Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 184

WINNERS!!!!!!!

Granny's Attic (OH) is the winner of  Daughter of the Cimarron  by Samuel Hall. 

Alisha (FL) is the winner of  Silver Spurs  by Miralee Ferrell.

Bonnie (KY) is the winner of  21 Days of Grace  compiled by Kathy Ide.

Anna (FL) is the winner of  Undercover Bride  by Margaret Brownley.

Maryann (NY) is the winner of  The Proposal at Siesta Key  by Shelley Shepard Gray.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of  Who's the New Kid  by Heidi Bond.

Loraine (TX) is the winner of  Finding Olivia  by Darlene Wells.

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.

WINERS!!!!!!!

Granny's Attic (OH) is the winner of  Daughter of the Cimarron  by Samuel Hall. 

Alisha (FL) is the winner of  Silver Spurs  by Miralee Ferrell.

Bonnie (KY) is the winner of  21 Days of Grace  compiled by Kathy Ide.

Anna (FL) is the winner of  Undercover Bride  by Margaret Brownley.

Maryann (NY) is the winner of  The Proposal at Siesta Key  by Shelley Shepard Gray.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of  Who's the New Kid  by Heidi Bond.

Loraine (TX) is the winner of  Finding Olivia  by Darlene Wells.

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.

EVERY BRIDE NEEDS A GROOM - Janice Thompson - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Janice Thompson is one of my longtime, dear friends. We both live in Texas, but she’s in the Houstonarea and I’m in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We’ve spent many special times together, and we’ve prayed each other through a lot of things, both good times and hard times. We started writing for the same publisher over a decade ago. And we’ve grown in our writing skills.
Now she writes romantic comedy. Every Bride Needs a Groom, her latest book, is one of my favorites. I loved, loved, loved the characters, and I’ve been in the places where the book is set. It was so true to the Texassetting. And I laughed so much during this book. I know you will, too.
Only one person can win the free book. If you’re not the one, you need to get your hands on the book somehow. It’s a bright, funny story that will lift you up.
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town—the very same day Katie wins her dream dress—her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop—yeah, you read that right—catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Welcome back, Janice. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.I’m a Christian author from the Houston area. I’ve been writing for about twenty years now and have over 100 books (both fiction and non-fiction). I’m pretty passionate about my family. I have four daughters, four sons-in-law and eight grandchildren (so far). No doubt we’ll have more in the next few years.
How did you become interested in writing?          My mother is a voracious reader. I grew up going to the library. My dad (who passed away in ’06) loved stories. He wrote screenplays and country-western songs. I believe I got my passion for stories from both of my parents. I started writing in 1994 and my first book was published in 2000. It’s been quite a ride!
What compelled you to write a book on this subject? The idea for Every Bride Needs a Groom came from my agent, Chip MacGregor. He told me a story about a friend of his who took over his mother’s bridal shop while she was going through cancer treatment. I thought the idea of a man running a bridal shop was clever (especially a reluctant man) but needed a different angle. In my story, Brady James (the hero) is a pro basketball player (Mavericks) and can’t play because he blows out his knee. He ends up at Cosmopolitan Bridal to help his mother, dress designer Nadia James. Along the way he meets (and falls for) the heroine, Katie.
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?The primary theme is that life doesn’t always work out the way you think: sometimes it works out better. There are also several other themes: big town versus small town, homebodies versus road-trippers, and so on.                                                                                                                                                                        Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?I hope they learn that people are capable of change, even when they think they’re not. I also hope they learn to laugh as they read this fun-loving story.
What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today? Probably the thing that sets most of my books apart from others in the market is the humor. I love to pull from the fun things in life and add comedic bits to my stories to give readers “Calgon, take me away” moments.     
How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?I’m at an interesting place in my writing journey. I was called to write in the ’90s and have been faithfully responding to that call ever since. That said, things have been moving so fast that it’s hard to keep up. Part of my current “call” is to spend more time taking care of myself and less time racing toward the deadline. That means I’ll probably be cutting back a bit.                                                                                                                                                                              Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?I love to bake cakes and cookies. I spend several hours a week designing both. I love the cakes, but the specialty cookies (hand-painted) are my favorite!   
As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?It is possible to follow your dreams. I’ve had the dream of being a published author for many, many years and trusted God to open the right doors in the right time. He’s done just that! He’s closed quite a few, too, which is always hard, but learning to trust (even in the tough times) has been part of the journey that I wouldn’t trade.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Facebook: JaniceHannaThompsonWebsite: www.janiceathompson.comTwitter: booksbyjanice

Thank you, Janice, for sharing this book with us. It's always a joy for me to share your stories with my blog readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
 - Amazon
Every Bride Needs a Groom (Brides with Style 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

HEARTS MADE WHOLE - Jody Hedlund - One Free Book, Plus More

Bio: Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MIwith her husband and five children. When she's not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
Welcome, Jody. How do you manage to balance your life as a full time author and mom to five busy children?It’s definitely not easy to manage my busy household of five children and squeeze in time for writing. But fortunately my husband is very helpful and pitches in to help wherever possible. We really work together as a team to support each other in our pursuits and work.
For example, when he's home he often takes over the household responsibilities, runs kids to activities, and pitches in with homeschooling so that I can have concentrated blocks of time to write.
We've also simplified our home life and outside commitments as much as possible. We expect our children to shoulder responsibilities around the home. And last but certainly not least, I rely upon my mom for lots of help too. She helps homeschool, cook meals, and even runs my kids to activities.
Do you ever get writer's block? How do you work your way past it?No, fortunately, I rarely get writer’s block. I give myself a daily word count of how much I need to write, and I stick to it as best as I can. Whatever amount I miss one day, I try to make up on another day of that week. Having the daily/weekly goals helps keep me going even when I’m not in the mood.
However, if I ever get into a slump, I put in my earbuds and listen to music. The steady rhythm helps me block out distractions, inspires me, and often evokes strong emotions deep inside me.
Do you do a lot of research for your novels? Do you do it before, in the middle, or after you write your novel.Since I write historicals, research is an integral part of my writing process. I usually spend anywhere between 4-6 weeks on initial research, reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book.
Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research, particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase.
How do you name each character? The process of coming up with names is quite complicated, and I generally take a lot of elements into consideration. I keep a running list of all the heroes and heroines of my books and try not to duplicate anything too closely to a name I've already used.
I also take into consideration names used doing the time period and the ethnicity of my characters. For example, in my first lighthouse book Love Unexpected, I chose Irish names that were commonly used during the 1800's because both of the main characters had an Irish heritage.
Sometimes I consider symbolism for names. Other times, particularly in my inspired-by stories, I try to pick a name that is similar to the character from history that I'm portraying.
What essential ingredients do you strive for in your novels to ensure an authentic love story emerges?I always try to incorporate the elements that I like to see in the romances I read. That includes deep emotions that are birthed out of a character's past. I also like to have a relationship that evolves organically throughout the book. I try not to have my characters being antagonistic to one another the whole book and then finally falling in love in the last chapter at the last minute. I want the couple to move from friendship to falling in love gradually and to have a growing attraction (with the sparks flying!) throughout the book.
At the same time, however, I don't like to have the love relationship resolve too early in the book. Readers don't want the "happily-ever-after" moment to come until the end. So while the relationship is developing, it's important to find ways to keep the couple from being fully together until the end.
What stands out in your mind about what has made you grow the most as a writer?
If I had to narrow down one specific thing that has helped the most in my quest for publication, I’d have to say this: My careful, ongoing, and thorough study and practice of writing techniques has been the single most beneficial aspect of my writing career.

In other words, I read writing craft books, studied fiction-writing basics, and then put what I learned into practice. All the studying has been the number one thing to help me in my writing career.
What Scripture verse has inspired you in your writing?Among many, here’s one I aspire to live by: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Ecc. 9:10) I believe in working responsibly and hard with the gifts we’ve been given.
What do you do to get away from it all?READ!! I absolutely love reading! When I find a really good book, I have a hard time tearing myself away from it to get to sleep.
What is your family up to these days?My husband and I are celebrating 24 years of marriage this summer! Yay! My oldest son is graduating from high school and will be attending a private Christian college in the fall, Cedarville Universityin Ohio. My twins will be turning 16 during the summer and getting their driver's licenses. Since they are involved in SO many activities, I'm looking forward to them driving themselves places! My youngest two children have completed 4th and 6th grade and in an Adventures In Odyssey phase. I think they've listened to just about every episode that's ever been made!
Tell us about the featured book.Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?
After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation–the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?
Please give us the first page of the book.Windmill Point LighthouseMichigan, May 1865A distant flash of lightning crisscrossed the darkening skies of the west, followed by the call of a nearby loon. “I don’t think you should set out.” Caroline Taylor clutched her shawl tighter against a cool gust that wrestled with it. “The storm’s coming fast.”
Her father shoved the rowboat across the gravelly shore of Lake St. Clair. “We’ll be fine,” he said over his broad shoulder. “We’ll beat the storm. Besides, I’ve crossed this lake in more storms that I can count.”
The old doctor already waited on a bench inside the cutter, clasping his top hat and fighting with the wind to keep it on his head. “I can’t stay any longer, Caroline,” the doctor said. “I’ve done all I can for your sister.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody HedlundI also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlundMy home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.comFor lots of fun pictures, follow me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlundI get personal on Instagram: instagram.com/JodyHedlund/Or you're welcome to email me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

Jody Hedlund's Afternoon at the Beach Giveaway
Thank you, Jody, for sharing this new book with us, and I know my readers will want to sign up for the giveaway.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope Book #2) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book on this blog. 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

SAVING MOSSY POINT - Donna Winters - One Free Book

Welcome back, Donna. Why do you write the kind of books you do?As a writer, I learned early on that I was not capable of writing secular romances. My internal values and my Christian faith had to come through in stories that I would share with readers, stories that would be appropriate for ages 12 and up and would resonate with multiple generations (daughters, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers).
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?I was really elated to learn that the novel I wrote as a cultural legacy to my hometown’s Erie Canalhistory had been the subject of a proclamation by the village council. On March 12, 2013, the mayor and the four village trustees of Brockport, New York, proclaimed April 2013 Bluebird of Brockport month and encouraged all citizens of Brockport to read the book. It’s a great honor to have my historical novel recognized by my hometown’s village board.
That is wonderful. How has being published changed your life?Being published has given me recognition among readers, the opportunity for sharing a moral message with thousands, and most important, positive feedback that keeps me going.
What are you reading right now?I am reading Spirit of the North by Tyler Tichelaar (Tyler is the editor of Saving Mossy Point ), The ESV Study Bible, James—Mercy Triumphsby Beth Moore, How to Hear God’s Voiceby Mark and Patti Virkler, and God Heard Their Cry by Ray Vander Laan. I just finished reading The Promise of Palm Grove, Book One in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray, a very good story.
Yes, it is. I recently featured Shelley’s story on this blog. What is your current work in progress?My current work in progress is the revisions for the early titles in my Great Lakes Romances© series. I am leaving the plots the same, but improving the reader experience by eliminating head-hopping and deepening the third person point-of-view. As each title is revised, I give it a new cover and make it available as both a Kindle and a paperback.
What would be your dream vacation?Hawaii. Never been there but sure would like to see it. My parents visited there in the 1970s. My father loved it. He was a florist in New YorkState and was fascinated by the tropical plants in Hawaii. He loved to travel but didn’t get to do it very much because my mother did not want to travel. Long after he passed away, my mother admitted that she wished she had agreed to go on more trips with Dad. I’ve heard it said that deathbed regrets are about what a person did NOT do in life, not about what they DID do. I’m keeping that in mind as I age.
How do you choose your settings for each book?I choose settings that either I or my readers are interested in. My series started with the setting most visited in Michigan: Mackinac Island. The two titles that followed included other Great Lakes ports or regions that I thought readers would enjoy. By the fourth title, several readers had asked for stories about lighthouses, so I wrote a mini-series set at lighthouses for titles four, five, and six. Then a reader asked for a story set in Traverse City, a great Northern Michigan town, so I wrote that as a spin-off of the lighthouse stories based on a one-sentence plot suggestion. In Saving Mossy Point —In the Fifty-First State of Superior, I wanted to write about the Upper Peninsula culture I have been experiencing for the last twelve years without calling it the Upper Peninsula.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?My husband, because he is the one I love above all others on earth and the one whose company I enjoy most. This question begs for a more diverse answer, but I really can’t name anyone else with whom I’d rather spend time.
I understand. I love spending time with my husband, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?Walking the dogs and taking motor home trips with my husband and the canines.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Short-term memory loss as I age is making book-length writing more and more challenging. I compensate for it by setting my work aside for a period of time and then coming back to it and rereading it quickly to find inconsistencies. Another tactic is to get others to read the draft for errors.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?Be persistent. Don’t give up. Join writer organizations. Read extensively in the genre you are writing. Don’t expect to get rich. Honor God with your choice of words.
Tell us about the featured book.When retired schoolteacher and widow Betty Hanson learns that the 51st State of Superior is about to close Mossy Point State Park, she expresses her concern to Ray Engstrom, the head of the General Land Office. But Mr. Engstrom reveals a discouraging fact: Mossy Point State Park has never paid its own way since it opened back in 1959. And according to him, it “has the same chance of running in the black as a turtle has of flying.”
Determined to prove Mr. Engstrom wrong, Betty gathers help from friends and neighbors. A plan emerges to open a folk school, a place where students of all ages can come to learn a craft, and work begins to put Mossy Point State Park on solid fiscal ground. But not everyone is on board with the plan. At times, Betty almost finds herself sidetracked by dealing with her estranged daughter and grandson, who suddenly appear back in her life, and then there is her close friend Lee, who seems to want more than friendship. The State itself seems to have alternative plans for the park, and when an accident threatens to destroy both Betty and the park’s finances, all of her plans could fall apart. What can possibly turn their fortunes around and make a turtle fly?
Please give us the first page of the book.“Mr. Engstrom, you can’t sell Mossy Point State Park!” Betty Hanson slid to the edge of her chair and stared straight into the pale blue eyes of the head of the General Land Office in the recently formed State of Superior. She’d sought this meeting with him at his office in Superior Bay, the new state capital, to warn him of the devastating effect a park closing would have on the Village of Mossy Point. But convincing him wouldn’t be easy. His gaze never seemed to meet hers for more than a nanosecond.
“Is that what you came here to tell me? You said you had some urgent information on a serious threat to state land. I assumed it concerned illegal activity, but selling a park? Come, now.”
“Selling the park is a serious threat.”
“Why not sell it? That park’s a real money pit.” As Mr. Engstrom leaned his bulky torso back in his creaky leather chair, Betty envisioned a button popping off his too-tight shirt and splashing in the coffee mug on the edge of his desk. Her lips twitched into a smile that she instantly suppressed.
How can readers find you on the Internet?Please stop by my website where all my social media links are located in the footer:http://www.greatlakesromances.com/

Thank you, Donna, for sharing this book with us. I know my blog followers will want to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Saving Mossy Point: In the Fifty-First State of Superior (Great Lakes Romances) (Volume 17) - Paperback
Saving Mossy Point: In the Fifty-First State of Superior (Great Lakes Romances Book 17) - 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

BACKFIRE - Elizabeth Goddard - One Free Book

Welcome back, Beth. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it? I love romantic suspense! I’ve always loved a suspense element along with romance even when reading a historical novel.
If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?I’d love to live in the Pacific Northwest again. Maybe Washingtoninstead of Oregonthis time.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why? Scotlandbecause I love the landscape and the accents and the lore. Italy because I love anything Tuscan.
Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take. I never thought I’d want to go to Hawaii because I love Mountains and winter sports, but I’ve been thinking about that lately after reading a Kristen Heitzmann book set there.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet? I’ll probably keeping setting my stories in the Pacific Northwest for a while because I love it so much, but since I recently moved to Minnesota I’m starting to research and look around for key locations to set a story.
What is the main theme of this novel? Beauty for ashes. That in our struggles we sometimes wonder why bad things happen, but God takes the bad things and makes something good out of them.
Tell us about the story. Here’s the blurb:Book 3 in Mountain CoveNOWHERE LEFT TO HIDETracy Murray had thought she’d be safe disappearing in the wilds of Alaskaafter her testimony put away a gang leader. But the gang symbol tattooed on an attacker’s arm means the clock has run out. She’s been found—and she knows the killers won’t let her escape alive again. She can’t fight an entire gang alone—she needs help. But when she finds herself relying on widowed firefighter David Warren, a new struggle emerges. Fleeing Alaska and cutting all ties could be the only way to survive…but it would mean leaving her heart behind.
Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide
Please give us the first page of the book.Mountain Cove, AlaskaTracy Murray knew she had little time. A storm brewed in the distance.
But Solomon’s urgent bark pulled her up the rising trail, indicating that there was someone in danger.
She sucked more air into her lungs that were already screaming from her workout.
Any other season on this trail—spring, winter, fall—she’d have to be concerned about the avalanche danger. But not during the summer, and because the season was so brief in Alaska, Tracy had every intention of enjoying the outdoors. Out for a run with her search-and-rescue golden retriever, summer abounded around her in the form of wildflowers and sundry small wildlife scurrying in and out of the flora.
Tracy had been heading for Keller Falls, four miles up the trail, until Solomon had taken off. She’d let him run free, and hoped to practice a few commands. Up until a moment ago he’d run beside Tracy, surprisingly ignoring his natural instinct to chase forest animals, but then he’d taken off. With his continued excited and urgent barks, she knew that he had caught a human scent and was sending his vocal cue to alert Tracy that something was wrong.
Dread replaced the serenity she’d found on the trail.
How can readers find you on the Internet?At Elizabethgoddard.com they can find links to my Facebook and Twitter pages, sign up for Great Escapes, my newsletter and sign up for email updates as well. Also, I blog at Christiansread.com and Suspensesisters.blogspot.com Thank you for having me!

I always enjoy hosting you on my blog, Beth. And I love reading your books. I can't wait until my copy arrives.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
 - Amazon
Backfire (Mountain Cove 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

WINNERS!!!!!!!

Caryl (TX) is the winner of Fatal Trauma  by Richard L Mabry, MD. 

Kristeen (OK) is the winner of  Skinny  by Laura L Smith.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of  DWF: Divorced White Female  by Carol McClain.

Beth (MT) is the winner of  Called to Be Amish  by Marlene C Miller.

Brenda (VA) is the winner of  Wait For Me  by Jo huddleston.

Trixi (OR) is the winner of  Family of Her Dreams  by Keli Gwyn.

Melanie (TX) is the winner of  The Promise of Palm Grove  by Shelley Shepard Gray.

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.

FINDING OLIVIA - Darlene Wells - One Free Book

Welcome back, Darlene. Why do you write the kind of books you do?My desire with every book I write, every story I tell, is to bring readers to a deeper understanding of God’s love, and his grace. Hopefully they see something in one of my characters that speaks to them, and helps them in that way.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?The day our first son was born, for sure. We had tried to have a baby for four years. We’d gone through a lot of infertility testing, meds, all that. And we just didn’t know if we would ever have children. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I was afraid through much of the pregnancy, still not knowing what the problem had been. When Zach was born, I fully understood what a miracle he was!
How has being published changed your life?Holding a book in my hands, with my name on it, has been a lifelong dream. It still feels unreal. But the thing that is the biggest blessing, and the most FUN is to hear from readers, about how they enjoyed a story, or learned something. It has just been very fulfilling and inspires me to keep writing.
What are you reading right now?I actually just started a non-fiction book called Hiding in the Light, about a young muslim woman who converted to Christianity. She risked everything and has had to live her life in hiding because of that choice.
What is your current work in progress?Book #3 in my Days of Grace Trilogy is, Loving Tilly. The trilogy wraps up, right back in the small town where it started. Readers will get to see what has happened with all the original characters, plus be introduced to Tilly Scott, a woman who has struggled her entire life with accepting love and friendship. Her relationship with God seems very strong, but it’s works-based because she really doesn’t think that even God loves her. The hero, Charlie, who is someone I am having a blast writing, will help bring her around!
What would be your dream vacation?My dream vacation would be a trip to all the historic places in the United States. I am a very patriotic person. Our nation’s history fascinates me. I would love to stand in some of the most important places in the history of our country.
How do you choose your settings for each book?I try to write what I know, so that it comes across as realistic as possible. I’m a Northern Californiagirl. So far, that’s where my solo books have been set. With the novellas I’m a part of, the settings were agreed on by our whole writing team.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?I have to go to my patriotic sensibilities again! I would LOVE to spend an evening with George W. Bush, on the condition that he gets to answer ALL my questions, classified or not, LOL.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?I have always loved interior design. I also enjoy all kinds of crafts. Sometimes I have so many ideas in my head of things to make or to try, I have to remind myself that I need to write!
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Procrastination. I think a lot of creative people tend to be procrastinators. We like to create as the mood strikes. But I’m learning that I have to set a regular word count per day, to make sure I don’t get caught unprepared when a deadline comes.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?Just write. Whatever it is that’s burning in your heart to get out onto the page, write it. Surround yourself with people who are farther ahead of you in the process and learn all you can from them. And I tell everyone to join American Christian Fiction Authors. I joined in 2004, and it’s the wisest decision I have ever made regarding my writing.
Tell us about the featured book.The featured book, Finding Olivia , is book #2 in my Days of Grace trilogy. It takes the character of Olivia, from book #1, and follows her on her journey to Hollywoodin 1937, to become an actress. Olivia struggles with issues of abandonment and feeling insignificant, unwanted. She thinks that becoming rich and famous is the answer. Until she meets Nathan Grant, a young man who plans to be a pastor, who struggles with guilt. It’s a story of God’s love for us, regardless of who walks out of our lives.
Please give us the first page of the book.June 1937With her right hand, Olivia Hawkins grasped the handrail of the steps that led her from the train to her new life. In her left hand, the suitcase she’d found under her father’s bed. In the suitcase, all her belongings.
She stared in wonder at the sheer number of people at the Los Angeles train station. Men in suits, carrying briefcases, rushing to places unknown. Porters in their bow ties and caps, carrying as many suitcases as they could handle. Flustered mothers desperately trying to reign in their children. People who looked like tourists, studying maps and arguing over which direction to go.
The sights and sounds dizzied Olivia a bit. A warm southern California breeze blew a wayward curl in front of her eyes, tickling her lashes. She swept it away and held her hand to her stomach. Such flutters of excitement! Her eyes followed a nearby palm tree, its full length, reaching up to the clear blue sky. She squinted and shielded her eyes from the sun.
Someone nudged her from behind, nearly knocking her case from her grip.
“Hey, kid, you gonna get off the train, or just stand there and stare all day? Get a move on, I gotta be someplace.”

“Oh.” Olivia turned around to face the stranger. She bit her lip to hide her intimidation, looking up at the man in a black suit and black fedora. “I’m terribly sorry, sir. It’s just that I’ve never been to Los Angeles before.”
The man rolled his dark eyes. “Well, that’s great, lady. But can you do your gawking after you get off the train?”
Olivia’s cheeks blazed at the angry stares and murmuring behind him. She scurried down the train steps, mumbling another apology.
How can readers find you on the Internet?My email address is, gracewriter43@yahoo.comI can be found on my website: www.darlenewells.comFacebook: Darlene Wells Christian Fiction AuthorTwitter: @DarleneWells_ Pinterest: Darlene Wells Author

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this new book with us. I can't wait until my copy arrives, so I can read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Finding Olivia (Days of Grace Trilogy) (Volume 2) - Paperback
Finding Olivia (Days of Grace Trilogy Book 2) - 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

WHO'S THE NEW KID? - Heidi Bond - One Free Book

BIO: Heidi Bond has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and The Biggest Loser. A sought after speaker, she has helped thousands of parents who are struggling with overweight, underactive children. Heidi lives in Clovis, California, with her husband Dan and their children, Breanna and Nathan.
Welcome, Heidi. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally? I am very outgoing. I love to be outdoors. I love being around nice kindhearted people. I love to laugh. My favorite thing to do is hang out with friends and family under the stars at night around a campfire.
Tell us about your family. My husband and I have been married for 18 years and we have 2 beautiful children Breanna (age 13) and Nathan (9 years old) they both are competitive swimmers. 
Have you written other nonfiction books? No
Do you have any other books in the works right now?No
What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy? Reading, sitting on the beach and hiking.
Why did you write the featured book? To let others know that they are not alone and that change is possible. 
What do you want the reader to take away from the book? Obesity is not permanent. Change is possible. And you can start today.
Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book? Yes, I would like readers to know some practical advice and tips they can find in my book like tools to determine your child’s BMI, tips for getting your child to eat healthy foods, lists of foods to avoid and alternatives to eat instead, tips for reading serving sizes on labels (they can be very misleading!), information on identifying depression in your child, simple ways to cut sugar out of your diet, warning signs to determine if your child is being bullied, tips for eating out, recipes for making easy, healthy meals.
Where on the Internet can the readers find you? Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Bond-Whos-the-New-Kid/347280342138702?fref=ts) or at breannabond.com
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

THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book, Plus More

Welcome back, Shelley. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?God has given me so many blessings in my chosen career! I am hopeful He will continue to want me to write. I’m currently under contract for several books through 2016, so I will be busy working on new Amish novels as well as some historicals set in Texas.
Tell us a little about your family.I’ve been married for 25 years to my college sweetheart. We have two children who are now adults! Our son is named Arthur, and he lives in Colorado. My daughter, Lesley, just graduated college and recently got engaged! She lives in Kentucky. They are awesome kids and awesome people. We also have two dachshunds who keep me company during the day.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?I’m happy to say that writing has not changed my reading habits. I’ve always read several books a week and I still do. I’ve also never been a critical reader. I rarely read novels and criticize the author. If it’s a good story, I’m happy.
What are you working on right now?I’m happy to say I’m in the middle of two books. One is an Amish novel, which will be published in May or June of 2016. Another is a western historical. Hmm. Oh, I just received some revisions for another book. It’s the first book in next year’s Charm series, and it will be published in February, 2016.
What outside interests do you have?I love to travel. My love to experience new places is one of the reasons I go to so many book signings. I love seeing different places. My husband and I also love to travel for fun. We have a big trip to Europe planned for next fall. When I’m not planning places to go, I like to bake and walk and hang out with our dogs. I’m very easy to please!
How do you choose your settings for each book?I chat with my editors at Harper Collins for each series’ setting. For my historicals, I usually come up with a place and time that interests me then wait and hope that it interests them, too!
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?I can’t think of anyone famous! I would actually simply like to spend an evening with someone fun who has great stories to tell! I would love that.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?That I would be able to make a career out of it. I had so many rejections and so many books that didn’t sell well when I first started, I got very discouraged. If I had known that my hard work would one day pay off, I think I would have slept better at night! I used to spend many nights wishing I was a better writer.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?He is currently teaching me to enjoy each day more. I work hard and I plan a lot. I’m currently working on relaxing a little more every day! One of the best things I’ve learned to do is to never turn on the computer on Sundays. I love having a real day off.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?Write every day that you can, even if it’s just a page or two.Take chances. Work on projects that you aren’t sure will be successful. Send out work to agents and editors!Accept criticism. When an agent or editor or critique partner notices a way you can improve, listen. Everyone can get better at something … even writers!
Tell us about the featured book. The Proposal at Siesta Key is the story of Penny Troyer and Michael Knoxx. Michael is kind of a celebrity in the Mennonite and Amish community. Their paths cross in Pinecraft when Penny goes to hear him speak. I love these characters because while at first they seem so very different, they both have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.
I have read this book and loved it. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers. The moment Penny Troyer turned the dead bolt on the front door, she knew it was a big mistake.
No matter what her mother was doing, or where she was, she always, always heard the distinctive snap of the front door deadbolt disengaging.
Penny froze, feeling vaguely like a burglar caught red-handed, and mentally began to count to five.
She barely made it to three. 
With all the fanfare of a trio of trumpeter swans, her mother’s high-pitched call echoed down the hall. “Penny? Penny, what are you doing?”
Penny bit back an irritated retort—something she’d been doing more and more lately. “Nothing.”
“It must have been something. I am fairly positive I heard you at the door.”
God had really blessed her mother with hearing that was just too good. “I’m simply going to sit on the front porch.”
Practically before Penny had time to take another breath, her mother appeared in the entryway. Her hands clutched the sides of her apron, and concern shone in her truly beautiful periwinkle-colored eyes. “Why?”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I have a website and blog. www.shelleyshepardgray.comI’m also very active on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGrayAnd on Twitter. @ShelleySGray

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this new book with us. I'm really enjoying this series set in Pinecraft in Florida.
The Proposal at Siesta Key Five Book Giveawayhttp://bit.ly/1Hue7QK
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides 2) - 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