Tamera Alexander's Blog, page 19

Giveaway - The Inheritance

Have you read The Inheritance? If not, here's your chance. I'm giving away five copies on Goodreads. Are we Goodreads friends yet? 
Enter to win today

New issue of FamilyFiction EDGE

READ the new issue of FamilyFiction EDGE - Rene Gutteridge, Irene Hannon,  Brandilyn Collins and MUCH MORE!


Isn't Rene just the cutest? And she's such a great writer. And person! Have you read anything by Rene Gutteridge yet?

Belle Meade Plantation and the Old Harding Cabin

I love Southern history and have fallen more than a little in love with Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.


Join me on location at Belle Meade in Nashville as we take a brief look inside the old Harding Cabin, a turn-of-the-18th century log cabin that plays an integral role in To Whisper Her Name.




The film crew, marketing director, and I had such fun filming these videos (six in all). As always, thank you for being sociable and sharing these videos on your websites and walls. 
Have you visited Belle Meade Plantation or read To Whisper Her Name yet?

GIVEAWAY… Win 3 Fabulous Christian Novels

My way of saying, "Thanks for reading!"

I'm giving away three "recently released" novels:

The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie PetersonSwept Away by Mary ConnealyRebekah by Jill Eileen Smith
All excellent reads and all YOURS, if your name is drawn. USA mailing addresses only due to postage costs.
You know the routine… Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter box below, completing as many (or as few) of the options as you want. The only mandatory option is liking my Facebook page. Easy enough!

Best wishes as you enter! And as always, thank you for reading my books. I know you have a lot of options from which to choose, so I'm grateful.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
USA Mailing Addresses Only
More about these books:The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson

Years later, Emmalyne's path crosses Tavin's yet again. But her circumstances have not changed...she is bound to her parents. And Tavin's return home leaves him unprepared for the difficulties of his own family's private struggles. Neither one, however, can deny that the feelings between them are as strong as ever. Can love truly heal all wounds?

Swept Away by Mary Connealy
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.

His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.


Rebekah by Jill Eileen Smith
When her father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Her hope for the future is restored when she falls in love with her cousin Isaac, and their relationship starts strong. But marital bliss cannot last forever, and the birth of their twin sons marks the beginning of years of misunderstanding, disagreement, and betrayal. The rift between them grows wider and wider until it is surely too deep to be mended. And yet, with God all things are possible.

Join bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith as she fills in the blanks around the biblical women behind the men we know well. Her in-depth research and creative storytelling bring Rebekah's unique story alive with romance, heartache, and the power of forgiveness.


When her younger sisters die in an accident, Emmalyne Knox is forever changed. According to family tradition, the youngest daughter remains single to care for her parents--and Emmalyne is now that daughter. In a desire to honor her parents, she accepts her father's decree and gives up her plans to marry Tavin MacLachlan. 

A Beauty So Rare Photo Shoot, Pt 2

Here are a few more behind the scenes pics of the photo shoot Bethany House Publishers coordinated for the cover of my next novel,  A Beauty So Rare , the second Belmont Mansion novel (releasing April 2014).The photo shoot was held at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota (read about its history) in the conservatory area, of course (not with the gorillas). It certainly is lovely, and is the perfect setting for the cover since we spend a lot of time in Adelicia Acklen's conservatory (pictured below) in A Beauty So Rare . 

Adelicia Acklen, mistress of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN,built a lavish 19th century estate which included this glass conservatory (nicknamed the Crystal Palace)in the foreground, and the water tower in the background (which stillstands today and is Belmont University's Bell Tower).


Checking out the lighting

Love how they "shoot" in front of the blank screen


Checking views in the monitor

Lots of details––and hard work––go into making a cover

Strolling through the conservatory

Paul Higdon, Art Director, Bethany House Publishers at Como Conservatory

Gorgeous flowersAdelicia Acklen had over 2,000 species of plants, shrubs, and treesfrom all over the world in her Belmont conservatory

Personally, I love the more serious look on the model's face (as that fitsthe character of Eleanor Braddock). But alas, a "cheerier" expressionattracts more readers.
And one last shot...
I'm grateful to my publisher for all the work and time that went into making this cover. Now, to finish the rewrites on this story and put it to bed.
About the book: 
Pink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight. Available for pre-order
Belmont Mansion, book 2 (of 3)
Eleanor Braddock, a spinster at 30, has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in American and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.

Rudolf Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.

Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.
Belmont Mansion, book 1 (of 3)

I'm excited to share this story with you and am really enjoying being back in Adelicia's home and on the estate of Belmont that serves as the setting for all the Belmont Mansion series novels.

Do you have an affinity for Southern history like I do? 


(View Pt 1 of this blog post)

Belle Meade Plantation novels and Thoroughbred History

I love Southern history and have fallen more than a little in love with Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.

Join me on location at Belle Meade in Nashville as we take a brief look at the lineage of thoroughbred champions.

The film crew, marketing director, and I had such fun filming these videos (six in all). As always, thank you for being sociable and sharing these videos on your websites and walls.

Have you visited Belle Meade Plantation yet?

A Beauty So Rare Photo Shoot, Pt 1

I always love seeing "behind the scenes" glimpses of novel covers, so figure you might, too. 
Here are some behind the scenes pics of the photo shoot Bethany House Publishers coordinated for the cover of my next novel, A Beauty So Rare , the second Belmont Mansion novel that releases April 2014.
In the make up chair

Next, the hair

Camera ready!
Back shot of hair
Don't you wish we all still wore these? NOT!
Talk about layers!
Next, the dress...


Finally, the model all dressed and ready, with the incredibly talentedPaul Higdon, Art Director at Bethany House Publishers

Can you tell me what you like most about a cover? Do you like seeing the heroine? The hero? The landscape? Different strokes for different folks, I realize. But I'm curious what a "favorite cover" for you looks like. 
More pictures tomorrow... 

Studying the Bible through BSF International

I'm so excited for BSF this fall (Bible Study Fellowship) and studying the book of Matthew. 

"The link between the Old and New Testaments, Matthew presents Jesus as Messiah and King, the fulfillment of divine prophecies since the beginning of the human race. More than any other Gospel, Matthew emphasizes the public teaching ministry of Jesus." (from the BSF website)


Have you participated in BSF before? If yes, then you already know what a blessing studying the Word of God in this setting is. If you haven't, I'd encourage you to consider it for this fall. BSF has been, by far, one of the greatest blessings of my life. Nothing compares to feasting on the Bread of Life.




I want to learn more about BSF fall classes

Let me know if you sign up. We'll be doing BSF together!
Blessings on your day… 

10 Novelists who plot, play, and pray

Tomorrow morning I'm headed home today from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho from our annual weekend retreat where I met with nine other writers to plot, play, and pray. And oh, what fun we've had! I love these women so much. This is our eleventh year to meet together, and I've learned so much from these gals.

From L to R: Brandilyn Collins, moi, Karen Ball, Sunni Jeffers, Sharon Dunn, Robin Lee Hatcher, Janet Ulbright, Gayle DeSalles, Sandy Sheppard, Tricia Goyer
Brainstorming our next books
Happily chatting with Brandilyn
Not happily chatting with Brandilyn
Working hard with Janet and Tricia
Robin, Janet, and Brandilyn poising with their goodies (We sometimes bring little gifts to share)
Robin and Sunni sportin' their bling t-shirts
We've gotten a lot of work done this weekend amidst lots of laughter and a few tears, and I can hardly believe that our time together is already over and done with for another year.
When's the last time you've had wonderful sister time? And what fun things did you do? 
Tammy
Are we Pinterest buddies yet? If not, I'd love to be.

One for you! And one for a friend!

Revealed, book 2 in Fountain Creek ChroniclesIt's time for another giveaway…

And yes, you're seeing double. But for a good reason. Summers are for reading, and for sharing what you're reading.

So I'm giving away two copies of Revealed, the second book in the Fountain Creek Chronicles series. One for you, and one to share with a friend who's never "read me" before.

As we all know, word of mouth is still - hands down - the best marketing tool there is. I'd rather have a personal recommendation from someone I know and trust than tons of others from those I don't. And I appreciate all the word of mouth you have given my books. It's so encouraging!


Just click the link below to enter. The only mandatory "to do" is that 1) you must leave a comment on this blog post telling me what book you read last that you loved, and 2) YOU MUST CLICK THE I COMMENTED" LINK in the Rafflecopter box after you comment to be included. All the other entry chances are optional. So do as much, or as little, as you wish! And if you choose to post a pic on my FB page, know I'll be thrilled!
I hear some of you asking, "Will you mail the second book to my friend, too?" Absolutely, I will. I'll mail you your copy, then a separate copy to the friend of your choice (who must have a USA mailing address, too).




a Rafflecopter giveaway

ONLY USA MAILING ADDRESSESGiveaway ends July 23 12:00AM Central
And not to worry if you haven't read Rekindled, book 1. Each of the books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles are stand alone novels, meaning they each contain a complete story in and of themselves.
But! If you want a chance to win a copy of Rekindled, hop over to Goodreads before July 20 and enter to win a free copy.





Remember, to be entered:1) Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what book you read last that you loved, and 2)  CLICK THE I COMMENTED" LINK in the Rafflecopter box And you're done! 

Wishing you the best!

Tammy