Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 174
October 15, 2015
A WESTERN CHRISTMAS - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Louise is one of my long-time writer friends, who writes authentic historical novels. Her research is seamlessly woven into the stories, so the readers aren’t aware how much research she really does. It takes a good writer to do that.Bio: Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical Romances. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005, placed second in 2011; and placed in the Laurel Wreath in 2012. Her indie novel Then Came Love placed second in the 2015 IRCA. When she isn't writing, she and David, her husband of fifty years, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums.
Welcome back, Louise. How did you come up with the idea for this story?Thanks for having me visit your blog, Lena. Here’s the story of my inspiration: My sister lives in a beautiful, real life adobe house beside the Rio Grande, and during my many visits to see her, I have been inspired by the history of the area. I’ve long wanted to write a story set on her land, although I’ve tweaked the descriptions for this story’s sake. After all, it takes place in 1886, and of course life was harder back then. No phones, no television, no running water. Meals were cooked on woodstoves. Many natural and human dangers faced the settlers every day. Still our hardy ancestors managed to survive and build strong communities. They also loved to celebrate Christmas, just as we do today. So when my editor asked me to write a Christmas novella, I knew the time had come to write that New Mexicostory. Here's a picture of my sister's hacienda when we spent Christmas there.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Oh, dear, this is tough. I don’t read contemporary fiction, so I have no idea whom to invite. Maybe I’d hire a party planner and let her set me up with some great authors! LOL!
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?Lena, I’m a big fan of yours, so you’d be first on my list. I’d also invite MaryLu Tyndall, Laurie Alice Eakes, Ramona Cecil, and Debbie Lynne Costello. I would also invite Renee Ryan, who shares this anthology, A Western Christmas, with me. These ladies are all excellent authors whose works take me away into history. I always learn something new, and I’m inspired to improve my own writing.
Thank you for including me. I love spending time with other authors. 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?So far my biggest problem has been that I’m a part time college professor, so my writing is interrupted by those days when I have to teach. To solve this problem, I have prayerfully given my notice, and this is my last semester of teaching. Time truly is the main problem, so I expect to be able to write much faster in the future. We’ll see.
That’s exciting news, Louise. Tell us about the featured book.I had a lot of fun writing
Yuletide Reunion
, which is published in Harlequin’s Christmas anthology, A Western Christmas. I loved the research and loved developing my characters. Here’s the blurb: Emma Sharp's family needs to rebuild their barn before Christmas. All help is welcome—even if it comes from the handsome neighboring rancher who jilted her two years ago. Can Jared Mattson prove that he wants to build not just a barn with Emma—but a bright future together?Please give us the first page of the book.Riverton, New Mexico December 1886At the sound of approaching hoof beats, Emma Sharp didn’t bother to look up from clearing away the charred boards of her family’s burned out barn. No doubt more men were coming to help with the cleanup. The ones who’d come first thing this morning said last night’s blaze had been visible in the clear, black sky from ten miles away, so she expected many good neighbors to show up throughout the day and for days to come. Emma shoved a lock of hair from her forehead with her leather-gloved hand and blew away the fine strands that always lingered to tickle her forehead and cheeks.
The hoof beats stopped nearby and a familiar voice called out in a teasing tone, “My, my, what a pretty sight.”
Emma froze. Jared Mattson. The last person she wanted to see, even at her best. Today, dressed in Pa’s old trousers and faded flannel shirt, she cringed in spite of herself. Even two years after he cruelly played with her affections and then jilted her without any explanation, she still couldn’t bear to be in his presence. She could manage to ignore him in church and at social gatherings, but now, covered from head to toe with soot, she would make an easy target for his teasing wit.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is http://blog.Louisemgouge.com
Thank you, Louise, for sharing this Christmas collection with us.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
Special announcement!Today is release day for WARM MULLED KISSES, the novella collection that I featured earlier on the blog. It's a real bargain at the special release price of $.99http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016B3CRRI?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B016B3CRRI&linkCode=xm2&tag=lenneldoochaw-20
October 14, 2015
DEADLOCK - DiAnn Mills - One Free Book
Bio:DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
Dear Readers, I’ve known DiAnn since the beginning of American Christian Romance Writers which later became American Christian Fiction writers. I’ve always loved reading her books. Deadlock is another in a long line of wonderful romantic suspense novels that I’ve loved.
Welcome, DiAnn. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.I believe in Christian fiction to show readers a Christian worldview through a non-threatening environment. As a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and writer, my days are filled creating story and serving God. My husband and I live in Houston, Texas. How did you become interested in writing? I can’t remember when I didn’t think about writing. Before I could hold a pencil, I created story. After I could hold a pencil, I wrote story. The power of the written word intrigued me as much then as now—the sound of words, the look of them on the written page, the way words are used to move, entertain, and inspire the reader.
What compelled you to write a book on this subject? The romantic suspense novel Deadlock tackles how high-profile FBI agents work through a murder case while dealing with the uncomfortable issues of family dynamics. What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book? We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world. God gifts those in law enforcement to stop and prevent crime. He is sovereign.
Other themes are forgiveness and trust. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?God is bigger than our problems - whether that be career, spiritual, or personal. In Deadlock , not only did professional problems attack my hero and heroine, but family issues. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today? My heroine steps into the violent crime division of the FBI and meets her new partner, the same man who’d sent her brother to jail. While the two agents work to build a trusting relationship, the two are opposite personalities: she operates by the book, and he is a free thinker. The two together will either be unstoppable or destroy each other. And they might find love in the process. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?I write about my heavenly Father in obedience to His call on my life. Fiction is how Jesus taught life principles, and I believe in its power to bring truth to readers. Another passion is teaching writers the craft, watching them grow, and fulfilling their dreams. Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? Jeremiah 29:9 If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,”there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones,and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
A very powerful scripture for writers or any Christian. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies? When I’m not writing I’m busy with grandchildren, reading, cooking, and lately learning how to roast my own coffee beans. Grandchildren, and even great grandchildren, are the spice of life as we grow older. As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?I love to hear from readers! Contact me via my website www.diannmills.com. For those who enjoy a weekly blog, I encourage readers to sign up for my newsletter/blog on my website.
May you be blessed and know God’s redeeming love. He has a plan for your life. Let Him show you how to find peace.
Tell us about the book.
Deadlock
Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.
When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?http://www.diannmills.com/www.facebook.com/diannmillstwitter.com/diannmills
Thank you, DiAnn, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
Deadlock (FBI: Houston Book 3) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 13, 2015
VENDETTA - Lisa Harris - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Lisa Harris is a dear friend, and I love reading her books. I’m actually reading Vendetta right now. It’s hard to put down when I have to do something else. Before Lisa and her family went on the mission field in Africa, they were here for her husband to go to school. So I was privileged to mentor her before she became published.
Welcome back. Lisa. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?While it took me a long time to actually start writing, it was definitely something I always wanted to do. I was in my late twenties, though, when I finally decided to write my first book.
How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish? I can comfortably write about 20k a month, so it depends on the size of the book, but typically 3-4 months plus a couple months of editing.
How do you come up with themes for your stories?I think for most books the themes have evolved while I’m writing. I typically have a setting, plot, and characters to begin with, then the theme comes to life more organically.
Do you have a schedule of when you write? I have a word count I need to finish every day. My days are usually filled with a lot of other things I have to do, so there is never a specific schedule I follow. (Though that would be nice!)
How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?Breaking it all down into small bites! I know what I need to get done everyday, and I really try to stay focused enough to do it. Life does often get in the way, so I also try to add a bit of padding to my schedule for when things happen that I can’t ignore.
What elements do you think make a great story line? Characters the reader can relate to and sympathize with along with a plot that will throw them into some kind of conflict that has the reader rooting for them even when it seems like everything is lost.
Oh, yes. You do that very well. What was the hardest thing about writing a book? There really are so many distractions that pull, so finding that balance can be hard. And then there is also the drive to make the next book better than the last book and really wanting to please readers!
How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? I’m not sure exactly how many, but somewhere around thirty. As for a favorite ... each book represents a time in my life and a story from my heart, so it’s so hard to choose!
Do you have a favorite character?I’m going to pick Nikki Boyd since I’m writing her story right now. While book one is the story coming out right now, I’m actually writing book three and I love this series. It’s different from series I’ve written in the past and I’m really enjoying the journey.
Tell us about the story.Book one in the Nikki Boyd Files is set in the stunning Smoky Mountains. No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Person Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels that this case is getting personal, and that she is not the hunter at all—but actually the one being hunted.
Please give us a peek at the first page of the book for my readers.Where can my readers find you on the Internet?I have a brand new website about to be revealed thanks to my wonderful publisher, Revell. www.lisaharriswrites.com.
Thanks, Lena!!! Praying for your recovery.
Thank you, Lisa. Prayers from you and so many others have carried me through this recovery faster than the last time. I sometimes forget that I'm not completely healed and do too much.
And thank you for sharing this new book with us. I'm going to be looking for the next Nikki Boyd novel.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
Vendetta (The Nikki Boyd Files Book #1): A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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. Lisa. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?While it took me a long time to actually start writing, it was definitely something I always wanted to do. I was in my late twenties, though, when I finally decided to write my first book.How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish? I can comfortably write about 20k a month, so it depends on the size of the book, but typically 3-4 months plus a couple months of editing.
How do you come up with themes for your stories?I think for most books the themes have evolved while I’m writing. I typically have a setting, plot, and characters to begin with, then the theme comes to life more organically.
Do you have a schedule of when you write? I have a word count I need to finish every day. My days are usually filled with a lot of other things I have to do, so there is never a specific schedule I follow. (Though that would be nice!)
How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?Breaking it all down into small bites! I know what I need to get done everyday, and I really try to stay focused enough to do it. Life does often get in the way, so I also try to add a bit of padding to my schedule for when things happen that I can’t ignore.
What elements do you think make a great story line? Characters the reader can relate to and sympathize with along with a plot that will throw them into some kind of conflict that has the reader rooting for them even when it seems like everything is lost.
Oh, yes. You do that very well. What was the hardest thing about writing a book? There really are so many distractions that pull, so finding that balance can be hard. And then there is also the drive to make the next book better than the last book and really wanting to please readers!
How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? I’m not sure exactly how many, but somewhere around thirty. As for a favorite ... each book represents a time in my life and a story from my heart, so it’s so hard to choose!
Do you have a favorite character?I’m going to pick Nikki Boyd since I’m writing her story right now. While book one is the story coming out right now, I’m actually writing book three and I love this series. It’s different from series I’ve written in the past and I’m really enjoying the journey.
Tell us about the story.Book one in the Nikki Boyd Files is set in the stunning Smoky Mountains. No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Person Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels that this case is getting personal, and that she is not the hunter at all—but actually the one being hunted.Please give us a peek at the first page of the book for my readers.Where can my readers find you on the Internet?I have a brand new website about to be revealed thanks to my wonderful publisher, Revell. www.lisaharriswrites.com.
Thanks, Lena!!! Praying for your recovery.
Thank you, Lisa. Prayers from you and so many others have carried me through this recovery faster than the last time. I sometimes forget that I'm not completely healed and do too much.
And thank you for sharing this new book with us. I'm going to be looking for the next Nikki Boyd novel.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
Vendetta (The Nikki Boyd Files Book #1): A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 11, 2015
WINNERS!!!!!
Martha (WI) is the winner of
Waters of Separation
by Carol Mcclain.
Karen (OK) is the winner of Worth Her Weight by Janet K Brown.
Melissa (VA) is the winner of the ebook Warm Mulled Kisses by 11 Christian authors.
Britney (TX) is the winner of Mercy's Rescue by Debra Holt.
Abigail (NC) is the winner of Submerged by Elizabeth Goddard.
If you won a book and you like it, 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.
Karen (OK) is the winner of Worth Her Weight by Janet K Brown.
Melissa (VA) is the winner of the ebook Warm Mulled Kisses by 11 Christian authors.
Britney (TX) is the winner of Mercy's Rescue by Debra Holt.
Abigail (NC) is the winner of Submerged by Elizabeth Goddard.
If you won a book and you like it, 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.
October 9, 2015
REVIVING JULES - Peggy Trotter - One Free Book
Welcome back, Peggy. Why do you write the kind of books you do? I write both Contemporary and Historical Romance. Sometimes even with a dash of suspense! But always, always, Romance! I guess I just want things to work out for everyone, the simple happily-ever-after.Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? When I married my husband, of course. We’ve been together for 31 years and he is literally my best friend.
How has being published changed your life? Well, I now know what sleep deprivation is, lol. It’s the completion of a dream that started a very long time ago. It verifies that God does give us the desires of our heart.
What are you reading right now? Believe it or not, it’s Margie Lawson’s Empowering Character’s Emotions. A writer always strives to be better.
What is your current work in progress? Stormi is my work in progress. It’s a contemporary romance about a woman who is learning a complete new way of life after becoming a Christian. She came from the wild side, and now she wants her life to count for more than rainbow hair and numbering the studs piercing her face. She ends up marrying a man who didn’t exactly graduate at the top of his class to assuage her guilt when he falls in love with her. And his brother’s family? Not so happy about the arrangement. And with lots of fun narcissistic people thrown in, just to stir up the pot.
What would be your dream vacation? I would love to not just vacation, but live on the beach. To be able to step out onto a balcony and listen to the waves is surely the stuff where most writing dreams begin.
How do you choose your settings for each book? Usually it is a place I’ve been, but not always. Sometimes it depends on what will happen in the book. Like my current project has the hero as a fisherman. So the setting is on the Atlantic coast.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Ahhhh. Easy. My husband. Always him. Do you wonder why I’m such a romance lover?
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I have tons! But my current obsession is DIY projects. I just refinished a dresser and a chest. It originally was walnut stained, but the pine was very dingy and dinged after 25 years. So, I sanded and painted it white with a mahogany top and affixed new hardware. They look great! But I also like—knitting, crocheting, beading, painting, crafts, cross-stitch, sewing, playing the piano and guitar, landscaping, woodworking gardening—Whew! I thinks that’s all. With winter coming on, I’ll be ready to crochet and knit hats!
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Probably fatigue at this point. I have a full-time job, and I just fit in writing when I can. Otherwise, I work myself into situation where nothing I do is really top notch. Thankfully, I have my summers off, so that becomes my intense writing time.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Study the craft and don’t give up.
Tell us about the featured book. Reviving Jules is a Contemporary Romance about a woman at the end of her rope. One horrible nightmare after another happens until she runs like Jonah to try to escape the pain. The problems is she shuts out God, who is the very one who could restore her.
Rhett Carsen vows never to marry again. He redoubles his efforts to raise his motherless daughter alone, but runs into trouble when work sends him traveling. His daughter instantly bonds with the newcomer in the neighborhood, Jules Summers, who in turn, assists him in caring for his daughter. She seems like the answer to his prayers, an instant live-in nanny. Yet, why does she captivate his every thought?
They work together as a team to care for Rhett’s child. But is, “practicality” the only thing God has planned for these two? Or could there be a whole lot more?
Please give us the first page of the book.
The house completely sucked. Which made it perfect. Jules Summers breathed in the stale air of the vacant living room, her gaze flitting from the water-stained wooden floors to the white walls riddled with nail holes. A large black spider suspended in a cloud of an intricate web drew her eye to the upper corner near the ceiling.
Yes, perfect.
The realtor beamed, flipped her bobbed hair, and pushed the ill-fitted door shut. “Well, I know you’re interested in renting only, but I give everyone the same tour, just in case you change your mind.”
Jules released a pent up breath and kept her face expressionless. The slender woman in the navy pantsuit continued as if Jules had gushed with interest. The realtor approached and pressed a fact sheet into her fingers before gesturing to the expanse before them.
“The open concept here of the living/dining areas is quite convenient for entertaining. The wood floor is original and would be gorgeous if one took a little time to resurface it.”
Jules ignored her and walked to the left where the sunlight streamed through the double glass doors facing the backyard. The woman continued to talk, referring to her property hot sheet. Amy? Was that her name? Jules sighed and glanced at the paper she held. Did it matter?
“Built in 1951, it’s a classic jewel—solid. There’re plenty of cabinets, and all a person needs is a fresh coat of paint to perk them right up. They’re charming, really. Retro, even. The appliances stay.” She tapped a silver monstrosity sandwiched between bottom cabinets. “I think this oven might be a collector’s item. Irreplaceable. Now, if you’ll step down the hall with me, you’ll see the two bedrooms.”
“I’ll take it.” The woman froze in mid-step and shot her a glance. “I’m sorry?” Jules shifted her weight and pushed her empty hand into her jeans’ pocket.
“When can I move in?”
Amy’s eyebrows lifted before her lips stretched into a small smile, and she nodded toward the back of the house.
“Wouldn’t you like to check out the bedrooms first?”
“No.”
Sounds interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?My website: peggytrotter.comBlog: diamondsinfiction.blogspot.comPersonal blog: http://peggytrotter.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeggyTrotterAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/Peggy_TrotterGoogle: https://plus.google.com/u/0/114013524674058453981/postsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pegtrotter/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/peggy-trotter/95/29b/44aAmazon: http://amzn.com/B00UZ78ZUAPrism Book Group: http://www.prismbookgroup.com/Inspired.htmlGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25294770-year-of-jubileeAmazon Author’s Profile Page: http://www.amazon.com/Peggy-
Thank you, Peggy, for sharing this new book with me and my readers.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.Reviving Jules
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 8, 2015
A REASON TO STAY - Kellie Gilbert - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Kellie Gilbert is one of my very dear writing friends. She was in my critique group for awhile. I love her books. The stories are contemporary and deal with hard issues, and her writing draws me in from the first word. This book is a the top of my to-be-read pile, because I’ve been working on publishing the Christmas book I shared with you a few days ago.
Welcome back, Kellie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?I love to feature strong female protagonists, often women who work in various professions, who encounter life-changing circumstances they never see coming. Like in real life, these characters must examine the props they use to feel loved and secure, the ways they replace what only God can truly provide. My books typically don’t have strong spiritual threads, but the themes and metaphors are certainly there.
I also like to write about marriage, and the choice couples must make to stay together when so much in our world tries to tear apart life long and God honoring commitments. That is the particular theme of the book that just released— A Reason to Stay .
What other books of yours are coming out soon?Like I mentioned, A Reason to Stay just released this week. This is the third in a four-book collection of novels in the Texas Gold collection. Each of the books is set in a metropolitan area of Texas. This book is in Houston.
Next June, the final book What Matters Most will debut and will showcase a political backdrop set in Austin.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?I would like to spend an evening with President Obama—just him and me. I have a few things I’d like to share with him. *winks*
Now a historical person, but not Jesus.This may be cheating a bit, but I’d love to meet and talk with John, the author of Revelation. I’m intrigued with the idea that he spent so much time with Jesus—ate with him, traveled with him, slept near him. Yet, when he saw him for the first time in glory, he fell as though dead. So . . . what was THAT about?
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Oh, this is one of my favorite topics. Never before have authors had so many wonderful options. Despite any changes in the publishing industry as a whole, there will always be readers. So, my encouragement is this: WRITE! And be BRAVE! Do things you haven’t tried. Embrace new opportunities. And think out of the box. There are authors making great incomes and building readerships in unique new ways.
So—be a Tigger . . . not an Eeyore. Most especially, if you are a believer and write for Christ. My goodness, what is there to be afraid of?
Tell us about the featured book.This story is so very close to my heart because it features a young mismatched couple (she’s an ambitious news anchor and he’s a championship bass fisherman) who fall in love, marry, and then the real world sets in. Family tensions, work situations, priorities . . . all the things that pull couples apart come at them with full force. Soon, they believe they’ve made a mistake. Despite loving one another, they believe the lie that if you’re not happy all the time, you shouldn’t be married.
Lena—you and James have such a wonderful marriage and relationship. But I bet you can tell readers that bond didn’t happen overnight, or even easily. Two becoming one can take a lot of work, much compromise and mostly—a commitment to stay.
A Reason to Stay is my testament to marriage.
You’re so right, Kellie. In over 50 years, we went through a lot of tough things that could have pulled us apart, but I praise the Lord for helping us grow through them. Please give us the first page of the book.
EXCERPT from A Reason to Stay (Baker/Revell):There’s no need to fix something that isn’t broken.
At least that was what Faith Marin’s mother always said. And goodness knows, her mother was never wrong.
Unfortunately, the station’s executive news director had expressed the exact opposite sentiment in his office yesterday. “Okay, listen. I’m not saying what we’re doing isn’t working. I’m only suggesting we might have to consider changing things up a bit. No one else is going to keep Faith Marin’s star shining. You have to do that for yourself. Right now, your Q score remains high, but you and I both know this is a nearsighted business. Viewers are fickle, which is why we spend an inordinate amount of time and money keeping the Faith on Air brand fresh and relevant.” Clark Ravino pointed at the stack of Nielsens on the corner of his desk. “And sometimes a bit of recalibration is in order.”
“Are you saying the show’s brand needs recalibrated? Or mine?” He’d been getting a lot of pushback on her series after folding to her campaign for the station to take a risk on quality programming, instead of the popular morn-porn shown on nearly every other station in their market area. Personally, if she had to see Miley Cyrus gyrating half naked one more time, she would be sick to her stomach.
The devilishly handsome man sitting across from her slowly placed his starched shirtsleeves on top of the desk and steepled his fingers. “To be honest, the answer is both.”
“Oh, c’mon, Clark. Are we really going to be another butterfly station, never landing long on anything serious, instead fluttering on to the next pretty flower that smells good? And then the next?” She’d had this argument with Clarkon numerous occasions. “Look, whoever is coming up with this nonsense is simply not giving women enough credit. Our viewers are smarter than that.”
He gave her a patient smile. “You’re missing the point.”
She scowled. “We went over all this last month. You agreed the show was getting too fluffy, that we needed to incorporate stories that significantly contribute to women’s lives.”
He tapped on the stack again. “The demos are telling us otherwise. The Most Valuable Viewer age is getting younger every day. I don’t need to tell you the station’s news shows subsidize the entire rest of the day’s programming. Even a tiny drop in household rankings is material when it comes to advertising dollars.” He pointed to the ceiling. “You can argue all you want, but that’s what matters upstairs.”
From across Clark’s desk, Faith squared her shoulders and looked her producer directly in the eye. “So the line you fed me months ago over dinner at Brennan’s was bunk? You said if I agreed to stay on the morning desk, you’d help make Faith on Air Houston’s premier morning show, that you’d let me do the kinds of stories that would position me to move on to a national market.”
Clark held up his palms. “I know what I promised. I think what we have here is simply a perception problem. We let our ratings slip, and so does your viability in the top three DMAs. You think the honchos in New York, LA, or Chicagoaren’t interested in market percentages?”He stood, came from around his desk, and placed his hand on her shoulder, but not before letting his fingers casually brush against her neck. “I’m on your side, remember?”
Faith had played that entire conversation over and over in her mind, losing valuable sleep last night. And it showed in her reflection in the makeup mirror this morning.
How can readers find you on the Internet?My website is www.kelliecoatesgilbert.comLinks to all my social media accounts are on the homepage. I’d also invite readers to sign up for my newsletters so they get notices of all future releases.
Thank you for hosting me, Lena. You are one of my favorite people in this industry!
I will always want to feature you and your books on my blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
A Reason to Stay (Texas Gold Collection): A Texas Gold Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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, Kellie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?I love to feature strong female protagonists, often women who work in various professions, who encounter life-changing circumstances they never see coming. Like in real life, these characters must examine the props they use to feel loved and secure, the ways they replace what only God can truly provide. My books typically don’t have strong spiritual threads, but the themes and metaphors are certainly there.I also like to write about marriage, and the choice couples must make to stay together when so much in our world tries to tear apart life long and God honoring commitments. That is the particular theme of the book that just released— A Reason to Stay .
What other books of yours are coming out soon?Like I mentioned, A Reason to Stay just released this week. This is the third in a four-book collection of novels in the Texas Gold collection. Each of the books is set in a metropolitan area of Texas. This book is in Houston.
Next June, the final book What Matters Most will debut and will showcase a political backdrop set in Austin.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?I would like to spend an evening with President Obama—just him and me. I have a few things I’d like to share with him. *winks*
Now a historical person, but not Jesus.This may be cheating a bit, but I’d love to meet and talk with John, the author of Revelation. I’m intrigued with the idea that he spent so much time with Jesus—ate with him, traveled with him, slept near him. Yet, when he saw him for the first time in glory, he fell as though dead. So . . . what was THAT about?
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Oh, this is one of my favorite topics. Never before have authors had so many wonderful options. Despite any changes in the publishing industry as a whole, there will always be readers. So, my encouragement is this: WRITE! And be BRAVE! Do things you haven’t tried. Embrace new opportunities. And think out of the box. There are authors making great incomes and building readerships in unique new ways.
So—be a Tigger . . . not an Eeyore. Most especially, if you are a believer and write for Christ. My goodness, what is there to be afraid of?
Tell us about the featured book.This story is so very close to my heart because it features a young mismatched couple (she’s an ambitious news anchor and he’s a championship bass fisherman) who fall in love, marry, and then the real world sets in. Family tensions, work situations, priorities . . . all the things that pull couples apart come at them with full force. Soon, they believe they’ve made a mistake. Despite loving one another, they believe the lie that if you’re not happy all the time, you shouldn’t be married. Lena—you and James have such a wonderful marriage and relationship. But I bet you can tell readers that bond didn’t happen overnight, or even easily. Two becoming one can take a lot of work, much compromise and mostly—a commitment to stay.
A Reason to Stay is my testament to marriage.
You’re so right, Kellie. In over 50 years, we went through a lot of tough things that could have pulled us apart, but I praise the Lord for helping us grow through them. Please give us the first page of the book.
EXCERPT from A Reason to Stay (Baker/Revell):There’s no need to fix something that isn’t broken.
At least that was what Faith Marin’s mother always said. And goodness knows, her mother was never wrong.
Unfortunately, the station’s executive news director had expressed the exact opposite sentiment in his office yesterday. “Okay, listen. I’m not saying what we’re doing isn’t working. I’m only suggesting we might have to consider changing things up a bit. No one else is going to keep Faith Marin’s star shining. You have to do that for yourself. Right now, your Q score remains high, but you and I both know this is a nearsighted business. Viewers are fickle, which is why we spend an inordinate amount of time and money keeping the Faith on Air brand fresh and relevant.” Clark Ravino pointed at the stack of Nielsens on the corner of his desk. “And sometimes a bit of recalibration is in order.”
“Are you saying the show’s brand needs recalibrated? Or mine?” He’d been getting a lot of pushback on her series after folding to her campaign for the station to take a risk on quality programming, instead of the popular morn-porn shown on nearly every other station in their market area. Personally, if she had to see Miley Cyrus gyrating half naked one more time, she would be sick to her stomach.
The devilishly handsome man sitting across from her slowly placed his starched shirtsleeves on top of the desk and steepled his fingers. “To be honest, the answer is both.”
“Oh, c’mon, Clark. Are we really going to be another butterfly station, never landing long on anything serious, instead fluttering on to the next pretty flower that smells good? And then the next?” She’d had this argument with Clarkon numerous occasions. “Look, whoever is coming up with this nonsense is simply not giving women enough credit. Our viewers are smarter than that.”
He gave her a patient smile. “You’re missing the point.”
She scowled. “We went over all this last month. You agreed the show was getting too fluffy, that we needed to incorporate stories that significantly contribute to women’s lives.”
He tapped on the stack again. “The demos are telling us otherwise. The Most Valuable Viewer age is getting younger every day. I don’t need to tell you the station’s news shows subsidize the entire rest of the day’s programming. Even a tiny drop in household rankings is material when it comes to advertising dollars.” He pointed to the ceiling. “You can argue all you want, but that’s what matters upstairs.”
From across Clark’s desk, Faith squared her shoulders and looked her producer directly in the eye. “So the line you fed me months ago over dinner at Brennan’s was bunk? You said if I agreed to stay on the morning desk, you’d help make Faith on Air Houston’s premier morning show, that you’d let me do the kinds of stories that would position me to move on to a national market.”
Clark held up his palms. “I know what I promised. I think what we have here is simply a perception problem. We let our ratings slip, and so does your viability in the top three DMAs. You think the honchos in New York, LA, or Chicagoaren’t interested in market percentages?”He stood, came from around his desk, and placed his hand on her shoulder, but not before letting his fingers casually brush against her neck. “I’m on your side, remember?”
Faith had played that entire conversation over and over in her mind, losing valuable sleep last night. And it showed in her reflection in the makeup mirror this morning.
How can readers find you on the Internet?My website is www.kelliecoatesgilbert.comLinks to all my social media accounts are on the homepage. I’d also invite readers to sign up for my newsletters so they get notices of all future releases.
Thank you for hosting me, Lena. You are one of my favorite people in this industry!
I will always want to feature you and your books on my blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
- Amazon
A Reason to Stay (Texas Gold Collection): A Texas Gold Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 6, 2015
A TEXAS CHRISTMAS - Darlene Franklin - One Free Book
Dear Readers, today I’m introducing you to another of the authors of A Texas Christmas, and you’ll have another chance to win a copy.
Welcome back, Darlene. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?I dived into Indie, e-book publishing when the Heartsong book club closed down last year. I hope to continue writing with traditional publishers, especially novellas and devotionals.
Since I now have more freedom in choosing “what next,” I’m not certain what my focus will be. I’ve mainly written historical romance (which I love to read and write). I’d love to write more mysteries—but it’s a very different skill, and do I want to spend the time to develop it? I also hope to complete several devotional books. Who knows? God may set me on an unexpected path. Now that I’m in a nursing home, with uncertain health, I’ve asked Him several times, “Am I still supposed to write?” Every time I ask, I get another assignment, keeping me busy. I’ve stopped asking!
What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? I can’t physically attend any conferences. However, I taught a course at the At-Home Conference hosted by Karin Beery, for those members of ACFW who can’t attend. I have taught several times in the past. This year’s subject is on developing spiritual threads in our stories. Even readers who complain that I use too much scripture in my stories admit that they do shed light on the story. In other words, I believe I have a gift for weaving spiritual truths into stories without getting too preachy. I loved having the opportunity.
If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why? Oh, you’re putting me on the spot. The hot topic these days is self-publishing: do you aim for a traditional publisher or do you publish it on your own. How do you decide? What are the pitfuls of self-publishing? How can you make a success of it? I know at least two very successful Indie authors, Cindy Hickey and Lacy Williams, and would research a few others.
Yes, and some of the well-known, big name Christian authors have moved entirely to Indie publishing. It’s a whole new publishing world out there. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations? It’s very important to me. I belong to the local chapter (OCFW) and national (ACFW) of American Christian Fiction Writers. I also belong to Christian Authors Network (CAN). ACFW keeps me in contact with the Christian writing community, new authors, new venues to publicize my work, opportunities to pass on what I have learned, a great research resource—not to mention the best support system in the world. My mother couldn’t believe the love and care we received from ACFW when my daughter died several years ago. CAN is more focused. All the members are professional authors. The group is dedicated primarily to marketing and has a close relationship with the Munce group, an association of independent Christian retailers.
Where in the community or your church do you volunteer? That’s hard in a nursing home. Last year I wrote devotions from the book of Matthew which my local church used during Lenten Sunday services. I donated a large number of books to the ladies’ group for their reading pleasure and to use as door prizes and pass along where needs arise.
At my new nursing home, one of the churches that visits has no pianist to accompany them. So I offered. My playing suffers from my arthritic fingers but God still uses me, all praise to Him. I also try to get to know the people around me, patients and workers alike. I asked a housekeeper yesterday what he did outside of work. He treated me to a 15 minute lecture on his many and varied interests, pleased that someone wanted to listen. It was a reminder that I should ask more often.
There are places where you can minister to people in a nursing home, and I’m glad you’re finding them. Even in the two and half weeks I spent in rehab in August and September, God used me to touch some of the workers, nurses, and other residents. He is so awesome. Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how? I’ll start with my family: my mother, whom I respect more and more the older I get. My children, Jaran and Jolene, both for the problems they caused me and for the joy they brought me.
My friend Karen from my 6 years in Tulsa, when my marriage was falling apart, and I had absolutely no self-confidence. She helped me see that my decisions, which felt rushed, were actually the result of a long-time consideration of the problems. I needed that confidence when I was left single, with two children traumatized by abuse.
The members (I’m cheating, using groups of people as one) of my first face-to-face writers’ group. In the days prior to ACFW, we
And if I was going to mention one more person, I would say Pastor Bill, who agreed to adopt me as a member of his church when he visited my roommate, and who continues to stay in touch and serve as an advocate for me even though he retired and I moved.
The obvious, before anything else, so obvious I didn’t say it—GOD! Amen, forever and ever!
If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?Good question. How about, “God’s servant because He loved me first and always.”
I love it. Tell us about the featured book.
A Texas Christmas
puts together six novellas previously published elsewhere. My contribution is
Face of Mary
. In one of my most obvious of biblical parallels, I reimagine the story of Joseph and Mary’s courtship. “Joey” and “Polly” (Mary) has worshiped her best friend’s older brother Joey since childhood. She held on to a chance remark made by Joey to believe they were engaged. When he finishes law school, he returns home—engaged. The story goes on from there, with her father’s failing mental health and Joey’s disillusionment with his fiancé.
Please share the first page with us for my readers. Polly Jessup dallied longer than usual in the bedroom she shared with her two younger sisters. She wanted to look her best today. Not only was Jean Carpenter celeb rating her engagement to Abraham Mott, but Jean’s brother Joey had returned home after four years away. Polly pulled her dark hair away from her face, but it continued to fall into a center part. Should she wear it up? No, at seventeen she was too young to dress her locks in the style of an old married matron, even if she did feel that way some days. Taking care of four younger brothers and sisters did that to a girl. She teased her fringe across her forehead, hoping they might curl. Joey Carpenter. “I think I’ll marry you myself.” Her heart beat faster at the memory. How many times had she repeated his words when she learned a new verse from the Bible or studied something new? Even though she had retired from competition she continued to hide God’s Word in her heart. She hungered for it almost as much as she hungered for food, and prayed she would walk according to God’s law. Did Joey even remember what he had said to her all those years ago? Would he mention it when he saw her today? She blushed. He had probably forgotten long ago.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Darlenefranklinwrites.com http://darlenefranklinwrites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.FranklinTwitter: @darlene franklinhttp://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/
Thank you, Darlene, for sharing with us today. You're an inspiration to me, and I love your writing.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
A Texas Christmas: Six Romances from the Historic Lone Star State Herald the Season of Love
- Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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, Darlene. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?I dived into Indie, e-book publishing when the Heartsong book club closed down last year. I hope to continue writing with traditional publishers, especially novellas and devotionals.Since I now have more freedom in choosing “what next,” I’m not certain what my focus will be. I’ve mainly written historical romance (which I love to read and write). I’d love to write more mysteries—but it’s a very different skill, and do I want to spend the time to develop it? I also hope to complete several devotional books. Who knows? God may set me on an unexpected path. Now that I’m in a nursing home, with uncertain health, I’ve asked Him several times, “Am I still supposed to write?” Every time I ask, I get another assignment, keeping me busy. I’ve stopped asking!
What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? I can’t physically attend any conferences. However, I taught a course at the At-Home Conference hosted by Karin Beery, for those members of ACFW who can’t attend. I have taught several times in the past. This year’s subject is on developing spiritual threads in our stories. Even readers who complain that I use too much scripture in my stories admit that they do shed light on the story. In other words, I believe I have a gift for weaving spiritual truths into stories without getting too preachy. I loved having the opportunity.
If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why? Oh, you’re putting me on the spot. The hot topic these days is self-publishing: do you aim for a traditional publisher or do you publish it on your own. How do you decide? What are the pitfuls of self-publishing? How can you make a success of it? I know at least two very successful Indie authors, Cindy Hickey and Lacy Williams, and would research a few others.
Yes, and some of the well-known, big name Christian authors have moved entirely to Indie publishing. It’s a whole new publishing world out there. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations? It’s very important to me. I belong to the local chapter (OCFW) and national (ACFW) of American Christian Fiction Writers. I also belong to Christian Authors Network (CAN). ACFW keeps me in contact with the Christian writing community, new authors, new venues to publicize my work, opportunities to pass on what I have learned, a great research resource—not to mention the best support system in the world. My mother couldn’t believe the love and care we received from ACFW when my daughter died several years ago. CAN is more focused. All the members are professional authors. The group is dedicated primarily to marketing and has a close relationship with the Munce group, an association of independent Christian retailers.
Where in the community or your church do you volunteer? That’s hard in a nursing home. Last year I wrote devotions from the book of Matthew which my local church used during Lenten Sunday services. I donated a large number of books to the ladies’ group for their reading pleasure and to use as door prizes and pass along where needs arise.
At my new nursing home, one of the churches that visits has no pianist to accompany them. So I offered. My playing suffers from my arthritic fingers but God still uses me, all praise to Him. I also try to get to know the people around me, patients and workers alike. I asked a housekeeper yesterday what he did outside of work. He treated me to a 15 minute lecture on his many and varied interests, pleased that someone wanted to listen. It was a reminder that I should ask more often.
There are places where you can minister to people in a nursing home, and I’m glad you’re finding them. Even in the two and half weeks I spent in rehab in August and September, God used me to touch some of the workers, nurses, and other residents. He is so awesome. Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how? I’ll start with my family: my mother, whom I respect more and more the older I get. My children, Jaran and Jolene, both for the problems they caused me and for the joy they brought me.
My friend Karen from my 6 years in Tulsa, when my marriage was falling apart, and I had absolutely no self-confidence. She helped me see that my decisions, which felt rushed, were actually the result of a long-time consideration of the problems. I needed that confidence when I was left single, with two children traumatized by abuse.
The members (I’m cheating, using groups of people as one) of my first face-to-face writers’ group. In the days prior to ACFW, we
And if I was going to mention one more person, I would say Pastor Bill, who agreed to adopt me as a member of his church when he visited my roommate, and who continues to stay in touch and serve as an advocate for me even though he retired and I moved.
The obvious, before anything else, so obvious I didn’t say it—GOD! Amen, forever and ever!
If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?Good question. How about, “God’s servant because He loved me first and always.”
I love it. Tell us about the featured book.
A Texas Christmas
puts together six novellas previously published elsewhere. My contribution is
Face of Mary
. In one of my most obvious of biblical parallels, I reimagine the story of Joseph and Mary’s courtship. “Joey” and “Polly” (Mary) has worshiped her best friend’s older brother Joey since childhood. She held on to a chance remark made by Joey to believe they were engaged. When he finishes law school, he returns home—engaged. The story goes on from there, with her father’s failing mental health and Joey’s disillusionment with his fiancé.Please share the first page with us for my readers. Polly Jessup dallied longer than usual in the bedroom she shared with her two younger sisters. She wanted to look her best today. Not only was Jean Carpenter celeb rating her engagement to Abraham Mott, but Jean’s brother Joey had returned home after four years away. Polly pulled her dark hair away from her face, but it continued to fall into a center part. Should she wear it up? No, at seventeen she was too young to dress her locks in the style of an old married matron, even if she did feel that way some days. Taking care of four younger brothers and sisters did that to a girl. She teased her fringe across her forehead, hoping they might curl. Joey Carpenter. “I think I’ll marry you myself.” Her heart beat faster at the memory. How many times had she repeated his words when she learned a new verse from the Bible or studied something new? Even though she had retired from competition she continued to hide God’s Word in her heart. She hungered for it almost as much as she hungered for food, and prayed she would walk according to God’s law. Did Joey even remember what he had said to her all those years ago? Would he mention it when he saw her today? She blushed. He had probably forgotten long ago.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Darlenefranklinwrites.com http://darlenefranklinwrites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.FranklinTwitter: @darlene franklinhttp://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/
Thank you, Darlene, for sharing with us today. You're an inspiration to me, and I love your writing.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
A Texas Christmas: Six Romances from the Historic Lone Star State Herald the Season of Love
- KindleLeave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 5, 2015
RETURN TO CHRISTMAS - Kathi Macias - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Kathi Macias has written a Christmas novel each year for several years. I’m always anxious to read them. I think you will be, too.
Welcome back, Kathi. Do you have a favorite genre to write? I prefer general contemporary, issues-related fiction, though I will write other kinds as well.
If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?Somewhere in the mountains, possibly in the Pacific Northwest.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why? Israel, for obvious reasons. I would love to see the sites so often mentioned in the Scriptures, and to see the places where our Lord and Savior walked, talked, healed, delivered—and then died and rose again.
Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take. A month (or more) in a cabin in the mountains, with a fireplace stocked with lots of wood. And, of course, lots of good books to read.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet? Hawaii, most likely the Big Island, but possibly Kauai.
Tell us about the story. Return to Christmas is about a Marine who comes home from his second tour of duty with PTSD. This causes him problems in his family and at work. He is in denial about his problems until a little boy with Childhood Attachment Disorder manages on Christmas Eve to break through the Marine’s hardened heart.
Please give us the first page of the book. Sand. Why did there have to be so much sand? At times Chet Mason suspected it was in his food; other times he was certain of it. He glanced at his friend and fellow Marine, Todd Bishop, who stood less than fifty feet away. Their guard duty would end in less than an hour. Chet knew Todd would make a beeline for some chow; the guy was always hungry. After considering the very real possibility of sand in their food, however, Chet wasn’t so sure it was worth it. Besides, the lure of sleep was stronger. He’d been up for nearly thirty-six hours, and all he wanted now was some serious shut-eye. Todd must have felt Chet’s gaze, as he turned his head and offered a smile. “Hey, Sarge,” he teased, “don’t tell me we’ve been here so long that I’m starting to look good to you.” Chet chuckled. “Never happen, Bishop. Your ugly mug’s the reason they call us Jarheads.” Todd scarcely had time to shake his head and grin before a white-hot explosion rocked their world. The next thing Chet knew, he was face-down in the dirt, wondering if his ears had been blown off. He couldn’t hear a thing.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is kathimacias.com. I am on Facebook (Kathi Macias and Kathi Macias author), as well as Twitter: @alandkathi, and Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/kathimacias
Thank you, Kathi, for sharing this new book with us. I always look forward to your Christmas novels.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
Return to Christmas: A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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, Kathi. Do you have a favorite genre to write? I prefer general contemporary, issues-related fiction, though I will write other kinds as well.If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?Somewhere in the mountains, possibly in the Pacific Northwest.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why? Israel, for obvious reasons. I would love to see the sites so often mentioned in the Scriptures, and to see the places where our Lord and Savior walked, talked, healed, delivered—and then died and rose again.
Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take. A month (or more) in a cabin in the mountains, with a fireplace stocked with lots of wood. And, of course, lots of good books to read.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet? Hawaii, most likely the Big Island, but possibly Kauai.
Tell us about the story. Return to Christmas is about a Marine who comes home from his second tour of duty with PTSD. This causes him problems in his family and at work. He is in denial about his problems until a little boy with Childhood Attachment Disorder manages on Christmas Eve to break through the Marine’s hardened heart.
Please give us the first page of the book. Sand. Why did there have to be so much sand? At times Chet Mason suspected it was in his food; other times he was certain of it. He glanced at his friend and fellow Marine, Todd Bishop, who stood less than fifty feet away. Their guard duty would end in less than an hour. Chet knew Todd would make a beeline for some chow; the guy was always hungry. After considering the very real possibility of sand in their food, however, Chet wasn’t so sure it was worth it. Besides, the lure of sleep was stronger. He’d been up for nearly thirty-six hours, and all he wanted now was some serious shut-eye. Todd must have felt Chet’s gaze, as he turned his head and offered a smile. “Hey, Sarge,” he teased, “don’t tell me we’ve been here so long that I’m starting to look good to you.” Chet chuckled. “Never happen, Bishop. Your ugly mug’s the reason they call us Jarheads.” Todd scarcely had time to shake his head and grin before a white-hot explosion rocked their world. The next thing Chet knew, he was face-down in the dirt, wondering if his ears had been blown off. He couldn’t hear a thing.How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is kathimacias.com. I am on Facebook (Kathi Macias and Kathi Macias author), as well as Twitter: @alandkathi, and Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/kathimacias
Thank you, Kathi, for sharing this new book with us. I always look forward to your Christmas novels.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
Return to Christmas: A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
October 4, 2015
WINNERS!!!!!!
Collette (PA) is the winner of
A Refuge at Highland Hall
by Carrie Turansky.
Kelly (AZ) is the winner of the ebook Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo.
Connie (KY) is the winner of A Winning Recipe by Bonnie Engstrom.
Terri (FL) is the winner of T he Methuselah Project by Rick Barry.
Anne (VA) is the winner of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray.
Judy B (IN) is the winner of 21 Days of Christmas by Kathy Ide, Editor.
If you won a book and you like it, 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.
Kelly (AZ) is the winner of the ebook Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo.
Connie (KY) is the winner of A Winning Recipe by Bonnie Engstrom.
Terri (FL) is the winner of T he Methuselah Project by Rick Barry.
Anne (VA) is the winner of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray.
Judy B (IN) is the winner of 21 Days of Christmas by Kathy Ide, Editor.
If you won a book and you like it, 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.
October 2, 2015
SUBMERGED - Elizabeth Goddard - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Elizabeth is another of the authors I was blessed to mentor, and I love her romantic suspense novels. I’ve really loved this Mountain Cove series set in Alaska, a place where I’d love to visit.
Bio: Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full time. She currently makes her home in Minnesotawith her husband and children.
Welcome back, Elizabeth. You have a lot of books out now. What is your favorite setting to use in your books? Setting is the main inspiration to me for any story. I move around a lot but prefer wilderness and nature settings, mostly. My Mountain Cove series is set in southeast Alaska.
What do you look for when you’re shopping for a book to buy for yourself? I love a fast-paced romantic suspense or thriller. I usually download a sample chapter before I buy, and if I’m hooked then I’ll buy the book.
Give us a little tour of the setting for this book. Southeast Alaska is A-amazing. I created a fictional town (Mountain Cove), which I based off Juneau, Alaska. There are major mountains and waterways and caves and whales and glaciers and an ice field and one of the largest forests, and the list goes on. Think Pacific Northwest.
My husband spent over a year in Alaskawhen he was in the army before we met. He’s told me so much about it. He was near Juneau. What other books do you have coming out soon? I just turned in books 5 and 6 of Mountain Cove. TAILSPIN (You met the bush pilot in Mountain Cove. Well, this is his story.) releases in April (I think) and then Deception—Chief Winters and Jewel’s story—releases in the summer. I just started the first book in a new series set in the Wild Rogue Wilderness in southwest Oregon, where I used to live. I’m super excited about this next series.
We’ll be looking forward to them. Please give us a glimpse inside your home. Chaos rules! Need I say more. No, really, I home school my boys, and we all work hard on that. My husband is a pastor so there are all those duties as well.
Is this novel part of a series or a stand-alone book? Submerged is part of a series, yes, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Tell us about the story. The reviewer at RT Reviews said this story reminded her of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It’s a fun action adventure story. My heroine is searching for her missing father, an archaeologist, in an unlikely place. Throw in a shipwreck, and the mystery begins.
Here’s the blurb:
IN TOO DEEP With Christmas just around the corner, Cobie MacBride wants closure in the case of her missing father. But when a visit to the last place he was seen leads to an attack by a masked assailant, Cobie knows she's in over her head. Running for her life, she never expected to find safety with Adam Warren—the man she blames for her brother's death. Seeking answers leads them to a treasure ship, buried secrets … and deadly danger. Christmas could find them starting a new future—if they can avoid getting trapped in the perils of the past.
MOUNTAIN COVE: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide
Please give us the first page of the book. Kessler Island, Southeast Alaska
SeptemberDread crept up Cobie MacBride’s spine. She’d never wanted to do this again. But here she was, facing her past in an attempt to gain a future. Facing a cave again, when she never wanted to see the inside of another one after the caving accident that had taken her brother Brad’s life. She was here today for an entirely different reason, and yet it was all connected.
She’d expected a yawning opening, but instead she stared at the slim crawlway into the cave, low and vertical. A muddy chute into the underworld. A trickle of water ran down the towering rock face; velvety moss covered the ground and entrance. Surrounded by the lush greenery of ferns, the cave—a product of this karst-laden land—had remained hidden on Kessler Island, one of thousands of islands, most uninhabited, in southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
Her archaeologist father had found it and written about it in his journal. That was the only reason she was here. He had been missing for six months now and presumed dead. They’d been estranged for years, until last Christmas when he’d called and claimed he wanted to make up for the past and would be in touch soon.
She never heard from him again.
I know my readers want to know what happens next. So do I. I’m almost finished with the book I’m reading. This is next. How can readers find you on the Internet?Http://elizabethgoddard.comwww.Facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthorwww.Twitter.com/bethgoddard
If you’d like to receive book news and updates, please sign up for my newsletter on my website.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing this book with us. You've already introduced us to several things in Alaska. I'm ready for more.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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: Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full time. She currently makes her home in Minnesotawith her husband and children.Welcome back, Elizabeth. You have a lot of books out now. What is your favorite setting to use in your books? Setting is the main inspiration to me for any story. I move around a lot but prefer wilderness and nature settings, mostly. My Mountain Cove series is set in southeast Alaska.
What do you look for when you’re shopping for a book to buy for yourself? I love a fast-paced romantic suspense or thriller. I usually download a sample chapter before I buy, and if I’m hooked then I’ll buy the book.
Give us a little tour of the setting for this book. Southeast Alaska is A-amazing. I created a fictional town (Mountain Cove), which I based off Juneau, Alaska. There are major mountains and waterways and caves and whales and glaciers and an ice field and one of the largest forests, and the list goes on. Think Pacific Northwest.
My husband spent over a year in Alaskawhen he was in the army before we met. He’s told me so much about it. He was near Juneau. What other books do you have coming out soon? I just turned in books 5 and 6 of Mountain Cove. TAILSPIN (You met the bush pilot in Mountain Cove. Well, this is his story.) releases in April (I think) and then Deception—Chief Winters and Jewel’s story—releases in the summer. I just started the first book in a new series set in the Wild Rogue Wilderness in southwest Oregon, where I used to live. I’m super excited about this next series.
We’ll be looking forward to them. Please give us a glimpse inside your home. Chaos rules! Need I say more. No, really, I home school my boys, and we all work hard on that. My husband is a pastor so there are all those duties as well.
Is this novel part of a series or a stand-alone book? Submerged is part of a series, yes, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Tell us about the story. The reviewer at RT Reviews said this story reminded her of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It’s a fun action adventure story. My heroine is searching for her missing father, an archaeologist, in an unlikely place. Throw in a shipwreck, and the mystery begins. Here’s the blurb:
IN TOO DEEP With Christmas just around the corner, Cobie MacBride wants closure in the case of her missing father. But when a visit to the last place he was seen leads to an attack by a masked assailant, Cobie knows she's in over her head. Running for her life, she never expected to find safety with Adam Warren—the man she blames for her brother's death. Seeking answers leads them to a treasure ship, buried secrets … and deadly danger. Christmas could find them starting a new future—if they can avoid getting trapped in the perils of the past.
MOUNTAIN COVE: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide
Please give us the first page of the book. Kessler Island, Southeast Alaska
SeptemberDread crept up Cobie MacBride’s spine. She’d never wanted to do this again. But here she was, facing her past in an attempt to gain a future. Facing a cave again, when she never wanted to see the inside of another one after the caving accident that had taken her brother Brad’s life. She was here today for an entirely different reason, and yet it was all connected.
She’d expected a yawning opening, but instead she stared at the slim crawlway into the cave, low and vertical. A muddy chute into the underworld. A trickle of water ran down the towering rock face; velvety moss covered the ground and entrance. Surrounded by the lush greenery of ferns, the cave—a product of this karst-laden land—had remained hidden on Kessler Island, one of thousands of islands, most uninhabited, in southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
Her archaeologist father had found it and written about it in his journal. That was the only reason she was here. He had been missing for six months now and presumed dead. They’d been estranged for years, until last Christmas when he’d called and claimed he wanted to make up for the past and would be in touch soon.
She never heard from him again.
I know my readers want to know what happens next. So do I. I’m almost finished with the book I’m reading. This is next. How can readers find you on the Internet?Http://elizabethgoddard.comwww.Facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthorwww.Twitter.com/bethgoddard
If you’d like to receive book news and updates, please sign up for my newsletter on my website.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing this book with us. You've already introduced us to several things in Alaska. I'm ready for more.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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
