Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 33
February 22, 2022
A PROMISE FOR FAITH - Stacy T Simmons - One Free Book
Dear Readers, our author today is a good friend of mine, and this is her debut novel.
Welcome, Stacy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. There are bits and pieces of me in some of the characters. To be a “realistic” character, it must feel authentic to me while I read it over as well. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? My sister and I for her pre-wedding party were in NYC with some friends of hers. We all attended a performance of Les Misérables and waited to meet the lead actor as he had a magnificent voice. The gentleman was more than kind and posed for a photo with the five of us, it was so much fun.
I’d love that. When did you first discover that you were a writer? I “wrote” poetry as a teen, horrible prose. It wasn’t until five years ago that I decided to pursue writing and learn more about the craft.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Everything from romance, suspense, thrillers, historical, time-slip, all Christian novels.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Chat with co-workers at school, talk with my husband and family, and pray.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I researched popular names in their “birth year.” The ones which appealed to me the most were chosen.
That’s what I do, too. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? To be a wife and mom, my grown kids are so funny and talented. My husband is super funny, like our kids, and caring as well.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A dolphin, anything on the water is very enjoyable.
What is your favorite food? Can I choose two? Italian and Mexican.
James and I love both of those, too. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? In the beginning of this whole journey, I had no earthly idea what I was doing. Attending American Christian Fiction Writers the first year set me on a course to know it takes time, learning, and lots of prayers to accomplish any kind of writing.
Tell us about the featured book. A Promise for Faith,Briar Creek Love, Book One, is about a young woman, Faith, who is in job transition. She is heading to visit friends in North Carolinabefore going home to Floridato job search and temporarily live with her family. Some very interesting things happen to her on her road trip, and Faith’s plans are slightly derailed. What comes next takes an act of faith and trust. Please give us the first page of the book.
A geyser that could pass for Old Faithful’s miniature cousin spewed from Faith Fuller’s SUV hood. Nine hours into the drive to Briar Creek, North Carolina, Faith’s patience had grown parchment paper thin. Clutching the wheel, she pulled from the road and onto a stream’s pebbled shoreline. Faith alighted from the car and zipped up her jacket against the chill of the waning late afternoon sunlight. Flinging open the trunk, she pushed past Tetris piles of moving boxes and found her chef’s grade ovenproof mitts. Pushing them onto her hands, she shot a prayer for safety into the purpling sky and cranked wide the blue hood.
Water sizzled and belched from the belly of the motor. An acrid chemical stench caused her eyes to water.
Where to start? Faith’s knowledge of cars was severely limited.
She moved to the side of the engine and inspected a large black hose. No water. Faith surveyed the tangle of tubes nearby, but nothing seemed wrong with her car other than a hissing spray of water.
Is it the radiator? It was drier than her mom’s Sunday dinner biscuits.
Marching to the rear of her SUV, she threw the mitts into the box and crossed her arms across her chest, eyeing the road for a sign of life.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook Author page-www.facebook.com/stacytsimmonsauthor
Instagram-www.instagram.com/stacy.t.simmons
Twitter-https://twitter.com/StacyTSimmons
Website-www.stacytsimmonsauthor.com
Goodreads-https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21693483.Stacy_T_Simmons
Bookbub-https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-t-simmons
Amazon Author page-https://amzn.to/34KQawY
Thank you, Stacy, for sharing your book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Promise+for+Faith&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 21, 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.
Stephanie (NY) is the winner of Love's Twisting Trail by Betty Woods.
Jan (TX) is the winner of Secret Sabotage by Terri Reed.
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 4 weeks to claim your book.
February 17, 2022
WITH A TRUSTING HEART - Dawn Kinser - One Free Book
Bio: Dawn Kinzer writes fiction because she believes in the power of story to comfort, challenge, and inspire.
Her work has been published in various devotionals and magazines. Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsinhometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. She carries on the fictional town's legacy with her historical short story, “Maggie’s Miracle.” The romance With a Trusting Heart was inspired by events that took place during the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition—Seattle’s first world’s fair. Her two contemporary romances, By All Appearances and A Night Divine, are set in the Seattlearea where she currently resides.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Welcome back, Dawn. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? Through story, I encourage readers to trust that God does have a plan for us, even when we can’t see it and things don’t initially make sense. We have a purpose, regardless of our season of life, and we all have God-given gifts that can and should be used. Forgiveness also seems to be a consistent theme in my books. What other books of yours are coming out soon? I don’t have any upcoming releases, but I’m in the initial stages of conducting research for a contemporary romance.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? I think it would be fascinating to have an honest conversation with Stephen King about writing and how he views God and faith.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? Although she’s not famous and known as historical figure, I’d like to meet my great-grandmother. As a young woman, she traveled to this country from Norwayby sailing on a ship. I discovered a small wood trunk covered with faded rose malling in my parents’ basement, and I was told that she could only bring what she could fit in that trunk. (Rose malling is the Norwegian art of painted flower motifs.) I would love to find out more about her, why she decided to move to the United States, and what her life was like after she arrived.
I understand that wish. I’d love to meet with my mother as an adult. She died when I was 7 years old. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? It can feel discouraging to receive ongoing rejections. I get that! But consider that the rejection might have nothing to do with your story and skill as a writer. It might be a matter of timing, what is currently selling, and the number of books a publisher has room for that year.
It might even turn out to be a blessing if your manuscript isn’t ready to be sold. Learn from the publisher’s feedback and dig in again. Hone your skills. We don’t call them “rejections” in my local writers group. We call them “redirections.” They’re opportunities to refocus.
I encourage all authors to not get consumed in getting published. Work hard, but also trust God’s plan and enjoy the journey, regardless of publication. Over the years, other writers have become close friends, and they’ve greatly enriched my life.
Tell us about the featured book. My historical romance,
With a Trusting Heart
, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair. The exposition is taking place in Seattlewith participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently.
Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction.
A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother?
When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Seattle , Washington
August 1909
Taking a firm stance, she raised her hands and aimed at the mess created that morning. If only the clutter would disappear with the move of her trigger finger.
Lizzie Clark dropped the imaginary pistols into the invisible holster hung around her hips and chuckled to herself. Perhaps she’d gotten too caught up in the excitement of several boys anticipating the Wild West Show later that day at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
She assessed the stacked breakfast dishes on the kitchen counter, ready to be washed and dried. If she worked fast and hard enough, she might have five minutes to enjoy a cup of tea before tackling the next job on her list.
Helen Caswell, the head cook, nodded toward the pile of dirty plates, bowls, pots, and pans. “Taking on that job alone today was a kind thing to do.”
“It didn’t feel right to ask Emma to stay behind.” Lizzie picked up a dishrag and leaned against the sink. “The girl is only seventeen, and someone who works as hard as she does deserves a little fun. Besides, we won’t have as many to feed for lunch with the majority of Brown Hall’s residents attending the fair.”
Lizzie had already grown fond of the quiet young woman with blond hair, striking amber eyes, and a nose too large for her face. Emma Johnson worked in the kitchen as part of her training to leave the orphanage, and she hoped to find employment at a restaurant or with a wealthy family.
A meek soul, she rarely talked, but Lizzie and Helen were trying to instill confidence in her. Emma’s mother had died, and her father had lost his job. He’d promised to come for her once he got back on his feet, but in the five years Emma had lived at the orphanage, he’d never returned even once to check on her. No wonder she thought little of herself.
How can readers find you on the Internet? I invite readers to visit my author website, but I can also be found on most social media platforms.
Thank you, Dawn, for sharing your new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-Heart-Dawn-Kinzer-ebook/dp/B09PJTH1HV/
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 15, 2022
EVER CONSTANT - Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse - One Free Book
Dear Blog Readers, today I'm featuring Ever Constant by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. Instead of an interview, we have a note from both of the authors and an excerpt from the book. I hope you enjoy it. I know I want to read the rest of the book after reading this passage. We will have the regular free book drawing.
Several years ago, Tracie and I were having a book signing and fund-raising event for the scholarship fund in Cassidy Hale’s honor with the launch of our Heart of Alaska series’ In the Shadow of Denali. Music students of mine—the Powell girls—came to meet their beloved favorite author, Tracie Peterson. The girls’ mom—Monica—and I are dear friends, and she’s quite a fan as well. The excitement as the foursome walked into the event was contagious. Even though the girls knew me really well, had spent hours at my home, and understood that I had written several books already with Tracie, the joy of getting to meet her in person put them over the moon and in total fan mode. Giggles and smiles and chatter filled the air. It was at that event that Tracie looked at me and said, “Books need to be written about three precocious, musical, redheaded sisters.”
The Treasures of Nome series was born that day. The three main characters throughout this series are named after my precious girls. (I will always claim them Ever Constant as mine—once a student of mine, always one of my kids.) Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen. And while we might have used a few character traits of the real girls, the Powell sisters in our series are purely fictitious. I’m truly thankful that the real sisters haven’t had to endure all the craziness we threw at the characters in our books.
Tracie and I have loved sharing these girls, the chicken stories, the sled dogs, the chaos with the sheep, the cheese making, and all the other adventures in this series with you.
For those of you who have read Jack London’s Call of the Wild or have seen the movie, you know the command mush is used to get the dogs to go. Most likely this is the English derivation from the French-Canadian marche, which meant “go.”
In this book, you will find these terms: Let’s go simply means “go.” (The most common terms used are hike, let’s go, and all right, which you might remember me using in Race Against Time.)
Haw means “turn left.”
Gee means “turn right.”
Whoa means “slow down and come to a stop.”
Because I have spent so much time with real-life dog-sled pros while we lived in Alaskaand during research trips there, I want to honor the knowledge they’ve poured into me and respect the amazing sport.
The Grand Nome Hotel and Golden Palace Restaurant in this book are fictitious. I know how many of you love the historical landmarks we use, but in this instance we needed to create something for the purposes of the story.
You will also notice that there are two different terms used for the native people. Inupiat is plural, Inupiaq is singular. There you have it, your language lesson for the day. Lastly, I wanted to tell you about something that a lot of people don’t know. Are you ready?
The northern lights—auroras—make noise.
This is shown in Ever Constant, and I wanted to assure you that, yes, it is true! I’ve heard them many times myself, but it’s not loud. In fact, the best way to truly experience them is to be out away from everything else. Their sound has been described as crackling, the bursting of soap bubbles, and sputtering. Sometimes you have to concentrate on listening to actually hear them.
Check out the Note from the Authors at the end of the book for some fun facts and links. And make sure you join us for our next series, which takes place in Kalispell, Montana. As always, we couldn’t do what we do without YOU, our readers. Enjoy the journey, Kim and Tracie
Prologue
Cripple Creek, Colorado—1889
Flurries of snow drifted down from the dark and cloudy sky. Whitney Powell shivered and lifted her face to the heavens as she stopped in the middle of the quiet street. Mama would scold her for being out in the wee hours of the morning, but it was her mother’s tears that woke her.
Daddy wasn’t home. Again. Which meant one thing. Whitney wanted to growl out her anger and throw something. Really hard. She’d been old enough to understand what was going on for a couple of years now. No matter how much her parents tried to hide it.
Lifting her chin, she clenched her jaw against the chill in the wind and shoved her hands into her coat pockets. She had to fix Mama’s tears. Havyn and Madysen were too young. So even if she had to drag her good-for-nothin’ father back from the saloon––again––at least he would be home.
She cringed. Good for nothin’? What a horrible thought! What would Mama say? How often had she drilled into her that thoughts were just as important as the words that came out of her mouth? Reminded her that God knew every one of them?
No doubt about it, their mother would be crushed. And she’d be so embarrassed if she found out that her oldest daughter had gone to Saloon Row to haul her father home. More than once.
Mama was the best lady in the world. And the most talented. If only she could stand up for herself. She always saw the good in everyone, believed in them, cheered them on, and recognized what she called their potential.
Why couldn’t she see that people took advantage of her goodwill? No matter how many times Mama had been hurt, she’d still forgive.
Whitney gritted her teeth. In all her ten years, she’d never met anyone on earth as good as her mama. If only she could be as kind and generous. No matter how much she tried to mimic her mother’s behavior, she couldn’t do it. Mama’s patience and goodness rivaled that of any saint. Granddad said so himself.
“Maybe by the time I’m all grown up I can be like Mama.” Her words puffed from her mouth in the icy air. For now, as the oldest daughter, it fell to her to take care of their mother when their father wasn’t capable of doing it. She’d gone to get him four times now. Four. She’d had to scrape up all her courage to go to the saloons that first time, but she’d done it. Because she loved her Mama and couldn’t watch her suffer and worry.
She shook her head and continued walking toward Saloon Row. The still of the evening was disrupted by sounds of the establishments ahead. The noise crescendoed with every few steps.
How many more times would she have to do this? How long before someone found out? She’d thought about askingGranddad for help. Other than her sisters, he was her best friend. But he already didn’t think too well of Daddy. . . .
The wind bit at her face while the scent of logs burning in stoves filled her nose.
Music from the saloons drifted toward her, and she flinched. It was nothing like the beautiful music they played and sang at home. This was harsh, raucous, and out of tune. How could people even stand it? It hurt her ears. The closer she got, the more she hated the sound, the noise, the smells. Oh, to curl up in her bed like her younger sisters and go to sleep as if she didn’t have the weight of the world on her shoulders. All because Daddy couldn’t control himself.
Two men wobbled down the street toward her, then one of them doubled over and got sick in the middle of the road. She covered her face with her scarf and stepped several paces around them. Why did they do that to themselves? Disgusting.
Picking up her stride, she kept her chin down. There were things here that she didn’t want to see.
Not again.
Questions peppered her brain. She wouldn’t allow them entry. Best to think about music. Mama. Havyn and Madysen.
Wait a minute . . . the hairs on the back of her neck prickled and a shiver raced up her spine. A lump in the street—no, not a lump. A man.
For a moment, she couldn’t take another step. Could barely breathe. No. Please. That scrawny heap couldn’t be her father. But . . . the blue coat.
She’d recognize the coat anywhere. Mama made it for him last Christmas.
With a deep breath, she moved forward. At least she could be thankful he wasn’t inside one of the saloons. She hated going in them. The adults always tried to shoo her out, but her presence made it easier to get her dad out the door. No one wanted a little girl inside.
The closer her feet brought her to the telltale form, the more she wanted to run away. But then she was standing beside him. Daddy wasn’t moving. Was he even breathing?
She knelt down beside him and poked at his shoulder. Hard.
Nothing happened. When she touched his face, it was cold. Her stomach revolted and her heart sank.
Oh, Daddy . . .
Shaking her head, she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. A sharp clenching in her chest made her gasp for air. She fought the tears that threatened to flood her eyes and race down her face. He wouldn’t leave them . . . would he?
As much as she detested his actions, he was still her daddy.
She leaned her ear close to his face. He stunk. It made her stomach turn again.
She couldn’t hear any breath. She poked him again. Harder. And again. Even harder.
“Daddy?” She shook him with all she had. No response.
She touched his face again. Cold. But it was snowing outside, and the temperature was frigid. Maybe he was passed out. He did that at home all the time lately.
Sitting down beside him, she shook him and poked him. Over and over. If he was dead . . . what would they do? Mama and Havyn and Madysen would cry. So would she.
What would become of them?
Ever Constant • T. Peterson, K. Woodhouse Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group © 2022 used by permission
Thank you, Tracie and Kim, for sharing this new book with us today. I’m eager to read it, and I know many of my blog readers will be, too.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 13, 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.
Stacey (MN) is the winner of Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson.
Crystal (PA) is the winner of Eliza's Hope by June Foster and Kelly Cordova.
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 4 weeks to claim your book.
February 9, 2022
SECRET SABOTAGE - Terri Reed - One Free Book
Welcome back, Terri. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? I have several books to write for Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense over the next year or so. And I’ve been taking books where the rights have reverted to me and turning them into screenplays, as well as, writing an original screenplay. Learning the language of screenwriting has been a fun journey so far. I don’t know what will come of this endeavor but I’m learning a ton. Tell us a little about your family. My husband of 34 years and I have two adult children. Our daughter is married and living an hour away from us. Our son has moved home for now to save money while he works. He’s trying to figure out his life.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Writing has made me more mindful of what I’m reading. I find myself studying books that keep my attention, and I must remind myself to just read the story and enjoy it!
What are you working on right now? I’m working on the second book in my own series about US marshals in Texas. This book will be a February 2023 release. US marshal Brian Forrester must protect Judge Gwyn Weston from an unknown threat. Finding out who wants the judge dead proves nearly as difficult as keeping her alive.
The first book in this series, Forced to Flee, releases October 2022. When Abby Frost discovers a dangerous family secret through a DNA test, she must rely on undercover US marshal Jace Armstrong to not only protect her but help her uncover the truth of her birth.
Sounds interesting. I’d love to feature it on my blog, too. What outside interests do you have? I do agility with my Australian shepherd. We take training classes two days a week and practice at home every day. We’ve done some trialing and have won several 1st place ribbons. It’s a fun activity that is very bonding as well as keeping us active.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I choose places I’ve either been to, so I can add in some of my own experiences of the location, or I choose places I’d like to visit. Learning about new locations and describing the setting makes the writing interesting. I’ve discovered many places that I’ve add to my “hope to visit one day” list.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why? I would love to spend time with Shakespeare. I’d love to hear what inspired his stories and learn what his process was to write.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels. I wish I’d known how much I would love it. I would have started long before I did.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? The Lord is teaching me to be more intentional about releasing my own anger, frustration, hurt, and anxiety over to Him. The last few years have brought out the worst in many people, and I’ve been on the brunt of some meanness. It’s much harder to stay in relationship with someone who has hurt you than it is to cut them out of your life. I don’t want to be that person who holds on to all the negative emotions that keep me from showing love. I must repeatedly choose forgiveness over anger and hurt. I can only do that through my faith in God.
That is so true. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? I would say the best three things to being successful are to never stop learning and growing in your writing, write consistently, and make your deadlines.
Tell us about the featured book. Secret Sabotage is the fourth book in my series set in the fictional town of Bristle Township, Colorado, featuring the men and woman of the sheriff’s department and the wealthy Delaney family. In
Secret Sabotage
, someone wants Ian Delaney dead, but he doesn’t know why. His family hires a bodyguard, Simone Walker. She has her hands full with Ian because he is determined to discover who is after him and why, despite the danger. Please give us the first page of the book.
“Mayday, mayday!” Ian Delaney shouted into the microphone on his headset, his voice cracking with adrenaline.
Determined not to give in to the jolt of fear coursing through his body, he worked the controls. The engine sputtered, sending a vibration through the helicopter so strong his teeth rattled. He prayed the air traffic controller manning the small airport atop the mountain outside of Bristle Township, Colorado, received his distress call.
Dread swamped him, filling his veins. He deployed the emergency beacon that would send out his GPS location on the backside of the mountain and gripped the cyclic pitch lever with all his might in an effort to keep the copter from a downward spiral. His feet worked the pedals to no avail.
He didn’t understand how this could be happening. He’d checked and double-checked all the preflight protocols. Clearly, something had gone massively wrong. Intentional sabotage? Because of what he’d discovered?
His heart hammered in his chest. He turned the information he’d uncovered over again in his head for the hundredth time. He should have informed the sheriff and let Alex look into the mysterious cargo being routed through Bristle Township, but Ian needed to protect his family. What shenanigans was his father up to this time? And if it wasn’t his father’s doing, then who? What secrets were hidden beneath the forest canopy racing by below?
The helicopter spun, the tail rotor ceasing to keep from balancing the torque. The tall, lush branches of hemlock and pine trees reached up like greedy fingers, eager to pluck him from the autumn sky. The main rotor gave out with a clang and the helicopter took a nosedive into the trees. The loud piercing scream of the warning signal filled his ears.
He braced for impact.
“Please, God, spare me!”
His breath stalled in his throat. A tight vise squeezed his chest. He’d failed his family. Who would protect them now?
The helicopter crashed through the branches, metal twisting and breaking. Ian’s head slammed hard against the craft’s frame and the world dimmed to nothingness.
Wow, intense. How can readers find you on the Internet?
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/o4x4h1
https://www.facebook.com/terrireedauthorpage/
https://www.instagram.com/terrireedauthor/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri-reed
https://www.amazon.com/Terri-Reed/e/B001H9VYCQ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/178940.Terri_Reed
Thank you, Terri, for sharing this new book with us. I’m glad my copy has arrived, so I can dive right into the story.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Secret+Sabotage+Terri+Reed&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 8, 2022
LOVE'S TWISTING TRAIL - Betty Woods - One Free Book
Dear Blog Readers, I’m thrilled to introduce this debut author to you today. We’ve been friends for a long time, and I mentored her with her writing. You are going to love the story in Love’s Twisting Trail.
Welcome, Betty. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Not a lot. Some of my characters’ experiences mirror mine. In
Love’s Twisting Trail
when Charlotte feels as if she’s stumbling by faith instead of walking by faith. I’ve had more than one time when I knew what God wanted me to do then started to doubt when the way got hard. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Trying to roller blade with my kids years ago when they were teenagers. I once told them I never intended to grow up, but I’m not coordinated enough for roller blades.
I’m sure I wasn’t either. When did you first discover that you were a writer? When I was a child. My first “book” was a story I wrote for a fourth grade project. I wrote the story from my dog’s point of view and let her tell what her life was like at our house. I got an A. My mother saved it, and I still have that first “book.”
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Romance, historical or contemporary, is my favorite genre. Mysteries are fun. I’ll read almost any well-written novel with a good story. I like biographies, books about actual historical events, old diaries and letters. Bookstores are my candy stores.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Going to lunch with my daughter or my critique partner. Taking trips in our RV. Whether we manage a weekend away or two weeks, we like to go to state parks or national parks. Enjoying the outdoors while hiking or bike riding is a great way to decompress. So is losing myself in a museum or other historical site. Whenever we can all manage it, our adult children go with us in their RV’s. Multigenerational trips with our kids, grandkids, and sometimes great-grands are one of my favorite things to do.
How do you choose your characters’ names? They have to suit my characters or work to enhance the story. I chose Charlotte’s name because I could easily give her a male nickname. Her brother, Toby, named himself. It sounds crazy, but it’s a writer’s thing. My characters talk to me.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Having my book published! My dream come true. It’s been a ten-year journey honing my writing skills, signing with an agent, and submitting manuscripts to publishers.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? My Chihuahua. She’s sweet-natured, cuddly, and loves almost everyone. Plus, she leads a very pampered life.
What is your favorite food? Any kind of Mexican or Tex Mex. If it’s hot and spicy, that’s wonderful. One friend says I have a cast iron stomach.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?Overcoming writer’s block. That is not knowing what to write next while staring at a computer screen. It’s almost like running into a literal road block that keeps you from going where you want to go. Stepping away for a while and praying for ideas works best.
Tell us about the featured book. Charlotte Grimes promised her dying father she’ll save their family’s ranch. She disguises herself as a fourteen-year-old boy to go up the trail from Texas to Abilene, Kansas, with the brother she can’t trust. But choosing between keeping her promise or being with the man she loves may put her heart in more danger than any hazards on the trail. Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.
1869 Outside San Antonio, Texas
Charlotte Grimes slid her cleaned revolver into the holster lying on the kitchen table, determined to keep her promise to Pa. She had hoped and prayed four-legged varmints or snakes were the only reasons to need a gun, but from what she’d overheard from others, a body had best be prepared for meeting anything or anyone on a cattle drive. Especially a woman intending to go up the trail disguised as a fourteen-year-old boy.
Slinging her gun belt over her shoulder, she grabbed her tied bedroll off the chair. Toby should be back from town soon, so she needed to sneak her things into the barn before her brother returned. So far, God hadn’t given her any idea how to tell Toby she’d be going with him no matter how much he didn’t want her along.
A welcome spring breeze brushed her cheeks while a mockingbird sang nearby. How could everything around here be the same when her world had turned so topsy turvy? If only Pa hadn’t died. If only she could trust her brother again. If only …
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook: bettywoodsbooks Twitter: bettywoodswrite
My website: http://www.bettywoodsbooks.com
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Love%27s+Twisting+Trail&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 6, 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.
Pearl (NM) is the winner of Medical Mystery by Richard L Mabry, MD.
Mimi (DE) is the winner of Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund.
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 4 weeks to claim your book.
February 3, 2022
ELIZA'S HOPE - June Foster and Kelly Cordova - One Free Book
Welcome back, June, and welcome, Kelly. I know this is a collaboration. How did this story come about? I mentioned to my daughter that my publisher asked for historical romances set in the Gold Rush days. She loves to read historical novels, so I asked her if she wanted to join me in writing a historical romance. She readily agreed and said she looked forward to it. Did you find it easy to work together on it? Oh, yes. I don't always find it easy to work with others on writing projects so I was pleasantly surprised at how well we worked together. Especially in light of the fact she'd never written a novel before and I had never co-authored before.
How did collaborating impact you? I believe my daughter Kelly's ideas helped to spark my own and vice versa. She would have an idea, and I was able to expand on it.
That sounds great. What is the hardest thing about writing as a team? The communication was hardest. We used Marco Polo, text, email, and phone chats as we lived in two different states. Fortunately, my daughter was available most any time of the day as she doesn't work outside the home.
What are you reading right now? I'm reading Stacey Simmons' new release, A Promise for Faith.
I’m eager to get that book soon. How did you choose your characters’ names? Kelly chose the names she liked from that era. In fact, she plotted the entire story on her own. I did the larger part of the writing, and she wrote some of the scenes. She created a lovely motif that appeared throughout the story – the monarch butterfly. Would you want to work on another book together? Most definitely. Kelly energized my ideas and allowed me to become even more creative. Writing can be a lonely venture, and it was wonderful having someone with whom to confer.
What do you want to tell us about the book? Here's a blurb. On the ship from Ireland, Eliza O’Connor loses her mother and husband to cholera. She longs to become a doctor after training under the local physician, but few schools accept women. Now that the doctor has passed away, she works at her father's boarding house. When a handsome doctor arrives beaten and stripped of his jacket and boots, she believes he's another gold-crazy miner heading for the hills where her brother has ventured.
At his mother's desperate request, Dr. Levi Dumont travels from Boston to find his younger brother and bring him home. After Levi is robbed and beaten, his trustworthy horse drops him in back of the O'Connor's Boarding House where the enchanting Eliza treats his wounds.
When Eliza's brother returns from the gold fields with a broken leg, Eliza learns her friend needs medical attention. Eliza is determined to make the treacherous journey. When she accompanies Levi to Diamond Falls, Levi discovers affection for Eliza despite his engagement to a woman in Boston.
Though Eliza and Levi come from different worlds, their hopes are the same. Will Eliza find opportunity to study medicine? Can Levi find a life with Eliza despite his fiancé and medical practice in Boston?
Please give us the first page of the book. September 27, 1850
Buena Esperanza , California
Eliza O'Connor tucked a strand of her long thick hair behind her ear, fetched the wooden tray of mugs brimming with ale, and swept into the dining room of her father's boarding house.
"Eliza. Hurry up. We're thirsty," one of the fifteen miners demanded while the others slammed their fists on the dining room table that almost extended the length of the room.
"Hush your mouths. I'll be to your table when I'm good and ready." She steadied the tray and made her way closer to the noisy men. A tug on her skirt set her off balance.
"Lizzie, doll, when ya gonna marry me?" Tommy Brown flirted with her every chance he got it seemed.
"Go bother someone else." Eliza jerked away from the attentive miner and slipped on a puddle of ale. Her feet flew out from under her, sending her onto the rough wood floor as the tray sailed from her hands, the sound of shattering glass warning of her worst fear. She landed in an unladylike pose with her legs sprawled out in front. She'd broken eight of Papa's best glassware.
"Oops," Tommy smirked. "But ya know you want to marry me. I'll make you rich, girl."
Tommy's riotous laugh sent heat rushing through her body. The other miners might think he wanted to marry her, but he had no real interest in her. The women Tommy sought were bought and paid for. He didn't want to settle down. Still, she wouldn't mind slapping the smirk right off his face.
But what if she led the other miners to believe she was Tommy's girl? He'd never taken the thought seriously, but the others might. That way they'd keep their hands off her. She gave herself a pat on the back. Her plan would work.
The kindly old miner who sat at the end of the table stood and offered his hand.
"Thank you, sir." She scurried off to the kitchen to grab an empty box, the broom, the mop, and the bucket from the storage room. Then she raced back into the dining room. A few mugs had remained intact. She gathered them onto the tray she retrieved from the floor and swept the shards of glass into the box. Then she scrubbed the mop over the floor to soaked up the ale.
"What's the problem, Sweat Pea?" Papa strode in from chopping wood.
"Oh, Tommy's acting the maggot." She hauled the box of broken glass into the kitchen and peered out the window.
Across the street, one of Buena Esperanza's finest ladies floated along the boardwalk, her lace-trimmed skirt fashionable over her petticoat and her bonnet perfectly secured under her chin with a satin ribbon.
Eliza smoothed the skirt of her plain, wool dress. A poor Irish immigrant, she would never be accepted into the same social circles as the mayor's wife. She held up a polished cooking pot and peered at her reflection. Bright green eyes stared back. She had smooth pale skin and a spattering of amber freckles. Nope, she could never be refined like that woman. But she didn't want to join up with the members of high society. She had other things to accomplish in life.
"Sweet Pea, don't let that bulk of a man bother ya," her father said from behind her.
Where can our readers find you on the Internet?
https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster
Thank you, June, for sharing your and Kelly’s new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
February 1, 2022
SAVING MRS. ROOSEVELT - Candice Sue Patterson - One Free Book
Welcome, Candice. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? My writing journey started with contemporary romances, but in the last couple of years, God has brought along opportunities for historical romances. I feel perhaps He’s transitioning me into a hybrid author who will traditionally publish historical romances and Indie publish contemporary romances. Tell us a little about your family. I’m a mom of three boys. Our oldest left for college in the fall, so it’s been an adjustment not having him home every day. Our middle son is a senior, so he’ll be leaving the nest soon as well. Our youngest is a middle-schooler. And we also have a Great Pyrenees who’s basically like another kid.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Definitely. I’m no longer bothered by small errors in a book because I now know no matter how many times it’s edited and how many people read through it ahead of time, those pesky little mistakes still find their way in there somehow. I also have a better appreciation for how much work goes into a book, on the author’s end and the publisher’s.
What are you working on right now? I’ve recently pulled out the first draft of a manuscript I’d written and had put away when the opportunity to write Saving Mrs. Roosevelt came about. It’s a full-length Christmas novel set in Maine. It isn’t under contract yet, but I’m hoping it will be soon.
What outside interests do you have? I love to travel. I also enjoy baking and decorating cakes and desserts.
How do you choose your settings for each book? The setting of a book needs to be its own character in a story, so I choose my setting very carefully. The setting has to match the mood and plot of the story. Most of my books are set in Maine, but a few are not. It depends on what the story needs. I write very descriptive settings because I want the reader to feel as if they’re there when reading. Therefore, when writing, I surround myself with pictures of the setting, so it comes across on the page.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables and many other great works of fiction. I’d love to see her Prince Edward Island and talk about writing and storytelling.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? That it’s exhausting. LOL
I love writing books and everything that comes with it, but once I’ve turned the manuscript into my publisher, my brain requires a good month of rest and relaxation.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? He’s teaching me that my writing isn’t for everyone. Readingis subjective and some readers will love my books and others will hate them, but as long as I’m writing what He’s calling me to write, He’ll take care of the rest.
That is so true. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? Grow a thick skin. Rejection is part of the journey, but DON’T let it stop you. Pick yourself back up and keep going until you succeed.
Be a reader. It’s how you will learn and grow. Study how others craft a novel, but always stay true to your own voice.
Think outside of the box. Create plots (high-concept storylines) that don’t fit a common mold. This will keep readers engaged and help you stand out from other authors.
Tell us about the featured book. Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maineunder the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.
Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.
Sounds intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.
Lubec , Maine
December 1942
Shirley Davenport was a breath away from dying.
Of boredom.
She lowered the newspaper to her lap. Why did men get to have all the fun?
Brows arched, Daddy looked up from the boat he was cleaning and held out the scraper. “I’m sorry. Did you want to remove the layers of crust? I wouldn’t call it fun.”
Embarrassed, Shirley bowed her head. She hadn’t meant to voice her thoughts aloud, but she did that sometimes.
“I was speaking of the war, Daddy.”
The heater surged beside them, warming a small bubble of space in the massive barn. The scent of hay and dust and kerosene wasn’t a pleasant one, but she’d rather be working in a cold dank barn any day than in a stuffy kitchen.
Her father winced and stood from his crouched position, hand bracing the pain she knew lived in the curve of his back. “I know.”
A gust of winter forced its way between the cracks of the old structure. Christmas was over, and a new year awaited. While two of her brothers were scattered across the globe, fighting for freedom and justice, she was stuck in a little town by the frozen sea, doing the same things she’d done since childhood.
And would probably do every year for the rest of her life.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Candice-Sue-Patterson-Author-420360958035447/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candicesuepatterson
Website: https://www.candicesuepatterson.com
Quarterly newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/candicesuepatterson
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
