Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 2

WINNERS

 IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win. 

Sarah (OH) is the winner of Safe Haven Ranch by Louise M Gouge.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book. 

Dennis Jernigan Young Reader series book 2 - THE LIGHT EATER

ABOUT THE LIGHT EATER:
The Kingdom of Bren faces a deadly foe. Can the Jennings children defeat a light-eating dragon in time to save the realm?

The Jennings kids are once more swept into the magical land of Bren to fight a monster only they can conquer. The kingdom is falling into darkness under the attacks of Luminaud, a giant red dragon, who draws his strength from the light of life, beginning with the light of children! 

Only the great, mystical sword known as Lumen’s Hammer, can slay the dreadful beast, and it can only be wielded by a child. But where is the sword hidden and who can use it against the slithering leviathan? 

Will the children unite in time to overcome the dreaded Light Eater or will Bren be dimmed forever?

Full of fiery trials, surprising reunions, and frightening foes, The Light Eater is the second book in the Bairns of Bren series, which chronicles the adventures of the Jennings in the land of Bren, their grandfather’s kingdom. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Spiderwick Chronicles will enjoy this fantasy series for young readers.

1. What is the significance of the name ‘Light Eater’? 

One of my grandsons actually inspired this story. He received aplush toy dragon one Christmas and told me it ate light. That idea struck melike a bolt of lightning as to how it seems that the life God intends for usall is slowly being eaten away by darkness. Our children live in a day and anage and a culture in which the light of the life of God's Word seems to bebeing consumed by the lies of the enemy. In this story, the light eater,Luminaud, absorbs the life out of living creatures of all kinds, but especiallyseeks the light of the children of the king. 

2. How is the story used to teach children to rely on God?

Once again, the children find themselves face-to-face with pureevil and are sent on a royal quest by their grandparents, the high king andhigh queen of the land of Bren. The children find themselves alone at times andare encouraged to listen for the voice of the Founder; encouraged to cry outto Him in prayer; encouraged to trust the Founder even when upagainst the most terrible of circumstances. 

3. How do the children manage to face their fear?

One of the ways the children learn to face your fears is torecognize the need for sacrifice. Each child must come to grips with theknowledge that their own life might be required to insure the safety and peaceof the citizens of the kingdom. Their grandparents teach them that perfect lovecasts out fear. They're encouraged to constantly remind themselves that theyare loved no matter what. What they discover is that changing the way they thinkactually has a lot to do with changing the way they feel. They also come tounderstand the power in unity of purpose. That unity of purpose? The safety andsecurity of the people of the kingdom of Bren. 

4. How does the story hope to teach children to have aChrist-centered worldview?

One of my main goals with this series of books is to teachchildren how to see life - the good, the bad, the ugly - from the perspectiveof the Founder. In other words, when we see a mountain, God sees a mere molehill. When we see death and destruction, God sees an opportunity to pour outhis grace and comfort and restoring power and love upon mankind. My goal isthat children would come to understand that God wastes nothing; that he cantake even what the enemy means for evil and use it for something good. 

5. What is the ultimate take-away you hope for each reader?

The ultimate take-away for the reader is really very simple:that they would learn to walk in the light of God's Word and love; that theywould learn to become spiritual warriors, unafraid to pierce the darkness withthe light of God; that they would learn to see life as a grand adventure meantto be lived with joy regardless of the circumstances. I get encouraged just bytalking about this story! 

Readers,here’s a link to the book.

This book is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook format at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=THE+LIGHT+EATER+dennis+jernigan&crid=363FVQJ09YAIV&sprefix=the+light+eater+dennis+jernigan%2Caps%2C247&ref=nb_sb_noss 

Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.

Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz,Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leaveyour comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win. 

Pearl (NM) is the winner of Knowing You by Tracie Peterson.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book. 

A Special book up for preorder will release on Thursday June 20

I am blessed to be included in this new collection of marriage-of-convenience novels. There won't be a free book from this post, but the 6-book collection will be only $.99 from now until a week after the release date when the price goes up.

Conveniently Wed: six novels in one Kindle Edition
by Lacy Williams (Author), Misty M. Beller (Author), Linda Ford (Author), & 3 more  

Enjoy this collection of six marriage of convenience novels. With over 1,200 pages, you’ll find something you’re certain to love. From the rugged mountains of Montana to the dusty trails of Oregon, these stories explore the surprising ways the heart can find love…

The Wrangler’s Inconvenient Wife by Lacy Williams

Trail boss Edgar White has learned the hard way that women can’t be trusted. He’s been a part of a big, boisterous family for years but he can never forget the orphanage that was his first home. When a young woman traps him in a marriage of convenience, he vows to end the sham as soon as he can. But the more he gets to know Fran, the more he discovers she’s nothing like he expected…
Grumpy/sunshine • Sworn off relationships • Forced into marriage • Damsel on the run • Love on the road

The Lady and the Mountain Man by Misty M. Beller

Orphaned heiress Leah Townsend is forced to flee to a ranch in the wild Montana mountains. Desperate for a safe place to hide, she accepts a newspaper proposal for a mail-order bride. But when Gideon Bryant finds an eastern lady standing in his log cabin, he tries to send her back to where she came from. He’s determined not to open his heart again…

Cowboy Groom by Linda Ford

Clara Redd has a secret son. Alex Keystone has followed in his father’s footsteps and arrives in Montana ready to be a preacher. He doesn’t need any distractions, but his heart is drawn to Clara. But when Clara’s past catches up to her, will the budding romance between her and Alex survive?

Aundy by Shanna Hatfield

Aundy Thorsen responds to a farmer’s plea for a mail-order bride in Oregon. Then tragedy strikes, leaving her a widow the same day she becomes a wife. Amid her efforts to build a new life, she struggles with her unexpected attraction to neighbor Garrett Nash. But Garrett has his own reasons for protecting his heart…

Katherine’s Arrangement by Blossom Turner

Katherine Williams’s family is left destitute when their home is burned to the ground by Yankee soldiers. When Mr. Josiah Richardson proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems almost too good to be true. He’ll provide a home, work for her pa, and a new beginning for her family...if only Katherine will accept his proposal. Marrying him is her only choice to save her family, but Josiah isn’t the man she expected at all…

A Heart’s Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley

Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. Without an heir, he'll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands. When Lorinda Sullivan finds herself without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son. A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement. But the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned…

SAFE HAVEN RANCH - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

Bio: South Carolina author, Louise M.Gouge, writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning theprestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers CarolAwards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Awards and is acurrent finalist for the 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanitiesprofessor, Louise is a member of the Christian PEN and has been copyediting forwell-known authors for fifteen years. Married for fifty-four happy years to her husband, David, Louiseis now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.

Welcomeback to my bog, Louise. Since you’re beingpublished regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? Afterpublishing about thirty historical Christian romances with various publishers,I am now moving into contemporary Christian romance. My current release, SafeHaven Ranch, is contemporary.

Whatconferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any ofthem? Although I loved to attend conferences in the past, I’m not able totravel anymore. I would be delighted if a conference were held within drivingdistance of my new home in Columbia, South Carolina.

Iunderstand that. I’m not traveling anymore either. If you were in charge ofplanning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would thepanel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why? Because Ihave a copyediting business in addition to my writing, I would plan a paneldiscussion about the importance of writers honing their grammar, punctuation,and usage skills. I would invite Kathy Ide and Jeanne Marie Leach to be on thepanel. Kathy began the Christian PEN, of which I am a member, and she haswritten numerous books to help authors write well. Jeanne Marie wrote Christianromance novels before discovering her special gift for editing, which she nowdoes full time. Both of these women have a lot to offer both new andexperienced authors.

Howimportant is it to you to be active in writing organizations? I love beinga part of ACFW. In fact, I think my membership number is something like 90 or190, so I’ve been around since close to the beginning. I am published becauseof connections I made through ACFW. I’m also a member of FHLCW, and the samegoes for this group. I love the online fellowship in both groups and continueto learn from my fellow authors.

MyACFW membership number is 45. Where in the community or your church do youvolunteer? Physical limitations prevent me from volunteering other thanonline prayer ministries.

I’ma part of the prayer ministry at my church, too. Who are the five people whohave made the most impact on your life, and how? My maternal grandmotheroften quoted scripture to me and helped ground my faith when I was quite small.My late husband was a constant source of encouragement to me in my writing, andI miss his input in my stories. My oldest daughter became a widow shortly afterher second child was born, and her courage and resilience have been an exampleto me. My mother was a wonderful mom to her four children, and I tried to modelmy own mothering after hers. My father’s patriotism and courage in fighting inboth world wars makes me proud to be an American.

Ibecame a widow last October after 59 years with my husband. If you could writethe inscription on your tombstone, what would it be? Jesus paid it all. Allto Him I owe.

Pleasetell us about the featured book. As mentioned before, SafeHaven Ranch is my first contemporary for Love Inspired. A special noteabout this book is that it’s a sequel to my historical series, Finding HerFrontier Family and Finding Her Frontier Home. It was so much fun towrite about later generations of the fictional Mattson family of ranchers inNew Mexico.

Here’s theback cover copy:

Can twolittle children help turn a feud into a family? It should be easy forwidow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying theranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomesinstant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselvesgrowing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift,competing for the property could be the start of something more…

Pleaseshare the first page with us.

Outside Riverton, New Mexico

“You what?”

Olivia Ortiz stared ather elderly neighbor, barely sparing a glance at his too-handsome companion. “But,Albert, you promised to sell your land to me.” She was standing in her owndriveway, hands fisted at her waist in a defensive posture.

“I know, I know.”Albert Winslow shrugged his bony shoulders and gave her an apologetic smile. “Butwait ’til you hear what he has planned, and I think you’ll like it. Will, howabout you tell Miss Olivia what you have planned.” As usual, the almostninety-year-old gentleman repeated himself. He looked up at his much tallercompanion. “I think she’ll like it.”

“Um…” The younger man,who fit the very definition of a tall, dark and handsome cowboy—with curlyblack hair thrown in for good measure—grinned, and his blue eyes sparkled inthe sunlight, causing a silly hiccup in Olivia’s chest. “Don’t you think youshould introduce us first?”

“Oh.” Albert blinkedand looked from him to Olivia and back again. “Sure thing. Miss Olivia, this isWill Mattson. Known this boy all his life. He’s the grandson of my old friendAndy Mattson, Lord rest his soul. Will, this is Olivia Ortiz. She and herfather own this property.” He waved a hand around to include the fifteen acresthat comprised her land, just over a quarter the size of his own fifty acres.Centered by matching pink adobe houses, the two properties were separated by afour-foot fieldstone fence, with a single flimsy, never-locked, much-used gatebetween them.

Will reached out ahand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” He gave her a wide smile, revealing perfectwhite teeth set off by his perfectly tanned complexion, which caused anotherhiccup near her heart.

What was wrong withher? She wasn’t about to let herself fall for this man…or any man. No one could ever replaceSancho. Still, she briefly shook his hand as his name registered in her brain.

“Mattson? Are you…?”Annoyance replaced the shock that Albert’s devastating news had delivered.

“Yes, ma’am.” Therewent that cowboy “ma’am” thing again, punctuated by a boyish shuffling of hiswestern boots on the dusty ground. “Can’t escape it around here.”

“Well, if you’re aMattson, why do you need this small property to add to the…what is it? Eight orten thousand acres your family owns?” She didn’t mean to sound soconfrontational, but Albert had just crashed her desperately held dreams, soher social filters were crashing, too. “You plan to buy the whole county?”

Wherecan my readers find you on the Internet?

Web site at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMGougeAuthor

Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge

Thank you, Louise, for sharing thisnew book with my blog readers and me. You know how much I love your books.

Readers,here’s a link to the book.

SafeHaven Ranch

Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.

Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz,Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leaveyour comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

WINNERS

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win. 

Melissa (TN) is the winner of When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book. 

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me t...

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win. 

Melissa (TN) is the winner of When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book. 

ANOTHER SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Exciting news! The second book in my Love's Road Home series, A HEART'S FORGIVENESS, was selected for a Bookbub Featured Deal! It will be discounted to $.99 from June 13-17 in the US and UK. That would be a good time grab a copy of the ebook if you haven't read it yet. 

KNOWING YOU - Tracie Peterson - One Free Book

Bio: Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, bothhistorical and contemporary, with nearly 6 million copies sold. She has won theACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career AchievementAward. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie andher family make their home in Montana.

In March 2023, bestselling author TraciePeterson introduced readers to her new Pictures ofthe Heart series with RememberMe. This was followed by Finding Us in July. Now Peterson propelsreaders into the thick of the action once again in a tale full of history,intrigue, and romance in her dramatic conclusion, Knowing You.

About the Story: In 1909, Seattle is a place of excitement andintrigue. With the Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific Exposition taking place, people arepouring in from all over the world, eager to participate in the fair. MayParker is no exception. Born and raised in Seattle, she is determined to playher part in the expo and signs up as a Camera Girl. She is especially drawn tothe Japanese exhibits, since her mother is Japanese and May longs to exploreher heritage. But her curiosities turn to danger when a piece of samurai armorbecomes the target of an elusive art forger.

Lee Munroe is a police detective assigned to the expo.He and May grew up together, but their friendship was thwarted by his parents’racist feelings. Ten years later, Lee and May reconnect at the fair, and theirfriendship begins to blossom with hints of something more.

As May and Lee find themselves entangled in adangerous heist, their love is threatened.Can May and Lee overcome the odds against them?

Join Peterson as she combines her impeccable research andaward-winning writing style to explorethemes of racism, honor, and the reminder that God focuses on the heart ratherthan outward appearances.

Knowing You is thefinal book in the Pictures of the Heart series. What was the connecting element for all of the books in thisseries? TheAlaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909 brought millions of people toSeattle.  This series shows a fictionalgroup of  “Camera Girls” who work takingsouvenir photos of expo attendees and in the process, fall in love.

Are there any threads that run through the whole series that will bewrapped up in this book? There are a few inthe form of the exposition itself, as well as what happens to several beloved characters.

What are some of the main themes or lessons covered in Knowing You?Dealing with racial prejudices. Facing thepast to overcome the power it has on you. And not allowing other people todictate your relationship with others, but rather looking to God for direction.

Knowing You combineshistory and romance, but it also offers a thread of suspense. Can you provide a hint of the dangerous situation that May and herchildhood friend Lee Munro encounter? Anotorious criminal comes back into Lee’s life and threatens May’s welfare,leading Lee to realize just how important May is to him.

Most of your story takes place at the Alaska-Yukon-PacificExposition. When did you learn about this expo and why did you decide to use itas the setting for your book? A fewyears ago, I was doing research for another book when it mentioned somethingabout the A-Y-P expo as it was nicknamed. I decided to check into it and foundthe exposition and the setting to be fascinating and fun. I was particularlycaught up in comments about the new Kodak camera being available at anaffordable price for the average family and thought it was a neat side note toinclude in the story.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading Knowing You,and how have you been impacted by this series? Each series always touches my heart as I explore the history and thespiritual aspects of the storyline. I believe my writing is a ministry and inthat, I always want to share the Gospel as well as biblical encouragement. Iwant the reader to know that God is real and that He cares. I want them to seethe simple ways God encourages us daily through His Word and others, and how we,too, can offer this encouragement to each other.

How can readers connect with you? Readerscan contact me through my website www.traciepeterson.com or through Facebook.com/AuthorTraciePeterson

Where can readers purchase a copy of Knowing You? Bakerbookhouse.com, Christianbooks.com and any place that offersbooks for sale.

Thank you, Tracie, for sharing this wonderful series with us.

Readers, leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

WINNERS

 IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win. 

Susan (NC) is the winner of A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling.

Anne (NM) is the winner of Hide and Seek by Dennis Jernigan.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.