Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 168
December 17, 2015
LOVE'S A STAGE - CHeryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge - One Free Book
Welcome Cheryl and Rene . I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?
Cheryl: I was the “forever single” girl who had to wait too long to get married. (Just ask Rene how I was when I penned the screenplay for Never the Bride before we did our novel. Haha. I was that girl.) But now that I’ve been married almost five years, I’ve been inspired by the idea of doing stories that encourage people to work on their marriages, to make it a priority, and to even realize that marriage is a good thing. Not a ball and chain. I wanted to write the screenplay version of
Love’s a Stage
as I dug into what makes marriage work and how people can keep their vows. Then Rene and I decided to do this as a novel.
Did you find it easy to work together on it?Rene: It’s always easy to work with Cheryl. She is a super generous artist. She trusts me with what I feel like I need to do to make the script work as a novel. She’s fun, too. She loves seeing how it all works out in novel form! I love, love, love working together on novelizations.
How did collaborating with this team impact you?Cheryl: It always makes me want to do it again. And we did, right after with another script to novel collaboration O Little Town of Bethany. I love to see Rene’s craft bring the inner thoughts of my characters to life. I always seem to get to know my characters better through her work.
What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?
Rene: I think the hardest thing for me is hoping that my teammate likes the end product. I never want to disappoint Cheryl. I want her to see her original vision and then be amazed by watching it transform into a novel. If I fall short of that, it crushes me!
What are you reading right now?Rene: The Long Awakening: A Memoir by Lindsey O’Connor. It’s amazing!
Cheryl: I’ve started the Life Journal to reread the Bible in full, in order. And I’ve been reading our other novella collaborators works in The Boy Next Door, the collection O Little Town of Bethanywas published in.
How did you choose your characters’ names?Cheryl: I chose the Brewster family based on the fact that my mom’s side of the family literally descends from William Brewster who came over on the Mayflower. (And that family history is worked into the story.) Most of the time when I’m naming characters, I can’t start writing until I like their name of my lead(s). Aly Brewster just felt right for her.
Would you want to work on another book together?Rene: Yes! Cheryl and I are always looking for the right project to work on together. We’ve now done four novelizations together.
What do you want to tell us about the book?Cheryl: We really hope it will encourage people to keep their vows, or strengthen their marriages in ways they need strengthening. But we also hope people will laugh and be patient with our very flawed lead character. She makes some bad choices along her journey, even if her heart is in the right place. She is flawed. But if she wasn’t, there wouldn’t be ways for her to grow. Please give us the first page of the book.PrologueBeyond the grass and the old dock was the water, lapping quietly this morning, and then, set quietly in fog, was Martha's Vineyard just within view. This very view was the biggest reason they stretched their budget twenty years ago to buy this house. Living in Hyannis was a dream come true. So many dreams had come true here, so why this? Why now?
Dave wondered why he wasn't feeling sadder than he should. And why were they sitting outside instead of in? Maybe Marilee didn't want the walls to hear this. Those walls had been witness to so much over the years. What would they think of this dismal ending?
Dave was the first to speak and his remarks were soft and slow, hard to get off the tongue but alarmingly to the point. "I guess we both know it is over."
Marilee nodded vaguely. "I suppose it is."
"We've done all we can."
"Indeed."
They paused to see if the other would disagree, but there was no sound except the creaking of the branches high in their backyard tree.
"When should we tell her?" Marilee asked.
"We'll call her tonight."
"Call her? We can't do this over the phone."
"What's the difference?"
For thirty more minutes, they sat on that deck, arguing about when to break the news to their only child. Each angry word would've melted snow had it been winter, but it was only fall. The ice in the air, chilled by heartless, loveless words, was brought only by them, not nature.Suddenly, Marilee pushed her chair backward, jumped to her feet and marched to the back patio door, flinging it open and slamming it afterward. She left her coffee mug, Dave noticed. The steam dissipated. The cream rose in deformed circles. The warmth was gone.
Chapter One"By all accounts, this setting in which Aly now stood seemed to indicate a happily ever after. The furnishings alone, she thought, were enough to scream "happy and showing it!" She always believed, though she couldn't scientifically prove it, that a well-ordered living room and snappy, coordinated décor were good indications that there was a solid relationship living and dwelling in its quarters. Not that the cover always revealed the book, and of course everyone had their secrets behind closed doors, but happy couples, she knew, had happy homes. And happy homes liked to brag a little, be it by ocean-scented candles, cleanly matted black and white photography, or a flokati rug you'd hate to even step on. There was something about a home that reflected the intimate life of those who dwelled inside. Unhappy couples had telltale signs, if you looked hard enough. Aly had even written a paper on it, though it got quite a bit of scrutiny at the time. Still, her Marriage and Family Therapy professor thought she was onto something and asked her to explore the idea a little more.
But for now she was on to other grad work projects, which included a video series she was shooting. Currently. As in right at this moment.
She stood ready on the Founder's University theater stage, which was already set up to look like a living room for an upcoming play. So it was essentially a fake living room. The irony wasn't lost on her, but it was perfect for the background of her project poster, and she tried to not let the discrepancy bother her. Her idea to shoot it here was a good one.
Otherwise, all she needed were two people to play the fake couple. She would be one of the actors, since she didn't trust anybody else to play a highly complex, romantically unreasonable, conjugally challenged newlywed who had just vowed herself into a lifelong relationship with a man she had now determined was all wrong for her.
This was nothing she'd ever tried to tackle in her undergraduate work, but she felt more confident these days to dig a little deeper, to help even the most troubled couples find the kind of bliss she knew was achievable, namely seen in the thirty-year marriage of her parents. Her grandparents had been married even longer, sixty-four years! She came from a long line of people who made the commitment and stuck with it.
It was the premise of her entire project for Dr. Downey's class, but first she had to get the poster made, and who better to help her than all her friends in the theater department? Well, her best friend Nick, and all of his close friends, who had become her friends despite the fact that she was innately suspicious of all actors. So basically she was an honorary thespian, even though she considered herself much more planted in reality than the rest of them.
Nick was kind enough to volunteer to play the husband. He had a high range of acting skills. They'd been friends since they were freshmen, and he had the right look, a boyish, southern charm that made him seem incapable of doing wrong. His hair was a messy brown mop of loose waves, cut short enough to feel appropriate and gentlemanly, but long enough to drive home the point that there was an artist dwelling in there somewhere. He had a playful personality, but she'd seen him play darker characters. He possessed a broad assortment of emotions, exactly what she needed for this project.
Very interesting. Where can our readers find you on the Internet?www.renegutteridge.com(Rene)www.purplepenworks.com(Cheryl)
Thank you, Cheryl and Rene, for sharing this book with us today. I'm eager to read it as soon as my copy arrives.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Love's a Stage (Hometown Romance)
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
Cheryl: I was the “forever single” girl who had to wait too long to get married. (Just ask Rene how I was when I penned the screenplay for Never the Bride before we did our novel. Haha. I was that girl.) But now that I’ve been married almost five years, I’ve been inspired by the idea of doing stories that encourage people to work on their marriages, to make it a priority, and to even realize that marriage is a good thing. Not a ball and chain. I wanted to write the screenplay version of
Love’s a Stage
as I dug into what makes marriage work and how people can keep their vows. Then Rene and I decided to do this as a novel. Did you find it easy to work together on it?Rene: It’s always easy to work with Cheryl. She is a super generous artist. She trusts me with what I feel like I need to do to make the script work as a novel. She’s fun, too. She loves seeing how it all works out in novel form! I love, love, love working together on novelizations.
How did collaborating with this team impact you?Cheryl: It always makes me want to do it again. And we did, right after with another script to novel collaboration O Little Town of Bethany. I love to see Rene’s craft bring the inner thoughts of my characters to life. I always seem to get to know my characters better through her work.
What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?
Rene: I think the hardest thing for me is hoping that my teammate likes the end product. I never want to disappoint Cheryl. I want her to see her original vision and then be amazed by watching it transform into a novel. If I fall short of that, it crushes me!What are you reading right now?Rene: The Long Awakening: A Memoir by Lindsey O’Connor. It’s amazing!
Cheryl: I’ve started the Life Journal to reread the Bible in full, in order. And I’ve been reading our other novella collaborators works in The Boy Next Door, the collection O Little Town of Bethanywas published in.
How did you choose your characters’ names?Cheryl: I chose the Brewster family based on the fact that my mom’s side of the family literally descends from William Brewster who came over on the Mayflower. (And that family history is worked into the story.) Most of the time when I’m naming characters, I can’t start writing until I like their name of my lead(s). Aly Brewster just felt right for her.
Would you want to work on another book together?Rene: Yes! Cheryl and I are always looking for the right project to work on together. We’ve now done four novelizations together.
What do you want to tell us about the book?Cheryl: We really hope it will encourage people to keep their vows, or strengthen their marriages in ways they need strengthening. But we also hope people will laugh and be patient with our very flawed lead character. She makes some bad choices along her journey, even if her heart is in the right place. She is flawed. But if she wasn’t, there wouldn’t be ways for her to grow. Please give us the first page of the book.PrologueBeyond the grass and the old dock was the water, lapping quietly this morning, and then, set quietly in fog, was Martha's Vineyard just within view. This very view was the biggest reason they stretched their budget twenty years ago to buy this house. Living in Hyannis was a dream come true. So many dreams had come true here, so why this? Why now?
Dave wondered why he wasn't feeling sadder than he should. And why were they sitting outside instead of in? Maybe Marilee didn't want the walls to hear this. Those walls had been witness to so much over the years. What would they think of this dismal ending?
Dave was the first to speak and his remarks were soft and slow, hard to get off the tongue but alarmingly to the point. "I guess we both know it is over."
Marilee nodded vaguely. "I suppose it is."
"We've done all we can."
"Indeed."
They paused to see if the other would disagree, but there was no sound except the creaking of the branches high in their backyard tree.
"When should we tell her?" Marilee asked.
"We'll call her tonight."
"Call her? We can't do this over the phone."
"What's the difference?"
For thirty more minutes, they sat on that deck, arguing about when to break the news to their only child. Each angry word would've melted snow had it been winter, but it was only fall. The ice in the air, chilled by heartless, loveless words, was brought only by them, not nature.Suddenly, Marilee pushed her chair backward, jumped to her feet and marched to the back patio door, flinging it open and slamming it afterward. She left her coffee mug, Dave noticed. The steam dissipated. The cream rose in deformed circles. The warmth was gone.Chapter One"By all accounts, this setting in which Aly now stood seemed to indicate a happily ever after. The furnishings alone, she thought, were enough to scream "happy and showing it!" She always believed, though she couldn't scientifically prove it, that a well-ordered living room and snappy, coordinated décor were good indications that there was a solid relationship living and dwelling in its quarters. Not that the cover always revealed the book, and of course everyone had their secrets behind closed doors, but happy couples, she knew, had happy homes. And happy homes liked to brag a little, be it by ocean-scented candles, cleanly matted black and white photography, or a flokati rug you'd hate to even step on. There was something about a home that reflected the intimate life of those who dwelled inside. Unhappy couples had telltale signs, if you looked hard enough. Aly had even written a paper on it, though it got quite a bit of scrutiny at the time. Still, her Marriage and Family Therapy professor thought she was onto something and asked her to explore the idea a little more.
But for now she was on to other grad work projects, which included a video series she was shooting. Currently. As in right at this moment.
She stood ready on the Founder's University theater stage, which was already set up to look like a living room for an upcoming play. So it was essentially a fake living room. The irony wasn't lost on her, but it was perfect for the background of her project poster, and she tried to not let the discrepancy bother her. Her idea to shoot it here was a good one.
Otherwise, all she needed were two people to play the fake couple. She would be one of the actors, since she didn't trust anybody else to play a highly complex, romantically unreasonable, conjugally challenged newlywed who had just vowed herself into a lifelong relationship with a man she had now determined was all wrong for her.
This was nothing she'd ever tried to tackle in her undergraduate work, but she felt more confident these days to dig a little deeper, to help even the most troubled couples find the kind of bliss she knew was achievable, namely seen in the thirty-year marriage of her parents. Her grandparents had been married even longer, sixty-four years! She came from a long line of people who made the commitment and stuck with it.
It was the premise of her entire project for Dr. Downey's class, but first she had to get the poster made, and who better to help her than all her friends in the theater department? Well, her best friend Nick, and all of his close friends, who had become her friends despite the fact that she was innately suspicious of all actors. So basically she was an honorary thespian, even though she considered herself much more planted in reality than the rest of them.
Nick was kind enough to volunteer to play the husband. He had a high range of acting skills. They'd been friends since they were freshmen, and he had the right look, a boyish, southern charm that made him seem incapable of doing wrong. His hair was a messy brown mop of loose waves, cut short enough to feel appropriate and gentlemanly, but long enough to drive home the point that there was an artist dwelling in there somewhere. He had a playful personality, but she'd seen him play darker characters. He possessed a broad assortment of emotions, exactly what she needed for this project.
Very interesting. Where can our readers find you on the Internet?www.renegutteridge.com(Rene)www.purplepenworks.com(Cheryl)
Thank you, Cheryl and Rene, for sharing this book with us today. I'm eager to read it as soon as my copy arrives.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Love's a Stage (Hometown Romance)
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
December 16, 2015
AT LOVE'S BIDDING - Regina Jennings - One Free Book
Dear Readers, I discovered Regina Jenningswhen her debut novel released. Since then, I’ve read every one of her releases, except this one, but as soon as my book gets here, I’ll dive right in. Her characters really grab me and pull me into their stories. Stories that stay with me for a long time.
BIO: Regina Jennings is a homeschooling mother of four from Mustang, Oklahoma. She enjoys watching musicals with her kids, traveling with her husband, and reading by herself. Reginagraduated from Oklahoma Baptist Universitywith a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. For more posts by Regina or information about her novels— At Love’s Bidding , A Most Inconvenient Marriage and others—please visit her website - www.reginajennings.com.
Welcome back, Regina. How did you come up with the idea for this story?My grandparents owned a few auction houses in Missouri, and my dad’s business required him to attend several auctions a week, as well. I guess you could say I was raised in a barn! While the family business involved livestock auctions, I love estate auctions, too. In fact, we bought our house at an auction, which was very exciting!
The auctions I’m familiar with are frenzied, loud, and involve real estate or animals. They are part-carnival, part-garage sale, part-sporting event. They bring communities together, spawn competitions, and break out into fights. I wanted to contrast these exciting events with the staid, dignified art auctions of a house like Christie’s or something that dealt with more highbrow offerings.
In order to do that I had to think of something that would bring a woman from a Boston Auction House to an Ozark Livestock Auction. That’s when I came up with the idea of a missing painting, and the rest fell into place from there.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Only six? Well, the four I’m most likely to gather with are Julie Jarnagin, Susan Crawford, Erin Taylor Young and Lacy Williams. In fact we do get together regularly because they are all OKC ladies. If my party includes airfare, then I’m sending invites to Becky Wade and Dani Pettrey. I always look forward to seeing them at conference.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Historical fiction is even tougher, because I have so many of my genre friends who help me out! I’ll start with my conference roomies, Stephanie Landsem and Karen Witemeyer. It really is a pity that I only see them once a year or so. We’re never together long enough. Other people that I’d invite to this party—Kate Breslin, Sarah Sundin, Cara Putnam and no party would be nearly as much fun without Jen Turano.
Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?The most difficult thing for me is to realize that there’s always more writing to do. I’m not a procrastinator. I like to get finished with something, and then put it away. When I sign a new contract I feel like I’m signing over my freedom because that means I have work I have to do for the next three years. I want to get done with stuff, but this isn’t going to be done for a long time. I just have to stop thinking about the number of words that’s going to be, the number of hours that’s going to be, and think about the awesome stories I get to be a part of.
Tell us about the featured book.After helping her grandfather at their Bostonauction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Please give us the first page of the book.Behind the massive marble building where even in May the crisp sea air never chased away the odors ground into the cobblestones, the newsboys and shoe-shiners gathered, waiting on her. They didn’t have much time. Every moment away from their posts meant missed customers, but Miranda Wimplegate was under similar constraints. The auction only paused briefly at noon, just enough time for her to snatch a tray of apricot tarts and crepes and sneak out before Grandfather took the platform and the bidding resumed. The silver platter dug into Miranda’s side as she made her way down the narrow steps of the servants’ entrance. She wished for something more substantial to feed them, but the dirty scamps of Boston—unlike the French citoyens—preferred cake, so her head was safe, at least until her mother learned of her largesse.
Little Ralphie sat at the foot of the steps, but he hopped up quick enough when she opened the door. He was nearly trampled as the boys wrestled for the sweets on the tray, but she held back a choice few for him. After they settled down, Miranda took her perch on the top step with Ralphie sitting next to her French kid boots. All right, they weren’t kid leather, probably just cow, but Ralphie didn’t know the difference. He was content nibbling the edge of the tart, holding it in hands as grubby as the bottom of the trash bin beside him.
“Well, are you gonna tell one of your stories, or not?” That was Connor. Quick to express his impatience, but always listening, always thinking. He wouldn’t work the corner in front of the Wimplegate Auction House much longer. Already his shoulders were broadening. Soon he’d catch the eye of one of the dock foremen and would give up hawking papers for a better paying job—a job that would begin to bow his back before it ever had a chance to reach its full height.
Miranda balanced the empty silver tray on her lap, careful to keep it from getting scratched against the rough ground. “We’ll continue the story about Joseph. You remember what I told you yesterday?”
“Aye.”
“Sure.”
Two boys tussled as boys do when one wants to savor a treat and the other has already consumed his. With a quick thump to their heads, Connor quieted them.
He was trying to help, but Miranda saw an opportunity for improvement. “Connor, I’d rather be interrupted than have you inflict pain on someone. Remember that, please. Turn the other cheek…and our story today is a perfect example.” She tried to smooth Ralphie’s stiff red hair as she began. “Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers, but God didn’t forget him…”
How she wished they still had the neat classroom leased across the alley, but since Grandmother had died, Grandfather had let his work with the street children wane. He was all business now, but she couldn’t give it up, even if Mother didn’t approve of her feeding their expensive sweets to the urchins. As she talked, Miranda glanced between the buildings for a glimpse of the church clock on Park Street. She was running out of time.
You have me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?website: www.reginajennings.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReginaLJenningsTwitter: www.twitter.com/#!/ReginaJennings Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/reginaljennings/
Thank you, Regina, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
At Love's Bidding (Ozark Mountain Romance 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. (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
BIO: Regina Jennings is a homeschooling mother of four from Mustang, Oklahoma. She enjoys watching musicals with her kids, traveling with her husband, and reading by herself. Reginagraduated from Oklahoma Baptist Universitywith a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. For more posts by Regina or information about her novels— At Love’s Bidding , A Most Inconvenient Marriage and others—please visit her website - www.reginajennings.com.
Welcome back, Regina. How did you come up with the idea for this story?My grandparents owned a few auction houses in Missouri, and my dad’s business required him to attend several auctions a week, as well. I guess you could say I was raised in a barn! While the family business involved livestock auctions, I love estate auctions, too. In fact, we bought our house at an auction, which was very exciting!The auctions I’m familiar with are frenzied, loud, and involve real estate or animals. They are part-carnival, part-garage sale, part-sporting event. They bring communities together, spawn competitions, and break out into fights. I wanted to contrast these exciting events with the staid, dignified art auctions of a house like Christie’s or something that dealt with more highbrow offerings.
In order to do that I had to think of something that would bring a woman from a Boston Auction House to an Ozark Livestock Auction. That’s when I came up with the idea of a missing painting, and the rest fell into place from there.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Only six? Well, the four I’m most likely to gather with are Julie Jarnagin, Susan Crawford, Erin Taylor Young and Lacy Williams. In fact we do get together regularly because they are all OKC ladies. If my party includes airfare, then I’m sending invites to Becky Wade and Dani Pettrey. I always look forward to seeing them at conference.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Historical fiction is even tougher, because I have so many of my genre friends who help me out! I’ll start with my conference roomies, Stephanie Landsem and Karen Witemeyer. It really is a pity that I only see them once a year or so. We’re never together long enough. Other people that I’d invite to this party—Kate Breslin, Sarah Sundin, Cara Putnam and no party would be nearly as much fun without Jen Turano.
Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?The most difficult thing for me is to realize that there’s always more writing to do. I’m not a procrastinator. I like to get finished with something, and then put it away. When I sign a new contract I feel like I’m signing over my freedom because that means I have work I have to do for the next three years. I want to get done with stuff, but this isn’t going to be done for a long time. I just have to stop thinking about the number of words that’s going to be, the number of hours that’s going to be, and think about the awesome stories I get to be a part of.
Tell us about the featured book.After helping her grandfather at their Bostonauction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Please give us the first page of the book.Behind the massive marble building where even in May the crisp sea air never chased away the odors ground into the cobblestones, the newsboys and shoe-shiners gathered, waiting on her. They didn’t have much time. Every moment away from their posts meant missed customers, but Miranda Wimplegate was under similar constraints. The auction only paused briefly at noon, just enough time for her to snatch a tray of apricot tarts and crepes and sneak out before Grandfather took the platform and the bidding resumed. The silver platter dug into Miranda’s side as she made her way down the narrow steps of the servants’ entrance. She wished for something more substantial to feed them, but the dirty scamps of Boston—unlike the French citoyens—preferred cake, so her head was safe, at least until her mother learned of her largesse.
Little Ralphie sat at the foot of the steps, but he hopped up quick enough when she opened the door. He was nearly trampled as the boys wrestled for the sweets on the tray, but she held back a choice few for him. After they settled down, Miranda took her perch on the top step with Ralphie sitting next to her French kid boots. All right, they weren’t kid leather, probably just cow, but Ralphie didn’t know the difference. He was content nibbling the edge of the tart, holding it in hands as grubby as the bottom of the trash bin beside him.
“Well, are you gonna tell one of your stories, or not?” That was Connor. Quick to express his impatience, but always listening, always thinking. He wouldn’t work the corner in front of the Wimplegate Auction House much longer. Already his shoulders were broadening. Soon he’d catch the eye of one of the dock foremen and would give up hawking papers for a better paying job—a job that would begin to bow his back before it ever had a chance to reach its full height.
Miranda balanced the empty silver tray on her lap, careful to keep it from getting scratched against the rough ground. “We’ll continue the story about Joseph. You remember what I told you yesterday?”
“Aye.”
“Sure.”
Two boys tussled as boys do when one wants to savor a treat and the other has already consumed his. With a quick thump to their heads, Connor quieted them.
He was trying to help, but Miranda saw an opportunity for improvement. “Connor, I’d rather be interrupted than have you inflict pain on someone. Remember that, please. Turn the other cheek…and our story today is a perfect example.” She tried to smooth Ralphie’s stiff red hair as she began. “Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers, but God didn’t forget him…”
How she wished they still had the neat classroom leased across the alley, but since Grandmother had died, Grandfather had let his work with the street children wane. He was all business now, but she couldn’t give it up, even if Mother didn’t approve of her feeding their expensive sweets to the urchins. As she talked, Miranda glanced between the buildings for a glimpse of the church clock on Park Street. She was running out of time.
You have me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?website: www.reginajennings.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReginaLJenningsTwitter: www.twitter.com/#!/ReginaJennings Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/reginaljennings/
Thank you, Regina, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
At Love's Bidding (Ozark Mountain Romance Book #2)
- KindleLeave 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
December 15, 2015
KEEPING CHRISTMAS - Dan Walsh - One Free Book
Dear Readers, I love reading Dan’s books, so when my copy of Keeping Christmas arrived, it was the first Christmas book I read this year. It’s a very good book that helps us recognize what the true focus of the holiday should be.
Bio: Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 15 novels including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and When Night Comes. He’s won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 3 Selah Awards and three times his books have been finalists for Romantic Time’sInspirational 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://danwalshbooks.com.
Welcome back, Dan. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?I guess I have two: Inspirational and Suspense. By inspirational, I mean the novels that I’m mostly known for writing. Sometimes people refer to them as romance, but they aren’t traditional romance novels. They’re more like relational dramas with a love story woven in.
If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?I really like the area of the country I live in now (Daytona Beach area). I’ve traveled quite a bit and have seen some really beautiful areas, but I’ve never really wanted to move there. I think I’d rather stay put but would love to have more money to travel more often.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why?Probably Ireland. I’m 100% Irish and whenever I see movies or pictures from there, they almost beckon me. I talked with many people who have visited and that has only made me want to visit more. My second choice, would be to visit England and northern France on a World War II historical tour.
I’m ¼ Irish, and the Irish movies call to me, too. One of my granddaughters went to Ireland this year. And since French was my second teaching field when I received my BA, I’d like to visit France. Now describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.My wife and I have had several of these in our 39 years together. I was only 19 when we got married and really botched our honeymoon. I made up for it on our 10th anniversary, for which I saved money 5 years. After that, I just kept on saving every month, so that we could take a wonderful trip on all of the “big” anniversaries (15th, 20th, 25th, etc.). I can think of several places we would like to go back to for round two. The only thing that would make it better is if we could have fewer people nearby (fewer tourists, more private beach, etc.).
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?Perhaps somewhere in New England.
What is the main theme of Keeping Christmas?It’s about empty-nesters overcoming the shock of experiencing decades-long Christmas traditions suddenly coming to a dramatic halt in a single year. It’s about the value of trying to keep a growing family together around the holidays. And about the need to focus on others during the holidays and not just on yourself.
Tell us about the story.I love the Christmas season, and so does the main character in this novel, Judith Winters. Usually. But this year something has changed. Her husband Stan’s hobby is fishing; Judith’s hobby is her family; her kids and grandkids. They are empty-nesters now and, unfortunately, their children have all moved away, too far to make it for either Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. She lives in a beautiful little town in central Floridacalled Mount Dora, known for its extravagant Christmas decorations and displays. But she’s finding it very hard to get in the Christmas spirit. She does her best to get out of this funk, but can’t seem to shake it. So her friends, family, and especially her husband set a plan in motion they hope will turn everything around.
Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.Judith Winters never understood why they called it Black Friday. That might be a positive term for retail stores, but it was also a color often associated with mourning and funerals. That was closer to how she felt today. She had been staring at her perfectly brewed cup of coffee long enough for it to go from warm to cold. What time was it now, 9:30? How’d it get to be 9:30 already?
For her, the day after Thanksgiving had never been about shopping. Even when her two daughters, Anna and Suzanne, lived at home. Now, they shopped on Black Fridays as soon as they were old enough to drive. Spent every Thanksgiving evening rummaging through newspaper flyers looking for the best deals, then up before the crack of dawn. Judith never tried to stop them. She knew they’d find out when they were married and had kids of their own. Shopping on Black Fridays wasn’t as much fun with a lot less money in your purse.
They understood that now, her two girls. Even Suzanne, who had just became a mom this past year. Judith had spoken to both of them at different times yesterday on the phone. Anna in Richmond, Suzanne in Fort Worth. They laughed when Judith had asked them how early they’d be hitting the stores today.
But Judith wasn’t laughing now. Those conversations were the main reason Judith was sitting there, staring at her coffee all this time. They were talking on the phone, not around the dinner table.
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 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 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. - Amazon
Keeping Christmas: A 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. (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
Bio: Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 15 novels including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and When Night Comes. He’s won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 3 Selah Awards and three times his books have been finalists for Romantic Time’sInspirational 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://danwalshbooks.com.
Welcome back, Dan. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?I guess I have two: Inspirational and Suspense. By inspirational, I mean the novels that I’m mostly known for writing. Sometimes people refer to them as romance, but they aren’t traditional romance novels. They’re more like relational dramas with a love story woven in. If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?I really like the area of the country I live in now (Daytona Beach area). I’ve traveled quite a bit and have seen some really beautiful areas, but I’ve never really wanted to move there. I think I’d rather stay put but would love to have more money to travel more often.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why?Probably Ireland. I’m 100% Irish and whenever I see movies or pictures from there, they almost beckon me. I talked with many people who have visited and that has only made me want to visit more. My second choice, would be to visit England and northern France on a World War II historical tour.
I’m ¼ Irish, and the Irish movies call to me, too. One of my granddaughters went to Ireland this year. And since French was my second teaching field when I received my BA, I’d like to visit France. Now describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.My wife and I have had several of these in our 39 years together. I was only 19 when we got married and really botched our honeymoon. I made up for it on our 10th anniversary, for which I saved money 5 years. After that, I just kept on saving every month, so that we could take a wonderful trip on all of the “big” anniversaries (15th, 20th, 25th, etc.). I can think of several places we would like to go back to for round two. The only thing that would make it better is if we could have fewer people nearby (fewer tourists, more private beach, etc.).
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?Perhaps somewhere in New England.
What is the main theme of Keeping Christmas?It’s about empty-nesters overcoming the shock of experiencing decades-long Christmas traditions suddenly coming to a dramatic halt in a single year. It’s about the value of trying to keep a growing family together around the holidays. And about the need to focus on others during the holidays and not just on yourself.
Tell us about the story.I love the Christmas season, and so does the main character in this novel, Judith Winters. Usually. But this year something has changed. Her husband Stan’s hobby is fishing; Judith’s hobby is her family; her kids and grandkids. They are empty-nesters now and, unfortunately, their children have all moved away, too far to make it for either Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. She lives in a beautiful little town in central Floridacalled Mount Dora, known for its extravagant Christmas decorations and displays. But she’s finding it very hard to get in the Christmas spirit. She does her best to get out of this funk, but can’t seem to shake it. So her friends, family, and especially her husband set a plan in motion they hope will turn everything around.Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.Judith Winters never understood why they called it Black Friday. That might be a positive term for retail stores, but it was also a color often associated with mourning and funerals. That was closer to how she felt today. She had been staring at her perfectly brewed cup of coffee long enough for it to go from warm to cold. What time was it now, 9:30? How’d it get to be 9:30 already?
For her, the day after Thanksgiving had never been about shopping. Even when her two daughters, Anna and Suzanne, lived at home. Now, they shopped on Black Fridays as soon as they were old enough to drive. Spent every Thanksgiving evening rummaging through newspaper flyers looking for the best deals, then up before the crack of dawn. Judith never tried to stop them. She knew they’d find out when they were married and had kids of their own. Shopping on Black Fridays wasn’t as much fun with a lot less money in your purse.
They understood that now, her two girls. Even Suzanne, who had just became a mom this past year. Judith had spoken to both of them at different times yesterday on the phone. Anna in Richmond, Suzanne in Fort Worth. They laughed when Judith had asked them how early they’d be hitting the stores today.
But Judith wasn’t laughing now. Those conversations were the main reason Judith was sitting there, staring at her coffee all this time. They were talking on the phone, not around the dinner table.
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 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 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. - Amazon
Keeping Christmas: A 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. (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
December 14, 2015
WHAT GOD KNEW - June Foster - One Free Book
Welcome back, June. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
What God Knew
is book three in the Almond Tree Series. I've always wanted to write a mixed racial romance. At first, Dr. Michael Clark was to be a Chinese doctor, but with the recent racial unrest, I decided to make him African American. It seemed to fit the current issues we're facing here in the US. I must admit, I'm an issue writer. I love to delve into problems from a Christian worldview.If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? I have tons of Christian writer friends and would love to invite all of them. But for just selfish reasons, there are some I'd love to have the opportunity to ask questions. How do you come up with your story ideas? How do you write such compelling stories? What's the key to your success? Among a jillion others. So, I'd have to say: Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, Jerry Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, and of course I'd love to invite Lena Nelson Dooley, though she writes mostly historical!
I do have several contemporary releases as well. Thank you for including me. I’d love to visit with those people, too. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Well, I already said Lena Nelson Dooley, so I'll name some others for the same reason as above. To pick their brains. And maybe some of their creativity would rub off on me! (Ha) Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, Julie Pollitt, Mildred Colvin, Amanda Cabot, and Darlene Franklin.
A very good list, June. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?I write about subject matter that many other Christian authors don't address. That is in no way a criticism. I believe we all must write the stories the Lord places on our hearts. My themes are not readily accepted by publishers and agents and I have to fight rejection frequently. But in the end, I give it over to the Lord, do the best job I can on honing my craft, and pray, pray, pray.
Tell us about the featured book.Let me share my backcover blurb for
What God Knew
.Neonatal specialist Dr. Michael Clark is passionate about saving the lives of premature babies. But the pediatrics department at El Camino General can't provide the care many of his preemies require. Now he wants to build a specialty hospital where he can better offer medical treatment for his young patients.
Tammy Crawford is an accomplished geriatrics RN who wants nothing to do with her sister Joella's religious beliefs. She's independent and doesn't need anyone, including God in pursuing a new job as a nurse practitioner.
When she falls in love with the intriguing Michael Clark, she must reconsider her resolve to devote herself completely to her career and not become distracted by a romantic relationship. Now the obstacles are insurmountable. She's in love with a man from another culture and a different race.
Michael acknowledges his growing affection for the beautiful nurse yet can't ignore his brother's deep racial prejudices.
Can two people who are as different as night and day find a life together?
Please give us the first page of the book.Michael straightened the name tag on his lab jacket identifying him as a neonatal team member at El Camino General and tapped on the hospital room door. He opened his mouth to announce his presence but snapped it shut. Dave Reyes, father of the preemie baby girl, bent over his wife's bed. Closed eyes and clasped hands relayed the message. The couple was praying.
Only one thing to do. Stand quietly inside the threshold and wait. Prayer. We needed more of that.
"And, Lord, we ask you to allow little Abby to develop and grow strong. We know You cherish this new life, and we offer her up to You. Even her name means Joy to the Father. Her mother and I pray that our daughter will bring You joy all the days of her life. In Jesus' Name."
Mrs. Reyes opened tear-filled eyes and whisked the moisture from her cheek.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes." Michael stepped closer to the bed. "How are you today?" He trained his gaze on the pretty blonde still clutching the hand of her dark-haired husband.
"We're doing well, thank you. And please call us Betty Ann and Dave," Mrs. Reyes said.
Dave left his wife's side and walked toward Michael with an extended hand. "Thanks for coming in, Dr. Clark. We're both anxious to hear about our daughter."
Though Michael had treated cases of preemies who were born as early as twenty-six weeks, little Abby stood a better chance of survival at thirty-two weeks. "Your baby has indications of jaundice, but we're treating her with phototherapy. She'll be fed with a feeding tube for a while, but I'd encourage you to supply breast milk if you're planning to nurse her."
Betty Ann nodded. "Yes, I definitely want to provide her milk."
"Excellent. At present we're keeping her in an incubator. The good news is there are no signs of apnea and bradycardia. I anticipate you'll be able to take her home in about four weeks." Though Michael felt confident that this child would thrive, he never viewed any case as routine. Every child was unique, God's precious gift to parents.
"Thank you, Lord." Dave glanced at the ceiling and back to Michael.
"Dr. Clark, when will we be able to see her?" Betty Ann wiped another tear from her eye.
Michael smiled. "As soon as you feel up to making the trip to the NIC unit. I'm sure you'll be encouraged by our caring staff."
Betty Ann turned to Dave and squeezed his arm. "I'd like to go this afternoon."
Casting a loving glance at his wife, Dave patted her hand. "We'll go over there together." He looked up to Michael. "Doctor, we've placed our baby in God's hands, and we're praying for you and the entire staff in the NIC unit."
"That's the best thing you can do." Dave sounded like Michael's mother, telling others how prayer works. Since early childhood, he'd listened to her Bible stories and constant prayers. Though, as a doctor, he trusted in science and modern medicine, Michael believed God's power transcended any healing a medical professional might offer. "Well, nice chatting with you both." He handed his card to Dave. "Here's my private cell number if you need to call me. Please feel free."
"Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate your availability and medical care for our baby girl." Dave cleared his throat, as if stifling an emotion.
This sounds like a very interesting book. I am eager for my book to arrive. How can readers find you on the Internet?I have a new web site now - http://junefoster.comHere's some others:https://www.amazon.com/author/junefosterhttps://twitter.com/vjifosterhttps://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster
Thank you, June, for sharing this book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
What God Knew (The Almond Tree Series Book 3)
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
December 13, 2015
WINNERS!!!!!!
Shelia (CA) is the winner of
Love Found in Manhattan
by Marlene Morrall.
Kathy A (MD) is the winner of The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes.
Melanie (TX) is the winner of The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis.
Annie (MD) is the winner of R edeeming Cade by Susan Crawford.
Bonnie (AZ) is the winner of the ebook Jacob's Christmas Dream by Darlene Franklin.
Edward (VA) is the winner of Once Upon a Christmas by Rosanne Croft, Sharon Smith, and Linda Reinhardt.
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.
Kathy A (MD) is the winner of The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes.
Melanie (TX) is the winner of The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis.
Annie (MD) is the winner of R edeeming Cade by Susan Crawford.
Bonnie (AZ) is the winner of the ebook Jacob's Christmas Dream by Darlene Franklin.
Edward (VA) is the winner of Once Upon a Christmas by Rosanne Croft, Sharon Smith, and Linda Reinhardt.
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.
December 12, 2015
WANTED A MAN FOR CHRISTMAS - Janice Olson - One Free Book
Dear Readers, we have another Janice Olson TexasSerendipity series romantic comedy, and it is a Christmas story. I’m really looking forward to reading this one. I loved the first one so much.
Welcome back, Janice. How did you come up with the idea for this story?Since Christmas is the season for giving, love, and quite often romance, I decided to write a clean Christmas romance.
How did I come up with the idea? I have single friends, who, especially around the holidays, hate to go to parties alone where the majority of people attending are married couples or have dates and they don’t.
The thought struck me two ways. First, what if Whitney Singleton, my protagonist, is in the same predicament but even worse—her boss expects her to have a date for the charitable Christmas banquet since she was in charge of putting it together, and it’s in two weeks—crunch-worry time. And what if she can’t find anyone suitable and who wouldn’t be an embarrassment. Second, I got to thinking, what if the answer to her dilemma was no further than her handsome neighbor next door, but she doesn’t know it? Let the fun times roll!
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? This list is given knowing full well if I invite authors, we will laugh, have fun, eat a lot of good food, and always talk shop. Here’s my contemporary list:Lynne Gentry, for her savoir-faire—her handling of affairs, which always shows up in her books. Lynne writes with the same know how, painting pictures with her words, and giving the reader an exciting read. Kellie Coates Gilbert, for her savvy business sense and matter-of-fact way of looking at things. Kelly’s books are relevant with today’s problems and she handles them in a superior way. Jackie Castle, for her off-beat practical sense and way of looking at a problem and working it out. She writes contemporary and fantasy and has a unique way at looking at life and portraying it in her books. Michelle Stimpson, for her funny, funny sense of humor and way of telling a story that will have you laughing, thinking, and wagging you head at the same time. She’s multi-faceted author who strikes at the heart of the matter in a humorous way. Yet, she can be very serious in her writing also. She’s a joy to know and will keep you in stitches at any gathering. Deborah Raney, she has a sweet, caring quality that come across in her books. And since I have only met her a few times in person and can’t claim her as a personal friend, she would be one I would enjoy getting to know better. Francine Rivers, her years of writing knowledge and how she conveys her message of import that most often touches the heart of the individuals reading her books. This year it was an honor to get to know her and meet for the first time. We sat two enjoyable hours next to one another while signing books at a conference. Quite an interesting woman.
I love all those people, too. It would be an interesting party. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? My historical fiction list would consist of Lena Nelson Dooley, of course. Couldn’t have a party of historical authors without you, otherwise, who would set me straight on my historical incorrectness. You would keep the conversation lively with laughs thrown in. But of course, we would talk shop and you have a vast array of knowledge where historical fiction is concerned. Patty Carroll, she always has a dry sense of humor that always livens a party or gathering of any kind. And her jump-in-there-and-get-it-done attitude with her writing is refreshing and challenging as she works out her plots to her western historical stories. Connilyn Cossette, is a friend and new author whose stories take place during Biblical times. Conni with her sweet smile is always insightful. And her art of dropping the reader into ancient Egyptis like you’re there. She would add to the mix very well. Though her first book won’t be out until 2016, but she’ll be one author to put on the list to read. Exciting read. Liz Curtis Higgs, is one who would be an asset at a party with all of humor and her knowledge. One talented woman. Deeanne Gist, I believe, would be interesting guest to have come. I haven’t met her personally, but the sense of humor she brings to her books I feel she would be a fun person to know.
That would be a fun party, too. I’d love to attend. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?With the voracious readers out there, an author can never have enough books.
And in answer to your question as to my most difficult problem … time. Time is a killer. I am always working on my next book. And at this point in my life, I can’t afford for the holidays to slow my writing down, but I know it will.
With family gatherings and parties, cooking, writing, editing, posting, and working full time, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Invariably, something has to be sacrificed. So I try not to sweat the small stuff. Accomplish what I can. Enjoy what I do get done. And don’t regret the things I couldn’t achieve. Around this time of year, I guess you could say I’m dynamo on steroids, except I don’t take steroids. (Maybe that’s why I’m so tired.) I work myself into a frenzy getting as much done as possible, then put the things I didn’t accomplish on the back burner for another day, another year. Christmas will roll around again next year, good Lord willing, and I’ll do it all over again.
Tell us about the featured book.
Wanted A Man For Christmas
is Book II in the Texas Serendipity series.
Whitney Singleton is your average single, young woman who has finally arrived at her dedicated field of expertise. At the present time she doesn’t have anyone she is dating and that becomes a problem for her, especially when her boss hints loudly to not come alone to the banquet.
To save face with her employer, Whitney needs a man. But not just any man. He has to clean up well, have good manners, and at least pretend she’s the next best thing to chocolate.
Adam Ryder, Whitney’s single, good-looking neighbor, offers the solution … a holiday Christmas exchange. He’ll be Whitney’s escort to the banquet. She’ll be his date for his Christmas party. At first reluctant, Whitney agrees. However, as time goes along and Adam hints that he wants something more meaningful than mere friendship, how does she back out of their Christmas swap gracefully? Or does she want to?
Please give us the first page of the book.I, Whitney Singleton, am in serious need of a man. Not just any man, but one who can clean up well and at least hold an intelligent conversation without blurting out … yeah, right back at’cha dude, or some other such drivel. And he can’t be preening before a mirror or acting like he was doing me a favor being my escort.
Talk about desperate … that’s me. And all because of the biggest event of my career—the Children’s Hospital Christmas Benefit. Well, not mine personally, but for the charitable organization where I work.
Going over my options for the right man, I tapped my fingernail on the dining room table, my attention snagged by the Dallas skyline outside my high-rise apartment window. The long arms of darkness were creeping up the downtown buildings, snuffing out most of the light. And here I sat, no closer to a solution to my dilemma than I was this morning.
A dating service was out of the question. My friend, Sally Carlson, suggested one earlier this year. Been there, done that, and the experience was a total disaster. The service paired me up with three losers and then did their best to set me up with number four.
Bachelor No. 1 talked incessantly about his ten cats and his allergies. I listened, trying not to look bored while inconspicuously picking cat hair out of my food and mouth. Those little fuzzy pikers were relentless floaters, riding on the restaurant AC breeze into my food. Any other explanation for the cat hair would be unthinkable. Don’t get me wrong, I love cats, but there is a limit when it comes to floating hair.
When I complained the next day to the woman at the dating service and asked for my money back, she apologized and hooked me up with Bachelor No. 2, or at least that’s what I thought.
Your tease has me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?They can find me at www.JaniceOlson.comFacebook: http://bit.ly/1OqXRIITwitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceOlson16Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janicekolson/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_homeGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6872699.Janice_Olson
Thank you, Janice, for sharing this new book with us. I am eager for my copy of the book to arrive.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Wanted A Man For Christmas (Texas Serendipity Book 2)
Welcome back, Janice. How did you come up with the idea for this story?Since Christmas is the season for giving, love, and quite often romance, I decided to write a clean Christmas romance. How did I come up with the idea? I have single friends, who, especially around the holidays, hate to go to parties alone where the majority of people attending are married couples or have dates and they don’t.
The thought struck me two ways. First, what if Whitney Singleton, my protagonist, is in the same predicament but even worse—her boss expects her to have a date for the charitable Christmas banquet since she was in charge of putting it together, and it’s in two weeks—crunch-worry time. And what if she can’t find anyone suitable and who wouldn’t be an embarrassment. Second, I got to thinking, what if the answer to her dilemma was no further than her handsome neighbor next door, but she doesn’t know it? Let the fun times roll!
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? This list is given knowing full well if I invite authors, we will laugh, have fun, eat a lot of good food, and always talk shop. Here’s my contemporary list:Lynne Gentry, for her savoir-faire—her handling of affairs, which always shows up in her books. Lynne writes with the same know how, painting pictures with her words, and giving the reader an exciting read. Kellie Coates Gilbert, for her savvy business sense and matter-of-fact way of looking at things. Kelly’s books are relevant with today’s problems and she handles them in a superior way. Jackie Castle, for her off-beat practical sense and way of looking at a problem and working it out. She writes contemporary and fantasy and has a unique way at looking at life and portraying it in her books. Michelle Stimpson, for her funny, funny sense of humor and way of telling a story that will have you laughing, thinking, and wagging you head at the same time. She’s multi-faceted author who strikes at the heart of the matter in a humorous way. Yet, she can be very serious in her writing also. She’s a joy to know and will keep you in stitches at any gathering. Deborah Raney, she has a sweet, caring quality that come across in her books. And since I have only met her a few times in person and can’t claim her as a personal friend, she would be one I would enjoy getting to know better. Francine Rivers, her years of writing knowledge and how she conveys her message of import that most often touches the heart of the individuals reading her books. This year it was an honor to get to know her and meet for the first time. We sat two enjoyable hours next to one another while signing books at a conference. Quite an interesting woman.
I love all those people, too. It would be an interesting party. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? My historical fiction list would consist of Lena Nelson Dooley, of course. Couldn’t have a party of historical authors without you, otherwise, who would set me straight on my historical incorrectness. You would keep the conversation lively with laughs thrown in. But of course, we would talk shop and you have a vast array of knowledge where historical fiction is concerned. Patty Carroll, she always has a dry sense of humor that always livens a party or gathering of any kind. And her jump-in-there-and-get-it-done attitude with her writing is refreshing and challenging as she works out her plots to her western historical stories. Connilyn Cossette, is a friend and new author whose stories take place during Biblical times. Conni with her sweet smile is always insightful. And her art of dropping the reader into ancient Egyptis like you’re there. She would add to the mix very well. Though her first book won’t be out until 2016, but she’ll be one author to put on the list to read. Exciting read. Liz Curtis Higgs, is one who would be an asset at a party with all of humor and her knowledge. One talented woman. Deeanne Gist, I believe, would be interesting guest to have come. I haven’t met her personally, but the sense of humor she brings to her books I feel she would be a fun person to know.
That would be a fun party, too. I’d love to attend. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?With the voracious readers out there, an author can never have enough books.
And in answer to your question as to my most difficult problem … time. Time is a killer. I am always working on my next book. And at this point in my life, I can’t afford for the holidays to slow my writing down, but I know it will.
With family gatherings and parties, cooking, writing, editing, posting, and working full time, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Invariably, something has to be sacrificed. So I try not to sweat the small stuff. Accomplish what I can. Enjoy what I do get done. And don’t regret the things I couldn’t achieve. Around this time of year, I guess you could say I’m dynamo on steroids, except I don’t take steroids. (Maybe that’s why I’m so tired.) I work myself into a frenzy getting as much done as possible, then put the things I didn’t accomplish on the back burner for another day, another year. Christmas will roll around again next year, good Lord willing, and I’ll do it all over again.
Tell us about the featured book.
Wanted A Man For Christmas
is Book II in the Texas Serendipity series. Whitney Singleton is your average single, young woman who has finally arrived at her dedicated field of expertise. At the present time she doesn’t have anyone she is dating and that becomes a problem for her, especially when her boss hints loudly to not come alone to the banquet.
To save face with her employer, Whitney needs a man. But not just any man. He has to clean up well, have good manners, and at least pretend she’s the next best thing to chocolate.
Adam Ryder, Whitney’s single, good-looking neighbor, offers the solution … a holiday Christmas exchange. He’ll be Whitney’s escort to the banquet. She’ll be his date for his Christmas party. At first reluctant, Whitney agrees. However, as time goes along and Adam hints that he wants something more meaningful than mere friendship, how does she back out of their Christmas swap gracefully? Or does she want to?
Please give us the first page of the book.I, Whitney Singleton, am in serious need of a man. Not just any man, but one who can clean up well and at least hold an intelligent conversation without blurting out … yeah, right back at’cha dude, or some other such drivel. And he can’t be preening before a mirror or acting like he was doing me a favor being my escort.
Talk about desperate … that’s me. And all because of the biggest event of my career—the Children’s Hospital Christmas Benefit. Well, not mine personally, but for the charitable organization where I work.
Going over my options for the right man, I tapped my fingernail on the dining room table, my attention snagged by the Dallas skyline outside my high-rise apartment window. The long arms of darkness were creeping up the downtown buildings, snuffing out most of the light. And here I sat, no closer to a solution to my dilemma than I was this morning.
A dating service was out of the question. My friend, Sally Carlson, suggested one earlier this year. Been there, done that, and the experience was a total disaster. The service paired me up with three losers and then did their best to set me up with number four.
Bachelor No. 1 talked incessantly about his ten cats and his allergies. I listened, trying not to look bored while inconspicuously picking cat hair out of my food and mouth. Those little fuzzy pikers were relentless floaters, riding on the restaurant AC breeze into my food. Any other explanation for the cat hair would be unthinkable. Don’t get me wrong, I love cats, but there is a limit when it comes to floating hair.
When I complained the next day to the woman at the dating service and asked for my money back, she apologized and hooked me up with Bachelor No. 2, or at least that’s what I thought.
Your tease has me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?They can find me at www.JaniceOlson.comFacebook: http://bit.ly/1OqXRIITwitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceOlson16Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janicekolson/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_homeGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6872699.Janice_Olson
Thank you, Janice, for sharing this new book with us. I am eager for my copy of the book to arrive.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Wanted A Man For Christmas (Texas Serendipity Book 2)
December 11, 2015
WHISPERS IN THE READING ROOM - Shelley Gray - One Free Book
BIO: Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish romances for Harper Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire and historical romances as Shelley Gray for Harper Collins Christian Publishers. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Todaybestseller lists. To date, Shelley has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Welcome back, Shelley. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?You’re right, Lena! I certainly does take a village to give life to each book, and
Whispers in the Reading Room
had several people who helped so much. One such person is my longtime girlfriend Julie. She met me in Chicago for a research trip and embraced the research as much as I did! She toured the Palmer House Hotel with me, visited the Fair exhibit at the Field Museum, read chapters, and pretty much smiled while I talked about the ideas for the book for hours. My critique partners Heather Blake and Cathy Liggett helped me plot, then replot, then rework the book several times. Over at my publisher, Natalie Hanemann and Jean Bloom helped me with about a hundred things. I’ve never been so grateful for so many caring friends and coworkers.
If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? I love to visit libraries, and I have been busy setting up several events for May and June, 2016. I’m also planning to attend next summer’s RWA conference in San Diego and the ACFW conference in Nashville. I love to travel and talk about books.
If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?I’ve actually started over several times over the years, due to my husband’s job. Though it was sometimes hard, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have several fresh starts. I know I would have never become a writer if we hadn’t been transferred to Cincinnati. As far as the future goes, I have a feeling we’ll only move if our children start their families someplace far away. Then, we’d pack up in a heartbeat!
If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?Write! I meet so many aspiring novelists who tell me all about their blogs and Twitter accounts. For me, the only way to be a writer is to actually write every day.
You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])Boy, if I could be in charge of a celebrity cruise, I’d probably just ask all my friends to come, especially writers that I’ve met through the years but only see once a year at conferences. Seeing them would be so fun!
Tell us about the featured book.
Whispers in the Reading Room
features a librarian, a gambling club owner, the Chicago World’s Fair, and a murder.
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Please give us the first page of the book.ChicagoTimes-Courier
From October 1893Reported by Benson GageWhile the majority of the city basks in the glow of the Columbian Exposition’s success, far more dark events are taking place in the city’s underbelly. This publication has learned there has been a spike in attacks and murders deep in the heart of Camp Creek Alley. Has crime sought to take advantage of the fact that most everyone’s eyes are on the bright Plaisance, allowing all sorts of criminals to run rampant?
This reporter can only advise for any reputable citizen with a care for both his purse and his life to stay far away from the area. It is very likely that even establishments that look reputable hide many dark secrets behind their beguiling façades.
Intriguing. Where can we find you on the Internet?I’m everywhere on the Internet! www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter (ShelleySGray)
Thank you so much for the fun interview, Lena
I love having you visit my blog, Shelley, and my readers and I are very interested in this new book.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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
Welcome back, Shelley. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?You’re right, Lena! I certainly does take a village to give life to each book, and
Whispers in the Reading Room
had several people who helped so much. One such person is my longtime girlfriend Julie. She met me in Chicago for a research trip and embraced the research as much as I did! She toured the Palmer House Hotel with me, visited the Fair exhibit at the Field Museum, read chapters, and pretty much smiled while I talked about the ideas for the book for hours. My critique partners Heather Blake and Cathy Liggett helped me plot, then replot, then rework the book several times. Over at my publisher, Natalie Hanemann and Jean Bloom helped me with about a hundred things. I’ve never been so grateful for so many caring friends and coworkers.If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? I love to visit libraries, and I have been busy setting up several events for May and June, 2016. I’m also planning to attend next summer’s RWA conference in San Diego and the ACFW conference in Nashville. I love to travel and talk about books.
If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?I’ve actually started over several times over the years, due to my husband’s job. Though it was sometimes hard, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have several fresh starts. I know I would have never become a writer if we hadn’t been transferred to Cincinnati. As far as the future goes, I have a feeling we’ll only move if our children start their families someplace far away. Then, we’d pack up in a heartbeat!
If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?Write! I meet so many aspiring novelists who tell me all about their blogs and Twitter accounts. For me, the only way to be a writer is to actually write every day.
You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])Boy, if I could be in charge of a celebrity cruise, I’d probably just ask all my friends to come, especially writers that I’ve met through the years but only see once a year at conferences. Seeing them would be so fun!
Tell us about the featured book.
Whispers in the Reading Room
features a librarian, a gambling club owner, the Chicago World’s Fair, and a murder. Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Please give us the first page of the book.ChicagoTimes-Courier
From October 1893Reported by Benson GageWhile the majority of the city basks in the glow of the Columbian Exposition’s success, far more dark events are taking place in the city’s underbelly. This publication has learned there has been a spike in attacks and murders deep in the heart of Camp Creek Alley. Has crime sought to take advantage of the fact that most everyone’s eyes are on the bright Plaisance, allowing all sorts of criminals to run rampant?
This reporter can only advise for any reputable citizen with a care for both his purse and his life to stay far away from the area. It is very likely that even establishments that look reputable hide many dark secrets behind their beguiling façades.
Intriguing. Where can we find you on the Internet?I’m everywhere on the Internet! www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter (ShelleySGray)
Thank you so much for the fun interview, Lena
I love having you visit my blog, Shelley, and my readers and I are very interested in this new book.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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
December 10, 2015
WHEN THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY - Molly Noble Bull - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Molly is a really long-time writing friend. She’s also a fellow Texan. I was privileged to read this book for endorsement. Here’s what I said:
Molly Noble Bull produces another western novel that is so authentic I felt as if I were there in south Texas. I've been there a number of times, and she has the setting perfect. I loved the characters who tugged at my heartstrings throughout the story, and I kept turning pages to find out how it would all end.--Lena Nelson Dooley - award-winning, best-selling author of over 30 books. Her latest releases are a novella in the Christmas collection Warm Mulled Kisses and one in A Texas Christmas
Welcome back, Molly. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I love to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ in my novels, and I often use verses from the Bible as the premise of my novels. I also like to weave Biblical principals within the pages of my books, and I do that by having my characters ask each other questions on these topics. In Gatehaven, my scary Gothic historical, I had the hero, a pastor in training, ask his Christian mentor questions on witchcraft and the occult according to the Bible, and the mentor provided answers. Some of my readers said they learned Bible truths right along with the hero of Gatehaven.
What other books of yours are coming out soon? Thanks for asking. The Secret Place, my long adventure story set in England, Scotland, and ending in the state of South Carolinain 1784, was published by Hartline Literary as an e-book and in paperback about three weeks ago, but The Secret Placewas first published under the title of Sanctuary. Sanctuary won the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award in the inspirational category and also tied for first place in another national contest for published authors that year. So if you read Sanctuary, you read The Secret Place. Nothing was changed but the title. The reason I changed the title in the new version is because the original publisher went out of business and because there are too many novels titled Sanctuary.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? Rabbi Jonathan Cahn without a doubt. Jonathan wrote The Harbinger and other books, and I was given the honor of interviewing him for my blog before he became so well known. He talks like an Old Testament Prophet, and I would love to sit down and spend hours just asking him questions about the Bible from the point of view of a Jew who found Jesus and made him his Messiah and listening to his answers.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? If they like to write, there is a good chance it is because God gave them the desire and ability to write for a reason. Keep writing and never give up.
Tell us about the featured book.I might be called a Genre Jumper because I write everything from sweet romances to historical novels set in Europe to scary Christian Gothic novels to westerns to books and stories for children to non-fiction, but today, I want to introduce When the Cowboy Rides Away , my western with a touch of romance set in South Texasin 1880. I have a special love for westerns because I have a Texas ranch background.
My late father and my grandfather were real Texas cowboys, and I spent part of my growing up years on a sixty thousand acre cattle ranch in South Texas where When the Cowboy Rides Away takes place, and all three of our grown sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
What makes When the Cowboy Rides Away different from most Christian westerns? Jeanette Pierce, a retired English teacher, wrote study guides for home school families based on When the Cowboy Rides Away —one for teachers and one for students.
And now for the blurb.
Maggie Galagher, twenty-one, runs the Gallagher Ranch in South Texas and has raised her little sister and orphaned nephew since her parents and older sister died. No wonder she can’t find time for romance.
When the Cowboy Rides Away by Molly Noble Bull opens two years after Maggie loses her family members. Out for a ride with her sister, she discovers Alex Lancaster, a handsome cowboy, shot and seriously wounded on her land. Kind-hearted and a Christian, Maggie nurses him back to health despite all her other chores. How could she know that Alex had a secret that could break her heart?
Please give us the first page of the book for my readers. Southern TexasEarly May 1880 Somebody was coming. Maggie Gallagher slowed her sorrel mare. A small dust cloud hung over the north pasture like a puff of smoke. As she continued to eye the trail of sand and dust, it grew larger. She glanced back at her younger sister. “Hurry up, Sarah. A rider’s headed this way. See if you can get ole Short Legs to trot.” The little red-haired girl covered a yawn with the back of her hand. “I said I was coming.” “Well, can you get that pony of yours to move a little faster? We need to go on out to the cemetery, leave our flowers, and rush right home. A caller will probably be waiting for us at the house when we get back.” The main house was over a mile from the ranch cemetery and a mere twenty miles from the Gulf of Mexico—and it was almost always windy there. In fact wind and South Texas were like many married couples—together, but sometimes fighting. The morning breeze felt cool on Maggie’s face, but that wouldn’t last long. By noon the temperature could reach 100 degrees. Her aunt often said that South Texas was the only spot on earth where the wind could be hot, even in the shade. She loosened the bow under her chin and pushed back her blue-flowered bonnet. She might as well sit back in the saddle and enjoy herself. It was obvious Sarah was in no hurry. Maggie thought about the dust cloud she’d seen. She wasn’t expecting visitors. But since company appeared to be on the way, she hoped it was Roger. He’d said he might ride into town. On the way back to his place, he often stopped by the Gallagher Ranch to leave Maggie the mail he picked up for her, and she was hoping for a letter from Aunt Violet. ***He’d watered his horse in a creek with only a trickle of water in it and crossed a bridge. Now, Alex Lancaster guided his black stallion through thick brush, leaving a trail of dust and sand behind. He had to find Dee. Until he did, nothing else mattered. But his horse needed rest. The animal wouldn’t hold up much longer without it, and he’d pushed him relentlessly since he rode north from the border, stopping at creeks and lakes when he found them, sleeping and then moving on again. Now he wasn’t sure exactly where he was. The entry gate said Ranch Headquarters, One Mile, but it didn’t include the name of the ranch.
He thought the ranch he was searching for was at least fifty or so miles north of here, but as long as he was in the area, he might as well stop and check. At the least he could water his horse again, and maybe the ranch owner would give him directions.
How can readers find you on the Internet?My web address is http://www.mollynoblebull.comand my blog at Writers Rest ishttp://writersrest.blogspot.comTo find When the Cowboy Rides Away at Amazon, clickhttp://bit.ly/cowboyrides
To find The Secret Place, click http://bit.ly/secretplacebook.
Thanks for the opportunity to do this interview, Lena, and for introducing me to all your wonderful friends.
I love hosting you, Molly, and letting my readers know about the featured book.
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
Molly Noble Bull produces another western novel that is so authentic I felt as if I were there in south Texas. I've been there a number of times, and she has the setting perfect. I loved the characters who tugged at my heartstrings throughout the story, and I kept turning pages to find out how it would all end.--Lena Nelson Dooley - award-winning, best-selling author of over 30 books. Her latest releases are a novella in the Christmas collection Warm Mulled Kisses and one in A Texas Christmas
Welcome back, Molly. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I love to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ in my novels, and I often use verses from the Bible as the premise of my novels. I also like to weave Biblical principals within the pages of my books, and I do that by having my characters ask each other questions on these topics. In Gatehaven, my scary Gothic historical, I had the hero, a pastor in training, ask his Christian mentor questions on witchcraft and the occult according to the Bible, and the mentor provided answers. Some of my readers said they learned Bible truths right along with the hero of Gatehaven. What other books of yours are coming out soon? Thanks for asking. The Secret Place, my long adventure story set in England, Scotland, and ending in the state of South Carolinain 1784, was published by Hartline Literary as an e-book and in paperback about three weeks ago, but The Secret Placewas first published under the title of Sanctuary. Sanctuary won the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award in the inspirational category and also tied for first place in another national contest for published authors that year. So if you read Sanctuary, you read The Secret Place. Nothing was changed but the title. The reason I changed the title in the new version is because the original publisher went out of business and because there are too many novels titled Sanctuary.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? Rabbi Jonathan Cahn without a doubt. Jonathan wrote The Harbinger and other books, and I was given the honor of interviewing him for my blog before he became so well known. He talks like an Old Testament Prophet, and I would love to sit down and spend hours just asking him questions about the Bible from the point of view of a Jew who found Jesus and made him his Messiah and listening to his answers. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? If they like to write, there is a good chance it is because God gave them the desire and ability to write for a reason. Keep writing and never give up.
Tell us about the featured book.I might be called a Genre Jumper because I write everything from sweet romances to historical novels set in Europe to scary Christian Gothic novels to westerns to books and stories for children to non-fiction, but today, I want to introduce When the Cowboy Rides Away , my western with a touch of romance set in South Texasin 1880. I have a special love for westerns because I have a Texas ranch background.
My late father and my grandfather were real Texas cowboys, and I spent part of my growing up years on a sixty thousand acre cattle ranch in South Texas where When the Cowboy Rides Away takes place, and all three of our grown sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
What makes When the Cowboy Rides Away different from most Christian westerns? Jeanette Pierce, a retired English teacher, wrote study guides for home school families based on When the Cowboy Rides Away —one for teachers and one for students.
And now for the blurb.
Maggie Galagher, twenty-one, runs the Gallagher Ranch in South Texas and has raised her little sister and orphaned nephew since her parents and older sister died. No wonder she can’t find time for romance. When the Cowboy Rides Away by Molly Noble Bull opens two years after Maggie loses her family members. Out for a ride with her sister, she discovers Alex Lancaster, a handsome cowboy, shot and seriously wounded on her land. Kind-hearted and a Christian, Maggie nurses him back to health despite all her other chores. How could she know that Alex had a secret that could break her heart?
Please give us the first page of the book for my readers. Southern TexasEarly May 1880 Somebody was coming. Maggie Gallagher slowed her sorrel mare. A small dust cloud hung over the north pasture like a puff of smoke. As she continued to eye the trail of sand and dust, it grew larger. She glanced back at her younger sister. “Hurry up, Sarah. A rider’s headed this way. See if you can get ole Short Legs to trot.” The little red-haired girl covered a yawn with the back of her hand. “I said I was coming.” “Well, can you get that pony of yours to move a little faster? We need to go on out to the cemetery, leave our flowers, and rush right home. A caller will probably be waiting for us at the house when we get back.” The main house was over a mile from the ranch cemetery and a mere twenty miles from the Gulf of Mexico—and it was almost always windy there. In fact wind and South Texas were like many married couples—together, but sometimes fighting. The morning breeze felt cool on Maggie’s face, but that wouldn’t last long. By noon the temperature could reach 100 degrees. Her aunt often said that South Texas was the only spot on earth where the wind could be hot, even in the shade. She loosened the bow under her chin and pushed back her blue-flowered bonnet. She might as well sit back in the saddle and enjoy herself. It was obvious Sarah was in no hurry. Maggie thought about the dust cloud she’d seen. She wasn’t expecting visitors. But since company appeared to be on the way, she hoped it was Roger. He’d said he might ride into town. On the way back to his place, he often stopped by the Gallagher Ranch to leave Maggie the mail he picked up for her, and she was hoping for a letter from Aunt Violet. ***He’d watered his horse in a creek with only a trickle of water in it and crossed a bridge. Now, Alex Lancaster guided his black stallion through thick brush, leaving a trail of dust and sand behind. He had to find Dee. Until he did, nothing else mattered. But his horse needed rest. The animal wouldn’t hold up much longer without it, and he’d pushed him relentlessly since he rode north from the border, stopping at creeks and lakes when he found them, sleeping and then moving on again. Now he wasn’t sure exactly where he was. The entry gate said Ranch Headquarters, One Mile, but it didn’t include the name of the ranch.
He thought the ranch he was searching for was at least fifty or so miles north of here, but as long as he was in the area, he might as well stop and check. At the least he could water his horse again, and maybe the ranch owner would give him directions.
How can readers find you on the Internet?My web address is http://www.mollynoblebull.comand my blog at Writers Rest ishttp://writersrest.blogspot.comTo find When the Cowboy Rides Away at Amazon, clickhttp://bit.ly/cowboyrides
To find The Secret Place, click http://bit.ly/secretplacebook.
Thanks for the opportunity to do this interview, Lena, and for introducing me to all your wonderful friends.
I love hosting you, Molly, and letting my readers know about the featured book.
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
December 9, 2015
ISLE OF HOPE - Julie Lessman - One Free Book
Dear Readers, I first met Julie at a small, intimate chocolate party at an ACFW conference a long time ago. We really clicked, so we’ve been friends since then. I told someone I wanted to write like her when I grew up JHer books are wonderful, and she knows how to pull the reader into the characters. Her books always have strong romantic tension, but in a pure way. You’ll love her books.
BIO: Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series with Revell Publishing, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 17 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list. Her latest novel, Surprised by Love, appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of Top Ten Novels of 2014, and her independent novel A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
Welcome back, Julie. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?Well, first and foremost, the Holy Spirit is the main “person” involved since I felt prompted to write about the estranged relationship with my own dad and how I turned it around with God’s help. Secondly, both my husband and my dear friend, Bonnie Roof, encouraged me throughout the entire process, reading, proofing, and making suggestions. As did my fabulous agent, Natasha Kern, and even my wonderful editor at Revell, Lonnie Hull Dupont, was kind enough to offer suggestions even though I opted to publish Isle of Hope on my own.
From there, I did everything on my own, which to be honest, kind of shocks me! J From designing the cover that the Killion Group finalized (along with the formatting for both ebook and paperback) … to final edits after the Brandes editorial staff proofed it. Trust me, I was a nervous wreck clicking the “publish” button on both the Kindle and CreateSpace pages, but I did, and now I’m breathing a whole lot easier … whew!
If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? I actually don’t do a lot of speaking or teaching anymore since I took a sabbatical last year to focus more on God, family, and writing for the sheer joy of writing, but I do have a speaking gig scheduled at a Christmas luncheon in Birmingham, where my daughter lives, so I’m mixing business with pleasure.
That sounds like fun. Wish I could be there. If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?Ha! I already have. J My husband and I just moved from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks this summer, where we both work from home. I write on a veranda overlooking the lake while my hubby takes his coffee breaks down on the dock, fishing or feeding the ducks—a long-held dream-come-true!
I grew up in the Arkansas Ozarks. It’s beautiful. If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
I’d warn them about what an emotional roller-coaster it was going to be AFTER they get published. Like a lot of unpublished writers, I thought all the anxiety and self-doubt would dissipate after I signed on the dotted line. I mean that would validate me, right? Give me confidence as a writer? But I discovered that true confidence is not in accolades from your editor or a really good review, but instead in where your heart is with God. HE is my confidence when my sales rankings on Amazon.com are high or low, which is why I CLING to the following Scripture prayer from 2 Corinthians ll:3: Do not let my mind “be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
So to sum it up, my most significant advice for aspiring novelists is the critical truth that as Christian authors, we have to stay grounded in what God wants for us versus what we want for us. Sure, we would all love to be a bestselling author, but what does God want? I have learned (and very painfully, I might add) that I must become less so that He can become more. I often told fellow writer friends that I would give anything to have a spiritual lobotomy of sorts, where I could surgically remove that part of my writer’s brain that focuses on good reviews, book sales, and contest wins. But the reality is that I am a human being with a lot of flaws, and quite frankly, that’s the way God wants us—so flawed that we are forced to cling to Him, which I do, trust me!
That is so true. We authors have to grasp that truth and hold it close to our hearts. Tell us about the featured book.Sure—here’s the jacket blurb:
Can a wild girl gone goodrebuild bridges with a good boy gone bad?
She’s the town flirt serving up trouble. He’s a pastor’s kid bent on serving God. Until tragedy separates them for eight years, turning tables—and hearts—to restore hope for them all.
At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope , turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can God’s unfailing love lead the way to His true “Isle of Hope”?
Please give us the first page of the book.Many are the woes of the wicked,but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.—Psalm 32:10Isle of Hope, Georgia, Early SummerWhen it comes to burning bridges, I am the Queen of Kerosene.
Puffing out a wispy sigh, Lacey Carmichael squinted into the rearview mirror to make sure the coast was clear, then dragged her bulging purse onto the seat with an unladylike grunt. The action caused her dusty blue Honda to swerve on Skidaway Road—along with her stomach.
Oh, crud! She straightened the wheel with a jerk, body rattling more than her 2008 Honda after a cross-country trip. Her gaze flicked to the mirror, and relief coursed like high tide. The road behind revealed nothing but palms and Georgia pines, silent sentinels ushering her home.
Home. Where full moons rose over the marsh and the scent of wisteria embraced summer nights. Where the lazy lull of river grasses swayed in the breeze, soothing a sleepy coastal community that burrowed into one’s memory like a long-lost friend. A haven where tidy cottages nestled next to lush antebellum homes, evoking a postcard setting that harkened back to a simpler time.
A simpler time?
Lacey sucked in a deep draw of the rich and humid low-country air that was pungent with the salty smell of the marsh, and instantly zipped back eight years to a time that had been anything but simple. Memories of an eighteen-year-old wild child constricted her throat. A rebel daughter who’d bolted from the hometown that had been anything but a home.
Her shoulders slumped as she passed the Piggly Wiggly.
What am I doing here?
She cut loose another gust of ragged air while her eyes focused straight ahead. Returning to the scene of the crime. The charred debris of all the mistakes that I’ve made. One hand welded to the steering wheel, she rifled through her studded leather purse with the other, fingers fumbling on a tube of lip-gloss. With amazing dexterity, she untwirled the screw-on cap and applied “Ooh La La,” then puckered her lips. Now if she could only gloss over her past as easily ...
The BP loomed ahead and she slapped on her blinker, veering in to park at the closest empty pump. Her car squealed to a stop at the exact moment the contents of her purse careened to the floor. Lacey, you lead foot—when are you going to learn? Mumbling under her breath, she turned the car off and leaned to pick up the spilled items. A woman’s high-pitched laughter suddenly riddled the air, desecrating the sacred strains of Justin Timberlake from a radio nearby.
“Jack, you bad boy,” a woman’s sultry voice said, drifting from the other side of the pump, “what am I going to do with you?”
“Well, I know a few things that come to mind.”
Wow! I can’t wait until my copy comes. It will go to the top of my to-be-read pile. I might even stop what I’m reading at the time and dive right in. Where can we find you on the Internet?Thank you, Lena, for hosting me on your blog—it’s been fun! Readers can find and contact me at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest or by signing up for my newsletter.
I also have a blog called “Journal Jots,” which is a very laid-back journal to my reader friends, or readers can check out my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books on the “Excerpts” tab of my website. In addition, I can be found daily at The Seekers, a group blog of 13 published authors that inspires, encourages, teaches, and informs aspiring writers on the road to publication and beyond. Although Seekerville has been listed on Writers Digest 2013 and 2014 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” it is also a blog devoted to readers as well.
Finally, I have the following sales/contests currently going on:
AWARD-WINNING IRISH LOVE STORY ON SALE! The eBook for my Irish love story, A Light in the Window—224 five-star reviews on Amazon and winner of three awards—is on sale for only $.99, so I invite you to take a peek at the excellent video my artist hubby did for A Light in the Window, starring my daughter. ALITW Video.
Dec. 5-12, 2015 ONLY — O’connor christmas novellas on special CHRISTMAS sale! ‘Tis the season, and I’m ready for it with two novellas that are part of the Hope for the Holiday’s Historical Collection and the Home for Christmas Historical Romance Collection, both of which include novellas from other award-winning authors for only $.99 per collection, so I hope your readers check them out.
Calling All Writers!! My writer’s workbook entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets is on e-sale for $2.99
CONTEST TO HAVE A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER YOU IN MY NEXT BOOK, A SIGNED COPY, AND CHOICE OF ONE OF MY OTHER BOOKS. Sound good to you? If so, just head on over to the CONTESTtab of my website and check it out.
Hugs,Julie
Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book and these sales with us today.
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
BIO: Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series with Revell Publishing, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 17 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list. Her latest novel, Surprised by Love, appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of Top Ten Novels of 2014, and her independent novel A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.Welcome back, Julie. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?Well, first and foremost, the Holy Spirit is the main “person” involved since I felt prompted to write about the estranged relationship with my own dad and how I turned it around with God’s help. Secondly, both my husband and my dear friend, Bonnie Roof, encouraged me throughout the entire process, reading, proofing, and making suggestions. As did my fabulous agent, Natasha Kern, and even my wonderful editor at Revell, Lonnie Hull Dupont, was kind enough to offer suggestions even though I opted to publish Isle of Hope on my own.
From there, I did everything on my own, which to be honest, kind of shocks me! J From designing the cover that the Killion Group finalized (along with the formatting for both ebook and paperback) … to final edits after the Brandes editorial staff proofed it. Trust me, I was a nervous wreck clicking the “publish” button on both the Kindle and CreateSpace pages, but I did, and now I’m breathing a whole lot easier … whew!
If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? I actually don’t do a lot of speaking or teaching anymore since I took a sabbatical last year to focus more on God, family, and writing for the sheer joy of writing, but I do have a speaking gig scheduled at a Christmas luncheon in Birmingham, where my daughter lives, so I’m mixing business with pleasure.
That sounds like fun. Wish I could be there. If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?Ha! I already have. J My husband and I just moved from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks this summer, where we both work from home. I write on a veranda overlooking the lake while my hubby takes his coffee breaks down on the dock, fishing or feeding the ducks—a long-held dream-come-true!
I grew up in the Arkansas Ozarks. It’s beautiful. If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
I’d warn them about what an emotional roller-coaster it was going to be AFTER they get published. Like a lot of unpublished writers, I thought all the anxiety and self-doubt would dissipate after I signed on the dotted line. I mean that would validate me, right? Give me confidence as a writer? But I discovered that true confidence is not in accolades from your editor or a really good review, but instead in where your heart is with God. HE is my confidence when my sales rankings on Amazon.com are high or low, which is why I CLING to the following Scripture prayer from 2 Corinthians ll:3: Do not let my mind “be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” So to sum it up, my most significant advice for aspiring novelists is the critical truth that as Christian authors, we have to stay grounded in what God wants for us versus what we want for us. Sure, we would all love to be a bestselling author, but what does God want? I have learned (and very painfully, I might add) that I must become less so that He can become more. I often told fellow writer friends that I would give anything to have a spiritual lobotomy of sorts, where I could surgically remove that part of my writer’s brain that focuses on good reviews, book sales, and contest wins. But the reality is that I am a human being with a lot of flaws, and quite frankly, that’s the way God wants us—so flawed that we are forced to cling to Him, which I do, trust me!
That is so true. We authors have to grasp that truth and hold it close to our hearts. Tell us about the featured book.Sure—here’s the jacket blurb:
Can a wild girl gone goodrebuild bridges with a good boy gone bad?
She’s the town flirt serving up trouble. He’s a pastor’s kid bent on serving God. Until tragedy separates them for eight years, turning tables—and hearts—to restore hope for them all.
At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope , turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can God’s unfailing love lead the way to His true “Isle of Hope”?
Please give us the first page of the book.Many are the woes of the wicked,but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.—Psalm 32:10Isle of Hope, Georgia, Early SummerWhen it comes to burning bridges, I am the Queen of Kerosene.
Puffing out a wispy sigh, Lacey Carmichael squinted into the rearview mirror to make sure the coast was clear, then dragged her bulging purse onto the seat with an unladylike grunt. The action caused her dusty blue Honda to swerve on Skidaway Road—along with her stomach.
Oh, crud! She straightened the wheel with a jerk, body rattling more than her 2008 Honda after a cross-country trip. Her gaze flicked to the mirror, and relief coursed like high tide. The road behind revealed nothing but palms and Georgia pines, silent sentinels ushering her home.
Home. Where full moons rose over the marsh and the scent of wisteria embraced summer nights. Where the lazy lull of river grasses swayed in the breeze, soothing a sleepy coastal community that burrowed into one’s memory like a long-lost friend. A haven where tidy cottages nestled next to lush antebellum homes, evoking a postcard setting that harkened back to a simpler time.
A simpler time?
Lacey sucked in a deep draw of the rich and humid low-country air that was pungent with the salty smell of the marsh, and instantly zipped back eight years to a time that had been anything but simple. Memories of an eighteen-year-old wild child constricted her throat. A rebel daughter who’d bolted from the hometown that had been anything but a home.
Her shoulders slumped as she passed the Piggly Wiggly.
What am I doing here?
She cut loose another gust of ragged air while her eyes focused straight ahead. Returning to the scene of the crime. The charred debris of all the mistakes that I’ve made. One hand welded to the steering wheel, she rifled through her studded leather purse with the other, fingers fumbling on a tube of lip-gloss. With amazing dexterity, she untwirled the screw-on cap and applied “Ooh La La,” then puckered her lips. Now if she could only gloss over her past as easily ...
The BP loomed ahead and she slapped on her blinker, veering in to park at the closest empty pump. Her car squealed to a stop at the exact moment the contents of her purse careened to the floor. Lacey, you lead foot—when are you going to learn? Mumbling under her breath, she turned the car off and leaned to pick up the spilled items. A woman’s high-pitched laughter suddenly riddled the air, desecrating the sacred strains of Justin Timberlake from a radio nearby.
“Jack, you bad boy,” a woman’s sultry voice said, drifting from the other side of the pump, “what am I going to do with you?”
“Well, I know a few things that come to mind.”
Wow! I can’t wait until my copy comes. It will go to the top of my to-be-read pile. I might even stop what I’m reading at the time and dive right in. Where can we find you on the Internet?Thank you, Lena, for hosting me on your blog—it’s been fun! Readers can find and contact me at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest or by signing up for my newsletter.
I also have a blog called “Journal Jots,” which is a very laid-back journal to my reader friends, or readers can check out my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books on the “Excerpts” tab of my website. In addition, I can be found daily at The Seekers, a group blog of 13 published authors that inspires, encourages, teaches, and informs aspiring writers on the road to publication and beyond. Although Seekerville has been listed on Writers Digest 2013 and 2014 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” it is also a blog devoted to readers as well.
Finally, I have the following sales/contests currently going on:
AWARD-WINNING IRISH LOVE STORY ON SALE! The eBook for my Irish love story, A Light in the Window—224 five-star reviews on Amazon and winner of three awards—is on sale for only $.99, so I invite you to take a peek at the excellent video my artist hubby did for A Light in the Window, starring my daughter. ALITW Video. 
Dec. 5-12, 2015 ONLY — O’connor christmas novellas on special CHRISTMAS sale! ‘Tis the season, and I’m ready for it with two novellas that are part of the Hope for the Holiday’s Historical Collection and the Home for Christmas Historical Romance Collection, both of which include novellas from other award-winning authors for only $.99 per collection, so I hope your readers check them out.
Calling All Writers!! My writer’s workbook entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets is on e-sale for $2.99
CONTEST TO HAVE A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER YOU IN MY NEXT BOOK, A SIGNED COPY, AND CHOICE OF ONE OF MY OTHER BOOKS. Sound good to you? If so, just head on over to the CONTESTtab of my website and check it out.
Hugs,Julie
Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book and these sales with us today.
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
December 8, 2015
THE GOLDEN BRAID - Melanie Dickerson - One Free Book
Dear Readers, I’ve loved Melanie’s books since the first one. She has been writing Young Adult books that are retelling of fairy tales as historical novels set in the middle ages. I don’t know why they are called YA novels, because I believe they are novels for all ages. I know you’ll love this one, too.
BIO: Historical romance author Melanie Dickerson earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the Universityof Alabama and has taught students with special needs in Georgiaand Tennessee. She has also taught English in Germanyand Ukraine. Dickerson has won numerous awards, including the 2012 Carol Award in young adult fiction and the 2010 National Readers’ Choice Award for best first book. Her novels The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter were both Christy Award finalists. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two guinea pigs near Huntsville, Alabama. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and her website, www.MelanieDickerson.com
Welcome back, Melanie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?That’s a pretty interesting story, Lena. I had in mind to write a Rapunzel story at some point, though no definite plan. And then one day on Facebook, one of my friends made a suggestion about a heroine. I think it may have been for my book, The Princess Spy. But I told her No, the heroine was going to be Valten and Gabe’s oldest sister, Margaretha. But the more I thought about her suggestion, which had previously never occurred to me, the more I realized what a great heroine she would make for a Rapunzel story. The heroine’s identity and the Rapunzel story quickly came together in my mind. So that’s how it started. And that friend’s name was Terry Bell, whom I did not know personally, but we have since become good friends. I even got to visit her last May when I went to Dallas for the RT Booklovers Convention.
That is awesome. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Oh, Lena, this a cruel question!!! There are so many Christian authors that I would love to get to know better (might even wish I was BFFs with, but that might sound stalker-ish). Some I would invite are Betsy St. Amant, Janice Thompson, Mary Jane Hathaway, Katherine Reay, Tina Russo Radcliffe, Amy Matayo, because they all seem fun and interesting. I could go on and on, truly.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?This is even harder, since I’m already friends with so many. Kristy Cambron, Mary Connealy, Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, Pepper Basham, Tamera Alexander. Again, these are already ladies that I admire, and many of them I already know are funny and sweet. Funny and sweet, my two favorite qualities in a friend.
Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?Isn’t it so true, Lena? Most people never have an inkling of the struggles. At this very moment (and this could easily change) my biggest problem is just trying to find the time and the FOCUS to get everything done by the deadlines. But this is of course not the worst problem a writer could have! I just worry a little bit about burn-out.
I so understand. Tell us about the featured book.
The Golden Braid
is a Rapunzel story set in Medieval Germany, a new story in the Hagenheim series, also known as the Fairy Tale Romance series. It’s very romantic, but is also a sort of coming-of-age kind of story about a 19-yr-old girl who has been dominated all her life by her overprotective mother. Rapunzel learns and grows and breaks out of her rut, and by the end of the story, she’s in a much different place, in every way, than when she started out.
Please give us the first page of the book.Late winter, 1413, the village of Ottelfelt, Southwest of Hagenheim, the Holy Roman Empire“Rapunzel, I wish to marry you.”
At that moment, Mother revealed herself from behind the well in the center of the village, her lips pressed tightly together.
The look Mother fixed on Wendel Gotekens was the one that always made Rapunzel’s stomach churn.
Rapunzel shuffled backward on the rutted dirt road, “I am afraid I cannot marry you.”
“Why not?” He leaned toward her, his wavy hair unusually tame and looking suspiciously like he rubbed it with grease. “I have as much land as the other villagers. I even have two goats and five chickens. Not many people in Ottelfelt have both goats and chickens.”
She silently repeated the words an old woman had once told her. The truth is kinder than a lie.
“I do not wish to marry you, Wendel.” She had once seen him unleash his ill temper on one of his goats when it ran away from him. That alone would have been enough to make her lose interest in him, if she had ever felt any.
He opened his mouth as if to protest further, but he became aware of Mother’s presence and turned toward her.
I love that opening. How can readers find you on the Internet?I'm on facebook a lot, and I have a personal page https://www.facebook.com/melanie.dickerson.authoras well as an author page https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooksand I am happy to interact with readers on either. I’m also on twitter https://twitter.com/melanieauthorAnd now Pinterest too https://www.pinterest.com/dickerson3046/
Thank you, Melanie, for visiting with us again with this new book. I always love having you.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
The Golden Braid - 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
BIO: Historical romance author Melanie Dickerson earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the Universityof Alabama and has taught students with special needs in Georgiaand Tennessee. She has also taught English in Germanyand Ukraine. Dickerson has won numerous awards, including the 2012 Carol Award in young adult fiction and the 2010 National Readers’ Choice Award for best first book. Her novels The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter were both Christy Award finalists. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two guinea pigs near Huntsville, Alabama. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and her website, www.MelanieDickerson.com
Welcome back, Melanie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?That’s a pretty interesting story, Lena. I had in mind to write a Rapunzel story at some point, though no definite plan. And then one day on Facebook, one of my friends made a suggestion about a heroine. I think it may have been for my book, The Princess Spy. But I told her No, the heroine was going to be Valten and Gabe’s oldest sister, Margaretha. But the more I thought about her suggestion, which had previously never occurred to me, the more I realized what a great heroine she would make for a Rapunzel story. The heroine’s identity and the Rapunzel story quickly came together in my mind. So that’s how it started. And that friend’s name was Terry Bell, whom I did not know personally, but we have since become good friends. I even got to visit her last May when I went to Dallas for the RT Booklovers Convention.That is awesome. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Oh, Lena, this a cruel question!!! There are so many Christian authors that I would love to get to know better (might even wish I was BFFs with, but that might sound stalker-ish). Some I would invite are Betsy St. Amant, Janice Thompson, Mary Jane Hathaway, Katherine Reay, Tina Russo Radcliffe, Amy Matayo, because they all seem fun and interesting. I could go on and on, truly.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?This is even harder, since I’m already friends with so many. Kristy Cambron, Mary Connealy, Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, Pepper Basham, Tamera Alexander. Again, these are already ladies that I admire, and many of them I already know are funny and sweet. Funny and sweet, my two favorite qualities in a friend.
Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?Isn’t it so true, Lena? Most people never have an inkling of the struggles. At this very moment (and this could easily change) my biggest problem is just trying to find the time and the FOCUS to get everything done by the deadlines. But this is of course not the worst problem a writer could have! I just worry a little bit about burn-out.
I so understand. Tell us about the featured book.
The Golden Braid
is a Rapunzel story set in Medieval Germany, a new story in the Hagenheim series, also known as the Fairy Tale Romance series. It’s very romantic, but is also a sort of coming-of-age kind of story about a 19-yr-old girl who has been dominated all her life by her overprotective mother. Rapunzel learns and grows and breaks out of her rut, and by the end of the story, she’s in a much different place, in every way, than when she started out.Please give us the first page of the book.Late winter, 1413, the village of Ottelfelt, Southwest of Hagenheim, the Holy Roman Empire“Rapunzel, I wish to marry you.”
At that moment, Mother revealed herself from behind the well in the center of the village, her lips pressed tightly together.
The look Mother fixed on Wendel Gotekens was the one that always made Rapunzel’s stomach churn.
Rapunzel shuffled backward on the rutted dirt road, “I am afraid I cannot marry you.”
“Why not?” He leaned toward her, his wavy hair unusually tame and looking suspiciously like he rubbed it with grease. “I have as much land as the other villagers. I even have two goats and five chickens. Not many people in Ottelfelt have both goats and chickens.”
She silently repeated the words an old woman had once told her. The truth is kinder than a lie.
“I do not wish to marry you, Wendel.” She had once seen him unleash his ill temper on one of his goats when it ran away from him. That alone would have been enough to make her lose interest in him, if she had ever felt any.
He opened his mouth as if to protest further, but he became aware of Mother’s presence and turned toward her.
I love that opening. How can readers find you on the Internet?I'm on facebook a lot, and I have a personal page https://www.facebook.com/melanie.dickerson.authoras well as an author page https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooksand I am happy to interact with readers on either. I’m also on twitter https://twitter.com/melanieauthorAnd now Pinterest too https://www.pinterest.com/dickerson3046/
Thank you, Melanie, for visiting with us again with this new book. I always love having you.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
The Golden Braid - 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
