Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 24
October 26, 2022
FOLLOWING THE GHOST LIGHTS IN TEXAS - Connie Lewis Leonard - One Free Book
Welcome back, Connie. How did you come up with the idea for this story? Following the Ghost Lights in Texas is the fifth book of my “In Texas” series. I didn’t set out to write a series, but God . . . The idea for the first book, Somebody Somewhere in Texas, popped into my head while sitting in our cowboy church. Before I finished that book, the idea for the second one came to me. That’s how it’s worked with all of the books in this series. Although each book stands alone,
Following the Ghost Lights in Texas
closely follows Hidden Away Somewhere in Texas. They are both set on the Riley Ranch (which is fictional) outside of Marfa, Texas. The main characters Reed and Ryanne Riley are named after my grandchildren, and the horse girl on the cover of Following the Ghost Lights in Texas is our granddaughter riding our horse Sugar. While writing this book, a new idea began churning in my mind. I think the next book will be titled Ranch Reunion in Texas. A cowboy church is essential in each book. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Sibella Giorello is my favorite writer. I love her Raleigh Harmon books, and I would like to ask why she hasn’t published anything recently. DiAnn Mills was my mentor in the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild. I feel comfortable with her, and she’s a great teacher. Christy Barritt is a prolific, best-selling writer. Her books are quick, easy reads, and I’d like to know how she writes so fast. Ruth Logan Hearne is an admirable person, a farmer’s wife, as well as a best-selling author. I love the profound insights she shares on Facebook, and I’d like to meet her and talk to her face-to-face. I have met Susan Mae Warren at ACFW conferences. She’s a gifted teacher, personable, and friendly. I feel like I know her from reading her newsletters.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? That’s more difficult because I don’t read as many historicals. Lena Nelson Dooley, you would be my first guest because I consider you my mentor and friend. You have generously helped me with critiques and by featuring me on your blog. I consider Patricia Carroll a friend. I admire her and enjoy her books. Paula Babb Peckham is just getting started, but I expect great things from her. She is in our critique group, is multi-talented, and has a good eye as an editor. Lisa Prysock has allowed me to be part of her online Whispers in Wyoming Christmas Extravaganza—what fun! We haven’t met, but I feel like I know her through her Facebook group. I met Robin Lee Hatcher at the very first RWA Conference I attended. She was part of the Faith, Hope, Love group, which is how I learned about ACFW. Robin also gave generously of her time by answering my questions about one of her books.
I like all the other authors you mentioned. I’d love spending time with them. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? Actually, my most difficult problem is having more ideas than I have time. When I was told by a Christian editor that my writing was “too Christian for the Christian market,” I decided to Indie publish, which is extremely time consuming. I want to maintain the continuity of my “In Texas” series, so I have no plans to pursue traditional publishing with them. However, I have other books planned, and I struggle with whether or not I want to try to go the traditional route. I know several small presses are publishing books with a strong Christian message rather than a watered down “Christian worldview” with no overt mention of Christ. I would love to have help with marketing and would only sign with a traditional publisher if they would help promote my work.
Tell us about the featured book.
Here is the back cover copy:
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Can an innocent horse girl rescue a cowboy with a beastly past? Can he awaken her heart to the beauty of true love?
Ryanne Riley wanted a quiet, ordinary, predictable life on her family’s ranch. After a bad experience at college, she’s back home studying online, working with horses, using Equine Assisted Therapy to help abused, neglected, and forgotten girls. When a new filly proves too challenging with its biting and bucking, her brother hires a horse trainer—her former classmate, big man on campus, a roping champion, a drummer, and a good-looking notorious playboy. She doesn’t trust him with her horse—or her heart.
Myles Moya had been on the fast track to becoming a world champion, winning major roping competitions. Following in his dad’s footsteps, making the same stupid mistakes, he caused the accident that ruined his plans. All his hard work, drive, and ambition died on that icy road in Wyoming. The time lying in a hospital bed brought reality crashing down on him. What a train wreck of a life!
Someday Ryanne wants a man who will love and cherish her, somebody who is steady and trustworthy, honorable, faithful and true—she wants the fairy tale happily ever after. Myles can’t be that man. He’s not a Christian. But why does being near him create warm, fuzzy feelings, flutters, and tingles?
Please give us the first page of the book.
Ryanne shivered beneath her heavy coat. The oppressive heat of the interrogation room clashed with the ice circulating through her veins. Her head throbbed. Pain shot through her ribs with every breath.
The door opened and the obnoxious officer stepped inside. “Are you ready to make your one phone call?”
“You confiscated my cell phone.”
“Follow me, and you can use the precinct phone.”
She rolled her eyes. Mother may I, you moron.
Ryanne bit her bottom lip to keep it from quivering. Oh, come on, answer the phone.
“Hello.”
“Reed, let me talk to Hope.”
“Ryanne? It’s three o’clock in the morning. What’s wrong?”
“Just let me talk to Hope. I don’t have much time.”
***
Reed turned on the bedside lamp, put the phone on speaker, and handed it to his wife. “Hope, honey, it’s Ryanne.”
“Ryanne, where are you?” Hope rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
“I’m in jail. Here in Alpine.”
“What!” Reed and Hope said in unison.
“I asked you to let me talk to Hope.”
“Talk! We’re both listening.” Reed tried to control his anger. What had his sister done now?
“Honey, what happened?” Hope’s soft counselor voice whispered through the line.
“Two guys attacked me in the parking lot of my dorm. I defended myself, and when I called the cops, they arrested me.” She exhaled a loud puff of frustration. “Can you believe it?”
That sure grabbed my attention. How can readers find you on the Internet? That’s one of my weaknesses. I have a Facebook page, Connie Lewis Leonard and an author Facebook page, Connie Lewis Leonard, author. I have a blog that I haven’t kept up with but keep telling myself I’ll get back to it. I do send out a newsletter with updates on my writing, recipes, and encouraging, inspirational messages. Anyone interested in receiving my newsletter may send me an email: rycon70@att.net
Here’s the buy link: Following the Ghost Lights in Texas - Kindle edition by Lewis Leonard, Connie. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Thank you for sharing this new novel with my blog readers and me. You know I love your books. I’m eager to read this one.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 25, 2022
WHERE THE BLUE SKY BEGINS - Katie Powner - One Free Book
Earning a Library Journal starred review for her thoughtful debut The Sowing Season (2020), author Katie Powner has won over audiences with her immersive and emotionally provocative novels. Following this successful debut, Powner’s sophomore novel A Flicker of Light (2021) solidified her status as an author to watch in the genre. Now Powner explores deeper questions about grief and loss in her latest release, Where the Blue Sky Begins.
About the book: Sometimes the hardest road of all is the road home. Eric Larson is smart, handsome, and a bit shallow. Sent to a rural Montana town to work in the local branch of his uncle’s financial company, he’s determined to exceed everyone’s expectations, earn a promotion, and return to Seattle by the end of summer. Yet nothing could prepare him for the lessons this small town has in store.
Eccentric and outspoken Eunice Parker has an end-of-summer goal, too: seek forgiveness from everyone on her bucket list before her time runs out. She’s come to accept her terminal illness, but her quest may take more courage than she can muster on her own.
After an accident brings the unlikely pair together, Eric and Eunice are forced to spend more time in each other’s company than either of them would like. But as summer draws to a close, neither person is where they thought they would be. Both Eunice and Eric must wrestle with an important question: What matters most when the end is near?
Balancing humor and small-town charm with complex narratives, Powner explores what it looks like to die—and live—well in this satisfying and memorable read.
Welcome, Katie. Please provide a brief summary of your new novel Where the Blue Sky Begins.When a shallow but charming financial advisor from Seattle and an eccentric terminally ill woman in rural Montana are thrown together for the summer, their unconventional friendship will produce surprising results. Eric and Eunice couldn’t be more different, but they each must learn lessons about themselves, what friendship really means, and how to let go. When the end of summer comes, neither of them will ever be the same. Can you tell us a little more about who or what inspired you to write this story? I had been thinking about what I wanted to write next for several months when I was driving to an appointment one day. I turned onto a certain road and found myself steering carefully around a woman on a scooter driving on the shoulder. She was wearing an oversized helmet and a trench coat and just puttering along as if it were perfectly reasonable for her to be on a busy high-speed road with her scooter. I couldn’t help but wonder: Where is she going? Why is she driving a scooter? Why is she wearing a trench coat in summer? And the next thing I knew, the storyline for Where the Blue Sky Begins was born.
Where the Blue Sky Begins is the third book you’ve published with Bethany House.What do you think your novels have in common and what sets this latest release apart? All three of my novels so far feature small-town settings and focus on ordinary people. All three contain a mix of both humor and heart. What sets this release apart, I hope, is its willingness to venture into some pretty uncomfortable territory.
What did you enjoy most about creating an eccentric yet complicated protagonist like Eunice Parker?What did you find the most challenging? I loved writing Eunice because she was unpredictable. Nothing about her life was “normal,” and she had no way of being prepared for what she was facing and experiencing, so there was no telling what she might do next. Her moods changed frequently; her health influenced her decisions. Those same things also made her difficult to write because I’ve never been in her shoes. Though I couldn’t necessarily relate to her, I just tried to imagine what I might feel in her situation and write as honestly as I could.
Without giving away any spoilers, what makes Eric Larson and Eunice Parker such a compelling duo?They’re a very unlikely pair, which I think makes them interesting. But more than that, I think it’s compelling that they aren’t looking for each other. Not at all. They would both be happy if they could be left alone to do their own thing, but of course that’s not possible.
Where the Blue Sky Begins
bravely addresses the realities of facing terminal illness. How did you approach creating Eunice’s character in light of her circumstances?I’ve been around a lot of death and dying in my life. My own father faced a terminal illness when I was a teenager. Those experiences didn’t necessarily give me the insight I needed to create Eunice, because every situation and person is unique, but they did give me the conviction that her story was important and shouldn’t be shied away from. So I was determined to approach Eunice head-on without turning away from the hard and messy and scary What do you hope readers will take away from reading Where the Blue Sky Begins? This is difficult to answer without giving too much away, but one thing I hope readers are encouraged to do after reading this book is give people, especially people who seem hard to love at first, a chance. Don’t be too quick to judge based on outward appearances or first impressions. You never know what someone else is going through.
What are you working on next? I have a couple of stories in the works. They’re both small-town stories, which is my thing, but they have big aspirations. I enjoy challenging myself and exploring new territory.
How can readers connect with you? I love connecting with readers! If you go to my website at katiepowner.com, you can sign up for my newsletter, which is the best way to get exclusive news, deals, content, and giveaways. You can also find a contact page on the website and links to all my social media accounts.
Thank you, Katie, for introducing my blog readers and me to this new novel. We’re eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 24, 2022
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.
Maryann (NY) is the winner of The Mistletoe Favor by Jill Kemerer.
Anne (NM) is the winner of The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson.
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.
October 20, 2022
RESTORING MISS HASTINGS - Edwina Kiernan - One Free Book
Welcome, Edwina. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. I’m not too sure! I have definitely drawn on some things I’ve experienced for a few of the situations my characters have been in, but I don’t feel that it’s something I’m even aware of until I’m reading through the story afterward. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I worked for a while as a media photographer, taking pictures of music bands and movie press junkets.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? Since I was little, I was always writing stories on whatever scraps of paper I could find. As I grew older, I continued to write poems and short stories, attempting a novel in my early teens, too. Always, I was writing something. For a while, I wrote devotionals and had some published. Then, I wrote Christian living blog posts. The whole time, fiction was my deepest writing love. After a serious case of pneumonia in early 2020, I dedicated my love for writing Christian fiction to the Lord and got moving with it. I believe that’s what He created me to do, and the seriousness of the illness was a wake-up call to actually go and do it properly, not just dabbling or hiding my words away, but pouring them out in praise to Him and in order to stir people’s hearts to want to get closer to Him.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. The books I most love to read are the Classics. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte is my all-time favorite. I also love reading Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Jane Austen, Anthony Hope, Anthony Trollope and Wilkie Collins. In terms of contemporary books, I enjoy reading Christian historical romance and Christian suspense. My favorite present-day authors are Steven James and Christy Barritt.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? By setting aside one day every week to rest and rejuvenate with my husband and son. No writing, no admin - nothing work-related. Just a blissful day of playing games, enjoying tasty meals and a sweet treat or two, and just spending time in an atmosphere of contentment and calm, giving thanks to God for blessing us with Himself and with one another.
How do you choose your characters’ names? First, I’ll look at which names were used as names in the time period I’m writing in. Secondly, I’ll look at the meaning of the name and try to assign names to each character based on their personalities. Sometimes, for minor characters, I’ll include a name as a kind of nod to a writer or book that I love. For example, in my novel Pearl’s Promise, Pearl’s last name is Acton. This is a nod to Acton Bell, the pen name used by my favorite writer, Anne Bronte.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? In the two years that I have been a published author, I am honored to have won two book awards - one for my debut novel, Ruby’s Redemption, and the other for my second novel, Pearl’s Promise (two of the Gems of Grace series, set in the Regency era). My third novel in that series, Beryl’s Blessing, was also an Amazon bestseller.
That’s wonderful. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Most people tell me I’m quite like a cat. I think it’s because I’m rather quiet, and I can move quite stealthily, which is always amusing when people don’t hear me approaching and then jump when they turn around and notice me.
What is your favorite food? Risotto. I’m a huge rice fan, and I love how versatile risotto can be. My favorite combination is turkey and leek risotto with lashings of cheese... Yum.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? I think the biggest roadblock was listening to other people saying that it wasn’t a worthwhile career, or a wise way to spend one’s time. Those people were wrong. It’s a very worthwhile career when done for the Lord. He helped me to see that creativity is a gift from Him - the Creator of all things. And He showed me that this is what He created me for - to create characters and stories that help others see the truth of God’s word lived out on the page, and that praise and glorify Jesus.
I praise Him for creating me to be a writer. Tell us about the featured book. It’s part of a multi-author series that I teamed up with two of my writing buddies to create. We each have favorite eras in which we write, so we thought it would be interesting to do a series that spans each of them. We settled on a country house named Duriel Hall as the location where each story will take place. The first book, Finding Miss Giles, is set in the Georgian era and written by Philippa Jane Keyworth. The second, Engaging Miss Shaw, is set in the Regency era and written by Rachel Knowles. And mine, Restoring Miss Hastings, is set in the Victorian era. The hero in Rachel’s book is the son of the couple in Philippa’s book, and the hero in my book is the son of the couple in Rachel’s book, so there’s a really fun thread of continuity running through the series even though each book can be read as a stand-alone.
Here’s a little more information about
Restoring Miss Hastings
: Devastated by loss… a stranger takes her in. But will her presence ruin his chance at restoring all he’s lost?
Harriet Hastings has nowhere left to turn: after losing both her parents within a few months of each other, she is penniless and alone. So when a distant relative makes arrangements for her future, Harriet faces another loss — leaving the place she calls home to go and live with strangers.
Edmund Derringer’s on a mission: to restore the family heirlooms he pawned to cover the debts of his failed speculation. The last thing he needs is to be saddled with his cousin’s ward — a friendly chatterbox who intrudes on his time, distracting him from the task at hand.
But when outside forces threaten their burgeoning fondness, each will be compelled to re-examine what they really believe about one another, and what their most important goal for the future truly is…
Please give us the first page of the book.
Harriet Hastings pushed open the door to her family’s little cottage and stepped inside, grievously aware how empty it was.
How permanently empty it would be from now on.
Moving as slowly as a figure in a dream, she closed the door against the evening chill and untied her black bonnet with shaky fingers.
It was just her now.
She alone was all that remained of the happy little Hastings family.
The thought would have been enough to make her cry, if she’d had any tears left. But all the weeping of the past few days had wrung her heart dry. As she slumped down onto her father’s fireside armchair, her mother’s vacant rocking chair loomed in front of her.
Harriet leaned her head back, wishing the fabric of the chair’s headrest was still imbued with her father’s comforting scent. But four months of living had removed every trace. Only in her memory did it — and his image — remain.
Her lower lip trembled as she remembered staring through misty eyes at the pale wooden box heaped over with crumbled dirt. As she’d stood beside her mother in the cold, gloomy cemetery, each fresh sifting of earth scattered atop the coffin had reinforced the divide that’d ruptured their family — Harriet and her mother on one side, her now-deceased father on the other.
It had happened so suddenly. Had taken Harriet so unawares.
Her chest tightened as she remembered the neighbours and strangers from their little market town huddled mournfully around the graveside, their sobs and caresses of sympathy surrounding Harriet and her mother.
Nothing else bad will happen — that’s what Mamma had said.
Had promised.
We’ll make it somehow.
And, for a while, they did, scraping together just enough money to survive.
The cottage was never the same, though. It hadn’t seemed like home without her father there.
Instead of housing a small family of humble means, it contained only two penniless ladies, shuffling through the days with weary muscles and enervated hearts.
As the weeks passed, Harriet and her mother did what they could to carry on, but the affectionate conversation and gentle laughter that’d once filled their home had been all but silenced. The only sounds echoing against the cottage walls had been their many sighs.
Then, the coughs.
It’d been clear that her mother was tired — they both were. But as the colour in her cheeks had grown paler each passing day, and as her coughing kept Harriet awake longer each night, Harriet had known.
Mamma couldn’t keep her promise.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
If readers want to know when I have a new book coming out, they can follow me on Amazon here https://amazon.com/author/edwinakiernan; if they want to know when I have a book on sale, they can follow me on BookBub here https://bookbub.com/profile/edwina-kiernan, and if they want to know about new books, books on sale, plus exclusive giveaways, freebies and peeks behind the scenes of my life as an author, the best place to find me is inside my weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for here: EdwinaKiernan.com/subscribe
Thank you, Edwina, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCSPFXDJLeave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 19, 2022
DEAD AIR: A Waco Mystery - Mary Hamilton - One Free Book
Welcome back, Mary. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? I’ve enjoyed writing mystery/suspense novels, but I’m not sure it’s where I want to spend my writing time. The books I enjoy most often are general contemporary ovels that xplore life’s daily challenges. I plan to try writing a story closer to women’s fiction. Tell us a little about your family. I’ve been married to my Prince Charming for 40 years. We’ve raised two sons and a daughter, and we now have two awesome grandsons. We’re all in Texas, except our youngest who is working on a doctorate in Washington, D.C. He hopes to get back to Texas as soon as he’s finished.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Reading in the genre you write is so important for authors. Because of that, I read far less non-fiction than I used to. Novels are good at drawing you in and keeping you reading until before you know it, you’ve read multiple chapters. Unfortunately, because I’m so accustomed to that fiction quality, I believe I’ve become less able to stay focused when reading non-fiction.
What are you working on right now? With the release of Dead Air: A Waco Mystery, I’m noodling a story about a woman whose dying mother lists five cherished items and elicits a promise from the main character to find new owners who will also treasure them. Of course, none of the items have any value to the main character, making it difficult to figure out why anyone would want them, much less treasure them.
What outside interests do you have? Early weekday mornings, you’ll find me walking at a local park. I’ve developed some sweet friendships with other walkers there. I also take lots of walks with my dog, Cinder. In the wintertime, I enjoy knitting sweaters and afghans. And I enjoy a little photography, even though the only camera I have is on my phone.
How do you choose your settings for each book? My first books that were written for young teens are set at a Christian youth camp, much like the one where I lived while growing up. My adult mysteries are set in the Waco, Texas, area where I currently live. I’m not much of a traveler, so I write what I know.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why? I had to think about this one, but my choice would be Mary, the mother of Jesus. I want to know what it was like raising God’s son, watching him die a horrible death, and then learning he’s alive again. What was it like raising him with his siblings?
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? I wish I’d known that writing is a business. I believe most of us approach it as a hobby to begin with. But once we’re published, it becomes a business and needs to be treated as a business.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? Trust and patience. Trust that He hears my prayers and knows my needs, and patience to wait for His answer without getting anxious.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? Be part of a critique group. It’s hard to evaluate our own writing, so we need others. Don’t be in a rush to get published. Take time to learn the craft. Be generous in helping other authors. Regard them as partners, not competitors.
Tell us about the featured book? Dead Air: A Waco Mystery is the story of Kit Squires, who never imagined her husband capable of murder. A year after losing his job as a local radio host, Jeff stubbornly clings to the hope of being re-hired and refuses any other job. But Kit can’t support the family on what she makes as a physical therapist. And their bank account is streaking toward the red, much like her respect for Jeff. Desperate, she demands he get a job or move out.
Then gunshots blast across the airwaves of Jeff’s former show. And in the dead air that follows, Kit recognizes Jeff’s voice in his troubling last words.
Torn between the overwhelming evidence against Jeff and the character of the man she thought she knew, Kit’s choice puts her at odds with her son, Bryce. One of them has to be wrong…which means a killer might still be out there.
Please give us the first page of the book.
The outdoor tables of Kit’s favorite Mediterranean restaurant sat empty in February’s cold. But as she stepped inside, Alpha Omega’s red brick walls of the original warehouse provided a warm atmosphere. The scent of meat on the grill prompted a stomach growl, and Kit pressed a hand to her waist while she scanned the room. The purple streak through her sister’s spiky blonde hair easily distinguished her from the rest of the gathering lunch crowd.
“You got my message.” Kit draped her jacket over the back of the chair.
Jill nodded. “I went ahead and ordered for you. Figured you’d be limited on time between patient visits.”
“Thanks.” Kit settled in and scooted up closer to the table.
“How’s work going?”
“Busy, but that’s good. We need all the money we can get right now.”
A waiter set a chicken gyro in front of Kit and a Greek salad in front of Jill. When he left, Jill asked, “Any news on the job front for Jeff?” She plunged her fork into her salad.
Kit bit into her gyro and kept chewing long after she could’ve easily swallowed. She fastened her gaze on her plate before answering.
“No news as far as jobs go but—” she dropped her gyro onto her plate and drew a deep breath “—I’m going to ask for a separation.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/MaryHamiltonBooks
https://www.instagram.com/mlhamiltonauthor/
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I'm eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 16, 2022
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.
Connie (KY) is the winner of A Heart's Rescue by Lena Nelson Dooley.
Tina (PA) is the winner of A Father's Gift by Paula Peckham.
Lisa (AR) is the winner of Deception by Patricia.
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.
October 12, 2022
THE LAST WAY HOME - Liz Johnson - One Free Book
Welcome, Liz. Can you please provide a brief summary of your new novel, The Last Way Home? When disgraced former NHL player Eli Ross returns to Prince Edward Island after eleven years, he discovers the broken family he left behind may be easier to win over than his mom’s business partner. Local artist Violet Donaghy isn’t eager to forgive the man who broke his mom’s heart. But when her pottery studio nearly burns to the ground, they’ll work together to rebuild—and more than the studio is on the line when secrets come out and they begin to open their hearts. What is the connecting element for all three books in the Prince Edward Island Shores series? The Prince Edward Island Shoresseries shares the stories of the three Ross brothers from Victoria by the Sea. Eleven years ago their father walked out on the family, and now each brother has to come to terms with the way they responded—with anger, running away, and pulling back from the rest of the world—especially if they want to win the hearts of the women in their lives.
Why did you choose to set your book in Victoria by the Sea, which is on the south shore of Prince Edward Island? I was hooked on Victoria by the Sea after my first visit. It’s such a beautiful community filled with artists, theater, and lots of lobster fishing. I wanted to feature each of those areas in this series.
One of the protagonists, Eli Ross, abandoned his family in search of fortune and fame. Can you please provide more information on his backstory?Eli is the oldest Ross brother, the one who was supposed to stay when his dad left. He should have taken care of his family, but the pull of the NHL was too strong—after all, he’d been dreaming of playing professionally since he first laced up a pair of skates. When he told his middle brother, Oliver, that he was going for a tryout all those years ago, Oliver told him never to come back. And he didn’t. It was the worst mistake of his life, and he’s missed being part of his family. Eleven years later, he’s not expecting forgiveness. He’s just hoping his family will allow him to stay.
Eli Ross was a professional hockey player who, after returning to PEI, continues to coach a youth hockey league. Why did you choose this profession? I love to ice skate! When I was twenty-five, I moved to Colorado and decided to pick up a winter sport. I took figure-skating lessons through the city, and I fell in love with the ice. While I wrote this book, I spent almost every weekend at a rink in Phoenix, marveling at the skilled hockey players—young and old—practicing on the ice. I loved watching the youth hockey players in their games and spent hours figuring out how to incorporate that into this book.
Both of the main characters in your book, Eli Ross and Violet Donaghy, have secrets that come to light within the pages of your novel. Without giving away any spoilers, can you provide some insight on how these secrets might impact their lives and the lives of the Ross family? Like many people with secrets, Eli and Violet both hide behind carefully constructed façades. Violet chooses to overlook the rumors that run rampant about her history rather than face the truth of her past. Eli fears that his secret will shatter whatever relationship he’s restoring with his family. When Eli and Violet realize that the other is a safe harbor to share, they realize that they’re not so different after all. Telling the truth to one person may open the floodgates, and it will affect the entire Ross family and could ruin their budding romance. What do you hope readers will gain from reading The Last Way Home? I hope readers will be reminded that forgiveness isn’t something we earn—even when it’s hard to accept. And we forgive because we’ve been forgiven.
What do you love most about writing novels in the contemporary romance genre? I love writing romances that provide an escape, fill readers with warmth, and remind them of the hope we have, even in hard times.
How can readers connect with you?
I love to connect with readers through my email newsletter at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com , on Facebook @LizJohnsonBooks, and on Instagram @LizJohnsonBooks.
Thank you, Liz, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I love reading books set on Prince Edward Island.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 11, 2022
THE MISTLETOE FAVOR - Jill Kemerer - One Free Book
Welcome, Jill. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Honestly, very little. My characters seem to have a life of their own. Sometimes I wish I had some of their qualities! But my outlook on life and personal experiences flavor every book. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? The quirkiest, huh? Probably singing Frank Sinatra karaoke in the middle of a mall in Guadalajara, Mexico, when I was a teenager.
James and I love Guadalajara. When did you first discover that you were a writer? I’ve always loved to read, and I wrote short books and even a magazine when I was a kid. But I didn’t discover novel writing until I was twenty years old. I’d just finished reading a romance novel, and I threw it across the room, yelling, “I could write better than that!” So I did.
I grabbed a spiral notebook and a pen and started writing a romance the way I thought it should go. By page 22, I had nothing left to write! It occurred to me there wasn’t much to say when your characters had no problems. But the writing bug was in me at that point, and it never left.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I love reading! I read a ton of romance novels, nonfiction, memoirs, fantasy novels, classics, women’s fiction, some romantic suspense and historical fiction. I like to mix it up.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I don’t. Ha-ha! No, really, I force myself to keep business hours, or I’d work all the time. Basically, I leave my home office no later than 6pm and take weekends off.
I also start every day with a journal and my Bible. It sets the tone for the day and is such a relief to know God’s right there with me.
Other things that help? I keep my phone on silent all day and only allow notifications on two apps. Plus, I spend very little time on social media anymore. I need to check in more often, but I find the more I’m away, the less I miss it.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I keep a running list of names for men and women. Whenever I hear an unusual name, I add it to the list. Then, when I’m starting a new book, I think about the character and a name usually just jumps out to me as being a good fit.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? On a professional level, I’m most proud of my first contract with Love Inspired. I’d written ten books (some category length, some trade length), and I’d been trying to get published for seven years. I was ready to quit. But God blessed me with that contract, and I’m so thankful for it!
It took me 8 years to get my first book contract. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A cat, for sure. They love naps, cuddle on their terms, don’t need a ton of attention and they’re curious.
What is your favorite food? Ooh, that’s a hard one. I love pizza and lasagna and caramels. Does coffee count, too? I love coffee!
I heard recently that coffee has things in it that are good for you, so I guess it is a food. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? The mental game was—and is—my greatest roadblock. It’s hard to write day in and day out when you have no guarantees the book will get published (for books that aren’t under contract). It’s easy to doubt my voice and plot direction, too. I have to constantly trust God with my writing.
Tell us about the featured book. Well, it’s a Christmas book!
The Mistletoe Favor
is part of my Wyoming Ranchers series. It features rancher, Mac Tolbert, and Bridget Renna, the city girl who is new to Sunrise Bend. Here’s the back cover copy: It will take one special cowboy To make this season bright.
After gaining guardianship of his half sister, wealthy rancher Mac Tolbert hopes a part-time job during the holidays will help the grieving teenager. New coffee shop owner Bridget Renna has been on her own since sixteen and is immediately drawn to the shy orphan—and her handsome brother. But as Bridget grows closer to the siblings, will her troubled past ruin their chance at a Christmas together?
Please give us the first page of the book.
What was the point of being rich if he couldn’t make
Mac Tolbert parked his truck on Main Streetin Sunrise Bend, Wyoming. As his feet hit the pavement, he inhaled the crisp, autumn air. The downtown looked like it had been invaded by pumpkins and bales of straw. Soon they’d be replaced with Christmas lights and wreaths.
He strode toward the new storefront everyone around town was buzzing about. The window had fancy gold lettering that spelled out Brewed Awakening. After months without a coffee shop, the locals were ready for the grand opening next week. It had been a no-brainer for Mac to lease the building, including the apartment above, to New York City.
Although they’d only met briefly at Sawyer’s wedding this summer, Mac had a favor to ask of Bridget, and he was more than willing to make it worth her while. He just prayed it would get his little sister, Kaylee, out of her funk.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Readers can find me at my website, jillkemerer.com, on Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.
Thank you, Lena, for having me today!
It’s my pleasure featuring you.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 9, 2022
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 Jeanette's Gift by Blossom Turner.
Abigail (OK) is the winner of Crossfire by Lynette Eason.
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.
October 6, 2022
DECEPTION - Patricia Bradley - One Free Book
Welcome back, Patricia. Can you please provide a brief summary of your new novel, Deception? After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ISB ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don’t lie. So she’s less than thrilled when a white crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw. When a woman who looks just like Madisonis attacked on the same night Madison’s grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together—and suppress their growing feelings for one another—if they are to discover the truth before it’s too late.
What can you tell us about Madisonand her professional background? Madison has always liked to solve puzzles, and until a colleague almost kills her, she loved digging into a case and finding the clues that put the bad guys away. But she’s good with numbers and goes after fraud cases with the same tenacity as she did murder cases.
Madison and Clayton have a history. Can you elaborate on why their relationship is complicated? Madison doesn’t trust men, partly because her adoptive father was always so aloof and she never felt he loved her. And then there was Chad Turner, who professed to love her but only used her to try and get his son back. The only positive male role model she has is her grandfather, Judge William Anderson.
She knew Clayton from when she would visit her grandfather every summer as a child, but he always seemed to be in cahoots with her bullying cousins. When they meet again, she doesn’t have a very high opinion of him.
Clayton Bradshaw is a recovering gambler and ladies’ man. But he’s a changed man when he meets Madisonagain, and even though he’s attracted to her, he holds back because he’s made a commitment not to have causal relationships.
What inspired the idea for this series? I’ve always wanted to be a park ranger, and I love the Natchez Trace and the town of Natchez. Writing this series has given me the fun of living that dream. What makes this series stand out from the other books you’ve written? While I think all of my series are good, I learn something from each one that makes the next one better. Learning about the Natchez Trace Parkrangers and Investigative Service Branch rangers has made this series different. I like the unexpected twists I’ve come up with for each book in the series.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading Deception? I hope readers see how unforgiveness poisons but forgiveness heals. When you need to forgive someone, you can hold on to unforgiveness and thoughts of revenge, or you can forgive and get on with your life.
What are you working on next? I’m starting a new series set in the Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga. It will feature a female sheriff, a chief of police who wanted the sheriff’s job, and a mayor who wants tourists to discover the small town of Pearl Creek, Tennessee. This is not the wish of Apacola County Sheriff Alexandra (Alex) Stone or Police Chief Sean Landry. And when two murders happen shortly after Alex takes office, she determines that a serial killer has followed her to Pearl Creek.
How can readers connect with you? I have a blog that I post on twice a week—Tuesdays (Mystery Question Day) and Fridays (Book Review Day). And I love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and I’m starting a Pinterest board for the Pearl Creek series and the characters in the stories.
Website https://ptbradley.com/
Blog https://ptbradley.com/blog/
Facebook www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/PTBradley1
Amazon https://amzn.to/2S6DKGY
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patricia-bradley
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7789445.Patricia_Bradley
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Thank you, Patricia, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I love reading your stories.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 2 weeks from the 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 leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
