Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 107

THE EMBERS SERIES - Carrie Daws - One Free Book

Welcome, Carrie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
A piece of me can be seen in every book, even though I work to create characters who are different from each other. If a character needs a favorite food or color, I tend to pick something I’d like, or if a character has a bad habit or struggle, I also tend to pick things from my own life or those close to me.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?One time, I kidnapped a friend and her two young children. It sounds fun and we laugh about it now, but at the time it was an intervention of sorts. She desperately needed to talk to our pastor’s wife but was hesitant to go, so I pre-arranged both childcare and the meeting, then showed up at her house unannounced and ordered them all into my car.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?I can be very slow to realize truth, and I think part of my difficulty with assuming the title of writer was because I didn’t want the burden of responsibility that comes with readers ready to hear more. Readers ready for my next story. So it’s only been within the last two years that I accepted my calling as writer and storyteller—five long years after my first book hit the store shelves.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I read all kinds of books! My favorite is probably historical romantic comedy, but I also enjoy historical fiction and fiction based on Bible stories or Bible times. I read some action and adventure, mystery, and young adult, and I aim for one or two classics per year. Additionally, I read a bunch of nonfiction, mostly Christian living and books on writing/publishing, but also some history, biography, and health books.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I’ve worked hard the past three or four years to build solid, healthy boundaries and to say, “No,” or “Let me check my schedule,” before agreeing to anything. I actively protect my calendar, make things I love a priority (from family to reading to doing puzzles), and schedule in adequate time for sleep and exercise.
How do you choose your characters’ names?I always start with a birthdate then I’ll search online for popular baby names from that birth year. I’ll scroll through, rarely picking any in the top ten, and trying to pick names different from any I’ve used in my other books. I also keep a list of names I’ve used in each book, purposely trying to pick names that start with different letters of the alphabet, which regularly forces me out of my favorites. For last names, I use a similar process except I start with the character’s family heritage or surnames common to the area where they are born.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Learning perseverance. The publishing world is tough, and authors have a constantly changing barrage of information to learn and adapt to. Besides getting better at writing, we must learn marketing, social media, websites, and publishing, consider speaking, book clubs, and book signings, and don’t even get me started on how the grammar rules change! It all can be very overwhelming. God gently led me into these waters, and He’s gradually increased His expectations over time, always providing exactly what I needed to prod me another step deeper. I’m most proud and thankful that I’ve persisted in spite of the difficulties, obstacles, and uncertainties.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’m horrible at these questions! But, I can tell you that I’d love to be my Chihuahua. The spoiled pup spends her time sleeping on pillows underneath blankets or in laps getting regular back rubs. The most stressful part of her day is waiting until dinner is served.
What is your favorite food?Oh, hands down, pizza. Deep dish and thin crust. New York style and Chicago. Restaurant bought and homemade with my fresh milled flour. I love it all! Just go easy on the sauce, add some pepperoni and mozzarella, and I’m in a happy place.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?My greatest roadblock to writing is fear: fear that no one would want to read my stories and fear that my stories truly were not worth reading. This fear kept me from asking for reviews, or even letting people know that I had books for sale! I still fight this tendency, but enough readers have left encouragement through emails or reviews that I’m more likely to reach out and try.
Tell us about the featured book. The Embers   Series is currently my favorite fiction book I’ve written so far. The stories are full of intrigue, provide a look inside a fire mPlease give us the first page of the book.Friday, October 9th White billows replaced the dark, ominous clouds that still drifted over the tops of the loblolly pine trees along the North Carolina roadside. Inspector Cassandra McCarthy released her breath, knowing the color change meant the firefighters had water on the blaze. Those who were returning to nearby homes at the end of the workday should be safe.
Her phone on the console beside her buzzed with an incoming text message. “On the scene yet?”
Showing her identification card from the Silver Heights Fire Marshal’s office, Cassandra pulled her white Chevy Tahoe around the sheriff’s barricade shutting down the country road to all nonemergency traffic. Stopping in the grass near the last tanker truck, she grabbed her phone and responded to the text. “Just arrived. Beaver Creek and Black Branch Fire Departments both on scene. Flames still visible.”
She knew her boss wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer, but before she could give him more details, she had to get her mind on her job. Her heart ached with memories of today, of the anniversary she should be celebrating. Releasing her seat belt, she grabbed the camera from the passenger seat. She could at least start taking pictures for the report she’d have to file later. Her phone buzzed again.
“Contained? Any woods burning?”
How can readers find you on the Internet?The best place to find me is at CarrieDaws.com. However, I also like to hang out at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieDaws/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarrieDaws
Thank you, Carrie, for sharing this book with me and my readers.
Readers, here are links to the book.The Embers Series[image error] - Paperback
Embers series - Kindle[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE WEDDING BARTER - Alice K Arenz - Two Free Kindle Copies

BIO: Though Alice K. Arenz is known for her cozy mysteries and romantic mystery/suspense novels, the Carol Award winning author has branched out with her newest release, The Wedding Barter , a romance that is both serious and funny.
Arenz is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her first three novels were honored by two finals and one win in ACFW’s Carol Awards: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009 finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist). These novels have been followed by An American Gothic, Portrait of Jenny, and short story, Home Cookin’.
Hi, Lena and Readers! It’s nice to be here.
Welcome back, Alice. Why do you write the kind of books you do?I write what God gives me—it’s the only explanation there is. Yes, I’ve always been fascinated with mystery/suspense, so it seemed a natural genre to write. But my latest, The Wedding Barter , is a romance. Though there is always an element of romance in my books, this one is so completely different—no murders or mayhem.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?I know it’s cliché, but my happiest “days” were when my daughters were born. Close, are the births of my four grandchildren. When I think about them, I get goose bumps and thank God for blessing me with all of them.
How has being published changed your life?It’s added a different dimension to my life, allowed my imagination to soar and opened up a whole new channel of communication between God and me. That probably sounds odd, but I pray and ask Him for guidance—and try to be patient long enough to “hear” the answer. I remember when I was writing The Case of the Bouncing Grandma and wanted to know how it would end—when it would end! I kept on asking until one night I clearly heard “And then he kissed me.” Nothing about what would lead to that point, but it was enough to make me want to go on. I even put in a hard page break and typed those words. And He was right, that’s exactly how it ended.
What are you reading right now?Actually, I’m re-reading my Bouncing Grandma Mystery series so that everything is at the forefront of my mind as I start on the third in the series. It’s tentatively called The Case of the Stolen Identity.
What is your current work in progress?Ah, I got ahead of myself! Stolen Identity will be a cozy mystery like The Case of the Bouncing Grandma and The Case of the Mystified M.D.
What would be your dream vacation?I’ve always wanted to visit the British Isles—especially Ireland and Scotland.
How do you choose your settings for each book?The main locations are always fictional—I’ve taken the adage of “write what you know” and used it for the main setting. From that point, the book dictates the rest.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Wow, I’ve really never thought about this. I’m so family oriented that I rarely think beyond wanting to spend time with them.
Let’s see. . . I would have to say Pat Robertson because five years ago when I couldn’t move from my chair the result of a sudden attack on all my senses, CBN and the 700 Club were there to remind me God was holding my hand, carrying me. Yes, my husband and family were right here and supportive, but there was something about Pat Robertson that spoke to me and made me listen even when my head was screaming, when light and sound assaulted me on more levels than I knew existed. I couldn’t watch other TV programs, couldn’t stand to “over” hear the sounds or the movement. But something I’d never watched before, always passed by. . . spoke to me. So, I choose Pat Robertson.
What a wonderful tersimony. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?I used to enjoy sewing and painting, but because of problems with my hands I haven’t done those things in years. Well, until a few weeks before this past Christmas. I was trying to come up with a way to give my grandchildren (ages 19-8) a special gift—something they could have the rest of their lives. We’d always gotten them a tree ornament, but with our tight budget, even that would’ve been a stretch. That’s when I came up with the idea to make ornaments.
Chris looked up the directions on how to make homemade clay—flour, salt, water. After he mixed it together, I got out my old cookie cutters and very carefully rolled out the clay. Once they’d baked and cooled—five ornaments for each grandchild—I dug out my acrylic paints for the first time in nineteen years and painted/decorated them, praying God would help my hands to stay working and to keep the pain away. And He did exactly that!
Another wonderful testimony. I love stories of how God has been so present in our lives. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Marketing. I don’t have the finances to advertise, so I rely on friends and family to help get the word out. I’ve also been blessed with people like you, Lena, who invite me to be on their blogs.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?Stay true to your faith and listen to what God’s telling you. It’s also very important to develop a tough skin. Remember that everyone will have a different opinion and/or advice. Take what they have to say and learn from it and don’t let it discourage you. Pray a lot and take the time to really listen to what God’s saying.
That last part is the most important part. Tell us about the featured book.Here’s the back cover blurb for The Wedding Barter .
Riley Carr has been best friends with Amy Lawton since they were toddlers.  While Amy awaits her discharge from the Army, Riley's been left in charge of helping to arrange "a very small, intimate ceremony with no fanfare" for Amy and her fiancé. But, Riley has something else in mind.
With the aid of two other friends, Riley presents her “wedding barter” idea to groom, David Herron. He agrees, providing best man, Mike Todd, stays in the loop to keep things from getting out of hand.
It doesn't help that the giant of a man is threatening, overbearing, and just doesn’t seem to like her or her ideas. But, when Todd gives Riley an ultimatum of producing results in three weeks or he’ll take over, she’s determined to prove him wrong. . .in more ways than one.
Please give us the first page of the book.“You have to look at this!” I passed the pages I’d printed to Natalie, indicating she should give the extra one to Hannah, who’d already begun munching on a crunchy breadstick—one of Marcello’s specialties.
“Wha’s this?” Hannah spoke around the food in her mouth. A trim finger, with hot pink nail polish, covered her lips—probably to keep crumbs from falling out.
“It’s obviously important, Han, or she wouldn’t have asked us to read it.” Nat flounced in her chair, or would have if she’d been wearing anything other than jeans. She just naturally had that attitude—all super girly girl. There was nothing pretentious about her, never had been. Just because she was always “put together,” even when covered with dirt, some people believed she was not only stuck up but stuck on herself. Quite the reverse was true; Nat was an introvert on steroids—unless she knew you well.
Hannah, neither introvert nor extrovert, perused both sides of the paper I’d given them, her dark blue eyes wide.
“Is this for real?” She finally asked, stabbing at the page with a hot pink nail.
“As far as I know. Remarkable, huh?”
“Audacious is more like it.”
“Come on, Riley. A bridesmaid auction? Most people I know would rather bow out and risk the loss of a friend than incur such an outrageous expense.” Nat tossed the paper on the table. “The very fact there’s such a lengthy email chain speaks loudly of a hoax. Why on earth would anyone—”
“Did they?” Hannah asked before taking another bite of the breadstick.
I raised an eyebrow in response, realized what she was asking, and shrugged. “Actually have the auction? I don’t know. There’s nothing in the chain beyond the invitation, announcement, or whatever you’d call it. It was scheduled for what—um—a couple months ago? May, wasn’t it?”
Both girls nodded. I was about to say something when our waitress came by to take our orders. Knowing Nat needed to return to work in an hour, I knew we shouldn’t waste anymore time. We all ordered Marcello’s lunch specialty, BBQ beef calzones with the flakiest crust this side of heaven, and iced teas—unsweetened, of course—then went back to our conversation.
Hannah looked through the pages again. “The auction was in May and the wedding, um, is in September. Yesterday, if it was held this year.” Shaking her head, she continued. “You don’t really care about these strangers, do you?”
“This is a joke, right?” Nat narrowed her eyes. “I mean, you’re not thinking of doing an internet search…” She choked on her sip of water. “Our very own dinosaur searching the net for anything has got to be a joke.”
We all laughed. My friends knew me well. Ever since I’d suffered a head injury that left me in a coma for three days, computers and I were barely friends. I rarely used one except for work and email. And, it wasn’t just the loss of my computer skills; all my interests and hobbies suffered because of the accident—my love of reading and my determination to one day further my photography skills. But, this wasn’t the time to think about such things.
“It got me thinking, you know?” I leaned back in my chair and studied my friends. “If someone could devise a plan like that auction, surely we can come up with some ideas to help Amy plan her wedding.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?www.akawriter.com
And the book is available from Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TT1SSN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512071270&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wedding+barter
Thanks for hosting me on your blog. It was fun—and a little challenging. God Bless you all! Alice
Thank you, Alice, for sharing this new and different story with me and my blog readers.
And readers, please share the link to this blog to all your reader friends. I know others will be interested in this story idea.
Leave a comment for a chance to win one of two free Kindle copies of the book. Alicewanted to giveaway two to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Thank you, Alice.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

AIN'T MISBEHAVING - Marji Laine - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, Marji Laine is a dear friend of mine, who is a very good writer. I’ve loved every book of hers I’ve read. I’m really looking forward to reading Ain't Misbehaving. I know you'll love it, too. This is one you won’t want to miss.

Welcome back, Marji. Why do you write the kind of books you do?I think in terms of romance and mystery. In any given setting, I can see either romantic conflict and comedy or a potential hiding place for a body!
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?They day I married my best friend, my joy couldn’t be suppressed. I caught a glimpse of him in the lighted sanctuary as I stood in the darkened room at the back and could not control my giggles. My dad had to hush me and the laughter squeezed out the edges of my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. The joy with that man has continued, and it started with a bang of intensity that day!
How has being published changed your life?Working with the people at Write Integrity Press, seeing the genuine committed hearts of the editors and other authors, made it so easy for me to be whole-heartedly committed as well. And that has had unimaginable consequences as I’ve become the executive director of the company. Working daily with such talented authors has also honed my own writing ability. I LOVE my job!
What are you reading right now?My reading, nowadays, is generally editing purposes. I’ve just completed Joan Deneve’s heartwarming romance set in Africa. That is due to come out in April. But I do like to listen to recorded books when I’m driving or walking. Right now, I’m listening to a Hannah Swenson Mystery: LEMON MERINGUE PIE MURDER by Joanne Fluke.
What is your current work in progress?I am in the planning stages of my next romantic suspense. BREAKING POINT is the second story of the Heath’s Point Suspense series, following COUNTER POINT. This story focuses on the couple who own the Sunrise Inn on the edge of town and their daughter who visits from Dallas.
I’m eager to read that one! What would be your dream vacation?I took it this summer! My kids sent hubby and me on an Alaskan cruise. I saw animals and scenery I’d only dreamed of seeing in and around picturesque little towns that stole my heart. We both hope to return!
James spent part of his army time in Alaska. When we married, he told me he wanted to take me there. Our lives have prevented it so far. How do you choose your settings for each book?I like using small towns as my settings. My college is in the East Texas town of Commercewhere my brother and sis-in-law still live. It inspires most of my environments. But recently, I started placing my stories in Dallas. AIN’T MISBEHAVING and before that, most of the Grime Fighter series. For those, I loved finding a unique building and creating a story there.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?I would want to spend the evening with a graphic artist – an expert on photo shop who could teach me ways to take our book covers – and my photography in general – to new levels.
I’m with you on that. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?Game night with the fam, photography, Hallmark movies, crochet, oh, and currently – planning a wedding! Squee!
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?TIME! And I haven’t exactly overcome it completely. I am WAY-organized, though, and most of the time I’m on schedule with things. I just haven’t found a way yet, to immerse into my new story well enough to take advantage of moments here and there for writing.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?That’s a great question. I think the most important thing a writer should have is a teachable spirit. Their stories will only get better if they listen to the critiques of trusted partners and value the opinions of readers. Authors who are serious about their careers should always be open to insight from readers.
That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.I loved working on this story. Annalee is wealthy, cultured, and empty. But in the depth of her heart, she has a dream of mattering someday. But her dream disappears when she utters one word. That word sets into motion an impossible situation for Annalee. The girl who never finishes anything, not even a sketch or a painting, is faced with losing her very freedom if she can’t successfully complete this impossible task.
Enter CJ Whelan. His past disgusts him, as does the society in which he grew up. He’s dedicated his time and all of his resources to bettering the lives of others, a practice his father barely tolerates. Not only does CJ have to constantly avoid the obstacles his dad throws in his way, he faces living down his background and social standing with those who would like to use him for their own purposes.
And Annalee’s arrival into CJ’s world ensures her failure, if it’s up to the ones who would like status and fortune of their own.
Please give us the first page of the book.Her future wasn’t the only thing at stake.
Annalee Chambers slipped into the bare consultation room with her mother, father, and attorney. Reporters filled the hallway and shouted questions as the door closed.
She tugged at a stray blond curl the August breeze had pulled from her hair clip and sank into the wooden chair. If only invisibility were possible—a desire initiated when they’d arrived at the Frank Crowley Court Buildings, and cameras started flashing.
Leaning against the high back of the seat, she stared at a ceiling fan making a slow rotation. For a solid minute, she matched her breathing to the fan’s rhythm.
“The judge has to toss away this whole fabrication.” Her mother paced the same path as the shadows from the circling blades. “Can’t she identify the real victim in this case?”
Annalee bristled at the insinuation. “Mr. Madison was the victim. He and his family are the ones impacted by the accident.” Accident. She hadn’t even realized she’d hit anyone.
“It’s clear the district attorney is only trying to hurt my campaign.” Father lifted a slat from the blinds hanging over the only window in the room. The sunlight made him squint. “He’s been a fan of Mayor Ellis since the beginning. Now, since I’m a real threat, he’s doing everything he can to make me look bad.”
And Annalee had aided in the destruction of her father’s mayoral campaign when she traveled to club-row to pick up her tipsy friend.
I can hardly wait to get my copy of this book. I have to know what happens next. How can readers find you on the Internet?I roam a lot of places. Find me on www.Facebook.com/MarjiLaine, www.Twitter.com/MarjiLaine, and on www.Amazon.com/Marji-Laine/e/B00AJF2MFC. You can also find me at my website, www.MarjiLaine.comand my publishing site, www.WriteIntegrity.com. Hope to hear from you!
Thank you, Marji, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book.Ain't Misbehaving (Dallas Duets) (Volume 1)[image error] - Paperback
Ain't Misbehaving (Dallas Duets Book 1) - Kindle[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WHERESOEVER THEY MAY BE - Terri Wangard - One Free Book or Ebook

Welcome back, Terri. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?I completed a rough draft on Christmas Day. Unlike my four published books, this is not World War II. Right now, my project is set in 1915, but I see myself going farther back in time.
Tell us a little about your family.Shortly after I graduated with an MLS degree, my dad started publishing Classic Boating magazine. My mom, brother, and I were his crew. I left my library job after a few years, because they needed my full-time help. My mom died in 2011, and my dad is partially retired during the winter while he’s in Florida, but my brother and I are still full-time at it. I have a sister in Californiawhom I rarely see.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?I tend to critique as I read novels. And I seem to read more nonfiction, especially biographies and memoirs. That may have started with research, but I don’t limit myself to the time period I’m writing.
If a novel grabs my attention to I don’t critique, then I know it’s a very good story. What are you working on right now?I just complete a draft on the Lusitania, and plan a companion story about World War I in Wisconsin.
What outside interests do you have?I loved to travel around the world, although lately my travels have been confined to Floridaand writing conferences. For many years, I’ve been involved with child sponsorship and presently sponsor five girls in Central and South America. And I enjoy genealogical research. My ancestors give me story ideas.
The ideas for my second novel by Heartsong came from my ancestors. The first three books in that series were published in a collection titled Brides of Minnesotain December 2017. How do you choose your settings for each book?For my WWII series, I chose Ridgewell Air Base in England for my B-17 navigators because it is one word and easy to pronounce. In keeping with writing what you know, most of my characters live in Milwaukee. For Wheresoever They May Be , I chose Long Beach, California, because of the war factories and the coast.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?Marguerite Lamiraud, my tenth great-grandmother, born around 1645. She moved to Quebec from France to marry one of the settlers already there. What was it like to move so far from everything familiar to a land where Indian attacks were common, and she was expected to marry someone she just met?
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?What a long, difficult road it is to be published. You’ve written what you think is a great novel, but surprise, surprise, no one else thinks so! 
Or maybe you haven’t found the right publisher yet. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?Be open to new directions. I went through a rough stretch last summer, and then I read a blog post on why do you want to be published. I questioned whether I should continue writing. I still am, but if I don’t have another book published, that’s okay.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?Be very patient, join a critique group, and attend conferences.
Tell us about the featured book.After writing about B-17s in my series, I wanted something else. My characters are a sailor, his Rosie-the-Riveter wife, her WAC sister, and a grasshopper pilot.
Frank Swanson has plans. He has good job prospects, maybe even broadcasting in Hollywood. The war is an interruption to a good life he’s eager to get back to.
Lily Swanson longs to be a mother. Soon Frank should be home for good and they can furnish a nursery. Maybe even find a bigger house.            Joe Gallagher grew up in a small house with plenty of siblings. He loves the solitude of flying, but the war has dragged on for so long. He’s ready to go home.            Susan Talbot has a bad attitude. She’s estranged from her family and she doesn’t attract friends. But war can bring out the best in people and Susan’s surprised to realize she’s happy.            They all do their part in striving for victory in World War II. Sometimes, though, the danger can be hard to identify.
Please give us the first page of the book.LilyChapter 1Sunday, September 4, 1943“Tomorrow’s the big day.” Lily Swanson joined her friend in the crowd funneling into church. “I hope we aren’t making a mistake.”
Charlottecast her a wide-eyed glance. “A mistake? Nonsense. The men can’t win this war by themselves. They need us women to make their airplanes. Don’t forget, this was your idea.”
With her Bible tucked under her arm, Lily kneaded her hands. “I know, but factory work! Seems like such a rough-and-tumble business.” She jerked her hands apart. She’d ruin her lace gloves twisting them like that. “Building airplanes is a lot different than clerking at the department store.”
 “You did well in training. And it looked okay on our walk-through. Just noisy. Incredibly noisy.” Charlotterepositioned her tiny straw hat as they entered the foyer. “I’m going to have to find some ear plugs. All that racket gave me a headache.”
Lily nodded, distracted by Charlotte’s hat, tilted so far forward that Lily expected it to fall off. She patted her head. The beret she’d fashioned from a Good Housekeeping pattern sat snugly where it belonged.
“I’m not concerned by the outcry that we’ll lose our femininity, or even about the men giving us a hard time. I guess it’s the scope of what we’ll be doing.” Lily nodded to an acquaintance. “If we make a mistake on these airplanes, men in battle could lose their lives.”
“Poo foo. The factory gives them quality control checks before sending them out. How many times did we hear that on our walk-through?”
How can readers find you on the Internet?www.terriwangard.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/Twitter: @terriwangard
Thank you, Terri, for sharing this new book with us. I can hardly wait for my copy to arrive.
Readers, here are links to the book.Wheresoever They May Be[image error] - Paperback
Wheresoever They May Be - Kindle[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (If the winner is from outside the US, the book will be an ebook. A winner inside the US can choose a print or ebook.) You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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WINNERS!!!!

New instructions for winners in 2018 - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) 

Beth (MT) is the winner of  Bidding on the Bouquet  by Catherine Castle.

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THIS TREACHEROUS JOURNEY - Misty M Beller - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Misty is one of my favorite authors of western historical fiction. I’ve read all her books and loved them. This Treacherous Journey is my all-time favorite. When I read the short story of the time this hero gave his newborn twins to another couple when his wife died in childbirth, I knew he had to have his own story somehow. As you’ll read in this interview, Misty felt that way, too. The journey in the story is long and hard. He characters grabbed my heart right away and dragged me along on that journey. I had a hard time putting the book down when I needed to do something else. I think you will, too. Don’t miss this one.
Bio: Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. 
Welcome back, Misty. How did you come up with the idea for this story? I’m SO excited about this book! I think it’s definitely my favorite so far. I’ve had so many readers ask me if I was going to write another book in the Mountain Dreams Series. I wanted to, but couldn’t seem to find the right storyline or characters.
I kept coming back to Simeon Grant, who was the birth father of the hero in book 5 of that series. Simeon wasn’t actually part of book 5, but I wrote a short story later that talked about how he gave up his twins for another family to raise when his wife died in childbirth. It was the only way he knew to keep them alive and give them a decent life out in the wild Montana mountains. I cried like a baby as I was writing that short story, and it stuck with me for a long time after.
So I decided to write this book about Simeon, five years later. He regretted his choices, still mourning the loss of his wife and babies, and had become bitter and hardened. I could imagine the kind of pain he must have endured, and it was quite a journey as I wrote the novel. A journey to find peace with himself, peace with God, and to accept that fact that he was worthy of a second chance for love and a family. I pray your readers will love the story as much as I do!
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Oh, that’s a fun question! It’s hard to choose just six, though! I’m torn between choosing the author friends that I’ve become so close to during our writing journeys, and some of my favorite superstar authors. I guess I would choose a mix of both groups. Let’s say Janet W. Ferguson, Jackie Layton, LeAnne Bristow, Robin Patchen, Susan May Warren, and Lisa Wingate. 
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Well…Definitely you, Lena! And I’d want to add Cynthia Roemer, Laura Frantz, Karen Witemeyer, Roseanna M. White, MaryLu Tyndall, and a bunch more!
Thanks for inviting me. Both the parties look like fun. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? Honestly, telling a good story. I desperately want each book I write to be better than the last, and sometimes it feels like the pressure is strong even when the ideas or words don’t feel strong that day. Recently, I’ve adjusted my devotion time so that I’m spending time with the Lord just before I write. It seems like the words are coming easier most days!
I understand. Sometimes, I just have to keep writing, even when I don’t feel it’s as good as it should be. Funny how when I come back to that chapter, it’s much better than I thought. Tell us about the featured book. I’d love to! Widowed and with child, Emma Malcom is fleeing from the reward offered for her arrest. She’s innocent of the dirty dealings her deceased husband orchestrated, but the angry townspeople didn’t stop to listen to her defense before she narrowly escaped with her life. Now, she and her twin brother, Joseph, must battle the mountain wilderness of the Rockies to reach Canada and the clean start she craves. But when a fall from the rocky cliff leaves Joseph wounded and weak, could the strange mountain man they encounter be God’s gift to see them to safety?
Simeon Grant makes bad choices. His deceased wife and twin babies are lost to him now because of his reckless decisions, and the penance he pays by living alone in this mountain wilderness is only a small piece of what he thinks he deserves. When a city woman, heavy with child, appears on his doorstep with her injured brother, her presence resurrects the memories he’s worked so hard to forget. And when she asks for his help to travel deeper into the mountain country, he can’t help wonder why God would force him to relive the same mistakes he’s already suffered through. Or maybe taking these two to safety could be the way to redeem himself.
But when their travels prove more treacherous than he imagined, Simeon finds himself pressing the limits of his ability to keep Emma and her brother safe. Can he overcome the past that haunts him to be the man she needs? Will Emma break through the walls around Simeon’s heart before it’s too late, or will the dangers of these mountains be the end of them all?
Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.August, 1851Rocky Mountains, Montana TerritorySimeon Grant glanced at his wife as another moan slipped from her lips.
Nora clutched her swollen belly, bent over from the pain. She’d turned in the saddle so she almost rode sideways. It must’ve hurt too much to straddle the horse.
Should he stop and set-up camp here? Or press on until they reached shelter? Surely it couldn’t be much farther to the smoke he’d seen curling up through a break in the trees. Lord, let it be a home, and let there be a woman there who can help us.
His wife straightened in the saddle and offered him a weak smile. “That pain is gone.”
He tried to offer an encouraging smile. Nora was always so strong, always taking on the burdens for those around her. If only he could take this burden from her now. He had to get help soon— for both her and the wee one inside.
He glanced around, a scent touching his nostrils. Wood smoke. Thank you, Lord. “I think we’re not far now.” He glanced at his wife. “Do you think you can make it a few minutes longer?”
She gave a weak nod, which turned to a grimace as she pressed her eyes shut and curled into another pain in her midsection.
How had he let this happen? He’d brought the love of his life into this mountain wilderness to chase his dream. She’d never once dashed his enthusiasm, just willingly sold off their meager home, loaded what possessions they now carried on the pack horses, and headed out to settle the wild Montanaterritory.
Never had he imagined Nora might be with child so soon after their marriage. Never had he thought the journey would take so long. And now the remote, unsettled freedom of these mountains that had drawn him was the very thing that jeopardized his wife’s life.
But even with the length of their journey, wasn’t it still too soon for Nora’s time? They’d only be married eight months. Not that he doubted her faithfulness. No, the thought struck a deeper fear in him. Would coming early put the baby at risk? And Nora, too? If only he knew how to stop this.
He would give everything he had to find a doctor right now.
How can readers find you on the Internet?I love to connect at:my websiteFacebookGoodreadsTwitterBookbubPinterest
Thank you, Misty, for letting me introduce my readers to your new book.
Readers, here are links to the book.This Treacherous Journey (Heart of the Mountains)[image error] - Paperback
This Treacherous Journey (Heart of the Mountains Book 1)[image error] - Kindle
This Treacherous Journey: Heart of the Mountains, Book 1 - Audio[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

SWEETWATER ROMANCES - A Valentine Sampler - Various Authors - One Free Book

Are the stories connected, and if so, how?We decided the stories would be linked, and the interacting characters would be the merchants in town. We designed a town square where the proprietors could be right down Main Street from each other. The next thing we had to do was claim a business. I wanted the town hardware store, and then Cynthia picked the candy shop, Renee the café, Martha Lou the bakery, Brandi the boutique, Jennifer the vet clinic and Christina the photography studio. Before it could grow into a tangled mess, Cynthia sent out a message—name and describe your hero and heroine!
What’s the hardest thing about writing a part of a collection?From my perspective as a writer, I wanted to protect the integrity of the other writer’s story. For instance, my heroine Willow goes into the candy store to buy her hardware guy Evan a treat. Cynthia’s character Lori interacts with her. I knew Lori’s name and what she looked like, but lacked any information about Sweet Nothings candy shop. Cynthia gave me a general description of the shop layout, so I fleshed out the scene. Once completed, I forwarded the scene right to her for review and approval. How funny looking back, she mainly changed the apron Lori wore to red and ruffled. So Valentine-y!
To prevent any inconsistencies, I became the editor/reviewer for the collection. Our use of names turned into a comedy of errors, so I focused on that aspect to make sure the right guy showed up with his correct love interest whenever two story-lines merged. Secondary characters also had to coordinate – even off-the-page characters merely referred to had to match. The brick-and-mortar town seemed to become authentic the more we described it, which was fascinating to watch develop.
How did collaborating with the team impact you?By the third story I reviewed (Renee’s), I realized how sweeping the creativity process is in the discipline of fiction writing. The imagination aspect was epic, as we started with a rote description of a town built around a central park. When the authors populated it with characters that began to share their hopes and dreams, it truly breathed life into the setting. That sensation was elevating for me, making me want to read on to know more. By the way, Renee Riva is so genuinely funny, and it leaks into her writing with understated charm. Everybody in town comes to see her heroine, Shelby, at the cafe!
What did you want the reader to take away?I remember thinking, if we can get this to be seamless, the reader will be taken away to Sweetwater and anticipate the arrival of Valentine’s Day just like our townsfolk. We can hold them there suspended and let them enjoy the romance of it all. Our job was to sweep them away! Most of the couples end up at Annie Bob’s B and B for a table-for-two buffet on Valentine’s night. You’d think that outcome would be predictable, considering the common setting, but the readers are in for a real treat! Questions will be asked, but maybe not the ones you might expect! This collection is all about love, whether it lands at first sight or takes a decade to mature. Romance readers are sure to be pleased with the variety offered by this sweet sampler.
Please give us a peekat your story. Toolbox Trinkets begins with the quintessential query into love: a newcomer, Willow Stevens, peeks into the hardware store’s front window from Main Street and sees shopkeeper Evan Masterson laboring over an intricate project at the front counter. Dubious about finding help for a complicated remodeling job, she chooses to enter the store questing for assistance and finds so much more. Evan’s capability and Willow’s vulnerability match up in an unexpectedly harmonic project-for-two. That sweet peek leads off the sampler, and romance strikes seven times—all right down the block!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?In the vastly circulating sea of good advice to authors, I think the advice that strikes a resonating truth for me is “write your next book.” So many writers get bogged down with cyclic editing or endless marketing. Yes, there’s much ancillary work to be done, but without a well-written book at the core, it’s all meaningless. Go sit down and write your next book. By the middle segment, you should be thinking “series” or at least “follow-up book.” Writing should be a fresh river, not a staccato set of stagnant pools. Time will go fluid if you devote yourself to the task of completing a full manuscript. Enjoy the euphoria of penning “The End” and then regroup and do it all over again.
Where can you be found on the Internet?My website has my complete booklist, my new release blog and a newsletter sign-up button (please do!): http://cindymamos.wixsite.com/natureinkFind me on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/natureinkbooksTwitter at @cindymamosAlso follow me on my Amazon author page and on Goodreads.
Thank you so much, Lena, for having us on your blog today! And before it’s too late…Let me wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!
It’s my pleasure, and thank you.
New in town, Willow Stevens arrives at The Master’s Toolbox hardware store, hoping to get some assistance with a detailed home improvement project. Caught soldering a seam for his latest metal-craft project, Evan Masterson soon becomes interested in another type of bond—right in time for Valentine’s Day. When Willowoffers to help with his Etsy page and shares an idea to improve the store’s garden section, how can Mr. Fix-it refuse? Find out why Evan’s toolbox might need a trinket to guard it from here on out.
When romance flutters down on Sweetwater, Kansas, the hardware store marks love’s epicenter!
About the AuthorCindy M. Amos writes inspirational romance from the heartland of Kansas, where living close to the land always leads to love. She enjoys wildflowers, border gardens, and canning produce from the summer vegetable garden. The Amos family owns a five-generation ranch in the magnificent Flint Hills of central Kansas, where the prairie offers endless inspiration for her stories.
CYNTHIA HICKEYHow did the idea for the collection come about? Cindy M. Amos pretty much said it all. It was a very fast turnaround and done more or less as an experiment. If this set does well, we’ll do more holiday themed short story sets.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? This is the advice I give all my authors. You won’t be found if you don’t promote. Advertise, interact with your readers, and write the next book.
Where can you be found on the Internet?Connect with me on FaceBookTwitterAmazonSign up for my newsletter and receive a free short storywww.cynthiahickey.comFollow me on Amazon
Whisper Sweet Nothings Lori Clark had made a life for herself after the love of her life left her ten years before with no explanation. She'd married, had a child, been widowed, owned a business...now Drake Langley was back in her life with an incredible story and professing a love for her that never went away.

How can she forgive someone who broke her heart? Can she learn to trust again and accept the love Drake offers?
Website at www.cynthiahickey.comMulti-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey has sold over a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. She and her husband run the small press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, one cat, and three box turtles. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer.”
MARTHA ROGERSHow did your story for the collection come about? I wanted to write about a bakery and a girl who had to bake her own birthday cake because her birthday was on a holiday. Added in the long-time boy friend she’d like to whom she wanted to be more and there was the story. It was fun to write and add in characters from other stories.
What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a collection? Making sure I had the facts right about other characters and places.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet? www.marthawrogers.com@martharogers2www.hhhistory.com 
Martha Rogers is a multi-published author and writes a weekly devotional for ACFW. Martha and her husband Rex live in Houston, Texas where they are active members of First Baptist Church. They are the parents of three sons and grandparents to eleven grandchildren and great-grandparents to four. Martha is a retired teacher with twenty-eight years teaching Home Economics and English at the secondary level and eight years at the college level supervising student teachers and teaching freshman English. She is the Director of the Texas Christian Writers Conference held in Houston in August each year, a member of ACFW, ACFW WOTS chapter in Houston, and a member of the writers’ group, Inspirational Writers Alive.
ICING ON THE CUPCAKE Lilly and Landon have known each other since they were pre-teens, but love has been a secret held in their hearts. He plans a special Valentine’s Day for her as it is also her birthday. However, Hudson Barnes, the new man in town may be the one to derail all of Landon’s secret preparations. Valentine’s Day will either be the end of ten years of procrastination or be the penalty for not declaring his love before now.
RENEE RIVAA peek into my story Sweetwater Café:
Welcome to the Sweetwater Cafe in the small town of Sweetwater, Kansas, where EVERYBODY knows your name!
For Shelby Smith, enough is enough. After six years of working the BBQ Lunch Special under the overbearing eye of grumpy, Great Aunt Beula, Shelby is ready to get out of Dodge... until a handsome, young, newcomer walks into the cafe one frosty February morning.

Can Chase Tanner change the direction this city wannabe is heading, and help to heal a family at the same time?
C'mon in for a BBQ Sweetwater Burger and find out!
I can be found on the internet here:Amazon Centralhttps://www.amazon.com/Renee-Riva/e/B001K8UJ52/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1website: www.reneeriva.comfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetcleanromcom/
Renee Riva has been writing stories ever since she won her first writing contest in the second grade. She combines her memories of a happy childhood (growing up in a big Italian family with a bunch of noisy siblings she wouldn’t trade for anything in the world), the heart of a “hopeful” romantic, and adds a big dose of gentle humor to delight the hearts of readers. Renee has published two children’s picture books with Waterbook/Random House: Izzy the Lizzyand Guido’s Gondola, a humorous , family trilogy published by David C. Cook: Saving Sailor, Taking Tuscany, and Heading Home. She currently has nine Forget Me Not Romances and Take Me Away Books with Winged Publications. She loves writing romantic comedies and both contemporary and historical novellas about young love.
Before becoming an author, Renee wrote for Madison Park Greeting Cards as an in-house contributing editor. Her articles have appeared in Our Family Magazineand Guideposts. Renee is a touring author for schools, has belonged to Get Lit: sponsoring authors to visit small rural schools in Washington State, and has a weekly booth at Market at the Parkway in Richland, Washington all summer long. Her website is www.reneeriva.com  and she can be contacted through through this site.
JENNIFER ALLEEWhat is the hardest thing about writing a part of a collection? We had a lot of fun brainstorming the name of the town, then details about different businesses and characters. The tricky part is continuity. We want to have characters cross into other stories to reflect the small town community, but have to make sure they're portrayed accurately. One author, Cindy Amos, read all the stories to make sure nothing was out of whack. That was a big help!
What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?Just keep writing. Careers will have ups and downs, but no matter what, a writer writes. And I've never doubted that I am a writer. LOL
For the first 10 years of her life, Jennifer AlLee lived above a mortuary in Hollywood, California, one block away from Hollywood and Vine. Over the years, she worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and an administrative assistant at a cable company, but whatever the position, writing always became part of the job description. In 2007, her first novel was published. Since then, she's published eleven novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as an author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her best creative achievement.
Thank you all for sharing this new collection with us. My readers and I love novella collections.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.Sweetwater Romances: A Valentine Sampler[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE MASTERPIECE - Francine Rivers - One Free Book

Bio: New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine’s novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband, Rick, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
About the book: Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.
A successful Los Angelesartist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want—money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist—an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.
Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship—and both their lives—forever.Welcome back, Francine. You often say that each of your novels is prompted by a faith-related question. What question inspired The Masterpiece? Were there particular Scripture verses or stories that guided your writing of this novel?The question that came up for me was whether two people from severely dysfunctional backgrounds could have a healthy relationship. Grace and Roman both come from abusive childhood experiences and developed different coping mechanisms to survive. The past often intrudes and sometimes blocks people from moving forward, but we are all ultimately responsible for the choices we make. Each of us must decide who Jesus is. That choice decides where we spend eternity. It also makes a difference in our life in the here and now. When abuse occurs, a child’s view of God is twisted. That raises other questions. What might need to happen to open the door to the true God and faith in Him? What if someone grows up knowing nothing of God other than as a curse? I had questions enough for several books, and wallowed around in the mire through several drafts. Hence, so did my characters. Grace and Roman are each on different journeys. What brings them together and what keeps them apart? I was well into the project before I knew which Scripture God was showing me: Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This is the heart of the book.
What kind of research did you do for this novel? Did any findings particularly surprise you? Most of my research had to do with the patterns and psychology of victims of abuse. It wasn’t pleasant reading. It’s heart-wrenching. I didn’t want to misrepresent survivors of abuse. I talked with a friend who is a strong Christian, highly educated, and a certified family counselor. She suggested I present my characters to a group of counselors who meet once a week. When we all gathered, I explained my dilemma and presented my “case studies.” One gentleman cried and said he’d worked with young men exactly like Roman Velasco. Grace’s emotional trauma and means of coping are also common.
I also needed to learn about graffiti artists. I started with online searches and then met a young man who had been a gang tagger in the Bay Area. We talked about his motivations, experiences, and the dangers he faced, not the least of which was leaving the gang. I found a website with terms and definitions regarding graffiti. I also read some books about the young man’s idol, Banksy. No one knows the identity of Banksy, but his work is known around the world. I liked the mystery element and employed it.
The surprise came after the book was written and I had the opportunity to meet Cameron Moberg, a Christian graffiti artist in San Francisco. He does work around the world, as well. He reaffirmed what I saw happening in Roman Velasco’s life. Cameron’s art is also on the cover of The Masterpiece . Many of his works are of spectacular, imagined birds. How could I not see God chuckling at how He brings things together?
Your novels look deeply into characters’ motivations and emotions. What do you hope readers will learn from delving into the inner thoughts of the characters in The Masterpiece?Sometimes the hardest-hearted person you know is the most broken inside. All too often, we judge by the outward appearance, but God knows the heart. Also, even when we don’t see God at work, He is working. Never give up on anyone. Just keep praying and walking the walk. You never really know what’s going on inside someone. The blessing is you may witness the creation of a new God-ordained masterpiece.
The main characters of The Masterpiece, edgy artist Roman Velasco and his new personal assistant, single mom Grace Moore, might not receive a warm welcome in every church across the country. What do you want readers to see in these characters—and in themselves—as they read?Never judge by outward appearances. It takes courage for people to come into a new church—or enter a church for the first time. Christians are, after all, “aliens,” very different from the world—or should be. Visitors and newcomers may look different than we do. They may come from different places. If people seem unapproachable, offer a smile and nod of greeting. Give them space. Give them time. Extend courtesy and welcome to all. And when the door opens, talk with them about Jesus—not just inside the walls of a church, but anywhere.
Roman Velasco is unlike any other male character you’ve written. What was most challenging about crafting the character of a rebel graffiti artist? Why did you choose this character?I thought the hardest part in writing about Bobby Ray Dean/the Bird/Roman Velasco was going to be learning about the art form, challenges in doing it and getting away with it, terms and materials. But the real challenge was figuring out what drove this boy/man to paint graffiti—and the kind of graffiti pieces he did.
We have crews in town that go out and buff (cover) graffiti as soon as possible. Many times, graffiti is a territorial marker, a challenge, evidence of war going on in your community. I wanted Bobby Ray Dean to have other motivations which evolve as he grows up and into the persona of Roman Velasco. He feels illegitimate as the Bird, but strives for legitimacy through Roman Velasco. The graffiti and the canvas work he does show the war going on inside him. It takes God to bring the two sides together and blend the mediums into a new, unique art quest and passion.
Did memories of your writing career “before Christ” inspire how you wrote the art career of Roman Velasco?In some ways, yes. Before I became a Christian, I wrote steamy historical romances in the general market. Those books and the years of working on them taught me a lot about the craft of writing. When I gave my life to Christ, God used all that training for His good purpose when I began writing Redeeming Love. Certain elements stayed the same: the setting—early Californiahistory—and a passionate love story. The difference was the focus of the novel. It was all about how high, deep, and wide God’s love is for each of us. Jesus was a central “character” in the story, whispering to Michael, who strove to live out his faith in front of Angel, a broken child of God whose soul had been deeply damaged by the abuse of others. Brokenness, healing, and redemption are consistent themes in my work.
Francine, as you know, Redeeming Love is my all-time favorite novel. I’ve recommended it to men and women who need to learn just how much Jesus loves them. The names of your characters often carry special significance—can you tell us how you have gone about naming characters in the past and, without giving too much away, tell us a little about how you chose the names of the characters in The Masterpiece? Grace’s full name tells her life story. I admit there is no great spiritual meaning to Roman’s names. I liked the sound of Bobby Ray Dean. His initials—BRD—and where he did his graffiti work created the second name: the Bird. And secondary characters in the story came up with the name Roman Velasco. They were joking about it, but Bobby Ray takes on the name and uses it to launch a new life.
What does The Masterpiece have in common with your other novels? How is it unique?Every story I’ve written contains a love story. This book has that in common with all my others. However, in other stories, I’ve had one main character be strong in faith. The difference in this novel, both people are broken and struggling. Grace is the Christian, but she has fallen several times, and suffered greatly for it. Her faith is an uphill, arduous climb. Roman adds to that battle. They both come from traumatic childhood experiences that have shaped their lives. The strong Christian voices in this story come from secondary characters.
What do you hope your readers come to know about God through this story?I want readers to know that no matter who you are, where you come from, what you’ve done, when you accept Jesus, God will make you into His masterpiece.
Thank you, Francine, for sharing this new book with us. I know The Masterpiece will become a classic the way Redeeming Love has.
Readers, here are links to the book. - Amazon
The Masterpiece[image error] - Kindle
The Masterpiece - Audio book[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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TETHERED - Brenda H Cox - One Free Book

Bio: Brenda H. Cox is a life-long English educator at the high school and university levels. She earned a BA at The University of South Carolina, an MAT from The Citadel, and a PhD at The University of Georgia where she served as the Assistant Director of the Freshman English Program. She was affiliated with the National Writing Project site at Clemson University where she led a Writing in the Humanities Institute and is a member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network. She has taught numerous writing workshops and delivered papers at state and national conferences and directed The Young Writers Conference at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she was an Assistant Professor of English Education. She has published articles in English leadership and in 18th century rhetoric. In addition, she has served as a writing consultant in numerous school systems in the Southeast and in the American and International Schools in Kuwait. She also served as a Reader of Advanced Placement exams for The College Board, and her students have won numerous local, state, and national awards in writing. Brenda lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is married to Jim Cox.  They have one son and daughter in-law and two perfect grandsons.
Welcome, Brenda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. My husband and I always have some kind of humorous banter going, so I try to infuse that in the conversations between couples. I think that makes their relationships seem more authentic.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I drink iced tea all day every day of the year! I confess that I sometimes use exaggerated accents at the drive through speaker to order my tea just to see the reaction of the servers. Sometimes they don’t bat an eye, sometimes they look shocked, and sometimes they laugh out loud. I always act as though I have no idea why.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? At age 64. I’m a late baby boomer bloomer! I taught research-based argumentative writing at high school and university levels for 43 years. It was time I tried something more creative, although I give myself away with all the historical documentation in Tethered .
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I like a broad range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, although I confess I’m not a fan of romance. I know that’s near heresy.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I pray, pray, pray and love, love, love my grandchildren! My son and his precious wife and their two boys live with us, so I try to keep life as simple and uncomplicated as possible.
How do you choose your characters’ names? Well, I write historical, creative biography, so I usually have all the names all ready to go. If I need to invent any, I use variations of older family members’ names. For instance, I named the captain of a ship “George McIntyre” after my grandfather. 
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I earned my PhD from the University of Georgiawhile my husband was on his last active duty tour there teaching Army ROTC. I was gratified to accomplish that with a four-year-old, but publishing my first book was right up there.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I am not fond of cats, but I would be one so I could lie in the sun all day and be as finicky as I pleased.
What is your favorite food? My Grandmother Mary’s coconut cake!
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? TIME! I have to carve out time to write to keep from getting blocked. The longer I stay away from it, the harder it is to get rolling again. I prefer to write between 10pm and 2am, but I have obligations that make that impossible. It’s so hard to write with dirty dishes and bathrooms waiting on me!
Tell us about the featured book. Tethered: The Life of Henrietta Hall Shuck, The First American Woman Missionary to China  begins in 1835 as Henrietta and Jehu Lewis Shuck set off on an arduous 19,000 mile voyage from Virginiato Chinato establish the first Baptist mission in “The Celestial Kingdom.” In Tethered Henrietta holds onto a leather strap nailed to the railing of their ship to keep from falling overboard, but her life is also tethered to her husband, to their mission board, and to God as she seeks to educate young girls whose lives were bound in centuries of traditions as brutal as the ligatures that bound their feet. On their voyage, they encounter a ship of convicts headed to Australia, British missionaries returning home from Ceylon, a whaler butchering her catch, and a slave ship that shatters Henrietta’s illusions of her gentle life in Virginia. During their visits with established missionaries in Calcutta, Burma, and Singapore, they gain valuable insights that will help to prepare them for the challenges they will meet in Macauall the while developing a deeper relationship with each other. The young couple’s marriage grows from a mission’s partnership to genuine love and is marked by humor and unflinching determination to minister to the poor despite illness, poverty, robbers, and opposition from the mission board at home in the volatile years of conflict in the First Opium War. By the end of her story, she has come to a full faith relationship with God and has become an icon in Baptist missions for American and Chinese Christians across two centuries.
Please give us the first page of the book.Chapter 1: The Louvre19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matthew 28:19–20 KJV
September 1835Gathering her skirts, Henrietta Shuck stumbled up the steps to the deck of the Louvre, fighting to keep her balance as the vessel lurched through the rough Atlantic toward the coast of Africa. She forced her hand into a leather strap like a prisoner accustomed to being shackled and, once secure, leaned over the railing to allow the spray to bathe her face. It was the only relief from the desperate seasickness that had consumed her since boarding ship in Boston with her husband Lewis on their voyage to China. Henrietta’s eyes stung, and her hair was dripping wet from the cold salt spray, but any relief from the unrelenting nausea was welcome during what would become a yearlong, nineteen-thousand-mile voyage to the other side of the globe. Shortly after leaving Boston, she had first leaned over the railing with her toes barely touching the deck when the first mate of the Louvre, George McIntyre, grabbed her around the waist with one arm and plunked her down hard on the deck as though she was a rag doll.
“Mrs. Shuck! For Mercy’s sake! What are you thinking! I’ll have no one falling overboard on me! I’d never get the skiff in the water before you’re drowned!”
Still on all fours, she struggled to rise before him when her gut violently twisted, and she showered his boots with her breakfast. Other crewmen roared at the sight of the little woman, barely four feet and ten inches tall, on her hands and knees retching like a dog choking on a bone and the first mate dancing a high step to shake the remains of Henrietta’s meal of beans and salt pork off his boots. Ordinarily, the seasoned sailor would have spewed a succession of blasphemous oaths at every step, but he and the rest of the crew had been unexpectedly polite and accommodating to the Shucks and to the other twenty missionaries on board on their way to Asia. One withering look from McIntyre as he stormed toward the main mast sent the crew back to their duties while Henrietta was left to fend for herself. Moments later, he reappeared swinging a massive hammer round and round in his right hand and a leather strap in his left stomping straight for Henrietta. Still kneeling and feeling the vibrations of his stomps drawing closer, she swallowed hard and wiped her hair from her face, dreading what he had in mind for her. Tucking the hammer under his arm, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to her feet, recoiling a bit from the shock that she weighed so little and that her wrist was no bigger than that of a child.  Still holding her wrist, he looped the leather strap once around her hand and then let her go.  Henrietta fought to maintain her balance and didn’t know what to think as he pounded the leather strap to the railing with two heavy nails and said, “Mrs. Shuck: you’re to pull your hand through the tether and hold tight should a wave sweep you overboard. I’ll not have you swimming in the deep.”
Relieved as much that the mate meant her no harm as grateful that she would not end up drowned with an unexpected lunge into a wave, she looked up at the massive man to say, “Thank you. I will, Mr. McIntyre, and I’m so sorry I fouled your….” The corners of Henrietta’s mouth suddenly turned down, and the mate sidestepped as she forced her hand into the loop and again nearly threw herself over the rail retching helplessly. The few members of the crew who had gathered to watch his hammering parted and ran back to their stations as Mr. McIntyre stomped back across the deck, again swinging his hammer.
Henrietta would find comfort in the salt spray more times than she could count during the nine months on the ocean. To reach the Orient, ships sailed towards the coast of Africa, then back towards Brazil, and then, turning again, sailed far to the south using the trade winds to skirt around the Cape of Good Hope. On this seemingly interminable trip, dolphins that would share the ship’s wake on occasion mesmerized her and suspended the debilitating nausea. She fancied that the same group had joined them on and off during their trip to Macau, China, the small island occupied by the Portuguese and English traders from the East India Trading Company and her future home that, unlike the main land, was tolerant of “Europeans.” To the Chinese, these included Americans as well as the English, the French, and the Portuguese.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I’m on Goodreads at http://bit.ly/2lz8L54Twitter at @BrendaCox51Pinterest at http://bit.ly/2EswrQXKOBO at http://bit.ly/2DhwM8n
My website is http://www.brendahcox.com. It contains a bio, reviews, and historical facts about Henrietta including her only known portrait that my husband’s family contributed to the Foreign Missions Board. Purchasing links may be found at: Amazon at http://amzn.to/2C5fA5lBarnes and Noble at http://bit.ly/2lvbxJjCrossLink Publishing Company at www.Croslinkpublishing.com
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com