Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 10
September 5, 2023
AN UPDATE
Dear Blog Readers,
I apologize for the break in posting. We were dealing with my husband's health problems. Later today, I will post a new interview, and we should get back to a regular schedule.
I love all of you,
Lena
September 4, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Beth (IA) is the winner of A Not So Peaceful Journey by Sandra Merville Hart.
Leah (TX) is the winner of Revenge by Tamara G Cooper.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
August 15, 2023
TANGLED LIVES - Carol McClain - One Free Book
Welcome back to my blog. Why did you become an author?I taught English for many years. My favorite subject was my AP English Languageand Composition. Here we studied syntax and diction and elements that madewriting memorable. Coupled with my regular classes with students who alwayswrote, I wondered—could I write a book?Obviously, I did.
That said, you’ll never read my first writings—Praise God.
As I reflect, I always had been a dreamer and in thedreaming, a writer. I started in third grade, paused in my authorial skills untilthe horrible, angst-filled poetry stage in high school. I moved on to Sundayschool plays until the day I asked myself that fateful question: Could I writea book?
If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job? Ialready had my dream job and am still living it. Teaching.
I always joked I lacked imagination. As a child, my parents thoughtschool was necessary. At play at home, I acted out classroom scenes with me asthe teacher. After college, I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted to do,so I “did” school.
I’ve retired from the classroom, but I supervise student teachersand teach Bible studies.
I love school.
If you could have lived at another time in history, whatwould it be and why?
I’m not so sure I’d change. If I lived in the 1700 or 1800s,I’d be dead from a hemorage after childbirth, or from the cancer I had in mythirties or my ruptured appendix. Earlier in the 20th century we hadWorld War I and World War II. Any earlier epoch was probably worse: bubonicplague, serfdom, sweating sickness, slavery.
Our society is on the wrong path today and is mentioneddaily in my prayers, but I’ve been fortunate to have been born when highereducation didn’t mortgage your life and all our mores didn’t sell our souls.
What place in the United States have you not visited thatyou would like to? Alaska! My husband and I have watched every show aboutAlaska. The state is gorgeous. To see glaciers and the Alaska Range and Denaliand the tundra would be a dream come true.
My protagonist in Tangled Lives dreams ofAlaska and mimics my longing (except for the cold, and my love for theSmokies).
The bugs, rain, darkness, and -50F temps would keep me fromliving there, but I’d love to see the state—the whole state.
How about a foreign country you hope to visit? I’vebeen fortunate to see much of Europe. Spain and Italy are my favorites. I’d goto either of those countries again and again. I love art and architecture, andthese two countries abound in both.
What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
“Hang on.”
“Pain produces beauty if you allow the Lord to work.”
Recently, I had a spate of hard situations. After a year ofdecline and suffering, my mother died. A couple of months later, I had aruptured appendix which I think was worse than any doctor told me as I lay inthe hospital on heavy pain medication for five days.
During that time, my dear brother died suddenly. My daughterhad elective surgery. Then her father died.
I knew people prayed for me, but I couldn’t feel God. I duginto worship and my Bible. I believed without feeling Him, that God carried me.AndrewRipp, a contemporary Christian singer, has a line in his song “Roses” thatmakes me cry every time I hear the lyrics because of its beauty and truth: “Loveis the blood-red stain, the beauty that the pain exposes. Maybe that’s why Godmade roses.”
As I exit this stage of my life, I cherish this “Blood-redstain.”
Tell us about the featured book? Tangled Livesis a contemporary novel. Two sisters love the same man. They share a past onecan’t remember and the other can’t forget.
Tangled Lives
is the third, and finalinstallment, of the Treasure Lives series. The story follows the life of Roxieand Crystal Snow, two of the sisters found by Meredith Jaynes in Book 1, BorrowedLives. The past tangles their future as they learn forgiveness and decideto follow their dreams rather than their prescribed lives.Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
Childhood behaves like the morning mist. Children dance anddelight, then grow and vanish into the light of their days. So many nights, Iwished my girls would mature, would give me grandchildren, would give me amoment to myself. First, of course, go to college.
When the time arrived, and they left me, they took theirmagic. Without magic, the scent of childhood wafted away in the morning fog. Howcould I have understood, all those years ago, the bedraggled waifs I fosteredwould steal my heart? In my reluctance to mother the abandoned children, Inever fathomed the temporary fostering would turn into everlasting love when Iadopted them.
Once more, I bit back tears as Crystal Joy, my youngestgirl, climbed into her car. Last week, we outfitted the Honda with hand controls,so she could drive despite her spina bifida. Parker and I watched as she droveaway to the University of Tennessee to join her sister.
I imagined I heard her singing. Never was Crystal without asong even as a child. Back then she hammered on pots and Tupperware to makemusic. Her alto, always on pitch. Her fingers twitched on guitar strings ordulcimers. In the end, my youngest daughter settled on the violin. Never didthe spina bifida slow Crystal down or make her feel inferior. Could a mothercall one child perfect?
The dust from the road settled, and I stood next to Parkerlike the day Lisa Simpson tried to adopt Crystal’s sister.
Roxie.
Always the most sensitive. Perhaps the proverbial middlechild. Sweet, insecure Roxie. Too independent and too needy. Her biologicalparents died of drug overdoses. Roxie had been old enough to understandabandonment, too young to realize her parents’ issues had nothing to do withher worth. Her oldest sister’s grandfather adopted her when she was eight. Thehole bored through my heart. It compounded sweet Roxie’s belief in her lack ofworth. Roxie believed I loved everyone more than her.
Parker looped his arm around me.
His closeness soothed. Always.
“Meredith, the girls will be home before you realize theymoved out. Now’s the time for them to heal, live their passions, and findthemselves.” He kissed the top of my head. “They’ll be okay.”
In Parker’s eyes, I hoped to see the truth of his words.This time, I didn’t run away and hide. I let God take my fears and prayed thesins of my daughters’ parents would no longer descend on their innocentoffspring. I prayed the love of adoptive parents and a heavenly Father wouldredeem.
Here are my buy links:
Tangled Lives print book: https://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Lives-Carol-McClain/dp/1649499671/ref
Tangled Lives ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Lives-Treasured-Book-ebook/dp/B0CBLFJJC6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689345211&sr=8-1
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website lists my appearances, my releases with buy links,and my blog. You can find me at:
Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. I’m on Facebookas Author Carol McClain
Thank you for sharing this book with my blog readers andme. I love your unique writing voice.
Readers,Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You mustfollow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where youlive, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America.(Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, orAmazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
August 14, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Connie (KY) is the winner of Murmur in the Mud Caves - Kathleen Denley.
Sherry (MN) is the winner of The Lieutenant’s Secret Love - Elva Cobb Martin.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
August 11, 2023
REVENGE - Tamara G Cooper - One Free Book
Welcome back to myblog, Tamara. How did you come up with the idea for this story? I’m aseat-of-the-pants writer, so I had a vague idea of what might happen in thisbook. I knew about Aaron, but I didn’t know much about him. An SOTP writer sitsdown and starts writing. As I do, the story unfolds, the characterizations cometo life. That’s the best way I know how to explain it. I don’t have many ideasabout the story before I start each day of writing. The story just tellsitself. It’s like I jump into the book and watch what happens and write itdown. Weird, huh? But…at the end of the book, I have my first draft or my“outline.” Then the editing starts! If you wereplanning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what sixpeople would you invite and why? All of these authors would be invitedbecause of what they’ve written. Probably my favorite Christian author today isEric Metaxas because of his phenomenal book, Amazing Grace. I didn’twant that book to end! It profoundly touched me. Alex Kendrick and DallasJenkins are both writers whose works have become favorite movies/films. C.S.Lewis makes both lists; his work is mesmerizing. He is no longer with us, buthis Narnia series is still very much “contemporary” and loved by my kids. FrankPeretti, because of his thrillers. And Jan Karon. Well, just the name Jan Karonbrings Mitford and its characters to mind. Love that series!
Now let’s do thatfor a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people wouldyou invite and why?I don’t read historical fiction very much, but I have read some. I’ve read thecomplete series of Gilbert Morris’s “The House of Winslow” about the foundingof our country. Brilliant series, very engaging. Janette Oke, too many books toname. C.S. Lewis makes this list as well, even though he is not with us anylonger. He was close friends with Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) and created TheScrewtape Letters as well as the Narnia series. Mary Connealy’s feisty leadcharacters are fun. Angela Ewell Hunt’s Biblical stories are well written. Toomany to mention, really, but here are some favorites.
Many times, people(and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. Whatis your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? My most difficultproblem with writing is not so much finding the time to write, but staying withthe writing with all the other distractions that pop up with the writing. Newsletters,communication, events, etc. A writer’s life is full, but I love it!
Tell us about thefeatured book.Revenge is a romantic suspense, heavy on the suspense. Here isthe synopsis of the book on my author’s page on Amazon:
The authoritieswere wrong about Claire's death. She was hunted down and murdered in such acreative way - brilliant, actually - that it only looked like an accident.
Aaron's life shatters after Claire's sudden and bizarre death. Why didn't heact on his suspicions that she was being stalked, even though she dismissed theidea? The media monitors every step Aaron takes, obsessed with digging up ormaking up the inside scoop on Claire's last moments. Blaming Aaron for herdeath is their most frequent story angle. Driven to the brink of despair, heneeds a place to hide, a shelter to withdraw from eyes constantly scrutinizinghis life.
Deliverance arrives in an unexpected inheritance: the sprawling wilderness ofhis great aunt's East Texas estate. No one would expect him - a billionaire NewYorker - to live in East Texas. He is pleasantly surprised to discover that hislong-lost first love recently moved back to the area. She intrigued him atfourteen; she completely captivates him at twenty-six. Settling into his newhome seems easy enough until the sense that someone is watching him overshadowsthe pleasure of his long, solitary walks. When he finds the body of a young woman,a stranger, near his walking path on the anniversary of Claire's death, itshakes him to the core. First Claire. Now, this woman. Is someone targetinghim? Is he next? Is someone he loves next? Suddenly, his secluded sanctuary is no longer a refuge. He fortifies hisestate, transforming it into a fortress against the coming attack. Despite hisefforts, the killer's tightening noose threatens to ensnare him. Outsmartingthis relentless predator has become a deadly game of chess, where every move couldbe his last.
Please give us thefirst page of the book.
Aaron stood at thetall windows of the Travel Room overlooking the magnificent grounds of WinslowManor.
Trees as far as hecould see in every direction.
Green grassthriving under an achingly blue sky.
A stillness acrossthe land that spoke of contentment and harmony.
“It is beautiful,Aunt,” he muttered to himself, “but Texas, of all places. More specifically,East Texas. You actually thought I could live here?”
His great-aunt DottieWinslow was a native New Yorker, as was he. Some forty-five years ago, she’dgiven up her East Coast creds to live outside Wild Stallion, Texas, on sixthousand acres of trees, pastureland, and one very large lake. None of the NewYork Winslows could understand why she’d made such an outrageous move to aculture she knew little about.
“I’m surrounded bygood ol’ boys, rednecks, and cowboys,” she’d told Aaron on one of his family’srare visits.
“How can you bearit, Aunt?”
She’d sent him aquick but sharp look of disappointment. “Oh, Aaron, honey. I also live amongladies in lace, beauty queens, and great cooks. I love them all, every last oneof them. Texans are special people. They’re worth getting to know.”
Getting to know?
Was she kidding?
He rememberedlaughing at such an absurd notion, and he was right.
Their worlds werecomplete opposites. He came from wealth, as did she, from an impatience tobuild something on the land, not live off it. Maybe he was cynical, as all NewYorkers were somewhat, but living among people who worked outside in the dirtwith animals wasn’t for him. He'd stay in his own universe and leave her toTexas.
And yet, here hewas, in Texas again.
The last time he’dseen Aunt Dottie was a short overnight trip with Claire almost six months ago,on their way to Colorado.
Beautiful, sweetClaire.
The pain cameswiftly.
It always did whenhe thought of her.
It nevercompletely left him, lurking, unforgiving, ready to strike.
How can readersfind you on the Internet?
My books are on Amazon:www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4M9CHSG/
On Goodreads.com: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Tamara+G.+Cooper&qid=
Thank you forhaving me on your blog again, Lena. I enjoyed it so much!
It’s my pleasureto feature you. Thank you for sharing Revenge with my blog readers andme.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
August 8, 2023
A NOT SO PEACEFUL JOURNEY - Sandra Merville Hart - One Free Book
Welcome back to my blog, Sandra. How did you come up withthe idea for this story? A Not So Peaceful Journey is Book 3in my Second Chances series. John and Cora Welch were fourteen-year-old twinswhen we first met them in A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1. Cora’sstory is told in A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2, and John plays asupportive, protective role in that book. Though there were many characters tochoose from for Book 3, I chose to tell John and Rennie’s story in
A NotSo Peaceful Journey
.When I originally wrote the first book, I had no idea thatJohn’s secret dream was to become an author in the manner of Mark Twain. Thetwins work at a train meal stop when we first meet them and their livesdramatically change for the better by the end of Book 1. What I didn’t know wasthat train eating stations would play a role in Book 3—a nice surprise for meas an author as well as for readers.
John played such a strong, supportive role in the lives of hisfamily. He’s loyal to those he loves. It was his turn to search for his dreamthat he’d long put aside for the sake of his sister. John must go on a journeyto find his dream yet doesn’t feel supported by his girl.
In fact, Rennie doesn’t support any career that won’tprovide a steady income for their future family. She fully expects him topropose and forget this nonsense of a Western adventure. It builds a chasmbetween them. Can she build a bridge before it’s too late?
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporaryfiction, what six people would you invite and why? After writing forseveral years, I have many Christian author friends so this isn’t as easy asone might expect to narrow down. For my party, I’ll imagine that distance isnot a hindrance to attendance. I’d invite Deborah Sprinkle, Ane Mulligan, EddieJones, Lisa Carter, Jodie Bailey, and Starr Ayers. I’d love to see each oneagain and catch up!
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historicalfiction, what six people would you invite and why? The same rules apply asfor Question 2. I’d invite Pegg Thomas, Ann Tatlock, Cindy Sproles, MistyBeller, K. Denise Holmberg, and Linda Dindzans. They’re all talented writersand I’d love to visit with them all again. Pegg Thomas was my editor on threebooks and I’ve never met her in person.
So much of an author’s work requires sitting alone in frontof a computer. A party with author friends sounds amazing. Of course, you mustcome to both parties, Lena!
I would love to attend. Many times, people (and otherauthors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your mostdifficult problem with writing at this time in your career? Meeting mywriting deadlines and goals while balancing time for family and friends hasbeen a struggle. Every good opportunity also comes with a cost—the days andweeks it will require to accomplish the task. Praying for guidance along thepath is essential.
Tell us about the featured book.
Dreams of adventure send him across the country. Sheprefers to keep her feet firmly planted in Ohio.
Rennie Hill has no illusions about the hardships in life,which is why it’s so important her beau, John Welch, keeps his secure job withthe newspaper. Though he hopes to write fiction, the unsteady pay would mean anend to their plans, wouldn’t it?
John Welch dreams of adventure worthy of storybooks, likeMark Twain, and when two of his short stories are published, he sees it as asign of future success. But while he's dreaming big with his head in theclouds, his girl has her feet firmly planted, and he can't help wondering ifshe really believes in him.
When Rennie must escort a little girl to her parents'home in San Francisco, John is forced to alter his plans to travel across thecountry with them. But the journey proves far more adventurous than either ofthem expect.
Please give us the first page of the book.
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1884, HAMILTON, OHIO
Rennie Hill picked her way across tufts of grass in thechurchyard toward the Great Miami River at John Welch’s side, one hand firmlytucked in her beau’s arm and the other holding a colorful quilt. For an hour,she’d waited outside the church in the hot sun with her family for him toarrive from Cincinnati. She’d worn her favorite peach gingham dress with abustle and small puffs at the shoulders leading to tight, elbow-length sleeves.He’d often complimented her on it. As he had when he’d arrived today.
“I know it doesn’tseem like it, but my job was done today in record time.” John carried the basketas he maneuvered them around families and couples who’d already picked theirspots for the Fourth of July picnic. His new brown suit enhanced his dark goodlooks.
Children dangled their legs over the riverbank or climbedtrees while indulgent mothers emptied food onto blankets beside plates,utensils, and bottles of tea or lemonade. Men,
How can readers find you on the Internet? I’m happyyou asked! I love to connect with my readers in the following ways:
Thank you,Sandra, for sharing A Not So Peaceful Journey withmy blog readers and me. I love readingyour books.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your commentif you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
August 7, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Melissa (TN) is the winner of Revealing the Truth - Lorri Dudley.
Rebecca (NH) is the winner of Lilac Cottage - Carrie Fancett Pagels.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
August 2, 2023
THE LIEUTENANT'S SECRET LOVE - Elva Cobb Martin - One Free Book
Welcomeback to my blog, Elva. God has really been moving in your writing life. What doyou see on the horizon? I see more writing of historical romance and moreprayer about it. I believe it’s a great day for Christian, hope-building,fiction. People are looking for some relief and God’s help for our tense days.I believe they are especially happy to find both in the pages of well-writtenChristian fiction.Tellus a little about your family. I’m married to Dwayne, my high schoolsweetheart. We have a grown son and one grandson who is 15. I am the thirddaughter of five children, so I love big families, too. We raised our son inthe country to give him those special experiences with cows, horses, andplanting things that I enjoyed when growing up on a farm. Now my husband and Ilive closer in town in a subdivision. Animals and growing things? We are “downto” two tomato plants in a bucket and a small rose garden to tend and enjoy.And we get to love on my sister’s baby goats she raises on her nearby farm.
Hasyour writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? I usually adviseaspiring writers to read in their genres, and I still do myself. But at times,to rest my brain, I like to read something different, like mysteries andbiographies.
Whatare you working on right now? I am working on Book 6 in our CharlestonBrides historical romance Series. The working title is, The Gamekeeper’sReluctant Bride. I think it will be my most interesting story so far!
Whatoutside interests do you have? My husband and I are active in a localcongregation, in an exercise program at our local gym, and I coordinate aninternet prayer task force to pray for our leaders and crisis developments. Ialso enjoy baking, gardening, and hiking.
Howdo you choose your settings for each book? They usually come to me with thefirst idea for a book—and all my books so far start out in my favorite historiccity, Charleston, South Carolina. Southern plantations, sailing ships, horses,children, and dogs are always a part, as well as gardens, tea time, adventure,and of course, lots of romantic encounters between my hero and heroine!
Ifyou could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?Ofcourse, we could quickly say Jesus Christ, but I invite His presence daily, andHe never leaves me. So, I’d say our early president, Thomas Jefferson, whoplays a big part in my current release, The Lieutenant’s Secret Love.Most people are not aware that our first American president, George Washington,due to the financial straits of our fledgling nation, disbanded the small navywe had after the American Revolution of 1776. And we ended up paying thousandsof dollars to Barbary pirates for the safety of our merchant ships in theMediterranean and for ransom for our poor sailors captured into slavery. ThomasJefferson decided we must have a navy, a strong one. He didn’t coin but hecertainly lived the slogan, “Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute.”During his presidency (and described in my novel) our young U.S. Navy andMarines defeated the Tripoli Barbary pirates and made our new navy one to bereckoned with all over the world. I love writing about our nation’s history,which is constantly interspersed with God’s intervention.
Whatis the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? I wish I had knownhow long it was going to take to learn how to write well and get a novelpublished! I have a blog series and class I’ve taught to writers to encouragethem, “My Journey to a Book Contract.” It can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/3d4W1xf
Whatnew lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? He’s teaching memore patience, gentleness, and compassion for the many hurting, confused aroundus. We must take time to reach out. He’s also teaching me (again) the principleof “first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear” Mark 11:28. Iencourage troubled people believing for a breakthrough in healing, or in thelife of a relative, or for financial breakthrough, to watch for the first,little green blade of progress and to praise God right then as if one can seethe entire thing done. This illustrates a supernatural growth principle in thekingdom, according to Jesus, in the earlier verse. I also see my novels in thisgrowth pattern and stay encouraged.
Whatare the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? Here are the fivesteps from my above blog of getting to a book contract:
1)NEVER Give Up! (I wrote the first draft of my first novel 30 years beforegaining a contract. Life and ministry took the driver’s seat until God openedthe door.)
2)Hone your craft - a big, continuing step
3)Attend conferences and network with writing groups
4)Learn how to submit to editors and agents
5)Help other writers. When you sow help, you will reap it when you need it.
Tellus about the featured book. I had a great time researching and writingThe Lieutenant’s Secret Love. Here’s the blurb:
Anexposed family secret changed her life forever and blindsided his Marine heart.
Fromthe day Hannah was abandoned as a newborn, her adoptive parents have kept thetruth of her origin from her and her siblings. But when that secret is exposed,a threat arises which forces her to leave the only family she’s ever known andthe adoptive brother she adores. She must start her life anew in Charleston.U.S.Marine Lieutenant Adam White, harbors a secret—more confidential thanpatrolling the Caribbean for French corsairs, more threatening than the fightagainst Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. Adam carries a personal, burningsecret in his heart. He's fallen in love with Hannah since discovering she isnot his blood sister. And the thought that she might only ever see him as herloving big brother may be the greatest threat to him yet.
Asthe Charleston men seek to win Hannah’s heart, she never loses touch with theman who had been her older brother. The man her heart can’t help seeing in awhole new light. But when Adam’s squadron sets out for the Mediterranean on themost dangerous mission of his life, only God can keep him—and their love—alive.
Pleasegive us the first page of the book.
Charleston1784
Thedark lines of the master’s brow and his loud drunken command shot tremorsthrough Ezekiel as he stood in the doorway of the master’s study. Cuddling anewborn wrapped in a blanket in his black, bony arms, he lowered his head, anda long, heavy breath gushed from his lips.
“Isaid take that baby and leave it far out in the woods to die. I’ll not haveanother female in my house. This ‘pose to be a son.” Carter Seymour’s harshwords echoed through the plantation house. He sat forward behind his desk andpointed his finger. “You hear me, boy? Don’t think I’m too drunk to mean this.”He slumped back in his chair where he’d spent the night as his wife struggledto give birth before she died.
“But,sirrah. She’s a healthy one. A real blessing on this Good Friday.” Ezekiel’slarge hands shook, holding the small bundle from the previous night’s birthing.He bent his gray head down to look once more at the girl child with her curlyblond wisp of hair, wrapped in a Seymour white baby blanket. “I’se real sorryabout Miz Seymour. And look, this baby’s got that crooked little finger justlike her mama.” He held up a little hand with its miniature fingers spread. Thesmallest finger on the left hand bent at the middle joint.
Seymour’seyes widened when he saw the peculiar trait of his wife. “Take it out of myhouse. I never want to see it again,” he thundered, and reached for his whiskeybottle.
Thechild stiffened at the loud, angry words, and Ezekiel clasped her closer. Helooked down at the tiny infant wrapped in the lacy covering with a C and Sembroidered on one corner.
Thelittle one whimpered and pushed a tiny fist toward her rosebud mouth. Her facewrinkled, and she began to cry. Turning, he stumbled out the door, shaken inmind and heart. He had no choice but to obey his master. His old heart hammeredin his chest and made his legs heavy and slow.
Ezekielpassed down the long hall lined with servants who’d heard the master’s loud,drunken command and the babe now weeping. The maids and footmen stared at himwith rounded eyes and stunned faces.
Hewalked through to the kitchen where his wife Molly stood wringing her hands.Tears streamed down her face. She handed him a sugar tit she had dipped inmilk. Ezekiel gave it to the baby, whose tiny mouth stopped in the middle of asob and latched on the little ball of old linen with a spoonful of sandy sugargathered in its center. He headed out the back entrance of the large house andswiped a tear that trickled down his weathered cheek before it dripped from hischin onto the little one in his arms.
Leavingthe plantation grounds, he trudged deep into the woods. Scents of pine, sweetcedar, and the damp earthy smell of decomposing leaves flowed around him andthe child. The morning sun moved higher in the sky with the promise of moreheat to come. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat fromhis brow.
Thebaby slept after the sugar tit ran out, but soon awakened and cried. He felldown on his knees next to a dirt road at the edge of the forest. “Lord Jesus,you knows I don’t want this baby to die. I ain’t no murderer. I needs yourhelp. I’se in a terrible place on this Good Friday ‘fore yo Resurrection, Lord.Show me what to do.”
Howcan readers find you on the Internet?
Authorwebsite: http://wwwelvamartin.com
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Twitter:http://twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin
Thankyou, Elva, for sharing The Lieutenant’s Secret Love with my blog readersand me. I’ve loved reading your books.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
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August 1, 2023
MURMUR IN THE MUD CAVES - KATHLEEN DENLY - One Free Book
Welcome back to my blog, Kathleen. What are some of thespiritual themes you like to write about? My main focus is on helpingreaders view themselves as God views them instead of how the world views them.What other books of yours are coming out soon? Book 4of my Chaparral Hearts series, Murmur in the Mud Caves, releasedon May 16, 2023. Book 5, Shoot at the Sunset, will release in 2024.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporaryperson (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? I wouldlove to pick the brain of any historian who has studied nineteenth centurySouthern California. As much time as I spend researching, there is always moreto learn.
That’s so true. What historical person would you like tomeet (besides Jesus) and why? I think I would like to meet Clara Barton.From what I have learned of her life, she seems like a very interesting personwho would have a lot of experiences to speak about.
How can you encourage authors who have been receivingonly rejections from publishers? Seriously consider the reasons given forthe rejections, if offered. Keeping studying your craft. Ask published authorsin your genre if they're willing to look over your work and offer feedback. Andalways pray—for comfort and guidance.
Tell us about Murmur in the Mud Caves.
He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women.
Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran,responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains.He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where hecan do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranchturned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgivingBorrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or placesthem in greater danger.
Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from herolder sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior,but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for aremote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she findsthere is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shamblesof a ranch.When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only herplans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’sstolen her heart.
Please give us the first page of the book.
June 6, 1873
San Francisco, California
Bridget “Biddie”Davidson’s future might hinge on this nextbite. The tick-tock of the mantel clock in Mr. Green’s office seemed loud inthe near silence of his elegant home. She held her breath as he took his firsttaste of her mille-feuille. The ingredients for the complicated pastry had costher two weeks of pin money, and preparing it had taken the majority of her dayafter a week filled with the frenetic baking of each of her best dishes. Yet itwould all be worth it if Mr. Green agreed to invest in her bakery. Well, nother bakery, exactly. Not at first.
If, after sampling the half-dozen baked dishes Biddie hadprepared for him, Mr. Green believed her talent worthy of investment, he wouldpurchase and remodel the newly vacant building on the corner of Eastwood andBradbury. He’d even provide funds to purchase the supplies she would need toget started. She would then run the bakery in exchange for twenty percent ofits profits until she’d saved enough to purchase the business from him.
Mr. Green took another bite, his expression inscrutable.
Biddie swallowed down the urge to jump with excitement. Thisis it, Mama. I can feel it. Mama would be so proud of her. So would Mother andFather.
From the first, her adoptive parents had encouraged Biddieto follow in Mama’s footsteps as a baker. They’d even offered to purchase thebuilding she needed to start her bakery, but Biddie had declined their generousoffer.
Any money spent on her would take away from the good worksthey did through the Davidson Home for Women and Children, which desperatelyneeded expansion to accommodate more of the city’s vulnerable citizens. Afternearly a year of fundraising and saving, her parents almost had enough to moveforward with the project. In three months, they were due to receive theremainder of the needed funds, thanks to an investment they’d made in Mr.Green’s latest venture. Purchasing the building for Biddie’s bakery would havemeant delaying The Home’s expansion. She was determined to find a better way.
Her parents had sacrificed enough for her. This bakery washer only hope of beginning to repay them.
Mr. Green set his fork on the plate and reached for his tea.Sipping, he eyed her over the rim of his cup.
She returned his calm, dark gaze. What was he thinking?Golden afternoon sunlight added an almost angelic glow to the thick brown curlscrowning his head. The clock on the mantel of his study ticked loudly in thesilence. She held her spine straight, chin level, ignoring the urge to fidget.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Readers canfind me at www.KathleenDenly.comwhere they can learn more about me and my books. They can also sign up to joinmy Kathleen's Readers Club which will give them access to my KRC FreebieLibrary. In that library, members have access to loads of exclusive content,including a free ebook copy of the prequel novella for my Chaparral Heartsseries, Ribbons and Beaus.
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing Murmur in the MudCaves with my blog readers and me. I have loved reading your novels.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
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July 31, 2023
WINNERS
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