Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 175

MERCY'S RESCUE - Debra Holt - One Free Book

Bio: Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra Holt grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds, and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!).
 Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance ... Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles ... and sighs ... to all who believe in happily-ever-afters.
Welcome, Debra. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.I tend to write strong females simply because of my own upbringing and the fact that is simply the way many Texan females are from birth. That is not to say we have cornered that trait over others from other states, but we do have a history that encompasses many strengths and my characters have those. Often times, a scene will include a bit of something that might have happened in my own experience and if it fits the storyline, it can be used.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?Quirkiest … or insane might be better description. I recently rescued a homeless dog that took about 3 weeks of intensive tracking, coaxing, and heartbreaking moments. I, and another dog lover, finally captured him in a garage in an old house in a questionable neighborhood. We became trapped in a stranger’s garage, with our cell phones in our cars down the street, and realizing the situation could go badly in a hurry. Long story short … the stranger came home and was very nice about us having gotten into his garage to save the animal … no police, no trespassing charges…. Lol The dog is now Miss Abby and lives the life of a queen in my home.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?In high school, the teachers often had me write papers for them and edit others for their own personal use. I enjoyed it. It seemed to come naturally and continued from that point on. I fully realized it when I sold my first manuscript a couple of years ago.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. When I have time to read for enjoyment, I try to catch up with my favorite authors … John Sandford, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, and Linda Warren. I enjoy the thrillers and good romances.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Some would say I have lost it long ago! My day job is very demanding and I have to be extremely organized and professional. I am one for punctuality also. Those can lead to insanity very quickly when one or more go off tracks during the day. I like lists and I like to cross things off them so that helps keep me going.
How do you choose your characters’ names?They usually come to me right after the title and story idea. I cannot explain it, but it is usually very easy for me.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?On a personal basis … my two grown children who are bright and caring and good adults … no brag just fact. On a professional level … actually being able to have people say to me that they like my writing and want to read more.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?A wild Mustang, hopefully able to run free on some of the most beautiful land still left.
What is your favorite food? Cheese enchiladas with real chili meat sauce and Texas BBQ … great combo!
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?Problem is that sinking point when I get past 40,000 words and I know the end I want but still need to get to that point. I will take a walk with my dogs, go to a movie by myself, enjoy some sweet tea in my rose garden … whatever will refresh and recharge my brain.
Tell us about the featured book.It is first and foremost, a sweet romance. Two people come together in a dramatic turn of events where the heroine rescues the hero. During the course of their story, the tables will turn and we find it is the hero who rescues the heroine. It is a love story and also one of redemptive faith being restored.
Please give us the first page. “Three minutes out. Descent begins in one.” The pilot’s voice crackled through Mercy’s headset. He tossed a look over his shoulder at the female medic seated in the jump seat. She responded with quick thumbs up. “The scene is secured,” he added. “We’re in and out fast. There’s only one to transport.”
 A dull, leaden weight sank to the pit of her stomach. Mercy Smith knew his words meant the other injured person had died before their arrival.
 “We can’t save them all, Mercy.” Paul Robards, the second medic onboard and seated across from her, noted the shadowed look that crossed her eyes. “Some things are out of our control.”
 “That’s true. I just wish we could at least have the opportunity to try.” Having served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, before joining the trauma unit as team leader, she had become a realist and knew they would always lose some of the patients they were called to assist, but it never stopped the feeling of defeat when they lost someone before they even had the opportunity to attempt to intervene and save them. Mercy used to tell herself, a long time ago, that everything was in God’s hands. She didn’t delude herself with that platitude any longer. The only hands she could count on were the two folded in her lap. She just needed the opportunity to try.
 Mercy cast her gaze out the window. They were coming in low over endless stretches of farmland. Cotton fields bordered the two lanes of the Farm to Market road which resembled a sea of flashing red and blue lights stretching into a long ribbon. First responders, paramedics, fire trucks, and a myriad of local, county, and state patrol cars blanketed the scene. People rushed to and fro like a colony of hungry ants.
How can readers find you on the Internet?Website www.debraholtbooks.com
Amazon http://amzn.to/1J6id6E (link to the book)
Thank you, Debra, for sharing this new book with us. I love reading books set in Texas. It's where I live.
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

WARM MULLED KISSES - 10 Novella Collection - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I've become a publisher. The first book released will be a 10 novella collection by mid-October. Six of the authors are multi-published and five are debut authors. All of them, including me, are in the critique group that meets in my home.



I'm excited about this collection. We have seven contemporary stories, one of which is a romantic suspense. And we have three historicals, one set in WWII and two that are westerns.

I'm in the process of the final edit of all the novellas. We have a wide variety of stories I think you'll like.

The line-up includes:
Reindeer Games - by multi-published author Lisa CraneLuke Anderson is only at the mall as a favor to his sister and her two children. When he sits down in the only open chair he can find in the food court, he never imagines his life will be turned upside-down. A woman he knows only as Callie, dressed as one of Santa’s reindeer, leads him on a merry chase
No Thank You - by multi-published author Lena Nelson DooleySocial Director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. When she was in college, her reckless fiancé was killed. She never wants to stand by the grave of the man she loves again. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene have to go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

A Riveting Christmas - by multi-published author Jackie Castle
In 1945, Charles Madison returned home from WWII full of hope and a fistful of sweet-scented letters from his childhood friend and girl of his dreams. Eager to resume his life and enjoy some hard-earned peace, he aims to marry Emma Rose who was as exquisite as the flower she was named for. But when Charles steps off the bus, he’s greeted not by a pretty rose, but a thorny bush he barely recognizes.
Emma Rose Carter fought her own war while the men were away. She faithfully wrote to the soldiers fighting on the front lines, offering encouragement and prayers. However, her father’s death at sea send her mother into depression, and Emma Rose now works two jobs to help keep the family afloat. Left feeling greasy and haggard at the end of every workday, she has no patience for men seeking a dolly that will hang on their arm. She’s looking a true friend who will stand with her and walk out whatever bombs life drops on them.
Will she find her heart’s desire in her ol’ pal Chuck or in the ambitious factory boss who promises to sweep her off her feet?

Christmas Apples - by multi-published author J A Marx, and debut author Sydnie ShrefflerBailey Chapman's son asks for only one gift for Christmas—a daddy. Carrying the burden of her husband’s death, Bailey makes her annual visit to her hometown to take care of her husband’s estate. Her old high school nemesis drops a hurdle in front of her that compromises her schedule. Overwhelmed at having only eight days to complete the task, Bailey fears she will not finish in time for Christmas, much less have any presents to bring home to her two children.
Mason Tolman, marine-turned-bored banker, hasn't forgiven himself for the accident that almost killed his high school sweetheart. When Bailey walks into the bank, carrying with troubles beyond her ability and resources, Mason resolves to help her, if only to atone for the accident.
Stepping out in faith, Bailey allows Mason to assist her. As they disassemble the estate room by room, they discover treasures that will change the future of the entire town. But can those treasures merge their mismatched paths into one?

Santability - by debut author Marilyn EudalyRadio Personality Trudy Moore needs the Santability promotion she designed to impress the new owners of K-FOLK radio. Now is not the time for her and her partner, Jim Cooke, to find a new venue for their talent.
Gunnar Stone is the corporate vice president with power to cancel Jim and Trudy’s “Cooke’n Up Moore Country” morning drive-time show. Trudy sees Gunnar as a grinch stealing the joy out of the Christmas season.Gunnar sees Trudy as a hazard to his career.
When New England based Clear Signal Broadcasting Systems buys K-FOLK radio in Arlington, Texas, everyone knows change is inevitable. Bah humbug attitudes prevail. The mystery of the mistletoe which appears and multiplies does nothing to lighten the mood.

Her career and future blurred by hurtful words, Trudy is caught between condemnation and forgiveness.

Rescuing Christmas - by multi-published author Patricia PacJac CarrollPriscilla Christmas Humphry stared out on the bleak street of Al Drado, Texas. It had none of the holiday look of Baltimore. And it certainly didn’t have Eugene. Although, he said he’d come and take her away to marry her, he’d not shown up yet. Father had it in mind for her to marry a cowboy. Priscilla slammed her fist on the counter. That was not going to happen.
Rancher Steve Matthews wasn’t really looking for a wife, but after he went to the bank and saw Priscilla staring down a bank robber, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. She did come with a tall attitude and biting wit, but there was just something about her that drew him to her.
A fun story of twists and turns and father knows best.


The Gift Quilt - by debut author Kathy WallAshley McDonald intends to bury her guilt by becoming a medical missionary. While waiting for the mission board to decide her fate, she cares for an elderly woman who introduces her to the gift quilt and to her grandson. Both cause Ashley to question her future and her faith.
Dr. Michael Davis accomplished his goal of becoming a medical doctor. Now he’s ready to start a family—only there’s no woman in his life who draw his interest. He meets Ashley, the woman his grandmother’s been raving about. She’s perfect, except she's going to Africain a few months. 
Learning the truth of the gift quilt opens Ashley’s world to new possibilities, but could it also provide the answer to Michael’s dreams for a family.

No-L, No-L, No-L - by multi-published author Marji Laine
Noelle Arcoli fully expects to her father to promote her to the head of Arcolli Labs when he announces his retirement. He doesn’t. Instead, he worries that her dedication to her job has left her with no laughter, no love, and no life.

She is truly No-L.

He presses her to settle down and raise a family. She misunderstands that this is his stipulation for her becoming president. Having always done her best to please her papa, she attempts to get back into the dating game to at least try to obey his wishes.

But Donovan Arcoli has been grooming Nick Bannister for the position. Not that Nick wants the job. He’s been like part of the Arcoli clan since he became a teenager, though, and will do anything for the only true father-figure he ever had.
Noelle’s stress brings out Nick’s protective nature. In an effort to encourage her, he draws her out privately, as a friend. Yet the more time they spend together, the more his affection becomes less and less brotherly. Could he hold the answer to all of her problems?

A Groom for Christmas - by multi-published author Anne GreeneIn 1851 when her father dies of cholera, Felicity Daniels is stranded at Ft. Laramie, one-third of the way to Oregon Territory. She owns two fully-loaded prairie schooners and the oxen to pull them. But her room and board at Sal’s Boarding House and the feeding of her oxen dwindle her papa’s money stash. All her life, due to her father’s vigilante life-style and the revengeful bad men on his trail, Felicity moved from one town to another with no opportunity to put down roots. She desperately wants the six hundred forty acres of free land offered in the brochures that set numerous wagon trains on their way northwest over the Oregon Trail.
Ben Bonneville has problems of his own. Living for the past two months at Sal’s Boarding House, he’s attracted to Felicity. But a wife doesn’t fit into his life’s plan. His mother needed expensive medical care that put Ben into great debt, so he’s off to join the 1849 Gold Rush. He’s committed to panning gold to pay his mother’s medical debts back East, and then becoming a circuit-riding preacher in the Gold Rush towns. Ben sympathizes with Felicity’s plight, but he hardens his heart.

A Christmas Mosaic - by debut author Karen JurgensCarlie Livingston is steering into her last year of college in Oxford, Ohio, confident that she and Lance Holloway are headed to the altar after graduation. Those plans are wrecked, however, by her dad’s infidelity, causing her parents to walk through a messy divorce. Will she have the same fate if she marries her college sweetheart who comes from a secular family? Her mother insists she will.
She tests God’s Word by letting Him take the wheel of her life. But if God is in control, why are all her close relationships crumbling?  Nothing makes sense.
Just when it appears hopeless, Clay McKinney two-steps into Carlie's life, promising to provide everything she’s looking for. But if he’s God’s answer, why can’t her heart release Lance? Where will her final destination be on this journey of trust?  
Don't these novellas sound like something you'd like to read?
When you leave a comment, please tell us which story you'd like to read first.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. I will send the book to you as soon as the book goes live in the Kindle store in mid-October. 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

WORTH HER WEIGHT - Janet K Brown - One Free Book

Welcome, Janet Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.My most recent release, Worth Her Weight , has a lot of me in the main character. Lacey, like me, was addicted to food, a people-pleaser, and suffered from a low self esteem. I nearly always have someone I know in mind with every character, with certain changes, of course.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?I once did a four hour zumbathon. I loved it. It was for a good cause. But, I couldn’t move the rest of the day.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?In junior high, my English teacher seemed to pick on me. At the end of the year, I asked her why. She told me that she saw promise in my writing, so she wanted to push me to improve. I knew then that was something I wanted to do with my life. However, life intervened, and it was 2006 before I began to seriously study the craft and submit my work.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Fiction - Women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, suspense, young adult, new adultNon-fiction – Devotion, self-help, writing-related, motivational
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I often don’t, but I know when I reach the point where I’m overwhelmed, I need to sit down, list everything I do, prioritize, and give up a few things. It happens about once a year. Also, my sweet hubby keeps me grounded with love.
How do you choose your characters’ names?Sometimes, it’s just a name I like that fits, or a name that belongs to someone I admire. If I come up empty, I google the favorite girl or boy names for the year of the character’s birth. I try to limit names that start with the same letter to keep out confusion.
With my Young Adult novel Victoria and the Ghost, I used my granddaughter’s name, and in the sequel still to come out, I use my grandson, Colson’s, name.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Hands down, 53 years married to my soulmate, and second, the birth of our three daughters Other than that, I’m proud and grateful for God’s emotional healing in my life.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?A bear – hibernating sounds wonderful and I’m cranky if you wake me up.
What is your favorite food?Cheesecake or blackberry cobbler
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?Adding more emotion to certain scenes. I went to a 3-day, fiction mentoring class by DiAnn Mills. She had us write about the saddest time in our lives. I wrote and cried, but it taught me a lesson.
 I need to think of a time when I experienced a similar emotion whether sadness, fear, or joy and the effect it had on me. When we allow ourselves to remember something, we relive it. When I do, I write how I feel.
Tell us about the featured book.How can a woman who gives to everyone but herself accept God’s love and healing when she believes she’s fat, unworthy, and unfixable? Can she be Worth Her Weight ?
It can be purchased through the publisher: http://www.pen-l.com/WorthHerWeight.htmlOr on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Her-Weight-Janet-Brown/dp/1940222958/
Please give us the first page of the book.The acid from Mom’s hurtful words burned. Only a gooey, cream-filled donut could neutralize the pain. That, and maybe a couple of Snickers. I’m not going crazy. The phone heated her hand. She wanted to drop it to the desk, but Mom’s prattle continued.
“You’re going nuts like your dad.” Her words sliced through Lacey like a tornado in a Texascornfield.
 Mom droned on about her visit with Katie, Lacey’s kid sister. Lacey opened a desk drawer, lifting out her bottle of Prozac. She turned it over to read the directions. If she downed these pills, her disappointing life would end. Old thoughts resurfaced, bringing a longing for peace but a warning of hell fire.
Mom took a breath between words. Lacey’s office was quiet except for the phone-voice of condemnation.
As a person who has struggled with weight most of my adult life, just this much of the book brought tears to my eyes. Praise the Lord, He is helping me lose weight this year. How can readers find you on the Internet?Website/Blog: http://www.janetkbrown.comE-mail: Janet.hope@att.netFacebook: http://tinyurl.com/nqdw75qTwitter: https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntxI’m also on Google+ and Linked In
Thank you, Janet, for sharing this book with us. I'm sure there are many readers who will connect with your heroine, and maybe it will help others who don't have an addiction to food better understand those who do.
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

WATERS OF SEPARATION - Carol McClain - One Free Boook

Welcome back, Carol. Why do you write the kind of books you do?I love words and the images they create. I love the sound of language. Even as a teen, I’d answer test essays so that their cadences sounded pleasant to me. The flow of language was as important as a correct answer.
Romance and problems of everyday life intrigue me, too. With these two elements, I gravitate to women’s fiction—both to read and to write.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?To pick the happiest is impossible. The day I knew I had conceived tops the list, as does the day I held my daughter in my arms. Then again, grandchildren are the sweet revenge grandparents have on their children, and recently we had an unexpected bundle of energy born to us. Marrying my husband tops the list.
God’s blessed me in so many ways, it’s impossible to pick one day.
How has being published changed your life?It’s made me busier, and sadly, it seems I write less of what I love because promotion becomes an issue. I spend more time on publicity and blog writing than on dreaming.
However, published or not, I’ve loved the connection with fellow writers. I belong to two great crit groups. Conferences become class reunions as I meet all my cyber-writing friends. This writing world has broadened my base of friendships.
What are you reading right now?I just finished Girl on the Train. It was a wonderful book that kept me guessing until the very last moment. The book on my bedside table now is Long for the Bomb: Oak Ridge and Atomic Nostalgia.
My reading tastes are eclectic. We moved close to Oak Ridge, and the history of my locales fascinate me.
What is your current work in progress?In Her Defense is the working title. It’s a clash between a public defender and a district attorney and their families and clients. It is women’s fiction, but this one has a heavy dose of romance, as my first novel DWF: Divorced White Female did. In In Her Defense, the wayward daughter of the DA causes an accident that confines the mother of Birdie Swanson—the protagonist—to her daughter’s home. As a public defender, Birdie has to find a way to care for a mother who can’t return to her Minnesotahome. On top of this, Birdie must deal with oddball clients, deal with the DA, and stay sane.
It’s a humorous novel influenced by my dear friend and public defender, Claire Knittel who is guiding me through the public defender process.
Because of this book, I got to watch a murder tried in my former hometown of Malone, NY. Unfortunately, Claire lost the case.
However, my DA friend won. So for me—win-win.
What would be your dream vacation?A safari with a side trip to the cocoa farms of the Ivory Coast. I’d love to see the big animals of Africa and experience the culture of the Ivory Coastwhere my newest release, Waters of Separation , is set for half the story.
How do you choose your settings for each book?It’s a pretty organic process. For DWF: Divorced White Female, my debut novel, I kept the setting in my hometown. I figured if Jodie Piccoult can set hers in New Hampshire, or Lisa Scottaline in Philadelphia because these authors live there, then so could I. After all, someday I’ll be as well-known as Lisa Scottaline.
In Waters of Separation , I had to choose Africa for half of it because it deals with child labor in the cacao sector. We get most of our chocolate from the Ivory Coast. The American portions of the book were set where I grew up on Long Island because of the State Hospitaland the currents off the Nissequogue River, both elements essential to the plot.
My last book, unpublished, is in a Rensselaerville, NY knock-off because I love that area of New York, and I needed a rural setting to make the plot work.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Does it have to be one person? If not, my former church mates from Lifeway Community Churchin Northern New York. We moved to Tennessee at the beginning of June, and I desperately miss them. These folks supported my writing, my move, and my life. Together we celebrated Super Bowls and the Fourth of July and picnics after church. We shared Christmases and Easter and communion. And they all bought my first book!
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?With this question and me—this blog could be very long. Currently, I’m obsessed with stained glass making. I scrapbook, as well. I play the bassoon, garden, run, and kayak. And my secret passion: watching American Ninja Warriors.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Currently, that obstacle is summer. No matter how determined I get, summer comes, and I can’t write a word. If you read the answers to #9, you can see that a lot of what I love is summer oriented. Plus, I’ve always lived a distance from my family, so it’s a time of family visits.
I can’t really overcome it. People would be angry with me if I outlawed summer. I end up overcoming by writing extra over the winter.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?Several things: believe the advice of good critique partners. Some people are hyper-critical, and you’ll identify them soon enough. Ignore those. Use overly-negative comments for thickening your skin. For the others, take their advice, incorporate it and grow. When your book is published, you can’t change things in it any more. And believe me, even after 57.5 revisions, you’ll still want to make changes.
The second thing is not to quit. The temptation to chuck it and join the Benedictine monks instead will be strong. Don’t do it. Go to conferences, connect with others. If book one doesn’t do it, put it aside and book two or three or four may. The publishing world is replete with famous authors, like Stephen King, who nearly quit, but the last attempt catapulted their careers.
Tell us about the featured book. Africa’s secrets resurrect the despair physician assistant Anna Haas buried in America. Her pregnancy and the discovery of boys bound by slavery in the cacao sector of the Côte d’Ivoirerevive her childhood guilt. Her mother’s suicide claimed the lives of the two small sisters Anna had vowed to protect.
Her failure to save them was unforgivable.
It will not happen with these boys.
Her interference prompts a corrupt government to threaten the thriving mission and the lives of Anna and her friends. Her action also threatens her marriage.
However, doing nothing will destroy her.
The story weaves from past to present and across two continents as Anna fights for love, faith, and redemption.
Please give us the first page of the book.Côte d'Ivoire...Anna Haas’s hand dropped to her own stomach, and she shivered. Was she ready? She shelved her fear, and focused on enjoying a walk with Essi. "Everything's perfect. Come on. I'll walk with you a little." Anna stifled a yawn. "Then I'm catching a nap. This heat has turned my eyelids to lead." She tugged her blouse, damp with sweat and humidity, away from her. "Even though it's the afternoon, I'm putting on my nightgown."
They giggled and chatted until they reached the village crossroads. It veered off the piste Essi normally used, but today, instead of following the narrow path, Essi planned to meet with her village friends. Anna hugged her good-bye and leaned against a banana tree while Essi waddled toward the village proper.
Here the village cacao farms, matted with cassava plants and banana trees, melded with the forest. The cacao trees reminded her of the white birch at home, the bark gray and black, the boles small enough for her to encircle with her hands.
However, the cacao pods were the real oddities. The size of over-ripe acorn squash, colored green or a maroonish red, flecked with brown, they resembled rippled footballs clinging to the sides of trees. They didn't hang, like fruit back home, off branches, hidden in the leaves, but right on the trunks.
She wanted to linger, to savor the flawless beauty, cherish the culmination of the lifelong dream of exploring Africathat she and her father had shared.
Children squealed as her husband let them out of the school for recess. Piping voices sliced through the forest, out-shrieking the monkeys. Their voices like her sisters' had been.
Her sisters.
Lately, their memory dogged her. They had shared the dream of Africa, too—or at least Camille had.
She pushed away the thoughts along with the strands of her hair clinging to the sweat on her face. Her hair, caught up in a ponytail, gave her a headache. Besides making her dizzy, the humidity must have added a pound to her hair. She wanted to shave her head.
With her eyes heavy with fatigue, she turned toward her home when her name rang out.
She turned, shaded her eyes against the mid-day glare.
"Madame Docteur! Aidez-nous."
She squinted down the trailhead. Ibraham? She craned her neck, her mouth opened in concentration as he ran toward her. He carried someone.
Kwame?
Blood like a tribal scar smeared Ibraham's face, stained his chest and darkened his shorts—the blood already a copperish brown. Her hand flew to her throat, and she forgot to breathe. Only a little boy. Were both hurt? The Burkinabé teen moved too fast to be wounded. Surely all that blood didn't come from Kwame...?
Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?On facebook: carol.d.mcclainOn twitter: @carol_mcclainBog: http://carol-mcclain.blogspot.comWebsite: www.carolmcclain/wix.com/authorOn goodreads
And my books can be found on the Desert Breeze website or the usual places books can be found online: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.
Thank you, Carol, for sharing this new book with us. I never knew how cacao grew on the tree. I'm eager to read this book. I know my readers are, too.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.Waters of Separation

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

WINNERS!!!!

KIM (NE) is the winner of Love Found at Harbor Inn, Maine  by Teresa Ives Lilly.

Jackie (GA) is the winner of Miracle Drug  by Richard L Mabry,  MD.

Pam (OH) is the winner of  See No Evil  by Mary L Hamilton..

Maxie (TX) is the winner of  Unconditional  by Tanya Eavenson.

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.

21 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - Kathy Ide, Editor - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to be included in this new devotional book, one that lovers of fiction will really enjoy. What could be better than a short story and a Life Application for a devotional?
Welcome back, Kathy. Tell me about your upcoming book. 21 Days of Christmas : Stories that Celebrate God’s Greatest Gift is the second in a series of Fiction Lover’s Devotionals, published by BroadStreet Publishing. It’s a collection of short fiction stories, all written by different authors—some new, some intermediate, and some beloved bestsellers. Each story is followed by a brief Life Application, written by the author of the story that suggests how the messages inherent in the tale can be applied to the reader’s daily life.
What’s unique about this series?A lot of readers today love Christian fiction. But in their quiet times with the Lord, they want something with a little more depth … and something a little shorter than a novel. There are lots of compilations with short true stories out there. The Fiction Lover’s Devotionals are for readers who enjoy fiction. For people who haven’t discovered the joys of Christian fiction, these short stories will be a great introduction to it.
Which authors are included in 21 Days of Christmas?Well, you, of course! It also has chapters by Joanne Bischof, Jan Cline, Lynn Kinnaman, and more. Bios of contributing authors are featured at the end of each chapter, so readers can get something new from the novelists they already know and love as well as samples from other authors they can add to their favorites list.
Do you have a chapter in 21 Days of Christmas too?I do. It’s a story of what might have gone through Joseph’s mind in the moments after Mary gave birth to Jesus. I loved imagining what it must have been like to realize that you’ve been called to teach God’s Son about God. Based on what Joseph was raised to believe about the Messiah, that experience must have been mind-blowing!
What’s one of your most cherished Christmas memories?When I was maybe ten years old, my mom asked my dad to build dollhouses for me and my two younger sisters. He collected scrap lumber, carpet samples, strips of wallpaper, paint, and tiny furniture pieces. After working all day, then waiting for his daughters to go to bed, he stayed up late into the night in the garage, constructing a two-story house with five rooms, glued to a board that was painted green and had little trees in the wooden yard. The night before Christmas Eve, the dollhouse was finished. And my mom asked, “Where are the other two?” What? “You have three daughters, Wayne. You can’t expect them to all share one dollhouse.” After a last-minute shopping trip, he stayed up all night and built two more houses—identical in size, shape, and floor plan, but each with different wallpaper and paint and furnishings. When my sisters and I woke up on Christmas morning to three beautiful dollhouses, mine was the only one we could play with right away because the paint hadn’t yet dried on the other two! I still have a picture of those houses, with me and my sisters grinning from ear to ear, on my china cabinet.

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition, and why?Since both of my kids are now grown and living in different states, Christmas at home is pretty boring. So my husband and I fly to Colorado every year to spend the holiday with my parents, my sister, her three kids, and one of my adult sons. The other adult son joins us there every other year with his wife. This year, they’ll be bringing along my new grandbaby. Yea! You’ll love that. Grandchildren make Christmas more special. What are the other book titles in this series?21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love released June 1. 21 Days of Love: Stories that Celebrate Treasured Relationships, is scheduled to release January 1, 2016, for Valentine’s Day. And 21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Motherhood, is schedule to release April 1, 2016, for Mother’s Day.
How do you see people using these devotionals?The books are being published as beautiful hardcover gift books—small enough to take with you wherever you go, and with chapters short enough to read anywhere. You can enjoy these stories over breakfast, at lunch break, before bed, or curled up in your favorite chair with a cup of coffee or tea. These books could also be used in group settings—for your book club, Bible study, life group, Sunday school class, or just getting together with friends. They make terrific gifts too—especially 21 Days of Christmas !
Where can people purchase the book?The print version of 21 Days of Christmas can be ordered online at Amazon, BN.com, ChristianBook.com, Cokesbury.com, and GoHastings.com. The e-book is available from Amazon, BN.com, iBooks, and Google Play. 21 Days of Grace is there too! The books can also be found at Christian bookstores and some Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and Hastings stores.
What can readers do after they read the book?There’s a forum on FictionDevo.com where people can post responses to the book and the stories in it. They can also do that on Facebook.com/FictionDevo.
Are you looking for stories for future books in this series?If the first books sell well, the publisher will continue the series, so we could have several more titles to come. If you follow me on social media, or sign up for my newsletter, or check the FictionDevo.com website, you’ll get updates as they happen.
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing this new book in your devotional series with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
21 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God's Gift - 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

A WEDDING AT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM INN - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. Why did you become an author?I started writing because I wanted to make up books that I liked to read. Writing, for me, is an extension of my favorite activity, which is reading. I feel blessed to be able to share that writing is still one of my very favorite things to do. 
If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job? I love to travel, so my dream job would have something to do with cruises. Maybe be a travel writer or reviewer? Being a chef would also be a dream job for me.
If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why? I would probably enjoy living in Texas in the late 1800’s, because that is one of my favorite times to write about. That said, I probably would find myself missing all sorts of modern conveniences —including air conditioning!
What place in the United Stateshave you not visited that you would like to?I’ve traveled most of the country, but I’ve never been to see Mount Rushmore. I would love to drive up there, go through the Bad Lands, and see the beautiful Dakotas.
How about a foreign country you hope to visit?I’ve been wanting to visit Buenos Aires for quite a while. One day, I’m going to take a year of Spanish lessons and book a trip to Argentina! My husband and I want to sit in a little café in Buenos Aires and sip coffee and watch the world go by.
What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?I’ve recently been working on a committee at church that has really challenged me! The Lord has taught me to be more assertive and positive. Serving on this committee has been such a positive experience. I’m so glad He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone!
Tell us about the featured book. A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn is the third book in this year’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series. It features two single parents who fall in love again. It’s kind of like The BI loved reading this book Please give us the first page for my readers.Frankie was on the loose. Again.               “Mandy, dear, are you sure you didn’t see where he went off to?” Emma Keim asked her six-year-old daughter.               Mandy shook her head, the long white ties of her kapp swinging with the movement. “I was talking to Frankie about my daisies, but I guess he weren’t too interested in them.”               “I fear his actions have less to do with your daisies and more to do with the scent of pizza,” Emma said around a frown. “He’s never smelled a pizza he didn’t want.”               “I’m sorry, Mommy. I thought the gate was closed.”               Walking to the freshly painted white fence that surrounded their house like pretty icing on a cake, Emma examined the gate. The latch was in place. Then she noticed the beagle-sized hole underneath it.                “Looks like Frankie dug his way out this morning.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I’m online a lot! Readers can follow me on Twitter at @ShelleySGray, Look for me on Pinterest at Shelley Shepard Gray, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/shelleyshepardgrayOr visit my website, at www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this book with us. I love books set in Pinecraft, Florida.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
 - Amazon
A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Three (The Pinecraft Brides 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

THE METHUSELAH PROJECT - Rick Barry - One Free Book

Welcome back, Rick. Why do you write the kind of books you do?I write the kind of books I would like to read if someone else had written them. Or, in the case of my two YA novels, the kind of books I would have enjoyed reading as a young adult. My most recent suspense novel for adults, The Methuselah Project , stars a P-47 pilot who gets shot down in World War II (a time period I find fascinating) and used as a guinea pig. I wanted to create an intriguing “What if?” story that combines history, suspense, and romance.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?This is a dangerous question for me. I’d better answer the day my wife Pam said, “I do” at our wedding. But a close runner-up is the day I was blessed to lead no fewer than 25 campers to the Lord in the East European country of Belarusin 2014. Both were thrilling—but in different ways.
Yes, they were. How has being published changed your life?Well, it certainly has not made me rich or famous. Yet, there was a time a restaurant employee approached me and said, “Excuse me; aren’t you Rick Barry, the author?” That caught me by surprise. (She asked for an autograph.) A fun result has been receiving encouraging notes from readers as far away as South Africasaying how much they enjoyed my books. Less enjoyable is when I hear from complete strangers who want me to help them get their collection of poems or other material published.
I understand that. What are you reading right now?It’s a contemporary military thriller titled Firestorm by the accomplished author Ronie Kendig.
Ronie is a very good suspense author. What is your current work in progress?Actually, my current WIP isn’t a novel at all. This morning I finished copyediting all the articles for the next issue of Answers magazine (I do this on a freelance basis). Also, I still write short fiction for Focus on the Family and accepted an assignment for a 2,000-word story. Short stories are fun and provide a creative change of pace. But after that, I plan to develop another suspense novel I have in mind.
What would be your dream vacation?I like to travel to unusual places. I’ve been to Eastern Europe and Russia over 50 times, plus a number of other nations in Europe and Argentinain South America. But ever since seventh grade I’ve wanted to travel in Mongolia. I speak Russian, so I should be able to communicate with many people there. But so far, Mongoliahasn’t fit into my plans!
How do you choose your settings for each book?For me, the nature of the stories provides the settings. My first novel was actually a YA fantasy, so for that setting I had to create a whole new world. For my WW II story, Gunner’s Run, the hero ends up trapped behind German lines and tries to make a run across Europe in order to get back to England. In The Methuselah Project , the hero is from Indiana (my home state), so the action takes place in Indiana, Germany (while he’s a prisoner), and also Georgia, the home state of his romantic interest, Katherine.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Possibly the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. Regardless of whether you like his politics, he strikes me as an interesting man of principle and integrity. It would be fascinating to sit down to dinner with him and probe his thoughts on a various topics.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?Physical fitness has always been important to me, so I run and lift weights. I also like antiques, which are tangible ties to yesteryear. After my WW II story Gunner’s Run was published, I decorated one guest room all in antiques and memorabilia from the 1940s. It’s been a fun project!
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Procrastination. Even when I have a block of time available for writing (which doesn’t always happen), I find myself “prepping” by dusting my desk and the monitor, or vacuuming the floor… The only good cure I’ve found is to simply tell myself “Enough!” and force myself to sit and start typing whether I feel inspired or not. If I force myself to start, that primes the pump, and then the words start to flow.
That sounds familiar. What advice would you give to a beginning author?Several things: First, develop a rhinoceros hide. Your work won’t be perfect, especially in the beginning; so don’t take offense when friends or colleagues suggest ways you could improve it. Next, keep learning. Regularly read magazines for writers or blogs by successful writers and literary agents (not zillions of them, just a pick a few that seem especially helpful, or else reading will siphon away your writing time). Next, although you must keep in mind the question “Will readers want to buy this kind of story?” you don’t want to chase the fads and try to write what’s currently selling. That tide will have gone out by the time your novel is done and revised. Dig into your own soul and write the story that really wants to come out of you.
Tell us about the featured book.Shot down over Nazi Germany in1943, Captain Roger Greene becomes a guinea pig in a hush-hush German experiment to create fast-healing, long-living soldiers for the Third Reich. When Allied bombs destroy the facility and kill the genius running it, only Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal. The Methuselah Project worked—but how? As the war winds down, a league of SS officers create “the Organization” and an underground laboratory to rediscover the secret process that has enhanced Roger’s physiology. There, a POW for 70 years, Roger doesn’t age, but he nearly goes insane. Not until he reads a Bible does he find an anchor for his sanity and his soul.
When youthful-looking Roger finally escapes the present-day version of the covert Organization, the world has become a place he no longer understands. Katherine Mueller offers to help him, but can he convince her he’s really a fleeing WW II pilot? Can they dodge Organization bullets long enough to fall in love?
Sounds really interesting. I can’t wait until my copy arrives. Please give us the first page of the book.Sitting in his cockpit, Captain Roger Greene scanned the heavens. He searched left to right, overhead, below, and behind. No sign of enemy aircraft. Just formation after formation of B-17s droning along below, plus his own umbrella of Thunderbolts providing escort cover.
Come on, you cowards. Come and defend your precious Fatherland. I dare you.
He glanced into the sun, then jerked his eyes from the blinding glare. When searching for enemy planes, he preferred his naked eyes, but his eyesight would surely suffer if he kept doing that. He probed the pocket of his flight jacket for his green aviators. Instead of sunglasses, his gloved thumb and forefinger fished up a ten-dollar bill.
Ten bucks? How the . . .
Then he noticed the message printed along the edge in blue ink: To my good buddy, Roger Greene. On loan until I bag the next German fighter! Walt.
Roger laughed and glanced to his right, where Walt Crippen piloted his own Thunderbolt in the wingman position. Walt, too, was performing visual sweeps.
Good old Walt. He’d have to do some fancy flying if he hoped to score another kill before Roger. He found his sunglasses, then slid the ten-spot back into the pocket.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m currently tweaking a brand-new website. Readers can find me at rickcbarry.com. My Facebook page is www.facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry. I tweet at @WriterRickBarry.
Thank you, Rick, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Methuselah Project - 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

A WINNING RECIPE - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

Welcome back, Bonnie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?Gosh, because they are fun to write. I love romance, and I’ve discovered I love to write in the first person, as I did in Butterfly Dreams. I enjoy putting my heroines and heroes in gut-wrenching emotional situations. Maybe I have a cruel streak in me. I hope that isn’t why.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?Of course the day I married my Dave. But, also the days each of my children were born, and especially when I finally had the daughter I longed for. And, when she had my first grandchild, another daughter. I guess those were days, not just one.
It is hard to choose just one. How has being published changed your life?I used to think I spent a lot of time at my computer. Now, it’s more – more self-promotion via emails and on Facebook. For years I have moderated a small online prayer chain, a group of women all over the U.S. and one in Norway. That hasn’t changed. My husband gave me a Fit-Bit (hoping to get me to move more?), but I still haven’t worn it.
What are you reading right now?A Christian romance that is just so-so. So, I put it aside when Ane Mulligan sent me her Chapel Springs Revival, a super entertaining book.
What is your current work in progress?The sequel to Butterfly Dreams, then a sequel to A Winning Recipe . I recently turned in A Cup of Love, one of my novellas. My publisher combined all three in an anthology called Recipes for Romance.
What would be your dream vacation?I think I already had it thirty-eight years ago when we went to Swedento visit Dave’s relatives. I would love to go again, but I don’t think many relatives are still living.
Second place would be to go back to Lake Louise, B.C. where we stayed in the gorgeous resort Dave’s parents spent their honeymoon in.
I’m not terribly adventurous. I’ve been blessed to travel quite a bit, in my younger years, and if I loved a place, I always want to return to it. I guess I’m big on memories.
How do you choose your settings for each book?Super simple. I really do like to write about places I’ve lived and visited. Newport Beach and Scottsdale are givens because I know every street and entertainment venue; and Family Secret, a novel yet to come, is partially set in Sweden. My latest novella is set in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, of which I have fond memories.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Probably Deb Macomber, but Dan Walsh is a close second. Of course I’ve spent a lot of time with wonderful authors at ACFW conferences – Deb Raney, Katy Kushman, Gail Gaymer Martin, Janice Thompson, Cynthia Hickey and you – the list goes on.
As for Deb Macomber, I am fascinated with her non-fiction books, such as One Word and Knit Together, and what inspired her to write them. I would love to pick her brain for ideas for my only non-fiction book, Email Angels.
I’ve spent time with Dan Walsh and his wife. You’d really love them. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?I love to go to real estate open houses. I am an open house junkie. That’s probably what inspired me to write about “the house,” as Kate calls it in A Winning Recipe .
Writing is no longer a hobby, but reading is my one biggie. In addition to seven devotionals each morning, I love to read the newspaper, and I read fiction every night.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?The beginning of each story is frustrating and draining for me, except for the beginning of A Winning Recipe . That just popped into my head.
I re-write beginnings until I’m blue in the face, and sometimes have other writers and my husband critique them. Yet, I’m never totally satisfied.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?The old “never give up” line and pray, pray, pray. God didn’t put stories on your heart for no reason. God doesn’t mumble or stutter, and His Word is never void.Persist!
Tell us about the featured book.Kate is a bit of a control freak, who likes to know ahead of time where she is going and what is going to happen. Lance is a go-to guy who eats huge breakfasts and has no problem praying in public in restaurants. Both are meatloaf contestants in a national cooking contest, thus the subtitle Meatloaf Magic for Love Everlasting. Kate resists falling for Lance until he almost forcibly grabs her elbow and steers her to a cab for an evening of coffee and chocolate. She decides it is fun, and at least she isn’t obligated to pay for the cab or the treats. Still, after dating for months, Kate has no clue what Lance does for a living. When he buys a house for them she almost freaks out and ends their relationship. Kate does become rather adept at solving the mystery of the dead roses delivered to her door. Her Golden Retriever Sandy plays a big part in healing their romance, as does Mr. F.F. who owns the company that sponsored the cooking contest.
Note: A few readers had issues with Kate’s Christianity, yet she is a strong believer and a loving person, even to the one person who tries to destroy her romance with Lance. I hope readers will see that in her.
Please give us the first page of the book.Kate Williams leaned over the snaking line of moving luggage, anchored her feet firmly, bent her legs and reached for her suitcase.
“Watch it!”
A man three times her size elbowed Kate aside. Her suitcase passed by, out of reach. She sent him a venomous glare as he strolled off in his three-piece navy suit. Frustrated, she put her hands on her hips and bit her lip. The bags came around the carousel again, and she snatched at the handle of the oversized case tugging with all the toned muscle in her slender arms. Just when she thought she could pull it over the rubber edge, she lost it.
“Dog gone it!” The black monster with its identifying pink ribbon lumbered around the carousel for the third time. Maybe if she ran to the other side where there were fewer people.
But then she’d have to schlep her bulky carry on, and by the time she got there the errant bag would be back here. It was the crowd around her, people pushing close to get their own bags, that prevented success. If only everyone would give each other a little space. She decided to yell.
“Excuse me!” No one moved. Her voice got louder. “Excuse me!”
Still they ignored her. If she didn’t get through it would pass by—again.
How can readers find you on the Internet?I love to hear from my readers. I can be contacted at bengstrom@hotmail.com (be sure to put book title or BOOK in the subject line; Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor?fref=ts or check out my website at www.bonnieengstrom.com. You can write to me at 8776 E. Shea Blvd., 106-528, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

This has been a special treat, Lena, to be interviewed by you. You ask such good questions. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
It's my pleasure to feature you again on my blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.A Winning Recipe: For meatloaf magic and love everlasting - Paperback
A Winning Recipe (Christian Contemporary Romance): For meatloaf magic and love everlasting - 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

FIREFLY SUMMER - Kathleen Y'Barbo - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I’m happy to share Kathleen Y’Barbo’s latest book with you today. Kathleen and I have been very good friends for about two decades. I love to spend time with her, and I’m eager to read each new book release. I think you will be, too.
Welcome back, Kathleen. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.My first book, Yellow Roses, came out in 2000, so I am celebrating 15 years as a published author this year. I wrote contemporary and historical fiction, sometimes with a Southern accent and other times with a dash of steampunk. I’m an expatriate Texan cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies from north of the Red River.                                                                                                                                             How did you become interested in writing?                                                                                             I read. A lot. Readers are potential writers, in my opinion. On April 26, 1996, I decided to write a book. I’m still writing books.                                                                                                                        What compelled you to write a book on this subject? It’s my mother’s fault. She’s such fun to write about!                                                                                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?    Forgiveness doesn’t just extend to those who hurt us. We are also called to forgive ourselves.                                                                                                                    Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?I would give the same answer here as above. Forgiveness extends not only to others but to yourself.                                                                                    What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?     I promise this is the only book on the market today that is written about my mama, Bonnie Sue. Or at least I’m pretty sure of this!                                                                                                                                    How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?Like Sessa Chambers, I am doing my best to serve God while attending to the responsibilities He has given me. 
Please tell us about the book.A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery…it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!

Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own…

Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texasranch.How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?                                                                                                                                                                          Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? Habukkuk 2:2-3 And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time.                                                                                             I love that passage, too. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?Road trips in the Mini with the top down and my hunky hubby at the wheel are a favorite pastime.                                                                                                                                                                    As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?I would like to offer a huge thank-you to you, Lena, and to my readers!
You are so welcome. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Check out my website at www.katheenybarbo.com and while you’re there, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kathleen.ybarboand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kathleenybarbo
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this book with us. I know my readers and I will love reading it.
Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.Firefly Summer: Pies, Books and Jesus (Hometown Romance)

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