Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 146

VIOLETS FOR AN AMISH GIRL - Jeanie Smith Cash - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Jeanie has been a long-time writer friend. One time when I was speaking in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jeanie and her sister drove over from Arkansas. It meant a lot to me. They surprised me where we were eating lunch. I love Jeanie’s writing. We’ve been in the same Christmas novella collection from Barbour.
Welcome, Jeanie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.  I think there is a little of me in all of my characters, and I try to show my love for the Lord in each one.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Several years ago my daughter and I were Black Friday shopping ,and we got our basket full of items we had bought, stuck in the gravel trying to get it to our car. After several attempts to get it to move, we were laughing so hard we couldn’t even budge it. We finally took the items a few at a time to the car. Once it was empty one of us got on one end and one on the other and lifted it out of the gravel so we could return it to the store. We still laugh about that occasionally when we go shopping on Black Friday.
That is funny. When did you first discover that you were a writer? One afternoon, I was reading one of several romance novels I had read, and I felt the Lord telling me this was what He wanted me to do. I prayed about that for awhile and just kind of played at writing. I wrote two books which are still on my shelf and one day I may work on them again. Finally one night before I went to bed I prayed, Lord if you want me to do this, please give me the story You want me to write. The next morning when I woke up I knew the whole story He wanted me to do. With help from a good friend, Barbara Warren who is and author and editor, some of the authors from ACFW, including you, Lena, I wrote the first Christian Romance book that was published by a Christian Publishing House. Violets For An Amish Girl is now my 13th book published. The Lord truly answers prayer if you follow his calling.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.  The Bible, Christian Romance, Amish Christian Romance, and Christian Romantic Suspense.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I try to start my day with prayer, reading my Bible and my devotional book. I take time to exercise, go to church, have quality and fun times with my family, as well as spending time to write.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I have a baby book of names and I use it some and sometimes I use names that I’ve heard that I like. I try to choose names that fit my characters personalities.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Being happily married for many years to Andy, my wonderful Christian husband and together raising our children in church. They are born-again Christians, and they are raising our grandchildren in church. Our grandchildren are also born-again Christians, all but the two who are just babies, but I know they will both also be raised in church as they grow up. I am not only proud, but we are so very blessed.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? To be honest, I’ve never had the desire to be an animal, but since I need to choose one it would be Bentley, our little Boston Terrier. He is such a good little guy and he is very well loved, gets lots of hugs, he’s is fed well, gets treats, and has a soft bed to sleep in.
What is your favorite food? I love Mexican Food.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?Pure POV. When I joined ACFW I got into a Critique group which taught me how to write with pure POV.
Tell us about the featured book. Katie Fisher is raised by an Amish mother in an Englischers world. After losing her mamm in childbirth, Katie is scared and alone. When child services threatens to take Susie, her baby sister, Katie honors her mother’s last request and runs with the baby to her Amish grandparents house where they won’t find them. When Katie and Susie arrive, Katie discovers her Daadi is the Bishop. She struggles with his decision to shun his own child. She is given a farm, but in order to keep it, she has to agree to be baptized into the Amish faith and marry Caleb Schmucker, one of the Amish young men she has just met in her grandparents’ community.  
Please give us the first page of the book. Katie Fisher had been sitting on the bus holding her boppli sister in her lap, for twelve long hours. The closer the bus brought them to their daadi and mammi’s community, the more nervous Katie became. What would they say? Would they let them stay? If not, what would she do? She had very little left after buying her bus ticket and even if she had the money, she didn’t have anywhere else to go. Mamm said she had been shunned for jumping the fence, as she had referred to it and married Katie and Susie’s daed. Mamm said even though she had been shunned, her daed and mamm would take Katie and Susie in because they were their grandkinner. Katie prayed her mamm was right.
Thinking about Mammbrought tears to Katie’s eyes. She missed her so much and didn’t understand why Daed had to die eight months ago in a car accident and now Mamm in childbirth. It didn’t seem fair, but Mamm said it was Gott’s will and we should never question it. She said Gott would take care of me and little Susie because He loved us. Katie knew Gott would provide for them she had no doubt, but she prayed, Please Gott let it be by Mammi and Daadi taking us in like Mamm said they would.
Katie felt better after her prayer. She dried her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this, Gott would help her. She had no other choice. Susie depended on her and Katie wouldn’t let her down. She kissed Susie’s little head. “You don’t worry Susie and you don’t have to be afraid, everything will be all right. I will take gut care of you. Child Services won’t find us at Daadi and Maami’s, we’ll be safe there.”
Katie looked out the window and noticed the bus was pulling into the station. She took another deep breath and with Susie in one arm and the diaper bag over her shoulder, she grabbed their suitcase with the other hand. Their bag and the diaper bag held everything she and Susie owned so she took them and followed the passengers off of the bus. She looked around the town of Mattoon, Illinois, and wondered if Arthur, Illinois, was as nice a community. Maybe the station master would know someone who could take her and Susie to Arthur, where her grosseldre  lived. She headed inside to hopefully find a way to get there. It was too far to walk.
“Excuse me, Sir, would you possibly know how we could get to Arthur from here?”
The man looked at Katie and then at Susie. “If you hurry next door, Mike Davis, the Chief of Police from Arthur, is at the café and he’ll be heading back there shortly I imagine. He might give you a ride.”
“Thank you, so much.” Katie hurried out of the bus station and headed to the café next door. Oh, please Gott, let him give us a ride.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Facebook.com/jeaniesmithcash Twitter.com/jeaniesmithcash or by email: jeaniesmithcash@yahoo.com
Thank you so much, Lena. I appreciate you doing this interview with me.
It is my pleasure and great blessing to have you here. I am eager to read this book. I know my readers will be, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Violets For An Amish Girl (American State Flower)[image error] - Paperback
Violets For An Amish Girl (American State Flower) - 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]

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ORIGINS - Linda Godsey - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Linda Godsey and I have been friends for decades. We actually served on the support staff of the same church before both of us came to Gateway at different times.
What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?I have served as a Freedom Pastor for the past 10 years at Gateway Churchin Southlake, Texas. I recently left Gateway to pursue speaking and writing full-time. I have served in freedom for over 35 years and have a passion for seeing peoples lives changed as they discover their true identity in Christ.
I attended one of Lena Dooley’s writing classes around 2003/4 when God first spoke to me about writing a book. She did a great job of encouraging us to write with excellence and also motivated the class to dream!
Tell us about your family.I have two daughters and sons-in-law and 6 amazing grandchildren, Corey, Kyle, Colson, Quinn, London and Owen. They are one of the primary reasons I wrote Origins ! They give me incentive to leave a Godly legacy!
My husband Jim and I were married for 38 years. He passed away in 2006.
Have you written other nonfiction books? Yes, my first nonfiction book was Letting Go (Seeing Regret from God’s Perspective) and was released in October of 2013.
Do you have any other books in the works right now?Yes, I have a book in the rewrite stage that I wrote in 2004 but never published. It is on the subject of heart conditions outlined in the Bible. I also have one in my heart on the subject of fear that would incorporate many of the teachings I’ve done through the years on the subject.
What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?I love books and have way too many for the bookcases I own. I can’t resist buying them and do eventually read them. Enjoy having lunch with my friends and hanging out at Starbucks having a yummy coffee – and sharing each others lives.
Love the beach and get there every chance I can. Jim and I raised our children in Los Angeles and spent many weekends there and in San Diegowith our children at the beach. Some days, the beach just calls my name! I can feel the sand between my toes, smell the salt sea air, and feel the moist breeze on my face.
You’re making me want to go back to the beach, Linda. Why did you write the featured book? As a result of having ministered to hundreds of people through the years. There are times I would see breakthrough in a person’s life only to have them return in six months or so (or less) experiencing the same recurring issues. As we dug deeper into the root systems and generational bloodlines, they were able to identify family bondage, help them to hear and see truth more clearly (that is, come into agreement with God and out of agreement with darkness) and break the enemy’s hold.
To sum it up, people experienced deeper more permanent freedom after identifying generational patterns and bondage—and in many cases break generational curses (consequences) that have been in operation for years (sometimes decades and in some cases, hundreds of years).
What do you want the reader to take away from the book?I want my readers to recognize the fact that the lives our ancestors lived still affect us today—whether it be blessings are curses as outlined in Deut. 28.  Attending family reunions help us learn a lot about our tendencies and heritage. So many issues run in families such as poverty, anger, rage, bitterness, fear, shyness, gossip, sexual issues (perversion), adultery, etc.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?There are a number of books written on the subject of generational iniquity. Often people read these books but don’t know how to utilize the information. I feel that my book is especially helpful because of the activation exercises following each chapter. This book teaches individuals how to apply the principles outlined. It also teaches the reader how to connect with God and get insights and answers from the Holy Spirit that are often hidden from our view. In addition, many of the chapters cover extensive testimonies and stories of people (including yours truly) who have identified areas related to families of origin and gotten the victory over generational sin and iniquity.
Please give us the first page or two from the book.Can you think of a trait in your family of origin that you dislike? Or, on the flip side, are there characteristics you really appreciate about your family? Chances are, you can identify both good and bad qualities in your family line. Most families have traits to be admired and desired, along with some we would like to sweep under the rug, never to be remembered again.           
A woman came to meet with me some time ago. As she sat down, I asked her the usual question: “What brings you here today?” She replied, “Have you ever seen the television series Everybody Loves Raymond? Well, that is my family—total dysfunction!” We had a good laugh; but as she told me her story, I realized that she was telling the truth.            The majority of us have inherited both good and bad family characteristics. Occasionally someone will say to me, “I can’t think of a single good trait in my family.” Still others insist, “My family was a Leave It to Beaver family, and I can’t think of anything I would want to change.” Most of the time neither extreme is true. No family is perfect, and very few are deficient in every single area.
Bible teacher Beth Moore, in her book Breaking Free, wrote: “Between every unfaithful generation and faithful generation is one person determined to change.” Whether or not we break unhealthy generational iniquity and ungodly patterns is a matter of the heart. That’s where the battle is being waged—over the heart! No matter who we are or how we grew up, the question we all must answer is: Whom will we serve?
A Spiritual Eye-OpenerI remember a special insight God gave me one morning many years ago. My husband had left for work earlier than usual, so I had the house all to myself when I returned from taking the children to school. Sitting down at the dining room table, my Bible in hand, I began reading and felt drawn to Isaiah 58:12: Those from among you shall rebuild the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations.
Although Bible scholars say this passage is about the restoration and redevelopment of Jerusalem, I knew the Lord was personalizing it for me. That promise to Israel was predicated upon their returning to true worship that comes from a pure heart. Since their works didn’t match the claims of their faith. God wanted to change their hearts.            As I meditated on the passage, I saw in my mind’s eye (some would call it a vision) a country setting with an old, run-down house that sat on a large parcel of land. I saw a bulldozer lift the house from its pier-and-beam foundation. When it was raised, I could see all sorts of bugs, mold, mildew, and other gross things you would see underneath an old house that has been in place for years. That house clearly needed to be renovated, and I realized this picture, or vision, represented the spiritual restoration that needed to happen in my life.
Where on the Internet can the readers find you?lindagodsey.com (in the process of updating)
Origins is available at Gateway Passages bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and most Christian bookstores.Thank you, Linda, for sharing this book with us. I'm eager to read it.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

KNIGHT IN SHINING APRON - 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 southeast Ohio but 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. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?Yes, and I thank God for his blessings on my books! Several things come to mind. Since writing my debut novel (The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman), I’ve had lots of requests for a second, sequel book. I’m actively researching and plotting, and hope to begin that in the near future. Once I’ve released three books in each of my mystery series (The Denton and Alex Davies series and the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series), I want to intensify my marketing with these. Three books in each won’t finish the series, but it’s a good start for a hopefully successful marketing plan. I’m hoping to release the second book in my WWII Spies series: A Flute in the Willows, this year. After that I’ll push for the third book, which will be the final book in this group—unless!—I do a  novella as a fun creation on one other character. We’ll see about that. JI always have plenty of other ideas, including a light romantic suspense set in the mid 1800s, a hitman book and an early 1900s—both stand alone, serious books that deal with tough topics.Good times ahead!
Tell us a little about your family.Hubby and I just celebrated our 40th (can it be!!!) anniversary. We’ve had such wonderful experiences, plenty of problems, of course, but we’re still in love and expect to be till we cross into heaven. We’ve traveled through most of the United States, ministering, visiting many memorable sites, and making friends as we go.
We had two sons that traveled with us while young. I taught them to read before they began formal schooling, and we home schooled them as we traveled. Both now, as grownups, live fairly close, and times spent with them are highlights hubby and I cherish.
As an added bonus, and one of our greatest blessings, we have three grand boys that are the light of our eyes. Planning activities and adventures with them are prized and memorable hours.
We’re celebrating the birthday of our 9-years-old great grandson tonight. Great fun! Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?It certainly has. The busier I get with my writing career, the less I find time to read as I used to. I’ve had to learn to be choosier, and, of course, with requests for reviews and endorsements, I get to discover and enjoy newer authors I might never have known.
What are you working on right now?I’m working on the second book in my WWII Spies Romantic Suspense series, called A Flute in the Willows, featuring the second red-headed daughter of the Rayner Family. She’s rebellious and talented, and in the first book eloped with Jerry Patterson. Now she and Jerry have to face some hard trials to waken them to God’s mercy and work together to stop a certain spy who’s out to destroy them both.
What outside interests do you have?I’ve just recently in the last few months picked up scrapbooking and enjoy any time I can find to create memories of my three grand boys. I love my flower beds and garden pond.I get an extra bit of fun each year I write and we present our annual Christmas play and program. It’s still “writing,” but in a different way, and a fun time for me. Traveling is still special times, whether it’s just hubby and me, or we take family along the journey with us. How do you choose your settings for each book?I like to choose places I’m acquainted with or places I’d love to visit. Since we’ve visited West Virginia many times, and it suited my Redemption of Caralynne Hayman plot and my Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series setting, I used that state. In my Denton and Alex Denton series, the couple travel in their RV so they end up in various states, but so far, it’s been places or states we’ve visited or acquainted with in some measure. I lived and worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a young person, and the city proved a good choice for my WWII Spies series.Other books, I might choose settings that are new to me, with solid reason why I do so, knowing I’ll want lots of research for that setting. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?Besides our Lord? Probably any of our past authors. Louis Lamour (tremendous researcher), Jane Austen (love her stories), Grace Livingston Hill (yeah, she’s one of the authors who got me started on reading books for adults), and many, many more.
I used to have a large collection of Grace Livingston Hill books, but gave them to a young reader, who was an advanced reader. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?One thing I wish I’d done was begin earlier. Life was busy for me, and I realize that all things work as God wants if you’re following his will, but I do wish I could have begun seriously writing a little earlier.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?Actually, it’s been an ongoing lesson for a little over a year now. With five deaths in less than six months within our families, and two of them tragic, unnecessary ones, it was a haunting, depressing time. But God gave me strength and the encouragement I needed to become stronger in my faith and a lesson in trusting him—not just in a few things, but in all things, those we understand and especially those we don’t.
That’s a hard lesson. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?That depends (to me) on what each person defines as successful, but I would suggest these:Be true to the writing journey God has for you. Work hard, and with that I mean, write a lot, market a lot, and be kind to other authors. Kindness will produce its own rewards within your writing life.Never, never quit. You won’t know how far you can go or how successful you will be . . . If you quit! Tell us about the featured book. Here’s the blurb:Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia.  Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.
Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?
And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?
Please give us the first page of the book.Starli Cameron slashed off the last name on her list, the last possible candidate.
It’d been a long day, in spite of loving her work, so saying that was saying the impossible—for her—because she'd never said it before.
She had to admit, she was picky when it came to her beloved restaurant, Apple Blossoms. Anything and anyone to do with it came with high scrutiny from her. She wanted the best and only that for her business.
That last chef applicant, with his incessant sniffing, had driven her crazy. And what about the pompous one who’d strutted into her office with his fake Italian accent itemizing his demands. She'd not had a chance to say a word about her requirements. Good thing too. His dismissal had been fast—although she hoped, politely done.
She ripped the paper from the tablet, crumpled it, and tossed her pencil to the tabletop just as the loud pounding began.
Hurrying to the front door, hoping it would be one of her best friends—Toni or Caroline—so she could let off some steam, she flipped on the porch light and peeked through the peephole.
An eye glared at her, and she jumped back, heart beating like a woodpecker determined to get at the insects behind the tree bark.
Roland Stratton.
He can’t see me.
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 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.
Knight in Shining Apron (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery) (Volume 2)[image error] - paperback
Knight in Shining Apron (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery Book 2) - 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]

WHEN DEATH DRAWS NEAR - Carrie Stuart Parks - One Free Book, Plus More

Welcome Carrie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.Gwen is quite a bit like me, but thinner. And younger. And prettier. Come to think of it, she’s nothing like me. Well, okay, we both are freelance forensic artists, breast cancer survivors, and Great Pyrenees owners.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Danced the Highland fling in Bombay, India.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?When Frank Peretti told me I might have talent.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.SHow do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I walk, walk, walk.  :)
How do you choose your characters’ names?I often use family names and the names of my students (law enforcement professionals) In some cases, my students consider it a bucket list item to die a horrible death in one of my stories.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Hmmm. Probably teaching forensic art to someone where the drawing leads to the identification of a rapist, murderer, or arsonist.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’d be my Great Pyrenees. They get spoiled.
What is your favorite food?Have you seen me? I eat everything …
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?At first it was the crushing disappointment of rejection. Add to this was the waiting. I just had to write better, keep learning, and work on another project.
Tell us about the featured book. Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.
Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?
In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.
Please give us the first page of the book. “Ma’am. Sheriff Reed told me to come and get you. The body’s here. I mean, it was here before . . . downstairs. In the morgue.”
I craned my head backward to see the young, lean-faced deputy standing over me. He had to be six foot four or taller, very slender, with wispy brown hair. His eyes were blue with heavy lids, and his mouth red, probably from chewing his lips. Sure enough, his cheeks flushed at my studying him and he started gnawing his lower lip.
I picked up my forensic art kit and followed the officer into the Pikeville Community Hospital, through a set of doors, and to an elevator next to the nurses’ station. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Junior Reed.” He nodded at his answer. “Sheriff Reed is my father.”
I did a double take. He didn’t look anything like Clayton Reed, the sheriff of Pike County, Kentucky, who’d picked me up from the Lexington airport yesterday.. “Nice to meet you, Junior.” I stuck out my hand. “I’m Gwen Marcey.”
He hesitated for a moment, staring at my hand, then awkwardly shook it. His hand was wet.The elevator door opened. As we entered, I surreptitiously wiped my hand on my slacks. The elevator seemed to think about moving, then quietly closed and slipped to the floor below, taking much longer than simply running down the stairs. The elevator finally opened. The smell hit me immediately.
I swallowed hard and took a firmer grip on my kit. Several deputies had gathered in the middle of the hall, talking softly. They turned and stared at us. I couldn’t quite decipher the expressions on their faces. They parted as we approached, revealing a closed door inscribed with the word Morgue.
How can readers find you on the Internet?webpage www.carriestuartparks.comfacebook: Carrie Stuart Parks, Author

Plunge into forensic artist Gwen Marcey's world, full of cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects. Add Carrie Stuart Parks' new Gwen Marcey novel, When Death Draws Near, to the top of your must-read list. Gwen accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before she can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set.
 
One grand prize winner will receive:
A copy of When Death Draws NearA $30 Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card (winner's choice)Colored pencilsA sharpenerA pencil caseAn eraserA coloring prayer bookA coloring notecard setA lap desk  
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog .



Thank you, Carrie, for sharing this new book with us. And your giveaway is awesome. I'd love to win it, and I know many of my readers would, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - AmazonWhen Death Draws Near (A Gwen Marcey Novel) - 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]

PLAYING WITH FIRE - Susan May Warren - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Susan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.Oh, I think to be authentic, a writer has to dig around inside and pull out pieces of their own journey, whether it be experiences, or truths, or life lessons or emotional situations. One of my techniques for getting into character is to ask: when have I felt the way my character is feeling, or been in a similar life situation? What authentic emotion, thoughts and actions can I bring to the page? In that way, each scene, each character has a little piece of my own experience or emotion. (even if I haven’t experienced the actual event!)
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Quirky? Oh, I don’t know—my son Peter says that if you tied my hands behind my back, I’d be unable to speak. (and it’s true—my videos are a blur of my hands moving on screen! Ack!)
I’ve been told the same thing. We’re just more expressive. When did you first discover that you were a writer?First grade. No, seriously—I wrote a book in first grade, and it won the school-wide book writing contest. J I have been writing stories ever since.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I read all genres—historical fiction (LOVE!), contemporary romantic suspense, thrillers, memoirs, westerns, biographies….but my favorite? TIME TRAVEL. No, seriously, I’m silly over time travel books!
I thought no one could write a Christian time travel book that I would accept. Lisa Tawn Bergren and Lynne Gentry changed my mind. The way their time travel happened was believable, because our God could have worked that way. Maybe He actually has. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I have a motto—work hard, play hard. Which mean, when I’m working, I’m all in. But when I’m NOT working, like in the evenings, or the weekends, I cast it aside completely. And, I try and get away complete a couple times a year. Also—I keep it simple. It’s okay to have $5.00 pizzas from Papa Murphy’s once a week. Or to buy a big pre-made salad at the grocery store and toss it up with rotisserie chicken. I figure … hey, enjoy people, enjoy what you do, enjoy God, and don’t worry about what the world tells you to do.
I like that last statement. How do you choose your characters’ names?They have to embody the character, so I am always looking at the meanings of the names, and how they feel on the page. I go through a few iterations before I settle on the final name.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?My four amazing adult children who love Jesus, love their families, are hard workers, and show up in life to be everyday heroes.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?Oh, I’m a Labrador retriever. I’m super loyal, like to play, like to run around the woods, and will sit at your feet and sigh happily for hours. (okay, the RIGHT feet).
We had one when I was in high school. They’re wonderful dogs. What is your favorite food?Popcorn. With parmesan cheese and real butter.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I love to write! But it is hard—you have to take your time, think through all the layers. Give yourself white space. That’s the hardest thing for me—I ALWAYS have something on my to-do list, so taking time out to just sit and think and pray is the one thing I must do and yet it is the hardest to give myself permission to do. (That, and exercise. Don’t get me started.)  
Tell us about the featured book. Playing With Fire is book #2 in my Summer of Fire trilogy. It features Conner and Liza, two Team Hope and Deep Haven. They showed up together in a Christiansen family book (Take a Chance on Me) and I’ve been waiting to write their story ever since. It was a fun story to write—I went back three years and put them in Deep Haven, into the situations from the previous book, got to revisit previous characters, and was able to dive more into the current mystery. Plus … Conner finally got his girl. J characters who were a part of two other series I did years ago,

Please give us the first page of the book.Excerpt from Playing with Fire This was not how Liza Beaumont wanted to die.
Not that anyone ever wanted to die, but certainly Liza could think of a dozen or more ways that would be preferable to ending up as an early-morning snack for a six-hundred-pound grizzly.
First choice might be tucked into the embrace of Conner Young, their golden years fading into a molten sunset, perhaps drifting off into sleep, to wake up in glory.
There she went again, wishing for things she didn’t have. Like bear spray. Or a tranquilizer gun. Or maybe even better than spotty cell service here, high up on a remote trail in the middle of the CabinetMountains in western Montana.
She glanced down the trail, back up at the bear now rocking back and forth. What had the camp wildlife expert said about bears? Stop, drop, and roll—no, no—
Drop. Play dead. Except her instincts, frankly, were to scream first, then—well, run.
Of course, that was always her instinct.
But this time it felt right, because, really, who had the courage to just lie there while a grizzly sniffed her prone body, ready to take a tasty bite out of her neck. Not when she had heaps more life to live, hopes, dreams …
Only, one of those included a six-foot-two blond smokejumper with devastating blue eyes, wide sinewed shoulders, and a body honed by the rigors of fighting fire who claimed to love sunrises as much as she did.             But Conner wasn’t here. Just her, her sharpened colored graphite pencils, and a fresh canvas to paint her artist’s view of the sunrise. The perfect place to remind herself—and her fellow camper—that they didn’t need men to live happily ever after.
Can’t wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?Stop by www.susanmaywarren.comor visit my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SusanMayWarrenFiction/
Thank you for having me, Lena!!
It's always a pleasure to host you, Susan. 
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.Playing With Fire: inspirational romantic suspense (Montana Fire Book 2)[image error]

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

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS!!!!!

Stacy (TX) is the winner of Answering Sarah   by Nancy Bolton.

Mary (Aus) is the winner of the ebook  Where's There's Smoke  by Susan May Warren.

Caryl (TX) is the winner of the ebook Vain Empires   by Brandilyn Collins.

Kristen (OK) is the winner of the ebook  Glasgow Grace  by Marion eckermann.

Ann E (TX) is the winner of  Dumpster Dicing  by Julie B Cosgrove.

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.

AS LONG AS YOU BOTH SHALL LIVE - Linda K Rodante - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I hadn’t read any of Linda Rodante’s books before we scheduled the first two in this series. She is an author to keep an eye on. I loved both Amber Alert, which we featured earlier this summer, and this book As Long As You Both Shall Live. I’m eager to read book three. Her characters are living, breathing people, who are also flawed. They tugged me right into the story with them, and as soon as I finished reading book one, I immediately started book two. Loved the setting, the storylines, the suspense, the romance—the whole package. You won’t want to miss them.
Welcome back, Linda. Why do you write the kind of books you do? I’ve always loved romantic suspense novels and when I started reading Christian fiction, I realized I could actually write something entertaining that also highlighted God’s goodness and purposes. A win-win situation.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? I have to say it was when I realized that both my sons’ belief in God had become a foundation of their adult lives. 
How has being published changed your life?It is what I do fulltime now, so it has changed my “career.” I am actually an author. J It has also expanded my horizons and my friendships.
What are you reading right now? Where There’s Smokeby Susan May Warren--another romantic suspense, and it’s good.
What is your current work in progress? I just finished Splashdown, book 3 of my The Dangerous Series. It should be out by the time this interview is posted. Splashdown is a little different than the other books, more police procedural. Still lots of romance. And all my books have strong spiritual elements.
What would be your dream vacation? Two weeks in the Appalachian Mountainswith my family, but with a weekend worship festival thrown in.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I chose places I love and know. I want to be able to bring realistic scenery and lifestyles to the reader. One day I might do a long vacation to someplace in particular just to have a particular setting.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Wow. That’s really hard because so many people have so much to give, and I’m not enamored of movie stars, sport stars, or singers. So, it comes back to family again. Maybe because my younger son and his family are in Botswana, Africa, for three years. Right now, I would spend time with anyone or all of them if possible.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? To tell you the truth, I am a home-body, but I love beautiful places and taking pictures, so a ride or walk at the beach or up a mountain is great. Stop and get something to eat and enjoy the time. My husband and I also love to bike. We have two old-fashioned bikes and take rides around the neighborhood or at the parks nearby. The whole family likes to play cards and board games when we get together.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Keeping up with social media is the hardest. I truly love staying connected with so many people, but my time to do it is limited—if I want to write and have a life. I have to set up time boundaries each day so I don’t stay online too long!
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Take writing courses, buy writing books and read them, get in a critique group, and go to conferences. Learning your craft should be at the top of your list.
Tell us about the featured book. As Long As You Both Shall Live is Book 2 in The Dangerous Series. It features the same couple from Amber Alert as they move forward in their relationship. John Jergenson returns home after a month’s long mission trip to Indonesia. His mind is set on asking Sharee Jones to marry him and return to the islands as missionaries. But Sharee has enough to think about—anonymous phone calls, an attack on her life, and uneasiness about their relationship. The last thing she wants is a marriage proposal. When someone runs her down, and she winds up in the hospital, things get serious. Can John keep her alive, keep her ex-boyfriend out of the picture, and fend off the attentions of another woman long enough to convince Sharee to walk down the aisle?
Please give us the first page of the book. She was always on time.
He could see the church parking lot from the edge of the woods. Glancing at his watch, he shifted position and made sure the trees concealed him. Cars exited the main road, bumped down the drive, and pulled in for the evening service. A steady stream of people parked and entered the building.     The woman who called earlier had not given her name—only a message. “Sharee’s getting engaged. She’s going to get married. Just thought you’d want to know.” And although he’d fought the urge to come, he had surrendered to the rising anger before the afternoon ended.     His fists clenched. Just like anyone else, he had a right to be here. He could even walk into the church. They couldn’t do anything about it. She couldn’t. Not like before. He contemplated doing that, going in, finding a seat near her, and listening to the sermon.    No.     He didn’t want to play games.His head rose in time to see her Honda CR-V turn into the long drive. Parking next to the side door, she jumped out and hurried inside. She hadn’t changed. Same petite body, same untamed hair and, he was sure, the same puritanical attitudes.    No, he didn’t want to play games. What he wanted was not nearly so innocent.
How can readers find you on the Internet? On facebook, Linda K. Rodante, on twitter, @lrodante, on Pinterest, Linda Rodante, also my author website is  http://lindarodante.com/, and my human trafficking/commitment to God website is http://lindarodante.wordpress.com/

Thank you, Linda, for sharing this book with my readers. I'd love to feature the third book in the series on this blog as well.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.As Long As You Both Shall Live (Dangerous Series) (Volume 2)[image error] - Paperback
As Long As You Both Shall Live: A Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 2) - 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]

THE GOLD DIGGER - Lena Nelson Dooley - 1 Free Print Book, 1 Free Ebook, 1 Free Audio Book

Dear Readers, I'm very excited to announce the release of the audio book of my latest release The Gold Digger. We will have 3 winners for this post.

The first edition of this story released in 2010 with the title Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. It was the first Christian romance to win the Will Rogers Medallion Award for Excellence in Western Media for fiction. The awards were presented at the National Cowboy Weekend at the Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas. In mid-July of 2011, it was very hot there.

When the committee chairman picked up my book and held it up, he said he had to apologize to the author. He was every bit a cowboy, wearing jeans, a plaid shirt, a white stetson, and a large silver belt buckle. The cover had a girl on the front standing in front of the mission in Golden, New Mexico. Her face was framed by a white, lacy parasol she was holding.

He said he hadn't wanted to read the book. He was going to let the rest of the committee judge it. Then he knew that because he was the chairman, he knew he should at least read the first chapter to see if the author could write well and if there was a good story.

"Darn good story." He sounded surprised. Then he added, "Darn good writing."

He decided to read the second chapter to see if it was as good as the first. Before long, he had reached the last page. He went on to praise the story.

That book is now out of print, and the publishing rights reverted to me. I knew there were people who hadn't been able to afford the book. The publisher didn't put it on sale very much. And I wanted to do an edition that is more affordable. Also, I did some revising, but not a lot.

So now we have The Gold Digger. In addition to the print and ebook editions of the book. I've had an audio edition made. It released just last week.

It's available on iTunes. Here's the buy link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-gold-digger-unabridged/id1138545945 

It's available on Amazon. Here's the buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Gold-Digger/dp/B01J4912EK/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1470322416&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Gold+Digger+by+Lena+Nelson+Dooley

It's available on Audible.com. Here's the buy link:
http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_mn_mt_ano_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=The+Gold+Digger+%28Lena+Nelson+Dooley%29&x=22&y=20

Here are some reviews:

This is a very good book by Lena Nelson Dooley. I especially liked the tough life lessons in it.

I love stories about the Old West. In this book, the setting is primarily the Old West but part of the story occurs in New England. An old retired miner decides to get him a mail-order bride. The story of how he selects her and of the circumstances that prompt her to leave Boston to go to Golden, New Mexico is very interesting. However, that is only the beginning of the story. Intertwined with the suspense and romance are lessons about true forgiveness and selfless love. You may have been through some very difficult times and circumstances and feel there is no way you can ever forgive. Read and see how it works. Some may question if they can really learn important lessons about living the Christian life from a fiction story set in the Old West. I am one who believes it is entirely possible. The characters in the story are very believable. You may even know people in real life who have exemplified exactly what these characters portray. I encourage you to read this book. Besides the lessons that can be learned or reinforced, the story is a very interesting read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  Reviewed by Edward Arrington.

A Rare and Beautiful Love Story
Once again, Ms. Dooley lives up to her by-line, "Characters who grip your heart." She writes as if she knows these people. And when I read her books, I know that either every detail has been carefully researched, or else she's about 200 years old and is just remembering how it was. Very few writers today balance characters and plot so well. "The Gold Digger" is a great story, full of emotion and surprises. The story stayed with me for a long time, and the characters even longer. An orphaned baby, a damsel in distress, a neat old codger who ordered a bride, and a recalcitrant miner cowboy. Oh, yes, and all that gold! This story will propel the reader straight into the McKenna's Daughters trilogy. Reviewed by Lee Carver

A sweet, safe, satisfying read
I love stories with memorable characters, and The Gold Digger made me smile. I wanted to jump into the page and hug old Philip; his interactions with the other two main characters always made me chuckle. Jeremiah's internal struggle felt very real, and Maddie is a strong woman. And I appreciate the story's illustration of integrity, forgiveness, and compassion. Reviewed by Julie Marx

Here is the first of the story:
Early spring, 1890Golden, New Mexico"Are you plumb crazy?" Jeremiah Dennison's loud retort bounced around the main room of the adobe house and returned to mock him. "Where did you get such a harebrained idea?"
Trying to control his anger, he shoved his clenched fists into his denim trousers' pockets, paced to the window, and stared out, paying scant attention to the piñon trees bending in the wind. He loved Philip Smith like a father, but the man could vex the weather. And this latest idea was the most farfetched yet.
Philip gave a snort. "Harebrained?" He put his rocking chair into motion that sent out a rhythmic squeaking. "Why'd ya say that? It's worked fer other men."
Jeremiah tried to calm down. He wanted to measure his words, season them with wisdom that would awaken his elderly friend to all the pitfalls he would face. "What would you do with a mail-order bride?"
The old miner stilled the chair and stared at Jeremiah, obsidian eyes piercing under his bushy white brows. "Somethin""—he smothered a hacking cough with his fist, then swiped a clean handkerchief across his face—"has a deadly grip on me."
"I know you're sick. I take care of you, don't I?" Jeremiah resented the fact that what he'd done wasn't enough. Otherwise, Philip wouldn't even consider such a preposterous proposition.
His old friend reached up to scratch the scraggly beard he'd worn all the years he was a miner, but it no longer covered his clean-shaven chin. Old habits died hard. "Jerry, I don't wanna be a burden on ya."
"You'd rather be a burden to a woman you don't even know?" Jeremiah regretted his cynical tone the moment the words flew from his lips. He softened his tone. "I've never considered you a burden any more than you thought I was a burden when I came to the gold fields as a greenhorn."
Philip clutched the arms of the rocking chair and slowly rose. He took a moment to steady himself before he ambled toward Jeremiah. "I ain't come to this decision easy." He squinted up into Jeremiah's face. "I done studied on it fer a while."
Jeremiah straightened the fingers he'd gripped into fists and relaxed his stiff spine. "What do you mean, 'studied'?"
"Well, I figure a woman who'd answer them ads in the newspaper must be purty needy, maybe even desperate to get out of a particular bad situation." He gave a vigorous nod that riffled his snowy hair. "Made me a fortune when I sold my mine. More money than any man can spend in his lifetime. What good is a fortune to an old-timer like me? Won't never have a family of my own. Maybe I'll git me a woman with children. She can take care a me, and my money can take care a her." Another nod punctuated his last statement. "And her young'uns, if she has any."
How could Jeremiah deny his mentor's request? Philip never asked for much. If he didn't do this, the stubborn old man would look for help from someone else. A lesser friend might have a wagging tongue and spread the story all around Golden. Philip didn't need people gossiping about him sending for a bride. And other miners might try to nab her for themselves when she arrived. If Jeremiah had his way, it would be fine with him if they did, but his friend would be too disappointed. He didn't want to break Philip's heart, just talk him out of making this mistake.
"Jerry, ya ain't mad 'cause I'm plannin' to give my money to someone else, are ya?"
The words stabbed Jeremiah's heart. How could Philip believe that about him? "I don't need your money. I have more than enough of my own, thanks to selling my own mine and starting the ranch like you told me to."
The hoary head nodded. "That's what I figured."
"Where you going to send the ad?" Jeremiah couldn't believe he was considering being a part of this crazy scheme. But what else could he do?
If you sign up for a free membership in Audible.com and my book is the first you download, I'll receive a bonus.
I'll be giving away a free print copy, a Kindle ebook, and an Audible.com audio copy.
Comments Question: Do you like old west stories? (With your comment, please say whether you'd like the print copy, the Kindle copy, or the Audible.com copy.)
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

RETREAT TO SHELTER CREEK - Lee Carver - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve known Lee Carver for a long time. We are members of our local ACFW chapter, ACFW – DFW, and we’ve both served as president at different times. She’s a member of the critique group that meets in my home. It has been a joy to see her develop her voice and become a wonderful author. And her fascinating life adds interesting details to many of her books.
Welcome back, Lee. Tell us about your salvation experience.I was reared in a devout Christian family. We had prayers together every evening and prayers at every meal. When I was just short of six years old, I felt an urging to personally commit my life to God. My parents and pastor talked to me, trying to ensure that I knew what I was doing. One evening, as I assured my parents after prayer time that I understand and was making a lifetime commitment, that I felt something different come over me in a comforting way. I believe that was the moment God made me his own and gifted me with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
There were times as a college student and young adult that I felt distanced from God, but I knew who had moved. I never doubted Him. He brought me back into a close relationship, and I realize I can only be happy living there.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? They would all be modern authors, because we write so differently now. Let’s also assume these four authors would not feel that I am beneath their league, and they would freely discuss the craft of writing with me. Kellie Coates Gilbert would bring immense energy and knowledge of marketing. Brandilyn Collins has so much to teach me about writing suspense. And two new friends, Judith Rolfs and Autumn MacArthur, have such great intrinsic sense about people and personalities. Rolfs is a professional counselor. Autumn is an Aussie who lives in England and writes fluffy romances, but she can flat diagnose the ills of my characters and help me make them realistic.
Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.I have no speaking ministry as such, though I am involved in many groups and activities and was president of ACFW-DFW Chapter a.k.a. Ready Writers for two years. I enjoy public speaking, but haven’t aligned my novels with any particular cause other than Brazilian missionary aviation.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?When we lived in Indonesia, I was active in the American Women’s Association. My husband’s distant cousin and her family also lived in Jakarta. They enjoyed a show of wealth; we had not changed much in our attitudes since our struggling years. For the annual AWA ball, the cousin wore a chic dress which she undoubtedly had bought in the US. I made a dress of interesting Indonesian fabric—and I had made all my clothes, even coats, as a teenager. I mentioned this by phone the week before.
When my husband and I entered the ballroom, she and her husband rushed forward to greet us. Her husband said, in a very deprecating tone, “And you made your dress yourself. How … sweet.” The way he spoke, I might have been Cinderella without the fairy godmother’s magic touch. I’d come to the ball in a homemade dress. I turned several shades of red, then got over it, lost them in the crowd, and had a good time. My husband was proud to be with me and pleased with my sewing talent. Her husband’s opinion didn’t matter.
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?Actually, I’m very active as a freelance editor, and I format and upload other people’s books. I’ve recently helped six women to publish their stories of abuse and recovery, and the leader of their class just asked me to help another group do the same.
Tell us about the featured book. Retreat to Shelter Creek is a story of healing from a failed marriage and forgiveness even when it hasn’t been requested. Ashley, a high school teacher, retreats to a small Texastown for the summer ostensibly to help her grandmother through chemo. The heavy subjects are lifted by the family guard-pig Beulah and two skunks. (Count them. Hint:  one walks on two legs.) Ashley has a second chance at love and marriage with Austin, whom she knew as a teenager, though she’s very cautious this time. And why should second chances be available only to the young? There’s a “mature” love story included as well.
Please give us the first page of the book.“I’ll do the whole roof for seven thousand dollars, but I want the pig.”
Ashley squinted up at the plaid-shirted man about her own age in a wide, used-to-be-white Stetson. An effervescent sensation gurgled up from unknown depths inside her. She threw back her head and let laughter overtake her. Nothing in the past few months had triggered such lighthearted abandon.
The fellow stood there with an open-mouthed smile as if he didn’t know which way to go.
The late afternoon Texassun streaked through the gigantic pecan tree to where he stood on the front porch. The roofer had been tromping around on top of the house. Mama Lou said he’d come and give an estimate this afternoon. He might be insulted if she didn’t recover in a hurry.
Shading her eyes, she pushed open the screen. “Would you like to come inside? It’s awful hot out there.” Even with the window air conditioner turned off, inside ran at least ten degrees cooler.
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s hot enough to fry rattlesnakes.” He stepped inside.
Now that the sun no longer stabbed her retinas, she glanced at his face. Something familiar about him tickled her memory, like thinking she recognized someone but then realizing he lived in a different state. “How about a glass of iced tea?”
“I appreciate the offer, but we’ve got ice water out in the truck. Is Mrs. Pickins here?” He peered toward the hallway, deeper into the old house.
“Grandmother’s here, and she was expecting you, but she didn’t feel well enough to stay up. I’d rather not disturb her.”
He took off his worn hat and wiped a bandana across his face. “I wouldn’t want to bother her.”
She noticed his light-colored eyes under bushy brows. He didn’t stand all that tall, probably under six feet, but muscle bulges stretching the shoulders of his knit shirt indicated a lot of strength. “You were saying about the pig?”
“Yes’um. I’d like to have that white sow as part of the deal.” He smiled with a twinkle of enthusiasm. “I saw her from up on the roof. She couldn’t be very happy in the pen all by herself.”
Ashley had never considered whether Beulah was happy. She ate, she oinked, and she created a muddy mess in the back yard. She had been making quite a lot of noise in the past half hour. Maybe she had guard-pig inclinations. “What do you want with the pig?”
“I’m raising a few on my farm, and what you have there is a fine crossbreed. She would be a welcome addition to my stock. I need a good sow, and I’m real partial to the white ones.”
“It’s just that … I don’t know if that’s possible. Beulah was my younger brother’s prize winner in Future Farmers. Years ago.” She motioned back over her shoulder. “Grandmother’s never been willing to sell her.” Heaven knows the neighbors would be pleased. She suspected some of the offers to buy the sow had come indirectly from them. Especially the lady who lived on the back side of their block.
“Could I ask your brother, then?” He fanned with his hat, and his brow raised as if the heavy line had a life of its own.
“Afraid not. He died in Afghanistan.” She hated those words, but could finally say them without crying.
“Oh. Right. I heard about that. Sorry.” He gave a long exhale and ducked his head for a second. “Look, I figure a sow like that—and I haven’t even seen her up close—but she’s probably worth a couple hundred dollars. Maybe three, depending on her age. So the price I’m offering on the roofing job is better than anyone else would do it for.”
Mama Lou had an estimate from another company for well over eight thousand. Getting rid of Beulah made the deal even sweeter, if her grandmother would go for it. “I can’t speak for her, though. I just know we need the roof fixed before it rains. It leaks pretty bad, and the TV says we may have some rain next week. Can you put us on your schedule right away?”
“Not without her approving the estimate. Say, aren’t you her granddaughter who used to stay here sometimes in the summer when we were teenagers?”
“Yes, I’m Ashley Brooker.” For now. She extended her hand, aware that his might be dirty.
He plopped his cowboy hat on his head, wiped his hand on his jeans, and took hers in a gentle but firm shake.
Dry skin, calloused by his job, surrounded her palm with plenty left over. He really did look familiar. Then she noticed the scar to the right of his upper lip, just a faint hash mark from a long-ago accident. “Trés?”“Yes, ma’am, Stephen Austin Chism the Third, but I don’t go by Trés anymore. I prefer Austin.”
She smiled with the memory of the church youth hayride her sixteenth summer. He had been handsome but rather full of himself. The local girls fell over each other to be close to him, so she hung back and watched the show.
How can readers find you on the Internet?I’d love to hear from readers via FaceBook (message me so I’ll know to “friend” you), and my blog will give them information on new inspirational releases, especially free and inexpensive eBooks. I welcome them to sign up for my rather infrequent reviews and offers.www.LeeCarverWriter.comhttp://LeeCarverWriter.blogspot.comwww.amazoncurrents.homestead.comhttps://www.facebook.com/lee.carver.507
Thank you, Lee, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will be eager to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Retreat to Shelter Creek[image error] - paperback
Retreat to Shelter Creek - Kindle

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