Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 29
July 7, 2022
PROTECTED - Paula Peckham - One Free Book
Welcome, Paula. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Pretty sure little bits of me show up in all of my main characters, at least so far. I wrote a contemporary novella to be included in a Christmas anthology, and it was the easiest thing I’ve ever written because it was a story from my life. In fact, my mother texted me after her copy arrived in the mail (Texas Heirloom Ornament) and told me, “I’m reading your autobiography.” I laughed because it was almost accurate. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Following a nudge from the Holy Spirit one night at church, I convinced my husband we needed to buy property in Rio Bravo, Mexico, where our church had done mission work for ten years, and we built a little house there in the neighborhood where we serve.
I have been on at least 10 short term mission trips to Mexico. I love the people there. When did you first discover that you were a writer? I wrote for the school newspaper when I was in high school, and I enjoyed it, but I never seriously sat down to write a book until I was in my 50s.
I started in my 40s.Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read everything! Stephen King’s horror, Dick Francis’ mysteries, John Grisham’s legal thrillers, Patricia Cornwell’s medical mysteries, Ray Bradbury’s science fiction, Cheryl Burman’s mystical women’s fiction, just about any romance, non-fiction about nature, biographies, cereal boxes … If it’s been published, I’ve probably tried it.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? It’s easier now that I’ve retired from teaching. When I start feeling overwhelmed with the world, I remind myself God is in control, and I don’t have to know all the answers.
How do you choose your characters’ names? Since I write Christian fiction, I often choose a name from a Bible character who exemplifies what I want my character to be like. For example, in Protected, my male main character has a best friend named Jonathan. I chose that name from the friendship between Jonathan and David.
My female main character’s name is Abigail. I chose her name because it would easily shorten to Ab, which then easily switched to “Abner” when she decided to disguise herself as a boy.
And some names come from websites that list popular names for that year.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I dropped out of college when I got married at age nineteen because we couldn’t pay our bills without both of us working. Then two babies came. I finally started back again, taking two classes a semester at night. It took me seventeen years to get my college degree, but I never gave up. I think that determination has served me well as an author too. It gets discouraging when success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s very tempting to quit. I’ve learned the value of perseverance.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Ooh, that’s hard. Maybe a dolphin, because I love to swim and they’re intelligent. Maybe a mockingbird, because doesn’t everyone wonder what it would be like to fly, and they sing so beautifully. Maybe a dog because they always seem so happy, and they’re loyal and non-judgmental, both characteristics I’d love to have. Or a horse, because they’re powerful and majestic, and I’ve loved horses since I was a child and begged Santa for one every year.
What is your favorite food? No hesitation on this one! Mexican
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Sometimes what I start with in my imagination isn’t supported by historical fact. It’s tempting to bluff my way through the parts I’m not sure about or ignore a critique partner who tells me the thing I’m writing hadn’t occurred yet. If it means switching up major parts of the story plotline, I want to resist. But I know historical accuracy is important, so I’ve always given in and rewritten what I needed to in order to maintain authenticity.
Tell us about the featured book. Protected is a western story set in Texas. Think of what you might get if you mashed together Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and John Wayne’s movie, The Cowboys. My female MC is strong and independent. My male MC is kind and loyal. The bad guys are just creepy enough. The side characters are fun and funny. It will make you laugh and maybe even cry. Please give us the first page of the book.
Texas plains, late Spring, 1862
Abigail Walker stood beside the fresh grave. Fear and grief wrapped around her chest like the cinch of a saddle. She dropped a limp handful of wildflowers onto the mound of loamy black soil. Sunbeams beat down on the prairie, highlighting the ten other graves that had appeared in a somber line over the past two weeks. Three of them held pieces of her heart. Death had snatched her entire family ―her younger brother Nathan, Mama, and Papa. Stunned, she struggled to breathe.
A warm wind dried the tears from her face and teased some strawberry-blonde strands from her messy braid. Golden flashes of sunlight slipped through the tossing leaves on the trees near the creek where the children from the wagon train gathered for this final ceremony.
“Abby, do you want to say any last words?” Grady Strong’s tone held sincere kindness, but the matter-of-fact question, repeated several times already to the others standing around the grave over the past two weeks, slapped her heart.
Abby’s eyes stung as she gazed into their sun-dappled faces. A nearby mockingbird ran through its joyful repertoire in direct contrast to the grief swamping her as she stood with the remaining group of travelers heading for a new life in San Antonio, Texas. Could they finish the journey alone?
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have an author page on Facebook, Paula Peckham, Author. I have a website where I blog – www.paulapeckham.com. I’m on Twitter and Instagram, and occasionally I post on TikTok.
Thank you, Paula, for sharing your novel with my blog readers and me. You know I love the story.
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
July 5, 2022
SUNBURST - Susan May Warren - One Free Book
BIO: Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota.
Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com
on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction
on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.
Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. That’s a great question! Every character has a piece of my own personal experience, whether it be my spiritual journey, or a pull from some emotional issue or personal adventure. I use my personal experiences to create realistic emotions, and even pose questions the character might have, as well as lessons I’ve learned. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Quirkiest? I don’t know. I’ve been skydiving for book research….does that count?
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I’ve been writing all my life – I wrote my first book when I was fourteen. But I never really took it seriously until I became a missionary and realized I needed to use my love of writing to further the kingdom.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Suspense, romance, historicals, dystopian…I love reading all genres. (except horror and erotic – not for me.) I feel like I can learn from any genre!
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I block out social media on weekends, and in the evenings. And I put my phone on DND when I write – this way, I answer calls and check in on MY schedule, instead of the day intruding on me.
How do you choose your characters’ names? They have to “feel” right for the theme, and the person. I often use name lists, but often I’ll hear a name I love and keep it in my name folder. Usually, the name just comes to me as the character is formed!
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? My four adult children – more of God’s accomplishment, but I partnered with him to be the best mom I could be. I have amazing children, and I’m so proud of them.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A lioness. I like her independence, but also her connection with family.
What is your favorite food? Popcorn. With parmesan and butter.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? I tend to get ahead of myself - too many books on my plate. I just hunker down and focus on the next scene.
Tell us about the featured book. Sunburst is the second book in a trilogy about the Kingston brothers of Sky King Ranch who return home after their time in the military, wounded in spirit (and sometimes in body), only to face problems at home, at their father’s ranch in Alaska. They are bush pilots and warriors, and the problems they discover at home extend beyond Alaska… This story is about Ranger, brother #2, who goes to Sunburst to rescue his brother, Colt, only to discover that with him is the woman he can’t forget. Noemi Sutton is half-Nigerian and working as a humanitarian aid worker in Nigeria when she is captured by the Boko Haram. Seeing Ranger, the man she loved and lost is the last thing on her mind, but when he rescues her—and is injured—it’s up to her to save them. Her rescue plan includes running to her relatives for protection…but doesn’t include a deception about their marital status. It a fun story about Nigerian customs, lost love, a marriage of convenience, and second chances!
Please give us the first page of the book.
You can find the first page at this link, Download PDF.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Visit www.susanmaywarren.com
Thank you, Susan, for sharing this story with my blog readers and me. I've loved every book of yours that I've read.
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
July 3, 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 do n'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.
Charity (IN) is the winner of Among the Innocent by Mary Alford.
Sunnymay (OH) is the winner of Free Fall by Nancy Mehl.
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.
June 30, 2022
FATAL CODE - Natalie Walters - One Free Book
Welcome, Natalie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Ooh, well, I think it depends on the character. In Silent Shadows, my character Pecca Gallegos’ past tied into my own. Often my characters are working through an internal question, issue, belief that I have as well, or someone close to me has, and I use that to really deepen their perspective. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Like ever? Hmm, I’m pretty notorious for breaking out into dance moves in public locations if there’s a great song playing—much to the embarrassment of my kids. I also convinced fourteen of my family members to dress up like pirates and go to Disney World for their Halloween party.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I’ve always journaled. Writing my thoughts and feelings is great therapy and I’ve kept all of my journals and am still deciding whether to burn them before I die or pass them to my kids…
I first tried my hand at writing my senior year of high school, studying the craft of authors and then nearly two decades later, decided I would like to try writing stories and so, I did.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I love reading contemporary romance, romcom, political thrillers and espionage, mysteries, historicals, split time, and I have tried a few fantasy stories that were recommended to me and were fantastic. I’m a bit of a mood reader, or at least I’ve become one as my time is limited, but I’ll read pretty much anything that’s written well.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Am I the only one who wakes up on January 1st and already feels behind? Honestly, this is something I’m still working on. It’s so hard because there’s always pressure to keep up and I always feel so woefully behind on everything that it only compounds the pressure. My best attempt at this is to literally put my phone down, turn my computer off, and be 100% present in the world, with my family, living life. It’s not easy. I’m really bad at catching those really great shots of family time so I can share on social media but I don’t let the guilt get to me because I was living in the moment and that’s ultimately what matters and helps me stay sane.
How do you choose your characters’ names? This is the hardest part of my writing. Truly. Naming characters is the thing that will pull me out of a rough draft faster than a screaming child needing my help. There are times when I already know my character and their name, for example: Pecca Gallegos, Lane Kent, Kekoa Young. But for the most part I have some friends who are at the ready when I need a name, or (and this just happened this weekend) I’ll meet someone with a name that stands out and I’m like, “Yep, I’m going to use that one in a story one day.” Reuben Jones in Initium is one such example.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Raising my kids into decent adults. They are kind, compassionate, love each other, generous, hard-working, and just fantastic human beings to be around. There were many, many, many, times when I wasn’t so sure that was going to be the case! LOL
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? When I was kid I wanted to be a horse but I think that was because I wanted a horse. If I had to choose now, maybe a dolphin because I love the ocean, or a sea otter because they’re so cute and they hold hands with their favorite otter friends.
What is your favorite food? Mediterranean food.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Shutting off my inner critic and editor. There are days when I stare at my computer screen frustrated and overwhelmed that everything I’m typing (if I can even get words out) is just rubbish. I question everything! I literally have to take a breath and tell myself it’s okay that first (or fifth or seventeenth) attempts don’t need to be perfect. I still struggle with this but I find there are days when it’s easier to let myself enjoy the creativity of writing for the joy of story.
Tell us about the featured book. Fatal Code is about my Hawaiian cryptologist, Kekoa Young, who finds himself monitoring his cute, super smart, science loving neighbor, Elinor Mitchell, for fear she has the recipe for a nuclear weapon being sought by America’s enemies. I had a lot of fun incorporating some of my husband’s Hawaiian culture in this larger-than-life character and revealing a bit of my own inner nerd through Elinor. There are secret messages, ciphers, and just some really great banter that made this a fun story to write. How can readers find you on the Internet? I LOVE connecting with readers through my Instagram and Facebookpages, and can sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on my books, giveaways, and insider secrets at www.nataliewalterswriter.com
Thank you Natalie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. It sounds like a wonderful read.
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: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/06/fatal-code-natalie-walters-one-free-book.html
June 28, 2022
AN UNDAUNTED MATCHMAKER - Anne Greene - One Free Book
Welcome back, Anne. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it? I love to write Historical Romance and Suspense. As a result, my historical romances usually have a touch of suspense. If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live? I would live in beautiful Floridawith its sunny skies almost every day and its lush vegetation.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why? I have visited twenty foreign countries but have never been to the Greek Isles. I was scheduled to tour the Greek Isles in 2020, but we all know what happened to that plan. I’d love to set a book on one of the islands because there is so much beauty there.
Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take. Again, I mention the Greek Islands. The water is so beautiful, and the white red-tile roofed houses built on the sides the hills are so picturesque. I love Greek food and music. I think a vacation there would make memories to last a lifetime.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet? You’re going to get tired of my mentioning the Greek Islands, but yes, I’d love to set a story there. My next story I’m writing is working title, The Virgins, set in the American Virgin Islands which has so much history and mystery attached to them, I can’t resist a story set there.
What is the main theme of this novel? Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. NKJV – In other words – God is in control.
Tell us about the story. AN UNDAUNTED MATCHMAKER Not everything that glitters is gold in California gold rush country. Eve Molloy passionately imports six young ladies from the San Francisco Hibernia Orphanage to Eureka, California, to meet the loves of their lives. But Eve refuses to prospect that gold mine herself. Eve is determined to return to the orphanage and bring six more young ladies waiting their turn to match with a husband.
Problem is, Eve travelled to the gold rush boomtown expecting to link up with her uncle who financed her trip. But robbers murder Eve’s uncle, which leaves her penniless and stranded in the woman-hungry town.
Rafe Riley, a wealthy mortician, fights to overcome the galaxy of males desiring to marry Eve. But the independent Irish matchmaker has no desire to lose her freedom and hates the mortuary business. She prefers working a gold mining claim.
Does the Ultimate Matchmaker have a different plan for Eve?
Please give us the first page of the book.
1850 – Eureka, California
“I said hands up, lady!”
“Who are you? What do you want?” Eve Molloy grabbed one of the four posters of the bed and glared at the two masked men who’d forced their way through the door into her rented room.
Downstairs, clatters, clangs, and voices rose and fell as the other boarders ate dinner at the long dining table. If she screamed, they would not hear.
The taller intruder towered above her. He jerked her hands from the poster, backed her against the room’s striped wallpaper, his putrid exhalations polluting her senses, and slapped her cheek. Her head banged against the wall.
She gasped. The sting took her breath away.
He kicked the door closed behind him with a dusty, booted foot. “Shut up.”
The dinner racket from below faded. The invader who slapped her pressed a long six-shooter to her temple. Cold gray eyes skewered her. The red bandanna covering the lower part of his face quivered. “Don’t scream, and you won’t get hurt.”
Her stomach churned into knots. His dead eyes promised he would kill her. She needed her money to return to her job at the San Francisco Hibernia Orphanage, but she dare not risk her life. Six other precious girls at the orphanage depended on her return, and she would rescue them as she had the prospective brides this trip. So, she shook her head and whispered, “I won’t scream.”
How can readers find you on the Internet? I love to interact with my readers. They can find me at:
www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor,
@TheAnneGreene
Pinterest at The Anne Greene
www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com.
https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Greene/e/B004ECUWMG
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1873472.Anne_Greene
Thank you, Lena, for this opportunity to talk with your readers.
You’re welcome. I love your books.
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: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/06/an-undaunted-matchmaker-anne-greene-one.html
June 26, 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 Yosemite Trail Discovered by Marie Sontag.
Maryann (NY) is the winner of Cowboy Cousins (Lucy and the Lawman) by Molly Noble Bull.
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.
June 23, 2022
FREE FALL - Nancy Mehl - One Free Book
Welcome back, Nancy. Why did you become an author? I became an author after spending most of my life wondering if there was anything special God had called me to do. I wanted a chance to make a difference in the world. When I was in my 40s, I heard someone say that if you thought back to your childhood and looked at what you did naturally, it could lead you to your purpose. When I was a kid, I read all the time. I even wrote a “book” about my brother. I began to wonder if God wanted me to write. Then came the TV show, Murder, She Wrote. The main character inspired me. For the first time, I had a vision and a clear direction. I sought the Lord about it, and He confirmed that my desire was from Him. I sat down at a computer and tried to write my first novel. By page three, I’d decided I’d really missed it. That I must have misunderstood God. But something inside told me to try one more time. I did, and the words began to flow without effort.
From that moment on, I had no problem coming up with ideas for stories. The most important goal I have when I write a book is to present characters my readers can relate to. I want them to see that with God, nothing is impossible. I love writing. I only wish I’d started earlier!
If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job? I’d want to run a rescue organization. I would like to help abused and neglected animals.
If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why? I believe I’m where and when I’m supposed to be, so I wouldn’t change that. However, I wish our country still respected God and family the way it used to. I miss the world the way it was when I was a kid.
I so understand. What place in the United Stateshave you not visited that you would like to? I’ve always wanted to see Alaska. My dream is to take an Alaskan cruise. I want to see whales and the northern lights.
How about a foreign country you hope to visit? There are several I’d love to visit, but I’d have to pick Israel as my first choice. England and Scotland would be next.
What lesson has the Lord taught you recently? He’s teaching me to stop being led by my feelings. As human beings, we tend to listen to our emotions and allow our past to mold us. But our spirits are perfect through Christ. The Bible teaches us that we should be led by the spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16). This has been a struggle for me, but thankfully, God hasn’t given up on me. I realize that my characters also tend to have past hurts that they struggle to overcome. This is an example of a writer inserting themselves into their stories. I believe most of us do this whether we’re aware of it or not.
Tell us about the featured book? Free Fall is about women in Virginiawho have gone missing. Two FBI behavioral analysts are asked to write a profile of the UNSUB (unknown subject) so that law enforcement can find his victims before it’s too late. The pair discovers that all the women look similar and that one of analysts, Alex Donovan, matches the same description. When Alex is baited and abducted by the kidnapper, her partner Logan Hart and the rest of the team must find her and the other victims before it’s too late. Please give us the first page of the book.
The abandoned amusement park reminded Loganof an aging bride waiting for a bridegroom who never came.
From this vantage point, he and Jeff could see Alex get out of her car and walk toward the entrance of a building that looked like it was ready to collapse at any moment. Why had the FBI given its permission for this to happen? It was too dangerous. With the sun slowly slipping out of sight, the park was beginning to disappear into the dusk.
He glanced at Jeff. If his jaw were set any tighter, his teeth would crack. Jefferson Cole, unit chief of BAU4 at Quantico, wasn’t afraid of much. But he and Logan were more than afraid. They were terrified. What if this went wrong? What if Alex didn’t make it out?
They watched as she hesitated at the entrance to the dilapidated Ghost Shack, then reached into her jacket pocket and removed a small flashlight. She appeared to look up to where they’d parked. She couldn’t have known he and Jeff were there, though. This wasn’t protocol. But Logan’s feelings for Alex had forced him to be here, at this place, with her. If he’d had his way, it would be him walking into the forsaken building that had once caused its riders to shriek in fear. He could almost hear the frightened cries from years ago reverberate around them.
When he first met Alex, he could see her imperfections. A wide mouth. A long nose. High forehead. She wasn’t beauty-queen perfect. But as he got to know her, interest in other women faded away. He could see only her. In his mind, she was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever met. Was that love? He wasn’t sure. He only knew he’d never felt like this before, and a voice inside his heart whispered that he never would again.
“This is a really bad idea,” Jeff said. He sighed. “But Alex insisted she had to try to save the women if they’re still alive. So far this UNSUB’s been one step ahead of us. I just wish Alex hadn’t refused when the SWAT captain tried to get her to wear a wire. I know she was afraid the guy would find it, but . . .”
Jeff was talking about an unknown subject who had kidnapped several young women. They suspected there were more spread out across the state, although they hadn’t been able to tie him directly to their disappearances. Typically, a serial killer had a narrower comfort zone. A place where he felt safe to hunt. Of course, they couldn’t actually prove he was a killer. There weren’t any bodies . . . yet anyway. “We should have checked this place out first. Placed agents
inside.”
“I told you. There wasn’t time.” Jeff shook his head. “As much as I hate to say it, this is our first and maybe our only chance to catch him. Alex is smart and well trained. We have to believe she can handle him.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is: www.nancymehl.com. I’m also active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com
Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I have it at the top of my to-be-read pile.
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: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com...
June 21, 2022
AMONG THE INNOCENT - Mary Alford - One Free Book
BIO: Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.
Welcome, Mary. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. I do put quite a bit of myself into my characters from their views on life and faith to their love of the mountains, and of course, drinking coffee. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I’m not sure if it's considered quirky or not, but many years ago, my husband and I raised Ostriches and Emus. The Emus were a lot of fun and gathering their eggs was fairly easy, but the ostriches were an entirely different situation. Those birds were big, and they could be dangerous. We ended up having to distract the males who could be quite aggressive. Needless to say, we are no longer Emu and Ostrich ranchers.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was a pre-teen. In fact, I wrote my first book back then. But I really didn’t pursue the craft seriously until many years later when I entered a contest hosted by Love Inspired Suspense and was selected as one of the authors to present to the editor. That was in the summer of 2012, and I later sold my first book to them that year.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I love Christian romantic suspense and Amish suspense above all else, but I also enjoy other genres such as contemporary romance, Amish romance, mysteries, police procedurals, and cold cases mysteries. In other words, just about anything.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I feel very blessed to live in a small rural community where everyone knows each other, and we look out for one another. But even in such a peaceful community, I still occasionally find myself overly busy, especially with writing deadlines. During those times, I try to take time away from my writing project and go for a walk or maybe take a drive with my husband. Even just taking a few minutes to focus on a hobby such as playing the piano can be enough of a reprieve to refresh and get ready to start the process again.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I usually choose their names early on, when I first start putting the story together in my head. It helps to know what to call them as we get to know each other. I have been gathering names for a while. Every time I read or hear a name that sounds interesting, I’ll put it in my file. Then when I begin a new story, I search my list of names for the ones that fit my characters the best.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? My husband and I have been together for 39 years this September. He is the love of my life and my best friend. I hope we can be together for another 39 years. We have so much fun together.
James and I will celebrate our 58th anniversary in November. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? If I could be an animal, it would be a cat. Cats are hilarious. They do their own thing most of the time. They want attention when they want it, and they have a way of looking at you like they're judging everything you do, and they aren’t always pleased with the results.
What is your favorite food? I’d say it’s a tie between burgers and pizza. I love them both equally.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Sometimes when I start a story, I have in mind how I want it to go and how it will end, yet when I start writing it sometimes the story will fall apart or stall out midways through. When this happens, I find the best way to overcome the problem is to set the story aside for a few days and not think about it. Usually, after a few days’ break, the story will get back on track.
Tell us about the featured book? AMONG THE INNOCENT takes place in the Amish community of St. Ignatius, Montana, where Leah Miller lost her entire Amish family to a killer ten years earlier. Now Leah has left the Amish faith and has become a police officer. Leah is called out to search for a missing person which turns out to be the daughter of her former neighbor. The young woman is later found dead in the same barn where Leah lost her entire family with a note from the killer letting Leah know he’s back. Leah and the new chief of police, DaltonCooper are on a race against time to find out the identity of the killer before he kills again. And Leah soon learns Daltonhas a connection to her family’s case that is a complete surprise, and it makes her question his motives.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
He drove by the house again. The second time today. All because of her.
The sight of his car rolling down the dirt road in front of her isolated farm filled Beth Zook with thoughts not proper for an Amish girl. A cloud of dust followed the car, instantly covering the freshly washed sheet she’d hung out to dry minutes earlier. Despite the sweltering July heat, he’d put down the window. Was it because he wanted her to see him as he eased by?
He waved when he saw her looking, and she reacted like a moth drawn to a flame. Beth had never met anyone so unpredictable before. One minute he teased, the next his eyes smoldered with such intensity that it frightened her.
Looking at his handsome face sent the butterflies in her stomach scattering. A flash of a smile revealed white teeth, perfect like everything else about him.
Beth waved back, then glanced over her shoulder. What would Mamm and her sister say if they noticed? She covered her mouth to suppress the giggle. She’d been giggling a lot lately.
Too soon . . .
Her head warned it was too soon for these emotions, yet her heart threatened to explode from her chest each time they were together.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she recalled his kisses from the night before. She’d been so afraid her parents would wake and hear her slipping out of her bedroom window. A sense of fear and adventure had followed her each step of the way as she’d crossed the yard in the pitch-black dark of night to the old Miller barn where he’d waited for her.
At first, she’d been afraid to go there after what had happened all those years ago. Four members of the Miller family had been found dead inside that barn. Leah Miller, the oldest daughter, was the only survivor. Whispers around the community about the unspeakable evil that had transpired that night could still be heard.
When Beth told her suitor about the murders, his eyes gleamed with excitement. While he seemed to enjoy envisioning what had happened back then, the barn gave Beth the creeps. But she kept that to herself because he made her feel special. Beautiful. Important. For the first time in her life, she longed for things not found among the Plain people of St. Ignatius. A life of pretty things. Like he promised.
Last night when they’d met, he’d asked her to run away with him. Her heart had overflowed with eagerness until reality tamped down her happiness, and Beth realized she wasn’t ready to leave her home. Her family. While she remained torn between staying Amish forever and leaving with him, he’d told her he would drive by her house every day until she said yes.
Part of her was thrilled—intrigued at the consuming way he watched her. The other part was scared. Beth did not understand his almost feral wildness.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers can find me on my website, www.MaryAlford.net, and I’m active on Facebook and Twitter, as well as any of the social media sites listed on my website. I always love hearing from readers.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read my copy.
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.
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June 13, 2022
WINNERS
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June 10, 2022
YOSEMITE TRAIL DISCOVERED - Marie Sontag - One Free Book
Welcome back, Marie. Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most recent release Yosemite Trail Discovered. What was your inspiration for the story? As a resident of California for over 58 years, I never heard the story of how non-Native Americans first entered Yosemite. The more I researched, the more I realized this "'clash of cultures" story needed to be told. Written for a cross-over market, the main character, 17-year-old Daniel Whitcomb, was raised in a Christian home, but after losing his parents in a mysterious house fire, he struggles to maintain his faith in God. He witnesses injustices in the California gold fields, both on the parts of the whites as well as the Native Americans and seeks to find ways to right these wrongs. His adventures include the unravelling of the mystery surrounding his parents’ deaths, a romance with a survivor of the Donner Party, battles against marauding Indians, and the discovery of Yosemite Valley. You had a full career as a middle-school teacher. Was it a natural progression to become an author of YA fiction? What can you tell us about your journey to publication? I always had a hard time going to sleep at night, so as a little girl I’d make up stories in my head to pass the time until I fell asleep. I started writing these stories down in junior high but never thought of writing as a career. After I became a middle school social studies and language arts teacher, I couldn’t find adventurous historical fiction to read in class to help my students relate to the time periods we studied, so I wrote my own to share with them. When a publisher bought my first book, The Bronze Dagger, a middle-grade novel about a 13-year-old boy in ancient Babylon, I began to write more. When I retired, I pursued writing full time.
What is your favorite aspect of writing? My favorite aspect of writing is sharing adventurous historical fiction stories with young readers and getting them excited about history.
What do you do to prepare for writing? Since I write historical fiction, I do a lot of research. I also visit places I write about, if possible. I continually attend writer’s conferences and read books about writing to improve my craft.
Yosemite Trail Discovered is part of a series. Did you intend to create a series when you wrote the first book California Trail Discovered? Are there more books coming? I initially envisioned
California Trail Discovered
as a stand-alone novel. Once I began writing, however, it turned into a two-book series. In the first book, the main character, Daniel, is thirteen. In book two, almost three years have elapsed and Daniel finds himself in the California gold fields. Book one is for middle grade readers, while book two is for young adult readers. Friendships Daniel has in book one blossom into romance in book two. At this point, I only envision this as a two-book series.You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do? I wish I was still young enough to teach in the classroom, but time moves on! I am so thankful for the young, dedicated teachers who give their all for today’s students.
What is your next project? I’m finalizing edits for a novel coming out in September 2022, Underground Scouts. This YA historical novel tells the story of six teen Scouts and Girl Guides who join forces with the Polish underground army in 1944 to oust the Germans from Warsaw. I plan to expand this into a three-novel series, following these Scouts through the Cold War (Underground Spies) and the Glasnot era (Spy Scouts). Beyond that, I hope to write a book about a Spanish character, Lorenzo de Zavala, first vice-president of the Republic of Texas.
Where can folks find you on the web? I love connecting with readers. Here are some of my social media links:
Email: mesontag@gmail.com
Webpage: https://www.mariesontag.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesontagauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/profsontag
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarieSontag
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-sontag-27195b9
Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOByXaDbRmlVscChu-1XJKWHrcGbKFUrW
Google Scholar: tinyurl.com/2jmkj6p7
Book Blurb: Join sixteen-year-old Daniel Whitcomb as he juggles a growing relationship with Virginia Reed, one of the survivors of the Donner Party, helps his Miwok friend learn how to read and write, and manages the account ledgers for his guardian, Jim Savage at his trading posts in the California gold fields.
Is Jim correct when he says, You can't possess what you can't protect? Does that justify fighting the Yosemites after they attack Jim's posts, or the Mariposa Battalion's entrance into Yosemite to rout out the Ahwahneechee? And will Daniel ever make it back to Illinois to solve the mystery of his parents' deaths?
Purchase Links:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yosemite-trail-discovered-marie-sontag/1141104459?ean=9781957344041
Thank you, Marie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
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: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/06/yosemite-trail-discovered-marie-sontag.html
