clues came through. I can never tell.

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    1. Yep, I just checked and your entry came through fine. No worries.

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  36. I was really happy that a couple of authors - including a favourite, Patricia Bradley, had prizes for people outside the USA. I live in the South of South Australia. 😃

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  37. I love this hunt this is my third or fourth one I have done. Thank you for being a part of it !
    Linda Marie Finn

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  38. I always enjoy these hunts, I love reading bits & pieces from my favorite authors, and hearing what they're up to, or what comes out next!! :)

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  39. I have so enjoyed the scavenger hunt! It's fun to see all the great authors come together for one event. God bless you!!!

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  40. I always enjoy the scavenger hunt and learning about authors and books. :)

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  41. The hunt has been great fun. Thanks to you and the other authors for all the hard work!

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    1. You're welcome, and I'll join you in the biggest thank you, by far, to Lisa Bergren, who is the Scavenger Hunt mastermind and puts in many hours behind the scenes to make it all happen!

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  42. "Met" new-to-me authors and rediscovered ones I've read in the past. Loved hearing the stories behind the stories. Thank you for all the hard work you authors did for readers to be able to do this hunt. Best: entering to win BOOKS! -- Kim Peterson

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  43. I've never tried this before but will again. Only problem is my TBR list is way too long. As much as I love the feel of a book in my hand, I rarely buy paper books, sticking to e-books because we're downsizing and have 20 bookcases worth of books to distribute as it is. I ride the train to work and love being able to start a new book when I finish a book mid-ride. The write-ups were enlightening and, even if I didn't sign up for a newsletter I kept a list of all the authors and will regularly visit their webpages/blogs.

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    1. That's great, so glad you decided to give it a try!

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  44. It was very interesting to meet new Christian fiction authors!!

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  45. Finding new to me authors and reading posts from authors I am already following. Plus all the great prizes.

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  46. Thank and you ware one of my favorite authors. I need to read few more of your books as I got away from them and want to get back to them. Thanks

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    1. Thanks, Lindsay! I know what you mean, sometimes I'll "remember" an author I used to love to read, and I get so excited because while I wasn't paying attention, he or she was off writing a bunch more novels. ;) Have fun catching up, and if you'd like a full list of all my books, you can always download a free digital version or order a free printed list at http://www.mindystarnsclark.com/books.php.

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  47. Yes, it's been fun. So many great prizes to win. Love to find new to me authors, too!

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  48. Reading and learning about the authors' lives and experiences was fun.Finding new genres was great!

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  49. I am having a great time on this scavenger hunt. Thank you for being part of it.

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  50. The earrings are so pretty!

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    1. Thanks, they're even prettier in person! I found them in the gift shop of a quilting museum, and when I bought them, I loved them so much that my husband insisted I get a second pair to keep for myself. ;)

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  51. I look forward to the scavenger hunt each year and this is the third year I've played along! What a fun post this is, I like learning more about what goes into a book. Historical is my top favorite and to learn new things through fiction with the historical tidbits the author includes.

    Thank you for participating in the hunt and the bonus giveaway!

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  52. I was amazed at how many authors in this hunt I already follow and enjoy reading their works. great fun!

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  53. Yes i have enjoyed the hunt this year.....i have enjoyed learning so much about each of the authors featured. i Hope to also be at the next one in about i guess 6 months.

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    1. This is only my second one, but I think you're right, they seem to be held once in the fall and once in the spring.

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  54. Thanks for being a part of this hunt! I am a big fan of your writing! Blessings!!

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  55. Thank you for being a part of this hunt!!!

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  56. I've absolutely been loving this hunt! I've enjoyed reading about "new" authors that I haven't read before and the ones that I've been familar with, I've enjoyed hearing about their latest books. You are one of my favorites!

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  57. So many new books to read!! I love your Amish series.

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  58. I have read several of your books and love them. The scavenger hunt is so much fun
    and I find out about new authors.

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  59. I love them! (And I can't actually leave my name for some reason, but it's Nicole House.)

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