ALL THIS TIME pre-release giveaway!

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Guess what . . . my next book, All This Timereleases two months from today! Yep, it’s releasing on September 28. Which also happens to be my birthday.

So basically I will have two reasons to eat ice cream cake that day. Did I purposely plan it that way? Maaaaybe.

But here’s the thing, if you’ve paid any attention at all to mundane things like my Facebook or Twitter header or the random post here and there, you’ve probably heard me say that All This Time would release at the end of August. And now I’m saying end of September. What gives?

To be completely honest, edits on this book have simply taken me longer than planned. Partially because earlier this month I basically decided to tear the story apart…FOR THE THIRD TIME. (Which sounds like a bad thing, but it’s good. It’s inspiration in action. I’ve learned to accept it as part of my process. 🙂 )

But also because (transparency moment) I have realized more and more in the past couple years that finishing books isn’t nearly as important to me as hanging out with people I love. It just isn’t. I adore my fictional characters and so enjoy spending time in fictional worlds. But real people, the real world…they’re always going to win.

So, I truly apologize for needing to push my release date back a month. But I can’t bring myself to regret my non-writing summer activities: traveling down to Wichita to see my nephew . . . trekking up to my hometown to watch my nieces in a parade . . . having a girls night with my mom and sister . . . helping my Dad paint my parents’ house . . . sitting around a big table playing games with family . . . catching up with friends. 🙂

BUT to make up for the fact that I’m being so slow getting this book out into the world, we’ve got fun stuff coming up including:

  • Pre-order links are coming soon. As in, next week. As in, whoa, this is getting real!
  • Next week you’ll also be able to sample the first three chapters of All This Time. YAY for sneak peeks!
  • And today we’ve got a pre-release giveaway starting! It runs through Sunday, August 6 and the prizes are pretty sweet, if I do say so myself.

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Prizes include:

  • $25 Amazon.com gift card
  • A 5 x7 custom art print with 1 John 4:18 on it, a verse which has ended up being a big piece of All This Time. The print was designed by my lovely and talented sister Nicole Schwieger. You can check out more of her work at her Duck & Doll Designs Etsy shop.
  • A ridiculously adorable bear print bag (because Bear McKinley!) Not gonna lie. When I saw this cute little bag (perfect for makeup or jewelry storage), I bought two . . . one for the giveaway and one for yours truly.
  • A large-size bag of caramel M&Ms because I’m kind of obsessed with them right now.
  • An autographed copy of All This Time (to be mailed once it’s printed). Or if you happen to win and you prefer an ebook, that works too.

Entry is easy! Just fill out the form below and be sure to check out the bonus entry options…

Thanks for being patient with me, guys. I’m beyond excited to share Raegan Walker and Bear McKinley’s story with you in September. (Although I should probably confess that I’m already preparing to cry my eyes out once this book is out in the world…I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Walkers!)

Melissa First Name Sig

 

 

p.s. I’m pretty excited for ALL THIS TIME to release and I hope you are too…but what OTHER upcoming books are you excited about?!
 

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    Comments 141

    1. Melissa-
      This book sounds Wonderful and I totally get why it is coming out in September instead of August. Family is so important and I would love to see the color choosen for Your Parents House. We play Board games all the time it is our Family bonding time.
      Be Blessed!
      Justina

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        Thanks, Justina! Yeah, I kinda decided a year or so ago that from there on out, when family or friends called, I would always say YES as much as possible. Even if it meant not getting writing done. For several years, deadlines had sort of taken over my social life and I kept thinking to myself, “Look, writing books is fun. And I love and am blessed to do it. But real life relationships need to come first…always.” Sometimes it means I’m a little behind on my writing/editing/publishing goals…but I don’t regret it a bit!

        Oh, and my mom and dad’s house is now this beige-ish color. 🙂

    2. I’m super excited about your book. And I know I have a long wait, but I’m eagerly anticipating Becky Wade’s next book.

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        Becky Wade is amazing, isn’t she?! I haven’t read her latest couple yet, just because I’ve been on such a historical kick with my reading time, but I so adore her writing. 🙂

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    3. I am super excited about All This Time. Take all the time you need with your family. Family is always the number one priority! I am looking forward to reading Ruth Reid’s next book. For my instagram I accidently put 2deannelovescatss as my name it should be deannelovescatss the 2 doesn’t belong there. A slip of the fingers as I was typing 🙂

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    4. Yay! So excited! Don’t feel badly for prioritizing your time. You do what’s important to you! I’m excited about my own book, Worthy of Redemption! Which unfortunately, still does not have a release date because I too have been tearing my story apart. But I know it will be so worth it! I’m also excited for Nicole Deese’s A New Shade Of Summer.

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        Thanks so much, Krystina. And YAY for tearing the story apart. Honestly, I love doing that because that’s usually when I find the true heart of the story. Drafting, to me, is the scary part…but getting to tear apart a first draft or second draft or whatever, that’s when I start having fun. 🙂 And YAY for you having an upcoming release!

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        1. Hey Melissa, thanks for the giveaway! Congrats on your new release. I’m also super excited about my friend Hannah Conway’s upcoming release, Up In Smoke as well as Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle.

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    5. I’m really excited to get to Lori Benton’s Many Sparrows – hopefully will be starting that one soon, and in the more distant future, I am excited about The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz.

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        Many Sparrows!!! Okay. I am obsessed with that book. And all Lori’s books. She is my favorite author of all time. Seriously. I can’t even talk about her books intelligently, that’s how much I love them. And Many Sparrows was just so incredibly gorgeous.

        And Laura Frantz!! I adore her books, too. Her characters are ones that just burrow straight to your heart right from the opening pages.

        All that to say, you have some fabulous reading ahead of you. 🙂

    6. I cannot wait to read this book. I love all of your books and have enjoyed getting to know the Walker clan. Thanks again for a chance to win this giveaway.

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    7. I’m excited about your book. I’m also excited for the new Serafina book and the Name Unknown book.

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        Thanks so much, Bonnijean! I just finished reading A Name Unknown over the weekend and I absolutely loved it…which was no surprise since I love all of Roseanna White’s books.

    8. Yay! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

      I am super excited for Sarah Sundin’s next book to release. I love her stories.

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    9. Congratulations on the upcoming release of your new book. I can not wait to read it. Love M&M’s, too. My mom’s birthday is also in September!
      What other books am I waiting for release? Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book 3 ‘The Return’ of her Amish Beginnings series.

    10. “An Inconvenient Beauty” by Kristi Ann Hunter, “The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck” by Bethany Turner, “The Engagement Plot” by Krista Phillips, and “The Captivating Lady Charlotte” by Carolyn Miller are all books I’m looking forward to reading.

    11. Yay! Cannot WAIT for Bear and Raegans story!

      As for fiction, I have a few on my kindle I need to get to! Lindsey Harrell’s One More Song to Sing, Kristen Heitzman’s Told Yoi So, and Dani Pettrey’s Still Life! So many great books to read!

      As for non-fiction, I’m excited to read Chip Gaines new book, Capital Gaines!

    12. I love the walker family books! I can’t wait for the last one even though I’m sad it’ll be over. Great books!!

    13. Wow! I’ve just been waiting on yours. I only have 2 authors that I automatically read everything they write when it comes out – you and Becky Wade – it goes to the top of the TBR pile. And I always get a print copy of all but the novellas. I can’t wait for this book!

    14. Thanks for the giveaway!!! It looks super fun! I am also super excited for Becky Wade’s next novel, which still doesn’t have an official release date! I can’t wait to read All This Time!!

    15. I have so many books waiting to read when they come out!! All this time of course! Rivers End Ranch, belle calhoune has many books coming, last play series by Taylor hart, Brooke st James bishop family….ahhhh so many lol

    16. I am so excited for this book and so understand the need to “people” more. You’ve got to do what is best for you! Okay, the book I am really excited for is Wonder Woman by Leigh Bardugo because I have loved all of her books (Grisha series, Six of Crows series). She is a great writer, and it’s Wonder Woman!

    17. Admittedly, you are a new-to-me author and the Walker family are patiently waiting for me to get to know them on my TBR list but I’m still excited for this release and giveaway! I feel like I will really relate to Raegan’s story and can’t wait to meet the Walkers. Plus, the book cover’s pretty…

      Additional book releases I’m excited for are The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, A New Shade of Summer and Blue Ridge Sunrise.

    18. I’m excited to read your next book! I also get excited for new releases by Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, and so many more that I’m afraid I will miss someone! There are many, many wonderful authors!!!

    19. I am excited about Bear and Reagan’s story! You should never apologize for spending time with family. They are so much more important than making book deadlines. I am also looking forward to Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig.

    20. Lori Benton, Tamera Alexander, Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Patricia Bradley, Victoria Bylin . . . . . . . all have books coming out that I am excited to read.

    21. Oh happy day!! So excited for this story and loving the giveaway!!

      And as a fellow writer I totally appreciate your authenticity about the importance of doing life with those you love. ♥️

    22. So looking forward to Bear and Reagan’s story!! I’m looking forward to several upcoming the second half of 2017 including The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner, An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter, Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan, Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey, and The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

    23. There are so many books I’m excited for: In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury, Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig, A Place at Our Table by Amy Clipston, among a whole list of others! 🙂 Are you doing another Christmas novella this year?

    24. I’m so excited to read Reagan and Bear’s story! I love your books. I’m also eagerly waiting for Becky Wade and Denise Hunter’s new books. 🙂

    25. I am looking forward to so many books, but what I am most looking forward to is Christmas books! I love Christmas and love reading Christmas stories!

    26. Thanks for the giveaway and that’s a nice prize package.
      I’m super excited to read your book of course,and looking forward to reading Lynn Austin: Where we Belong

    27. It’s been a bit of a crazy summer, which has put me a little out of the loop on books. I’ll get back to more reading in the fall and winter. I did however see a Candace Calvert book releasing soon and would love to read it. Congratulations on your new release in September!! Blessings!

    28. In addition to All This Time :), I’m really looking forward to Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey and Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter.

    29. I’m so excited for you!! Fall is the most beautiful time for a celebration. To answer your question, I’m really excited to read Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh. I’m hoping to get my hands on a copy of Life After by Katie Ganshert as well! I’m pretty broke and my library system stinks here, so I trade books with my sister when I see her once or twice a year.

    30. I’m very excited about your new release, Melissa! I’m so glad you’ve been able to spend time with your family. Family time is the best! I’m looking forward to releases by Nicole Deese, Pepper Basham, Kristi Ann Hunter, Ronie Kendig, and quite a few others.

      My birthday is in September, too, so I may need to order your book for a birthday present.

    31. What a FANTASTIC giveaway, Melissa! <3
      I am SOO excited for this book. 🙂
      Other books I'm excited for… "Isaiah's Daughter" by Mesu Andrews, "Lady Jayne" by Joanna Davidson Politano, and several others. ^.^
      Thank you!!

    32. I can’t wait to read this book!! I love the Walker family. I’m looking forward to Tamera Alexanders new book, along with Susan Mau Warren. So many books coming out to choose from.

    33. Melissa, I am beyond excited to know when All This Time is coming. It means I can finally finish Keep Holding On! I’ve been savoring it and rereading chapters because I didn’t want to wait too long for the next book.(I know, I’m a bit weird.)
      I’m looking forward to some recent releases, I just downloaded the audibles of Rachel Hauck’s “The Writing Desk” and Roseanna White’s “A Name Unknown”.I will have something to listen to on the drive to Cincy! #CFRRaddicts
      I’m looking forward to Pepper Basham’s “Charming the Troublemaker” coming out later this year and “My Heart Belong’s in The Shenandoah Vally” by Andrea Boeashaar coming in September.

    34. CONGRATS, Melissa. Life should always take precedence, and that’s just how it should be. While I personally am a reader who cannot wait to read “All this Time,” I’m glad you took the time you needed with it. It’ll be well worth the wait, this I know. Good luck in these final weeks. <3

    35. SQUEEEEEEE!!!! Melissa, I can’t wait until September! Sounds like you are having a fabulous Summer making priceless memories with your family!

      I’m also excited for The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz.

    36. An author I follow, Regan Walker, has a Secret Scottish Christmas novella coming out which I am looking forward to reading.

    37. Another book that I am looking forward to coming out is Chasing Secret’s by Lynette Eason. Loved the first 3 in the series and can’t wait to read this one!

    38. I’m so excited about most of the new releases coming up including yours. Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is greatly anticipated.

    39. I look forward to reading your new book and this month I have been reading Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery.

    40. O.. I don’t like this question, only because we can never just choose one. Dani Pettrey’s Blind Spot is high on the list, and so is Kristi Ann Hunter’s An Incovenient Beauty and so is… yes.. a lot.

    41. This looks like a great book. Other books I’m looking forward to are Mary Connealy’s Too Far Down, Melanie Dickerson’s A Dangerous Engagement, and A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden.

    42. You are a new author to me and I would love to win a copy of your book…along with all the other delightful goodies! Thanks for the chance. I am also excited about A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot.

    43. I am so excited for the release of All This Time! Also anxiously awaiting the release of Crystal Walton’s next book! Love you both!

    44. I Love your books and I can’t wait for Bear to finally get his book. I’m also excited for Lisa T. Bergren’s next book and Tamara Leigh’s next book. They both look really good. Of Course I’m also waiting patiently for Sarah Monzon’s Esther book and Nicole Deese’s next book. Fun times are coming.

    45. I’m convinced we are twins, separated at birth. Every time I read a post from you and see your new or ongoing likes/loves/obsessions, I’m always right there with you (ie. OBSESSION w/ Needtobreathe). This time, it’s your mention of caramel m&m’s. I think I’m on my third bag in just as many weeks! And that’s the “share” size, which I’m not so great about sharing. Mom’s gotta have her secret stash.

      As for some upcoming books that I’m excited for – Carla Laureano’s, The Saturday Night Supper Club. I’ve missed her and thrilled that she’s finally releasing a new one.

    46. I love your books! I can’t wait to read this new one. I have no problem waiting, I have a big TBR pile including Lori Benton’s Burning Sky that you recommended! So glad you had fun times with your family this summer. Thank you so much for the fun giveaway and the chance to win!

    47. Cannot wait to read this book! September 28th seems so far away, but I know it will here before I know it!
      Other books I’m anxious to read are Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig, An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter, Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey, and Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren!

    48. Happy early birthday and congrats on your new release! Thanks for giving me a chance to win, these are ALL of my favorite things! How did you know? 😉

    49. Looking forward to the new Gerry Schmitt and Laura Child. Also, the new Jan Karon, Anne Rice and Sue Grafton (and wonder how we will survive w/o Kinsey Milhone, as this is ALMOST the last Alphabet Mystery)

    50. So very excited for you. Family time is so important. we used to play board games all the time. It was a great family time.

    51. I haven’t read any of your books yet. But reading about this last book I’m going to buy the rest of the series.
      Thank you for this wonderful giveaway

    52. Congratulations on your new book. Good for you for putting family first! I have so many books that I am looking forward to reading. Thanks for the giveaway.

    53. Greatly anticipating this book! Although the first two books that came to mind were Troubled Waters and To Wager Her Heart, in reading over these comments, I’m remembering SO MANY that I’m looking forward to that didn’t come immediately to mind… Lori Benton’s, Laura Frantz’s, Becky Wade’s, Ronie Kendig’s, Dani Pettrey’s, etc.!!! Thanks for the reminder! And what a great giveaway… thanks!!!

    54. Oh my goodness! Melissa, I am excited about ALL THE BOOKS!!! But if you’re going to twist my arm and make me name names… Many Sparrows by Lori Benton, An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter, Lady Jane Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano, A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green, The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz… I just realized those are all historicals… it’s the covers!!!! I love contemporary too, Susan May Warren’s Montana Rescue series, Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters series, Pepper Basham’s Mitchell’s Crossroads series… I think I made my point 😉 LOL!

    55. I am so excited about the new book coming out for you. It is a wonderful thing for both the author and the readers know how much work you put into writing each book and giving us the opportunity to picture the whole story in our minds.

    56. Can’t wait to read your new book! I’m also excited for Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden, Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh, The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz, and Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren!

    57. Hi Melissa, as much as I’m looking forward to your next book, I want to applaude you for having your priorities in order. Real life people, family and friends, should always be most important and they should know it!

    58. Another Lori Benton fan here! Can’t wait for Many Sparrows… also the Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. Also Tamera Alexander’s newest releases in a few days. I guess you could say I am a historical fiction fan
      But in the past few years I have read some really great contemporary novels too.

    59. Of course I’m looking forward to your book, but I’m also looking forward to Susan May Warren’s new series and Becky Wade’s new series.

    60. Melissa, I can’t wait to read this one! By your posts and emails it is evident that you are pouring yourself into this one. Perhaps I’ll do a reread before reading this one of all the walkers?! Keep it up. Blessings!

    61. Hi Melissa!!

      I’m so excited for the last of this series!! I love your novels! They’re just so sweet and always give me all the feels! I’m also excited for Susan May Warren’s last book of the Montana Rescue series!

    62. Never feel apologetic for the time spent with family. Books will always be here, different family members may not. And when everything is said and done, it’s our family that is everything to us, the gift that the Lord gave us.

    63. Hi Melissa, I’m so excited for this to arrive! I am also looking forward to Jennifer Chiaverini and Sarah Loudin Thomas’s books.
      Blessings!

    64. I am behind on the series. Just beginning the Walker Family books but I plan to catch up quickly. Just finished Three Little Words and downloaded From the Start for my next book. Hope to be ready when the next book releases!

    65. Some books I cannot wait to read (besides All This Time): Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey, Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren, Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan, and many more. 😉

    66. I cant wait to read your next book! What I’ve read so far has been so fun. You might also want to check out a fairly new author, Paula Rose Michelson. She’s working on Book 3 of the Naomi series. I’ve read many of her books, and am looking forward to the continuation of the series.

    67. Sharpe Shooter (Cozy Suburbs Mystery) by Lisa B. Thomas
      UNTIL YOU LOVED ME by Brenda Novak
      The Haunting (Seacliff High Book 7) by Kathi Daley

    68. I’m pleased to ‘make your acquaintance’ through the recent book GiveAway I entered! I’ve met Many new-to-me authors, which has been interesting, as I’m an Audiobook Narrator and always looking to see what’s being written and that I might narrate at some point. ;-} I really like Charles Martin’s writings and am always looking forward to his incredible new works coming out. Blessings to you in your endeavors! I look forward to reading them – ;-}

    69. You are a new to me author, so I am super excited about reading all about your Walker family. I am also excited about Becky Wade’s newest one that just came out, and Deb Raney’s new series that is still a long ways away. My birthday is September 21, so I love a September girl!

    70. Dear Melissa,
      Thanks for entering me in your giveaway. We have your books in the church library.
      I don’t really have a favorite upcoming book. I just love to read so any of them would be fine with me.

    71. Hey Melissa,

      Yay. Today is my brother’s birthday so I bought myself a present, I just pre-ordered All This Time. LOL. I can’t wait. C’mon Sept 28th. It’s gonna be a long 58 days til release day. Thanks for your awesome books. You are definitely one of my most favorite authors. I buy your books without even knowing anything about them, because your name is on them I know they will be fantastic.

      Thanks for all you do,

      Caroline

    72. Hi Melissa!

      Good luck on your new release! I’m not sure who I want to read next but I know I would like to read something that will lift my spirits.I live in NYC and life here is very hectic. Any suggestions? Thanks!

      Best regards,
      Judi

    73. I went to Branson on vacation & met up w/ family members from all around the US; then on July 8th, hitched a ride w/ family to St. Charles, MO, for a beautiful wedding; then rode back to OH w/ my oldest daughter & SIL! Then, back to work (& reality–except when I’m reading! 🙂 )

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