Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 53
November 22, 2020
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.
Kay (AR) is the winner of Designed by Love by Sally Jo Pitts.
Stephanie (NY) is the winner of The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham.
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.
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Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
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November 20, 2020
OTTOMAN DOMINION - Terry Brennan - One Free Book
About the book: When Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Brian Mullaney received his new assignment to protect the newly appointed US ambassador to Israel and what he thought was an insignificant box, he ended up with more responsibility than he could ever imagine. Inside the box was a messianic prophecy about the fate of the world that a dark enemy and the forces of evil at his command were determined to destroy. Not only that, agents of three ancient empires have launched covert operations to secure nuclear weapons, in direct defiance of the startling peace treaty Israel and its Arab neighbors have signed—the Ishmael Covenant. Mullaney and the ambassador have been targeted, and it’s up to him to thwart an arms race.
Mullaney has survived an explosion, being shot, and losing his best friend. He’s had enough and wants out. In Terry Brennan’s Ottoman Dominion (Kregel Publications), the last installment of the Empires of Armageddon trilogy, Mullaney has been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications—and his final assignment is going to pit him directly against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.
Welcome back, Terry. Tell us about the entire Empires of Armageddon series, including the previous releases, Ishmael Covenant and Persian Betrayal. The three-book series, the Empires of Armageddon is a fast-paced, modern-day international thriller, constructed around historical fact and fiction based on fact. The story envelopes the lives of nearly a dozen key characters, but is driven by three primary characters: Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Brian Mullaney; Joseph Atticus Cleveland, the newly appointed US ambassador to Israel; and their enemy, The Turk, an immortal agent of evil who serves The One.
Out of the chaos and conflict of today’s Middle East, it appears that three ancient empires are about to resurrect themselves. One belief of the Islamic faith is that once an Islamic nation rules any part of the earth, it rules that part of the earth forever. So, ultimately, each of those empires would covet, and attempt to control, the same slice of land which each empire once ruled. The collision of those competing empires could trigger the climactic events in the Valley of Megiddo. The series explores how this potential clash of empires might impact current history, future events and the viability of the Jewish state.
The plot of the series, and the first book, Ishmael Covenant, is kick-started when the first of two Messianic prophecies, written in 1794 by the Vilna Gaon, is revealed in Jerusalem. When he arrives in Israel, Mullaney finds himself grudgingly in possession of a metal box that supposedly contains and protects a second prophecy written by the Gaon. Mullaney’s involvement with the prophecy and the box puts his life in terrible peril and in direct opposition to The Turk. The Turk and The One have been focused on a singular purpose for thousands of years—if they can prevent the fulfillment of one Messianic Biblical prophecy, they can eradicate the validity of all prophecy and change the end of the Book—the outcome of the Battle of Armageddon. What is contained in the Gaon’s prophecy could destroy their plans.
That theme, ultimate evil trying to overthrow the plans of God, fuels the story of the entire series. The series utilizes this supernatural cauldron of spiritual warfare, and its Biblical ramifications, as the backdrop for an epic testing of one man’s character when faced with multiple adversaries who threaten his family, his faith and his country. How Brian Mullaney responds to his calling could dictate the fate of this world—and the onset of the next.
Q: What is Brian Mullaney’s final mission? Brian Mullaney is a highly regarded veteran of the Diplomatic Security Service, which protects American foreign service personnel. Mullaney is banished to Israelas Regional Security Officer and assigned to protect new US Ambassador Joseph Atticus Cleveland and all of the Foreign Service personnel in Israel. Mullaney, however, is also enlisted into another task.
Through the influence of the angel, Bayard, and the insistence of aged rabbi Mordechai Herzog, Mullaney finds himself responsible for a lethal metal box that has gruesomely killed anyone who touches it. Once the protector of the Vilna Gaon’s second prophecy, the “‘box of power’” now has a mission of its own, a mission that will put Mullaney’s life at risk and transport him into the darkest depths of hell on earth.
Bayard informs Mullaney that his assignment, and his destiny, is to be the “final guardian” of the box of power, and to personally carry that box of power on its final mission, to withstand and vanquish the malevolent agents of evil, The Turk and The One. In order to accomplish this mission, Mullaney must not only take the box of power into the midst of the Turk’s lair in Ankara, but he must also hand over the box—and its power—to those enemies who most want to destroy Mullaney, those close to him, and the plans and purposes of God in this earth.
Q: What was the Ishmael Covenant that was a part of the first book? What similarities did this fictional treaty from your book have with the Abraham Accord, an actual peace accord signed in 2020? One of the foundational plot elements of the series was a fictional peace treaty and mutual-defense pact between Israel and its neighbor states—who fought three wars against Israelsince 1948 and have been sworn to its destruction for seven decades. But pragmatic politics makes for strange bedfellows. Because of the growing menace of Iran and its nuclear intentions, not only is Israel concerned about the Iranian threat but the oil-rich Arab States along the Persian Gulf also see a common enemy. Instead of peace, it’s this Ishmael Covenant that actually ignites growing conflict within Israel, foments internal upheaval in Saudi Arabia and propels Iran to accelerate its race to nuclear weapons.
Ishmael Covenant was released in February of 2020. Six months later, in August, Israel actually entered into a peace agreement with the United Arab Emiratesand Bahrain. This peace agreement is called the Abraham Accord and other Muslim states in the region are lining up to participate. There are similarities between both the countries involved and their motivation. Peace in the Middle East is a possibility.
Q: What aspects of your story are based on historical fact? The Vilna Gaon, whose prophecies are one of the catalysts of the plot, was a real person. The foremost Talmudic scholar of his time, the Vilna Gaon (or Genius of Vilnius, Lithuania) was renowned not only for his knowledge of Jewish scripture, but also as a scientist and mathematician with intelligence far beyond his age and his time. His disciples still operate a synagogue in Jerusalem. In 2014, the Gaon’s great-great grandson actually did reveal a prophecy the Gaon wrote in 1794, a messianic prophecy warning that, when Russiaseized the Crimean Peninsula, Jews should prepare for the coming of Messiah. Only a few months prior to the prophecy being revealed, the Russian army actually did occupy Crimea and parts of Ukraine.
Many of the agencies and circumstances in the series are based on actual fact: the Diplomatic Security Service are armed law-enforcement officers tasked with, among other things, protecting American Foreign Service personnel overseas; the military’s Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is America’s most elite and effective quick-strike force; the history of the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem is accurate as written.
The ancient Biblical conflict between the nation of Israel and the people of Amalek—the descendants of Abraham and Ishmael—is a fundamental element in the conflict driving the series. Other historically accurate elements of the book include the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq in 2014; the worldwide confiscation of Iranian financial assets following the hostage crisis in 1979; NATO’s nuclear sharing project which still has 61 nuclear bombs in bunkers at the Incirlik Airbase; the geo-political weapon that water has become in the Middle East and the history of the Jews in Turkey. All were vital to the development of this fictional series.
Q: The author’s notes in the back of Ottoman Dominion are proof of how much detail from actual events and locales are written into the story. What did your research for the series involve? Have you always been interested in history and the politics of the Middle East? In college, I studied to be a history teacher. I didn’t teach very long, but I’ve had a life-long interest in history. I’ve become much more engaged in the history and politics of the Middle East over the last twenty years or so, even before I started writing my first trilogy, the Jerusalem Prophecies series. It was in the midst of that first series that my wife and I made an extended trip to Israel, and Jerusalem in particular. Other than that “boots-on-the-ground” experience, my research for both series was informed by friends who lived in Israeland particularly by a long-distance email acquaintance with a Masters student of Jewish history who lived in Jerusalem.
More mundane, but necessary, research took place at the New York City Library system’s main research library and, of course, online. You might be surprised at how much a writer can glean from Google Maps and its ability to go “street-level” in so many places around the world.
Q: The entire series has been released this year—that’s quite the quick turnaround, which is sure to please readers. The story took place in a short span too, but did the writing process itself flow that quickly and smoothly?
And, often, Brian needs those prayers to be answered. His two-decade marriage is in danger. Abby and their daughters remained in Virginia when Mullaney was unfairly banished to Israel. Mullaney is attempting to solve the mystery of his downfall by navigating the back rooms of the State Department while at the same time upholding his duty as the man most responsible for the life and safety of Ambassador Cleveland and the other personnel.
But Mullaney’s greatest spiritual challenge falls on him unexpectedly. In addition to chasing a band of murderous thugs around Tel Aviv and trying to thwart an act of nuclear terrorism in Turkey, Mullaney finds himself being asked to take on a daunting spiritual responsibility as the final guardian of the box. And only the fate of the world, the integrity of Biblical prophecy and the personal safety of those he loves most hangs in the balance.
Q: Do you think readers will be surprised by the ending? I hope so. There are cliff-hanger situations at the end of the first two novels of the series, and I wanted to be faithful to the first two in completing the third. So, while I believe the ending of Ottoman Dominion will bring about a satisfactory conclusion to both the novel and the series, I would be very surprised if any of the readers are able to predict the ending. In fact, I didn’t figure it out myself until halfway through writing the third book.
Q: What message do you hope readers walk away with? Spiritual warfare is real. Evil is real. And they are both present on this earth today. But, in order for there to be a tangible and ongoing spiritual conflict, good must also be real. The result of this battle between good and evil, evidence of which we can often see around us, is far more than “good wins.” The result that matters is where did we stand? What did I do in my life to hold back the forces of evil? Because we are not ordained to be observers—we are enlisted to be warriors.
Q: Obviously, we aren’t battling the forces of evil on the same level as Mullaney, but how do we as Christians face spiritual warfare on a daily basis? Early in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he writes in verse three of chapter one, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Later, in verse 19 he writes, “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
The Bible I love and cherish most is an NIV Study Bible my wife gave me. Worn, beaten, re-bound, and marked from beginning to end, it has study notes, sometimes extensive, on nearly every page. The study note to Ephesians 1:3 states. “At stake are God’s eternal purpose and the titanic conflict between God and the powerful spiritual forces arrayed against him … the spiritual struggle of the saints here and now is not so much against ‘flesh and blood’ as against the great spiritual forces that war against God in heaven.”
Think about that for a moment. There is a war against God in heaven with spiritual forces arrayed against him. And MY life here, today, is having some kind of impact on that battle. Because the same rulers, powers, authority and dominion that God is fighting in heaven, we are also fighting here on earth today. Different, sure. But real none-the-less. That’s stunning, awesome and, to a degree, frightening.
2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Paul here is reminding us that we wage war here, in our world, but not as the world does. We are talking about weapons of divine power to demolish strongholds.” How do we face spiritual warfare? We demolish every ungodly mental image and take captive every thought and bring it to Jesus.
Q: For those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to the series yet, what bonuses do you have available for readers who sign up for your newsletter? There is a host of unique, free material I supply to readers who subscribe to my website. First off, there are two unique and exclusive short stories that I’ve written for subscribers and those who request the special offer in the Author’s Notes from the back of each book in the series. The first short story is titled The Gaon’s Revenge. And I’ve just written a new one, Under the Radar, which looks into the early history of the character who is only identified as “the man in the Panama hat.” In addition, I send out a monthly newsletter that offers an in depth look into one of the items listed in the Author’s Notes. Subscribers also receive invitations to special events (such as virtual launch parties) and book giveaways.
Q: Now that this series has come to a close, what’s next for you? Do you have another book in the works? This year, with three books released over just nine months, my life has been dominated by the marketing side of being an author. I’ve launched a blog, been writing the short stories, and sending regular newsletters.
It’s been hard to find time to write, but, I’ve written a non-fiction book titled Rescuing the Hidden Hearts of Men. It’s a very different book for me. It’s still a work in progress, so there’s no set plans for release yet.
In addition, I have a few projects “in the works.” There is a book I wrote ten years ago that needed a lot of work then and still needs a lot of work now. I’m trying to get that one in better shape. And I’ve started outlining an Irish mystery/thriller that is set over three generations and plays out extensively in late 19thcentury Manhattan. And I’ve just started thinking through a contemporary thriller, also set in NYC. Those projects may take some time.
Learn more about Terry Brennan and his books at www.terrybrennanauthor.com . He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1) .
Thank you, Terry, for sharing all three books in this series with my blog readers and me. I know many are eager to read this final novel.
Readers, here are links to the book.
https://amzn.to/398z507Leave 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 4 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
November 17, 2020
GEORGIA ANN, ENGLISH ROSE - Elva Cobb Martin - One Free Book
Author Bio: Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolinawith her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement.
Welcome, Elva. Why do you write the kind of books you do? I write colonial Christian historical romance because I love this period about the beginning of our great nation and God’s definite help in founding it. My love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? Here are three “happy days:” a) the birth of our son, b) the birth of our grandson and c) the day I received a publishing contract for my first novel, Summer of Deception.
How has being published changed your life? Being published has given me satisfaction and more discipline to plan and write, and to help other writers.
What are you reading right now? Lily’s Dilemma (series My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley by Andrea Boeshaar), Maria by Eugenia Price, The Baron’s Apprenticeship by George McDonald, An Echo in the Darknessby Francine Rivers (Audio while exercising).
I almost always have 2 books going. One on my Kindle, which I carry in my purse, the other a print book I read at home. What is your current work in progress? Book 3 in my Charleston Brides series, Anna Grace, Patriot Rose, set in the American Revolution is my current work and in its final stages.
What would be your dream vacation? Touring the historical sites of Englandand Europe has been a dream of mine for years.
How do you choose your settings for each book? So far I’ve chosen Charleston, South Carolina, my favorite city, for all my novels’ main setting. Within that setting, I love rice plantations and sailing with privateers and pirates on the high seas and visiting various islands.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Vice President Pence. He has a great Christian testimony and seems like such a likeable, calm, wise person, and convincing assistant for our spirited President Trump.
I agree. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? My hobbies, when I can tear myself away from the computer and writing, are gardening and baking. I also like to crochet.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Show don’t tell and Deep Point Of View are still constantly on my study list in order to stay strong. Here’s a link to a blog series I wrote on this (keep clicking at bottom of each blog for the “Newer Post” to get the entire series: http://bit.ly/2J2Tnek)
What advice would you give to a beginning author? My paramount advice is to keep studying and writing and “Never Give Up!” My first novel was contracted thirty years after I wrote the first draft. I have an encouraging blog series and advice to beginning writers: “My Journey to a Book Contract.” Here’s a link: https://bit.ly/3d4W1xf
Tell us about the featured book. Georgia Ann, English Rose, is Book 2 in my Charleston Brides series. The hero, Samuel Valentin Vargas, is the grown up, privateer son of Book 1’s heroine, Marisol, Spanish Rose. Here is a blurb of Georgia Ann and Samuel’s story:
The lure of the legendary Spice Trail beckons, but he may never find a spice more precious than the treasure he left in Charles Town.
Two Charles Town men love Georgia Ann Cooper—Samuel Vargas and his step-brother, Joshua Becket—but only one both intrigues and infuriates her. Even though he’s a dangerous budding patriot and a privateer—or more likely pirate—Samuel fills her dreams and waking moments. When he leaves Charles Town for high sea adventure on the legendary Spice Trail, she determines to push him out of her thoughts and her graces. A task made easier when she sets out on her own journey to England on one of her father’s merchant ships.
Samuel Vargas is determined to make his own way in the world, not live in the glow of his parents’ escapades in Charles Town and the Spanish Main. There’s no better place to earn his fortune than the Spice Trail and along the Barbary Coast of the Mediterranean. But the adventure becomes more than he bargained for when, at Tripoli, he stumbles across a familiar face from Charles Town in a sultan's dungeon. He’s forced to use all his abilities to save the life of the woman he’s been trying to forget.
As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with Barbary pirates, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Georgia Ann and Samuel.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Charles Town 1760
Georgia Ann Cooper stood on the Charles Town dock in the early morning light and blinked back tears. She clutched the ruffled brim of her white hat to keep it from blowing away, and drank in the handsome figure of Samuel Vargas as he spoke to his step-brother Joshua. Samuel’s newly outfitted brigantine, the Eagle, bobbed in the Atlanticbehind them with its fresh paint and rigging.
She and her father had come with Samuel’s family to bid him Godspeed on his coming voyage to the Spice Islands in the East Indies.
A venture she had tried her best to discourage.
Joshua clapped Samuel on the shoulder and laughed. “Brother, if you get arrested for piracy, I’ll do my lawyer best to keep you from hanging.”
Georgiafrowned. Not a possibility she wanted to consider.
Samuel shrugged and moved on to his mother and Reverend Ethan Becket, his stepfather.
Marisol Becket took one of his large hands in hers and pressed it to her cheek. She looked up into his animated face. “Son, you will be careful? Not take unnecessary risks?”
He bent down and hugged her. “You know I will, Mother. And I’ll bring back spices for you and Mrs. Piper like you’ve never seen.” He kissed her cheek, and then looked back at Joshua with a smile. “And I won’t be needing any lawyers to get me out of trouble, either.”
Rev. Becket cleared his throat. “Samuel, I never dreamed letting you spend so much time on the Dryade with Tim Cullen these past years would go this far, definitely not to the far reaches of the of the globe.” He grinned and gave Samuel a hug, and then shook his hand. “Our prayers will go up daily for your safety and success. Write when you can.”
How can readers find you on the Internet? A great way to connect and sign up for my newsletter is through my web site at http://www.elvamartin.com. Readers can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and my blog at http://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com
Other Author Links:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elva-cobb-martin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin
Thank you, Elva, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it. I know my blog readers will be, too.
Readers, here are links to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087YV77P2
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1511268318
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/georgia-ann-english-rose
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 4 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:
November 16, 2020
HARVEY, AND THE TRAVELING HARMONICA - Becky Van Vleet - One Free Book
Dear Readers, this is the second Becky Van Vleet children’s book I’ve featured on my blog. One was for girls, and this one is for boys. I’ve found both books to be delightful. I’ve read them to some of my great-grandchildren and they loved them, too.
Welcome back, Becky. What has drawn you to writing for children? Having been an elementary teacher and later a principal, and reading aloud to eight grandchildren these days, I can’t put enough emphasis on the benefits and the joy of reading aloud to young ones. After my retirement, my love of children did not retire, so my inclination to write children’s books surfaced first.
How do you keep up with the latest trends in the children’s book market? As is the case with the adult market, the trends are constantly revolving. I pay attention to this by subscribing to agents’ and publishers’ newsletters and blogs.
Is it hard to break into the children’s market? I really don’t know the experiences of other authors. I feel I had a lucky break with Elk Lake Publishing Inc when I submitted my first children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. When they took it, the door with them opened up for my second book, and it’s been such a blessing.
What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that? I would encourage all potential children’s book authors to not give up. If one publisher rejects, try another and another. And Indie and self-publishing paths are great options as well.
You are a retired teacher/principal? Do you stay in touch with your past students? Yes, I do, and it’s very rewarding. I have many connections with them on social media. Occasionally, before the pandemic, I ran into former students in public places where we could talk in person—such a treat!
Your website is devoted to creating and preserving family memories. Can you tell us about a special childhood memory? I have many, but I would have to say that one memory that stands out is when I was five-years-old and I was on the TV show called “Romper Room.” I had such fun!
Your bio says that you enjoy reading books to your grandchildren. Can you tell us about that? Ah, this is my favorite time with my little Grands. We sit on the sofa, relax, and forget about electronics and Netflix and such. This is an intimate time. I savor these moments as I know that someday they will be teenagers and these reading moments will go by the wayside.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I enjoy reading historical and contemporary fiction and biographies as well as romance. And I very much enjoy reading children’s books, even to myself!
What other books have you written, whether published or not? My first published children’s picture book is Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. My second book is featured here. I have written a third “traveling” book which has already been submitted for publication. Stay tuned!
I'll want to feature the others on my blog, too. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I would say my age has naturally slowed me down and I can’t argue with my age! As I have put on the brakes, I can now invest more time into my family and hobbies, and especially reading, all of which keep me sane and stable.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family? Besides my relationship with God and my family, I would have to say that I am most proud of the publications of my first two children’s picture books. I feel honored and blessed.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book? Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica is a “companion” book to Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. I plan on adding two more “traveling” books which will make these a series. In both books, the common thread is the main character is an inanimate object that travels through three generations.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Please look for me on my website: https://beckyvanvleet.com.
My social media contacts are:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky_van_vleet_author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckyvanvleet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-806055181/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beckyvanvleet/_saved/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/34cdEHt
Thank you, Becky, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a small child.
Readers, here are links to the book.
https://amzn.to/2Uw7Rb8 - Hardback
https://amzn.to/36LshCM - Paperback
https://amzn.to/3pBBxSM - Kindle
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 4 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:
November 15, 2020
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.
Beth (IA) is the winner of Light in the Mountain Sky by Misty M Beller.
Marion (ME) is the winner of Murder, Mystery, and Romance by Alice K Arenz.
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.
November 12, 2020
THE RED RIBBON - Pepper Basham - One Free Book
Dear Readers, The first of the True Colors, historical true crime stories published by Barbour Publishing I read was BLACK MIDNIGHT by Kathleen Y'Barbo. I loved it so much I started looking for more of the True Colors books. THE RED RIBBON is way different from the first book, but it is wonderful. This is the first Pepper Basham book for me. Her writing is wonderful. It kept me reading every minute I could squeeze into my busy days. It reveals a lot in the time period and setting in the Appalachians. Don't miss this wonderful read.
Welcome, Pepper. Why do you write the kind of books you do? Well, I’ve always loved stories, as far back as I can remember. Real stories and fiction. Loved them all! My favorite stories were always the once that left hope behind, so I think that’s what I find the greatest joy in – creating stories that leave hope behind, no matter the genre. Our broken world can look bleak sometimes, but the beauty of the Gospel is that there is ALWAYS hope – even when a Savior is in the tomb…but Sunday is on the way. It’s my desire to bring the beauty of grace into all of my stories, whether overtly or subtly, so that people are left with the lingering awareness of hope.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? The day I became a mom. I am grateful beyond words that God not only allowed me to be a mom, but to be one 5 times over (and a 6th that I haven’t met yet in heaven).
How has being published changed your life? Mostly it’s added more structure to my writing world with deadlines and marketing expectations, but one of the best things it’s done is create more opportunities to share in the book-loving reader world. There are so many wonderful readers out there!!
What are you reading right now? I am reading Kara Isaac’s Start With Me. Just finished Daddy Longlegs by Jean Webster.
What is your current work in progress? I’m working on two books simultaneously, which is my MO. A Christmas novel that comes out in October with Barbour called The Mistletoe Countess, and a contemporary romantic epistolary which has yet to find a publishing home
November 11, 2020
A Word of Thanks for our Readers - plus a two winners of major prizes
We want you to know how thankful we are for you! Your thoughts, your prayers, your support - They mean so much! Thanksgiving being in the month of November, I have teamed up with Celebrate Lit and other authors to offer a fun giveaway just to honor you!
We want you to have a chance to win 40+ of books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in the Celebrate Lit 3rd Annual Thankful for Our Readers Multi-Author Giveaway!
Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1017a/3rd-annual-thankful-for-our-readers
The event and giveaway is going on now through November 14.
November 10, 2020
DREAMING OF TOMORROW - Michelle De Bruin - One Free Book
Welcome back Michelle. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? I am working on a new series about people who choose to live in the small town of Oswell City and end up finding a home there because of the love of a special person in their lives, healing that takes place, or refuge from dangers.
Tell us a little about your family. My family is my husband, Tom, and my two sons, Mark and John. Mark is a college student, and John is a junior in high school.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Writing requires me to have a website, and my website has a blog, so I use it to post book reviews. This means that I read with the goal of my own enjoyment of a story added to the wish to provide helpful information to my blog readers. Before I started writing, I read only for my own enjoyment.
What are you working on right now? My current work in progress is my fourth book. It will be the first book in a new series called the Coming Home series. The working title of this work in progress is Coming Home to Mercy. In this story, we will get to know the mother of the heroine in the book we are featuring today. Her name is Margaret. She meets the doctor of the small town she visits in the story. His name is Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg.
What outside interests do you have? I garden and play the piano.
How do you choose your settings for each book? This is an easy part of drafting a story. I choose locations that I love. Open country with rolling hills of crops or pastureland, small towns with brick buildings along the main street, and places where still waters of quiet and rest can be found.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why? I would want to spend an evening at dinner with George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon. I’d want to know their thoughts and feelings about the Revolutionary War, the beginnings of our nation, the other world leaders of the era, and the ins and outs of running a plantation.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? I wish I would have known more about cover design. I didn’t know a thing about color schemes, fonts, or photo stock. One book cover turned out exactly as I envisioned, another turned out close to what I envisioned, and another turned out nothing as I envisioned. The covers all look great, but at the same time, I wish I would have known how to contribute more to the process.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? He is teaching me to trust my ability to hear him accurately. I know that God is faithful in his communication to my heart and that his word to me is trustworthy. The question is if my obedience is faithful and my interpretations of his word are trustworthy.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? Take the time to discover and develop your own voice. You don’t have to sound like anyone else. There is a time and purpose for each one of us who has a message to share, and we must be ready when our turn comes to speak.
Along those lines, know who you are. Your voice comes out of that to give integrity to your writing. Do the work of discovering your own unique identity in Jesus and the calling he has given you. Then when the days of silent waiting and rejection come, you’ll look in the right place for affirmation.
Last, be a friend. Writing is relational. Invest in people around you locally. Invest in people on your professional journey. The friendships come first. Sales and interest in your work will follow. That’s been true in my experience in leadership doing ministry, and I’m finding that it is also true in the writing world. Love. Give. Serve. You’ll never go wrong doing that.
Tell us about the featured book. Dreaming of Tomorrow is the third and last book of the Tomorrow series. It is set in the fictional town of OswellCity on the Iowa farmland during the years of 1912-13.
Here is the summary from the back cover:
Popular and eligible, LoganDe Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.
Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to OswellCity to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.
Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.
Please give us the first page of the book.
“You must wear these at all times.” Dr. Kaldenberg tucked the curved ends of a new pair of spectacles around Logan De Witt’s ears. The world came into sharp focus. Each vial on the shelf behind the doctor stood out in stark relief. Logan could even read the fine print on the labels.
Dr. Kaldenberg scooted away to jot a few notes in a folder. “Give these new glasses a try for a month and then come back for a follow-up appointment.”
Dizziness swarmed around Logan when he stood. His new and refined depth perception would take some getting used to.
The doctor handed him a slip of paper. “Your new spectacles will help you with reading and also with seeing objects in the distance.”
Both of those activities had grown more challenging since his return to Oswell City. No longer would he need to squint to make out the faces of those seated in the back pews on Sunday morning. Enjoyment should also return to his study time. He’d sure appreciate the change if it meant he no longer had to crouch over his books to make out the words.
“Thank you, Doctor.” He shook hands with the doctor and headed out into the summer day.
Oswell City’s main street bustled with activity as Logan followed the sidewalk to the church. He waved at Alex Zahn who placed a supply of pastries in his bakery’s display window. A whiff of sweet dough fresh from the oven carried into the street.
Walter Brinks swept the wide steps of his father’s hotel. “Hey, Pastor Logan! Nice glasses,” he called when Logan walked by.
“Good afternoon.” Artie Goud leaned against the second story of his jewelry store from the top rungs of a ladder where he worked to fasten a red, white, and blue striped bunting to the brick wall. “Fourth of July sales begin tomorrow. Stop in if you need a special gift.”
Logansmiled up at the man. He’d already spent an impressive sum of money in Mr. Goud’s store last Christmas when he bought Karen’s engagement ring. The businessmen downtown knew their pastor would do anything to support them, but a man also had to keep a little something in his savings. Mr. Goud would have to wait awhile before he saw Loganin his store again.
Passing the bank and the Koelman Law Firm, Logan turned the corner onto Fifth Street. The change in direction affected his balance, making one of his legs feel shorter than the other. The rounded curb of the asphalted street was all it took for him to trip and fall. Catching himself on a tree trunk, Logan barely prevented a sprawl on the ground.
He stood still for a moment and sucked in a deep breath. Wearing these new spectacles every minute of the day would require his full attention for simple tasks he’d never given thought to in the past. Straightening his tie, Logandared to take another step. He managed to place one foot in front of the other as he crossed the lawn and entered the church. The door of his study hung open. He never left the door open when gone from the building. Maybe someone in need of their pastor was in there looking for him. He hastened down the hall.
Someone for sure had come looking for him, but she didn’t look one bit in need of a pastor. Her blue dress clung to her figure and the neckline scooped quite low. The day was warm, but no one needed to expose that much skin to stay cool. Dark brown hair smoothed away from her fair forehead and full red lips pouted at him. His restored vision was working far too well at the moment.
“FlorenceMae Hesslinga.” The sight of this young woman in his study opened the gate on a store of memories from seminary days. “What are you doing here?” He couldn’t decide if he should celebrate the reunion or let his nerves take over at the way she strutted in front of him with her fingertip trailing across his chest.
“I need your help.” The invitation lingering in her words made his heart pound.
How can readers find you on the Internet? They are welcome to visit my website where I post devotional writings and book reviews to my blog. On my website is more information about all of my books, a place to subscribe to my newsletter, and a place to join Michelle’s Boek Vrienden, which is my street team. In English, it translates to Michelle’s Book Friends.
Website: https://michelledebruin.com/
Readers are also welcome to follow me on social media. These links are below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDeBruinsAuthorPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MichelleDB40/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18522892.Michelle_DeBruin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDAuthor
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/michelle-de-bruin
Thanks for hosting me today, Lena. It has been such a good time!
And thank you, Michelle, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I know we will all love it.
Readers, here are links 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 4 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:
November 9, 2020
DESIGNED BY LOVE - Sally Jo Pitts - One Free Book
Welcome back, Sally. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? I have two more books to write in my Whodunit Seasons of Mystery Series—the winter ebook (Winter Deception) is available for pre-order now. I will be writing the spring and summer books next.
Tell us a little about your family. My lawman and private investigator husband of forty-eight years passed away a year ago. I miss his input and encouragement. He was my greatest cheerleader. I am blessed with “his and ours” children, and a fun mix of steps, grands and greats. I live in the Panhandle of Florida with my feisty schnauzer, Gibbs.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Yes. When I was a teacher and guidance counselor, my reading focused on learning styles and career planning. With this writing adventure, I’ve met several authors of romance and romantic suspense and read more in those genres.
What are you working on right now? Book #3 in the Seasons of Mystery series, Spring Betrayal.
What outside interests do you have? My outside interests are church related—Bible study and I teach Sunday school. And my schnauzer has me trained to walk him in the evening.
How do you choose your settings for each book? My romance series centered around the same town, which mirrors my current hometown of Panama City, Florida. In the mystery series, I picked locations that interested me. The mystery I just finished was in a fictional antebellum home because that era intrigues me, and I enjoyed the research.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why? Billy Graham. I would love to hear about his insights and experiences with the various presidents he met during his lifetime.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? The concept of branding and building a platform.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? That the scriptures are timely. The writers of the Old and New Testaments spoke to those of their day but I continually find that the messages are applicable to our times.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? 1- Don’t quit, 2- Continue learning the craft, 3- Read- you can select, from a variety of authors and genres or concentrate on one, reading in general will help your writing.
Tell us about the featured book. Designed for Loveis book #3 in my Hamilton Harbor Legacy series. A new War Between the States is brewing and North and South clash when a local interior designer is pitted against a New Yorker in a competition that will shape the destiny of the small town.
Please give us the first page of the book.
The urgent call came the night before.
“You’ve gotta be here tomorrow.” Bagel shop owner Elaine Robinson’s anxious voice surprised Izzie Ketterling.
After six weeks in Tallahasseehelping her mom recuperate from shoulder surgery, Izzie was more than ready to get back home but hadn’t expected being needed at the Hamilton Harbor Commission meeting.
Not that Izzie had any special pull.
What she did have was gumption.
She could be counted on to take a stand. With the windows down on her Suburban, Izzie belted out the words to “Open Up the Heavens” along with the song on the radio. Mulling over downtown redevelopment concerns replaced her worry about passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification test.
A half hour into the trip, she stopped worrying all together and enjoyed the colors of nature splashed on wild persimmon trees tucked among pine-scented evergreens. Crisp October air, so welcome after a hot summer in north Florida, swirled about her face. She fingered her hair, stiffened with hair gel. Earrings, she’d fashioned out of golf tees, clunked in the breeze.
On the outskirts of Hamilton Harbor, the bright red Tally-Ho Drive-In sign appeared to hang suspended in the gathering thunderclouds. Somebody must have finally located the bulbs to light up all the letters.
Throughout her high school years, the sign read, Tall O. Eight years ago, tall zero could have made an appropriate label to hang on her.
How can readers find you on the Internet? https//:www.sallyjopitts.com
Thank you, Sally, for sharing this book. It sounds like a great story.
Readers, here are links 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 4 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:
November 8, 2020
WINNER!!
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.
Tina (PA) is the winner of Future of My Heart by LoRee Peery.
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.
