Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 31
April 21, 2022
AVENUE OF BETRAYAL - Sandra Merville Hart - One free book
Welcome back, Sandra. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? Prayer or the power of prayer seems to end up in most of my stories. I believe in the power of prayer and in the power of the One who listens, as I’ve seen answered prayers many times in my life. I’m humbled that the God who created the Universe loves us and listens when we pray. All of us have been ignored by people around us at times. God doesn’t do that. Instead, He cares about our feelings, our worries, and our pain. Forgiveness is also a recurring theme in my books and readers will also find it in Avenue of Betrayal.
What other books of yours are coming out soon? I’m so happy you asked!
Boulevard of Confusion, Book 2 of this “Spies of the Civil War” series, releases May 10th. Along with that, Byway to Danger, Book 3, releases this summer, so readers won’t have to wait long for each new book in the series. Book 1 is set in the Union capital of WashingtonCity (as WashingtonDC was then called) and the next two books are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital. The upcoming novels are available for preorder.
Additionally, my next series is called “Second Chances” and begins in 1877, so this one isn’t a Civil War series. A Not So Convenient Marriage is the first book.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? I would probably choose a contemporary author who has written bestsellers to glean any advice they are willing to give. I’ve met many successful, down-to-earth authors who don’t look down their noses at those who haven’t yet achieved the same level of success—those are the authors with whom I want to spend an evening.
Thankfully, writer conferences often offer opportunities to chat in a lobby or talk over a meal. So, while there are many authors that I’d love to meet, I’ve been privileged to meet many who have blessed my life and my writing, like Lena Nelson Dooley, the one who is interviewing me right now.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? Perhaps because I spend so much time researching the Civil War, my choice would be to talk with President Abraham Lincoln. Soon after he was elected, southern states began withdrawing from the Union. Rumors of an assassination plot convinced him to alter his travel plans from Illinois to Washington DC in advance of his inauguration, which meant he arrived without the fanfare such an event usually entails. It was a celebration he sorely needed.
Photos of him during his presidency show his worry as he shouldered the burden of a divided country. I’d love to learn his thoughts behind the decisions made—just think of the added depth to my novels! I’d also encourage him that many citizens stood in support of him. He didn’t seem to have a lot of friends to unburden himself to and that’s always saddened me.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? Rejections scratch away at our confidence. Sometimes new authors wonder, “Why bother sending the manuscript that editor requested? She will only reject it.” Have you ever felt that way?
Full disclosure—I have. I’ve received my fair share of rejections. I’ve come home from conferences after positive editor appointments thinking there was a chance they’d accept my manuscript…only to receive another rejection.
Don’t give up. Learn from the rejections. Did they give feedback? If so, mull over it. Try not to be defensive about your writing—no matter how good you are, there’s always room to stretch for the heights. Search for nuggets of wisdom that you can apply to this current project or upcoming ones.
Invest in your education by attending writer conferences. Talk to folks sitting beside you at classes and at meals. The biggest blessing may be the friends you make while there.
Be teachable—that’s my best advice.
Tell us about the featured book. In the summer of 1861, Annie Swanson, a Union supporter, feels betrayed when she discovers that her brother Will is a Confederate officer in a North Carolinaregiment. Her father swears her and her sister Beatrice to secrecy so she can’t even tell Will’s best friend, Union Sergeant-Major John Finn. John can’t believe his luck when his regiment camps within a mile of Annie’s Washingtonmansion. He met her through her brother, his West Pointbuddy. He’s excited to begin a courtship with her between his army duties…until he’s asked to spy on her wealthy father. John, a friend of the family, must discern the banker’s true loyalties.
John had been a fair way toward falling in love with her while escorting her through the week-long activities around Will’s wedding. A family illness had prevented him from pursuing a long-distance relationship with her before, but he looks forward to courting her now. Knowing how much his spying on her father would devastate her, he takes care to keep his actions a secret.
The war strikes a tragic blow to the Swanson family. Though her father insists on her silence, Annie longs to share the truth with John. Still, it seems that John has secrets of his own…
Can their love survive with so much against it?
Please give us the first page of the book.
WASHINGTON CITY
JULY 1, 1861
“Father, is there troubling war news?” Annie Swanson sought to break the rare silence at her family’s comfortable yet elegant dining table. Drums, bugles, and banjos from regimental bands camped in the vicinity serenaded them through open windows.
“Hmm?” Hiram Swanson’s stare shifted from his lemon cake and focused vaguely on his oldest daughter. “No new clashes on a battlefield that I’m aware of, my dear.”
What new misfortune besieged their country? He hadn’t been his normal jovial self since returning from the bank just before supper. Something to do with the war? She hid her shudder at possible battles ahead. There’d been plenty of uproar in her city already, starting with the thousands of Federal troops camped in every available field.
“It’s good to have the evening to ourselves.” Beatrice poked her dessert with her fork.
“Agreed.” Annie was glad that her sister, her junior by one year at eighteen, introduced a safe topic. Division in her country had brought only one bright spot —it had distracted her father from his grief at Mother’s death two years before.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I’d love for readers to connect with me on my blog, Historical Nibbles, where I share historical recipes and food-related posts, American history posts, and book reviews. I also share recipes from my books and historical background for my stories. It’s a lot of fun—and a fair amount of work—to maintain this blog. I invite readers to check it out.
Readers can also look for me onFacebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, and my Amazon Author Page.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m looking forward to reading you story.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K3C1Z3R
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/avenue-of-betrayal-sandra-merville-hart.html
April 18, 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.
Virginia (IA) is the winner of Where the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark.
Elly (IN) is the winner of The Marquis's Pursuit by Lorri Dudley.
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 15, 2022
ENCHANTING THE HEIRESS - Kristi Ann Hunter - One Free Book
Welcome, Kristi Ann. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I love examining the ways we personally connect with God. Whether it’s by learning to view ourselves the way He see us, accepting that He does actually know what’s best for our lives, or finding new—or reconnecting with old—ways to get to know Him. There are so many facets to the relationship Jesus made available to believers that I don’t think I’ll ever run out of book ideas! What other books of yours are coming out soon? Enchanting the Heiress, the third book in the Hearts on the Heath series just released. My next project is a novella scheduled for late Fall 2022 that contains a story my readers have been asking for since my first book came out. I’m excited to bring Lord and Lady Blackstone to life for them.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? I love spending time with my family, my writer friends, and my church life group. Outside of those close relationships, however, I would have to say that I would want to spend an evening eating tacos with Annie F. Downs. (If I could, I’d fill the table with the women whose public ministries have impacted my life, but I’m assuming I’m supposed to choose just one.)
Annie has taken so many different twists and turns with God in her life and has made a ministry that is accessible and impactful and reaching people in so many ways. I would love to hear more about the work done behind the scenes both personally and professionally to make that happen.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? Cliché though it may be, I’d want to meet Jane Austen. I would enjoy getting an unfiltered, unedited look at her thoughts and how she viewed the world. The more I learn about the time period, the more I understand how truly clever and cutting edge some of her writings were. There’s a reason her stories have stood the test of time and it would be incredible to learn more about that from her.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? Look past the “no” to see what is actually being rejected. There are so many reasons publishers can’t take on a book besides not liking the writing. They have to consider the author’s platform, how the book compares to everything else in their catalog, whether or not their sales team is confident in how to push it. Getting a rejection does not mean your book is bad.
There are some things you can fix or improve and other things you can’t. Fortunately, there are many avenues to publication these days. Be constantly pushing to improve your craft, look for the signs that you’ve written the best possible book, then push forward until you find the publication method that is right for you.
Tell us about the featured book. Enchanting the Heiressis the story of a meddlesome young woman who sticks her nose into the business of a man who prefers living life through observation. The ensuing tensions reveal cracks in the foundations both of them have built their lives on. When it all comes crumbling down, they must decide whether or not to rebuild themselves and their lives separately or together. Along the way, both of them learn that God doesn’t want to be a distant figure in their lives, but a connected one. Jonas has been using scripture as a wall to keep people out while Harriet has been clinging to ideas formed in the pews of the church but without any real Biblical basis. As they grow closer to each other they are forced to consider that God really does want to reveal Himself to them in a real, personal way.
How can readers find you on the Internet? All they need to do is spell my name correctly! I can be found at kristiannhunter.com where they can sign up for my monthly newsletter of book news, fun links, and devotions. I can mostly be found hanging out on Instagram at @kristiannhunter, but you can also find me in your favorite podcast player co-hosting the show, A Rough Draft Life.
Links:
https://www.kristiannhunter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kristiannhunter
Please give us a peek inside the book.
December 1817 Newmarket, England
How could Jonas Fitzroy possibly follow his twin sister’s directive to stop watching over and protecting her, when she actually believed in the crazy plan she’d just laid out to him?
“Stop talking for a moment and let me think,” he said as he set aside the cloth he’d been using to buff the saddles filling the Hawksworth tack room. He’d been working at the estate for only a handful of months, but it had been a refreshing change of pace from the traveling circus he and his sister, Sophia, had worked with the past few years. The only downside had been how difficult it was to keep his sister out of the curfuffle she’d created when she’d brought them here in the first place.
One dangerous pitfall had led to another, but at least she’d fallen into all of them with good intentions.
This time, however . . .
Thank you 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 a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/04/enchanting-heiress-kristi-ann-hunter.html
April 14, 2022
DRAWN BY THE CURRENT - Jocelyn Greene - One Free Book
Welcome, Jocelyn. I’m looking forward to reading Drawn by the Current. Bio: Jocelyn Green is the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including Veiled in Smoke, The Mark of the King, A Refuge Assured, and Between Two Shores. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly and have been honored with the Christy Award and the Golden Scroll. Jocelyn lives with her family in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com .
Thank you for sharing this excerpt from the book with us:
Chicago Friday, June 11, 1915
Olive Pierce chided herself for the tingle of nerves in her fingertips. She was twenty-nine years old and had been working for MetLife’s main Chicagooffice for the last seven. She had no cause to feel anything less than confident.
Wind nipped her ankles and tugged at her hat as though nudging her to get moving. Putting the courthouse behind her, she crossed Washington Streetto the twenty-one-story Conway Building where she worked. The white granite gleamed in the morning sun. Unseen from the street, an inner courtyard brought light to every interior office as well. The Conway had opened earlier this year, shrinking the commute from her apartment to just over a block. All the tenants renting office space were enjoying a major upgrade from wherever they’d been last.
It was a sign, Olive told herself. The time was right for her career to get an upgrade, too.
Bolstered, she breezed through the doors and into a space awash with sun pouring through skylights. Her heels clicked over Tennessee marble as she crossed the two-story rotunda surrounded by shops and cafés and caught an elevator that carried her to the fifteenth floor. She could do this, she reminded herself, and closed the few remaining yards to the MetLife office.
Greeting the two secretaries already at work, Olive passed between their desks and dropped her things off in her own office. After smoothing her hair, she wove back through reception and hesitated at the door to the corner office.
“Olive?” Gwendolyn Walsh slapped the return on her typewriter carriage and continued hammering the keys, a honey-blond curl bouncing beside her cheek. “Mr. Roth is expecting you. Go right on in, sweetie.”
Olive had long ago given up trying to correct the young secretary, who had been calling her sweetie ever since she was hired fresh out of college three years ago. Still, Olive hoped her boss hadn’t overheard. She was a professional life insurance agent, after all, and if she was going to be promoted, it wouldn’t be for being sweet.
A throat clearing behind her turned her attention to the other secretary, Blanche Holden. At fifty-five years old, her hair was as white as her name, but her brown eyes snapped with the spirit of a woman half her age. “Go get it, Olive.”
That was more like it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/04/drawn-by-current-jocelyn-greene-one.html
April 10, 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.
Terrill (WA) is the winner of In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh.
Diane (NY) is the winner of To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano.
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 8, 2022
THE MARQUIS'S PURSUIT - Lorri Dudley - One Free Book
Welcome back, Lorri. Tell us about your salvation experience. I call my salvation “the drawer that saved me.” I grew up going to church, but once I was old enough, I decided to find my own way. Unfortunately, that meant tucking God away so I could pursue worldly fun. Thankfully, He didn’t give up on me as easily as I had given up on him. My mom didn’t either. She would send me devotionals, prayers, and Christian books, including the Left Behind book by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. For years, I shoved all of these items into a drawer. One day, I ran out of reading material. I opened the drawer and pulled out the Left Behind book. I’d barely made it through the first chapter when the realization startled me like a clap of thunder that I’d turned my back on God. I remember praying, “God, I’m so sorry. I don’t want to do this life without you.”
Even though I’d ignored Him for years, God was forgiving and ready to get back in the driver’s seat. I prayed for Him to help me find a church, and He moved my husband and me across the street (literally) from Connect Church, where we’ve now been members for over twenty years. I greet at the front door on Sundays, and when I see a new guest walking in, I always wonder how long a mother, friend, or relative prayed for them to pass through those doors.
Many of us have friends and family members we’ve been praying to come to know Jesus. Don’t give up. Keep filling their “drawer” because there will come a day when they open it, and God will step into the driver’s seat. God is patient and doesn’t want anyone to perish. His word does not come back void, and He hears the cry of our hearts. Of that, I am a testament.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? There are so many I would love to glean from, but here are my top four:
Misty Beller – because I’m so impressed by her work-life balance. She’s an author, publisher, marketing guru and still finds time to home school.
Erica Vetsch – because she has a passion for the Regency Era like no other and is a social media queen. Plus, we could chat over tea.
Heidi Chiavaroli & Jody Hedlund – I’ve gotten a chance to speak to them both at different conferences, and they are so inspiring, uplifting, and talented. They write historical but also other genres and are sweet, lovely women.
Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that. My first book launched in 2020, right before the world shut down, so my speaking ministry is in its infancy. I mentor and have spoken to a few groups within my church but mostly minister through my weekly blog of short inspirational messages. I would love to develop a broader speaking ministry in the future.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it? I tend to get myself into ridiculous situations, but this one, I credit myself with some fast thinking. I have three boys. With my third, I was working and had to pump breast milk to pack for daycare. I did my best to be discreet about pumping, but the older boys figured out it had something to do with breasts. One day, while at the grocery store, my middle son pointed up at a voluptuous woman in a snug dress and high heels and announced in his loudest voice, “Mommy, that woman has big pumps.” Every pore, nerve-ending, and cell in my body shrank in horror, but I blinked at the woman, scooped up my son’s hand, and said, “Yes, she has very nice shoes.” I turned him around, and we headed for the checkout line.
I love that story. 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 people it takes fortitude, grit, and passion. There’s a wall I hit around 60,000 words where doubts plague me. I wonder if my manuscripts are any good, if I’m making any sense, and if people will hate it. I thought this would get easier after the first book, but then there’s the added pressure of questioning whether this book is as good as the last one. I’ve had to muscle through and keep my fingers on the keyboard.
Learning how to be a better writer and the process of getting published takes grit. One must constantly be seeking feedback, critiques, and criticism. It’s how we improve, but the process can be brutal. At first, I shed a lot of tears, but over time, I’ve learned to shake off the hurt and appreciate different perspectives. I’ve also worked on creatively finding solutions.
Writing is much easier when it’s a passion. If no one purchased my books, I would still write. It’s my creative outlet where I get to play pretend as a grown-up. The catharsis I gain from writing has helped me not to give up when in the valleys of the writing/publishing cycle.
Tell us about the featured book.
The Marquis’s Pursuit
is book five of the Leeward Island series but can be read as a standalone. In my first book, The Duke’s Refuge, we see Max as a spirited eight-year-old son of an island schoolmaster, who happens to be a duke in hiding. I couldn’t resist creating a mature grown-up Max and seeing how he grew into his role as a marquis. It was fun discovering what it would be like for him to return to the island he remembered as a child and the kind of woman who would capture his heart. Here’s the back cover copy: As the son of a duke, Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, is allowed entry into the finest of London’s ballrooms, access to political figures, and advice from the best physicians. Yet, his wealth and contacts won’t heal his friend, Charlie, who’s dying from consumption. Hopeful for a miracle, Max persuades Charlie to sail across the Atlantic to stay in the Artesian Hotel on the island of Nevis and bathe in its famous healing springs. Max’s optimism is washed in doubt as the truth unravels about the hotel, its hot springs, and the beautiful caretaker.
The blaze of Evelyn Mairi Sheraton’s fiery side has long since been snuffed out. Hunted by a vengeful man from her past, only fortitude and the island’s sanctuary have kept Evelyn alive. She will do whatever it takes to keep her precious secret safe, even work for the demeaning Artesian Hotel owner, Edward Rousseau. However, when a jaunty marquis and his ailing friend arrive, sparks ignite, but Evelyn fears the revealing of her secrets will burn her to ash.
The elusive Evelyn may tend to Charlie’s well-being, but she stirs Max’s protective nature. He’d like nothing more than to remove her from the wretched employment of Edward Rousseau, yet that might endanger Charlie’s health even more. Refusing to give up on a miracle, Max waters her guarded heart, certain beauty will rise out of ashes. But when her secrets come to life, will love be worth the price?
Please give us the first page of the book.
“It’s as good a place as any to die.”
“Enough of such talk.” Careful to balance his movements and not rock the rowboat, Maxwell Oliver Weld rounded to face his closest mate from university, Charles Hayward. “We’re here to prove the physicians wrong.”
Charlie rubbed his chest as if to ease the soreness of his consumption-plagued lungs.
The gesture only solidified Max’s determination. “You’re going to show them God is a God of miracles despite their diagnosis.” God knew Max had tried everything in his power to heal his friend. Yet for all the authority that being the eldest son of the Duke of Linton and holding the title Marquis of Daventry afforded him, Charlie’s condition continued to grow worse. With God’s help, Nevis, and its famous healing springs, would save his friend from this terrible wasting disease.
The beloved island of Max’s youth welcomed them with its lush greenery, the colorful storefronts, and a promise of restored health. “Besides, sea air has already improved your constitution.” Max gripped the dinghy’s side as seasoned sailors propelled them from under the ship’s shadow. “Your face is tanned instead of sallow, and the daily strolls above deck have restored your energy. Neviswill improve your health even more. Look around you.”
Max gestured to the cloud-topped, sleepy island ascending out of the clear aquamarine waters. Its long stretch of white sand beaches outlined the isle like a sugared ring.
He inhaled the molasses scent floating on ocean breezes. “Smell the glorious sea air and feel the warm sun’s rays. It’s not only good for your health, it good for your soul.” He lifted his palms. The sun held such strength that its beams could have been weighed in ounces. “I told you coming to Nevis would be a splendid idea.”
A wave rocked the dinghy, throwing them off balance. Max grabbed the boat’s lip while Charlie gripped the bench seat. Crewmen from the main ship grunted as they pulled back on the oars. V’s of sweat darkened the backs of their shirts.
“You’d never get this close to paradise in England. It’s almost heaven.”
“Good.” Charlie quirked a smile. “Then, I won’t have far to travel.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-marquiss-pursuit-lorri-dudley/1139465706?ean=9781942265481
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-marquis-s-pursuit
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1567447070
Thank you, Lorri, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I loved the other four, and I’m eager to read this one.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-marquiss-pursuit-lorri-dudley-one.html
April 6, 2022
WHERE THE LAST ROSE BLOOMS - Ashley Clark - One Free Book
Welcome, Ashley. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I’m a big believer that themes from our own lives and personalities will inevitably come out in our writing – I think this is because God uses and redeems our own struggles to help others. For me, I love a good book about a story that’s almost lost to time… whether that “story” is a romance, a dream, or even an heirloom from someone’s history. In
Where the Last Rose Blooms
, this theme comes out in studying God as Emmanuel, God-with-us in life’s storms. I hope after the difficulties of the last few years, readers will resonate with message that while storms do come, God keeps us and remains with us even in our suffering. Our hardship does not indicate His absence, but on the contrary, the cross indicates His participation in our struggle. Other themes in my books are motherhood, womanhood, friendship, beauty, and hope/redemption.
What other books of yours are coming out soon? Where the Last Rose Blooms is actually the final novel in my Heirloom Secrets series (keep in mind they can be read out of order, if any readers out there want to dive in but haven’t read the first two!) so I am in between projects right now. I hope to have some new-project updates soon, so I’d love if readers old and new would sign up for my newsletter so they can be the first to hear when I make these announcements! You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, www.ashleyclarkbooks.com and you’ll get a free novella just for signing up.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? What a fun question! I think I would choose one of the dancers from Dancing with the Stars to get a free dancing lesson. I haven’t watched the show in a while but used to watch it religiously!
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? I would pick Van Gogh and tell him what a difference he was going to make by adding such beauty to the world.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Sadly, rejections never stop coming. After publication, you have to worry about different kinds of rejections – how will my book be received? Will I do well in contests? Will readers like it? Will I get another contract with my publishing house?
At some point, every writer has to make a decision about why they are writing and what they are writing. You have to pivot away from writing to be “successful,” however you view that definition, to writing as an expression of your gifting by God. When you do that, you’ll find joy and purpose in your writing despite the ebbs and flows of the industry. Sometimes it takes time to get your foot in the door – for me it took ten years. Only a love of writing itself (and this is all the more so true if you’re writing as a Christian and view it as a calling) will sustain you through those ups and downs.
Tell us about the featured book. Where the Last Rose Bloomsis a story that’s been in development in my heart (and on my laptop!) for years. I actually wrote it prior to writing the first book in the series, The Dress Shop on King Street. It’s a dual timeline story with characters who discover surprising connections to the past through an heirloom rose bush. Set partially in Civil War era Charleston and partially in modern day New Orleans,
Where the Last Rose Blooms
follows the lives of two women over 150 years apart. One of them, a florist, uses her knowledge of “the language of flowers” to unravel hidden secrets about an abolitionist spy in the Civil war, and in so doing, she discovers the information about her own mother who went missing during Hurricane Katrina. Both of them also find romance along the way. Please share an excerpt with us.
PROLOGUE
Charleston , 1860
Ashley Mama thought I was asleep the night ’fore I was sold. I wasn’t. I was looking at the patterns of the shadows on the wall, but she couldn’t see my eyes from where she sat. That was a year ago now. Well, roundabouts. Maybe half a year. Guess I don’t know the day, just that it was fall and still warm outside, and summer seem like it was gonna take forever to get here. Not a minute goes by, I’m not thinkin’ about her.
I’ll never forget what she said when she put my best dress inside the satchel, along with some pecans and a braid of her hair. “It be filled with my love always,” she said, and when Mama said always she meant it.
Problem was, always wasn’t ours to give. She put her favorite buttons inside the satchel too. Those butterfly buttons I had always loved. But the buttons fell out when the men took me. And I saw that look in Mama’s eyes— tryin’ to tell me she gonna find me and bring the buttons with her. I just know she will. And I remind myself of that look every night when I close my eyes. Only she’d better hurry. Because the dress Mama gave me ain’t gonna fit much longer.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I love connecting with readers, both new and old! Please sign up for my newsletter on my website, www.ashleyclarkbooks.com – I make a lot of fun announcements and do frequent giveaways through my newsletter. I’d also love to connect on Facebook (@AshleyClarkBooks) and on Instagram (@the_handwritten_story). And of course, you can find me on BookBub and Goodreads as well.
Thank you so much for having me today, Lena! It’s been great chatting with all of you!
—Ashley
Thank you for sharing this story 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 a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/04/where-last-rose-blooms-ashley-clark-one.html
April 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 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 Finding Her Family's Love by Kayla Kensington.
Dianna (SC) is the winner of Her Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock.
Paula (MO) is the winner of Count the Nights by Stars by Michelle Shocklee.
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 1, 2022
IN SEARCH OF A PRINCE - Toni Shiloh - One Free Book
Welcome, Toni. When I first heard about this book, I knew I wanted to feature it on my blog. Please provide a brief summary of your new book, In Search of a Prince. Brielle Adebayo is a middle school civics teacher when her mother drops a bombshell: she’s a princess and heir to the throne of Ọlọrọ Ilé. The king, her grandfather, is dying and needs to establish her as his official heir. It’s then that the royal council finds an old edict that dictates she must be married in order to become the next ruling monarch.
She’s given a list of eligible bachelors and grapples with the enormity of the situation. Can she be the queen the people of Ọlọrọ need? That is the journey I take the reader on between the pages.
In Search of a Prince is primarily set in the fictional country of Ọlọrọ Ilé. Can you tell us a little about this place? I’d love to. I set the country in the Gulf of Guinea, a little to the west of Bioko Island. It has a tropical climate like that of Bioko, but I used a lot of Nigerian influences to develop the country. It is ruled by a king, one of the few African nations that still maintains a monarchy. Their council is also made up of tribal elders to represent the different regions of Ọlọrọ.
What different cultures influenced the creation of this story? I had so much fun exploring the tribes of Nigeria. I also looked at how the colonization of Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, and western Africa as a whole influenced the current cultures. It was with all this in mind that I developed the culture of my fictional country.
One of the underlying themes in In Search of a Prince is learning to trust God and His will—no matter where it may lead. How does this theme come into play in the life of your female protagonist, Brielle Adebayo? Trust is such a huge theme for Brielle. She’s been thrust into a life that looks nothing like what she’s used to. She doesn’t want to do anything outside of God’s will, yet life is filled with so many new trials that it’s hard to distinguish what is what. That’s where trust comes in, and we get to see how her walk with God develops on this new journey.
What do you think this novel contributes to the inspirational fiction genre that we haven’t seen before? Diversity! It’s not often you get to walk into bookstores and see a lot of fiction with ethnic characters. It’s my hope that Black women (young and old) will see this book and see themselves. That it allows them to dream and be inspired by what God can do. What was the inspiration for In Search of a Prince?
I was inspired by the union between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It was amazing to see their love, but it also made me wish for stories that celebrated Black princesses. So I dreamed one up. J
What do you hope readers gain from reading your new novel? My biggest hope is that they see God in a new way. That they’re able to trust that He has good plans and that nothing takes Him by surprise, so we can trust in Him and rest in those truths.
What do you love most about writing contemporary romance novels—specifically stories about royalty? There’s something about showing that romance and faith can still exist in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Add the royal factor of caring for an entire country, and it only shows how awesome God can be.
Please share your first page with my blog readers and me.
Prologue
“Your Majesty, I am afraid the news is not good.”
Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, king of Ọlọrọ Ilé Ijọba of Africa, closed his eyes and lowered his chin to his chest. But even that slight movement was enough to bring a cough to his lips. His shoulders shook with the effort to expel the phlegm that did not seem to move from his lungs. He wiped his mouth, using a handkerchief embroidered with the kingdom’s crest, as his chest ached from the exertion.
“How bad is it?” he rasped.
The doctor sighed, lines furrowing his brow. “I am afraid there is nothing more that we can do, my king. The chemotherapy has been too taxing on your body and ineffective against the cancer.” He shifted on his feet. “All we can do now is make you as comfortable as possible.” His pause stretched heavy in the room, the only sound the king’s struggled breathing. “Dare I suggest, Your Majesty, that you present an heir to our great country?”
Yes. Of course. The time had come for the nation to know his heir—heiress. The granddaughter Tiwa had never met. He had wanted to remedy the situation, but regrets and pride had lengthened the time since his gross mistake and expanded the distance.
Tiwa wiped his mouth again. “You are right, Dr. Falade.” He rose unsteadily to his feet. “Rest assured, the kingdom will continue to thrive after I am gone.”
How can readers connect with you? I can be reached via email at toni@tonishiloh.com, or they can find all my social media links on my website, ToniShiloh.com.
Thank you, Toni, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/04/in-search-of-prince-toni-shiloh-one.html
March 28, 2022
TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH - Jen Turano - One Free Book
Welcome, Jen. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? The interesting thing about the spiritual themes in all of my books is that I never know what they’re going to be until I’m actually writing a story. My faith threads simply show up on the page, quite as if I’m being sent a message I need to address. Forgiveness, trust, loving thy neighbor, and kindness are a few of the themes I’ve explored, as well as listening to those whispers we receive from God. What other books of yours are coming out soon? Beginning in 2023, I have a new series coming out with Bethany House—three stories revolving around matchmaking!
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? That’s a tricky one because there are so many, but I believe I’ll choose Lauren Daigle because I love her voice, she has such a cool vibe about her, and her songs speak to me.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? This one is easy – Alva Vanderbilt. She was the first person I read about in the Gilded Age, and her story caused me to fall in love with that historical era and decide to set my books in high society, which, during that time, was fraught with drama and has given me enough fodder for stories to last forever.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? The thing with publishing is that it’s a very daunting business. Competition is fierce, so what I always tell aspiring writers is that rejection is just part of the process. It took me five years and seven manuscripts before I landed an agent, but what I’ve come to realize about those early works, is that they were merely stepping stones needed to help me perfect my writing craft to where it was worthy of publication. I also encourage writers to keep writing. Finish a book, start another one. You never know what story will resonate with an agent or editor.
Tell us about the featured book. To Disguise the Truthis the story about Eunice Holbrooke, a most mysterious lady who roams around New York City dressed in widow’s weeds and weeping veils. She’s the owner of the Holbrooke boardinghouse, which is the setting for all three books in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, as well as the lady who started up the agency, encouraging all the residents of her boardinghouse to become agents. At the beginning of her story, she finds herself in her office, sitting across from a gentleman she hoped to never see again – Mr. Arthur Livingston. He’s sought out her agency to help him find a missing heiress, but since she has no intention of aiding him with that, she’s faced with the problem of how to get rid of him, while also keeping her many secrets hidden. Please share the first page with us.
September 1887
New York City
Considering she’d once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrooke was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her.
Breathing a silent sigh of relief that she’d had the presence of mind to throw on not one but three weeping veils that morning, Eunice peered through the dark crape of the veils at the few notes she’d taken before she lifted her head.
“From what I understand,” she began, speaking in a breathy voice that was not her usual voice at all, “you’re here because you’d like to hire the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to locate a missing person. Is that right so far, Mr. . . . what did you say your name was again?”
“Arthur, Arthur Livingston.”
Hearing him speak a name that had plagued her for seven long years sent a frisson of something best left uncontemplated down Eunice’s spine as she wrote his name in the notepad, not that there was the slightest chance she’d ever forget it, seeing as how she’d put a bullet through his arm.
Granted, she hadn’t been intending on killing the man, but . . . still. One didn’t forget the name of a man one shot.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I may be found at www.jenturano.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthorand on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/.
Thank you, Jen, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com...
