Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 70
January 9, 2020
HIDDEN SECRETS - Janet Sketchley - One Free Book
Welcome back, Janet. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
Prayer and forgiveness are recurring themes in my books. And while fiction is about the characters solving their own problems without miracles saving the day, I like to show characters of faith remembering God is with them even in crisis and looking for the help they believe He will give. It’s a good reminder to all of us to rely on His loving presence in our own lives. I often sign books with the phrase, “Whatever happens, Jesus will be there.”
What other books of yours are coming out soon?There are four more stories in the Green Dory Inn Mystery series, and I’m deep into plotting the next one. It doesn’t concern the inn directly like the first two books have, but Landon is still based there. She’s involved in a mystery with Ciara, a minor character to date. Anyone who’s familiar with the series will know these two women have a strained relationship. As for me, I have a strained relationship with Ciara’s Chihuahua, Moxie. We’ll see how that turns out! We’ll also see if Landon and Bobby can get started on a relationship. I’ve extended this series from four to six books because they’re such slow movers.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?Jen Ledger, from the band Skillet. I listened to an interview with her last year, and I’d love to hear more from her on fear and faith.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?Nathanael of Cana. The one in the Bible who went from a derisive “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” to “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:46 and 49, NIV) If he’d permit me, I’d love to ask what happened while he was under the fig tree when Jesus said He saw him.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Keep writing, and keep learning your craft. Serve God (and your characters) by making the best story you can make. If at all possible, attend writers’ conferences where you can meet not only the types of publishers and/or agents who accept your type of writing, but also other writers who can be encouraging companions on this long and often difficult journey. Take time with the Lord in prayer and waiting, to discern any changes in direction He may have for your writing. Ask Him, too, to reveal any attitudes He may want to address. It’s dangerously easy for our desire to be published to take first place in our hearts, and that place is His. Choose to trust His timing and to persevere in writing so you’ll be ready when opportunities come along. And think back to why you started writing—recapture the pleasure of the craft if it’s waning. We can’t control the outcome, but we can choose to enjoy the process. [As an indie author, let me add that if you decide to go indie, be sure to hire a skilled editor and cover artist as well as any other freelance professionals you need to produce a quality book.]
Very good advice, especially to indie authors. Tell us about the featured book.
The secrets of Captain Hiltz may not have died with him.
When Landon Smith returns to the Green Dory Inn, she finds innkeeper Anna Young still shaken by the recent vandalism and unable to cope when the inn is targeted in an online vendetta. Prickly neighbour Bobby Hawke can help with Anna’s cyber woes, but when the attacks escalate to physical threats, Landon and Bobby must work together to unmask the culprit.
A cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. Contraband, treasure, evidence of things better left buried…
How far will Anna’s enemy go to claim the tunnel and its contents? Protecting Anna will require courage and faith as Landon battles the locals’ attitudes and the scars of her past. Even then, she and Bobby are tracing the faintest of clues. With Anna on the brink of emotional collapse—and danger rising like the tide—time is running out.
Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.The air in the university hallway hung thick with dust and summer heat. Dead, even though light glowed through windows in a few office doors.
Landon moistened her lips and drew a deep breath. The polished brass nameplate with its precise black letters reflected her anxiety back at her. Magnified, like a distorting mirror in a creepy carnival. She tried again to calm her thumping heart. Professor Tallin wouldn’t have agreed to this meeting if there’d been no hope.
She rapped on the frosted glass pane. Assertive, but not demanding. Tallin should approve.
“Come.”
At the brisk command, she eased open the door, the handle slick beneath her sweaty palm, and stepped inside to beg for her future.
The woman behind the plain wooden desk could have doubled as a department store mannequin, with her expressionless face and long white arms. Close-cropped dark hair, ice-blue silk blouse. Except a store display would complete the outfit with a coordinating necklace or wispy scarf. She focused on her laptop screen, eyes tracking side to side. Eventually, she snapped the laptop shut and pinned Landon with a cool stare. “Yes?”
Here are links to the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery/dp/0995197083/ - Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07TXRFT84/ - Kindle
How can readers find you on the Internet?My website is https://janetsketchley.ca/Readers are invited to sign up for my newsletter at bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews or to follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-sketchleyHere are a few other places I can be found:Facebook: fb.me/JanetSketchley.authorGoodreads: goodreads.com/janetsketchleyAmazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchleyTwitter: twitter.com/JanetSketchleyPinterest: pinterest.com/janetsketchley/
Thank you, Janet, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 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
Prayer and forgiveness are recurring themes in my books. And while fiction is about the characters solving their own problems without miracles saving the day, I like to show characters of faith remembering God is with them even in crisis and looking for the help they believe He will give. It’s a good reminder to all of us to rely on His loving presence in our own lives. I often sign books with the phrase, “Whatever happens, Jesus will be there.” What other books of yours are coming out soon?There are four more stories in the Green Dory Inn Mystery series, and I’m deep into plotting the next one. It doesn’t concern the inn directly like the first two books have, but Landon is still based there. She’s involved in a mystery with Ciara, a minor character to date. Anyone who’s familiar with the series will know these two women have a strained relationship. As for me, I have a strained relationship with Ciara’s Chihuahua, Moxie. We’ll see how that turns out! We’ll also see if Landon and Bobby can get started on a relationship. I’ve extended this series from four to six books because they’re such slow movers.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?Jen Ledger, from the band Skillet. I listened to an interview with her last year, and I’d love to hear more from her on fear and faith.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?Nathanael of Cana. The one in the Bible who went from a derisive “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” to “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:46 and 49, NIV) If he’d permit me, I’d love to ask what happened while he was under the fig tree when Jesus said He saw him.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Keep writing, and keep learning your craft. Serve God (and your characters) by making the best story you can make. If at all possible, attend writers’ conferences where you can meet not only the types of publishers and/or agents who accept your type of writing, but also other writers who can be encouraging companions on this long and often difficult journey. Take time with the Lord in prayer and waiting, to discern any changes in direction He may have for your writing. Ask Him, too, to reveal any attitudes He may want to address. It’s dangerously easy for our desire to be published to take first place in our hearts, and that place is His. Choose to trust His timing and to persevere in writing so you’ll be ready when opportunities come along. And think back to why you started writing—recapture the pleasure of the craft if it’s waning. We can’t control the outcome, but we can choose to enjoy the process. [As an indie author, let me add that if you decide to go indie, be sure to hire a skilled editor and cover artist as well as any other freelance professionals you need to produce a quality book.]
Very good advice, especially to indie authors. Tell us about the featured book.
The secrets of Captain Hiltz may not have died with him.
When Landon Smith returns to the Green Dory Inn, she finds innkeeper Anna Young still shaken by the recent vandalism and unable to cope when the inn is targeted in an online vendetta. Prickly neighbour Bobby Hawke can help with Anna’s cyber woes, but when the attacks escalate to physical threats, Landon and Bobby must work together to unmask the culprit.A cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. Contraband, treasure, evidence of things better left buried…
How far will Anna’s enemy go to claim the tunnel and its contents? Protecting Anna will require courage and faith as Landon battles the locals’ attitudes and the scars of her past. Even then, she and Bobby are tracing the faintest of clues. With Anna on the brink of emotional collapse—and danger rising like the tide—time is running out.
Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.The air in the university hallway hung thick with dust and summer heat. Dead, even though light glowed through windows in a few office doors.
Landon moistened her lips and drew a deep breath. The polished brass nameplate with its precise black letters reflected her anxiety back at her. Magnified, like a distorting mirror in a creepy carnival. She tried again to calm her thumping heart. Professor Tallin wouldn’t have agreed to this meeting if there’d been no hope.
She rapped on the frosted glass pane. Assertive, but not demanding. Tallin should approve.
“Come.”
At the brisk command, she eased open the door, the handle slick beneath her sweaty palm, and stepped inside to beg for her future.
The woman behind the plain wooden desk could have doubled as a department store mannequin, with her expressionless face and long white arms. Close-cropped dark hair, ice-blue silk blouse. Except a store display would complete the outfit with a coordinating necklace or wispy scarf. She focused on her laptop screen, eyes tracking side to side. Eventually, she snapped the laptop shut and pinned Landon with a cool stare. “Yes?”
Here are links to the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery/dp/0995197083/ - Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07TXRFT84/ - Kindle
How can readers find you on the Internet?My website is https://janetsketchley.ca/Readers are invited to sign up for my newsletter at bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews or to follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-sketchleyHere are a few other places I can be found:Facebook: fb.me/JanetSketchley.authorGoodreads: goodreads.com/janetsketchleyAmazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchleyTwitter: twitter.com/JanetSketchleyPinterest: pinterest.com/janetsketchley/
Thank you, Janet, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 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
January 8, 2020
My Christmas Story for 2019 - and more
The Amnesiac’s Christmas Surprise
By Lena Nelson Dooley
Carlos began to awaken from a dark place. He gradually became aware of pain in many parts of his body. An anvil pounded in his head. When he started to turn, a pain shot through his brain like a razor-sharp sword. He slowly lifted one hand. As he did, he realized something was wrong with his shoulder. He couldn’t remember having an accident. Actually, he couldn’t remember anything, except his first name.After dropping that hand to his side, he felt around, trying to reach his covers. And the hand felt like a giant ice cube, as did whatever he was lying on. Hard … wet … slick and frigid. He was able to lift his other hand without much pain. He gently walked his fingers around his skull until he encountered a lump the size of a goose egg. How did he know what size it was? He slowly opened his eyes. No wonder he was freezing. He wasn’t home in bed. He couldn’t even remember where his home was. Nothing looked familiar in this strange world filled with swirling … snowflakes? He closed his eyes to keep them out. Since he evidently wasn’t indoors, where was his coat? Surely he wore one today.He wiggled his toes, and the pain in them was excruciating. Where were his shoes? Had he died and gone to hell? No … hell was supposed to be hot. He’d welcome some of that heat right about now.“Hey, buddy. You okay?” An unfamiliar voice called to him. Carlos couldn’t see where it was coming from. Was it a ghost? Was he in purgatory? How did he know what either of those things were?He wanted to relax, but he was afraid that if he did, he would die for sure.A man hunkered beside him. He could hear him breathing. He opened one eye to peek at the man. “Good. You’re awake.” Kindness radiated from the face peering at him. While Carlos stared at the man, he took off his heavy coat and covered him with it.“I live a short distance from here. My brother-in-law is visiting us, and he’s a doctor. I’ll go get him to help me take you to our house.” The man’s eyes closed. “Lord, please protect this man until Brian and I can get back.”Carlos followed his progress down the road. He could barely make out the lighted house in the distance. Although he was still cold and hurting, he felt calmer while he waited. Soon the warmth from the coat helped him relax, and his eyes slipped closed.The sound of a vehicle approaching pulled him from the darkness. It stopped close by.“We’re back.” The kind voice hovered above him. He opened his eyes and saw two men hunkered beside him. One on either side.The new man ran his hands over Carlos’s body. Carlos moaned whenever it hurt.“I don’t think anything is broken.” Soothing words washed over him. “We brought a blanket, and we’re going to move you onto it, then put you in the back seat of the car.”Even though it was very uncomfortable as they proceeded, Carlos felt hope that soon things would change. They reached the house just as a bright red pickup truck parked beside them. A very tall, brawny man in a cowboy hat stepped out. The three men quickly had him in the house and onto a cow-patterned leather couch. After the cold pavement, the cushioned comfort enveloped him.“I’m Bradley Norton, the pastor of the Cowboy Church.” The man who’d found him smiled down at him. “And this giant is one of my deacons, Lane Hamilton.”Brian, the doctor, gave Carlos a thorough examination. “We have to warm you up as quickly as we can. Even though your extremities are very cold, I don’t see signs of frostbite yet.”Two women entered the room carrying blankets. “We put these in the dryer to warm them up when Bradley came home.” She smiled at his rescuer.Bradley took the blankets the blonde held, and the men tucked covers close around him. “That’s my wife, Beverly.” He nodded toward the woman whose arms were now empty.The redhead handed him her blankets, too.“And this is my sister, Mary.”He mumbled thanks to them as his eyes slid shut once again. Oh, the bliss of finally being warm.For five days, Carlos stayed with the Nortons. Dr. Brian took care of his body, and everyone tried to help him remember. Nothing they did triggered a single memory. Why had he been laying on the pavement with no coat and no shoes? How did he get there, so far out in the country? Where did he come from?During this time, his physical injuries improved. Several members of the Cowboy Churchcame by with clothes for him—jeans, western shirts, a Stetson, boots, and even packages of new underwear. Lane Hamilton brought him a winter-weight duster to wear over everything. Although these clothes fit him, he didn’t really feel like he’d ever worn anything like this before.They even watched the news on TV, hoping to hear about a Carlos who was missing. Not one was mentioned.While he ate breakfast on Sunday, Brian joined him. “No pressure, but would you like to go to church with us? It’s the last Sunday before Christmas.”“Sure.” He shrugged. “Why not? I haven’t been out of the house since you found me.”A sunny smile spread across the preacher’s face. “I’m going early, but you can come with Beverly.”When they arrived at the white clapboard church with a steeple pointing to heaven, Beverly went to sit on a pew near the front. Carlos chose one in the back. The room soon filled with cowboy families. Some of the ones who had help him stopped to speak to him.When it came time for Brian to preach, he nodded at the congregation. “You might think my message strange for a Christmas Sunday, but I felt God would have me share this one. We all know the story of the prodigal son, but we’re going to look at it a little differently today. I believe Jesus shared this parable to teach us an important truth. He wanted us to know why He came to earth as a baby. It was so that we would understand that the Father in Heaven would welcome each of with open arms as the father in the story did.”As Brian continued with his message, Carlos realized that his own heart was cold as marble. Sometime in his past, he’d built a strong wall around it. Maybe that was the reason he couldn’t remember who he was. As the message continued, a tiny crack burned in that wall from the top to the bottom, as if it had been struck by lightning. Soon the crack widened, and memories poured out like a waterfall. His anger at his father, because he didn’t feel he could ever measure up to the man’s expectations. He’d left home and had never returned. Everything he accomplished in his life was to show the man how wrong he had been. But his father never knew.Now he realized he was Carlos Shelton. He’d been successful in his life. Many people believed he had it made, but his life was empty.Then he remembered the carjacking. He’d stopped to help two men who were hitchhiking. In the process, they had cold-cocked him. Hence the lump on his head. They’d stolen his car, his cell phone, his wallet, his shoes, and his coat—leaving him for dead on the pavement.As Brian continued his story, the return of the prodigal and the way the father accepted him made Carlos yearn for something like that to happen for him. Before the service ended, Brian gave an invitation for anyone who wanted to meet Jesus this week. More than anything, Carlos did. He made his way to the altar at the front. When they returned to the house for Sunday dinner, Carlos told them about his memories flooding back. After they ate, they looked him up on the Internet. There he was, so successful in the eyes of the world, but without any real friends, his stone-cold heart had been empty.They discussed his lack of a relationship with his father. They looked him up, too. Carlos was amazed by what he saw. The strong man he remembered was only a shadow of what he used to be. In the latest pictures, his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.Brian looked at Carlos, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Maybe God gave me my sermon today just for you.”Carlos nodded. “I believe you’re right. I’ll leave right now to return to my father. Maybe he’ll forgive me for abandoning him like a coward.”When he arrived at the estate, the security guard greeted him and opened the gates to let him enter. Evidently, the man called his father, because he was standing on the wide front porch. He looked grim, but as Carlos drove closer, he rushed down the steps and met the car with his arms open wide. He didn’t even give his son time to get out of the vehicle. He hurried around and opened the driver’s door as soon as the vehicle stopped. He pulled Carlos into a tight hug, and tears streamed down his cheeks, wetting the western shirt Carlos wore.“My son, I’ve searched for you ever since you left.” He turned toward the open doorway of the mansion where the butler stood. “Have Cook prepare all my son’s favorite foods for supper. Tonight we celebrate!”The house didn’t look as if it were almost Christmas. There were no Christmas trees … or lights …or tinsel. Carlos decided that he’d make sure the mansion looked the way it did when his mother was alive. He had a couple of days to get that taken care of.Carlos swallowed his own sobs as they walked arm-in-arm toward their new life.
© Copyright 2019, LenaNelson Dooley
In 1984, soon after God told me to become a professional writer, (You can read the testimony of that on the About Me page of this blog or my website: www.lenanelsondooley.com ) He also told me to use the gift He had given me to bless people at Christmas. I've only missed 2 or 3 years since then. I published the first 24 in this book:
available in the Amazon Kindle store. The price has been cut in half this year.
There have been 8 stories since this book was published. If you buy or have bought a copy of 24 Christmases , let me know in the comments, and I'll email you copies of all 8 stories. If you want extra protection for your email, send it this way. I'll demonstrate with my email. safe [hyphen] LDwrites [at] flash [dot] net
Also, next year, I will start sending both our family newsletter and the Christmas story through email instead of mailing them. Of course, for people who don't have email, we'll continue mailing them. I'm compiling a Christmas emailing list. If you want to be added, leave a comment with your email address and say whether you want the story or the story and newsletter.
I hope your 2020 started off with good things and that it will continue through the year.
By Lena Nelson Dooley
Carlos began to awaken from a dark place. He gradually became aware of pain in many parts of his body. An anvil pounded in his head. When he started to turn, a pain shot through his brain like a razor-sharp sword. He slowly lifted one hand. As he did, he realized something was wrong with his shoulder. He couldn’t remember having an accident. Actually, he couldn’t remember anything, except his first name.After dropping that hand to his side, he felt around, trying to reach his covers. And the hand felt like a giant ice cube, as did whatever he was lying on. Hard … wet … slick and frigid. He was able to lift his other hand without much pain. He gently walked his fingers around his skull until he encountered a lump the size of a goose egg. How did he know what size it was? He slowly opened his eyes. No wonder he was freezing. He wasn’t home in bed. He couldn’t even remember where his home was. Nothing looked familiar in this strange world filled with swirling … snowflakes? He closed his eyes to keep them out. Since he evidently wasn’t indoors, where was his coat? Surely he wore one today.He wiggled his toes, and the pain in them was excruciating. Where were his shoes? Had he died and gone to hell? No … hell was supposed to be hot. He’d welcome some of that heat right about now.“Hey, buddy. You okay?” An unfamiliar voice called to him. Carlos couldn’t see where it was coming from. Was it a ghost? Was he in purgatory? How did he know what either of those things were?He wanted to relax, but he was afraid that if he did, he would die for sure.A man hunkered beside him. He could hear him breathing. He opened one eye to peek at the man. “Good. You’re awake.” Kindness radiated from the face peering at him. While Carlos stared at the man, he took off his heavy coat and covered him with it.“I live a short distance from here. My brother-in-law is visiting us, and he’s a doctor. I’ll go get him to help me take you to our house.” The man’s eyes closed. “Lord, please protect this man until Brian and I can get back.”Carlos followed his progress down the road. He could barely make out the lighted house in the distance. Although he was still cold and hurting, he felt calmer while he waited. Soon the warmth from the coat helped him relax, and his eyes slipped closed.The sound of a vehicle approaching pulled him from the darkness. It stopped close by.“We’re back.” The kind voice hovered above him. He opened his eyes and saw two men hunkered beside him. One on either side.The new man ran his hands over Carlos’s body. Carlos moaned whenever it hurt.“I don’t think anything is broken.” Soothing words washed over him. “We brought a blanket, and we’re going to move you onto it, then put you in the back seat of the car.”Even though it was very uncomfortable as they proceeded, Carlos felt hope that soon things would change. They reached the house just as a bright red pickup truck parked beside them. A very tall, brawny man in a cowboy hat stepped out. The three men quickly had him in the house and onto a cow-patterned leather couch. After the cold pavement, the cushioned comfort enveloped him.“I’m Bradley Norton, the pastor of the Cowboy Church.” The man who’d found him smiled down at him. “And this giant is one of my deacons, Lane Hamilton.”Brian, the doctor, gave Carlos a thorough examination. “We have to warm you up as quickly as we can. Even though your extremities are very cold, I don’t see signs of frostbite yet.”Two women entered the room carrying blankets. “We put these in the dryer to warm them up when Bradley came home.” She smiled at his rescuer.Bradley took the blankets the blonde held, and the men tucked covers close around him. “That’s my wife, Beverly.” He nodded toward the woman whose arms were now empty.The redhead handed him her blankets, too.“And this is my sister, Mary.”He mumbled thanks to them as his eyes slid shut once again. Oh, the bliss of finally being warm.For five days, Carlos stayed with the Nortons. Dr. Brian took care of his body, and everyone tried to help him remember. Nothing they did triggered a single memory. Why had he been laying on the pavement with no coat and no shoes? How did he get there, so far out in the country? Where did he come from?During this time, his physical injuries improved. Several members of the Cowboy Churchcame by with clothes for him—jeans, western shirts, a Stetson, boots, and even packages of new underwear. Lane Hamilton brought him a winter-weight duster to wear over everything. Although these clothes fit him, he didn’t really feel like he’d ever worn anything like this before.They even watched the news on TV, hoping to hear about a Carlos who was missing. Not one was mentioned.While he ate breakfast on Sunday, Brian joined him. “No pressure, but would you like to go to church with us? It’s the last Sunday before Christmas.”“Sure.” He shrugged. “Why not? I haven’t been out of the house since you found me.”A sunny smile spread across the preacher’s face. “I’m going early, but you can come with Beverly.”When they arrived at the white clapboard church with a steeple pointing to heaven, Beverly went to sit on a pew near the front. Carlos chose one in the back. The room soon filled with cowboy families. Some of the ones who had help him stopped to speak to him.When it came time for Brian to preach, he nodded at the congregation. “You might think my message strange for a Christmas Sunday, but I felt God would have me share this one. We all know the story of the prodigal son, but we’re going to look at it a little differently today. I believe Jesus shared this parable to teach us an important truth. He wanted us to know why He came to earth as a baby. It was so that we would understand that the Father in Heaven would welcome each of with open arms as the father in the story did.”As Brian continued with his message, Carlos realized that his own heart was cold as marble. Sometime in his past, he’d built a strong wall around it. Maybe that was the reason he couldn’t remember who he was. As the message continued, a tiny crack burned in that wall from the top to the bottom, as if it had been struck by lightning. Soon the crack widened, and memories poured out like a waterfall. His anger at his father, because he didn’t feel he could ever measure up to the man’s expectations. He’d left home and had never returned. Everything he accomplished in his life was to show the man how wrong he had been. But his father never knew.Now he realized he was Carlos Shelton. He’d been successful in his life. Many people believed he had it made, but his life was empty.Then he remembered the carjacking. He’d stopped to help two men who were hitchhiking. In the process, they had cold-cocked him. Hence the lump on his head. They’d stolen his car, his cell phone, his wallet, his shoes, and his coat—leaving him for dead on the pavement.As Brian continued his story, the return of the prodigal and the way the father accepted him made Carlos yearn for something like that to happen for him. Before the service ended, Brian gave an invitation for anyone who wanted to meet Jesus this week. More than anything, Carlos did. He made his way to the altar at the front. When they returned to the house for Sunday dinner, Carlos told them about his memories flooding back. After they ate, they looked him up on the Internet. There he was, so successful in the eyes of the world, but without any real friends, his stone-cold heart had been empty.They discussed his lack of a relationship with his father. They looked him up, too. Carlos was amazed by what he saw. The strong man he remembered was only a shadow of what he used to be. In the latest pictures, his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.Brian looked at Carlos, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Maybe God gave me my sermon today just for you.”Carlos nodded. “I believe you’re right. I’ll leave right now to return to my father. Maybe he’ll forgive me for abandoning him like a coward.”When he arrived at the estate, the security guard greeted him and opened the gates to let him enter. Evidently, the man called his father, because he was standing on the wide front porch. He looked grim, but as Carlos drove closer, he rushed down the steps and met the car with his arms open wide. He didn’t even give his son time to get out of the vehicle. He hurried around and opened the driver’s door as soon as the vehicle stopped. He pulled Carlos into a tight hug, and tears streamed down his cheeks, wetting the western shirt Carlos wore.“My son, I’ve searched for you ever since you left.” He turned toward the open doorway of the mansion where the butler stood. “Have Cook prepare all my son’s favorite foods for supper. Tonight we celebrate!”The house didn’t look as if it were almost Christmas. There were no Christmas trees … or lights …or tinsel. Carlos decided that he’d make sure the mansion looked the way it did when his mother was alive. He had a couple of days to get that taken care of.Carlos swallowed his own sobs as they walked arm-in-arm toward their new life.
© Copyright 2019, LenaNelson Dooley
In 1984, soon after God told me to become a professional writer, (You can read the testimony of that on the About Me page of this blog or my website: www.lenanelsondooley.com ) He also told me to use the gift He had given me to bless people at Christmas. I've only missed 2 or 3 years since then. I published the first 24 in this book:
available in the Amazon Kindle store. The price has been cut in half this year.
There have been 8 stories since this book was published. If you buy or have bought a copy of 24 Christmases , let me know in the comments, and I'll email you copies of all 8 stories. If you want extra protection for your email, send it this way. I'll demonstrate with my email. safe [hyphen] LDwrites [at] flash [dot] net
Also, next year, I will start sending both our family newsletter and the Christmas story through email instead of mailing them. Of course, for people who don't have email, we'll continue mailing them. I'm compiling a Christmas emailing list. If you want to be added, leave a comment with your email address and say whether you want the story or the story and newsletter.
I hope your 2020 started off with good things and that it will continue through the year.
January 7, 2020
TALITHA, THE TRAVELING SKIRT - Becky Van Vleet - One Free Book
Dear Readers, as a great-grandmother to seven children from 13 down to a 1 year old, I love buying books for all of them and reading the books to the little ones. Today’s book is a picture book I love.
Welcome, 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. So naturally, as I set about to capture a true family story into book form, I just knew my target audience would be children.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? When I was a young mother, I cheered for my four daughters at swim meets and ran them back and forth for swim practice. As for me, I never learned to swim as a child, so I finally took swim lessons as a young mother many years ago. In the summer of 2019, I told my adult daughters, “It’s my turn!” I entered the Rocky Mountain State Games for two swimming events as a 65-year-old grandmother—it was great, and yes, a little quirky for me!
Way to go! When did you first discover that you were a writer? I don’t know that I can pinpoint a specific time in my life. But what I do know is that I taught 6th and 8th grade writing classes, and I realized that my own writing kept improving.
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!
I love reading good children’s books, too. What other books have you written, whether published or not? Talitha, the Traveling Skirt is my only published book to date, although I have a companion book ready to submit for publication, Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica. I have also written A Dog’s Best Friend which is unpublished at this time.
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? I would have to say that I am most proud of the publication of my first children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt . I was able to preserve a true family story which was my goal.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I really just want to be a human being, myself, Becky, as the way God made me. But I think this is a fun question for the imagination! If I could become a bird, I would enjoy the “bird’s eye view” looking down upon the world.
What is your favorite food? I have so many favorite foods, but I will have to go with pork chops.
Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
I really don’t know. I submitted
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt
only one time to one publisher, Elk Lake Publishing Inc., and they offered me a contract within a month. It was a lucky break for me, or really, I should say it was 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 Indie and self-publishing paths are great options as well.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book? There is a story behind the story of Talitha, the Traveling Skirt , which can be found on my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com. We have had a little skirt traveling around in our family since 1948, more than 70 years, three generations. To create an imaginary tale appealing to children, I personified the skirt as the main character. My very talented illustrator, Courtney Smith, captures the passage of time in her detailed illustrations. My children’s book sparks imagination, family traditions, children, adventure, and family life, and is geared for ages 3-8. The story ends with simple discussion questions, and I believe wholesome family discussions about traditions and family life will be generated when this book is used as a read-aloud.
How can readers find you on the Internet? You can find me on FB, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn as well as my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com. The tagline for my website is “Where Creating and Preserving Memories Happen.” If you are into family memories, traditions, connecting one generation to another, please check out my website! I welcome your family ideas so that I can share with my readers. As a baby boomer, I believe it is important for my generation to encourage the generations after us to share stories and create new traditions.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here are links to the book.Talitha, the Traveling Skirt[image error] - Paperback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt[image error] - Hardback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt - Kindle[image error]
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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Welcome, 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. So naturally, as I set about to capture a true family story into book form, I just knew my target audience would be children.What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? When I was a young mother, I cheered for my four daughters at swim meets and ran them back and forth for swim practice. As for me, I never learned to swim as a child, so I finally took swim lessons as a young mother many years ago. In the summer of 2019, I told my adult daughters, “It’s my turn!” I entered the Rocky Mountain State Games for two swimming events as a 65-year-old grandmother—it was great, and yes, a little quirky for me!
Way to go! When did you first discover that you were a writer? I don’t know that I can pinpoint a specific time in my life. But what I do know is that I taught 6th and 8th grade writing classes, and I realized that my own writing kept improving.
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!
I love reading good children’s books, too. What other books have you written, whether published or not? Talitha, the Traveling Skirt is my only published book to date, although I have a companion book ready to submit for publication, Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica. I have also written A Dog’s Best Friend which is unpublished at this time.
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? I would have to say that I am most proud of the publication of my first children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt . I was able to preserve a true family story which was my goal.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I really just want to be a human being, myself, Becky, as the way God made me. But I think this is a fun question for the imagination! If I could become a bird, I would enjoy the “bird’s eye view” looking down upon the world.
What is your favorite food? I have so many favorite foods, but I will have to go with pork chops.
Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
I really don’t know. I submitted
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt
only one time to one publisher, Elk Lake Publishing Inc., and they offered me a contract within a month. It was a lucky break for me, or really, I should say it was 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 Indie and self-publishing paths are great options as well.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book? There is a story behind the story of Talitha, the Traveling Skirt , which can be found on my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com. We have had a little skirt traveling around in our family since 1948, more than 70 years, three generations. To create an imaginary tale appealing to children, I personified the skirt as the main character. My very talented illustrator, Courtney Smith, captures the passage of time in her detailed illustrations. My children’s book sparks imagination, family traditions, children, adventure, and family life, and is geared for ages 3-8. The story ends with simple discussion questions, and I believe wholesome family discussions about traditions and family life will be generated when this book is used as a read-aloud.
How can readers find you on the Internet? You can find me on FB, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn as well as my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com. The tagline for my website is “Where Creating and Preserving Memories Happen.” If you are into family memories, traditions, connecting one generation to another, please check out my website! I welcome your family ideas so that I can share with my readers. As a baby boomer, I believe it is important for my generation to encourage the generations after us to share stories and create new traditions.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here are links to the book.Talitha, the Traveling Skirt[image error] - Paperback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt[image error] - Hardback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt - Kindle[image error]
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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
January 5, 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.
Zack (CO) is the winner of High Deceit by C E Waterman.
Stacey (MN) is the winner of When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis.
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.
Zack (CO) is the winner of High Deceit by C E Waterman.
Stacey (MN) is the winner of When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis.
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.
January 2, 2020
THE YEAR OF THE BARBARIAN - Ann Boyles - One Free Book
Dear Readers, for our first interview in the new year and new decade is the debut novel of a special woman. Ann has won several awards on her way to publication. I’m thrilled to be able to introduce her and her novel to you.
Welcome, Ann. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.The female protagonist, Sumi, resembles me a lot. She has a natural reserve she must overcome to satisfy her longings for adventure and a greater purpose in life. Without a meaningful relationship with God, I would have that same powerful yearning. Also, the characters’ relationships include my notions of how romance blossoms in people’s lives.What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?I guess petting a wild monkey in Japan was pretty quirky. At least, my friend yelled for me to stop so I wouldn’t get bitten.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?I discovered I could write nonfiction in high school when a teacher and a newspaper reporter praised my work, but for many years I didn’t do much writing other than lesson plans and curriculum development. Becoming a finalist and then winner in two fiction contests encouraged me in my efforts to write stories.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.My enjoyment depends more on the quality of the writing than on the genre, so I have a huge range. My favorite genres, however, are historical/historical romance and nonfiction biographies.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I read the Bible and pray every morning. However, I often get swept up in the multitude of tasks. Then I have to remember God’s presence and to take things one step at a time. I’m thankful each day is a new one.
How do you choose your characters’ names?Since the stories are set in Japan, I consulted Japanese friends about suitable names for samurai, servants, and officials for the series’ time period. Finding names that weren’t too difficult for American readers complicated the choices. I wanted a classic type of name for the American protagonist and settled on John Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff, so it’s an old British-sounding name.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Through the years, I’ve cherished the ability to relate well to international students, and that gift helped me develop the Intensive English programs at two universities and write tales with an international setting.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’d be a dog because I would have a decent chance of getting a good, warm home with nice humans. Today’s chilly, damp weather may be influencing me.
What is your favorite food?It’s hard to narrow it down because I haven’t met a dessert I didn’t like. Right now, I’ll say ice cream and the Japanese soft, rice-ball candies but that could change with the next meal.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?When a friend at a high school reunion read an early draft of mine, she kindly told me I had to find a critique group. I soon learned that I was trying to write fiction like a nonfiction writer. Since I didn’t know anything about writing fiction, I had to revise my first story each time I learned a new skill—an astronomical number of times.
Tell us about the featured book.
The Year of the Barbarian
, set in mid-nineteen century Japan, is the first book in the Dragonfly Trilogy. Sumi Taguchi, a samurai’s daughter, eagerly anticipates the arrival of foreigners from the West and the end of Japan’s centuries-long isolation from the world. She hopes these foreigners—if they turn out to be truly civilized—will bring answers to life’s troublesome riddles. But to be free to meet these newcomers, she must first avoid a nightmarish betrothal and the fallout from her rash curiosity.The young New Yorkmerchant, John Cardiff, risks his inheritance by sailing to the far side of the world. His fascination with Japanleads to a dangerous trading venture. As trouble mounts, he dreads the shipwreck not only of his ship but also of his life.
Please give us the first page of the book.July 1855 (Year of the Rabbit), Nagasaki, JapanA hungry mosquito flew under the hem of Sumi Taguchi’s kimono and attacked her ankle. She dared not swat it while old Suzuki-sensei, her tutor, knelt ramrod straight on the cushion opposite her, expounding the virtues found in the Tale of the Heike.
“With true samurai spirit, Lady Nii took the seven-year-old Emperor’s arm and propelled both of them off the ship and into the foaming sea.” A hint of enthusiasm colored his recitation. “Emperor Antoku’s mother leapt in after them, intending to save her son’s life, not his honor.” The mosquito bite itched, but Sumi held firm. She would not lick her lips. She would not sway. And she would not allow a muscle’s quiver. If she concentrated on the fascinating account, she’d forget the urge to scratch. She was sure of it.
Suzuki closed the worn text and bowed. “I shall continue the history next week when the young student is able to concentrate.” He clamped his lips together.
“Sumimasen,” she apologized, her heart plummeting. She’d kept her eyes cast down and had held perfectly still. How did her tutor know that her mind wandered for a second?
Waiting a week to find out if the three drowned in the sea was disappointing, but worse was this newest failure. Now that she had turned fourteen, the standards for a samurai’s daughter rose impossibly high. In the last lesson, she had left out two phrases from her long recitation. In the lesson before that, Suzuki-sensei scolded her for asking a foolish question about whether women could be samurai in the Western countries. And in the prior weeks? Countless mistakes.
“Perhaps fresh air will improve your mind.” Suzuki’s knees creaked as he rose. “I shall observe your progress with your weapon.” He gestured toward the open panel and walked down the hall leading to her home’s back garden, his slight limp betraying his age of more than sixty years.Following at a respectful distance, Sumi held her breath as they approached the closed panel leading to her grandfather’s room. Would her lapse be reported to the Eldest?
Suzuki hesitated a moment, then walked on, the tatami emitting soft puffs as he crossed them.
She practically tiptoed the rest of the way to the garden.
At Suzuki’s word, she grasped the lacquered black shaft of the naginata, a smooth, long spear ending in a curved steel blade, and then waited for his next order.
“Pick the ripest pear. Not one leaf with it.”
Squinting at the bright sky, she studied the nearby tree. The yellowest pear nestled close to the top on an inner bough. She’d never be able to avoid striking the branch. Yet she had to try.Careful not to entangle a wisp of her long hair, she made a quick thrust at the pear. Amazingly, she hit it, but a twig full of leaves accompanied it into Suzuki’s outstretched hand.
“How many hours did you practice last week?” An icy politeness frosted his words.
“Seven hours. One . . . one each day.” She’d practiced early each morning before the summer heat siphoned her energy, and had endured the chore before breakfast, half-starved.
“Two hours a day this week, and three the next if you do no better. The spear must become an extension of your arm.”
Sumi bowed her assent. At that rate, no pear or branch would be left on the wretched tree. Maybe she could do imaginary battle with leaves instead of fruit, while melting under the sun.
Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?https://elizabethannboyles.com
Thank you, Ann, for sharing this new book with my readers and me. I’m eager to read the rest of the story.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 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
January 1, 2020
My Word for 2020 - A New Year and A New Decade
Anticipation
What do you think of when you hear that word? It means looking forward to any event you know is going to happen. Or it can mean looking forward to believe in something new happening. Actually, to me, it means both things.
2019 has been one of the most difficult years our family has experienced. An unexpected tragedy, three months of dealing with Mohs skin cancer surgeries on James, an electrical problem in the hottest part of summer (no air conditioning in Texas in such a time is hard to deal with), my recent bout with horrible food poisoning, family members sick during the holidays. Things like that.
I've never been depressed, but I came close in the first half of the year. It really affected my ability to write, so no new books out this year.
So why would I feel anticipation? Because in every thing that happened, James and I could see God's hand on our lives. Things that shouldn't have happened for us did. We found God in the trenches with us. He loved on us. He lifted us up. He performed miracles. That's the God we love and serve.
My anticipation is for what I know God is going to do for us this year and for what He's going to do that we haven't imagined.
I pray that your relationship with Jesus will grow in depth and width this year and you can experience new miracles in your lives.
P.S. I will have some new information for you very soon. Keep looking for it.
What do you think of when you hear that word? It means looking forward to any event you know is going to happen. Or it can mean looking forward to believe in something new happening. Actually, to me, it means both things.
2019 has been one of the most difficult years our family has experienced. An unexpected tragedy, three months of dealing with Mohs skin cancer surgeries on James, an electrical problem in the hottest part of summer (no air conditioning in Texas in such a time is hard to deal with), my recent bout with horrible food poisoning, family members sick during the holidays. Things like that.I've never been depressed, but I came close in the first half of the year. It really affected my ability to write, so no new books out this year.
So why would I feel anticipation? Because in every thing that happened, James and I could see God's hand on our lives. Things that shouldn't have happened for us did. We found God in the trenches with us. He loved on us. He lifted us up. He performed miracles. That's the God we love and serve.
My anticipation is for what I know God is going to do for us this year and for what He's going to do that we haven't imagined.
I pray that your relationship with Jesus will grow in depth and width this year and you can experience new miracles in your lives.
P.S. I will have some new information for you very soon. Keep looking for it.
December 30, 2019
DEADLY DIARIES - C E Waterman - One Free Book
Welcome back, C E. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I’ve always loved mysteries. I started with Boxcar Children, then Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, then Agatha Christie. Since I love to read them, it seemed only natural for me to write them.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? When I had my kids and grandkids.
How has being published changed your life? It made me believe that I am a real writer. The fact that someone thought my stories were good enough to put out there into the world has been a true blessing to me. It’s given me confidence to keep going.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading a science fiction book called The Rook. It’s a fun book about people in the government with secret powers.
What is your current work in progress? Another mystery in Pinion Creek, this one involves Tori and her twin sister Libby. There have been two murders, and the twins’ brother has been arrested for the crime.
What would be your dream vacation? We’re actually going to Scotland in the spring. I can’t wait to see the green countryside, and all the things I read about in books.
How do you choose your settings for each book? It’s sound advice to write what you know, so I chose a small town in the mountains of Colorado. I live in Colorado, and I patterned Pinion Creek off a mix between a real town called EstesPark, and a larger city like the one in Denver metro where I live.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Marilyn Hickey. I feel she has so much wisdom to impart, and I could listen to her for hours.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I love to play golf, eat out, and take walks in nature.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Finding time to write is difficult these days with a full time-plus job. It’s hard to switch my brain from the left analytical side that I need for my job to the right creative side. I’m not sure I’ve overcome it yet. Still working on it though!
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Keep learning. Go to every conference you can, read all the writing books you can get your hands on, and keep going even if it seems you aren’t getting anywhere. At the right time, God will bring it to pass if you don’t give up.
Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.
Maggie Schreiber finds her Aunt Esther murdered in the quiet neighborhood of Pinon Heights. In order to deal with her loss, Maggie begins to read Aunt Esther's diaries, but before she gets far, most of the books are stolen. Then, her sister is attacked, and her house is set on fire. At the funeral, Esther's life was celebrated for her generosity and caring, but what was really going on with Aunt Esther? Can Maggie stay alive long enough to protect her sister and discover what secrets the diaries hold?
Please give us the first page of the book.The body rested where she fell, and he stared at her, bile rising in his throat. Why wouldn’t she listen? In the adjoining room, a jagged piece of a china cup sported an unbroken pink rose, smirking up at him, taunting in its simplicity. He ground it under his heel, and wiped the dust on the rug. Everything had to be perfect, nothing could be left here to identify him. He itched to leave, jumping out of his skin, but haste now would prove disastrous.
A thud echoed through the house. He froze, his heartbeat elevating. Was someone upstairs? There couldn’t be. His palms began to sweat. Maybe it came from outside. If someone was up there, they would have peeked down the stairs by now, it was human nature. Which meant they could identify him. With a shaky hand he grabbed a knife, and started for the stairs. Only one way to be sure.
Footsteps tromped on the wooden front porch. He jumped, knocking against a chair. Cursing under his breath, he positioned the knife handle in his closed fist, an extension of his hand. Why hadn’t she told him she was expecting company? The visitor fumbled around until the doorbell rang. Maybe they’d go away. Or if someone was on the floor above, it would draw them out. Either way, he couldn’t risk any witnesses.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My blog, An Encouraging Word can be found at www.cewaterman.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/chriswaterman.547
Thank you, C E, for sharing this book with me and my blog readers. I love reading mysteries and suspense novels, too.
Readers, here are links to the book.Deadly Diaries[image error] - Paperback
Deadly Diaries (Pinion Creek)[image error] - 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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
I’ve always loved mysteries. I started with Boxcar Children, then Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, then Agatha Christie. Since I love to read them, it seemed only natural for me to write them.Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? When I had my kids and grandkids.
How has being published changed your life? It made me believe that I am a real writer. The fact that someone thought my stories were good enough to put out there into the world has been a true blessing to me. It’s given me confidence to keep going.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading a science fiction book called The Rook. It’s a fun book about people in the government with secret powers.
What is your current work in progress? Another mystery in Pinion Creek, this one involves Tori and her twin sister Libby. There have been two murders, and the twins’ brother has been arrested for the crime.
What would be your dream vacation? We’re actually going to Scotland in the spring. I can’t wait to see the green countryside, and all the things I read about in books.
How do you choose your settings for each book? It’s sound advice to write what you know, so I chose a small town in the mountains of Colorado. I live in Colorado, and I patterned Pinion Creek off a mix between a real town called EstesPark, and a larger city like the one in Denver metro where I live.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Marilyn Hickey. I feel she has so much wisdom to impart, and I could listen to her for hours.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I love to play golf, eat out, and take walks in nature.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Finding time to write is difficult these days with a full time-plus job. It’s hard to switch my brain from the left analytical side that I need for my job to the right creative side. I’m not sure I’ve overcome it yet. Still working on it though!
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Keep learning. Go to every conference you can, read all the writing books you can get your hands on, and keep going even if it seems you aren’t getting anywhere. At the right time, God will bring it to pass if you don’t give up.
Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.
Maggie Schreiber finds her Aunt Esther murdered in the quiet neighborhood of Pinon Heights. In order to deal with her loss, Maggie begins to read Aunt Esther's diaries, but before she gets far, most of the books are stolen. Then, her sister is attacked, and her house is set on fire. At the funeral, Esther's life was celebrated for her generosity and caring, but what was really going on with Aunt Esther? Can Maggie stay alive long enough to protect her sister and discover what secrets the diaries hold?Please give us the first page of the book.The body rested where she fell, and he stared at her, bile rising in his throat. Why wouldn’t she listen? In the adjoining room, a jagged piece of a china cup sported an unbroken pink rose, smirking up at him, taunting in its simplicity. He ground it under his heel, and wiped the dust on the rug. Everything had to be perfect, nothing could be left here to identify him. He itched to leave, jumping out of his skin, but haste now would prove disastrous.
A thud echoed through the house. He froze, his heartbeat elevating. Was someone upstairs? There couldn’t be. His palms began to sweat. Maybe it came from outside. If someone was up there, they would have peeked down the stairs by now, it was human nature. Which meant they could identify him. With a shaky hand he grabbed a knife, and started for the stairs. Only one way to be sure.
Footsteps tromped on the wooden front porch. He jumped, knocking against a chair. Cursing under his breath, he positioned the knife handle in his closed fist, an extension of his hand. Why hadn’t she told him she was expecting company? The visitor fumbled around until the doorbell rang. Maybe they’d go away. Or if someone was on the floor above, it would draw them out. Either way, he couldn’t risk any witnesses.
How can readers find you on the Internet? My blog, An Encouraging Word can be found at www.cewaterman.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/chriswaterman.547
Thank you, C E, for sharing this book with me and my blog readers. I love reading mysteries and suspense novels, too.
Readers, here are links to the book.Deadly Diaries[image error] - Paperback
Deadly Diaries (Pinion Creek)[image error] - 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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
December 29, 2019
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.
Connie (KY) is the winner of Call to Love by Mary A Felkins.
Linda (CA) is the winner of The Gingerbread Man of My Dreams by Lisa Crane.
Lourdes (NY) is the winner of Christmas With a Mountain Man by Ellie Hall.
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.
Connie (KY) is the winner of Call to Love by Mary A Felkins.
Linda (CA) is the winner of The Gingerbread Man of My Dreams by Lisa Crane.
Lourdes (NY) is the winner of Christmas With a Mountain Man by Ellie Hall.
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.
December 26, 2019
WHEN VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN - Pat Jeanne Davis - One Free Book
Welcome back, Pat. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
The study of history fascinates me, especially that of the early to mid-20th Century. I write historical inspirational stories that reveal God’s sovereignty in times of global upheaval and during worldwide social change. I attempt to write stories about events in our past in an informative and entertaining manner while staying true to the facts of history. I strive to give my reader a story that reveals God’s overruling providence through all of life’s experiences and that with our confidence in God and submission to His will, we can be hopeful and steadfast in purpose, trusting in the promise from Him that all things work together for good. If my story does not always have a happy ending, it will have a satisfactory one that provides hope for those who commit all to Him.Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?This is a tie. The day I married my husband and the day my first child was born when I was 46 years old.
How has being published changed your life?The work doesn’t stop with finally seeing your book published. In order to promote and market my debut novel, I needed to learn how to be a businesswoman. Also, it has been necessary to become more outgoing and to step up and engage with readers after speaking at historical societies, book signing events at churches, fairs, and at bookstores, sometimes traveling miles from my home to the area in which my novel takes place. To my surprise, I’ve enjoyed being at these events and answering question on the research for my WWII novel and about family members who served in the military during the war.
What are you reading right now? Non-fiction writings on the history and activities of the women’s suffrage movement at the turn of the 20th Century.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing a novel set in Londonand Philadelphia, the city in which I live, during the Progressive Era. 2020 will mark the 100thyear since women were granted the right to vote in all states throughout America. The protagonist in my work in progress is active in the suffrage movement.
Brief Synopsis of To Pursue A Passion: Until that unforgettable day when Marcella Whitney stumbled into the slums of Philadelphiaand witnessed the conditions of newly arrived immigrants, her pursuits and outlook on life resembled those of her mother and sister, both society matrons. After that experience, her priorities changed forever. But would her domineering father give his approval to her entering settlement house work and to her taking up the cause of the women’s right to vote movement? She depends on his financial support and would need his consent. Her intended in a prearranged marriage issues an ultimatum if she pursue this course. Will Cella’s commitment to improving the lives of others forever separate her from her parents and ruin any chance of marriage?
What would be your dream vacation? To stay for 3 weeks in the south of England in a self-catering cottage and travel around.
How do you choose your settings for each book?I select a setting that I’m either familiar with or a place I’ll be able to travel to and get a feel for the location and history behind my story.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Dame Vera Lynn. Whether through singing on stage for the troops or through her recordings and radio broadcasts, Vera boosts the morale of many with her uplifting songs, helping to sustain the people of Britain during those dark days of WWII. The protagonist, Abby, in my WWII novel also has a lovely voice.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? Flower gardening
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?I enjoy most the editing part of writing. The temptation to fix my story as I’m writing is always there. Resisting the urge to do this is a challenge that I’m still working on.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?As a new writer, you may cringe when told by a more advanced writer to rework a paragraph or get rid of a sentence or scene. Carefully consider their suggestions and follow them wherever you feel you can. They only want your story to shine and you to become a better writer. I’m thankful for the numerous critiques from editors and other writers who have helped me to improve my work.
Tell us about the featured book.
When Valleys Bloom Again
is an historical inspirational romance set in WWII. As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England?Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?
Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?
Please give us the first page of the book.London, August 1939Abby Stapleton slumped back in her seat, any glimmer of hope she’d harbored would soon be extinguished. A crystal chandelier jingled in the draft of an open window. She loved this room with its embossed wallpaper and rich tapestries, vibrant with memories of family. How could she leave all this?
Her father folded the newspaper with its glaring headlines, plopped it on the table and parted his lips to speak. Abby forestalled him. “I’m nineteen,” she said, her nerves rubbed raw by the endless squabbles with her parents. Speak low and slow, Abby. “I don’t w-w-want to go.” Her voice, thin and strained, echoed back from the high frescoed ceiling.
“A father can’t ignore his responsibilities,” he said, clasping her hand. “You know Hitler’s taken Austriaand Czechoslovakia. Probably he’ll take Polandnext.” He furrowed his brow. “And when that happens, war with Germany will be unavoidable.” His hand shook, and he sounded as though he’d aged ten years in the space of a few minutes.
Sunlight dispersed through a bay window, washing the brocaded settee on which she and her mother sat with patches of red and gold. Her mother sidled closer and stroked Abby’s arm, her face taut and pale. “Do as your father says, dear. There are sandbags and barrage balloons everywhere, and gas masks are being handed out.”
Still determined to speak her mind before it was too late, Abby shut her eyes in a silent prayer. Lord, help me to keep my temper. She released her hand from her father’s. “I sh-sh-should be able to decide for myself w-w-whether I want to leave.” Now of all times when she needed eloquence, this accursed stammer bound her up tight.
Her father leaned forward and ran his fingers through his hair as though engaged in a last-minute tussle with this dilemma. As a senior diplomat in the British Foreign Office, he was privy to the realities behind the rumors of war. If anyone foresaw the hazards facing England, he did. With a pang of regret, Abby noted how weary he looked.
Then with a quick nod of finality—“Right, it’s settled,” he said, tapping his finger on the side table. “It will be safer for you in the States.”
When Valleys Bloom Again can be purchased here:https://www.amazon.com/Valleys-Bloom-Again-Jeanne-Davis/dp/1948888920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=154
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-valleys-bloom-again-pat-jeanne-davis/1130351044?ean=9781948888929
How can readers find you on the Internet? Social Media:Website: https://www.patjeannedavis.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43600391-when-valleys-bloom-again?from_search=true Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/patjeannedavis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-jeanne-davis-34290422/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/patjeannedavis/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-valleys-bloom-again-by-pat-jeanne-davis
Lena, I appreciate this opportunity to once again be a guest on your blog.
And I’m happy to feature you today.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. A print book inside the US, an ebook is the winner is outside the US. 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
December 23, 2019
HIGH DECEIT - CE Waterman - One Free Book
Welcome, CE. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I try to separate myself from my characters, but I haven’t been completely successful. It’s a goal to write characters that can be differentiated by the way they speak, even before you know who’s talking, but I haven’t quite accomplished it.
That is hard to do, but I’m also trying to perfect this, too. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I asked my brother if it was possible to kill someone with exhaust fumes while they were driving. There was a pause at the other end of the phone, and he said “Uh…Chris?”
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I was in my early thirties. I’ve always loved to read, and many times I would say, “This would be great if they would have just ….” Then one day I decided to try it. It’s not as easy as it looks!
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I’m an eclectic reader, so I like most genres. I love mysteries, of course! But I also like thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and good general fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Not well, I’m afraid. Nobody ever said you have to be sane, did they? Is it a prerequisite for a writer? If so, I might be in trouble.
Actually, I think too much sanity will ruin a good writer. How do you choose your characters’ names? I use the internet or a baby names book. I keep a list so I don’t use too many names with the same first initial, as that can be confusing, and I try to avoid using names of people I know. Unfortunately, I’ll be half way through the book and meet someone with the first name of my heroine!
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Getting published. It’s probably easy for some people, but it was a long process for me, with a lot of study and learning involved.
It’s hard for most people. It took me 8 years before my first book was published. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I would be a bird. I would love to fly in that beautiful blue sky and look down on the beauty of God’s creation.
What is your favorite food? I love pasta. No wait, chocolate, or Mexican, or…
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? It scared me to think of other people reading it. I wanted them to, but sometimes it would nearly paralyze me. I ended up writing for me, and not letting what someone else might think worry me.
Tell us about the featured book.
High Deceit
is about a woman whose husband has been shot in the line of duty. She then finds out he is a suspect in the murder of a young woman. Someone tries to kill him while in the hospital, and she must find out who they are before they succeed.
Please give us the first page of the book.Cindy Carroll crept to the back entrance of the warehouse, grateful early morning darkness still covered her. The door squeaked a little, and she froze, holding her breath.
“Are you going to tell me why we had to show up here in the middle of the night?” The male voice increased as he and his friend drew closer.
“Yeah, the boss explained his whole plan to me over coffee and a pastry.”
“Funny, Lou.” The first man laughed.
Cindy released her breath and tiptoed toward the stairs. Moonlight streaming through high windows revealed broken glass and clutter waiting to scream her presence to the drug dealers outside.
On the mezzanine, she settled into deep shadows behind a rotting wooden banister. Something whispered at her shoulder. She stifled a shriek and swatted at it. A cobweb stuck to her fingers, and she wiped them on her jeans. The back door squeaked again, louder this time. A click produced a dim glow from a bulb dangling over the heads of the two men she’d slipped past in the parking lot. She backed a little and tried not to breathe as they moved into her line of sight. A large dark-haired man carried a black briefcase. His friend brushed something off his shoulder with a flick of his wrist. The hint of a cufflink...
How can readers find you on the Internet? My blog, An Encouraging Word, can be found at www.cewaterman.com .Facebook – www.facebook.com/chriswaterman.547
Thank you, CE, for sharing the book with me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read the rest of the story.
Readers, here are links to the book.High Deceit[image error] - Paperback
High Deceit (Pinion Creek)[image error] - 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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
I try to separate myself from my characters, but I haven’t been completely successful. It’s a goal to write characters that can be differentiated by the way they speak, even before you know who’s talking, but I haven’t quite accomplished it.That is hard to do, but I’m also trying to perfect this, too. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I asked my brother if it was possible to kill someone with exhaust fumes while they were driving. There was a pause at the other end of the phone, and he said “Uh…Chris?”
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I was in my early thirties. I’ve always loved to read, and many times I would say, “This would be great if they would have just ….” Then one day I decided to try it. It’s not as easy as it looks!
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I’m an eclectic reader, so I like most genres. I love mysteries, of course! But I also like thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and good general fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Not well, I’m afraid. Nobody ever said you have to be sane, did they? Is it a prerequisite for a writer? If so, I might be in trouble.
Actually, I think too much sanity will ruin a good writer. How do you choose your characters’ names? I use the internet or a baby names book. I keep a list so I don’t use too many names with the same first initial, as that can be confusing, and I try to avoid using names of people I know. Unfortunately, I’ll be half way through the book and meet someone with the first name of my heroine!
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Getting published. It’s probably easy for some people, but it was a long process for me, with a lot of study and learning involved.
It’s hard for most people. It took me 8 years before my first book was published. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I would be a bird. I would love to fly in that beautiful blue sky and look down on the beauty of God’s creation.
What is your favorite food? I love pasta. No wait, chocolate, or Mexican, or…
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? It scared me to think of other people reading it. I wanted them to, but sometimes it would nearly paralyze me. I ended up writing for me, and not letting what someone else might think worry me.
Tell us about the featured book.
High Deceit
is about a woman whose husband has been shot in the line of duty. She then finds out he is a suspect in the murder of a young woman. Someone tries to kill him while in the hospital, and she must find out who they are before they succeed.Please give us the first page of the book.Cindy Carroll crept to the back entrance of the warehouse, grateful early morning darkness still covered her. The door squeaked a little, and she froze, holding her breath.
“Are you going to tell me why we had to show up here in the middle of the night?” The male voice increased as he and his friend drew closer.
“Yeah, the boss explained his whole plan to me over coffee and a pastry.”
“Funny, Lou.” The first man laughed.
Cindy released her breath and tiptoed toward the stairs. Moonlight streaming through high windows revealed broken glass and clutter waiting to scream her presence to the drug dealers outside.
On the mezzanine, she settled into deep shadows behind a rotting wooden banister. Something whispered at her shoulder. She stifled a shriek and swatted at it. A cobweb stuck to her fingers, and she wiped them on her jeans. The back door squeaked again, louder this time. A click produced a dim glow from a bulb dangling over the heads of the two men she’d slipped past in the parking lot. She backed a little and tried not to breathe as they moved into her line of sight. A large dark-haired man carried a black briefcase. His friend brushed something off his shoulder with a flick of his wrist. The hint of a cufflink...
How can readers find you on the Internet? My blog, An Encouraging Word, can be found at www.cewaterman.com .Facebook – www.facebook.com/chriswaterman.547
Thank you, CE, for sharing the book with me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read the rest of the story.
Readers, here are links to the book.High Deceit[image error] - Paperback
High Deceit (Pinion Creek)[image error] - 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:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
