Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 30
June 2, 2022
COWBOY COUSINS (LUCY AND THE LAWMAN) - Molly Noble Bull - One Free Book
Welcome back, Molly. How did you come up with the idea for this story? I have a Texas cattle ranch background, and Lucy andthe Lawman is a Christian western novella. Nevertheless, how I arrived with ideas for the story is not an easy question to answer. Sometimes I get an idea or a setting or a character that becomes a story very soon. At other times, the story comes much later. A major conflict is one that seems impossible to overcome, and I am convinced that a successful story must contain a major conflict. Lucy andthe Lawman became a novella when I added a major conflict to the plot.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? As a born again Christian, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are honored guests at the top of any party gathering I would wish to attend. While not all of the contemporary fiction on my list are Christian books, they are all clean, inspiring and sometimes sweet.
However, the first name on my party list might surprise you. It’s Jonathan Cahn. Most people never think of Jonathan Cahn as a writer of fiction because his exciting writings are based on the Bible, but several of his works are written in a modern day fictional format.
I also like 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New Worldsby Aldous Huxley. I know; these authors are not modern, but the stories they told were as a modern at today’s evening news or maybe tomorrow’s. Both of these science fiction-like books were required reading back when I went to college, and they almost seem as if they were written for today.
Books by Debby Macomber are the next contemporary fiction novels on my list. Her books always keep me reading and reading and reading, especially her earlier works. They were always sweet and clean. Often, they made me smile. And Lena Nelson Dooley should be on everyone’s reading party list whether modern or historical. Her books are amazing.
Thank you, Molly for including me. Now let’s do a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Again, Lena Nelson Dooley should be on everyone’s reading party list, and she would be my first guest at my Christian historical author party. I was learning to write fiction back in the nineteen eighties and nineties, and I read a lot of sweet historical romance novels set in Regency England back them.
I know. Why was I reading Regency Romances rather than westerns? The only answer I can come up with is that I found Regency Romances, set in historical England, new, different, and charming. Two of my favorites Regency authors were Barbara Cartland and Caroline Courtney. Their books were clean and exciting but not especially Christian.
Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is the most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? My answer to this question is nothing new. The most difficult problem I have with writing now is finding time to write.
Tell us about your featured book.
Lucy and the Lawmanby Molly Noble Bull
Saddle Up for the fastest reading ride of your life.
While on a business trip to Colorado in 1890, Sheriff Caleb Caldwell stops to inform Lucy Gordan and her widowed mother of property they inherited in Texas, land coveted by a rich and powerful man—willing to do anything to get his hands on what is rightfully theirs, and Caleb feels obligated to protect them. However, he cannot reveal his attraction for Lucy. To do so would mean disaster for all of them. Here is page #1.
Juniper, Texas
Spring 1890
A man staying at a hotel said he saw Daisy. Maybe it wasDaisy. Maybe not.
Caleb Caldwell had to find out, and not because he was the county sheriff. It was personal. He left his office at the county jail and crossed the street. Shorty, one of his deputies, could handle whatever came up. He headed for the hotel.
He intended to really talk to this man—dig for details. His search would continue until he found Daisy—no matter how long it took.
A sign on a window of the barbershop caught his attention.
Fielding Grimesfor Governor.
That crook? Caleb shook his head in disbelief. A man like Grimes should be running for the Mexican border, not for the highest office in the state of Texas.
Caleb entered the hotel, glancing through the archway into the dining room. A skinny little man with white hair and a white mustache sat hunched at a table, reading a small book. In a starched shirt, black tie, and dark suit, he looked as if he belonged back East somewhere, not Juniper, Texas. Caleb hoped the little man was the witness he’d been searching for. He would have prayed, if he still did things like that.
The stranger looked up from his reading. Their gazes connected. The man put down the book and reached for his cup. Caleb moved closer to the table, and the scent of coffee reached out to him. The man didn't smile.
Caleb forced one. "Are you Stanley Kipple?" he asked.
How can people find you on the Internet?
www.mollynoblebull.com My website.
http://bit.ly/mollynoblebull My author page at Amazon
https://scrivenings.link/cowboycousins The Cowboy Cousins page at Amazon
Thank you, Molly, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.
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
the link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/06/cowboy-cousins-lucy-and-lawman-molly.html
May 22, 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.
Billi (TX) is the winner of By the Sweetgum by Ane Mulligan.
Sarah (OH) is the winner of Prodigal Lives by Carol McClain.
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.
May 18, 2022
HOME WHERE SHE BELONGS - Penny Frost McGinnis - One Free Book
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Welcome, Penny. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Sadie and Marigold both have a bit of me in them. In Home Where She Belongs Sadie is learning to trust again, and I've had times in my life where I've had to step back and reconsider situations and decide who to trust. Marigold is a bit of a flower child, and I relate to that growing up in the 60s and 70s. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I'm not sure if this is considered quirky, but I did ride a zipline in my late fifties, when my daughter worked at a camp. I was nervous, but decided if the eighty-year-old lady behind me could zipline, I could too.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I've been a reader for as long as I can remember, and that love of reading inspired me to pen poetry in high school. While I raised my children, I read lots of nonfiction and children's books, then I took a job at a public library and rediscovered fiction. I'd read plenty of fiction as a child and teen, but as an adult had lost touch with the story world. I believe, as I delved into the fiction world, God called me to write stories to inspire and encourage. For the last twenty-five years, I've worked to become a writer of stories.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. If you follow my blog, you'll see I'm an eclectic reader. I enjoy contemporary romance, women's fiction, historical fiction (especially the civil war and the prairie days,) family stories, suspense, children's books, and cozy mysteries.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I spend a lot of time praying and reading my Bible. I know that sounds like a pat answer, but as I've gotten older, I find spending time with God soothes my soul. Creating fiber art and crafts also helps me keep my hands busy and not worry so much. The verses in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 really speak to me: "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
How do you choose your characters’ names? Sadie and Joel are my main characters.
Sadie's name came to me on a trip home from Kelleys Island, Ohio (the island Abbott Island is modeled after.) I'm not sure why that particular name stuck with me, but she grew into the main character of Home Where She Belongs.
If I had had a boy, I would have named him Joel, but I had three girls.
I enjoyed finding the meaning of each name. Sadie is a derivative of Sarah and means "princess." In the story, Sadie feels anything but a princess, until she finds her way and her true love. Joel means "Jehovah is God," a strong name for a caring hero.
Looking at name lists is fun. I use "name the baby" books or internet lists.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I'd have to say raising our children. They are all adults now, and I love hanging out with them.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I'd be a dog. Then I could be friends with our dogs, Olive and Rosie May.
The dog in my story is named Rosie. After my book went to print, we gathered at my nieces for Thanksgiving. Their dogs had Golden Retriever puppies and, wow, were they cute. We ended up taking one home right after Christmas and named her Rosie May, after Sadie's dog who was named after my dear great-aunt Rosetta May.
What is your favorite food? My husband makes the best grilled cheese sandwich! And I love dark chocolate.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? More than anything, I struggle with a lack of confidence. I'm not sure I've overcome it, but I continue to learn and work toward better writing. I'm blessed to have had some wonderful, early reviews that have helped boost my confidence.
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Tell us about the featured book. Home Where She Belongsis a small-town romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope. Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Islandwhere she spent summers with her grandparents. Would the love and faith she learned from them be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God's promises, yet broken trust holds her back.
Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he's failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents' cottages, his heart skips a beat. He'd love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors.
When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel's help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares?
Please give us the first page of the book.
Sharp breaths escaped Sadie Stewart’s lungs. Her legs wobbled like cooked spaghetti as she pushed to reclaim her routine and run the rest of the route. Confidence surged through her as her running shoes crunched dried leaves and pounded Abbott Island's hard dirt trail. Rosie, her beloved canine companion, kept rhythm with each step.
Aged maples decked in orange and scarlet bent across the trail and shaped a golden canopy. The pungent scent of wood smoke hung in the air. Rosie's red flag of a tail slapped the calves of Sadie's legs as she bounded alongside her. Her dog never judged her or caused her pain. Not like the man who had ripped her emotions to shreds.
A chill wind from Lake Erierushed at their backs and pushed them toward the only place where Sadie found peace, her grandparents’ home. Every summer for twelve years, she’d lived in the warmth and comfort of their care, played with her friends, and helped her Gram clean the rental cottages. Grandpa had deeded the property to Sadie, but she’d neglected the place for three years. Now, she depended on the island rentals to rescue her from a life of regret and hurt.
Around the curve, she pushed her legs harder. A daily run helped clear her mind and build her strength. “Run, run, run.” She panted. Run, run, run... from him.
Fear dogged every step as she raced toward freedom from the man who shattered her heart. The memory of Bryce Shaw's screams and accusations played akin to a recording in her head. She prayed he'd give up and not track her to the island.
His constant text messages and incessant calls obliterated the peace she sought. Three months and the man refused to give up his game of superiority over her. She'd changed her phone number once, but he must have dragged it out of her father. Or Dad offered her information without hesitation. At least the island’s spotty cell service might delay the next threat to tranquility.
Tomorrow she'd drive Coop, her Mini-Cooper onto the ferry and search for the closest place to trade in her number. This time she'd keep it to herself, except for the handful of people familiar with her story. She'd enlist the folks at the phone store to help her block the two people who tormented her. Two birds with one stone, as Gram used to say. Her father, who had never loved her, yet forced her to work for him, and Bryce, the man who had destroyed her trust, both fueled her determination to start over. As she ran, sorrow swallowed her heart. The hurt and humiliation weighed heavy as an anchor.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My blog: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyFMcGinnis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyfrostmcginnisauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis
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/2022/05/home-where-she-belongs-penny-frost.html
May 8, 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.
Patricia B (TN) is the winner of Peace in the Mountain Haven by Misty M Beller.
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.
May 6, 2022
PRODIGAL LIVES - Carol McClain - One Free Book
Welcome back, Carol. How did you come up with the idea for this story? For several years, I’ve worked with addicts. The solution to their problems sound easy for the uninitiated. However … I’ve seen devoted Christians with an ear to God’s tender voice fall victim again. Without good support groups, they have nowhere to go but back to the conditions that caused them to be addicted. This is the second book in the Treasured Lives series. Book 1, Borrowed Lives, introduced us to the protagonist, Pearl. I wanted to show the conditions and thought processes that plunge us into darkness. Even though she thinks life stinks, her “perfect” family battles their own issues.
All my books involve the concept of redemption. None of us have fallen so low that God can’t pick us up. The book’s not a downer, but a hope-filled journey of despair, love and redemption.
Oh, also humor. I cannot write without my trademark humor poking through.
If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Without a doubt, the first person on my list would be Lisa Wingate. I haven’t read a book of hers I didn’t like. Her style and presentation are elements I’d love in my work.
Deb Raney would be on the list. She knows how to set up a character with complex problems with no way out. Plus, her sweet personality is a delightful counterpoint to my pessimism.
Linda Rondeau has mentored me, encouraged me, and opened doors in my writing career I’d never open on my own. Linda’s my doppelganger. We tease each other (both of us space cadets) that we’re the blonde leading the blonde.
Steven James’s writing work has schooled me in this craft. He once had a launch party where the name of someone who attended would be the victim in his next novel. He would be invited under the condition I’m the murdered woman.
Angela Hunt. I’m not a fan of her historical fiction, but I love her contemporary. She holds me spellbound and is an author I’ll pick up without perusing the details of the novel too deeply.
Lynette Eason rounds out my list. I’ve taken classes from her at BRCWC. She taught me so much. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone write so much and win so many awards.
Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Janette Oke’s work filled our library when my daughter was young. We’d sit for hours and read. After she went to bed, I read ahead because I couldn’t stop the story.
Francine Rivers covers so many areas of historical fiction from Appalachia to ancient Israel. Plus, she such a universally loved author, billions of other people would come to my party. Peruse any recommended reading list, she tops the names multiple times.
If we could resurrect the dead, Catherine Marshall. To this day Christy resonates in me.
Tessa Afshar. She’d been in one of my writing groups, and I loved the book I read of hers.
Henry McLaughlin had been in one of my earliest writing groups. He was an excellent critique partner and a delight to be with. We need a man in this party, and who doesn’t love a good Western?
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?
The hardest part is coming up with something new and fresh. Prodigal Lives is second in a series. As I complete this interview, I’m struggling with Book 3. I started Book 3 once and abandoned it after thirty-thousand words. I’m now on a roll, but book launch, editing for Elk Lake, and caring for family eats so much of my time, I shunt writing aside.
Tell us about the featured book. Have you ever fallen so low you know there’s no way up? This is Pearl Solomon’s life. Jealous of her sisters who remained with her foster mother after Grandpa Guy adopted her, Pearl makes every wrong decision possible.
Little does she know, life throws roadblocks in her foster parents’ and her sisters’ lives, too.
Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.
If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.
Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.
Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearlknows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.
Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.
Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Nothing ever happened as promised. The warm March
day mocked Meredith Jaynes. A pale sun in a pastel blue
sky shone on her as she clung to Parker Snow. The soft
breeze stirred the redbuds like a scene she’d imagine on
her Hallmark movies. Unfortunately, this was not happily
ever after.
Meredith and Parker stood on the side of the road
watching the social worker’s white car carry her foster child
away. Breathing came hard as her heart squeezed her lungs.
They stood for a long time after Roxie disappeared—gone to
live with Lisa and Todd Simpson. Lisa—the aunt who swore
she only wanted to meet the girls before she signed away
parental rights. Then changed her mind. The Simpsons
would not only take Roxie to Kentucky. They’d fly her to
Korea when the army transferred Todd.
Roxie left, and Olaf stayed. Another broken promise.
The kitty had been Roxie’s lifeline and should’ve gone
with her. Lisa complained cats irritated her boys’ allergies.
Roxie, though, loved her cat with the orange stripe along
his nose. Didn’t love endure all things?
Meredith’s throat dried. Breathing became impossible.
If Roxie stayed with her, she’d have given the sweet pixie
unicorns and mermaids—or, at the very least, Olaf. Why
couldn’t Roxie stay?
The stupid law.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My favorite places to connect with readers are the following—with my website the best.
On carolmcclain.comyou can sign up for my newsletter and blog. You can find out where I’ll be with books and my glass work (I am a glass artist, also).
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain
BookBub is a great place to connect. https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carol-mcclain
Finally, Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash
Prodigal Lives, at the moment, is only found here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60750069-prodigal-lives?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=91KT6OzXsA&rank=2
Thank you, Carol, for sharing this new book on my blog.
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/2022/05/prodigal-lives-carol-mcclain-one-free.html
May 3, 2022
BY THE SWEET GUM - Ane Mulligan - One Free Book
Welcome back, Ane. Tell us about your salvation experience. I was raised in church and always believed. Jesus owned my heart, but it wasn’t until after a massive heart attack in 1990 that I gave my whole life to the Lord. After all, when God raises you from the dead, it tends to get your attention. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? Michelle Griep, Elizabeth Ludwig, and Tara Johnson. They are my critique partners and all except Tara have been for going on 17 years. We added Tara a year ago.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it? I got a very bad case of the giggles while sitting at the head table in the House of Lords in England. Our host, Lord Shall-Remain-UnNamed, had a piece of avocado from his salad drop onto his lapel. A colleague, sitting next to me, elbowed me, asking, “Is that a medal on the Lord’s lapel?” It was not, and I lost it. Every eye in that cavernous room turned to me. And I couldn’t stop laughing. The only way I was able to maintain a modicum of decorum was by not looking at my colleague. I was so embarrassed. The Lord, oblivious to his lapel, most likely thought we were idiots.
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that? I tell them to write it, then find a group of authors to join, where they can learn and grow.
Tell us about the featured book. By the Sweet Gum was such fun to write. I love Genessee’s story. Georgia has a lot of cotton mills, and my research was fascinating. I began this book during Covid, but still got a personal guided tour of Porterdale, a mill town in the greater Atlanta area. I learned so much from the museum curator. I also learned a ton about the accident that took limbs and/or lives of children in the mills. Children as young as 5 years old worked in them. During the 1930s, laws were passed to raise that age. My heroine in the book works with her father to see that achieved. The short synopsis is:
She’s bound by duty. He’s tethered to a dream. In the beleaguered mill town of Sweetgum, Georgia, Genessee Taylor dreams of a life beyond running the mill-owned hotel with her family. Though the work is honest, the owner of the mill is not. Genessee and her father long to see stronger labor laws passed to protect the innocent children who are injured and dying in the mill. When the owner learns of their activity, he will stop at nothing to silence them.
Tommy Mack works at the mill and dreams of playing professional ball and marrying Genessee. When he’s contracted by a big-league team, his dreams are within grasp. Just as Tommy and Genessee’s wedding is on the horizon, tragedy strikes Sweetgum. Tommy can’t stay and Genessee can’t leave.
Can they battle through loss, deception, and sacrifice to find their way back to each other?
Please give us the first page of the book.
“It falls to every generation to leave their world a better place for the next. If you aren’t doing something to improve conditions, you are missing the purpose for which you are placed upon this earth.” Frank Taylor, Sweetgum Baptist Church, February 1928
Late spring, 1930
An ear-shattering gong of a huge brass bell splits the quiet morning. My sister Annie screams, Sarah, our cook, shrieks, and the bowl of cold, baked potatoes in my hands falls to the floor with a crash. Mama cries, “Dear, God, no! Please don’t let it be another child.”
I freeze, unable to move. Tremors quiver through me, as my heart cries, “Not Tommy! Please, Lord!”
There’s an accident at the cotton mill.
The horror I feel reflects on Mama’s face. “Go, Genessee.” She shoos me out. “Find out who it is.”
She’s already picking up the potatoes and whispering prayers as I race out the door. The mill lies no more than one-hundred-fifty-yards from the hotel entrance. I run up the road as fast as my legs can move. Slamming through the front door, I follow the sound of the screams coming through the stairwell from the floor above. I fly up the steps. Normally, noise from the machinery obliterates every other sound, but when that bell clangs during work hours, most of the machines stop.
When I reach the second floor, I skid to a stop outside the spinning room, bend and put my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. I’m not sure I want to see what’s on the other side of this door.
“Out of the way!”
I jump aside as two medics carrying a stretcher run past me.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Ane, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. It’s 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/2022/05/by-sweet-gum-ane-mulligan-one-free-book.html
May 2, 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.
Sharon (SC) is the winner of Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart.
Caryl (TX) is the winner of The Elements of Love by Mary Connealy.
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:
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April 26, 2022
PEACE IN THE MOUNTAIN HAVEN - Misty M Beller - One Free Book
Bio: Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolinaand escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Welcome, Misty. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else? I’ve always loved reading, but never actually thought I could write a book. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I began thinking I’d like to try. I added “write a book that’s published” to my bucket list, and as I worked through that first book, I realized how much I loved writing. Even then, I never imagined God would have me doing this full time. Some days are hard, but writing really is my dream job! How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish? It varies a little, but if I’m really focused on the writing, it usually takes me 2 to 2 ½ months to write a book. That requires focusing on writing and editing for a significant part of each day. J
How do you come up with themes for your stories? This question is hard to answer! I usually start with developing my characters, and maybe a general idea of the plot or their story goals. As I get to know their backstory, I begin to learn how each character will develop through the story, and that usually helps me understand the theme for the book.
Do you have a schedule of when you write? I’ve learned that my most creative time is in the afternoons, so I try to protect that time for writing new words. That means I do a lot of the business part and editing in the mornings. I do have five kiddos, so that time is often interrupted, but that’s the way I try to schedule my workday.
How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing? I’m not always sure I do! As I said, we have five kiddos (ages 5 months to 14 years), and we also homeschool, so there’s a lot going on in our home! It’s usually pretty chaotic, but the kids are also good about trying to let me work. I set goals with them (when Mom gets these last 3 chapters edited, we’ll go to the library), and they encourage me. J
What elements do you think make a great story line? Ooo, good question! Definitely strong, interesting characters, with story goals that drive the book forward. I love settings that really come alive. My books are often set in the Rocky Mountains, a setting that adds so many layers of challenge my characters must face! I love a good plot twist partway through!
What was the hardest thing about writing a book? Finding the right words. JEspecially if I’m especially sleep-deprived, meeting my daily word count can be SO HARD some days.
How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? I’m just starting my 34th book. In some ways, it seems impossible to believe I’ve written that much. When I think of all those words and storylines, though, it feels like more than 34 books. JPicking a favorite is hard though! There are some that feel like milestones, like Hope’s Highest Mountain, my first book published by Bethany House Publishers, or This Healing Journey, a book that earned a spot on the USA Today bestseller’s list. But there are other books that are special for sentimental reasons, like The Lady and the Mountain Man, the book where I realized how much I love writing remote mountain settings. Or This Courageous Journey, a book where my oldest daughter helped me brainstorm the plot. I think it would be impossible to choose a favorite!
Do you have a favorite character? This is even harder than choosing a favorite book! I love strong characters, with courageous heroines and mountain men heroes. By the time I’m a third of the way through writing a story, the characters have become dear friends. I really love the hero and heroine in Peace in the Mountain Haven. Hugh (the hero) has lived a hard life, protecting his two younger brothers from their abusive father, then working on his own as a trapper for the last dozen years. He’s such a good man, protective and honorable and courageous, but he’s learned not to get too close to people. And Watkuese (the heroine) is brave in her own right! When her closest friend died, she adopted her 6-year-old daughter and has been trying to help her work through the grief of losing both parents. My own younger brother and sister were adopted, so it’s a topic close to my heart!
Tell us about the story. I’d love to! Levi Masters is a British army spy trying to uncover the United States’ secrets, and he can handle anything the Canadian Rockies demands. Yet he’s tired of the lies and half-truths that have become his life as a spy. When he’s taken captive by the warriors of a hidden French village living in mountain caves, he determines to answer their questions truthfully—even if that truth ends his life at the edge of their blades. He’s only able to escape the village with the help of one of their own—namely, Audrey Moreau, the village healer, who takes him to a hidden cave away from the village. But when Levi faces a life-threatening injury and the fierce mountain winter closes in, Levi and Audrey are forced to discover just how far they’ll go to ensure the safety of the other and the love growing between them.
Please give us a peek at the first page of the book.
February 1815
Rocky Mountains, Rupert’s Land (Canada)
The sound of animal hooves shattered the quiet morn, and a flock of chickadees shot from the trees near Audrey Moreau. Recoiling, she slipped behind a brushy cedar. That noise reverberated much too loudly to be an elk or caribou, even a whole herd of them. Her breath puffed in icy clouds as she peeked through the snow-covered green needles, her heart thumping in her ears.
Down the creek a distance from her hiding place, a man sat atop a horse, letting the animal drink from the rushing stream. Her chest seized for a half second until recognition settled in.
Evan MacManus. Her friend Brielle’s betrothed had re- turned already. Brielle had been watching for him for days, but Audrey hadn’t really expected his arrival for another few weeks at least. His trip must have gone smoothly. And his desire to see Brielle had likely driven him to travel faster than he might have otherwise.
Audrey stepped from behind the tree and raised her hand to call out to him, but as her mouth parted, another figure caught her notice—this one much closer and tucked in the shadow of the woods. He, too, sat atop a horse.
Beneath the brow of his hat, his gaze locked on her.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect with readers! One of my favorite ways is through my newsletter, and readers can get a free copy of my book, A Pony Express Romance, when they sign up for the newsletter. Here’s the link for that:https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
I can also be found at these links:
https://amazon.com/author/mistymbeller
https://www.facebook.com/MistyMBellerAuthor
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/misty-m-beller
https://www.goodreads.com/MistyMBeller
http://www.pinterest.com/MistyMBeller
Purchase Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K7BXC3Q
https://books.apple.com/us/book/peace-in-the-mountain-haven/id1591930276
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/peace-in-the-mountain-haven
Thank you, Misty, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m always eager to read your books.
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/2022/04/peace-in-mountain-haven-misty-m-beller.html
April 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.
Catherine (TX) is the winner of Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Greene.
Sunnymay (OH) is the winner of Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter.
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.
April 22, 2022
THE ELEMENT OF LOVE - Mary Connealy - One Free book
Bio: Mary Connealy writes romatic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is author of the best-selling Kincaid Brides Series, Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy, and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. Mary is married to a Nebraskarancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.
Welcome back, Mary. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? Something I come back to a lot is courage. Greater is He who is in me, than He who is in the world. Whom shall I fear? To live is Christ, to die is gain. I put my characters in a great deal of danger and thrust them into the middle of an adventure. They have to be brave and trust God to take care of them. What other books of yours are coming out soon? My most recent release, The Element of Love is book #1 of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters Series. Book #2, Inventions of the Heart, comes out in July and book #3, A Model of Devotion, releases in October. So, a whole series in one year’s time. I’m excited for them to release so close together.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? Lena, why don’t I spend an evening with you? I could think long and hard and not come up with anyone I’d have a better time with.
I’d enjoy that a lot. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? I think I’d love to talk to Kit Carson. Hear his firsthand accounts of his explorations of the west. I love all those old mountain men I call Pathfinders, and I think he was the best of the lot.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? It’s such a different world than when I was wallpapering my house with rejections. No one needs to do that these days. I’d encourage them to enter contests for unpublished authors. Join a critique group and then, well if they decide to self-publish and so many authors start that way these days, I’d encourage them to not pay a fortune to someone to do the publishing for them.
Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book. The Element of Love is book one of the Lumber Baron’s Daughters Series. These books focus on three extremely smart siblings as they try to escape their greedy stepfather and save their late father’s company from being run into the ground. Raised to run their family business, the Stiles sisters are each prodigies in their own right, and book one is Laura Stiles’ story. With their sharp engineering minds, Laura Stiles and her two sisters have been able to deal with their mother's unfortunate choice in husband until they discovered his plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. Now they must run away—far and fast--to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather.
During their escape, Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California. She quickly volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. Despite the settlement being in miserable condition, the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura also sees potential in Caleb, the mission's parson, to help with gaining her inheritance. But when secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, it'll take all the smarts the sisters have to keep trouble at bay.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Find Mary online at: http://maryconnealy.com
http://www.Facebook.com/maryconnealy
Get new release info straight to your inbox by Liking my Amazon Page
Or get release info straight to your inbox from Book Bub Mary Connealy Books - BookBub
Find The Element of Love online at Amazon or bakerbookhouse.com
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/33749m5h
Baker Book House: The Element of Love - Baker Book House
Find Inventions of the Heart online at:
Amazon https://tinyurl.com/2p8dh8eu
Baker Book House Inventions of the Heart - Baker Book House
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this new book with me and my blog readers. You know I always love your novels.
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/2022/04/the-element-of-love-mary-connealy-one.html
