Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 7
January 25, 2024
ON MOONBERRY LAKE - Holly Varni - One Free Book
Bio: Holly Varni is a native Minnesotanof strong Norwegian and Swedish descent, who was raised in the Lutheran Churchthat Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpygrandparents, and crazy neighbors who mowed their lawn wearing pajamas, theseed to becoming a storyteller was planted in Holly. Though she, her husband,and their three sons live along the Central Coast of California, her belovedMidwest roots continue to haunt everything she writes. She hosts the Momentsfrom Moonberry Lake podcast where she shares more stories of her belovedcharacters. She is poised to captivate readers with herheartwarming novel On Moonberry Lake. Drawing on her Midwestern upbringing, Varni craftsa tale filled with quirky characters andhomespun charm set in the Minnesotan town of Moonberry Lake. Sure to appeal tofans of Jan Karon, Garrison Keillor, Fannie Flagg, and Debbie Macomber, OnMoonberry Lake will lure readers into an enchanting story of reconciliation,growth, and community to discover how friendships can transform into families andhow genuine love can heal even the most brokenhearted.
About the Story: Cora Matthews life has been turned upsidedown. She has just broken off her engagement and her mother has died, leavingbehind explicit instructions to be buried in the small Minnesota town she grewup in. Cora returns to Moonberry Lake with unresolved questions about hermother’s past and tugging memories from her own childhood that continue to haunther.
Cora’s “quick” trip to Moonberry Lake is thwarted when she learnsthat her grandparents’ dilapidated lakeside lodge is her inheritance. But itcomes with a surprising stipulation—she must live there for a year. With herlife uprooted and nagging questions to answer, Cora resolves to accept the yearin Moonberry Lake.
However, challenges abound for Cora, and the disheartening conditionof the lodge is only the beginning. The residents of Moonberry Lake present theirown set of conundrums, including a cantankerous handywoman, an eccentricartist, a grumpy neighbor, an elderly woman who spends all her time talking tothe “residents” in the cemetery, and a very handsome neighbor who alwaysmanages to catch Cora at her worst. As Cora seeks to put together the physicaland emotional pieces of her past, she must decide if she is also willing toopen her heart to a new family and home that is more than she could have everimagined.
This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinarymiracles will have readers wishing they could spend a summer (or a lifetime) onMoonberry Lake.
What was theinspiration for your story? My Minnesota upbringingand quirky neighbors collided in a collage of memorable encounters growing up.I was raised in a very close-knit community where everyone’s business waseveryone’s business. I was also surrounded by elderly people who I foundfascinating. I was so curious about their life and memorized their most uniquecharacteristics, which always emerge in my writing.
Why did you setyour story in a small Minnesotan town? Growing up in Minnesota,I was enchanted with the natural beauty and change of seasons. Some of my bestmemories are visiting my grandparents at their cabin on a lake. I love smalltowns and all the coziness and drama that comes with them.
My father was halfNorwegianand half Swedish, and his parents had emigrated to middle Minnesota when they werechildren.Even though I have lived in the South all my life, I understand the love ofMinnesota from my visits there. What are some of the underlying themes in OnMoonberry Lake? My intention from the beginning was to show how people do nothave to be related by blood to be family. I wanted to remind people of thepower of community. I’m not only redefining family but expanding it. And thenthe themes of grit, perseverance, forgiveness, and being open to differencecome into play.
Your protagonist,Cora Matthews, has a lot of unresolved questions surrounding her childhood visitsto Moonberry Lake. Without giving any spoilers, can you provide some hintsabout why Cora and her mother left this small town? Theone thing that separates, frustrates, binds, or breaks everyone is familydrama. I don’t believe there is anyone who is spared the heartache,disappointments, and work of being in a family. Remaining close to family onceyou’re grown up is dependent on how much effort and commitment you are willingto make. It comes down to one’s willingness to not only accept but loveindividual differences and forgive past mistakes.Theunresolved questions about Cora’s childhood visits to Moonberry Lake reflectthe outcome of not fighting for reconciliation but stubbornly holding on togrudges and refusing to forgive. Her mother’s actions changed the course ofCora’s childhood. After Cora learns the truth of her mother’s past, it is herturn to decide if she wants to forgive and move on.
What led to Cora’seventual return to her hometown? When Cora’s mother passesaway unexpectantly, Cora learns that it was her mother’s wish to be buried in thetown of Moonberry Lake where she grew up. Cora has vague memories of visitinguntil she was seven years old, and then for mysterious reasons, her motherrefused to ever go back. Cora’s time in Moonberry Lake is extended as sheuncovers a family secret.
There are a number of unique characters in this book. Which characterwas your favorite to write about? Oh, that is as unfair as asking a mother to pick her favoritechild! I love and am fiercely protective of all my characters, but if you askme which ones are the most fun to write, it would have to be Widgy and Kitty. Idon’t write them as much as copy down what they are saying to me as fast as Ican. These beloved characters are so real to me; all I try to do is capture andhonor their personalities.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading On Moonberry Lake?I hope readers embrace the incredible examples of friendshipand community and in some small way reach out to those around them. We live ina time where we are isolated and no longer know our neighbors, which is so sad.My hope is that On Moonberry Lake not only reminds readers of how thingsonce were but how they can create a warm and eclectic community of people whoare wildly different from them now. It is a reminder that even though we maythink we have nothing in common with someone, we all share the need to be lovedand have connection.
Can you providesome insight on your writing process? My writing process is abit unconventional and wild. Nothing is ever planned or even brainstormed. Ascrazy as it sounds, I wait for a character to come introduce themselves to mein a dream or while I’m doing something mindless around the house. Once I cansee and hear them clearly in my mind, I sit down at the computer and write. Thefirst lines of the book and the first page are my entire anchor. I do not moveahead until I have perfected that. I start at the first sentence and writestraight to the end. I don’t skip around the book because I don’t know what’sgoing to happen. It sounds a bit mad, but my imaginary world leaves meendlessly entertained.
Please discuss your podcast, Moments from Moonberry Lake, andhow it relates to the novel. Oh, I have so much fun with the podcast! It is completelyfictional and remains in the Moonberry Lake world. All I do is read sectionsfrom the town newspaper. The idea was actually birthed out of the pandemic.While everyone was hunkering down at home, I began to write these shortcommentaries to entertain some friends. We would meet on Zoom and I’d read twoor three. They became hooked and began requesting a recording of them so Iwouldn’t have to keep rereading them. I only began the podcast because Istarted getting calls at night with someone asking, “Can you read me ‘A Momentwith Martha’?” Hearing the thoughts and wisdom from this elderly characterhelped distract them from the chaos in the world.
A surprising element that I didn’t take into accountwas how many people would love hearing me read the newspaper clippings. I’vebeen told by countless listeners how my voice has a calming effect on them,which I get a kick out of. My only intention for the podcast is to bring asmile to someone’s day.
What are you working on next? My second book set in Moonberry Lake is scheduled to come outFall 2024. Readers will get to meet some more side characters who live in town.The second book introduces Delphinium Hayes, who owns the flower shop on MainStreet. There was a snippet about her in On Moonberry Lake, butnow readers will get to know her and her crazy life. The book is filled withlove, laughter, and flowers.
Between the unique and mysterious ability Delphiniumpossesses, hilarious shenanigans from a group of elders, and an unexpected lovestory, readers will not be disappointed in another mix of the most quirky andendearing characters.
Where can readers purchase a copy of On Moonberry Lake?Everywhere! They can buy itonline through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. But I hope readers will go into localbookstores and, if it’s not there, order a copy and ask them to carry it.
How can readers connect with you? I would love for my readers to connect with me through my website,HollyVarni.com, or through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Thank you, Holly, for sharing your book with my blogreaders and me.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 23, 2024
THE LOVE SCRIPT - Toni Shiloh - One free book
Bio: ToniShiloh is a wife, a mom, and an award-winningChristian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Princewon the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by OprahDaily.com,Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parablebestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and the SelahAward. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni lovesconnecting with readers and authors alike via social media.Landing a spoton OprahDaily.com’s list of the Most Anticipated Romance Novels of 2022 withher Bethany House debut, In Search of a Prince, author Toni Shiloh continuesto make waves in literary spheres. Praised for featuring “dynamic Blackcharacters” (Library Journal) in her stories and named the inauguralwinner of the Christy Amplify Award for raising up BIPOC voices in Christian fiction,Shiloh’s upward momentum continues as she launches a dazzling rom-com seriesfor fans of the genre with The Love Script.
About the story:
In a world of glitz and glam, authenticity ishard to find.
Hollywood hair stylist Nevaeh Richards lovesmaking those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behindher stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh andHollywood heartthrob Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, herquiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.
Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him aplatform, and the authenticity of his faith is well-known . . . until thetabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With hisreputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for afake relationship—something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.
With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamonthave to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just anact. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust herheart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?
Toni Shiloh dazzles in this irresistiblered-carpet romance with spotlight-stealing laughter, faith, and a happily everafter.
This novel is the first book in your new Love in the Spotlight series. What do readers have to lookforward to in this series? I’m so excited aboutthis series. You’ll get real-to-life characters who are thrust into thespotlight. In the world of internet famous, these books will show how hard itis to navigate fame, faith, and love.
Since The Love Script takes place in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood,what unique challenges do your characters Nevaeh and Lamont face? Nevaeh and Lamont are living a fish-bowl life. Their every move seemsto be tracked on social media, and hashtags are created just to keep up with theirromance. Nevaeh has a hard time figuring out what’s real and what’s not.Whereas Lamont has to face the threat of being cancelled and trusting in God’splan.
What are you most excited for readers to experience as they pick upthis series? I’m hoping they’ll be entertained but see thedepth of faith necessary to navigate life’s challenges. Hopefully there will belaugh-out-loud moments as well as the need to swoon.Can you tell us a little bit more about Neveah and Lamont? Anythingspecial that readers should know? Hmm,readers should know that Nevaeh cracks jokes when nervous. That she’s plus-sizebut refuses to be defined by her curves. That she has a dream and is doing herbest to see it come to fruition. As for Lamont, readers should know he loveshis devotional time with the Lord. That he became famous via YouTube. That hehas two guy friends who make appearances throughout the book and bring in somelighthearted moments.
Did you learn anything interesting while researching for this book? Yes! There are so many tidbits I found interesting and wanted toincorporate into the story if possible. For instance, a lot of people in LAdon’t like to travel outside their neighborhood. Considering I knew mycharacters would be going here and there, I tried to mix the real with thefictional.
What aspect of the story did you enjoy writing the most? The text conversations with Lamont and his two guy friends. I am notgoing to lie, I cracked myself up. My husband thought it was strange every timeI laughed since I was the creator of the story.
What themes present themselves to readers in The Love Script? You’ll find reality vs perception, letting God defend you or devisingyour own plans, what it means to truly worship God, and more!
How can readersconnect with you? Ilove hearing from readers. They can always connect with me through my website,tonishiloh.com. They can also find social media links and sign up for mynewsletter on my site.
Thank you, Toni,for sharing The Love Script with us. I loved In Search of a Prince and the sequel. I was hoping for another book in that series, too.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 22, 2024
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.
Lucy (WV) is the winner of Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
January 18, 2024
THE HEIRLOOM - Beverly Lewis - One Free Book
Bio: Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has morethan 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languagesand have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the NewYork Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David,live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spendingtime with their family.In 1997, she introduced the world to herfirst adult Amish fiction series, TheHeritage of Lancaster County, which included The Shunning, TheConfession, and The Reckoning. The series catapulted to the top ofthe charts. Lewis, a Lancaster County native, was quickly touted as an expertsource in Amish tradition, and that first series launched a new fiction genre.Now, 26 years later, Lewis’s novels have been reenacted on film and in livetheater, and The Confession Musical has been adapted for the bigscreen and for UPtv. In Lewis’s newest narrative, The Heirloom, she comes full circle and offers aprequel that leads up to the eve of The Shunning. Lewis’s legion of fanswill be thrilled to journey back to Lancaster County, particularly Hickory Hollow,for a heartwarming tale that explores themes of belonging, love, and life’s difficulttransitions.
About the story: When her widowed father remarries,nineteen-year-old Clara Bender is at a loss about what comes next for her. Sheis no longer needed to run the household. So when she comes across letters fromher Mamma’s aunt Ella Mae Zook, she is eager to visit Hickory Hollow’s Wise Woman.
Meanwhile, Ella Mae is dealing with her ownlosses. With the passing of her husband, her grown children are ready to makesure she is resettled. But Ella Mae is in no hurry to leave the farmhouse thatshe and her husband shared for over five decades. She is also grappling withher role in the community as a widow. Once viewed as a caring and spirituallyinsightful counselor, Ella Mae feels she no longer has the capacity to offermuch wisdom anymore.
As the summer daysgrow longer, Ella Mae and Clara find individual healing and purpose as theyshare their lives and their love for quilting. When Clara’s life is upended by anunexpected incident and a potential beau, Clara must decide where her hearttruly belongs—back in her small Indiana hometown or in Hickory Hollow.
Please provide a brief summary of your newest novel, The Heirloom. This generational storyfeatures two unique Amish women—one, a courting-age girl from Indiana, and theother, an aging widow living in Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania. When Ella MaeZook hosts her heartbroken grandniece for a visit, the two women blend theirquilting expertise to restore an heirloom wedding quilt and, in the process, revealhidden wounds and long-held secrets.
The Heirloom is thelong-awaited prequel to The Shunning. Why did you choose to come fullcircle with your new novel? Formore than a decade, I’ve been very curious about Ella Mae’s courting-age years,including the tragedy that set her on course to becoming known as the WiseWoman. My stories must simmer in my heart, sometimes for years. So I askedmyself what sort of young woman was she in her teens? How did her faith andPlain upbringing inform her choices? And . . . was this part ofher life story ready to be told? Additionally, my readers have been pleading formore about this captivating and spirited Amish woman so beloved. As I do, I entrustedall that I know of Ella Mae to God and believed now was the right time for TheHeirloom.
Your fans love Ella Mae Zook, Hickory Hollow’s Wise Woman, and shehas made appearances in a number of your novels. What life-altering event hasrecently occurred in her life? She loved her husband dearly and now grieves deeplyher loss, experiencing the anxiety and uncertainty of widowhood, while attemptingto create new daily patterns.
Ella Mae is in a period of transition and is even questioning herpurpose in the community. How does she come to terms with the new “normal” inher life? By taking one small,courageous step at a time, and with the unexpected help of a providential summervisit from her grandniece Clara.
Nineteen-year-old Clara Bender has experienced her own set of losses.What motivates her to seek out the wisdom and companionship of Ella Mae? Clara has discovered many personal letters to her Mammafrom Aunt Ella Mae in Hickory Hollow. This unearthing stirs up a desire to meetthe woman whose written words have touched Clara’s broken heart in a dramatic way.
How do Clara and Ella Mae find healing in each other’s presence? Atday’s end, the two women work to restore the heirloom wedding quilt in EllaMae’s front room, a quilt that holds a tender love story all its own. As they stitchand repair, the two become aware of a growing bond, and slowly, gently, their warmconnection begins to restore each wounded heart.
While in Hickory Hollow, a budding romance forms between Clara and ayoung man. But this new relationship comes with its own set of problems. Canyou provide a hint of what these problems are? Aaron’s father and the bishop are concerned thatClara’s Indiana Amish church district is far less traditional than HickoryHollow’s. Theirs emphasizes following rules, while Clara’s upbringing underscoresa personal relationship with Christ. And Clara’s father is convinced she couldfall back from her faith were she to marry and reside there. Pressure from bothsides presents a quandary to Clara and her hope to become Aaron’s bride.This book is a great fit for anyone who has experienced grief or atime of transition. What other themes are found in The Heirloom? Trusting God when obstacles loom large, theimportance of connecting with like-minded believers on life’s journey, and lookingto God for His will in a life mate.
How has The Heirloom impacted your own life? I’vebeen planning this novel for years, and when I was given a 1911 heirloom quilt thatbelonged to my grandmother Ada (whose true-life story inspired The Shunning),I began to relive Katie Lapp’s fictitious story . . . as well asmy dear parents’ passings seven-and-a-half years apart. I made countless notesand outlined the various fictional story lines that came to me, all the whilejuggling other writing deadlines. But Ella Mae kept interrupting me! Meanwhile,my readers were also clamoring for more about their favorite character. So as Icontemplated Ella Mae’s startling back story, along with young Clara’s heartbreakingone, I began to “feel” the two characters’ yearnings and struggles pulling themonto the pages of this novel . . . at long last.
The Heirloom will beenjoyed by Amish fiction fans. Could you share why your novel will also appealto quilters? For quilters who haveattempted the challenging task of restoring an heirloom quilt, this book will surelyinspire, and perhaps even encourage a similar project. For quilters who love tocreate a new quilt “from scratch,” The Heirloom will offer “aha”moments, as well as a real sense of familiarity, authenticity, and a measure ofjoy.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading The Heirloom? For one thing, I hope they will be encouraged intheir faith, my constant hope. Also, that they will finally discover BishopJohn Beiler’s motivation for imposing the harsh treatment on Katie Lapp in TheShunning. Of course, there will be my trademark underpinning ofpeace—because of Jesus—in the midst of the story’s conflicts, twists, and turns.
How can readers connect with you? I write a monthly newsletter available via a freesubscription at https://www.beverlylewis.com/engage/newsletter.I am also active on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis/.
Thank you, Beverly, for sharing The Heirloom withmy blog readers and me. I have loved reading your books, and now I’m featuringthis one while it’s only been 3 months since my husband for almost 59 yearswent to his heavenly home.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 16, 2024
LOST AND FOUND - Suzanne Woods Fisher - One Free Book
Bio: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30books, including The Moonlight School, Anything but Plain, TheSweet Life, and The Secret to Happiness, as well asthe Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family,The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the authorof several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and AmishProverbs. She lives in California. Suzanne Woods Fisher has received high praise for her captivating, thought-provoking, andunusual storylines. Since the release of her first novel, The Choice (January2010), Fisher has helped educate readers about the Amish way of life through hertrue-to-life narratives, charming settings, and enchanting characters. NowFisher brings to light the Amish’s passion for birding in her newest novel, Lost and Found, which is a complement to Fisher’s bestselling A Season on theWind. Packed with a love triangle, a dangerous chase, and a desperateattempt to defend and protect nature, this standalone novel is sure to win thehearts of Fisher’s many fans.
Trudy Yoder shares apassion for birding with Micah Weaver—and she has an even greater passion forMicah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly growscold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
MicahWeaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelleyhad broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singingcareer in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressingphone messages for him.
Whenthe bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation inTennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’sconfident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide isbased on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t knowis that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
Please provide a brief summary of your new novel, Lost and Found. When Trudy Yoderhears about the plans to build at Wonder Lake, she goes straight to MicahWeaver. Together, they’ll find a way to stop the destruction of this beautifulbird sanctuary. After all, they’re a team. More than just friends. But Micah’sresponse is to leave Stoney Ridge.
Wonder Lake’s direnews tips Micah Weaver over the edge. He loves his community, loves the church,is grudgingly fond of Trudy Yoder—the only person on earth who doesn’t seem torealize he has a stutter—but he loves birds more. His plan is to head somewhereto chase down the most wily birds—the ones that don’t want to be found. Where,he doesn’t know. Not until phone calls start coming in from Shelley, Trudy’sestranged older sister, the girl who had once broken Micah’s heart. She’s indanger, Shelley says, and needs his help.
And suddenly Micahis on the best chase of his life.
Your two mainprotagonists are Trudy Yoder and Micah Weaver, but you have a third characterwho plays a significant role in both Trudy’s and Micah’s lives. Can you pleaseintroduce this person and explain her relationship with Trudy and Micah? Shelley Yoderplayed a significant role in A Season on the Wind in which sisterTrudy lives in her shadow and Micah Weaver longs for her heart. Beautiful and gifted,Shelley left Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career, leaving wounds. Shelleyhas left home, but home hasn’t left Shelley.
You introduce two new sects of the Older Order Amish church in Lostand Found. Why did you include them in the novel? One of the biggest mistakes people make is to assume that the Amishare one-size-fits-all. Not true! There’s a wide spectrum of Old OrderAmish—from the progressive Beachys, who drive cars and allow modern technologyin their homes, to the ultra-conservative Swartzentrubers, who flatly rejectall modern conveniences (including indoor plumbing), to the Stoney Ridge churchthat lies in the middle. In Lost and Found, all three churcheshave a stake in how the story unfolds. This is what I enjoy about theAmish—there’s always something new to learn.
The clock is ticking in Lost and Found. Can you provide somedetails as to why? The little Amish church of Stoney Ridge isunder pressure. Ever since the Beachys, a more progressive church, moved in,there’s been less affordable farmland, fewer jobs, and more temptations fortheir youth to jump the fence. Historically, the Amish move on to avoidconflicts. So Bishop David Stoltzfus sends a team to scout out a new location,led by a very-eager-to-go Micah Weaver. Panicking, Trudy Yoder knows that herfather would never leave Stoney Ridge without his estranged daughter, Shelley. If Trudy can stopthe Beachys from building at Wonder Lake and destroying the bird sanctuary,she’ll keep her beloved Micah Weaver from leaving town to find new birds tochase. What Trudy doesn’t know is that Micah is already on a chase to findShelley, the girl who broke his heart.
Micah desires tofurther his experience as a field guide for birding. How does his knowledge inthis area help him in his search for Trudy’s missing sister? Micah, Trudy says,can find any bird. He has an almost otherworldliness about birds, like he canalmost think like them. His birding mantra: Stop. Look. Listen. Identify.When Shelley Yoder started leaving phone messages for Micah, he was able tolisten carefully to background sounds to narrow down her whereabouts. Listeningwell, Micah says, is the most important skill of all.
You’re known for choosing unusual topics to write about the Amish.Why did you choose birding for this novel? TheAmish hold a reverence for nature, especially for birds. Every Amish farm isdotted with bird feeders and birdhouses—both for insect control and for sheerenjoyment. Birding is a popular pastime for Amish families, including childrenof all ages. Unlike most birders, the Amish don’t use technology while birding(such as smartphones to “call in” birds). They only bring their scopes andtheir patience.
What are some of the main themes covered in Lost and Found andwhat do you hope readers will gain from reading your book? When I firsttossed out the plotline of relocating the Amish church of Stoney Ridge, myeditor gave it a thumbs-up. “I like it,” she said. “America is on the move.” In2020, according to the US Census, nearly 10 percent of Americans relocated. Inthis story, Bishop David Stoltzfus realized there were two things at stake inconsidering a relocation for the church: Leaving Stoney Ridge, and all thatwould mean. Staying put, and what would need to change. If relocating your homeis something you’re thinking about, both points seem worth a good, long ponder.What do you lovemost about writing Amish fiction novels? The simple life has alwaysresonated with me. Simple as in prioritizing the most important things, likefaith and family, and making life less complicated. It’s a constant battle tohold on to those values in this fast-paced world, and the Amish remind us thatit can be done.
How does Lostand Found complement A Season on the Wind? While both novelsare stand-alones, they are similar in structure, with amusing bird logs inbetween chapters. A Season on the Wind carried Micah’s point of view.Trudy gets her turn in Lost and Found. If you liked ASeason on the Wind, you’re sure to like Lost and Found.
How can readers connect with you? I enjoy hearing from readers! You can find me through mywebsite: www.SuzanneWoodsFisher.com. Also, I’m on Instagram @SuzanneWoodsFisher.
Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing Lost and Foundwith us. I always love reading your books.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 15, 2024
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.
Pam (OH) is the winner of He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox.
Heather (IN) is the winner of A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M White.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
January 9, 2024
VOICE OF THE ANCIENT - Connilyn Cossette - One Free Book
Bio: Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award– and Carol Award–winning author whose books havebeen found on ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in thehappy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoidinghousework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible todiscover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersivefiction experience. She and her husband currently call a little town south ofDallas, Texas, their home.Known for hercaptivating biblical fiction novels, Connilyn Cossette has successfully carvedout her own space in the genre by fictionalizing characters and storylines thattake place against the backdrop of major biblical events mentioned in scripture.Launching a new series marked by impeccable research and stellar writing, Cossette now brings tolife the first years of King Saul’s reign in Voice of the Ancient, book one in The King’s Men series, whichfans of Tessa Ashfar, AngelaHunt, and Jill Eileen Smith won’t want to miss.
About the story: As the eldest son of a Levite and aPhilistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desirefor something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavesh, he takes theopportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But whenone of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind tosearch for him in hopes that he’s still alive.
Keziah is the daughter of one of the mostpowerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forcedmarriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but torun. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads south, hoping to findsanctuary with her mother’s family.
Struggling to survive the dangers surroundingthem, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah’s trueorigins are revealed and Avidan’s search for his cousin becomes increasingly dire,they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust thetrue and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.
Can you tell us a little about your new novel Voiceof the Ancient, book one in The King’s Men series? This first book in theseries is a spin-off of Between the Wild Branches, from the Covenant House series, and opens at thevery beginning of the reign of King Saul. We journey along with Avidan, one offour young cousins who run away from home to fight for the newly crowned king.Not only is Avidan not yet of military age, but he is also a Levite and thereforeforbidden from serving as a soldier. When disaster befalls the four cousins andone of them goes missing during a battle, Avi refuses to believe his cousin isdead and stays behind to search for him instead of traveling on with the others.He crosses paths with Keziah, a young woman who has also run away from home,because she is being forced to marry a dangerous man decades older than her. Theymake a pact to journey south together, searching for Avi’s cousin and Keziah’sfamily, and together they discover who the true king of Israel is and why hedeserves their full allegiance.
How are your books distinctly different fromother biblical fiction novels in the genre? Evenas a kid, I used to wonder about the people “behind the scenes” who interactedwith Moses and David and Rahab and Jesus—the villagers or servants in thepalaces and the nameless faces in the crowds—and so that is who I like to writeabout. I love to wonder what I would have done if I came face to facewith the pillar of fire in the wilderness or had to collect manna every day orfelt the ground shaking under me at Jericho. So that’s why my desire has beento write from the perspective of fictional characters who witness those biblicalevents and how those well-known happenings pointed “everyday people” toYahweh’s goodness and his beautiful grace long before he sent his Son to earthin human flesh. It sets me apart in the genre a little bit, but it also givesme some really fascinating white space to peer between the lines of scripture andwonder “what if . . . ?”
What led you to write your own brand ofbiblical fiction? Ireally didn’t set out to write biblical fiction, nor did I consider that myspin on it was a little different than the rest. I was fascinated with thehistorical context and culture surrounding the biblical narrative, especiallythe Old Testament time period, and found myself dreaming up a cast ofcharacters that led me on that first journey out from Egypt in Counted Withthe Stars. Once I found that biblical-era fiction was my passion, thestories began to flow and now I can’t keep up with all the ideas I want towrite! I may explore other genres in the future, but for now, I feel like theLord is constantly bringing me fresh inspiration for books that illuminate theancient world of the Bible.
What do you think readers gain by diving intothe history of their faith? Just like the Renaissance painters whodepicted Jesus and his disciples wearing current-era clothing and hairstylesamong European settings like their own, we westerners tend to look at the Biblethrough the lens of our own culture, experiences, and worldview. The more Ihave learned about ancient Hebraic culture, language, and customs, the more Iappreciate some of the deeper meanings found in scripture that have beenobscured or even ignored over time. I think it’s not only enriching forChristians to dig deeper into the roots of our faith and understand the historiccontext of the Bible and the world in which its authors lived, but it’s alsoimperative to understand more fully the nature of the Hebrew Messiah weworship, the culture in which he lived, and how to better align our distortedworldview with his perfect one.
How is this series different from otherbiblically based novels you’ve written? First of all, these books are primarilyhero-based stories, since four young men are at the center (although theirheroines have strong roles and voices through each book). I’ve written malevoices before, which I enjoy doing, but this series is really the journey offour young men who start out from a place of strong friendship. Through tragiccircumstances, they are forced to find their own way apart from the cousinsthey’d always relied on and instead lean into Yahweh for direction and growth.There’s also a bit of a mystery throughout the series, since it’ll be a goodlong while before we know what happened to that missing cousin, so that’s beenfun to develop and weave into these books. I’ve also now moved from the Judgesperiod of the Bible into Kings, which was such a time of transition andupheaval for the people of Israel.
Can you share a snapshot of the beginning ofKing Saul’s reign, the period in history in which this novel and series takeplace? BeforeSaul became king, the tribes had their own elder-run legacy leadership and someof them had even lived far across the Jordan River, separated from the centerof religious life, for hundreds of years. But after being harassed andoppressed by the nations around them, Israel was desperate to have a human kingto rule over them, give them some standing in the world, and protect them fromtheir enemies. They didn’t care that Yahweh had already promised his divineprotection and blessings or that he had warned them a human king wouldeventually become corrupt and self-serving. They wanted a good-looking tall guyto represent them and make those enemies shake in their boots. So, the Lordgraciously gave them exactly what they asked for. And, as prophesied, thingsdid not go well. Saul may have started out as the embodiment of all the peoplewanted in a good king, but it was not long before it became about him and hisown glory. My series explores this time of transition and the struggle tounderstand what it means to pledge our full allegiance to the Eternal King,regardless of what the culture around us looks like. It’s a lesson I think allof us who follow the true Anointed One must learn, especially in the time ofupheaval and uncertainty in which we now live.What inspired the idea behind a series setduring this famous biblical king’s reign? Honestly,I just had such a fun time getting to know the family in the Covenant House series that I wasn’tready to leave them behind. I was excited to explore a new era but also wantedto continue on with the next generation. Therefore, the idea of using a groupof four young cousins who showed up at the end of Between the Wild Branchescame to life in my mind. The era of King Saul’s reign tends to, in my opinion,get skimmed over a little bit when we are reading through the Bible, so Ithought it would be great to slow down and explore what it must have been likefor a group of tribes to change from elder-led government to a united monarchy,especially after being so independent for hundreds of years (longer thanAmerica has been under the Constitution). There was always strife between thesons of Jacob, and it is obvious from the contentious split after Solomon’sreign that nothing ever really changed. With humankind, there is never fullconsensus on anything—let alone politics and religion! Therefore, all thatstrife between people and nations gives me lots of juicy drama to play with in thisseries.
What lessons can the lives of your maincharacters Avidan and Keziah teach modern Christians today? Avidan and Keziahcome from vastly different backgrounds. Avi grew up in a Levitical family, in acommunity where Samuel the Prophet himself taught the Torah to his students. Heknows the stories of the Israelites and knows much about Yahweh, yet hestruggles to see his own place in those stories and understand his role in thelarger picture. Learning to listen to and obey the voice of the Ancient One bylaying down one’s own desires and following His will is an ongoing process forall who are called by His name. On the other hand, Keziah grew up in a placefar away from the center of worship, in a community that had largely forgottentheir heritage and had allowed pagan practices to mix with worship of the TrueGod. Her journey is one of discovering who Yahweh is, of separating truth fromfiction, and bowing her knee to the One True King of Israel for the first time.And don’t we all need to examine our hearts and determine whether we areholding onto false idols as well?
What are you working on next? I am writing Book Two of The King’sMen series and having so much fun exploring the story of yet another ofthe cousins who run off to fight for King Saul and the feisty woman he meets whowants nothing to do with one of Saul’s warriors. I’m going to keep the rest ofthe details on this one close to my chest for now, but I will say that I’ve hadthis book percolating in my head for over two years now and I am dying to getit on paper! And yes, I do mean paper, because I write all of my manuscriptsentirely by hand now and would never go back to my old way of drafting. There’sjust something magical about scribbling away with a physical pen on real paperthat sparks my imagination and gets my creative juices flowing!
How can readers connect with you? The best way tofind me is at my website, ConnilynCossette.com where readers can sign up formy periodic newsletter and keep up with all my writerly news. But I can also befound on instagram.com/connilyncossetteauthor and facebook.com/connilyncossette.I also have a special Facebook group page (Connilyn’s Bibliophiles) wherereaders can get the inside scoop and interact with me personally from time totime. Come find us, we’d love for you to join in the conversation!
Thankyou, Connilyn, for sharing Voice ofthe Ancient with us. It sounds like a wonderful read. Iknow my blog readers will love it.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, orAmazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 4, 2024
A BEAUTIFUL DISGUISE - Roseanna M White - One Free Book
Bio: Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award–winningauthor who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When notwriting fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing bookcovers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Historical romancefavorite and Christy Award–winning author Roseanna White has penned novels setfrom the American Revolution, to the first and second World Wars, and beyond. Nowshe pivots to Edwardian England to launch a new series, The Imposters, set amidst the upper echelons of London’shigh society. Following two aristocratic siblings-turned-private investigators whospy on their peers to keep their estate afloat, White’s masterful tale full ofintrigue, espionage, and the perfect touch of romance will sweep readers awaywith ABeautiful Disguise.
About the story: Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcyafter their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open aprivate investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite.
Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd.,their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for high society when they needanswers delivered surreptitiously. But the secrets Marigold learns about herpeers pale in comparison to her shock when the firm is hired to investigate herbest friend’s father as a potential traitor.
Sir Merritt Livingstone hasspent a decade serving the monarch in the elite guard, but when pneumonia landshim behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division, he’s intent onshowing his worth. As tensions mount between Germany and England, he suspects aman of leaking information, but needing someone to help him prove it, he turnsto The Imposters. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyondcompare.
Marigold is determined todiscover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still tokeep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . whocan’t possibly be as noble as he seems.
Can youplease tell us a little bit about your new series, The Imposters? I’dbe delighted! The Imposterscombines quite a few super fun elements—a glittery high-society Edwardiansetting that will appeal to Downton Abbey fans . . . some tension, suspense, and mystery . . . a romance (ofcourse) . . . a sibling relationship that was a real joy to write . . . andeven some circus themes!
In A Beautiful Disguise, readers are introduced to Marigold and YatesFairfax. Is there anything else readers show know about this interesting siblingpair? Oh my. Let’s just say that though Yates isnow the earl and his sister is a London fashion icon, neither are quite whatthey seem. These two spend their leisure hours training on the trapeze, thehigh wire, and the rings and bars. They condition their bodies to do all thestunts that, rather than entertain under the Big Top, help them gather theinformation they need for their cases. They can get into and out of anywhere—andhave fun doing it.
Where did Marigold and Yates pick up the unique skills needed to openThe Imposters, Ltd.? Well, you see, the same entertainments thattheir father spent their entire fortune on—traveling circuses, acrobatictroupes, theater groups, and the like—were their greatest influences. Aschildren, they literally dreamed of running off to join the circus, but whenreality insisted they take on the duties of the Fairfax title and save theirbeloved estate, they decided to use their very particular skills to help theminvestigate their own. Their names get them into any event . . . and theirability to scale walls and put on any role through their closet of disguisesand costumes ensures they can collect all the details they need.
Many of your books include themes of espionage. What inspired you towrite a novel about a sibling pair of private investigators in the upperechelons of London’s high society? Believeit or not, this one came to me in a dream! I woke up one morning with the storyof high-society investigators rolling through my mind. I knew they were calledThe Imposters. I knew siblings were involved . . . and another twist you won’tlearn until Book 2. I knew they used theater tricks, and maybe some circusskills as well. Then I simply had to figure out, you know, a plot. Idecided to draw on some of my usual themes when I learned that MI5, England’sfirst unified intelligence branch, was formed in the year I’d chosen. Readingup on what espionage was at that point convinced me that there was much room toplay here.Can you share with us some historical context for the setting of thenovel? What major events in world history influence the story and itscharacters? Englandand Germany were in the middle of an arms-and-naval race that eventually led tothe Great War; Germany had only recently announced a frightful warship, andEngland had answered with the Dreadnaught. During the months of mystory, new legislature was being pushed in England for a major ramp-up ofbattleship production. Though England’s reigning king was the first cousin ofGermany’s kaiser (and Russia’s czar), tensions had never been higher betweenthe countries, and their politics had diverged in some key ways.
Then toss in,ahem, some literary mayhem. One of the most popular authors of the day wasWilliam Le Queux, who wrote—you guessed it—spy novels. They were all based onthe idea that Germany had secret agents infiltrating England (totally untrue,in retrospect), and it caused a real mania. Every German was reported, and theauthorities were flooded with claims of seeing spies at work. It was allnonsense, but it did convince the government to take all their different(and inefficient) intelligence branches—that of the army, the navy, and thepolice—and combine them into one group: MI5.
What type of research was required to write about thistime period accurately? I’ve learned a lot of the daily life aspects throughmuch reading and studying over the past decade for my other series, but in thisone I also got to learn more about the advent of Chanel and haute couture, theformation of MI5, Edwardian circuses, and even finishing schools. I had ablast!
Was there anything that you found particularlyinteresting in your research that you included in your book? Something I probably should have known before but had never looked intois the Coldstream Guard. We know them as the stone-faced guards of the palaces.You know, the ones who supposedly won’t flinch or break character no matterwhat you do. This Guard is, in fact, the most elite of England’s army, kind oflike our SEALs or Rangers. They get the palace posting because they’ve earnedit through the best training and field service. I decided to make my hero, SirMerritt Livingstone, a member of the Coldstream Guards, but then relegated him toa desk job because of a lingering bout of pneumonia. But he brought a lot oftraining and honor to the new position!
Can you tell us what readers have to lookforward to in the rest of series? In the next book in the series, we’llfocus on two other members of the Imposters—the architect who helps them figureout how to sneak into buildings, and the society columnist who not only helpedmake Marigold famous as “Lady M,” but who also writes up alibis for her, evenif she wasn’t really at a particular party. We’ll also still get a peek inYates’s mind, and Marigold and Merritt are along for the ride, too, as they allwork together to save a kidnapped child.
What are youworking on next? I’mjust finishing up the second book in this series, and am beginning tobrainstorm Book 3, which will be about Yates.
How can readersconnect with you? Youcan find me on all the major social media platforms @RoseannaMWhite, and youcan sign up for my newsletter and visit my shop full of signed books and otherbookish delights at RoseannaMWhite.com. I love chatting with readers!
Thank you,Roseanna, for sharing A Beautiful Disguise with my blogreaders and me.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 2, 2024
HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES - Amanda Cox - One Free Book
Bio: AmandaCox is a four-timeChristy Award–winning author. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible andtheology and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first loveis communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurtingfamilies over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters whoconnect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with herhusband and their three children. In 2020, Amanda Cox’s debut novel, The Edge ofBelonging, was released into the world. Her story quickly garneredrecognition, winning the 2021 Christy Book of the Year Award and the Christy Award for best debut novel. Her first book wasfollowed by The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery (2021), which alsowon two Christy Awards—the 2022 Christy Book of the Year Award and the GeneralFiction Award. Now Cox utilizes her background in professional counseling tounveil an insightful look at the complexities of family in her newest saga, HeShould Have Told the Bees.
Aboutthe story: Beckett(Beck) Walsh loves working alongside her father in their apiary. But when herfather passes away unexpectedly, her life takes an unexpected turn. Suddenly,it is up to her to run Walsh Farm, including managing the finances, which shehas never done. But there is a catch—she is only part owner of the farm, andthe other owner, someone she knows nothing about, has the power to sell thebusiness. Why would her father risk something that meant so much to both ofthem?
CalliePeterson is attempting to open her first storefront for her natural body careproducts. So, when she learns that she has been named in the trust of a manshe’s never heard of, she views this as an opportunity to take care of herstruggling finances. Not only will the extra money support her new start-upbusiness but it will also help her absent mother get into rehab for herlifelong substance abuse issues.
He Should Have Told the Bees is packed with complex secrets.What was the inspiration behind your new work? This story and all its layershappened little by little, each little thread coming from different touchpointsin my life. But I’d have to say it all started with my love for bees and mypassion for crafting stories that explore family dynamics and pathways torelational healing.
You have two main protagonists inyour new novel, Beckett (Beck) Walsh and Callie Peterson. Can you pleaseprovide a brief description of both of these women? Beck is a country girl, and farmlife is in her blood. She has lived a very isolated life on her farm, in partbecause she loves it so much and in part because of some early childhoodexperiences that have had a significant impact on her life. She is a littlerough around the edges, but she has a good heart. Even though she has somesignificant struggles to overcome, she is strong and independent in a lot ofways.
Callie was raised by a mother whoselife was consumed by substance abuse, which caused Callie to grow up at a veryyoung age. She’s worked very long and hard to build a stable life with abusiness of her own, but things keep happening that push her goals just out ofreach. She is resilient and compassionate, broken but determined to grow andheal.
Beck Walsh is a beekeeper who hasworked alongside her father in their apiary. What type of research was requiredto accurately portray all the details and tasks that come with beekeeping?I have always beenfascinated with bees. I began to get serious about learning about beekeepingseveral years ago. After spending a lot of time learning about their care, mydaughter and I started keeping a few hives of our own. Many, many hours havebeen spent reading books, scrolling through online forums, watching videos, andtending my own hives. (I am an amateur, not a professional like Beck!) Beck struggles with anxiety. Whydid you choose to include her struggles as part of your story line? Even if readers don’t struggle withanxiety on the same level that Beck does, most people have some level ofexperience with it, whether as a short-lived emotional state or as an ongoingbattle.
While I was writing this book, theworld was going through a lot of changes—from people being quarantined to returningto the workplace. Struggles with anxiety were on the rise. In writing Beck, Ihoped to craft a character who would connect with readers sharing the samebattle.
In addition to Beck’sstruggles, Callie’s mother, Lindy, isalso struggling with her own issues. Can you please provide some insight on howthis initially affect’sCallie’sdecision about the trust? Lindy’slife has been plagued with substance abuse. After being estranged from Calliefor several months, Lindy shows up asking her daughter to help her get into arehabilitative program. Callie, who has been working so hard to get her newbusiness off the ground, suddenly finds herself saddled with her mother’sbills. Callie feels like she, once again, will have to choose between thefresh, new, healthy life she is trying to build and helping her mother. Whenshe is named in the trust, the financial gain that could come from selling herportion of the inheritance could be enough to allow her to both get herbusiness going and get excellent care provided for her mother.
You have a master’sdegree in professional counseling. How do you feel your knowledge in this areahas helped you create real and relatable characters? As a counselor I spent time sitting with individuals and families ontheir most difficult days, serving as a guide while they processedtheir thoughts and emotions and helping them take steps toward healing. Listening, observing, and simply being present with another person has always been a passion of mine.When forming characters, I invest a lot of my time imagining whothey are and what life experiences have shaped them. I “sit with” thesecharacters in order to bring them to life on thepage in an authentic way. As a counselor I functioned as a guide toward healingfor my counseling clients. As a novelist I strive to do the same for mycharacters, using the story as their guide on the path to healing.
What do you hope readers will gainfrom reading He Should Have Told the Bees? Ihope that this book inspires those who are on their own healing journey to staythe course and continue to do the hard work involved in the healing process. Ihope it helps those with struggling friends and family members to grow inempathy and compassion.
And, of course, I do hope to spreadmy love of honeybees!
How can readers connect with you? Readers can connect with me on my website, www.amandacoxwrites.com. I am also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as @AmandaCoxWrites.
Where can readers purchase a copyof He Should Have Told the Bees? HeShould Have Told the Beesis available wherever books are sold! I would especially love it if youpurchase it from your favorite local bookstore.
Thank you, Amanda, for sharing thisbook with me an my blog readers.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copyof the book. You must follow these instructions to be in thedrawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state orterritory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links maybe subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winningdepend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered aconfirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rulesand any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is thewinner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to seeif you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim yourbook.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz,Facebook, X (Twitter), Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog toleave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s alink: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 1, 2024
2024 - A NEW BEGINNING
Dear Readers,
As with other years, I have looked for a word from the Lord for the new year . I've felt impressed with this phrase - A New Beginning - for 2024.
As you know, I lost my precious, godly husband in October. I grieved a lot for him during his last few months. I miss him so much. I didn't feel a burden when I was caring for him. However, after he breathed his last breath I felt a huge burden lift off of me, and the sweet peace from the Lord encompassed me. I have my teary times but God isn't finished with my time on this earth.
The new year is a good time for me to continue my calling to write stories with Characters Who Grip Your Hearts.
I love each of my readers.
Lena Nelson Dooley
