Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 8
January 1, 2024
WINNERS
Dear Readers, I'm back at work. We have 2 free books that haven't been given away. I'll start with that.
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Brenda (MS) is the winner of A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson.
Anne (NM) is the winner of The Woman From Lydia by Angela Hunt.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
December 27, 2023
ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS
Dear Readers,
Since I lost my husband in the middle of October, the holidays have been hard. I believe I'm through the hardest part now. I'm walking God's peace. The blog will be up and running again starting next week. Thank you for allowing me this time to grieve. I hope you'll start the new year with me.
I love all of you.
Lena Nelson Dooley
December 4, 2023
AS PROMISED - NEW EDITIONS RELEASED TODAY
All 4 of my Love's Road Home series published by Wild Heart books released today with new editions containing bonus content.
They'll be in Amazon's Kindle Unlimited library again!
If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, even if you purchased the first edition, it would be so helpful for us if you download the book as one of your free borrows. Flip through it to see the new parts!We're working to really give these new editions a great start, so any way you can help would be fantastic!
Each of our readers is important to us. Please share this information with your reader friends. Thank you SO much for your support!
Here are the links for each book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNSD55P6
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTWSYPM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTXK8XQ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTWQJNR
Other Wild Hearts books also recently rereleased. New books will be added to this list as as they are rereleased. Be sure to save this universal link so you can find them:
November 22, 2023
ABOUT MY NEW EDITION BOOKS
The new-edition books that were supposed to release this week will release in December. I will upload the links as soon as they are available.
November 17, 2023
New Editions with more content release Monday, November 20 FREE in KU
Is a marriage of convenience the answer?
Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he's building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn't plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he'll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.
When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she'll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.
A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.
Accepting an ad for a mail-order bride was supposed to solve her problems.
It's 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when Jeremiah Dennison's good friend and mentor finds himself in need of a nurse, Philip places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite Jeremiah’s protests.
Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. What she finds in Golden is nothing like what she expected, especially not Philip, her expected husband-to-be.
But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden…and tarnish her character beyond redemption.
A single lawyer whose clients think he needs a wife. A woman who needs
a forever home...or a forever family...or a forever love.
Although Traesa Killdare is a grown woman now, the discovery that her adoption wasn’t finalized sends her reeling. Especially when her beloved grandmother dies and the only siblings she’s ever known exile her from the family property without a penny to her name.
Wilson Pollard works hard for the best interest of his law clients, even those who think a marriage would make him more “suitable” in his career. And when the beloved granddaughter of a recently deceased client comes to him for help, he knows he must do whatever necessary to make her situation better.
As each of their circumstances worsen, a marriage of convenience seems the only answer for both. Traesa can’t help but fall for her new husband—the man who’s given her both his home and his name. But what will it take for Wilson to realize he loves her? Will a not-so-natural disaster open his eyes and heart?
He’s been tasked to protect her, but his heart has become far too involved.
Angelina de la Fuente Delgado, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is on her way home from a trip to Spain when her ship is attacked by pirates. The brigands capture her and her aunt and steal all the merchandise on the ship. After forcing most of the crew to walk the plank, they sink the vessel into the Atlantic.
Brian O'Doule was sent by Angelina’s father to protect her, but keeping her safe among the dangers of the sea is as hard as concealing his love that’s been growing for years. When they’re kidnapped by pirates, he does everything in his power to protect the women and to find a way for them all to escape. Will Angelina ever see her home and her beloved father again? Or will she be forced to marry the fierce pirate captain?
November 6, 2023
FREE BOOKS THIS WEEK
Dear Blog Readers,
I'm very sorry that I haven't posted since October 17, the day my husband went to his heavenly home. I miss him a lot. Tomorrow would have been our 59th anniversary. I can't wish him back, because he was so sick the last few weeks.
Because of missing the last three weeks, here are three books that are free on Kindle Unlimited.
Maggie's Journey
A girl who’s been lied to her whole life...
Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones who raised her.
Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn’t fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.
When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?
Esther's Temptation
Saddle weary, former deputy US Marshal Jac Andrews rides into Denton, Texas. He’d hunted a swindler and his daughter—or identical twin daughters if Jac is right—and he feels he finally has caught up with this criminal gang. Unfortunately, He is immediately distracted by the lovely redhead, Esther Brians.
Esther, feeling like an old maid surrounded by all her close friends who are happy married couples, is drawn to the intense gaze, blue as the Texas sky, of an unknown cowboy. But several things cause her to become wary of his intentions—and his spiritual well-being.
Has this unsaved lawman captured Esther’s heart or will the Lord deliver her from the temptation of Jac’s presence?
What will it take for Jac to win this lovely lady and become Esther’s husband?
Mary's Blessing
When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands. As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery.
Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
October 17, 2023
THE WOMAN FROM LYDIA - Angela Hunt - One Free Book
Bio:Angela Huntis a New York Times bestselling author of more than 150 published books,with nearly 6 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Angela’s novels havewon or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPAChristian Book Award, and the Holt Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWordMagazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of aLifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic TimesBook Club and ACFW. Angela holds a doctorate in biblical studies and another intheology. She and her husband make their home in Florida. Learn more atAngelaHunt.com.Withnearly 6 million copies sold worldwide, AngelaHunt sets the gold standard for writing breathtaking biblical fiction.Transporting readers of faith back to the fledgling days of Christianity, Huntdraws from in-depth historical research and brilliant storytelling skill inlaunching her new series, THE EMISSARIES. Following members of the NewTestament church in the Gentile cities of Philippi, Corinth, and Rome, Hunt’sdeep dive into the perilous days of the early Church amid a hostile paganculture will thrillfans of Francine River’s MARK OF THE LION series.
Aboutthe story: InThe Woman from Lydia, book one in THE EMISSARIES series, widowed Euodiaseeks to make a fresh start by moving to the foreign city of Philippi. Shefinds new purpose after meeting Paulos, apostle to the Gentiles, who opens hereyes to helping those in need, particularly women and those who have beenenslaved.
RetiredRoman soldier Hector has settled in Philippi with dreams of a future filledwith wealth and status, pooling his army earnings with Lucius, his fellowcomrade in arms turned business partner. His hopes are dashed, however, whenPaulos robs their youngest slave of her lucrativeability to foretell the future, rendering her worthless to Hector’s ambition. WhenEuodia becomes aware that Sabina is being mistreated, she buys Sabina fromLucius, intending to set the girl free. But when Hector claims the sale was notlegitimate, he takes Sabina back and vowshe’ll find someone to restore her valuable “gift,” even if he must travel tothe ends of the earth to do so. Following close behind him, Euodia and herservants set out to rescue Sabina, not for gain but to free her forever.
Canyou tell us a little about your new novel The Woman from Lydia, book onein THE EMISSARIESseries?
AngelaHunt: The first novel in this new series focuses on the women mentioned in Actsas Lydia,the first European convert to Christianity. I loved investigating her story andhad several questionsabout what happened to the slave girl who had been freed from demon possession.
Whatinspired the idea behind a series focusing on major Gentile cities in the Roman Empire?
AH:After writing eight novels centered on the Jews, I was eager to explore how theadvent of theMessiah affected the Gentiles of the first century. The Woman from Lydia gaveme a wonderfulopportunity to do that.
Howis this series different from other biblically based novels you’ve written?
AH:Most biblical stories focus on the Jews—as is only natural—but Yeshua came tosave the world,including Gentiles. This series allows me the opportunity to look at how Yeshua disrupteda pagan society, one that’s not too far removed from the world we live intoday.
Thewoman from Lydia is more of a background character in the events of the New Testament.Why did you think her story worth telling?AH:First, she is a woman and yet she’s the first recorded Christian in Europe, andthat’s remarkable.Second, she ran her own business, hosted the Corinthian church in her home, and wasa pillar of the early Church—talk about being an example for us to emulate! Shewas amazing.
Holdingtwo doctorates on the subject, you know quite a bit about the history of the Christianfaith. What do you think readers should know about this period in history whereyour new series is set?
AH:I’ve always felt that Gentle Christians, including myself, have done ourselvesa disservice bynot learning all we can about the Jews of this period. So much of the OldTestament, the prophets,and even the Intertestamental Period are important when we consider Jesus the Messiah.Moreover, we must honor those brave Gentiles who brought the gospel message tothe paganworld of Rome, long before Christianity was an established and “respectable”religion. WeChristians in the twenty-first century should be inspired by their examples ofcourage and dedication.
Whatlessons can the lives and experiences of early believers teach modernChristians today?
AH:The early believers spoke up when it was right to do so, despite threats totheir lives, their wealth,and their reputations. They stood against the tide of public opinion andbravely obeyed a Godthey had not known in childhood or even in their culture. But theemissaries—the disciples andapostles Yeshua sent out—carried the light of the gospel into their dark world,and they willinglyreceived it, sometimes at great cost to themselves.
Whatled you to pursue degrees in biblical studies and theology?
AH:Two things: First, I love learning, and theology really is the Queen ofSciences. Without knowingGod, none of the other sciences make sense. Second, I feel a greatresponsibility to “getit right” in my novels. I don’t want to stand before Jesus and learn that Imade a theological mistakethat misled someone.
Doyou think it’s important for believers to be well versed in the history oftheir faith?
AH:I think it’s important to know history, but more important than knowing datesand names andfacts is being able to take the lessons of history and apply it to our lives.What happened to thefathers will happen to the sons, and we will face the same temptations, trials,and situations thosepeople faced—even more so as the days grow short.
Whatare you working on next?
AH:I’m currently writing book two in THE EMISSARIES series, I’ve just written apassion play for a group of believers in Memphis, and I’m excited about anAdvent devotional coming out in the fall of 2023. I’ve learned so much aboutthe historical basis of Christmas, and I can’t wait to share the waythings really were and the amazing miracle of the Messiah’s birth.
Howcan readers connect with you?
AH:My website (www.angelahuntbooks.com) has a contact page that sends emailsstraight to myinbox. I love hearing from readers and am grateful for each email.
Thankyou for sharing The Woman from Lydia with us.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
Ifyou’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, X (Twitter), Linkedin,or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to beincluded in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 16, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Caryl (TX) is the winner of Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
October 12, 2023
A ROYAL CHRISTMAS - Melody Carlson - One Free Book
Bio: Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with salesof more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, youngadult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times CareerAchievement Award, and her novel All Summer Long has been madeinto a Hallmark movie. The movie based on her novel The Happy Camperpremiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learnmore at www.MelodyCarlson.com .With over 7.5 million copies sold, Melody Carlson’s emotive andcharming tales have captured the hearts of many fans. Her writing is at itsfinest in her newest release, A Royal Christmas—a story ofintrigue, mystery, and romance. The fictional setting of Montovia provides apicturesque backdrop for unraveling a twisted plot and unexpectedly falling inlove. A Royal Christmas is sure to excite and prepare readers forthe festivities and benevolence of the Christmas season.
Aboutthe story: Hardworking, dedicated law student Adelaide Smith could never have guessedthe shocking truth about her unknown, absent father—he’s a royal. In addition,his brother Farcus, the current heir to the throne, has inexplicably gonemissing. Adelaide has suddenly become an heir to the throne of the European principalityof Montovia.
Intrigued,Adelaide is persuaded to take a Christmas break trip to meet her family inMontovia. What she discovers on the other side of the ocean is nothing likewhat she expected. Power struggles, plotting, and poverty are around everycorner. Suspicions quickly arise concerning the whereabouts of Farcus and themotivations of the king’s only stepson, Georg. Is Georg’s warm welcome ofAdelaide genuine or an attempt to woo her into compliance? And what of thehandsome member of Parliament working with Adelaide to unwind the mysteries andhelp the poor?
In the weeksleading up to Christmas, Adelaide must decipher the past, grasp the present,and determine her future. With her law degree waiting on the other side of theAtlantic, will she return to the States or embrace the new life before her? Andwill she find lasting love in Montovia?
Please provide a brief summary of ARoyal Christmas? Adelaide Smith, a hardworking law student, isdiscovered to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the dying ruler ofa small European principality. Her deceased mother never spoke of her absentfather, but the puzzle pieces fit. Adelaide accepts the king’s invitation tovisit and travels to Montovia during the Christmas season. Immediatelybefriended by Anton Balazs, Adelaide is swept into an old-fashioned worldfilled with family mysteries, royal jealousies, and the possibility of a fairy-taleromance.
What sets this Christmas story apart from theother novels you have written? I’ve never written a Christmas novella about royals before. Ienjoyed creating a fictional kingdom and country, as well as some differentcircumstances from my other novellas.
When you started writing this story, did youknow how it would end for Adelaide? I actually wasn’t sure how it would end. I had the samequestions as Adelaide: Which way will this go? What will be for the best—forher as well as the kingdom?
This story is set in the fictional country ofMontovia. How did you come up with the setting for your novel? I was thinking of a tiny country like Liechtensteinor Luxembourg (where I spent a little time many years ago). I wanted something independentbut with German influence. And since I live in the mountains, I thought thatwould be fun and picturesque.What inspired the character growth inAdelaide’s mother? We don’t really get toknow Adelaide’s mother, Susan, too well since she is deceased, but Adelaidegets to know other facets of her mother as she explores her own heritage. Shelearns that Susan rejected wealth and title for principles and that shereturned to nursing school in order to raise her child on her own, with no helpfrom the paternal parent, who was wealthy.
What are some of the underlying themesin A Royal Christmas? The challenges of a single parent, loss and grief,self-reliance, loyalty, friendship, and caring about those who are lessfortunate.
Your books are well-known for their romance.Can you describe the romance that takes place in A Royal Christmas?It’s complicatedbecause Adelaide is a “foreigner” in a kingdom that perceives her as heir tothe throne. Although she’s attracted to Anton Balazs, she isn’t sure she plansto remain in Montovia. What about her law career? Anton’s very involved inMontovian government; would he give that up for her? Will true love prevail alltheir challenges?
What do you hope readers will gain from reading ARoyal Christmas? As always, I hopethey’ll be entertained and encouraged—and transported to another place. I hopeit will put them in a Christmassy frame of mind of peace on earth and goodwilltoward humankind.
Is this your first novel depicting royalty? It’s my first adult novel with that theme. Iself-published a pair of YA novels years ago that will rerelease later thisyear with WhiteFire. Those books are about twin princesses who face someinteresting challenges—but they are more fairy-talelike stories.
What are you working on next? I just finished next year’s novel (Spring2024) called Just for the Summer. It’s about two women who are unhappywith their hotel management careers and decide to participate in a job swapthat takes them to completely different places—a boutique city hotel traded foran old-fashioned fishing lodge. Fun!
Where can readers purchase a copy of ARoyal Christmas? Hopefullyat their favorite bookstore (ask for it!) or online stores like BakerPublishingGroup.com,ChristianBook.com, Barnes&Noble.com, etc.
How can readers connect with you? I’m on Facebook, and my website is MelodyCarlson.com.Or readers can email me at MelodyCarlsonBooks@Gmail.com
Thank you for sharing this book withmy blog readers and me. I love your writing and royal books.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, X formerly LinkedIn, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 11, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Teresa (SC) is the winner of Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
