Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 14
May 4, 2023
THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS - Suzanne Woods Fisher - One Free Book
Bio: Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning,bestselling author of more than thirty books, including The Sweet Life, TheMoonlight School, and A Season on the Wind, as well as theThree Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family,The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the authorof several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and AmishProverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.comand follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter@suzannewfisher.About the story: In 2022, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher unveiled her deliciouslycompelling new book, The Sweet Life, the first book in the CapeCod Creamery series. In Fisher’s sophomore novel, The Secret toHappiness, Fisher introduces readers to executive chef Callie Dixon, who isrecovering from a major setback in her well-planned life. Desperately in needof some soul searching, she ends up at a small ice cream shop on Cape Cod. It takesthe charm of a young boy to help her find the answers she’s looking for—andmaybe the secret to happiness. Callie Dixon had the world by its tail . . .until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake,she’s escaped to her aunt’s home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except itisn’t a home, it’s an ice cream shop. And time isn’t going to help, becauseCallie’s bounce has up and left. There’s a reason she made that mistake at workand she’s struggling to come to terms with it.
Thingsgo from bad to worse when Callie’s cousin Dawn drags her to a community classabout the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants tothink about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco—a curiously gloomy fellow—isrelentless. He has a way of turning Callie’s thoughts upside down. Herfeelings, too.
Could Bruno be rightwhen he says that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be? If so, howis that supposed to help her find exactly what—or who—has been missing allalong?
Can you please provide a brief summary of yournovel, The Secret to Happiness? Callie Dixon arrives at theMain Street Creamery for a short visit with her relatives. Just to get herbounce back, she says, while she’s in-between jobs. To Marnie’s and Dawn’s distress,Callie heads straight to bed and stays there. Turns out her bounce has up andleft.
InThe Sweet Life, book one of the Cape Cod Creamery series, you introducereaders to Dawn and Marnie Dixon. How is Callie Dixon in The Secret toHappiness related to Dawn and Marnie? While at PennState’s Ice Cream School, Marnie Dixon bumps into her husband’s niece, Callie,whom she hasn’t seen in years. Something seems “off” with Callie, so Marnieinvites her to Cape Cod. More specifically, she doesn’t stop Callie when sheinvites herself. CallieDixon is an executive chef until a colossal mistake upends her “perfect” world.Can you offer a hint of what might have happened at her former job? Iborrowed a real-life situation for Callie. During an actual Food SafetyConference, a sauce for chicken was accidentally left out overnight and servedto attendees the next day. Hundreds got sick. Such irony! That scenario had togo into a novel.
Whydid Callie choose to relocate to Cape Cod? Actually, I thinkCape Cod chose Callie.
AlthoughCallie’s life has gone through a major upheaval, she is resistant to going to acommunity class about the secret to happiness. How does this class make animpact on her life? While Callie didn’t know what to think about the Secret toHappiness class, she definitely didn’t expect a gloomy instructor. AlthoughBruno Bianco had written a book on the topic, he never smiled. Never joked,never laughed. Happiness, it seemed, was serious business.
Yourmale protagonist, Bruno Bianco, told Callie, “Hitting rock bottom may be thevery best place to be.” What did he mean by this statement? Brunomight be gloomy (he would say “somber”), but he has tremendous insights aboutwhat it would take to live a fulfilled, contented life. Readers will enjoydiscovering how he ended up studying and teaching on the topic of happiness.Let’s just say it has something to do with hitting rock bottom.
What other life lessons can readers gain fromreading The Secret to Happiness? Here’s the biggest oneCallie learned: Who or what is telling her story? Once she realized what she’dbeen letting define her, she was ready to grab hold of her life.
What inspired the idea for this series? My husband’s passion for ice cream making. Like Dawnand Marnie Dixon, he attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School. My editor, aftersampling my husband’s ice cream, and told me she wanted a series that wouldinclude ice cream. I took that suggestion and ran with it!
Whatdo you love most about writing contemporary romance novels? Creatingrelevant love stories with characters who are committed to hanging in there andworking things out. Like Dawn Dixon and her mother, Marnie. I enjoy writingfrom the eyes of a modern millennial, then bouncing back to the point of viewof a middle-aged-ish character. After all, love doesn’t have anexpiration date.
Whatare you working on next? Next fall, Lost and Found willrelease. It’s a story about a young man in love, caught between two sisters.
How can readers connect with you? Mywebsite is the place to find me: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.
Thank you, Suzanne, forsharing this new book with us. I’ve loved every book of yours I’ve read.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
May 3, 2023
HOME AWAY FROM HOME - Penny Frost McGinnis - One Free Book
Bio: If Penny Frost McGinnis could live in alighthouse or on an island, she would. Instead, she and her husband are contentto live in southwest Ohio and visit Lake Erie every chance they get. She adoresher family and dog, indulges in dark chocolate, enjoys fiber arts, and baseball.She pens romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope. Her life'sgoal is to encourage and uplift through her writing. Visit her blog at Hope for Today's Heart, whereshe brings God's hope to people's lives through the written word. Welcome to my blog, Penny. Why do you write the kind ofbooks you do? I write the stories I do because I want to bring hope toreaders. Through contemporary romance, I can offer a picture of what love andrespect look like between couples. With the secondary characters, I try topaint a portrait of support and encouragement. Several years ago, I got a nudgefrom God to write for women and share positive stories that reflect real life.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is thehappiest day in your life? I can think of a few. The day I married Tim andthe days I gave birth to my girls were all beautiful days filled with joy.
How has being published changed your life? By beingpublished, I have realized a dream I carried for many years. With readersreading my books I feel more responsible to pen my best writing and continue towrite words of hope. I’m also a lot busier than I expected to be.
What are you reading right now? I love cozy mysteries,and Jackie Layton’s books are some of my favorites. I’m reading her latestinstallment in the Low Country Dog Walker series, A Killer Unleashed. Ifyou haven’t read her books, I recommend them.
What is your current work in progress? I’m preparingto write a novella for a Christmas collection that will feature characters fromThe Abbott Island series.
What would be your dream vacation? For years my dreamvacation was a trip to Maine, which my husband and I took in 2018. I’d love togo there again. If I traveled out of the country, I’d love see Scotland.
How do you choose your settings for each book? The islandin my Abbott Island series is inspired by Kelley’s Island, Ohio, in Lake Erie.My husband and I love to visit the island any chance we get. One time when wewere there, I realized what a wonderful place it would be to use as a settingin the novels. I’ve enjoyed exploring both in person and online.
If you could spend an evening with one person who iscurrently alive, who would it be and why? It’s hard to choose just oneperson. If not someone in my family, I’d like to spend an evening with myforever friends from Bible college. We’ve been friends for over forty years.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? Ienjoy fiber arts, baseball, and hanging out with my husband, family, and our dog,Rosie.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how doyou overcome it? Beginning a story is hard for me. I have the ideas, thecharacters, and the setting in my head, but sometimes I’m not ready to writeit. I have to schedule myself a day to sit down and get started. Once I get thefirst few pages typed, I’m ready to roll.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Iwrote for twenty-five years before I published a full-length novel. At times, Iwas discouraged, but I always believed God had a plan for my writing. I prayedand kept writing and learning. I attended conferences and workshops and keptwriting. Stay the course, continue to learn, read a lot and keep writing.
Tell us about the featured book. Home Away From Homeis book #2 in the Abbott Island series. Marigold and Johnny are fifty-somethingand unsure if they should pursue romance so late in life. Of course, there issome mystery and the promise of hope.
Will Marigold and Johnny embrace love late in life?
When Marigold Hayes turned fourteen, her mother died, andher father went missing. For forty years, she has searched for her dad andlived a quiet life on Abbott Island, until she met Johnny. As her love forJohnny grows, her sorrow from the relentless search for her father breaks herheart. She begs God to help her move forward with her life before she has nolove left to give. Then three mysterious strangers show up who could change herlife.
Johnny Papadakis moved to Abbott Island ten years ago. Hisex-wife had pushed him away and discouraged him from having a relationship withtheir daughter. After years of hard work, his restaurant flourishes, so doeshis relationship with Marigold. As he seeks Marigold's hand in marriage, hisdaughter shows up on his doorstep, looking for a place to call home.
Can Marigold and Johnny settle the past and move toward thepromise of a blessed future?
Please give us the first page of the book.Marigold Hayes jabbed a spade in the soil. A flat ofgeraniums waved their scarlet heads as she lowered her fifty-four-year-old bodyonto a grassy spot. The joints in her knees popped and cracked, anotherreminder her fifty-fifth birthday loomed over her. Five years to sixty, but shehad never lost hope of finding her father.
Forty-years had passed since the accident, and theoccasional nightmare still haunted her. Newspaper clippings, library research,yet not one morsel about her father. Mom had died, a fact Marigold learned themorning after the accident, and Dad vanished. Not a trace of his being existedafter the crews towed the car from the wooded ravine.
She plunged the small shovel into the loamy soil she hadworked for the last twenty years. Without fail, she planted annuals andnurtured the perennials plotted in the memorial garden she had created to honorher parents. Blooms of red geraniums and multi-colored zinnias would burst withradiance all summer. White daisies, the flowers Dad had gifted Mom with onanniversaries and birthdays, created a happy backdrop. Along the edge of thecorner garden, she tucked in bright yellow marigolds, her namesake.
As she spoke her annual prayer, her heart pleaded and soughtGod’s help to find her dad. After a murmured, “Amen” soared to heaven, shetipped a geranium from its plastic container, loosened the bound roots, andplugged the plant into the earth. From a plastic jug, she sprinkled water intothe hole, then scooped dirt in, and patted it around the stem. Soon, threered-headed flowers stood side by side. From the zinnia seed packet, shesprinkled the beginnings of a rainbow of color. Her steady work soon filled theflower bed with the promise of summer blossoms and her soul with restored hope.With an old tattered dish towel, Marigold wiped the soil from her hands, thenshe rose from the ground and dusted dirt off her knees. She fingered a redbloom, and a pungent but pleasant fragrance filled the air.
Hands loaded with containers, gardening tools, and the waterjug, Marigold trekked to the house.
Feet pounded on the nearby pavement, as Johnny Papadakisjogged from the street into her yard. His tall, slim, well-muscled form raisedher pulse, even as she stilled. At fifty-eight, he kept himself in shape. Shetipped her chin up. “Hey, there.”
“Hi, Mari.” He stopped a few feet away, bent, and placed hishands on his thighs. After a few deep breaths, he raised to his fullsix-foot-three height. His brown eyes sparkled in the sun as he adjusted hisbaseball cap. Hands on his hips, he turned to the garden in the corner of heryard. “Working on your parents’ flower bed?”
She moved to the porch and deposited her armload. “Ifinished a few minutes ago. You know, I wonder every year whether to continue.Dad would be eighty-three by now and may not be alive.” The memories of her dadand mom had faded with time, except for a few. Whenever she found a worm in thegarden, the squiggly creature between her fingers transported her to a happiertime.
One autumn day, they had fished in Lake Erie right here onAbbott Island. She'd mustered the bravery, as only a child could, to bait herown hook. Mom had packed potato salad, apples, and a yellow cake with chocolateicing and Dad grilled the fish they caught over a campfire, even the small oneshe had snagged. A full moon shone and a cool breeze waved as she had cuddledbetween them in her safe place. Forty years had passed since she'd hugged herdad. Where had he gone?
Johnny rested his hand on her shoulder. “Giving up dependson whether the flowers bring you hope or make you sad.” Without hesitation, hedrew her into a hug.
Her head rested against his sweaty shirt, but she didn'tcare. This man who walked into her life ten years ago empathized. Uncertain shedeserved such a wonderful guy in her life, she stowed her emotions deep in herheart. Maybe fear, perhaps set in her ways, or not sure how to respond to hisaffections, she valued his friendship and company without a deeper commitment.
He patted her back, then let go and reached for the jug andtools she had left on the floor. “Where do these go? I'm happy to put them awayfor you.”
She grasped the jug’s handle. “I appreciate your help, but Ican do it.”
Her tall, handsome friend didn't budge. She released herhold and shook her head. “Thank you. They go in the shed out back.”
With the gardening supplies firm in his arms, he trailed herto the backyard. “Your she shed, of course.” A deep laugh escaped his chest.
Hand on her hip, she turned to him. “Do my paint choicesmake it a she shed? You know I love color, and chartreuse and periwinklebrightened the yard. Did you see my pink and red tulips when they bloomed andhow they created a painting on the front? Besides, I love my little she shed.”
She swung open the door to the building and the earthy odorof potting soil drifted to her nose. On the inside, an antique writing desk satin the corner, covered with gardening books and journals. A shovel, rake, andseveral baskets lined the space behind the desk. A pale-pink wall held lifejackets, kayak paddles, and other lake life paraphernalia. “Set them on thefloor by the desk, and I'll put them away later. I want to spray out thebuckets.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My blog: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyFMcGinnis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyfrostmcginnisauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis
Thank you, Penny, for sharing this book with us.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, orAmazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
May 2, 2023
WINDSWEPT WAY - Irene Hannon - One Free Book
Bio:IreneHannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporaryromance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, sheis a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers ofAmerica. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received aCareer Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of workIn 2015, bestselling and award-winningauthor Irene Hannon penned her first Hope Harbor novel entitled Hope Harbor.This novel paved the way for more novels set along the rocky shores of theOregon coast. Now Hannon lures readers back to the seaside town with her ninthnovel in the Hope Harbor collection. Windswept Way will introduce fansto a new cast of characters while still bringing back a few favorites in thischarming town where hearts heal and love blooms.
About the Story: Buying a hauntedhouse was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunitydrops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekkingcross-country to Hope Harbor to launch a new life.
Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t surewhat to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolatedproperty, but her presence is none of his business—until she enlists his helpwith an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrivalbecoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’sno room in his life—or his heart—for romance.
Yet,as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and loveto a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also findhealing, hope, and happiness for themselves.
Welcome to my blog, Irene. Please providereaders with a brief description of your new novel, Windswept Way? Here’s the storyin a nutshell: A woman who’s taken a leap of faith and areclusive man resigned to being alone help an older woman give new life to herfamily’s historic estate…and in the process find their own happy ending.
Windswept Way is the ninth book in the Hope Harbor collection. What was theinspiration behind these novels? I’d always wanted to write a heartwarming, long-running series set in asmall seaside town filled with characters readers would come to love. When Iwrote the first book—called Hope Harbor—Ihad high hopes it could lead to that series. Happily, those hopes werefulfilled. My little town has becomebeloved not only in the U.S., but around the world.
Why did you choose the Oregon coast as thesetting for the Hope Harbor novels? I’d seen photos of the Oregon coast for many years, and it looked likethe kind of place that could be home to my fictional community. So I took aresearch trip there, traveled the coast from top to bottom taking copiousnotes, and found the perfect setting for my stories.
HopeHarbor is a place where “hearts heal and love blooms.” Can you please providesome insight on how this takes place for your two protagonists, Ashley Scottand Jonathan Gray? Both Ashley and Jonare hurting and alone when this story starts. So is the owner of Edgecliff, thehistoric home that is the centerpiece of this story. But as the three of thembegin to work together on their ambitious project to open the estate to theworld, their hearts begin to open as well. Because love truly can transformlives.
Can youprovide more information on Jonathan Gray’s backstory? Jon was badly injured by an IED in theMiddle East, which cost him the future he had planned. He carries deep physicaland psychological scars. He’s not in any way the stereotypical model-perfecthero of a romance novel. He’s created a successful landscaping business, but herelies on Daisy, his border collie for company.
Until Ashley comes along.
Each Hope Harbor novel focuses onnew characters. Will characters from previous books in the series makeappearances in Windswept Way? Every Hope Harbor book is a brand-newstory, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story begins and ends ineach book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The unifying elementis the town. There are several secondary characters who appear in every book,but a reader can pick up any book in the series and feel right at home. Readerswho’ve been following the series all along will definitely recognize theleading characters from past books who make cameo appearances in this story.Do you have a favorite character in thisnovel? I love Ashley andJon, but Rose, the reclusive older woman who owns Edgecliff, touched my heartin a special way. Watching her emerge from her self-imposed exile was soinspiring and uplifting.
What lessons do you hope readers gain fromreading Windswept Way? Never judge a book—or a person—by its cover.
What do you love most about writingcontemporary romance? I love telling stories about people with honor and character andintegrity and faith who are living full, rich, interesting lives and findinghappy endings without sacrificing their principles. I think everyone canbenefit from encouragement to stay the course in a world that often isn’tsupportive of traditional values or faith-based living.
What are you working on next? I’ll have a new suspense series starting in October,which features three foster siblings whose careers put them on the front lineof danger. And the Hope Harbor series will continue in April 2024 with Book#10.
How can readers connect with you? For general information and a complete book list, my website is thebest place: www.irenehannon.com.But my favorite place to interact with readers is Facebook. I’m on Instagram,but I chat with readers every day on Facebook. Please join the conversation!
Thank you, Irene, for sharing Windswept Waywith us.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=windswept+way+a+hope+harbor+novel&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Leave a comment for a chance to wina free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in thedrawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory orcountry if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject toremoval by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds ofwinning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered aconfirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rulesand any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’llreceive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week fromSaturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of thewinners to claim your book.
If you’rereading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Anne (NM) is the winner of The Year of Jubilee by Cindy Morgan.
Diana (SC) is the winner of Remember Me by Tracie Peterson.
Brenda (MS) is the winner of After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
April 26, 2023
RESCUING ROSE - Susan Pope Sloan - One Free Book
Welcome to my blog, Susan. Tell us how much of yourselfyou write into your characters. Probably more than I think! My family couldanswer that better than I, but I do think Noah’s tendency to be a rules-keeperand Rose’s intense love of learning come from me.What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I don’tknow that I’d call anything I’ve done quirky, but stupid? Yes. Embarrassing?Yes.
Like sitting through the wrong funeral service, mistakingone person for another—with an enthusiastic hug, hitting my elbow hard enoughto pass out…the list goes on.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? Iwrote a poem for the school newspaper in sixth grade and remember working allmy spelling words into a story about the same time, so that’s the first inklingI had. In eleventh grade, I was given the opportunity to take creative writingas an elective, and that clinched it.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoyreading. Historical fiction is my favorite, of course, but I try to read amix of contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and cozy mysteries. Within mycritique groups, I was surprised to find that I also enjoy YA Dystopian andeven an occasional thriller.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Whenweather permits, I enjoy bike riding or walking in our local parks. Being innature is the best relaxation technique.
How do you choose your characters’ names? My bestresource for names is U.S. Census records. A simple internet search brings upnames popular for each decade. I also saved a couple of old corporate phonelists from my previous employer and look through those when I’m stumped.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Havingthree children who turned out to be wonderful adults. Second would becompleting my novels (four so far).
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Adonkey because donkeys are low-key, domesticated work animals that are usuallydocile but can be stubborn.
What is your favorite food? That’s a hard one. I eata lot of chicken, so I’ll stop with that.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatestroadblock, and how did you overcome it? Learning about how to getpublished. I tried with my first novel years ago but grew discouraged. I alsowent to a few conferences over the years—all before the Internet. When I foundthe North Georgia Christian Writers Conference and learned about Word Weavers, Irealized I had to learn about the marketing side of writing before I could getpublished.
Tell us about the featured book. I first heard aboutthe real incident that’s covered in
Rescuing Rose
from a coworkerwho was a Civil War Reenactor. When I researched the event, I found only onenovel which was 30 years old and one scholarly work, which became my primaryresource. Knowing most of the women (who were arrested and sent north bySherman) had no education and no way of contacting their men, I felt stronglythat their story needed to be shared. In this book and the two sequels, Ifollow a group of women and explore what their lives might have been like.Please give us the first page of the book.
Thursday, July 7, 1864
Roswell, Georgia
Something foul was afoot, and this time it was more than afew mice chewing on the machine belts.
Her loom slowed without warning, and Rose Carrigan clutchedat the cotton threads tangled in her fingers. The customary high-pitched whinein the room plummeted to a deep growl as all the machines shuddered to a stop.Shuttles paused mid-sweep, setting the bobbins that fed them to dancing ontheir spindles. Puffs of cotton drifted like falling snowflakes in the stillair.
The wide-eyed faces of her co-workers mirrored Rose’s bewilderment.A glance at the narrow window to her left revealed the hazy blue of a summersky. Hours until quitting time.
Whispered questions buzzed but dropped like swatted mosquitoesat a sudden commotion.
A column of blue-clad soldiers burst through the door.
The bearded leader glowered at the workers. “Out! Everyone outside,now!”
The order bounced from wall to wall. Pointing their rifledmuskets, the Union soldiers swept down the aisles and prodded the workers awayfrom their stations.
Dear God, the war had arrived at Roswell’s door. Men withfierce expressions crowded closer. The odor of sweat and filth on their wooluniforms robbed her breath. Memories threatened, but she forced them back.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I’m onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. My website is https://susanpsloan.com
Thank you, Susan, for sharing Rescuing Rose withmy blog readers and me. My copy has arrived, and I’m eager to read it.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook,Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your commentif you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
April 25, 2023
SECOND TIME AROUND - Melody Carlson - One Free Book
Bio: Melody Carlson is the award-winning author ofmore than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including manybestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances.She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All SummerLong was made into a Hallmark movie, and the film version of The HappyCamper is soon to be released. She and her husband live in central Oregon.With over 7.5 million books sold, Melody Carlson has wooedher way into the hearts of her many fans with her Hallmarkesque novels.Appealing to readers of Debbie Macomber and Rachel Hauck, each novel offers aperfect balance of romance, small-town feel, and charming characters. Melody’snewest novel, Second Time Around, is a perfect addition to herrepertoire. This winning tale is full of heart, home, and second chances.
About the story: When Mallory Farrell inherits hergrandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Portside, Oregon, she figures the mostsensible thing to do is sell it. But this tiny town has captured her heart. So,when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, offers to buy the property andconvert it into an outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides torenovate the property into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing theHome.
As the shop rises in popularity, it catches the eye of apopular renovation show producer. The publicity from a special feature would begreat for her shop, but the segment would also include shots of her own home—adepressing apartment on the second floor. How can she live up to her motto of“romancing the home” when her own home is such a sad and dreary place? She istempted to withdraw from the show and abandon her dream for the shop, but,before she can pull the plug, she confesses her reasoning to Grayson.
Grayson’s understanding and vision for her apartment mayjust be the catalyst for not only romancing the home but also romancing Malloryas well.
Pleaseprovide a brief summary of your new novel, Second Time Around. Empty-nester MarleyFarrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Portside, Oregon.Above the decrepit shop is an equally decrepit apartment—both in need ofserious TLC. While preparing the property for sale, Mallory rediscovers herlove for the ocean and the funky tourist town. So, when Grayson Matthews (asecret crush from long ago) tries to purchase her property to create a mall,Mallory has second thoughts. She decides to remain in Portside and renovate.And, in the process, she reinvents her life as well.There is a huge following of home renovation shows. Howwill Second Time Around resonate with this audience? More thaneighty million viewers get HGTV and about ten million tune in each month.Readers who enjoy house renovation and home decor, whether it’s via TV or reallife, will resonate with Mallory’s struggle to create a new habitat, meet newfriends, and possibly find love.
You new novel has an underlying theme of second chances.Without giving away any spoilers, can you please expand upon how this themeplays out in your book? Mallory’s been hurt by a bad marriage, Grayson’slost a beloved wife, an old store is about to be demolished, a town is slowlyfading away—there’s lots of room for second chances.Are there any lessons that you hope readers gain fromreading Second Time Around? Although it’s a lighthearted story,readers will experience scenes of grace and forgiveness, tucked between thelines. Of course, they might pick up a home design or decor trick along the waytoo.
Canyou tell readers a little more about your female protagonist, Mallory Ferrell,and her background? Malloryhas raised three children by herself. As a naturally creative person, shesupported her family with a design business that she built from the ground up. Life hastaught her to be strong and independent, but she longs for a meaningfulrelationship.Why did you choose Oregon as the setting for your book? Okay,it’s no secret I live in Oregon (fifth generation from pioneer roots). I’vetraveled around the world and most of the US, and you can call me biased but Ithink Oregon is outstandingly beautiful! Since my story involves a small,pretty coastal town, it just seemed to work.
With over 250 novels under your belt, how do you come upwith new plots for your stories? I think stories are as limited as peopleon this planet (past, present, future). Everyone is like a book: peel back somelayers, turn a few pages, and there is a story.
Some of your books have been made into movies. Can youplease tell readers more about this opportunity? All Summer Longpremiered with Hallmark a few years ago (and is still playing it). The HappyCamper will premiere in October on UP TV. I’ve already scripted Lookingfor Leroy, and it’s under consideration now.
How can readers connect with you?
Readers,here’s a link to the book.Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/internationallaws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, orAmazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
April 24, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Caryl (TX) is the winner of The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese.
Sharon (SC) is the winner of All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes.
Beth (IA) is the winner of Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepherd Gray.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
April 20, 2023
AFTER THE SHADOWS - Amanda Cabot - One Free Book
Bio:AmandaCabot is the bestselling author of several historical and contemporary romanceseries, including Mesquite Springs, Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Texas Crossroads,Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds. Her books have been finalists for the ACFWCarol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives inWyoming.Shehas made a name for herself writing historical fiction that blends the perfectamount of romance and intrigue. In After the Shadows, book one inthe new Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, Cabot returns readers to theTexas Hill Country where the bustling town of Sweetwater holds more than itsshare of secrets. Fans will be flipping through the pages to solve the mystery inorder to get to the happily-ever-after they long for.
Aboutthe story: EmilyLeland does not grieve when she learns that her abusive husband was killed in abar fight. She is more than happy to leave the nightmare of her life behind andreturn to her childhood home. But the homecoming is far different from what sheexpected.
First,she discovers that her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then shelearns that the house where the new schoolteacher and his son were planning tolive has burned to the ground, leaving them homeless. To add to the mix, herfamily is facing financial ruin. As a last effort, Emily proposes that she andher sister turn their family home into a boardinghouse. But her sister wants nopart of this venture and leaves town.
Aloneand broke, Emily moves forward with her plans for the boardinghouse, taking onthe schoolmaster, Craig Ferguson, and his son as boarders. The widowed fatherproves to be an unexpected ally. Not only is he a devoted father and aninnovative teacher, but as their friendship grows, Craig is determined to helpher get to the bottom of her father’s death.
Canthey work together to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pastin order to forge a brighter future?
Whatis the connecting element for all of the books in this series? As you might guessfrom the series name, there are secrets in each book, but the biggest secret ofall—what happened to the man who built Finley House—isn’t revealed until thefinal book. Finley House, as you probably guessed, is the gorgeous building yousee on the cover of After the Shadows.
Whatmakes this series stand out from the other books you’ve written? While each of myprevious series has had at least one heroine who’s a newcomer to the town, thistime all three heroines are sisters, each of whom has left Sweetwater Crossingfor a different reason, who return home to find that both they and their homehave changed.
Afterthe Shadows
is set in the Texas Hill Country. You have written other series located in thissame area. What do you love most about the Texas Hill Country and why do youfeel it is a good setting for your new series? Although there aremany beautiful parts to Texas, the Hill Country is my favorite, which is whyI’ve used it as the setting for a number of books. The varied landscape (hills,meadows, streams, and lakes) as well as the abundance of wildflowers,particularly bluebonnets, make it an appealing location for me, and—judgingfrom the number of letters I’ve received from readers—for readers too. Yournew novel combines historical romance with the perfect balance of intrigue. Howdo you maintain this balance? I’m a plotter. In fact, some of my writerfriends call me an extreme plotter. That means that I outline my bookscarefully before I begin to write them, trying to ensure that I haven’t gonetoo long without addressing the mystery subplot and that it doesn’t overshadowthe romance. In theory, I follow the outline faithfully, and the story emergesthe way I originally planned. In reality, I sometimes diverge from the planwhen the characters tell me I missed something important.
EmilyLeland is the oldest daughter in a blended family. Can you please tell readersabout her character? Emily’sa classic oldest child, the one who’s felt responsible for her younger sisters,the one who strives for perfection in everything she does. Because she has adeeply ingrained need to excel, she’s reluctant to admit her mistakes and hidesthe truth of her marriage, not wanting anyone to know how badly she failed. Andthat could be her biggest mistake of all.
Howis her relationship with her sisters? Prior to her marriage, Emily had a closerelationship with Louisa and Joanna, but her marriage and her year’s absencefrom Sweetwater Crossing changed all of them, turning them into adversariesrather than loving siblings. It won’t be easy to mend the rifts.
Canyou please provide some background information on your male protagonist, CraigFerguson? Craigis a deeply principled man who’s lost the love of his life, and has nointention of remarrying. Instead, his focus is on doing what’s best for hisson. That’s the reason—the only reason—he moves to Sweetwater Crossing. Butonce he arrives, everything changes.
Whatlessons do you hope readers gain from reading After the Shadows? Many of my booksdeal with the healing power of love, and After the Shadows is noexception. I hope readers will be entertained by Emily and Craig’s story,because after all, the primary purpose of fiction is to entertain, but thatthey’ll also be encouraged by the way love heals both of their wounds.
Whatare you working on next? I’m continuing to work on the Secrets of SweetwaterCrossing series. The second book is in its initial editing, and I’ve startedoutlining the third. It’s been so much fun bringing this small town to life! Ican’t wait to learn readers’ reactions to it.
Howcan readers connect with you? I love hearing from readers and invitethem to visit my website, www.amandacabot.com.I call it my one-stop-shopping site, because it includes information about mybooks, links to my social media accounts, the signup link for my monthlynewsletter, contact information, and resources for writers.
Thankyou, Amanda, for sharing this book with us. I’ve loved your writing since Ifirst met you, and I’m glad to introduce you to all my blog readers.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
April 19, 2023
REMEMBER ME - Tracie Peterson - One Free Book
Bio:TraciePeterson is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical andcontemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series.Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.Award–winningnovelist Tracie Peterson has received high praise for her captivating andthought-provoking storylines. Now she offers a series starter that isreminiscent of Francine River’s renowned work Redeeming Love. Set inSeattle, Washington, during the early 1900s, Peterson’s newest work, RememberMe, book one in the Pictures of the Heart series, offers a tender talewhere forgiveness, faith, and love conquers all.
Aboutthe story: AddieBryant grew up in the heart of It is here that she met and fell in love with IsaacHanson. When Isaac left the territory, they vowed to love each other and tofind each other one day. But life does not always turn out as planned. WhenAddie’s father dies, she is sold to a brothel owner. Although Addie manages toescape, she realizes that the future she always dreamed of will never be hers.She has vowed to keep her past forever hidden, but the past has a way ofcatching up to the present.
Yearslater, Addie has found peace and significance in her new life as aphotographer, training Camera Girls to operate the Kodak Brownie camera. Whileattending the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, her past resurfaces as sheis reunited with her former beau.
Addiemust decide whether to run or to stay. Can she face her wounds in order toembrace her life, her future, and her hope in God?
Welcomeback to my blog, Tracie. Remember Me is the first book in your Picturesof the Heart series. What inspired the idea for this series? In readinghistories of the Pacific Northwest, I came across the Alaska-Yukon-PacificExposition that was held in Seattle in 1909. I also kept seeing informationthat talked about cameras becoming affordable for the average person thanks tothe Kodak Brownie camera. I thought it would be great fun to set a series atthe Expo and the idea of creating Camera Girls came to mind.
Whatis the connecting element for all the books in the Pictures of the Heart seriesand what do readers have to look forward to in the rest of this series? This is a series that builds on book one,however, a person can read them out of order and not really suffer the individualstory. The common thread is the Exposition. This fair was the event of the yearand people came from all over the world to see it. The series will cover themonths that the Expo was active, June through October, and each story willcover a Camera Girl’s characters and their romances.
Howwere your protagonists, Addie Bryant and Isaac Hanson, acquainted and what ledto their separation? Addieand Isaac met during the Yukon goldrush. They fell in love and pledged to marry.However, Isaac needed to leave to attend college. He promised to return forAddie.
Yourfemale protagonist, Addie Bryant, faces some very difficult circumstances inher early life. Can you provide some background information on Addie? Addie’s motherdies and Addie is raised by her thieving father and battling brothers. They arevery abusive and when their father dies, her brothers sell Addie to a brothelowner. At first just to cook for the place, but then she becomes the owner’smistress and eventually wife and widow. Even though she’s free to remarry, Addie feels she will never ever begood enough for Isaac.Oneof the underlying themes within Remember Me is forgiveness. Can youexpound upon how this theme plays out in your novel? Forgiveness isalways a key theme in my stories because it’s so vital in the life of aChristian. God tells us in the Bible that if we won’t forgive, we won’t beforgiven. With my characters they have to learn to let the past go and realizethey are forgiven in God’s love and that He will give them a future of love.
Arethere any other lessons that you hope readers can gain from reading RememberMe? Thatholding on to the past and letting it dictate who you are is never a beneficialthing. God is all about looking forward.
RememberMebegins in Northwestern Canada in the Yukon territory and eventually ends up inSeattle, Washington. Why did you choose these locations for the setting of yourbook? Ichose the Seattle setting because of its tie to the Yukon goldrush in 1898 andto the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909.
BothAddie Bryant and Isaac Hanson reunite at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo inSeattle. Can you tell us more about this event and how Addie was involved inthis Expo? TheExpo was a World Fair that focused on the areas of the Pacific Northwest aswell as Pacific islands and the Yukon. Addie is working for a photographycompany and when they decide to get involved with the expo as a vendor, Addiecomes up with the idea of Camera Girls. These girls will walk around the Expoand offer to take souvenir photos for the attendees. The new Kodak Browniecamera is all the rage and so they promote this as well. Addie trains theCamera Girls and acts as one herself. She also gets involved in lecturing onthe Yukon goldrush since she actually participated and knew a lot about it.
Whatare you working on next? I’m currently writing book three in the Pictures ofthe Heart series. There will be three books in the series and the stories willcover the entire time that the Expo was running. There were a lot ofinteresting tidbits about the Expo that I wanted to include in the series. After this series is complete, I plan tostart a series on Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Howcan readers connect with you?
Readerscan get in touch with me through my website www.traciepetersonbooks.com andon Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTraciePeterson
Thankyou, Tracie for sharing this story with us. I always love your books, and Ireally like Alaska as the setting.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
April 18, 2023
THE YEAR OF JUBILEE - Cindy Morgan - One Free Book
Bio: Singer/songwriter CindyMorgan is a two-time Grammy nominee, a thirteen-timeDove winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year trophy.An East Tennessee native, her evocative melodies and lyrics have mined thedepths of life and love both in her own recording and through songwriting fornoteworthy artists around the globe, including Vince Gill, India.Arie, RascalFlatts, Amy Grant, Sandra McCracken, and Glen Campbell. Cindy is the author oftwo works of adult nonfiction—the memoir How Could I Ask for More:Stories of Blessings, Battles and Beauty (Worthy Inspired, 2015)and Barefoot on Barbed Wire: A Journey Out of Fear into Freedom (HarvestHouse Publishers, 2001)—and of the children’s picture book Dance Me,Daddy (ZonderKidz, 2009). TheYear of Jubilee is her debut novel. Cindy is a cocreator of thecharitable Hymns for Hunger Tour, which has raised awareness and resources forhunger relief organizations across the globe. Cindy has two daughters andsplits her time between a small town near Nashville and Holly Springs, NorthCarolina, with her husband, Jonathan. Welcome to my blog, Cindy. Tell us how much of yourselfyou write into your characters. I think it is impossible to escape notinterjecting some of yourself into at least one character, though I think thefunction of each character’s role often determines how much you merge withthem. I think for me, the protagonist in The Year of Jubileewould be around 70/30: 30% the way I see the world, and the other 70% acreation of the story and the process she undergoes.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I createda secret Instagram account (at my daughters’ request) of little videos with atiny plastic baby performing absurd little skits for them while they were awayat college.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? Myparents were both songwriters and my dad actually wrote two novels before hedied in 1999. I was always around writing so it came early for me. I staredwriting songs when I was five. I think I started writing poetry—like notebooksfull of this angst-filled, tortured-soul poetry—when I was in middle school,during all of those emotional years. I have been a professional songwriter for30 years.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoyreading. I love this question! Right now, I am reading The God ofthe Garden by Andrew Peterson—nature and spirituality, justbeautiful. I have read C. S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce about tentimes. I listen to the entire series of The Chronicles of Narnia every year—amazingaudiobooks. I am also reading a novel called This Is Happiness by NiallWilliams, a beautiful Irish writer. Feels like Jayber Crow by WendellBerry, but Irish. I also love informative books about psychology, crime, and history;biographies like The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown; and memoirssuch as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Also, I haveenjoyed Garden City and Live No Lies by John Mark Comer thisyear, and of course, almost anything from Timothy Keller. My fave of Keller’sis The Reason for God. And I do love coming-of-age novels, Southern fiction,and a good legal thriller.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I’mnot sure I always do. I try not to talk on the phone till late morning so I cankeep the mornings quiet to read, pray, and get my foundation set for the day. Iam definitely a bit of a workaholic and a pleaser, so saying no is very important—notovercommitting, which I do often. I think I’m still working on all of these.Balance. It’s all about balance. Exercise is very important for me in keepingmy sanity. I am also an introvert. I LOVE my friends and family, but if I havetoo much people time, I start to go crazy. I definitely recharge by being alone.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I amobsessed with character names. I have a file of names that I am constantly addingto. Because I write historical novels, it’s important to choose names that wereknown during the era that I am writing in. I also believe certain charactersand their roles will tell you how their names should make you feel. Aunt Junein The Year of Jubilee is a comfort character, so I wanted togive her a simple name, one syllable, that felt like home. Emoline, who is theantagonist to Grace (the protagonist) needed a name that felt formal andcomplex. I think a lot of it is a gut instinct, but I have changed nameshalfway through when something about the name is nagging me.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Mydaughters, Cova and Savannah, are just magnificent. Most of the credit for whothey are goes to God and to each of them, but I’m grateful to have played arole in their lives.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Ha!I love this. My daughters and I have discussed this. They say I am an elephantor a kangaroo, which I thought was sweet. Remember Kanga in Winnie the Pooh?She was the ultimate.
What is your favorite food? If I was ordering my lastmeal on death row, I would probably ask for angel hair pasta with Alfredo sauce,blackened chicken, a side of pesto, and a Caesar salad with vinaigrettedressing. I’m not sure there is a better smell in the world than olive oil andfresh garlic sizzling in a cast-iron skillet.
What problem with writing was your greatest roadblock,and how did you overcome it? My greatest challenge in writing this novelwas starting without a plot. Writing by the seat of my pants for sure! I wentthrough draft after draft correcting plot issues. The complexities of makingsure to resolve everything that needs to be resolved. Also, writing realisticand natural dialogue was something I worked on. I really hate it when dialoguefeels wooden or predictable.
Tell us about the featured book. The Year of Jubileeis a coming-of-age novel set in a small town called Jubilee in eastern Kentucky,nestled in the foothills of coal country. The book takes place 1963 at theheight of the civil rights movement. Grace Mockingbird is a 13-year-old girlstruggling through family trauma and dysfunction while trying to maneuverthrough the changing times and find her own voice. The book was inspired by myfirst memory as a child and by a similar scenario my family experienced. Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
There are somemoments in your life you don’t forget. Even when your eyes grow dim and yourskin is thin like a moth’s wings, you can find them there, buried deep. Youdust them off, and they shine like new again. Even now, in my middle years, Ionly have to crack open the cover of my red journal, and though the ink isfading, the words remain.
I remember.
I remember thefeeling of my father’s rough shirt beneath my bare legs as he lifted me onto hisshoulders and up to the window of Isaac’s hospital room. I remember the whitewalls and silver railings along his bed. I remember Rojo in my arms, still,with only the sound of his soft clucking as we peered in through the glass. Thecrest atop his head as red as blood against the windowpane. I remember thinkingIsaac looked like a bird in a cloud, covered in a mound of sterile white sheetsand blankets. I remember long clear tubes from a machine, feeding liquid lifeinto his tiny bird arm.
I remember hislips moving as he looked up at us, and I wondered what he was saying.
I remember mymother in her pale-blue dress standing beside him, holding his hand with ariver of sorrow in her eyes. I remember the sound of my heart beating like adrum in my chest and the smell of the rain as it held its breath beforerelenting.
I remember how westood there as it started to rain, afraid of breaking the spell we were in. Iremember the rain becoming a flood and our lives getting swept away in it.
I remember.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My websiteis www.cindymorganmusic.com
Thanks so much!
Cindy
Helpfullinks:
Cindy’s website
Her Facebook
Her Twitter
Her Instagram
Thank you, Cindy,for sharing your novel with my blog readers and me.
Readers,leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You mustfollow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where youlive, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America.(Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, orAmazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
