Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 166

THE WEDDING CHAPEL - Rachel Hauck - One Free Book

Welcome back, Rachel. How did this book come about?
My husband and I were on vacation in Tennessee, and I drove past a wedding chapel high on a hill, among the trees and shade. As I past, the thought hit me, The Wedding Chapel . I had no story really but by the afternoon my publishing team were on board and loving the concept.
Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
The book is 99.5% fiction. But I used historical events as a backdrop for my characters. For example, the characters Peg and Colette were shipped out of London as girls during World War II. It’s true children were sent to the countryside, but the events my characters experienced are all fictional.
Some of the television and radio shows, and Hollywoodfolks, I mention are real.
The historical hero, Jimmy, uses lumber and stone for the chapel that he gathered from Nashvilleafter the war. I got that idea from reading about reconstruction in Nashville in the late ’40s.

How much research did you have to do for this book?
Research is ongoing for me as I write. I look up the smallest details if I feel the story needs it.
For The Wedding Chapel , I interviewed a man who actually built a chapel outside of Nashville. He really helped me conceptualize the building process and how to make the chapel part of Jimmy’s journey. I also researched wartime London, when and how they sent the children out of the city.
I delved into radio and television programming history, soap operas, and life in middle Tennesseeduring the late ’40s. I also interviewed a professional photographer and read about being an ad man on Madison Avenue.  
I’m like you. I research both before I start writing the story and while I’m writing. I want every detail I add to be as authentic as possible. What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?
I didn’t really have any extra facts for this particular book. When I was working on my last series of royal books, I had a lot of unused facts and tidbits.
What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
I loved the late ’40s, early ’50s time line, as well looking at the start of television soap operas.

It’s an interesting time in our history. So much of the world was changing, and it’s interesting to see the contrast between then and now.

The character, Jimmy, surprised me. I really fell in love with him while telling his story.
I was born in 1942, so that time period was my growing-up years. What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?
Besides an enjoyable and entertaining read, I hope readers sense God’s love for them and the hope of His plans. He never gives up on us!
What is the next project you’re working on?
I just a finished story about a hundred and twenty year old wedding shop called The Wedding Shop. (I’m clever with titles, eh?) This story takes a look at the women who owned the shop, their romantic journeys, the surprises they discover along the way, and how the shop brought the women of the town together.  It’s set in the same fictional town as The Wedding Chapel , Heart’s Bend, Tennessee.
I’m eager to read that book as well. What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?
Read, walk my dog, exercise, watch a rerun of a show I enjoy, play the piano and pray.
Please give us the first page of the book.Jimmy Heart’s Bend, TennesseeJuly 1948 Jimmy’s journey began with a photograph. One of two girls standing next to a slender bride gripping a weak cluster of flowers, the shade of a stone chapel falling over their faces.
“My cousins.” Clem’s heavy exhale pushed him down to the family’s brand-new sofa. “From England.”
“All of them?” Jimmy remained planted in the same spot he’d been standing when Clem passed over the picture. In a warm swath of afternoon sunlight falling through the square front window.
“Nooo, golly geez, just the two flower girls, or bridesmaids, whatever you call them. They’re coming to live with us.” Clem whistled low and slumped down against the couch cushions, his dark hair buzzed in a close crew cut. “If all three of them came to live with us, I’d have to move out. And you know Mama wouldn’t cotton to losing her baby boy.”
Jimmy’s eyes watered. Dang. He was too old for tears. He cleared his throat, then said, “She’d hunt you down.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?Visit me at www.rachelhauck.com. www.Twitter.com/rachelhauckwww.Facebook.com/rachelhauck
Thank you for sharing this new book with us. I love hosting you on my blog.
Dear Readers, on January 21, I will also host Rachel on the Blogtalk radio show I co-host, Along Came a Writer. Announcements about the show will be on Facebook that week along with a link to where you can listen. We do take questions from listeners.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
The Wedding Chapel - Kindle

The book is also available as an audiobook.

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. (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

PEACE - Kathy Taylor - One Free Coloring Journal

Dear Readers, I don’t know if you’re aware of the new interest in coloring books for adults. I was really glad for this “new” thing. I’ve always loved to color, and for years of my adulthood, you could buy coloring books with pretty things to color, but not so much the last decade. When I had my knee-replacement surgery last year, I had printed up some sample coloring pages for adults to take to rehab with me. People say that coloring is a good way to relax, and it filled some of my downtime at rehab. Since then, I’ve bought several of the coloring books. I even bought one that has graphic plates from Godey’s Ladies Book, a fashion magazine in the last half of the 19thCentury. Since I write novels set in that era, I’ve enjoyed coloring in that book, and it’s even research.
Today’s interview is with a woman who created a coloring journal. I think you’ll like meeting her.
Welcome, Kathy. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?As a recovering perfectionist, comparison junkie, and worthiness doubter, I am so grateful to God for choosing, redeeming, and adopting me into His family and constantly reminding me that He loves me just the way I am, and He also loves me way too much to let me stay that way.
I so agree with that, Kathy. Tell us about your family.I have been married for 22 years to Tim Taylor. He was in the Air Force for 22 years and we were blessed to live overseas in Germany and England. We have a 20-year old son who attends TCU. Our daughter is 18, and she is eager to attend University of Missouri next year.
Have you written other nonfiction books? I am a co-author in Dare to Be a Difference Maker. It’s a collection of inspiring and motivational stories of individuals who have made a difference in the world.
That sounds interesting, too. Do you have any other books in the works right now?Yes, although it may be a while before it comes out because God is really working on me in the process. I’ve not quite decided if it will be fiction or non-fiction, but it will be about identity, spiritual freedom, and living the life worthy of our calling.
What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?I am a horse lover to my very core. I have 4 of them that I partner with to help people hear God more clearly so they know, love, and accept who they are and replace lies and deceptions with Truth.
I also love to read. I am usually reading about 4 books at any one time.
Why did you write the featured book?I feel kind of shallow admitting this, but the truth is that I saw a webinar about it, thought it was a REALLY cool idea, this coloring for adults, and thought to myself, “I can do that!” So I did. J
I knew I wanted to include scripture and reading scripture makes me want to journal, so I added that part in there, too.
That’s what makes your book so unique. Since this is a different kind of nonfiction book, what do you want the reader to take away from the book?I want people to leave having had an experience with God—for them to have felt His power and His presence. It’s a great way to spend quiet time.
Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?I speak and conduct workshops about identity, hearing God, and building spiritual confidence at churches, conferences, small groups, and colleges.
How can my readers get a copy of your book?It’s available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Since it’s a coloring book, there is not an e-book available, but you can download a free coloring page at my website, www.KathyKTaylor.com.
Where on the Internet can the readers find you?www.KathyKTaylor.com

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your special book with my blog readers. I'm sure they'll all want one.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Peace: A Coloring Journal for Adults

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. (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

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES - Terri Wangard - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I just love finding authors I haven’t read before. And many of you have thanked me for introducing you to authors you haven’t read. Today we have a debut author. Let’s give her a warm welcome.
Welcome, Terri. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Not much. I write the characters the way I wish I was. In Friends and Enemies , Heidi engages in passive resistance in Nazi Germany and helps a downed Allied airman to safety. Would I have had the nerve? Hmm. In Book 2 No Neutral Ground (May 2016), Jennie works with the OSS in Sweden. She’s also an artist. I do fairly well at drawing stick figures. In Book 3 Soar Like Eagles (Sept 2016), Carol serves with the Red Cross in the war zone in pretty rough circumstances. I’ve never been a camper.
Be sure to schedule the next two books on my blog. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? In ninth grade, I poured a salt shaker over the head of one of my classmates. That was after he’d crawled under the table and poured sugar in my pants cuff. (I attended a church school with six 9th graders and nine 8th grades in our room.)
For something out of character, for twenty years I globe-trotted on my own, mostly cruises and a few tours.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? In grade school, I wrote stories in notebooks. The first Girl Scout badge I received was the Writer. I started writing in the early 2000s and had a manuscript with a publisher for a year that was finally rejected. That cooled my enthusiasm for a while. In 2008, I got serious about writing.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I enjoy memoirs and biographies. I love reading them as research for my World War II novels. Besides WWII, I’ve read a lot of astronaut and space exploration books. In fiction, I like historical and women’s fiction, suspense by Lisa Carter.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? In good weather, I bicycle a lot. I always have a book started. I’ve recently decided to start knitting again. I used to do a lot of cross stitch, but the walls are filled now with my “masterpieces.” Most evenings, I walk the treadmill while channel flipping.
How do you choose your characters’ names? For Friends and Enemies I needed a lot of German names and picked a lot of them from my family tree, including surnames for the good Germans. Carol in Soar Like Eagles is named for my mom. I’ve read tombstones to find era-appropriate names. I’ve changed names a few times. Chet was a secondary character in Friends and Enemies until I decided to use Chet for the main character in Soar Like Eagles. I used Word search to change the name in Friends and Enemies but that didn’t always work out well. Did you know Chet is in the middle of crocheting?
You’re right. I would have never noticed that on my own. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Having the gumption to travel on my own. I’ve seen so much that I would have missed if I’d stayed home because I didn’t have a travel companion. I made good friends while away. In fact, one of them translated the French dialogue for Soar Like Eagles for me.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A dog, I suppose. Growing up, I’d look at all the dogs in the World Book encyclopedia, deciding which kind I’d get, if I could. But I couldn’t because of my dad’s allergies and asthma. My favorites are dachshunds and yorkies. Dachshunds appear in Friends and Enemies and No Neutral Ground.
What is your favorite food? Cortlandapples, chocolate, which I’m allergic to, mac and cheese, despite being allergic to diary. I have five food allergies, which are mild. If I overindulge, I get abdominal cramps.
I have a few food allergies, so I understand. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Time to write. I am prone to migraines, and computer time is a trigger. Working all day at my day job is enough, so I only write on weekends. All three books in my series were completed when I signed the contract. Writing under a deadline could be problematic.
Tell us about the featured book. Family history on the German side inspired it. I have letters written in 1947-48 by distant cousins to whom my grandparents sent care packages. I don’t know what their beliefs were about Hitler and the Nazis, so I created a story for them.
Here’s the blurb: World War II rages across Europe, claiming the life of Heidi Wetzel’s husband. In a bid to escape her grief and the frequent bombings of German cities, Heidi and her sister flee Hagento a farm in the German countryside, where they help care for orphaned children. While there, Heidi comes across an American airman, Paul, with whom she spent time when her family lived in Milwaukeeduring her high school years. When Paul’s plane is shot down over Germany, his only thought is survival—until he hears God’s voice guiding him to his late wife’s friend.
Please give us the first page of the book.Hagen, GermanyMonday, May 31, 1943She was too late.
Heidi Wetzel paused at the corner to catch her breath. A line stretched out of the greengrocer’s market and snaked halfway down the block, ending four feet in front of her. She’d hurried for nothing. Deflating with a sigh, she took her place at the end.
The clerk at the creamery had mentioned a delivery of fresh strawberries, her first chance of the year for the tasty treat. Her mouth had watered at the thought of biting into a plump red berry, its juice dribbling down her hand. She shook her head to dislodge the craving. With a line like this, by the time she got inside they’d likely be gone.
A small bottle of milk and a wedge of cheese resided in her shopping net. She needed to get them home, but she’d wait. Wait and hope. At least she could get the one egg allowed her during this ration period.
As her mother often admonished, she must be grateful for what she had. The war threatened to drag on a lot longer; these shortages would get worse.
The woman ahead of her raised a baby to her shoulder. Big blue eyes blinked at Heidi, prompting her smile. A tiny hand clutched his mother’s sleeve. Heidi stroked a gentle finger on the soft skin. The baby giggled.
Tears sprang to her eyes. The happy sound slashed at her soul like knives. If only he was her child. Motherhood threatened to remain an elusive dream as long as the war raged.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is www.terriwangard.com I am at www.facebook.com/authorterriwangard/

Thank you, Terri, for sharing this book with us. I know it's one my blog readers will want have.

Friends and Enemies: A World War II Romance (Promise for Tomorrow) (Volume 1) - paperback
Friends and Enemies: A World War II Romance (Promise for Tomorrow Book 1) - 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. (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

SWEET FREEDOM A LA MODE - Jennifer Slattery - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, we’re featuring a compilation of short stories written by several authors. Jennifer Slattery is the author who compiled it, so she’s the one I’m interviewing.
Welcome back, Jennifer. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?Although this wasn’t intentional, I’ve noticed all my novels touch on surrender. But then, I think that’s a posture (or attitude?) God continues to lead me toward.
What other books of yours are coming out soon?My fourth novel, a women’s fiction, releases in March. I’m really excited about this one because it’s set in Seattle, one of my favorite cities and one that has rich history for me personally. I’ll share the back cover text:
Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters.

Women’s ministry leader and Seattlehousewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage? 
Sounds interesting. I’ll want to feature it here on the blog. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?Hm … Since I’m assuming my husband falls under the family category … Does it have to be someone famous? Probably Kelly Klepfer, the editor of Novel Reviews, because she is hilarious! And she may be as addicted to coffee and books as I am. In fact, every time we meet for coffee, she brings a bag of books, often written by authors I’ve never heard of previously. I love learning of new authors! 
My blog readers do, too. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?Harriet Beecher Stowe. She was a woman of courage who helped to change the world for the better. She saw an evil and wasn’t afraid to call it evil, nor did she just throw her hands up and say, “Well, this is how things have always been.” Instead, she used the gifting God had given her—writing, to do what she could to leave a lasting impact. I find that incredibly inspiring, and her work reminds me that books matter; books indeed help impact culture.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?It might sound cliché as they’ve probably heard this so many times, but so often, the greatest lessons come from the journey. God did so much in my heart, developed so many necessary character traits, through all the struggles and set-backs I encountered in my journey to publication. In the waiting, He helped me develop perseverance. In rejections, He grew my obedience and listening ear. He connected me with others, taught me to lean on Him, and reminded me again and again who He’d called me to write for—Him and Him alone. I’m so very grateful for every disappointment and difficulty I faced because God used every moment to equip me for future ministry. It’s a big responsibility to write for Christ, so we should expect some extensive training. I often say, “The greater the call, the harder the journey and the more intensive the training.”
All that to say, keep stepping, and with every step, keep your eyes and ears tuned to Christ. Center your every thought on Him and what He’s called you to do, focus on that very next step, and leave the rest to Him.
Very good advice at the beginning a new year, a blank slate. Tell us about the featured book.Today I’m sharing a compilation I did with a group of authors. Here’s the back cover text:
For some, the fourth of July is a celebration of freedom; for others it is a reminder of bondage. Of pain. Of fear. Of hopelessness. But there is a hope that is deeper, a love that is truer, and a freedom that no one can ever snatch away.

How can one take a step toward that freedom when the road appears shrouded with insecurities and doubts? These pages contain numerous stories: a woman longing to start again but bound by the failures of her past; a young man who, upon reaching adulthood, must face his fears of death; a woman offered a chance of true love but held back by crippling insecurities.

Is God even there? Does He care … enough to reach down and pull these men and women from the messes they’ve landed in, some of them by their own hand?

Freedom. Peace-saturated, joy-infusing freedom.

We pray our stories demonstrate what it looks like in the day-to-day … and provide a little insight into how one grabs hold of that treasured state of heart and mind.
Please give us the first page of the book.Since this is a compilation filled with numerous stories, how about I give the first page of the story I wrote?
“To Be Loved”Jennifer SlatteryMaddie stared at the cold, business-like faces gathered in Uncle Claude’s living room. Word by word, argument by argument, her calloused family members were turning her aunt’s funeral reception into an estate planning meeting. It soured her stomach and filled her heart with a heavy ache. Where was their tact? Their compassion? Clearly, the large doses of wine they all drank weren’t helping.
“Well, Uncle Claude certainly can’t stay here. Not by himself.” Mom clunked her soda onto the coffee table. “The man can’t remember to eat half the time, let alone take his medicine.”
Heat rushed to Maddie’s face. “Mom! Now is not the time.”
Her mother stared at her. “Really? And a better time would be…? These things must be discussed, and the sooner the better.” She glanced at Uncle Claude and raised her Coke to her mouth before setting it down again. “Besides, what if he fell? You know as well as I how unstable he can be, especially when his arthritis kicks up. He could be lying on the floor for days—weeks even, before anyone found him.”
An interesting subject that every family will have to face at some time. How can readers find you on the Internet?They can visit my personal blog at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comor at the group blog I manage at http://faithfriendschocolate.com. They can also connect with me at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing this book with us. A lot of readers love short stories, because they can finish one in the in-between times during the day. 

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Sweet Freedom A La Mode (Give God Glory Book 2)

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. (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!!!!!!

Kim A (NE) is the winner of  The Swaddling Clothes  by Amber Schamel.

Pam G (OH) is the winner of  The Heart Seekers Series  by Jennifer Hallmark.

Mary P (Aus) is the winner of an Ebook of  Riverbend Justice   by Henry McLaughlin.

Linda K (CA) is the winner of  Guarded  by Angela Correll.

DEE (NE) is the winner of  Christmas With Lena Nelson Dooley  by  Lena Nelson Dooley .

Laura H (TX) is the winner of  Her Candy Cane Christmas  by Bonnie Engstrom.

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 of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW

I just finished reading Crystal L Barnes first western novel, WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW. It's a wonderful read. She's a Texan, who understands the setting and culture of 19th century Texas. Her story line and multi-dimensional characters kept me turning pages until the very end. You won't want to miss the book. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2016

I hope all of you had a safe holiday season, and now we have a clean slate for the new year. Lots of people are making New Year's resolutions. I used to do that, and my resolve lasted a few days, a few weeks, or a few months. Because I was doing it in my own strength and will ... which isn't really strong.
I learned a better way to face the new year.
My very best friend is a missionary. We've been friends for close to 30 years. Several years ago, we started asking God for His word or words for the new year. Sometimes they were the same word. Sometimes they were different words that went together. Sometimes they were totally different. 
I didn't get my word until I was the New Year's Eve prayer meeting at our church last night. We come together to praise and worship God. During breaks between worship songs, we prayed for our families, then our church, then our country, then for the people in our area who need to know the Lord, and lastly for people around the world who need to know the Lord.


My word is: Beloved.  And more than that: Beloved of God.  Because I'm Beloved of God, I can: Trust Him in All things!!
Philippians 4:4-5The Message (MSG)4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! 
Because He loves me, I can savor Him. He loves me in all things and through all things.
Because of His love for me, He will always be with me, leading me and helping me.
Here's a wonderful promise from God.
Jeremiah 1:8The Message (MSG)7-8 God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’
    I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there.
I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.
    Don’t be afraid of a soul.
I’ll be right there, looking after you.”
    God’s Decree.

RESCUING FINLEY - Dan Walsh - One Free Book

Bio: Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 15 novels including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and When Night Comes. He’s been a finalist for 6 Carol Awards and has won 3, the winner of 3 Selah Awards, and 3 of his books have been finalists for RT’s Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Word Weavers International, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 39 years and have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren. You can find out more about his books or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or Pinterest from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
Welcome back, Dan. You have a lot of books out now. What is your favorite setting to use in your books?For my earlier novels, I chose a variety of locations, but most of my books now take place somewhere in Florida (or a fictitious FL town). I’ve lived here since I came here as a kid in 1965. It dawned on me … people love to visit FL (and many wind up moving here). So why am I trying to come up with all kinds of other locations? Once in the book, it’s not uncommon for part of the story to take place somewhere else, but most of my novels are in FL, or else nearby in Georgia.
What do you look for when you’re shopping for a book to buy for yourself?Even though I write mostly inspirational novels and love inspirational movies, I like to read suspense novels, or else well written adventure/historical non-fiction books (but well-written, I mean, “reads like a novel.”) The way I pick them is probably how most people do. I ask, do I know the author and already like their books? If not, I look at things like the cover, the “back cover” description, then at the reader reviews.
Give us a little tour of the setting for this book. Rescuing Finley takes place in Summerville, FL, a fictitious small southern town located in the middle of the state (somewhere near Ocala). Most people are well aware of the bigger Florida cities like Orlando, Miami or Tampa. Maybe even Daytona Beach(where I live). But Floridais filled with much smaller towns that have their own measure of charm. I decided to make a fictitious town to give me the creative freedom I need as I tell the story. But Summerville resembles many of these smaller FL towns.
What other books do you have coming out soon?Right now I’m working on Book 2 of my Jack Turner Suspense series. Book 1 was When Night Comes. It was something of an experiment to see if I could “get away with” writing in 2 distinct genres. I believed it was possible, and I’m happy to discover I was right. It did well enough to allow me to write both kinds of novels going forward (suspense and inspirational). Book 2 will be called Saving Parker and I plan to release it in March.
The rest of 2016 will be spent writing Books 2 and 3 of the Forever Home series (the series for Rescuing Finley ).
Please give us a glimpse of your home.We’ve lived in the same house the past 30 years. It was always my dream to buy a small house we could afford, then stay there as the years go by, adding onto it rather than buying bigger houses. That’s what we’ve done. It started at 1,300 square feet and now has 1,850 (still a modest size) and a backyard pool. I’ve attached 2 pics of the outside. The first is the front from Google Maps (street view). The 2nd is our backyard, with a pool we added 10 years ago.
We’re empty nesters, so the house is a little more than we need (3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a home office). But it’s paid for and filled with so many memories, I don’t see us downsizing any time soon. The rooms are nicely furnished with a warm, comfortable lived-in look. I used my first advance check back in 2008 to let my wife finally get the IKEA kitchen she had dreamed about (our kitchen is the fanciest room in our house).


Is this novel part of a series or a stand-alone book?As I mentioned earlier, Rescuing Finley is Book 1 of the Forever Home series. Book 2 will be Saving Parker, and Book 3, Finding Riley. I hope to release Book 2 in July and Book 3 in November.
Be sure to contact me in plenty of time to feature those books near their release dates. Now tell us about this story.Here’s what’s on the back cover:
Amy Wallace has made plenty of mistakes in her young life, but she didn't see this one coming. Chris Seger is a marine serving in Afghanistan. His life is forever altered by a single, fateful step. A mother of another Afghan war vet suffers a devastating loss, which changes the course of Finley's life for good. Finley is a mostly-golden retriever, who suddenly finds himself alone and confused in a dog shelter. Later, he's brought to a prison to be trained in a special program for female inmates. Could this prison become the place where Finley finally finds freedom? Rescuing Finley tells the story of how one rescue dog powerfully impacts three tragic lives and puts all of them on a road toward redemption and healing.
Please give us the first page of the book.She could get arrested for this.
Amy knew that walking into the mall. Signs were everywhere. Shoplifting is a crime! Shoplifters will be prosecuted!
But Amy Wallace didn’t need a sign to tell her she was doing wrong. She’d been raised a church girl. Thou shalt not steal. She’d stolen plenty before now. The worst kind. Not just stores, but from family. And not just once, many times. One too many. They’d finally gotten sick of it, all her lies, and threw her out of the house.
That was over a year ago. Since then, she’d been on her own.
At the moment, Amy considered herself a recovering meth addict. Clean five days now, ever since she’d lost her job after failing a drug test. The temptation to start using again had gotten really bad recently. Today it had been especially strong.
“Are you ready?”
Amy looked up at Sandy’s face. Sandy was the ringleader of their little trio. Standing beside her was Chloe. The two of them were close friends; Amy was the outsider. Neither of them were users, and that was a good thing.
“I’m ready.” She stood and looked around. “Are you sure we should do this?”
“Yes,” Sandysaid. “I’ve done it just like this five times already. Never got caught. Never even had to run. Just do like I told you. You’ll be fine.”
Sandywas so confident. But her confidence did nothing to calm Amy’s nerves.
You have me hooked. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Probably the easiest thing is just to visit my website and check out my homepage. There are buttons there to connect to my blog, send me an email, sign up for my newsletter (which I highly recommend) or follow me on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest. They can find me at: http://www.danwalshbooks.com
Thank you, Dan, for sharing your home and this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Rescuing Finley (A Forever Home Novel) (Volume 1) - Paperback
Rescuing Finley (A Forever Home Novel) (Volume 1) - 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. (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

WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW - Cyrstal Barnes - One Free Book (print or ebook)

Dear Readers, we have an author who hasn’t been on this blog before. I’m eager to read her book. I’ve been reading Christmas stories the last two months, and now I’m ready to get back into the other books in my to-be-read pile. This one is at the top.
Welcome, Crystal. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.Oh, wow. I’d say every writer includes a part of themselves in their characters whether they intend to or not. However, with Win, Love, or Draw, I knew I’d be pouring a lot of myself into Cat’s story, for her tale is very similar to mine and that of those I love.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Quirky? When have I not been quirky? Oh, this is a hard one. Hmm … um … we might be here all day as I try to single out one thing. How about we chalk it up to becoming a writer? No one in my family (including myself) or my friends saw that one coming. Oh, the fun surprises God throws our way. J
Don’t you just love it when He does that? When did you first discover you were a writer?Discover is such an interesting word choice. I took a creative writing class in high school just for fun, but I didn’t take the teacher’s suggestion to enter a short-story contest. Boy, now do I wish I’d listened. Jheehee. However, it wasn’t until January 2011 that I started to discover what God had up His sleeve. At an evening church service, unexpectedly, my pastor had everyone pray for me that I would find a job. That very night and on through morning, an idea burned in my brain. It wouldn’t let up until I put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keyboard). Then and there, I knew God had called me to write. The rest, as they say, is history. J
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Ooo, fun question. J I love reading my Bible. Oh, you mean fiction. Well, I just can’t get enough Christian historical romance. Set it in the west, and it’s even better. J I also enjoy Christian romantic suspense and some inspirational contemporary romance as well.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?Sanity? What’s that? LOL. J
Truly, Christ is my Anchor. He is the one who keeps my head … in the clouds? JLooking for Him to return for His church. He’s my Everything, and He’s the One who makes life worth living.
How do you choose your characters’ names?Oh, I’ve found them in lots of places—my family tree, government censuses, cemetery listings… (Yes, I know I’m weird, but it takes all kinds. J)
Very good places to look and not at all weird to another writer. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Choosing Jesus as my Savior. Everything else is only secondary.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?Hmm…what kind of animal is unique, loyal, loving, enjoys both play and sleep, but fiercely determined … ? I think I just described a dog. Hmm … is there any other more exotic, exciting animal that describes? (No offense to the dog lovers out there. J )
What is your favorite food?Anything Italian … or deer meat
I love both, but I haven’t had any venison to cook since my father went home to glory. I’d like some right now. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I guess I’d have to say lack of self-confidence. Some days, I think we all still struggle with that. But like with any struggle, we overcome by the Word of God.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ~ Philippians 4:13
What He says is truth. Anything else is a lie of the devil. Also it helps to not compare ourselves to others. (Romans 12:1-3)
Tell us about the featured book.Win, Love, or Draw is an inspirational historical romance set in the west about a Texashorsewoman whose world erupts into chaos when her absentee husband returns home with his troubles trailing not far behind.
Here’s the blurb:Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.            Now he’s back.
Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas, toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.
Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?
Please give us the first page of the book.Tuesday, November 13, 1877—Cater Springs, TexasCatherine McGarrett jolted to a halt on the bustling boardwalk outside Koch’s Mercantile. Tighter than a cinch strap, her focus fastened on an unexpected form farther up the dirt street. It couldn’t be … Her heart stopped, then slammed with renewed vigor against her rib cage. A chill skidded down her spine that had little to do with the crisp November breeze and everything to do with the apparition riding through the middle of town.
“Ouch! Mama, you’re hurtin’ me.”“Huh?” Catherine dragged her gaze from the busy road filled with wagons and cowboys to the five-year-old who picked at her grip. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
She loosened her hold on his arm, all the while striving to keep sight of the fetching rider with the black duster and tan horse. The brisk wind whipped a strand of her blond hair across her cheek, but she paid it little heed as she followed the pair’s progress. Her wayward husband invaded her dreams often enough. What were the chances her mind would play tricks on her in the daylight?
“Benin, I know this might sound silly, but do you see a dark-haired man with a black Stetson riding toward the livery?”
“You mean that fella on the buckskin there?” Her son pointed at the figment of her imagination.
“Yes’m, I see ’im.”
“You do? Well. Good.” Catherine released her son, lest he feel her sudden shaking. “I’m glad to know I’m not imagining things. Let’s put our purchases in the wagon, shall we?”
Benin’s gaze bore into her while they rounded to the back of their buckboard.
Loud yapping broke the hum of ordered activity. A mangy mutt dashed across the street in pursuit of a striped cat, racing straight toward the cowboy. Harnessed horses reared. Wagon drivers shouted their displeasure and fought to keep their rigs from spilling into the street. The sandy buckskin veered around the chaos with ease. Well trained.
Her mouth went dry.
Were any of the general’s men in town? A quick scan of the various establishments and sidewalks yielded nothing, but then again, she only knew one of their faces. No, they preferred to terrorize her from the shadows. Wait. What was she thinking? The general and his cohorts wouldn’t know what Sam looked like; they’d never met him. Besides, that might not even be him. A breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding seeped from her lungs.
Beninhanded her his small parcel. “Mama, do you know that man?”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I’m so glad you asked. J Readers can connect with me at my website or on my blog, my Amazon Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, or on my Facebook author page.
I look forward to “seeing” y’all!

Thanks so much, Lena, for having me as a guest on your blog!
It's my great pleasure and blessing to feature you here. I know my readers will be as eager to read your book as I am.
Dear Readers, if you click on the title link in the interview, it will take you to the Amazon page for the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book, your choice of a print or Ebook. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 

WHERE SHE BELONGS - Johnnie Alexander - One Free Book

Bio: Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). Her first contemporary romance, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series; Revell), releases in January, and her first novella, The Healing Promise (Courageous Bride Collection; Barbour), releases in July.
She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). She volunteers as a category coordinator for the ACFW Genesis Contest, judges various contests, and serves as marketing director for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference.
A graduate of RollinsCollege (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.
Welcome back, Johnnie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?These are the stories God gives me to tell. I don’t know how else to explain it. An idea tugs at my heart, and I live with it, think about it, imagine it. Especially with the historicals, I also spend time in research. Eventually the words come.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?Most of my days are happy days, even the ones that aren’t. I’m an optimistic, glass half-full and getting fuller gal. Babies being born, red-letter celebrations, accomplishments, trips, holidays—these are especially happy days.
I’m going to share a bittersweet day from my teen years. My 4-H project one year was to raise a puppy for Pilot Dogs, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. This organization provides guide dogs for the blind. My puppy, Neil, was a smart, loving, absolutely terrific cream-colored Labrador retriever. One of the most difficult days of my life was the day I had to give him back.
A couple of months later, my parents and I were invited to the company’s headquarters to meet Roy, my Lab’s new owner. As the adults chatted, Neil paced between Roy and me as if he wanted to be with both of us at the same time. Later we walked behind Royas Neil led him around a busy city block. I was so proud of Neil, and I was proud of me, too. This remains one of the most significant achievements of my life.
How has being published changed your life?It scares me to have a story contracted that’s not been written. When a publisher buys a finished manuscript, you know they like it. I pray all the time that they’ll like the story they bought sight unseen just as much. (So far, so good!)
Because of deadlines, I’m a more focused writer. Words have to be written no matter how many other things need my attention or whether or not I feel like writing. When I’m overwhelmed, I remind myself that I dreamed of this for a long time. And I thank God for His blessing and His provision.
What are you reading right now? Believe it or not, I’m reading The Wizard of Oz. My mom and I recently watched Oz, the Great and Powerful, and I felt compelled to read the original story. I’m also reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (taking my time to let the words sink in) and Hollow: An Unpolished Tale by Jena Morrow.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing the third book in the Misty Willow Series. It’s not been titled yet so I refer to it as Amy and Gabe’s Story. Amy appears as a secondary character in the first two Misty Willow novels. She’s the cousin of the hero in Where She Belongs and the sister of the hero in When Love Arrives. In those stories, she wasn’t a nice person, so it’s fun (and challenging) to give her a voice in the series.
What would be your dream vacation?Since it’s a dream vacation, that means anything is possible. So I’ll take a literary trip through time and visit Misselthwaite Manor (The Secret Garden), Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables), Middle-Earth (The Lord of the Rings), Pemberly (Pride and Prejudice), and, just to see what the future really holds, I’ll hop aboard H. G. Welles’ The Time Machine. Let’s add Downton Abbey to the itinerary even though it’s a television show and not a book.
My husband and I both love the Downton Abbey series. I discovered the series late in the first season. I’ve ordered all the DVDs, and we’ve watched each season in a marathon. How do you choose your settings for each book? The setting for my debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, was determined by the story’s events. A major theme involves the protection of art from the Nazis. With Holland’s rich artistic history, it was the perfect place for my heroine’s ancestral legacy. However, the story also takes the reader to England, France, Germany, and Bavaria. And Argentina.
The novels in the Misty Willow Series take place in a fictionalized county based on the county where I grew up in central Ohio. Though I haven’t lived there in decades, it’s still home.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?I thought of several people, but none really “stuck” until I thought of Sarah Young, the author of such devotionals as Jesus Calling and Jesus Lives. I read a devotion almost every day, and so often it seems especially written for me. I’d love to visit with this gifted and insightful woman.
I’ve read her devotional books more than one time. Even on a second pass through, each day’s devotion applies to my day. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?I start projects I don’t finish. Cross-stitch projects, a latch hook rug, a long string of crocheted yarn, scrapbooking—someday, I tell myself, someday! I recently joined the adult coloring book craze, though, and enjoy that activity. It’s one I can finish.
I always had several needlework projects going at once, so I could pick up the one I felt like working on. My husband urged me to start finishing them, one at a time. When I did, I almost felt panic when I didn’t have something to pick up, so I didn’t do that again. And I first started the adult coloring projects when I took some color pages, markers, and color pencils to rehab when I had my second knee replacement in August. Now I own several adult coloring books and color crayons as well. I even have some coloring books that are historical clothing designs. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Just getting started. I thought—and prayed—about the opening to my latest novel for weeks. Nothing felt right. Then early one Sunday morning, I drifted awake with words floating through my mind. I sleepily played with more words then realized this was it! I needed to get these nebulous words on paper. I turned on the light and looked at the clock.
5:20 a.m.
I grabbed my novel notebook, turned to a blank page, and wrote four messy pages that I later turned into, in my opinion, an engaging start to this story.
Been there. Done that. What advice would you give to a beginning author?Three things: join a writers group to give and receive critiques, attend conferences to learn and network with your peers, and enter contests to receive impartial feedback (and perhaps win!).
Tell us about the featured book. Where She Belongs , the first novel in the Misty Willow Series, is a story of my heart. It’s not autobiographical, but it is inspired by my yearning to restore a large brick house, built in the mid-1800s, I lived in as a teen.
In the novel, Shelby Kincaid dreams of recreating her own golden childhood for her daughters, but years ago her grandparents’ home was lost to an unscrupulous businessman. AJ Sullivan inherited the deteriorating house from his grandfather as a punishment so he’s glad for Shelby to take it off his hands. But he also wants Shelby to let him into her heart. 
The story explores how past events resonate into the present. Long ago decisions and heartaches, a few made before they were even born, affect Shelby and AJ’s relationship.
Please give us the first page of the book.In an upstairs room as neglected as all the others, AJ Sullivan flicked the grime from a broad fireplace mantel, then rubbed his fingers on his jeans. Mahogany. Whoever built this place had used the best materials. But more than 150 years later, no one cared.
Except some woman who was about to free him from this millstone.
Pulling her letter from his pocket, he walked across the pitted wood floor to the bay windows. Sunlight filtered through tall, narrow shutters hanging askew on their hinges. He gingerly opened one, and a spider scooted across the marble sill. Through the unwashed glass, dust motes danced in the sun’s beam.
He didn’t need the light to read the letter. Shelby Kincaid’s emotional plea to buy the house scraped an ache he’d thought was buried. When he’d shown the letter to his grandmother, her agitated response had plucked at his heart as desperately as her arthritic fingers had plucked at his shirt sleeve.
He scratched his arm, barely aware of the gesture as Gran’s words echoed in his mind. Find a way. Bring peace to the past.
Tires crunched on gravel, and a motor accelerated a few seconds then idled. He peered through the angled bay window. A slender woman stood by a beige sedan near the end of the drive. Though she was too far away to make out her features, there was something pensive about the way she stared at the house. Chestnut hair blew across her cheek, and she gracefully tucked it behind her ear.
She had to be Shelby Kincaid—the woman who so desperately wanted this forsaken place.
Sounds very interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?Please visit me at http://www.johnnie-alexander.com. I also love to engage with readers on both my author and personal Facebook pages:Facebook Profile (Friend or Follow!)FacebookAuthor Page    
Where She Belongs buy links:AmazonBarnes & NobleChristian Book Distributors (ChristianBook.com)

Thank you, Johnnie for sharing your life and this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager to read this story as I am.

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. (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