Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 137

DO YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW? - Becky Melby - A Book Giveaway, Print in US, Ebook Foreign

Welcome, Becky. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.My husband claims all of my heroines are part me and friends have said they can “hear” me in my character’s dialogue. I certainly use my own experiences, hopes, joys, and struggles to create characters, but I don’t intentionally shape them to be like me. Usually, I end up wanting to be more like them.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Maybe starting a writing career on a whim. My friend Cathy Wienke called one morning back in the early nineties and said she’d just literally thrown a book at the wall because of its unrealistic dialogue and predictable plot. “We should write our own,” she said. And so we did. We started plotting that very moment and nine months later gave birth to Beauty for Ashes.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?When I was seven, my dad used to bring small pads of paper home from work, and I would turn them sideways and pretend they were my books. One of the first stories I wrote was “How Valentine’s Day Started.” I remember drawing stick figures with hearts around them—I was a romance writer way back then! In high school, I wrote angst-filled poetry and then moved on to short stories for Sunday School take-home papers. My dream was to publish my first book by the time I was twenty-five. I missed it by about seventeen years. Beauty for Ashes came out the year I found out I was going to be a grandmother.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Ninety percent of the fiction I read is Romance or Women’s Fiction. I love dual-time novels—I’ve always enjoyed comparing life in the past to how we live today. I like humor—whatever happened to chick lit? At the moment, I’m in the middle of four books—an audio dual-time novel I listen to in the car, a Christmas novella on Kindle, and another dual-time in print, plus an inspirational nonfiction book. I love biographies but haven’t carved out time to read one lately. 
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I’ve had to say no to some really wonderful opportunities to serve. Years ago, I thought I could do it all—lots of volunteering while homeschooling four sons and writing. The pace was exhausting. To this day, I wonder if my kids look back at their childhoods and all they remember is Mom yelling, “Hurry up!” It took seeing writing as a ministry to allow myself to step back. And I’ve also come to realize that time with my grandchildren is doing the thing God put in front of me in this season. I can’t do it all, but I pray I can bring some Truth to light for my readers and my grandkids.
How do you choose your characters’ names?I chose the first name of the hero in the story I’m working on right now from my Facebook Friends list. That’s a great source. And then I had fun telling my friend I was naming a character after him. Most often, I use baby name sites. I look up names according to birth year or ethnicity. Cemetery records are great for finding surnames in a specific locale and era.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?My four sons. My boys are amazing husbands and dads. I love watching them interact with their kids and nothing warms my heart like seeing how tender each one is with his wife. They are all extremely creative in unique ways—art, business, home projects. I give God all the glory for their character, but I’ll take a bit of cred for the creativity. Moms, let your kids make messes—it’s how they learn. Then teach them how to clean up!
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’d probably be my favorite dog, a golden retriever. I like the simple things in life—good food, a walk, napping in the sun. I see myself as a faithful, loyal friend who’s pretty easy-going (though my hubby would disagree at times, especially if I’m on a deadline). I want people to feel comfortable and at home in my “territory,” but insult or threaten my people in any way and I’ll bare my teeth!
What is your favorite food?Cheesecake Factory Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. Not on a daily basis, of course. Then again . . . I’m gluten intolerant, and this decadent dessert with layers of flourless chocolate cake, ganache, and mousse is gluten free. If only they could make it guilt free, but at 860 calories per slice, that’s not going to happen!
When I had a slice of that, I took ¾ of it home, then had dessert for almost a week. There is no way I could eat the whole slice. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I still struggle with being too nice to my characters. That’s the gift of mercy gone awry. One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever received was, “Love your readers enough to make your characters hurt.” Readers want reality, and real life is messy and painful. Sometimes I have to go back and add more pain and conflict because, in the end, the dénouement is sweeter when we have cried and wrung our hands right along with the characters.
I’m a lot like that, too, but this year, I’ve really poured on the terrible external conflict for my heroines. Tell us about the featured book. A week before Christmas, a phone call from the obstetrician’s office goes to the wrong person, igniting a yule-log-size blaze of misunderstandings for two couples. Elizabeth Schmidt is hurt, Bethany Schmidt is confused, and Pastor Jay Davidson is wondering if God is asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program.  
The spark for this story came from a real life event. When I found out I was pregnant with our first child, the bill from the clinic went to my husband’s aunt and uncle, whose daughter was also Becky Melby. The poor girl was only fifteen at the time! We’ve had a lot of laughs about it over the years and when I asked my husband to brainstorm with me for a Christmas novella, he brought this up and we took off with “what ifs” that resulted in Do You Know What I Know? It’s a light read with touches of humor, but it also deals with some serious subjects Please give us the first page of the book.“I can’t go to rehearsal. I can’t look at him.” Crumpled letter clutched to her chest, Bethany Schmidt paced from the bottlebrush Christmas tree in one corner of the church office to the door and back. Worn oak boards creaked beneath her striped-stockinged feet. Misty, her pink-haired friend, sat on the floor, painting her toenails and doing a fairly good job of stifling laughter.
Bethanywaved the letter. “How can I be Mary to his Joseph with this on my mind? He’ll see it in my eyes. My deceit, my betrayal. I feel like a prisoner.” Forearm pressed to forehead, she sighed. “A prisoner of the heart.”
“Wow.” Misty Kowalski stopped stifling. “This is rare, even for you. Forgive me if I’m not as empathetic as you’d like. You know I love you, but as a pathetically single midwife living at a maternity home with a leaky roof and linoleum floors, it’s hard for me to feel bad that you have to choose between the career of your dreams and a guy who’s crazy about you.” She picked at a smudge of purple. “If it’s advice you want, knock down those prison bars, girlfriend! Ditch the job and go with the guy. How many men are going to look twice at a thirty-something single mom church secretary? This might be your last chance.”
Bethanycrumpled the letter and threw it at Misty. “But what if it’s not a chance at all? We’ve only had two dates.”
“Pastor Jay’s been swooning over you since the day you moved back. And I have never used swooning in a sentence before, I promise. That’s how sure I am he’s nuts over you.” Misty tightened the cap on the bottle of polish. “Why not just lay it all out? ‘Hey, dude, I’ve got this great job offer in the Show Me State, so show me you love me or I’m outa here.’ See? Easy peasy.”
“Are you kidding?” She pictured the man with the thick dark hair that curled above his ears, the brown eyes that made her melt like butter on pancakes. “You know him. He’ll say he wants me to chase my dreams, follow my calling. But what if he’s my calling?”
I like this already. Actually, I received my copy over the weekend, and I’m starting to read it today. How can readers find you on the Internet?http://www.beckymelby.com/-- Please sign up to join my Second Chance Circle and receive a free short story.https://www.facebook.com/Becky-Melby-Author-Page-147542291976020/?ref=bookmarkshttps://www.facebook.com/becky.f.melbyhttps://www.instagram.com/beckymelbybooks/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/beckymelby/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/BeckyMelbyhttps://www.pinterest.com/beckymelby/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/680309.Becky_Melby
Thank you, Lena. It’s a great honor to spend time with your readers.
I’m thrilled to have you, Becky, and I know my readers will enjoy your book as much as I will.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Do You Know What I Know?[image error]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book - print in US, ebook foreign. 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!!!!

Beth (IA) is the winner of  Trust My Heart,  by Carol J Post.

Ann E (TX) is the winner of  Undiscovered Treasure  by Carole Brown.

Patricia (TX), is the winner of  My Enemy, My Heart  by Laurie Alice Eakes.

Angela (KY) is the winner of  Broke, Busted, and  Dusgusted  by Leeann Betts.

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. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... 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.

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When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

An After-Thanksgiving Suggestion - AUTUMN LOVE Novella Collection - One Giveaway Copy of One of Lena Nelson Dooley's Back List Books

Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving? I'm glad if you did.

Are you a Black Friday shopper? You're probably tired if you are.

Here's a wonderful way to relax by enjoying a collection of Thanksgiving novellas.


The subtitle of this collection tells it all: Five Novellas of Finding Love in the Heart of Thanksgiving. Brought to you by some of the authors of Warm Mulled Kisses and April Fool's Love, here are blurbs of the stories:

Lena Nelson DooleyDIY THANKSGIVINg LOVE - A misunderstanding brought Austin Hodges and Valerie Bradford together. The same misunderstanding eventually pushed them apart. Can a church youth campout help them to see each other through the eyes of truth?

Lisa CraneTHANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE GIRLS - Charley Jane Roberts is a tomboy through and through. Jake Waters is a bit of a ladies man. They’re also best friends, and Jake is Charley’s boss. Unfortunately, Charley is also in love with Jake. He, however, sees her still as the tag-along little sister of his friend and one of the guys. One minor accident at work changes everything. But will the two of them figure everything out, in spite of meddling friends and misunderstandings?

Anne GreeneRECIPE FOR A HUSBAND - Maine Nessie McDonald, daughter of a recently deceased lighthouse keeper seeks a husband by Thanksgiving to share the responsibility of warning sailors off the rugged Maine coast. She advertises for a husband and cooks gourmet dinners for each would-be husband’s interview. Kyle Cameron, the injured seaman she rescues from the sea, won’t do because he must return to Australiaand his father’s shipping business. Yet Kyle, lying on a cot in the kitchen with a broken leg, points out each aspiring husband’s unsuitability by reading aloud from Nessie’s heirloom cookbook’s spiritual advice. When Kyle must return home, Nessie realizes too late she’s fallen in love with the spiritual Australian. But Kyle surprises her by cooking up a recipe of his own.

Kathy WallNEVER AGAIN - Wounded by a woman’s dishonesty, Tanner Phillips vows never to trust women ever again. When he meets Rusti Moore, he recognizes a person in emotional pain carrying a heavy burden.
Her open honesty impresses him. Can he overcome his personal injuries to help her heal? Does he have the insight to support her without damaging her? Will helping her destroy him?

Marilyn EudalyTURKEY TROT - Radio personality Trudy Moore fears Thanksgiving will mark the end of her relationship with the “Big Boss of the Hot Sauce,” Gunnar Stone.
Gunnar pushes for them to spend Thanksgiving with his family in Connecticut. Trudy’s parents invite them to Arkansas. She may have to work the Turkey Trot Marathon in Dallas, Texas. Gunnar develops two very different plans to solve their holiday dilemma. One involves trotting around the country. The other he keeps secret from the woman he hopes to make his wife.

The miles and the rungs on the corporate ladder challenge their love as they d
And this group of authors will be bringing another novella collection in 2017.
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 REMNANT - Monte Wolverton - One Free Book

BIO: Monte Wolverton is an author, illustrator, and syndicated editorial cartoonist. His 2014 novel, Chasing 120, won an Illumination book award. He serves on the boards of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and Plain Truth Ministries, where he is also as associate editor and contributing writer. His work has appeared frequently in MAD magazine and more recently in Washington (DC) Monthly magazine. He participated in the 2014 St.-Just-le-Martel Editorial Cartoon Festival in France, and in 2015, was invited to serve as a judge for the prestigious Xaimen International Animation Festival in China. He is an ordained minister and holds an MA from GoddardCollege in Vermont. Wolverton resides in his native southwest Washington State with his wife Kaye.
Welcome, Monte. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.The central character in my first novel, Chasing 120, was somewhat autobiographical—a media professional and family man facing the collapse of his belief system and possibly his job. Grant Cochrin, the main character in the The Remnant —there’s perhaps less of me in him, but I’m still there.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Quirky, you say? My wife would say that with me it’s less of a single event and more of an ongoing thing. I’d like to believe that most of my quirkiness is relegated to my art. But in terms of behavior (not counting high school and college), there was the time a couple of years ago when I was at an international cartoonists’ convention in Saint-Just-le-Martel, France. I was asked to sing a solo of the “Star Spangled Banner”—and chose to do so in the style of Bob Dylan. They seemed to like it, judging from the applause.
When did you first discover you were a writer? My father was a writer/illustrator/cartoonist, so I had that excellent role model. In high school, I discovered that I really enjoyed writing, thanks to a wonderful English teacher, Trecia Greene. But I didn’t do much professionally with writing until decades later. In my graphic design business, I wrote a lot of advertising copy. Years later, I wrote articles for the magazine where I was design director. And about that time my MA program required a lot of writing, including a hefty thesis. After that, I became managing editor and spent most of my time pushing words around. But my first novel was published only three years ago, so what do I know?
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I have always loved science fiction, as my father wrote and drew sci-fi storiesHow do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I’m past the traditional retirement age, but I haven’t noticed a decrease in work and busy-ness. I have a studio out in the woods where I work nearly every day. And every day, if it’s not raining too hard, I take my two Rat Terriers up the hill and sit on a rock. It’s a great place to clear one’s mind, meditate, and pray, and I always discover something new and amazing there in the tangle of trees, ferns, and bushes. As composer John Cage said: “One shouldn’t go to the woods looking for something, but rather to see what is there.”
Sounds wonderful. How do you choose your characters’ names?I have blatantly used names of friends and relatives, living and dead. That way (if they’re alive) they have to read the novel to see what I’ve done with them. A couple of character names in The Remnant are anagrams of well-known people. Another character I named after a kind of tree, as it was the first thing I noticed through a window when I was trying to come up with a name.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Usually the most recent one, no matter how mundane. For example, I just finished tiling 650 square feet of my studio floor. I think I’m proud of that. Also, I was pleased to serve as the only American judge at the Xaimen Animation Festival in China a couple of years ago. That was educational and cool.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I was fascinated with sloths before they were popularized through movies such as Ice Age. And I appreciate horses. But I identify most with dogs. Our two Rat Terriers are 16 and 18. The oldest is pretty deaf, has cataracts and arthritis, but works around his problems and just keeps going without complaint. He loves his walks, he loves his people, and he is well cared for. I should be so blessed in my latter years.
What is your favorite food?Grilled wild salmon (or steelhead). And locally sourced sweet potatoes. And a salad with organic lettuce and avocado. With rice vinegar, olive oil, and feta cheese dressing. Accompanied by a Washington State Riesling. And a slice of wild blackberry pie. With organic vanilla ice cream. Followed by a cup of dark roast coffee with cream and turbinado sugar. Well…you asked.
Yum! What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? When you say problem, I take that not to mean challenge, as in the hardest work, but rather a hurdle that I had to surmount. For me, that would be offering visual cues as to what a character is feeling. I tend to try to handle those things in verbal dialogue or narration (is there anything else?). But a big part of human communication is body language. An editor pointed out that I need to show, for example, how a character shows his anger—not merely describe him or her as being angry, or have him or her say angry words. Such a thing is not that hard to write, but you have to keep reminding yourself to imagine how the characters look and what they are doing as they are conversing, and render that image for the reader. That made a big difference.
It took me quite a while to conquer deep point of view, too. Tell us about the featured book. A future dystopian world is ruled by a totalitarian government that has forbidden religion and destroyed all sacred texts. Those who persist in religion are sent to work camps. A stalwart band of believers escapes from one of these camps and embarks on a spiritual quest through a lawless wilderness filled with violent gangs and bizarre cults—only to come face to face with an unthinkable choice. That description sounds dire, but I poke satirical fun at more than a few religious traditions, including parts of Christendom. I hope readers will be entertained, and gain perspective on the difference between institutional religion and an authentic personal relationship with Christ.
Book blurb: What if there were an Apocalypse and Jesus didn't return? What if the survivors found themselves living in a world ruled by a totalitarian government, where religion is forbidden and all religious texts have been destroyed? In  The Remnant , award-winning author Monte Wolverton tells the tale of a band of concentration camp escapees who trek through the lawless American wilderness on a quest for authentic Christianity, only to come face to face with an unthinkable dilemma.  The Remnant  is a fast-paced story punctuated with dry satire, memorable characters, and hard questions about religious institutions.
Please give us the first page of the book.Prologue—date 2063 On the eastern coast of Tunisia, overlooking the Gulf of Hammamet and the Mediterranean Sea, sits the Great Mosque of Monastir, a place of prayer since the 9th century—but no longer. In the year 2062, a cataclysmic global war prompted the World Federation to ban all religion. Now, less than a year later, a high-level meeting was being held here in the mosque, repurposed like many former places or worship as a museum and site for Federation conferences. Ironically, the subject of this particular meeting was religion.
The men and women entering the cavernous hall were clearly familiar with making decisions, issuing orders and receiving respect. Some wore military dress uniforms, others wore dark suits that spoke of power. Chatting and posturing, they seated themselves in black leather chairs flanking a ridiculously long, polished ebony conference table.
In front of each chair was a name card, an agenda, a water glass and a smaller glass, which waiters filled with the attendee’s choice of strong coffee or Tunisian mint tea.
As ushers gently closed the ornate doors from the outside, a middle-aged man with wavy black hair, a blue-grey Italian suit and Mediterranean features called the meeting to order. His deep voice echoed through the hall. “Welcome, every one of you, to the first meeting of the Religious Directive Implementation Council.”
“Let’s hope it will also be the last,” quipped a portly gentleman in a military uniform. The group laughed, until they noticed the glare in the eyes of the chairperson.
How can readers find you on the Internet?They can visit the Facebook group The Remnant —CWRpress at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1086563071463095/
Thank you, Monte, for sharing this book with me and my blog readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.The Remnant[image error] - paperback
The Remnant - Kindle

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[image error]

PEACH BLOSSOM RANCHER - Ada Brownell - Ebook Free Through November 24

Peach Blossom Rancher, an historical romance by Ada Brownell is free today through Nov. 24. Suspense, romance, humor, murder, insanity, hope, fun, wrapped in a Western you won’t forget. If you are reading this before November 25, you get a free ebook.Get it here: http://amzn.to/2arRVgG
Welcome, Ada. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.Well, I used some experiences I had in my youth, such as when a pig sucked my dress while I poured slop over the top of the fence. I held out my skirt and ran to the house while pig saliva strung down my legs. I took great pleasure in letting that happen to Edwina, a gal who thinks she’s in love with Peach Blossom Rancher’s leading man, John Parks. Edwina has a temper, and it shows. I think the sow sucked my dress because of the corn starch we used in those days.
Also a horse steps on the foot of Stuart, a kid just learning how to ride. That happened to me and my brother who usually helped me mount, etc., already had ridden away. I beat on that horse’s big belly and yelled, “Get off! Get off.” She wouldn’t budge until I had sense enough to reach down and lift her hoof.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Letting my high heel shoe slip off the volume pedal of the organ while I played softly as the pastor spoke. The heel slipped, the shoe stuck, and the music was the loudest it could get before I told myself, “Take your hands off the keys, stupid.” My clunky shoe stuck in the pedal volume slot, and I had to kneel down and pull my shoe out.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?When I went to work as a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain. I’d read you aren’t a professional writer unless you make a living at it.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I love the Bible and inspirational non-fiction. Historical novels are my favorite fiction books.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?Reading inspirational novels where great characters honor the Lord or come to him, despite adversity, carries me to other places where problems are solved with the help of the Lord and grit. These books stimulate spiritual joy and peace.
How do you choose your characters’ names? Sometimes I look up ethnic names for a certain era, but often match the name to the character.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Raising five wonderful children and staying married to the man I’ve loved for 63 years.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?Maybe a poodle. I have curly hair, always run from here to there, and sometimes I bark.
What is your favorite food?It depends on the day. I like variety.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?In one of my writing courses I took in my youth I was told 1,000 novels were rejected to each one sold to a traditional publisher. I didn’t like those odds, but later in life felt I had stories to tell and took the risk.
Tell us about the featured book. Published by Elk Lake Publishing, a new traditional small publisher. Suspense, romance, humor, murder, insanity, hope, fun, wrapped in a Western you won’t forget.
A handsome young man inherits a ranch in ruin and a brilliant doctor is confined to an insane asylum because of one seizure. Yet their lives intersect.
John Lincoln Parks yearns for a wife to help rebuild the ranch and eyes Valerie MacDougal, a young widow who homesteaded, but also is an attorney.
Will the doctor ever be released from the asylum? Will John marry Valerie or Edwina Jorgenson, the feisty rancher-neighbor he constantly fusses with? This neighbor has a Peeping Tom whose boot prints are like the person’s who dumped a body in John’s barn. Will John even marry, or be hanged for the murder?
As a reporter I covered the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, a former asylum, on my beat and I worked on a peach ranch for my aunt and they also had horses.
Please give us the first page of the book.March 1, 1909“Come on, boy. Your hard life is over.”
The sleek stallion pulled back, snorted, grunted, yanked his head upward, and tried to whirl away. John Lincoln Parks held the reins tight. “Come on. The judge isn’t here. The whip’s in your past.”
Bringing the animal all the way from Colorado’s Eastern Slope after the judge’s death hadn’t been easy. The judge, John’s uncle, murdered near Yucca Blossom, would never return to the horse ranch and acres of peach orchards he expected to inherit from John’s father.
“He look like he a good ’un to breed.” Sweat glistened on Abe’s crinkled chocolate brow. “But an animal abused like ’im usually disobedient or loses his spirit.”
John rubbed the stallion’s neck and then extended a sugar cube in his hand. “I don’t want to give up on him yet. Come on, boy. We’re friends. You should be tired and hungry after your train trip.”
A long red tongue licked the sugar cube into the toothy mouth.
Abe followed John to the horse barn. “I’ll get ’im some oats and fill the water trough. He a right pretty animal except fa the welts the judge left on ’im.”
“If I’d stayed with the judge, my back would look like his. Where’s Polly? I hope she’s made chicken and noodles and apple pie.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?Read sample chapters on Amazon. My Amazon author page is https://www.amazon.com/author/adabrownellFacebook: Ada BrownellTwitter: @adabrownellGoogle https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AdaBrownell/postsGoodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654534.Ada_Brownell
Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.comStick-to-Your-Soul Encouragement
Thank you, Ada, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, leave a comment to interact with the author. 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.)
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comments Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

OTHER THAN A HALO - Valerie Comer - One Free Book

Welcome back, Valerie. Why did you become an author?I became an author because God gave me stories to tell, the ability to tell them, and the patience and diligence to study the craft! Over time, I’ve become aware that writing is, for me, an act of worship in which I can create something and offer it back to the One who made me in His Creator image.
If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?I once thought being an architect or interior designer would be the best job in the world.
If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?I’m very thankful to live in a day and age where glasses and e-readers are a “thing.” Not so many years ago, people with my eye condition (Best Disease) wouldn’t have had written stories available to them. So I’ll take today and be thankful!
What place in the United Stateshave you not visited that you would like to?When I see those Facebook memes going around, I’m often astonished to discover I’ve seen more of the USA than many Americans, though I’m Canadian. Someday I’d love to visit the New England states and their counterpart in Canada, the Maritime provinces.
How about a foreign country you hope to visit?My husband and I are planning a month-long trip to Great Britainin three or four years. That should check a few things off our bucket list!
What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?When I was writing Other Than a Halo , God reminded me again that He doesn’t categorize sin as greater or lesser. Sin of any size is what keeps us from God, and He can and will forgive all of it if we only ask. This was something my heroine, Bren, struggled with, and it was a blessing to me to revisit that truth in my own life.
Sometimes, we need to go back and revisit how much the Lord has taught us. I love to do that. Tell us about the featured book. Other Than a Halo is the second book in my Christmas in Montana Romance series.Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing for the pageant.
Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids. When a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved.
What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into the future God has for her?
Please give us the first page of the book.“Don’t you think it would be great fun for both girls?”
Bren Haddock stared at the mother of her daughter’s best friend. “Um, no. I pretty much think you’re crazy.”
“What’s crazy about it?” Kristen O’Brien’s brown eyes lit up with excitement. “It’s not competitive like the Miss Snowflake is for adult women. It’s just for fun.”
Bren spun her pottery mug on the table in Helena’s Fire Tower Coffee Shop and raised her eyebrows. “Have you never heard of Crowns for Kids?”
“Of course I have.” Kristen giggled. “Wasn’t that reality—” she air-quoted the word “—show nuts? There was nothing real about it. And this won’t be anything like it.”
Bren had watched several episodes, aghast at what some people would do for fortune and fame. She shook her head. “I can’t believe you want to put Lila and Charlotte through that. No way.”
“Todd and I will gladly pay Lila’s entrance fee and buy her dress—”
“No. I’m not a charity case.”
Kristen’s eyes softened. “I know that, Bren. I know how hard you’ve worked to get on your feet and make a solid home for your kids all on your own. How hard you work every single day. This is something Todd and I want to do. Call it our Christmas gift to Lila. She’ll have a couple of adorable outfits and some happy memories of a perfect Christmas week spent with her bestest friend in the whole world.” Kristen’s voice mimicked Lila’s.
“I don’t see how it can lead to anything good.” Bren met her friend’s eyes across the wooden table. Around them, the lunch crowd drifted out. “I really don’t. I appreciate that you guys have money and run in different circles than we do, but I don’t want to get dragged into this. I don’t want Lila thinking she can have whatever Charlotte has. She needs to learn to be satisfied with what I can provide, not want what other people have.”
You can read the full first chapter here: http://valeriecomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Halo-ch-1.pdf
I’m eager to read the book. I love your writing. How can readers find you on the Internet?Please visit me at http://valeriecomer.comwhere you can find links to social media and information about all my books as well as my blog. You can also join my email list for a free short Christmas story called “Peppermint Kisses.”

Thank you, Valerie, for sharing this book with us. I'm eager to read it. I love your picture. Your dimple is a lot like mine.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Other Than a Halo: A Christian Romance (Christmas in Montana Romance) (Volume 2)[image error] - paperback
Other Than a Halo: A Christian Romance (Christmas in Montana Romance Book 2)[image error] - Kindle

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

WINNERS!!!!!

Brenda (VA) is the winner of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year  by Ace Collins.

Jackie (NC) is the winner of  Christmas Snowe and Peppermint Cocoa,  by Joi Copeland.

Mary (SC) is the winner of  Alone  by Edie Melson.

Julie (CA), is the winner of  Voices of the Past  by Laura Bennet.

Melanie (TX) is the winner of  Love In the Seams  by Jodie Wolfe.

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. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... 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, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.

When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

SPECIAL - WIN OVER 55 BOOKS, PLUS A KINDLE FIRE

Today, I have a fun surprise that I’d like to share with you.
To celebrate November, I’ve teamed up with more than 55 fantastic inspirational historical romance authors to give away a huge collYou can win my novel novella collecton AUTUMN LOVE, plus books from authors like Mary Conneally and Andrea Boeshaar.
Enter the giveaway by clicking here: bit.ly/historical-inspy
Good luck, and enjoy!Lena Nelson Dooley he giveaway by clicking here: bit.ly/historical-inspyGood luck, and enjoy! NAME

TRUST MY HEART - Carol J Post - One Book Giveaway on This Blog, Plus More

Welcome, Carol. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. A little less with each book! In my first book, Midnight Shadows, my heroine was basically a fictionalized version of me. I even made her a court reporter (my former career). Each of my subsequent characters has had fewer of my own traits. In Trust My Heart , my latest release, Jami is much more like my artistic, dreamer daughter than like me.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?I don’t think of myself as a quirky person, so I had to ask for my sister’s help on this one. She assured me my obsession with lists is not normal, which might put it in the “quirky” category. I always have two or three to-do lists going at any given time. I love marking things off, so if I do something that’s not on the list, I add it so I can have the pleasure of crossing it off. I even have an Excel spreadsheet in my computer titled “Where I Put Things.” It’s those rarely used items that always get me. This list tells me which shelf of which closet holds the item I’m looking for.
That spreadsheet sounds like a good idea to me. I may have to borrow it. I do have a file with where I put the Christmas presents I acquire early. When did you first discover that you were a writer?I discovered I had a natural bent for writing in my late elementary school years. I was one of those weird kids who actually enjoyed doing book reports. In high school, I got to do research papers and had even more fun. I never considered writing for publication, though, until the early to mid-1990s. My husband and I were working with Marriage Encounter at the time, and the leader would edit the talks we wrote. After submitting two or three of them, I received a note back that in 25 years of leading Marriage Encounter weekends, mine was the first talk she’d received that didn’t require edits. For the first time, I questioned whether I might be able to sell what I wrote. Although I got to see several magazine articles go to print, it would be almost twenty years before I got my first novel published.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I actually enjoy a wide range of genres, as long as the books are clean. I read books written in any time frame (historical, contemporary, or futuristic), and the genres I enjoy include young adult, suspense, romance, mystery, and fantasy. If the characters are relatable and the story is compelling, I’ll probably like the book.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?The short answer? I don’t!
Actually, I do have some things that help keep me sane. First, I always like to start my day with prayer and Bible reading. It helps to center me and keep my focus in the right place. Another thing that helps is regular exercise. Nothing energizes me and clears my mind like an hour of Zumba. Lastly, my lists help keep me sane. No matter how crazy my schedule is, just having everything down on paper seems to make it so much more manageable. 
How do you choose your characters’ names?Sometimes, I hear a name and think, “Ooo, that would be a great character name.” Other times, I find those lists with the 100 most popular baby names for whatever decade my character was born. For last names, I use an online surname generator. I type in a character’s first name, then click “Generate Last Names.” Sometimes it gives me names like Lefkopoulou and Abderrazzaq. (Yes, those are actual names the program recommended to me.) I’m glad, though, that it also spits out plenty of less complicated ones, since I’m pretty sure readers want to be able to pronounce the names we give our characters.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Being nominated for a RITA® award this year was a pretty cool experience. (For anyone not familiar with this particular award, it’s like the Oscars of romance writing.) The one accomplishment that thrilled me the most, though, was selling my first book. It had been such a long time coming (about fifteen years since crafting my first novel-length story). After years of rejection, discouragement, and long periods where I just stopped writing, getting “the call” was a dream come true.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I think I’d be a cat. But it would have to be one of the Post cats, because we spoil them rotten. We’re down to one right now, since our older two passed away. Midnight travels with us, sleeps with us, and hangs out with me as I write. He doesn’t like to drink after the dog, so he hops up on one of the dining room chairs and demands that I give him his water in a bottle. And I do!
What is your favorite food?It really depends on my mood. I’m a really healthy eater, so those are the types of foods I usually crave. I’m probably the only person on the planet whose mouth waters while looking at a salad. I don’t have a sweet tooth, so desserts are no temptation for me. Instead, I crave salty snacks. So if I have a weakness, it would have to be potato chips. I try to leave them at the store and eliminate the temptation.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?The biggest roadblock for me was discouragement. I still sometimes have to fight it. Writing is a solitary activity, and lots of rejection goes with the territory. Having a support system is so important. Although my family was always supportive, it wasn’t until 2010, when I joined Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, Tampa Area Romance Authors, that I gained what I needed to keep forging ahead.
Tell us about the featured book. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.
After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.
The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…
Please give us the first page of the book.Decision making’s a bear.
Well, not all decisions, just ones that had the potential to ruin her life.
Jami Carlisle tilted her face upward and expelled a frustrated sigh. “Okay, Lord, I need some advice. Robert’s getting tired of waiting, and frankly, I can’t blame him.”
She stepped onto an outcropping of rock that jutted over a small creek. Early morning sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead, painting the flora varying shades of green. Somewhere nearby, a cardinal whistled its cheery song. The McAllister woods were her refuge, her place to gather her thoughts and regroup. It didn’t matter that they weren’t hers. They adjoined her property, and she’d been coming there as long as she could remember.
She released a sigh. “Robert’s expecting me to say yes.” Actually, everyone was expecting her to say yes. The whole town had the two of them engaged and all but married the moment he’d taken her hand at the harvest party hayride in eighth grade. They’d each dated others through the years, but last summer it had turned more serious, and in the eyes of the people of Murphy, North Carolina, that was enough to cement it—she was marrying Robert.
With another sigh, Jami dropped to the cool surface of the rock and let her sneakered feet dangle over the edge. Just below, water trickled over a downed limb and around protruding rocks on its lazy path to lower ground. A breeze rustled the trees above, harmonizing with the soothing sound of the creek. But the peace she usually found there eluded her.
“This shouldn’t be so difficult.” She lifted her eyes skyward. “Robert’s a good man. He’s kind and responsible, and he’s a Christian.” There weren’t many people she felt as close to as Robert.So what was she waiting for? A sign? She snickered at the image that popped into her head, one of those black billboards with bold white letters:Jami. Marry the Man.-God
How can readers find you on the Internet?Website – www.caroljpost.comFacebook – www.facebook.com/caroljpost.authorTwitter – www.twitter.com/caroljpostI love to connect with my readers!
Thank you, Lena, for inviting me to participate on your blog. I had a great time being here!
Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 
One grand prize winner will receive:
A copy of Trust My HeartA $75 Visa cash cardA basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather  
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog .



Thank you, Carol, for sharing this book with us. I just started reading it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
 - Amazon paperback
Trust My Heart[image error] - Kindle
Trust My Heart - Audio

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[image error]

UNDISCOVERED TREASURES - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Bio: Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohiobut have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Welcome back, Carole. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?Trust, both for humans and God, and forgiveness. I feel like that a person who has no trust, especially in God, or who can not forgive, can never have true happiness. We must learn to trust our God and forgive those who’ve hurt us. Only then, can we receive forgiveness and real joy in our lives.
True words. What other books of yours are coming out soon?I had hoped to have the second book (A Flute in the Willows) of my WWII Spies series out this year, but because of circumstances, won’t see it released until early to mid 2017.I also plan on having the third book in my Denton and Alex Davies series (called Daffy’s Duck) released in 2017.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?I wouldn’t mind meeting Ben Carson. He’s a recent addition to my list of “would-like-to-meet people, but his principles and his attitude are impressive. I think it would be a very interesting session—and inspiring!
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?I’ve always admired Louis Lamour because of his details in research. His books are full of historical facts, and he’s a good writer too! J
I grew up reading Louis Lamour. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Don’t ever give up! Only you and God can ordain your writing journey, and always remember that.
Tell us about the featured book. Undiscovered Treasures is the third book in my Appleton, West Virginia, Romantic Mystery series. When I wrote the first three books, I wanted to create a small town with three close friends, but very different personalities. Toni, Starli, and Caroline certainly are different but their friendship and loyalty to each other are steady and strong. Now that I can see how much people love these books, I’m planning to go ahead and write three more, but with three men as the main protagonists. Fun!
Here’s the blurb for Undiscovered Treasures: Caroline Gibson is co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk in rural West Virginia. Inside the shop is a music box that Caroline particularly relates to, believing that her own life is similar: forever spinning and never going anywhere.
She dreams and prays for the right man to turn up. But when family and friends hint that the local artist could be the guy, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands.
Besides, she could never love a man who paints such depressing pictures.
Andrew Carrington, painter of said depressing pictures, insists there’s always one redeeming trait to each of his works.
He’s loved Caroline since they were kids and thinks he’s not handsome enough, strong enough, or rich enough to impress this woman. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.
But there’s a hitch in their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown—so far? Do they know something Caroline and Andy don’t know? Is it mischief? Or something deeper that neither understand? Andy gets the chance to work with Caroline, and she must put aside her ongoing battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appletonbefore Andy loses the chance of a life time to “make it big.”
Please give us the first page of the book.Andy whistled as he poured coffee in his favorite cup, grabbed a Greek yogurt, and headed to his studio. It was early, but not too much so. Perfect lighting to work on his latest painting.
He nodded at his new assistant, but didn't speak, and shoved open the door to his work area. His gaze circled the room—as it always did.
His favorite place in the whole world. He sucked in a deep breath, inhaling the faint smells of the paints and turpentine, but he kept moving toward the window in the back of the room and stopped.
It was already open. Had he shut it last night? There was nothing disturbed that he could see, so...he shrugged. Time to get to work.
Andy took a sip of his coffee and flipped back the cover from his latest—and best—painting of Caroline Gibson.
The painting leered at him, as if it was a caricature transformed into monster life. Slashed into ribbons, with dashes of red, jarring paint splattered over it, his work was ruined. Beyond saving.
Belatedly, Andy set his cup down on a nearby table, and with a shaking hand, reached toward the damaged picture. He stepped back and wondered if this was the worst nightmare of his life.
True, he could paint another one, but she'd never see the passion he'd put into this one, see his heart in every stroke, and see the love he'd painted in every color.
Ruined.
Why would anyone do this? It wasn't valuable—except to him. Worse, who hated him so much he'd wreack this kind of havoc on him? Was there a grudge-bearing individual in the small town of Appletonwho had hoped he would hurt him by doing this?
If so, then they'd succeeded.
How can readers find you on the Internet?Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.authorAmazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brownLinkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profileGoogle+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/postsWord Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Carole, for sharing this new book with us. I'm eager to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton. WV Romantic Mystery) (Volume 3)[image error] - paperback
Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery Book 3) - Kindle

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[image error]