Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 81

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.

Cindy (KS) is the winner of  Lord of Her Heart   by Sherrinda Ketchersid.

Melissa (TN) is the winner of  Jubilee   by Katy Pistole.

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.

THE GREAT LAKES LIGHTHOUSE BRIDES - Lena Nelson Dooley and others - One Free Book

I’m Lena Nelson Dooley, author of The Disappearing Ship, in The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides novella collection.
Here’s the blurb for my book:
The Disappearing Ship by Lena Nelson Dooley
1902—Whitefish Point Lighthouse
Romance and mystery collide at Whitefish Point Lighthouse when unemployed doctor Norma Kimbell and Drake Logan, owner of a steamship line, search for evidence of a supposed shipwreck.

Here’s a peek at the first page:1902, Upper MichiganEarly SummerDefeated.
The word drummed through Norma Kimbell’s head as she gazed out at the pine forest rushing by the window in a blur. Riding the train always felt as if life were passing her by without noticing her. Despondency clung to her weighing her down like the heavy woolen robe, packed in her trunk in the baggage car, did in the long winter months. Sometimes they went for days without seeing even a peek of the sun.
That’s what she needed right now, to know the sun was shining on her. But how could she believe it? She had failed at the only thing she ever wanted to do with her life. Papa had encouraged her to follow her heart.
After Papa died, she’d spent several years living at the Whitefish Point lighthouse station with her uncle and aunt. Because of her inheritance, she’d been able to pursue her dreams. Dreams of being a doctor. She knew it would be hard, but some medical schools accepted a woman or two, and she’d enrolled.
When she graduated at the top of her class, Uncle Charles contacted a friend, who was a doctor in a needy area of Chicago. He’d agreed she could be a part of his practice. After all, he’d needed all the help he could get. But now she was returning to Whitefish Point a complete failure.




Have you ever been to any of the Great Lakes? If so, which one(s)? Did you enjoy visiting there?

Have you ever been in a lighthouse? If so, tell us about it.
I would really love for you to follow my author page on Book Bub. All my new books will be announced through Book Bub when they release.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lena-nelson-dooley


Here’s the scene where the heroine first became aware of the hero:
Norma was up bright and early to board the packet boat that would take her to Shelldrake. With any luck, she’d arrive in enough time to get a freight wagon or farmer to take her the rest of the way home. She didn’t want to leave her luggage unguarded at the coastal town. She didn’t know anyone there, and the area had plenty of poor people. She’d seen enough in Chicago to know that desperate people would sometimes resort to stealing to get enough food to feed their families.

As she sat on the edge of one of her two trunks, she noticed a man pacing on deck. With his hands clasped tight behind him, worry wrinkled his brow, and his eyes scanned across the water as if trying to see what was on shore. Then he turned his attention to the open water side of the packet.
She liked watching people and trying to figure out what was going on with them. This man was an easy read. He had to be really concerned about something important. She hoped he wasn’t carrying as heavy a burden as she was. Her life was a mess, and her bright future had dimmed. She tried in vain to put together an explanation for Uncle Charles that would keep him from knowing how hurt she was.
Even though she wouldn’t please her uncle, she looked forward to feeling her aunt’s warm hug. Auntie never seemed disappointed with Norma, no matter what happened. Her aunt was the closest thing to a mother Norma had these last few years. Her hugs felt almost as strong as those her mother had given her when she was younger. The memories filled her eyes with tears.

Norma glanced up when the pacing man stopped beside the ship’s railing in front of her. She could tell from the way he stood with his feet wide apart and his arms folded across his chest that he wasn’t aware of her nestled in the shadow of the captain’s cabin, where the cold breeze off the lake didn’t reach.
From her vantage point, she watched him without him seeing her. By the clothes he wore, he must be a man of business. He turned his face straight into the strong breeze that gave his cheeks a ruddy hue. With his hands clenched tight, his muscles rippled, straining against the confines of premium wool.
His eyes seemed to take in everything outside the boat, but not what was on deck behind him. A fine specimen of a man, with muscles bulging against the stretched fabric of his clothing.

Norma tore her gaze away from him before someone else on the boat noticed how closely she studied him. For a moment, she whispered a prayer for the man and his problems. Those words pushed her wayward thoughts from her mind.
As always with our blog posts, there will be a free book for one winner .
Readers, here is a link to the book.https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Lighthouse-Brides-Collection-ebook/dp/B07D8GNHBF/
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  

BEAUTY FOR ASHES - Kathleen Neely - One Free Book

Welcome, Kathleen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.I don’t write myself into my characters, at least not intentionally. I like to include some diversity and try to make that authentic. In The Street Singer, Adda had a distinct voice that matched her life circumstances. In Beauty for Ashes , Angelina is of Puerta Rican descent. I wanted to write her authentically.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I arranged a flash mob for students. The movie, Frozen, was on every kid’s mind. Teachers were circulating the lunchroom. We started the music and one teacher stood on a bench and began to sing. One by one, we joined in, dancing with scarves and singing to wide-eyed, delighted students. I can’t say it went viral, but it received a lot of hits.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?That’s a hard question. I was a closet writer for many years. I began a novel that I would pull out from time to time. I worked as an elementary principal and had three sons at home. That didn’t allow writing time. When I made the decision to retire from a job that I loved a few years earlier than planned, I knew I needed something positive in my life. That’s when I became serious about writing. I think I discovered that I’m a writer when I realized that people actually liked what I wrote.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I love Christian fiction as well as clean reads from the general market. I write contemporary, but also love historic. I’m partial to books with multi-generational friendships, ethnic differences, and time slip novels. I read mystery, suspense, and love to find legal scenarios. I’m not a huge fan of speculative fiction, but will occasionally read it. I do admire the creative imagination of those who write spec fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?My run, run, run world has slowed down considerably. I retired early with Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a slower downer. My life is busy, but not hectic. I write, exercise, and keep up with friends. My body tells me when it needs to rest. Seven years since my diagnosis, I’m doing well. I’m certain that’s because I’m committed to stay as stress-free as I can.
Good for you. How do you choose your characters’ names?I think a long time when choosing main character names. For example, in Beauty for Ashes , I wanted a sophisticated male name, someone born in an upper socio culture. I chose the name Grant. It felt like a fit. For his rival, I wanted someone unpretentious and down to earth. That gave birth to Rusty. I look up character names to make sure I’m not creating a name with a known association. That served me well once when I discovered that the name I had considered was actually a high-profile murder victim. I switched that name quickly. I do have a character with a somewhat famous name. Scott Harrington was deep-rooted in the novel that stayed hidden for many years. Once it was contracted, I learned that it’s the name of an NHL hockey player. Well, at least my Scott Harrington is a good guy.
Secondary characters are easier. I can have a little fun with those. Beauty for Ashes contains the names of my three sons—Brian, Stephen, and Darren. The characters are so minor, you could miss them. A main character in my novel, The Least of These, has neighbors named Molly, Jan, and Rebecca. Three of my friends became Claire’s friends. They were delighted to learn that they were part of my novel.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?I taught elementary school, and at my principal’s suggestion and encouragement, I took classes to get my principal certification. Then I moved into administration. While I loved my job, I think I’m most proud of my teaching years. I believe that we know when we do something well, and for me, that was teaching. I still have students who keep in touch with me. It humbles me knowing that God allowed me to be a small part of shaping their future.
I know what you mean. I was a church children’s choir director for decades. Seeing my children grow up and become worship leaders and some even professional musicians and yet staying in contact with me has been such a blessing. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I think I’d be a cat. They do things their way. They can be aloof one minute, then loving the next. My sweet, bobtail cat named Murphy stretches out on the footrest of my recliner, and purrs contentedly. That’s how I feel when evening comes and I relax. Cats are mischievous and playful. They can be curled up lazily, then dart to chase after something that catches their eye. They take you by surprise—sort of like a flash mob!
James and I were part of a Christmas flash mob in a mall one year. It was fun to see the reactions of the people. What is your favorite food? My favorite pick from a nearby restaurant is cod imperial—a delicious hunk of cod stuffed with yummy crabs and seafood. Ice cream is my sweet tooth weakness.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?Remember that novel that I worked on for eighteen years? I was still on chapter five. I continued to rewrite it. Even when I committed my retirement to writing it, I couldn’t get past the first ten chapters. A wise author from my writing group encouraged to me to finish it. Don’t worry about every detail. Don’t continue editing. Just get the story on paper. That’s what I did and was met with a huge sense of accomplishment. Obviously, it needed lots of editing and sensory embellishment, but I had a completed story.   Tell us about the featured book. Beauty for Ashes started thematically. I finished reading Water from My Heart, an amazing novel by Charles Martin. It stayed on my mind for a long time. I knew I wanted to write something with a similar theme—seeing the far-reaching consequences of actions, living with devastating guilt, holding a secret deep inside, and falling in love too close to the hidden truth. I played with scenarios in my mind and chose the one that became Beauty for Ashes . It’s not Charles Martin’s story. The plot differs, the characters are different, the setting’s different. But it carries similarities in theme.
Please give us the first page of the book.PrologueJanuary 1, 2006 Heaviness pressed down upon him. Nathan tried to open his eyes, but as a sliver of light penetrated his eyelids, pain exploded in his head. He hooked his arm around the pillow and pulled it to block the light. He ran a hand over the wrinkled sheets and risked opening his eyes.
He was in his own bed, fully clothed, still wearing shoes. A leaden feeling held him there, his own weight too heavy to lift. A glimpse at his alarm clock showed eleven fifteen in red lights. Sunshine forced its way through the window, and dust particles danced in the sunbeam, telling him it was morning. 
Fragments of memory surfaced. Music. Pulsations rocked the truck at deafening decibels. Sam’s singing. Blinding lights moving in concentric circles and changing directions. Nathan wedged his foot free of the covers and then forced his legs off the side of the bed. Once he managed a sitting position, his stomach rebelled. He remembered something else—something red in his foggy brain. A swift image ripped through his head. A spinning top. No, that wasn’t right. It wasn’t a toy. A car! A red car—brakes screeching as it spun and twirled before crashing into a pole. 
His mouth watered and his throat filled with bitter acid. He wouldn’t make it to the bathroom. He grabbed the trashcan as his stomach lost the battle. 
How can readers find you on the Internet?Website – www.KathleenNeely.com Facebook– www.facebook.com/kathy.neely.98Twitter- https://twitter.com/NeelyKneely3628The best way to reach me is through my website: www.KathleenNeely.com .You’ll find links to my social media and a contact link.
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it.
Print - https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Ashes-Kathleen-Neely/dp/1522301976/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TCXTIGU2YYWY&keywords=beauty+for+ashes+by+kathleen+neely&qid=1559780776&s=gateway&sprefix=Beauty+for+Ashes+by+%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1

Kindle -https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Ashes-Kathleen-Neely-ebook/dp/B07PTNFF5C/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1559780776&sr=8-1 

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

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.

Beth (IA) is the winner of  I Am My Beloved   by Caryl McAdoo.

Vivian (OR) is the winner of  The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride   by Elle E Kay.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of M indfire   by Allen Steadham.

Brenda (MS) is the winner of  The Pages of her Life   by James L Rubart.  

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.

JUBILEE - Katy Pistole - One Free Book

Welcome, Katy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.My characters usually reflect some part of me, either through their beliefs or struggles or both. My latest character is a man and I wondered how I would relate to him, but I have had several men tell me that apart from my name (Katy) they would have assumed Jubilee was written by a man. I felt complimented by that. My other characters are easier to identify as mine. They are horse-loving girls.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?I have very long hair. One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to fashion my hair into a Christmas tree. I use a two-liter soda bottle, wrap my hair around it and fasten it at the top with a rubber band. Then I decorate the three-foot tower with lights, tiny ornaments, and tinsel. I love to make people laugh, and this does the trick.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?When I was three years old, I wrote a little book about a turtle. The title was The Turtle. I still have that book. I don’t know if I wrote that thinking I would grow up and write books, but I have always loved words. My mother is a teacher and I learned to read at a very young age. I was one of those girls who could curl up with a book for a whole weekend.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I love to read anything that contains Truth. Fiction, theology, soul-care, if it illuminates Truth, I like it. As a counselor I often read books I want to share with my clients so I’m always on the lookout for a cover with meaty words in between.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I remember that Jesus is the only source of Life and when things get crazy (and they do) I can always choose Him. Sometimes I forget and then things get really crazy, but He even uses those times to draw me back into this Truth. I am in Him and He is in me. There is nothing that can occur that He has not already seen and made perfect provision for. This Truth is my only source of sanity.
Very well said. How do you choose your characters’ names?That is a great question! I often choose names knowing I’ll change them later. Sometimes a character shows up in my heart with such a strong presence I know his or her name immediately. Clay Westin (from Jubilee ) was one of those names. I like my names to carry significance.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?In my writing life, am most proud of finishing and publishing Jubilee The Love Story. This story haunted me, while I wrote it, and then for years afterwards as I searched for a publisher. The last four years have been very painful and to have God provide the avenue for publication that He did feels amazing. In my personal life, my proudest accomplishments are my two wonderful children. They are adults now and they inspire me every day. I just watch them, breathless with wonder.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?Oh, that’s easy. A horse. The horse is the most mentioned animal in the Bible. Even more than lamb or sheep or lion. I am convinced that God gave us horses as a magnificent metaphor for relationship. For me personally, I gravitate more toward horses than sheep, but the two creatures have many similarities. Eighty percent of girls identify the horse as their favorite animal. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I think God created the horse to show us another aspect of His heart.
What is your favorite food?Chocolate. In any form.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?My greatest roadblock with writing, and with life in general, is other peoples’ opinions of me. I sometimes struggle with what others might say, think, or believe about me, based on my words, written or spoken. This creates fear that often paralyzes me. Jesus has really helped me see the level of influence I sometimes give others. He has also helped me connect the anxiety and pain that comes out of that choice. More and more, I am able to recognize the choice. Jesus as my influencer, or someone else. I choose Life.
Tell us about the featured book. I wrote Jubilee in 2004, hardly able to keep up with the movie in my head and heart. It literally took my breath away. I struggled with some of the time frame aspects, I struggled with the real-life pain aspects, but I could not stop writing it. I pitched it to my editor, and he loved the concept but had trouble with some of the outside-the-box images. In 2011, I entered Jubilee in the Genesis Contest and it won the Contemporary Fiction category. I was over the moon, and someone from a large publishing house wanted it, but it never made it to his desk. The complicated series of events that prevented his receiving it seemed excruciating at the time, but I see God’s hand in it now. I would not want the publication of Jubilee to have happened any other way. It is miraculous.
Please give us the first page of the book.Nede, Texas
June 4, 1993Clay Westin’s eyes stung as the blood bay colt trotted past him in the round pen. Jubilee moved with bold extravagance, tail flagged, dark eyes alert, inside ear fixed on Clay awaiting the next step.
At three years old, Jubilee no longer looked coltish. His powerful mahogany neck glistened under a mass of black mane; his body rippled with masculinity.
Clay inhaled and stepped backward inviting the young stallion inward. Jubilee responded immediately, whirling toward him.
Clay moved lightly forward and exhaled, pointing his finger to the left. Jube pivoted in the same direction, tossing his head; full of play. Breathtaking.
How can readers find you on the Internet?I have two websites, www.KatyPistole.comand www.BeautifulBrokenness.org. In 2010, I founded a ministry that incorporates rescued horses into the discipleship process. KatyPistole.com is primarily for the books ( Jubilee is my seventh book) and BeautifulBrokenness.org is the ministry site.
Thank you, Katy, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book.https://www.amazon.com/Jubilee-Love-Story-Katy-Pistole-ebook/dp/B07H3B2FNN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Jubilee+The+Love+Story&qid=1559353622&s=gateway&sr=8-1
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

LORD OF HER HEART - Sherrinda Ketchersid - One Free Book

Welcome, Sherrinda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. I’ve never been asked this question! I would have to say I wrote my heroine, Jocelyn, as the kind of woman I aspire to be: courageous, kind, and determined. I’ve always been too shy or too scared to try new things or take a stand for what I know to be right. I’m growing braver as I age, but I have a lot of room for improvement.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I love to celebrate holidays in fun ways. One year when my kids were small I added red food coloring to cream gravy for Valentine’s Day. My husband could hardly eat his chicken fried steak, thinking the gravy looked like strawberry icing. Oops. But it did make a memory we still laugh about today.
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I first discovered I was a writer in high school. I’d been a voracious reader all my life, but one summer my aunt gave me a bag full of Harlequin romances and I was hooked. I promptly began my own teen romance novel. Unfortunately, I never finished that story and must have thrown it away at some point. Writing remained a dream of mine while I raised my children and when I turned forty, I got serious in my pursuit of publication. It’s been a fun ride ever since.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I tend toward books that have romance in them. Whether it is historical, contemporary, suspense, or YA, if it has a happily-ever-after, I’m a satisfied reader.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? It’s a struggle to remain sane in this crazy busy life. I took a huge leap of faith a little over a year ago and quit a stressful day job. It was the best thing I did for my physical and mental well-being. Even though I now have control over my schedule, I find myself getting anxious over self-imposed deadlines, responsibilities at church, and the craziness of a new puppy. I’ve found that the best prescription for peace is to spend time with the Lord. If I don’t start my day in the Word and prayer, I lose my focus and peace. Bible journaling has become one of my favorite ways to worship and release anxiety.
How do you choose your characters’ names? First, I researched names true to the medieval period. Then, I tried to find names that represented my characters. Jocelyn is a feminine name, which contrasts her masquerade as a boy. Malcolm is a strong name for a strong hero. He is a knight and knows his strength and abilities. Of course, their names must sound good together. Sometimes you have to sample different names until it just sounds right.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I am most proud of raising my children. I had three boys and one girl. They are all adults now and four of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Considerate and loyal, they are unique, talented, and creative people who have much to offer the world.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I’d probably be a turtle, rather calm and slow in response. But I would rather be a monkey and make people laugh. I am married to a very funny man and he makes life so enjoyable. I’d like to do that for other people—be funny and a bright spot in someone’s day.
What is your favorite food? Hands down, my favorite food is a cheeseburger. I love them. A close second is pizza. I would eat them every day if I could.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Procrastination was—and is—a huge issue for me. I couldn’t figure out why I kept putting off what I love to do, and then I read that procrastination is really a form of fear. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of not being able to finish. Fear of I’m an imposter. Fear is paralyzing. I’m learning to pray before I sit down to write and then just begin to type. Once I start, I’m okay. It’s a strange thing, but it seems to work for me.
Tell us about the featured book. Here is the back cover copy: Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for.
Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.

Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives.
Please give us the first page of the book.“I tire of this endless cleaning.” Jocelyn Ashburne sat on the cold stone floor of the cellarium and put a hand to her aching back. Her gray woolen habit made her itch. She wanted to pull off the veil to release her damp curls from its confines. “Methinks the Reverend Mother Agatha is attempting to tire my body and mind into forgetting my desire to return home. My petition for release has been again ignored, and I know not what to do.”            “Perhaps you should write to your father once more.” Sister Mary, her dearest friend at the convent, scrubbed the floor, swiping at her forehead before looking up at Jocelyn. “It could be he has had much to deal with at Ramslea and has been too busy to answer.”
Jocelyn dipped her rag into the bucket of rosemary-scented water and wrung it out. “I’ve been here four years. I know I’ve only heard from him a few times, but ’tisn’t like him to be so silent, even with the distraction of his new wife. My father has been silent for an entire year, and I am worried.” Perhaps she should scour his missives for clues to solve the mystery of his silence.
“Do you sincerely think Helen might sway his ability to make decisions?”
Jocelyn huffed and scrubbed the floor with renewed vigor. “Aye, she cares not for me and only fawned over me in the presence of Father. He was blind to everything but her beauty and charm.”
“He was lonely after losing your mother. I’m sure Helen fills the void in his heart. God will provide for you. Never fear.”
Would that Jocelyn had Mary’s faith in God’s ability to manage her return home. So far, He had been silent to her pleas. Perhaps His lack of communication was His answer. Perhaps she was to have faith amid the silence of her earthly father, as well as her heavenly one.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Website: www.sherrinda.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrindaKetchersidAuthor/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sherrindaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrindaPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sherrinda/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19022507.Sherrinda_KetchersidBook Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sherrinda-ketchersidAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sherrinda-Ketchersid/e/B07Q5Y8QHF/
BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q4R9L8Z/
Thank you, Sherrinda, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my blog readers are, too.
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

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THE PAGES OF HER LIFE - James L Rubart - One Free Book

Bio: James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He thinks he’s still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He’s the best-selling, Christy BOOK of the YEAR, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on journeys they'll remember months after they finish his stories. He’s also a branding expert, audio book narrator, co-host of the Novel Marketing podcast, and co-founder with his son, Taylor, of the Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in Washington State.

How did this book come about?I was in stop-and-go traffic, waiting get on the freeway when I spotted a black moleskin journal lying on the side of the road. Something compelled me to get out of my car—even though it was pouring rain—and pick the journal up. There was just a bit of writing in the front, and in the back was a “Jesus” emblem glued to the inside back cover. I started wondering … what if God had placed that journal there for me to find? What if I  wrote in it? What if God wrote in it, like he did on the wall in the Old Testament? From there the story took off ,and I soon realized the heart of the story was a woman who had stood up for everyone else but hadn’t ever truly stood up for herself. Until now. And her mysterious journal was going to help her on that journey.
Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.I am so fortunate to have a brilliant cover designer. I love the way the writing blends into the background, yet if you look closely, you can see the script. And I love the way the water drops are there … but again, you only truly see them after a second look.
Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.What a great question! All of it is fact, and all if it is fiction. Here’s what I mean: There are so many elements in the book I’ve taken from my real life. A job I had. Working in Alaska in college. Exploring the Northwest. The Oregon coast. Characters I’ve drawn from real life people I know. The fears and struggles I’ve gone through. All those things are in the book and are fact. Yet I filter them through my lens and I’m sure in some cases I’ve gotten things wrong. So much of life is perspective, and we all have different perspectives from each other, so those “facts” are often interpreted quite differently.
How much research did you have to do for this book?Very little. Since I worked in Alaska, and the book is set in the Seattle area (where I used to live) and I’ve been to the Oregoncoast many times, most of the research was in my head before I started.
What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?Another great question. Most of the story surprised me. I’m not an author that’s able to outline a tale ahead of time. I need to discover it as I go. So in this case, it surprised me how much of Allison came from inside me. Same thing with her brother, Parker. So it was a novel of discovery not only with what would happen with the characters, but a discovery of parts of my life where I needed to press into the hard (but good things) God was bringing me.
What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?Freedom. Always freedom. I want my stories to make people freer than when they started. And in the case of, The Pages of Her Life I want women (in particular) and men as well, to stand up for themselves where they might not have ever before. I want them to understand their worth and strength. I want them to be bold in the person God has destined them to be.
That’s one thing I like about your novels. They take us places we maybe haven’t been and deeper into the places we have, strengthening our walk with God. Oh, yes, and they are also entertaining. What is the next project you’re working on? I’m working on a series starring a character named, Rembrandt Stone, who is a detective that solves cold cases by traveling back in time. I’m writing the stories with my great friend, Susie Warren and we’re quite excited about them!
I can hardly wait to start featuring those books. What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?I love to get on my dirt bike with my sons or friends, or kayak with my wife in a nearby lake. I love the outdoors.
Please give us the first page of the book.“Are you still glad we did it?”
Allison Moore looked up from her laptop Monday morning and studied her business partner and onetime best friend, Kayla Brown. Not at one time. Still best friends. At least that’s what Allison told herself. It’s what Kayla probably said inside her head too. And Allison wished it were true. But she’d discovered that people who say, “Don’t go into business with friends or family,” have a large slice of wisdom on their side.
Allison didn’t have to ask what “it” was. Going out the door. Leaving their old architecture firm, where they’d made gobs of money for the owners and not much for themselves. Now here they were, two and a half years later, working harder than they ever had and still not making much money for themselves. But it would come, wouldn’t it? It had to. Their heads weren’t completely under the financial waters, but she and Kayla did have to hold their breath far more frequently than they liked.
“Glad?” Allison leaned back in her chair and picked up her heavily caramel-flavored coffee, the only breakfast she’d had that morning. “Yes, I am. Most days at least.”
Kayla stepped inside Allison’s tiny office and sat in the chair on the other side of Allison’s oak desk, the twin to Kayla’s. Oak. Not Allison’s style. Nor Kayla’s. But the furniture had been affordable.
“Me too.” Kayla sighed. “I’d rather be poor and free than rich and in the shackles we used to wear.”
“I agree.” Allison took a sip of her almost-warm-enough drink. “Except when Seattlerain turns into snow up at Steven’s Pass and I don’t have the money for a lift ticket.”
“Our time is coming. With four new major accounts within reach, you have to be feeling good.”
“I do.”
The air felt stale—the same conversation they’d had too often over the past six months was undoubtedly the reason—and they slipped into silence. Another sip of coffee.
Give me more!! How can readers find you on the Internet?They can head for my website, jamesLrubart.com http://jameslrubart.com/ where they can sign up for my newsletter. I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart/, Twitter: @jamesLrubart , and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslrubart/
As always, GREAT to be with you, Lena!
Right back atcha, Jim. It’s always a pleasure to feature you and your books. I’m eager to read this one, and I know my blog readers are, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. - Amazon Paperback
The Pages of Her Life[image error] - Kindle
The Pages of Her Life - Audio book[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

MINDFIRE - Allen Steadham - One Free book

Welcome, Allen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I certainly write aspects of myself into my characters. I don’t know exactly how much but there is certainly some in each one.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?In 1993, I bought a one-way ticket from Austin, Texas, for the chance to surprise my then-fiancée at the Dallasairport. She was in between flights en route to her Army Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Arizona. I hadn’t seen her since she’d gone to Basic Training. Seeing her shock and delight at my being there, was wonderful. We spent a total of thirty-six minutes together. Then I bought another one-way ticket back to Austin and went to work. We both agreed later that it was totally worth it!
When did you first discover that you were a writer?At age ten, I started writing and drawing home-made original comic books.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I tend to like science fiction and science fantasy (for years, all I read was Star Trek books), with the occasional supernatural novel. But I have been expanding my horizons recently. I now enjoy a good Christian fantasy. sci-fi, and am open to other genres as well.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?Prayer. I need the Lord to help me in almost everything. I’m also motivated by my wife and three children. Music also helps me stay sane, especially when writing or in traffic.
How do you choose your characters’ names?For normal Earth names, I mostly improvise. For alien names, I do a lot more research to make sure any extraterrestrial-sounding name doesn’t mean something rude in another Earth language.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Having a family (my wife and our three kids) is the accomplishment I’m most proud of.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?A cat. I’m mellow, love affection from those close to me and can be quirky at times.
What is your favorite food?My wife’s homemade katsudon(Japanese-style fried pork cutlet) in a special sauce with a fried egg on top.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I used to make comics in my tweens, teens, and early twenties. Then from my late twenties onward, I created webcomics. So transitioning from scripting scenes that would be drawn to using words to paint those “pictures” was my biggest challenge. I overcame it through prayer and persistence. It’s taken several years to span that gulf but I feel completely comfortable with it now.
Tell us about the featured book. MINDFIRE is a Christian fiction superhero thriller. It focuses on a twenty-year old woman named Leia who develops superpowers. She then learns that her father and stepmother used to be superheroes. And Leia’s biological mother is a supervillain!
The theme of MINDFIREis “Power alone does not make a hero or villain.”
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."
Leia Hamilton can move things and set them on fire with her mind.
Leia's father and stepmother tried to hide their past: a time when they were part of a team of superheroes. But despite being disbanded for over twenty years following a series of tragedies, their problems were passed to their children and Leia finds that her future collides with their past.
In the diverse world of human and superhuman, heroes and villains, friends and enemies, some of Leia's choices have terrible consequences. For Leia, this leads to a personal crossroads and a search for redemption.
Not your normal superhero novel, Mindfire isn't about secret identities, costumes, or evil plots endangering the world. Instead, self-discovery and adaptation is at the forefront as the reader follows the lives of the characters, who are unafraid to show love and explore spirituality.
Can redemption and renewed grace weather the flames of absolute power and superhuman strength?
Please give us the first page of the book.SWEATING FROM HER BRISK WALK across the Digby Collegecampus in record-breaking near-ninety-degree July heat, Leia Hamilton dragged herself into an empty seat towards the back of the large Jason V. Frederick lecture hall, which wasn’t well-lit or properly ventilated. The building itself must have been at least twenty-five to thirty years old. The acoustics carried well enough but also made it seem like all sound escaped from a human-sized tin can. Students were always tempted to sleep but their success often depended on the teacher.
Professor Angela Merrick, whom Leia had nicknamed “Professor Doom,” scowled and deliberately made direct eye contact with Leia but said nothing, continuing her lecture. The professor radiated confidence and something else, Leia wasn’t sure what. The professor’s long black hair was often worn in a bun like today but sometimes she wore it down. Leia believed the professor would be very beautiful if she didn’t always project a certain amount of tension. It had given her worry lines that made her look a few years older than she probably was.
Thirty minutes later, Josh Manning saw Leia escaping her first class of the day. Mentally noting her distressed expression, he whirled her around and kissed her passionately in front of the other class escapees in the hallway. He was red-haired, even taller than Leia and lanky. He also had more than a bit of Southern charm to accompany his slight Alabama drawl. Suddenly, he pulled back, confused and concerned.
“Your skin is, like, really hot!” Josh put his hand on her forehead. “You have a fever or something?”
“I’m fine,” Leia pulled back and glared at Josh. “Now what are you doing? You said you’d keep things mellow on-campus!”
“You looked like you needed cheering up,” Josh said.
Leia facepalmed. And a moment later, she grabbed his arms in a rage.
“What is wrong with you?” Leia screamed. “Save that stuff for when we’re alone!”
How can readers find you on the Internet?Website: https://www.allensteadham.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaspecfictionTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MindfirenovelInstagram: www.instagram.com/allensteadham
Thank you, Allen, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading it.
Readers, here are links to the book.Mindfire[image error] - Paperback
Mindfire - 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

THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE - Elle E Kay - one Free Book

Welcome, Elle. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Many of my characters have some of my personality traits, but only one was based mostly on me and that was Stella in Shadowing Stella.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?I moved to the mountains and started a hobby farm. We filled it with goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Now I’m the crazy goat lady who drinks from a coffee mug that says “I’m two goats past normal.” With fifteen goats, I may be more than a few goats past normal at this point.
I love goat cheese. I haven’t tried goat milk, but my daughters had to use it when they were children, and we had to find a goat farm. Luckily, there was one close to where we lived. When did you first discover that you were a writer?In first grade. My teacher suggested that I was a budding writer and for years after I left her classroom, she reminded me to keep writing. Good teachers are invaluable.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.I read a wide array of books, the King James Bible is my first priority, and I read that each night at bedtime. I also read non-fiction biblical commentaries and writing trade books as well. My favorite pleasure reading books are romantic suspense and thrillers, but I also enjoy romance and an occasional cozy mystery. I used to read fantasy, but I haven’t picked one up in years.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?I don’t. Just kidding. It isn’t easy to stay sane, but, somehow, I manage. Recently, I started keeping a to-do list on the computer in simple project management software (todoist.com). It helps me organize all my tasks in a way that makes sense so I don’t get overwhelmed or side-tracked.
I’m going to try that one. How do you choose your characters’ names?It depends on the book. Most of the time the main character names come to me without much thought. Currently, I’m writing a book where some of the characters are from Columbia, so I searched popular names in Columbiain the year they would’ve been born. I do the same sort of research for historical fiction. When writing contemporary books, I simply pick names I like or that I find interesting.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?Raising my son, Ian. He’s twenty-five, and is currently active duty in the US Army stationed in Texas.
The writing accomplishment I was most proud of was releasing my first book, but since then my writing (and marketing) has improved, so each book I write enjoys greater success than the previous one. I hope that trend continues.
Yea!! I live in Texas. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?A goat. I could still live here on our goat farm. Goats are so adorable and they love to play. This time of year, when the nights grow cool they run around and jump on the dog house and rabbit house. They have a great deal of fun.
What is your favorite food?Ice cream. Mint chocolate chip.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?My greatest roadblock was taking too much time in between novels. I overcame it by scheduling preorders to keep me on a strict writing schedule. Without deadlines, I’m useless, but as long as I know I have to finish a book by a certain date, it gets done.
Tell us about the featured book.My featured book is The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride. I was asked to write for the Blushing Brides series, and thought it might be fun to write a true billionaire story, so I wrote Zach and Addison’s story. The two were childhood friends who made a marriage pact as teenagers and decide to follow through with it. So far, it’s been my most successful book and one I truly enjoyed writing.
Please give us the first page of the book.10 August 2018Addison laughed as she typed her response to Zach’s email.
Sure. Why not? Set the date. Order the flowers. I’ll be there.
He always had a great sense of humor. It surprised her he remembered the teenage pact they’d made to bring it up all these years later. Picturing her friend’s laughing blue eyes teasing her, she grinned. It would be fun to have him back in her life again, but now that Fractal Enterprises had gone public, and he was a successful giant on the social media scene, it was unlikely he’d be able to make time to hang out with an old friend.
His response came quickly.
Why don’t we set the date for our birthday? It would be fitting, don’t you agree? I’ll pick you up first thing in the morning. August 23rd to fly you to location.
If he wanted to keep the joke going, she would play along.
Our birthday. Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll see you then.
I’m going to love this book. I can tell. How can readers find you on the Internet?Readers can find me on my website and on social media.Website: https://www.ElleEKay.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElleEKay7Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElleEKay7Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elleekay7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elleekay7/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15016833.Elle_E_KayBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elle-e-kay
Thank you, Elle, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I can hardly wait to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book.The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride (Blushing Brides)[image error] - Paperback
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride (The Blushing Brides Series Book 3)[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