Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 84

LOVE IN SEASON - Pamela S Thibodeaux - One Free Copy

Bio:Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
Welcome back, Pamela. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?Most of my stories revolve around forgiveness and second chances.
What other books of yours are coming out soon?I don’t have another new release scheduled as of yet, however the audio version of my Indy title, Tempered Hearts, is now in production and hopefully will be out this year.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?Nora Roberts. She is my favorite author and I’d love to sit and converse with her about life in general, friendships in specific, and what it takes to become as prolific an author as she. I know “hard work” would be the first answer but I’d like to go deeper.
What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?I’m not much of a history buff so I hadn’t thought about who I’d like to meet besides Jesus. Joan of Arc maybe and see how she knew her calling beyond a shadow of doubt.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?Don’t give up! Submit, implement feedback, re-submit or submit elsewhere. Writing is a talent and gift from God. Don’t bury your talent or hide your gift. Someone, somewhere wants, needs, to read what you write!
Tell us about the featured book. For quite some time I wanted to put together a collection of short stories that centered around the 4 seasons and 4 holidays that focus on love and family (Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Since I already had several stories at Pelican Book Group, I mentioned this idea to my editor, the amazing Nicola Martinez, and she loved it. I submitted two previously unpublished stories to round out the collection, along with those PBG had already published, and viola! Love in Season was born.
Blurb: Anytime is the perfect time for love. In this anthology, author Pamela S Thibodeaux brings together eight of her most beloved romance stories—one for each season plus four holidays that revolve around love and family.
Includes two brand new stories!
PBG print: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=914PBG ebook: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=913Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Season-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux-ebook/dp/B07MTT6WC2
Please give us the first page of the book.Winter MadnessThey met on a cold winter morning in a cozy coffee shop. Not just the tinkle of the bell above the door announced his arrival, but also the quickening of her heart, the slow thud of blood through her veins, the sharp curl of need in the pit of her stomach. Even before she saw him, she knew the minute he’d walked in. A dream from her past.
He turned; their eyes met.
William’s eyes widened and his breath caught. There she sat all soft and glowing. A ghost from his past.  He hesitated, blew a soft rush of air to cool the steaming brew he’d just purchased. A sigh escaped followed by a resigned shrug. There’s no way out of the meeting now. Only a few steps separated them physically, miles emotionally. One hurdle at a time, he thought, and joined her at the table for two beside the window.
“Good morning,” she breathed up at him, every year of distance, every minute of longing reflected in her voice–as though she’d waited for him all along, just as she promised so long ago, and again not so long ago.
William scowled. “Snow everywhere, slush beneath, what’s so good about it?”
Sienna sighed, “There’s nothing quite as lovely as the first snow of the season.”
He frowned. “Lovely? Tell me, what do you find so lovely about the cold and dampness that comes with the first snow of the season?”
She smiled, and his heart skipped a thud.
“Always reminds me of what the Bible says about our salvation, and that the Blood of Jesus cleanses us as pure and as white as snow and offers us a chance for new life.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?Links:Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com   Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.comFace Book: https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthorTwitter: http://twitter.com/psthib@psthibPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor/GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1268453.Pamela_S_Thibodeaux
Thank you, Pamela, for sharing this collection with my blog readers and me. Sometimes, it’s good to have something shorter to read when you only have a few minutes.
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

BEAUTY IN BATTLE - Robin Patchen - One Free Book

Welcome back, Robin. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
He has been moving, Lena! Phew, it’s been a wild ride getting books from my laptop into readers’ hands. If I ever decide to release three books in four months again, somebody, please stop me!
It’s been wonderful to connect with readers, though. That’s my favorite part of releasing books—meeting and chatting with readers and hearing their feedback. In the midst of that, I’ve written another book, Legacy Rejected, which will release in July, God willing. It’s the story of Ginny, who readers of the Beauty series will remember was Jack’s real estate agent. Poor Ginny was pretty lonely in the Beauty books, but thanks to meeting Jack and Harper, she now has a solid group of friends in Nutfield. Good thing, too, because when her parents’ enemies catch up with her, she’s going to need them.
Tell us a little about your family.Ah, my favorite subject! My husband, Eddie, and I have been married for 25 years. We both grew up in New Hampshire, but we’ve lived for 23 years in the Oklahoma City area. We have three children ages 21, 19, and 17. Our 21-year-old, Nick, is a missionary serving with Youth with a Mission. He’s currently leading a team of 15 in the Himalayas, where they’re sharing Jesus and serving a local Christian community. My 19-year-old, Lexi, is working and preparing to start college next year. She’s a great singer and has a wonderful sense of humor and a unique talent for voices and accents. She plans to study broadcast journalism and possibly pursue a career as a voice actor. My baby, 17-year-old Jacob, is a junior in high school who decided a few years ago to become a social media star. He’s the kind of kid who sets goals and then sticks with them until he reaches them. As of right now, he has 300k+ followers on Tick Tock, a social media app for teens, and it’s growing every day. Obviously, God has blessed me beyond measure with this family.
Wonderful!! Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?Writing and editing—my other job—have made me a more critical reader, and not in a good way. Too often, I find myself thinking of ways I would have written a certain passage differently or silently editing as I go along. On the other hand, when I get fully sucked into a book, I go back and reread, trying to figure out what the author did. I love it when that happens, and I learn so much from other writers.
What are you working on right now?As soon as I get Legacy Rejected sent to my critique partners, I’m going to dive into the edits of a book I wrote five years ago. This is the book of my heart, the only book I feel like the Lord gave me. I’ll be honest: I don’t feel up to the task of this edit. I’ll be relying heavily on the One who gave me the story to begin with. Only He can make this book all that it can be. I hope someday to be able to tell you and your readers all about Marley’s story.
I’ll look forward to that. What outside interests do you have?Besides writing and editing? There’s my relationship with God, which is always first and foremost in my life. There are my family and my friends, whom I love to spend time with. But as far as hobbies go… does sleeping count? If so, that’s my favorite hobby.
How do you choose your settings for each book?Recently, my books have all taken place in Nutfield, a fictional town in New Hampshire. I chose that because it reminds me of home. In the book I just finished, I have the heroine having lived in Louisiana. I chose that because I have family there. It’s a nod to my cousins in that part of the world.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?Today, I think Benjamin Franklin. He was such a unique character who lived in an amazing time. I’d love to ask him a million questions. (I’m sure he’d love that.)
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?I wish I’d known that there was no rush. I was so desperate for a publishing contract that I took the first one that came along. I’m not saying it was a bad decision, but there are things about those first books that I’d change now if I had the chance. I wish I’d waited until I had a little more experience and, frankly, ability.
We’re all tempted by the first offered contract. I did the same thing. At least, it was just a one-book contract. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?The same thing He’s been teaching me for years and years: to trust Him. Every season has its own challenges, and with each one, I have to lean into the Lord in different ways. The good news is that each lessons stays with me. My faith grows little by little. I wish I’d hurry up and learn everything I need to learn so we could get through these latest trials. Apparently, it doesn't work that way.
It’s all about the process. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?Don’t run ahead of God. Be patient and go where He leads. Find great critique partners you trust, and then take their advice seriously. It’s possible they see things in your writing that you can’t see. Don’t settle for mediocre. Keep learning and improving.
Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book. Beauty in Battle : Book 3 in the Beauty in Flight Series The truth is out, but will it set her free or land her in the grave?
Harper doesn’t want to return to Maryland to face the police. The mess she left behind makes her look guilty of the worst, but it’s too late to run again. Red is safe and the authorities are waiting. At least Jack is by her side.
Now that Jack knows the truth, his feelings for Harper are deeper than ever. He’s not about to leave her side, especially knowing a killer is after her.
But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s come unhinged. And he may not be the biggest threat lurking.
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series. 
Please give us the first page of the book.Darkness swallowed Harper's rental home even before Jack navigated his pickup around a corner. She leaned against the cold window and restrained the sigh that wanted out. It was deja vu all over again.
When she’d first navigated the streets of Nutfield, rain and fear and exhaustion had made the little town seem scary, even sinister. Now that she was leaving, she knew better.
She’d like to tell herself she’d see the house again, see this town again, see Red again. But she’d fallen into that trap before.
When she’d hugged her parents good-bye, taken off to Los Angeles to see her name in lights, hadn’t she been sure she’d go back home to Kansassomeday? Go back to flaunt her glorious success? What a naïve, foolish girl she’d been. She hadn’t been home, and now she’d never go, never have the opportunity to beg her parents for their forgiveness, to rebuild the bridges she’d torched with her own stupid choices.
How can readers find you on the Internet?Your readers are invited to download a free book when they join my newsletter list by clicking here: https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe/
Keep in touch on Facebook and find out about new releases on BookBub, Goodreads, and Amazon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinPatchen/Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robin-patchenGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5187882.Robin_PatchenAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Patchen/e/B00A289790/
Beauty in Battle Links: Amazon SERIES: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MWC4GVS/Universal: https://books2read.com/u/4AJgAeGoogle: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Robin_Patchen_Beauty_in_Battle?id=afGDDwAAQBAJ
Thank you, Robin, for sharing this final book in the series with my blog readers and me.
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

MEOW MATRIMONY - Lisa Lickel - One Free Book

Welcome back, Lisa. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?I feel that I’m in a good place right now with writing. I spent a couple of years wondering why I was still creating new books and whether I was doing the right thing, but lately I’ve had good encouragement and found a rhythm of work, a niche that meets my quirky commercial cozy mystery side and my need for meatier, dramatic storytelling.
Tell us a little about your family.Only a little? I have a semi-retired husband who loves to roam our acreage here in western Wisconsin. Our two grown sons and daughters-in-law have blessed us with six grandchildren in the last five years, so we love to visit. We are closer to our parents so we can help out a bit when they need it, and spend more time together.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?Yes, my reading has changed significantly in the last fifteen years. When I first began writing professionally, all my brain could do was read as a writer. I would see the great lines, the awesome words, but also the mistakes, so it helped me as a writer to be able to parse other works. Then I became an avid reviewer, so much that a couple of times a year I have to put on the brakes so I can read books that I want personally to read.
What are you working on right now?I have more mysteries in the works and will be working on a second tale following Understory, focusing on the human organ black market this summer. But this month, I will be writing a holiday novella in my Everything series to pitch for the upcoming holiday season with my publisher.
What outside interests do you have?My husband and I enjoy traveling. We just returned from a trip to Hawaii, so now we have visited all fifty states. I love history everything and anything, and quilting.
How do you choose your settings for each book?I like the Midwest—it’s where I am and it’s what I know, though I generally create my own communities within a specific region. Sometimes my books are set in a place I’ve visited, or a conglomeration of places. Wisconsin’s Great North Woods is an excellent place to hide, and western Illinois has a lot of charm.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?I try to put a little history in my books. A Mark Twain impersonator is heavily featured in another of the Meow Mysteries. I think he was probably pretty squirrely in real life, but it would have been fun to sit in a small literary circle listening to his tales.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?One thing I’d wished I known before I became heavily invested in a professional writing career is that there is much more work promoting your novel than actually writing them. I took a good writing course so I didn’t come into it blind, but it’s still a shock.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?Patience and listening. Learning to hear Him and to simply rest in His peace. It’s a good thing not always having to have the final word, or to be right.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?I am blessed to be able to help authors at an annual writing immersion program in May each year at a beautiful resort in Wisconsin. The things I repeat over and over are to Be Patient and Thick-skinned, Learn and Work at your Craft. Don’t Rush but never Surrender.
Tell us about the featured book. Meow Matrimony is the third book in the Fancy Cat series. Ivy Preston has waited a long time to get married. This time she plans to do more than make it to the altar. But when Ivy tries to do a good deed and stumbles over a body, she and her former fiancé, Stanley, are accused of the crime. Ivy hopes she's not the only one who believes in their innocence.

Worse than being framed for murder, when one of her beloved kittens falls ill, Ivy must face her greatest fears. How will she ever parent a child if she can't even take care of a cat. . .and for that matter, how will she be the type of wife her devoted fiancé needs?

Through the love and support of her mom, fiancé, and friends, Ivy is determined to clear Stanley's good name, and her own. With nuptials looming, Ivy hopes not only to find a killer, but to make it to her own wedding.
Please give us the first page of the book.“This is Ivanna in the morning,” the throaty voice from my car radio chanted. “Ready to sign off. Remember, North Star Candies…the way to enjoy the day. Who doesn’t adore North Star mocha fudge? Treats so light they’ll take you beyond the moon!”
“Hmm, North Star might have been the best around here,” I told my car radio. “Before Featherlight Confectioneries made caramel cashew with sea salt.” I pulled into my driveway, the cool sunny breeze whipping my hair when I opened the car door. Yippee! Not only was March arriving like a lamb, I had presents. My mail carrier Janie knew I’d stop in at home at lunchtime to check on the kittens, so she’d left the beautiful box from Emblem Paper Works on my front stoop next to my still tightly budded tulips. Sigh.
I put my hand over my fluttering heart and drooled once again over the wonderful, fabulous hunk of man who was going to marry me. The box of wedding invitations sitting there pushed me one step closer to the altar, which I vowed I was actually going to make stick this time. When I could touch the scrumptious, thick, silky paper and read the words, I was sure the wedding would finally feel real, and everything would be perfect this time. Adam Truegood Thompson, the man who loved cats and children, fed me gourmet coffee and chocolate, would take me, Ivy Amanda Preston, as his lawfully wedded wife. Mmhmm.
OK, quit dawdling, grab the box of invites, which technically wasn’t a present since I paid for them, and check on the man’s kittens which were currently in residence at my house so their father wouldn’t be tempted to harm a hair on their little heads. Sadly, the darling fluffballs broke the line of pure-bred Egyptian Mau cats when my silver, Memnet, got to, um, know his cat Isis, a smoke, a little better than we’d anticipated last fall. Mem and Adam were currently batching it at his place downtown.
How can readers find you on the Internet?Website: http://www.LisaLickel.comGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lisalickelTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisajlickelFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthorAmazon author page: http://amzn.to/2bPxi2X
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this mystery with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here is a link to the book.Meow Matrimony (Fancy Cat Cozy Mysteries)[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

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.

Alice (TX) is the winner of  Her Deadly Reunion   by Beth Zairnik. 

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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.

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THE SHATTERING II - Marsha Barth - One Free Book

Welcome back, Marsha. Why do you write the kind of books you do? I like to write all of my books as inspirational books to give others hope so that they may know that joy does come in the morning. I also, like to write them in novel form to develop the characters and theme, describe the beauty, instill the moral, and proclaim the victory in the end.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? There have been so many of them. Nothing compares to coming to know the Lord and truly experiencing the reality of His love. But meeting and marrying my Mike and having each other to climb the mountains, fight the battles, and claim the promises is at the top of the list, along with the birth of my two children. But then, so are the days of each and every birth of my nine grandchildren and every special day that I get to grow with them and be a part of their lives. “This is the day, that the Lord has made-and truly I rejoice in all of them.”
How has being published changed your life? Being published has been life-changing for me. My stories are true stories, so writing them were very healing to me. Also, every time that I hear that God changed a life because someone read my books, gives me more joy than I could have ever known when writing them. Having the books published has opened many doors for me to go to many diverse venues and advocate, speak, and present to others how that we can overcome, and become whole, and that we are not defined by what has happened to us in our lives.
What are you reading right now? I sometimes read several books at one time. I use different sides of my brain. Just kidding. I have been enjoying both The Paradigm and The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. On a lighter side- It's a Wonderful Life-The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern who wrote this short story which the movie “It's a Wonderful Life” was based on. Which is my favorite movie of all times. And I want to reread the book that inspired me to write my books, Not My Will by Francena H. Arnold, as I haven't read it for a long time.
What is your current work in progress? I write like I read—usually doing several projects at one time. I have some different ideas that I want to develop. One, is a story based in heaven. In heaven, I keep running into this person that I can't quite recognize in my heart as I have all the others. As I continually run into him, each time the familiarityWhat would be your dream vacation?  Have you ever watched the movie, The Shack?
Yes.There is a little cottage in the woods surrounded by beautiful flowers everywhere with a lovely lake. I would love to be there, where I could walk, and decompress and write and write. It would also have to have a piano there, so my husband could sit and write his music. And to be truly perfect, there would have to be a waterfall somewhere within walking distance.
How do you choose your settings for each book? Actually, my books have been true stories and the settings are real places. But, also, whether I write fictional or true, I actually see the setting in my mind's eye. I can see it as if it is a painting or picture in front of me and I just begin to write it in detail-like a painter paints a picture, except I paint it with words.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Wow. This answer will probably get a rise one way or the other from people. But, truly, I'd like to spend an evening with Donald Trump. The reason why? Because, I believe he would truly listen to what I have to say. I would talk to him about the needs here in America, with our children, the broken foster care system, the need for better preventive care and intervention that works for our abused children. I would ask for more accountability for the perpetrators and for the needs of the children to be put first. I would ask him to make it a federal law that our broken social worker system would be fixed, that each state would be required a certain amount of social workers for our children per capita and that the social workers would get paid more than what they are now, which is usually just a little above minimum wage. With this, also, that there would be more accountability to these social services when these state agencies have dropped the ball and a child has suffered or died because of this. Sorry, you got me on a passionate subject with this question. But, truly, I believe he'd listen to me, and I believe he'd care, and I actually believe he'd at the very least look into it.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I love to play sports-all kinds, from swimming to playing all types of ball. Good thing, because out of the nine grandchildren, eight are boys and only one little girl. I love to play games, too. My favorite thing to totally chill out and enjoy is drawing landscape pictures on an Etch-A-Sketch. Quite challenging-try it-but relaxing also.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? I find that time itself is my greatest obstacle. There is so much that I love to do that if I live to be 100, I'd still have just touched the top of the list. Also, second in place as an obstacle is the crazy stupid distractions and interruptions—like solicitation calls, junk mail, and e-mail. Often, I will write at night where I can be totally absorbed in my work, way into the morning. Only problem is, it makes for a rough next day.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? I tell those who really like to write—write from your heart first. Don't focus on the grammar, spelling, or even your complete story line. Just let what you want to write flow forth. Then secondly, put it down and let it set. Then go back to it and clean it up good. Hack it, edit it, rewrite it, and make every word important to the story or take it out. I also tell people that everyone who has a story to tell may still not be true writers. I tell them if they want to go the way of writing a book, be prepared to write it, rewrite it, rewrite it, and did I say rewrite it, and then edit it, over and over again, until you know that it is the complete and perfect creation of what you wanted to express. Anything short of this-just enjoy journaling.
Tell us about the featured book. This featured book is The Shattering II - Breaking the Silence. It is a sequel to my first book- The Shattering-A Child's Innocence Betrayed. Both books can be read in any sequence and stand on their own as an individual read. This book again is an inspirational book of the joy of overcoming more than victimization. This book lets the reader embark with the main character, Julie. You are able to experience with her the hope that prodded her forward at every crossroad, through every obstacle, and share the sweetness of discovering with her the reality of a God who truly never left her alone—loved and carried her in the darkest hours, and led her on a healing journey that made her whole. 
Please give us the first page of the book.Julie nervously paced the floor, back and forth. Her mind raced. No matter how hard she tried, she could not organize her thoughts. They bounced around inside her head like ping pong balls, ricocheting one against the other, until Julie thought that her head would burst. What can I do? What can I do? Julie could hear the sound of voices rise from downstairs as the argument escalated. There was no stopping them. Julie had tried and tried countless times before to help settle her dad and stepmom’s arguments, but tonight, this would be impossible. Things had gone too far. There was no turning back. Julie walked quickly to the window and pulled down the blind with a quick jerk. As she let it go, it snapped at the top and continued to spin. Julie reached and unlocked the window, and then with a quick thrust pushed it upward. Dampness had made the wood frame swell as Julie tugged at the window earnestly to get it to open further. It was late. Julie leaned out the window. She shivered as the cold air rushed past her. Looking up into the sky, tiny snowflakes caught onto her eyelids causing her to blink. The full moon cast its light, brightening the surroundings. The porch roof on the other side of the opened window was covered with a fine dusting of snow. Julie pulled the blind back down and left the jammed window open.
How can readers find you on the Internet?http://marshabarth.com          https://www.facebook.com/The-Shattering-215752548593960/      https://twitter.com/mbarthmbarth     https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-marty-barth-9865a840/
Thank you, Marsha, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here are links to the book.The Shattering II: Breaking the Silence[image error] - Paperback
The Shattering II: Breaking the Silence - 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 GOLDEN BRIDE - Kimberley Woodhouse - One Free Book

Dear Readers. Kimberley is a good friend and one of my favorite authors. (I know. I have a lot of favorites.) I just love all of her books. I think you will, too.

Welcome back, Kimberley. Tell us about your salvation experience. I grew up in a wonderful Christian Home. My father is a pastor and I came to understand my need for a Savior at a very young age. I know that I’m very fortunate to have the growing up years that I had. My whole life has been in full-time ministry. My husband is also a pastor and we’ve been serving together for almost thirty years. Between being a pastor’s wife and my writing ministry, life is full. God is good.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? Tracie Peterson, Becca Whitham, Karen Ball, Kayla Woodhouse, Darcie Gudger because they are my Crit group.
Yes, our crit groups are always important to us writers. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that. I speak and teach every year to tens of thousands of people around the country. A lot of times it’s about just writing, and a lot of times it’s about our family’s journey. Sometimes it’s both.I speak to writers’ groups, churches, women’s groups, retreats, conferences, etc.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it? Oh goodness – one time for a speaking engagement at a mega-church (where it was televised too) they cued me to go on stage too soon. The band was starting another song. So I turned right back around and waved at the audience. Lol. (And that’s not the only time that has happened! Ha!)
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that? I get asked that pretty much everywhere I go. I encourage people that if God has given them a story, they need to learn the craft so that they can tell that story to the very best of their ability for the glory of God. And I always ask them if they are willing to do a ton of work.
Good answer. Tell us about the featured book.Can Olivia survive the crime and Gold Rush fever of 1849...and the countless marriage proposals?
A series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues when Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working in her brother’s restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the rush for gold. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother’s friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope.
This sounds interesting. I know I’m going to love it.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Https://kimberleywoodhouse.com  and there they will find links to Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and my Facebook author pageThank you, Kimberley, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here are links to the book. - Amazon Paperback
The Golden Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower Book 8) - 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 MEMORY HOUSE - Rachel Hauck - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Rachel is one of my favorite authors. If you’ve read any of her books, I’m sure she is yours, too. If you haven’t read anything from Rachel, I recommend you check out all her books on her webside and try some of them. You’ll soon join our ranks.

Welcome back, Rachel. I know you speak at various conferences and meetings. What do you have coming up in 2019?It’s been a busy year for me so far. I’ve gone to San Antonio, hosted house guests, rewritten a book, worked with 22 writers at the Deep Thinker’s retreat in Destin, Florida, and taught at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Coming up, I’ll be speaking at the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, hosing a table at the final Barbara Vey Reader Weekend, and ending the spring “tour” at Book Lovers Con in New Orleans! Come see me!
If you were planning a women’s retreat, what would be the theme for it?I’d probably want some sort of intimacy theme, knowing the love of God in a real and personal way. We’d go through Song of Solomon.
Sounds wonderful. I’d want to attend. Who would you want as speakers and why?I’d have women no one ever heard of, but women I know walk in prayer, worship, and the truth of the Word. Leah Morgan comes to mind, Sada Rogers, and Alicia Powell.
Where would you hold the retreat and why?
My home state of Florida! It’s warm and beautiful.
Do you read print books or ebooks? Or a combination of the two?
Both. But I love e-book. Paper takes up a lot of space.
The Memory House is an interesting title. How did you come up with it?The book started out as The House on Memory Lane. I knew I wanted to deal with memories and the past, how it affected the future, but as the story came together, it became about healing hearts as well as memories. The Memory House became the better title.
So what is the book about?The story is of two women who face devastating tragedy. One after a surprise tornado swept through her hometown of Waco, Texas. The other after losing her father in the North Toweron 9/11. The house becomes the place of restoration and healing for them even though their stories are more than 60 years apart.
Please give us the first page of the book.BECK ManhattanShe was never afraid of the dark. But the light? Now that terrified her. So when the perp ran down shadowed, dark Avenue D, she followed without hesitation.
“NYPD. Stop!”
A sergeant with the Ninth Precinct, Beck Holiday also never shied away from a fight. At least not on the streets of New York. Not in the name of justice.
Her partner’s footsteps resounded behind her, each heel crack vibrating against the cold New Year’s Eve night. But when the suspect jumped an iron gate bordering a small concrete courtyard between two buildings, Hogan slowed up.
“Beck, forget it.” He gasped between each word. “Happy New Year to him. We’ll get him next time.”
She reached for the bars and sailed over, the edge of her tac pants just clearing the five-foot wrought iron—despite the extra load she carried—with ease.
Adrenaline made her Wonder Woman.

“Stop. Police!”
The perp aimed for a side door of a run-down apartment building. His toe hit a crack in the concrete and he stumbled, dropping a package to the ground.
The item hit with a thud, and Beck glanced down as she leaped over, maintaining her pursuit. “Hogan, get the package!”
Wow! I can hardly wait to see what that’s all about. How can readers find you on the Internet?Visit my web site, www.rachelhauck.comfor all my social media information. Thanks for having me!
It’s always a pleasure to host you here. Thanks for letting me.
Readers, here are links to the book. - Amazon.com paperback
The Memory House - 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

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.

Melissa (TN) is the winner of  Of Fire and Lions   by Mesu Andrews. 

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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 ALAMO BRIDE - Kathleen Y'Barbo - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Kathleen has been a close writing friend for decades. I love her books, and I’m thrilled to feature her with her newest one today.

Welcome, Kathleen. Where do you write?When I am at home, I have a home office. Thanks to my laptop, however, any place where inspiration strikes is fair game!
When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took?Oh my goodness. That was so long ago! I had been attending Romance Writers of America meetings for a couple of years when DiAnn Mills came to speak to us. After meeting DiAnn and hearing her speak, I knew I was meant to write for the Christian market. In 1999, she invited me to join a novella collection she was putting together. Two weeks after submission, the book was purchased and I was published. Twenty years later, I am still writing for the Christian market and still write for Barbour Publishing, including The Pirate Bride and my newest book, The AlamoBride.
What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?My husband and I both have convertibles, so we love to put the top down and take long drives. I also love reading.
What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?Just do it. Seriously. There are so many ways to trip yourself up at the beginning of a writing career, but NOT writing is the biggest mistake of all. Get some words on a page, even if you’re sure they’re awful. Then get into a writers’ group—I love American Christian Fiction Writers—where you can get to know lots of other writers. But first…WRITE.
What is your favorite book? Favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write? Oh that’s not fair! I have so many favorites. Of course, the Bible is #1. I have eclectic tastes in books, but I love it when a sentence can make me pause and smile at the cleverness behind its construction or a brilliant plot twist can catch me unaware. Books by Susanna Kearsley, Rhys Bowen, and Kate Morton come to mind. I also love well-written characters like Captain Lacey from the Ashley Gardner mystery series and just about every character Sarah Addison Frost has ever put on the page. Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, and I also love Kathryn Casey’s true crime books, partly because they are set in locales near me and partly because she’s just such a fabulous writer. Finally, I have to go on record as saying that I love every single book that Jamie Langston Turner and Linda Nichols have ever published. Go read them. Not kidding. I am a huge fan.
Where did you get the idea for The Alamo Bride? I got the germ of an idea for The Pirate Bride, this book’s prequel, more than 25 years ago sitting on porch of our beach house at Crystal Beach, Texas, and then filled in the details at the Rosenberg Library in Galveston Texas. When my editor asked me to write a book that centered on Texas history and the Alamo, I was thrilled. I’m a 10th generation Texan whose great-aunts are genealogy buffs. Mining that rich history, I was able to place the granddaughter of my pirate heroine from The Pirate Bride into history that was actually lived by my own ancestors. How cool is that?!
From idea to final revision, how long did it take to write?I’m a fast writer so from idea to turning in the manuscript to my publisher was just a matter of weeks, maybe four or five. Revisions were pretty quick—a day or two—because my amazing copy editor Linda Hang catches so much and makes me look like I know what I’m doing. All that’s left is for me to scan what’s there and then tell the senior editor how brilliant Linda is. Lest you think I’m kidding, The Alamo Bride is dedicated not only to my two great aunts who inspired the story behind the story but also to the amazing Linda Hang.
Are you working on anything now?I am putting the finishing touches on a Guideposts contemporary cozy mystery and then I will be switching gears and writing a novella set in 1880s Texas.
Please tell us about the story. The Alamo Bride opens in New Orleans then shifts to coastal Texas in 1835 through real-life Texashistory until after the battle of the Alamo in 1836. My characters are a Texian woman (red-haired granddaughter to the fiery Maribel from The Pirate Bride—and yes that is Texian not Texan) and the handsome New Orleans soldier who arrives full of bullet holes via canoe down the Brazos River. Did I mention he cannot remember how he got there or what sort of business brought him that far away from where he should have been? Then there’s the fact that during his fevers, while she’s trying to keep him from dying, he talks about President Andrew Jackson and General Sam Houston as if they are friends of his? Then there’s the hidden pirate treasure map in his boot.
Sounds wonderful. Please give us a peek at the first page of the book.New Orleans, Louisiana October12, 1835  He was the grandson of a pirate who sailed with the infamous Jean Lafitte and the nephew of a governor and statesman, but tonight Claiborne William Andre Gentry was merely one of the many anonymous souls who walked along Magazine Street in the Vieux Carre.  
Back in Tennessee, his sisters had teased him about the dark hair that was so different than their blonde braids and yet so similar to the pirate whose name was forbidden in their home. Here in New Orleans, Clay’s resemblance to the grandfather his family never spoke of had caused him to fit in rather than look out of place. And when a man was carrying a secret on behalf of the President of the United States, looking out of place was not the goal.
The night was warm, unseasonably so for October, and the air was thick. Like as not, there would be storms before daybreak.  
Clay moved swiftly down Magazine Street, keeping to the shadows and avoiding the glare of the gas lamps. Though the full moon overhead turned everything it touched a dull silver, murky darkness was never far away in this city. 
He knew from experience the darkness did not merely extend to the streets and alleys of this city. It also lay deep in the heart of men who dwelled here. 
In the last few months since he’d discovered the names of some of those men. His mission tonight was, in part, to discover if what he learned was true. The remainder of his task for the evening--the duty he held and the favor the completion of that duty would incur--weighed heavy on his mind. 
He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust…  
A verse first memorized at his mother’s knee because it made him laugh to think of the Lord covered in feathers, now these words gave him strength. With this in mind, Clay picked up his pace.
Just yesterday news of the battle in Gonzales had reached the city. A squabble over ownership of two cannons very likely had launched what would become a full-blown war. 
The general who would lead his troops in that war needed funding if he was to be successful. Funding that the Mexican government would very much wish to intercept. 
For that reason, he’d spoken to no one since his arrival in New Orleans. In times of war, not all friends were truly friends. And, sadly, not all family escaped the title of enemy. 
Though he kept the evidence of who he was--the papers that named him as a citizen of Louisiana by virtue of his uncle’s position—tucked into his boot, he would not make that evidence public. Better to remain a stranger than to be targeted because of an alliance that came from an accident of birth. 
Wonderful. I want more. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?I’m on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just do a search for Kathleen Y’Barbo and you’ll find me. I’ve also got a website at www.kathleenybarbo.com that will point you to lots of great information about new books, my newsletter, and—if you can’t find me through searching—my social media links as well.
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this story with my blog readers and me.
Readers, here are links to the book. - Amazon.com paperback
The Alamo Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower) - 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

KNOX - Susan May Warren - One Free Book

Dear Readers, when I first met Susan May Warren, her family was missionaries in Russia. That was many years, and many books, ago. And what wonderful books they have been. I’ve loved reading her unique stories. Her characters are fully developed with flaws and endearing qualities. They meet and overcome obstacles, and there is always a happily-ever-after ending. What’s not to love? She really knows how to write a satisfying romance.

Welcome back, Susan. What genre do you write and why?I write the genre I love to read—epic romantic adventure! Give me a great story about a hero and heroine trying to survive trouble (and the occasional bad guy!)
If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?FLYING. For sure.
Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get unstuck?Yes, of course. It’s usually because I don’t know what the immediate problem of my character is or what the stakes are in the scene. In order to get unstuck, I call my writing partner, Rachel Hauck, and we talk through what the character wants now, and why, what happens if they don’t get it, and what obstacles can we throw in the way! That usually sparks my imagination.
What is your least favorite part of writing?PROOFING. I am the worlds worst proofer. And, by that time, I’ve read the book so many times, I’m tired of it!
I know what you mean. I’m good at proofing, but by the time I reached the fourth, and last, book in my first series, I was sick of the setting. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?Fajitas. Or maybe my homemade pizza.
Yum. They both sound good. What is your typical day like?I’m up around 6:30 and if it’s summer, I take a walk. If not then I do some stretching, then I make coffee and have my quiet time. Then I look at my schedule for the day using my writing planner (shameless plug! http://www.mybrilliantwritingplanner.com). I budget my time in time blocks, so my first time block is from 9am-noon, and usually I do business work – marketing, newsletters, emails, finances, etc. My next block is 1-3, and usually that is my first writing block. My last time block is 3:30-5:30 and often write at that time, also.  (I try for about 2500 words per writing block).  We eat dinner at 6ish, then the rest of the evening I hang out with hubs. I usually go to bed around 9pm and read for an hour.  Not a super exciting day, but I like it.
Maybe I need to order one of those planners. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict, or emotions? Why?I think emotions are always the most difficult. It’s hard to dig deep and find exactly the right emotion for your character, so usually that takes a couple passes. I will often lay down the foundation and structure for the scene, then go back and add in storyworld, mood and finally nail the emotion of the character.
How likely are the people you meet going to end up in your next book?Somewhat. Strangers, tho—I don’t put friends in my books. I often will put people I meet on airplanes, or while travelling. I enjoy hearing their stories, and since I don’t know them, I can use pieces of them if I were to have a story idea.
Tell us about your hero. Give us one of his strengths and one of his weaknesses.My hero is my husband. He is kind, patient, a listener, deeply cares for others, an amazingly hard worker, knows how to have fun and laugh and loves the Lord. I’m so blessed to be married to him.
Please give us the text on the first page of your first chapter.“Tate, this is a bad idea.” Knox said it in his big-brother voice, but Tate hadn’t a hope of hearing him over the cheers as he walked into the straw-padded arena under the hanging lights of the beer tent toward the mechanical bull.
His renegade brother nailed the rough-edged charm of a cowboy, complete with his faded jeans, a black Stetson over his dark brown hair, a scrape of off-duty dark whiskers, dusty boots, and a swagger that suggested he’d been born on a bull.
Tate always did know how to put on the game to charm the ladies.
The organizers of the after-hours entertainment of The scent of blood spilled today turned wannabe cowboys into daredevils.
The crowd knotted around the circle, shouting smack and laying bets for or against Tate’s success. The ruddy rodeo aroma—horsehide, dust, hay, and plenty of craft beer—only added to the trouble brewing in Knox’s gut.
Probably Tate would survive. Knox had seen Tate ride—had taught him how to stay on the back of a real bull, and frankly, a smart man would ante up a Ben Franklin to the bookmaker collecting cash in an oversized boot.
But Knox worked too hard for his cash, and to his knowledge, Tate hadn’t been on a bull in years.
“C’mon, Tate, let’s go,” Knox said, a last-ditch effort to put a halt to the crazy. But when Tate got something in his head, he practically turned into one of those bulls in the nearby barn. Red-eyed, focused, and lethal.
The crowd exploded with fervor when Tate handed his red Solo cup to a blonde wearing a hot-pink Bull Riders Know How to Hang On T-shirt. When she grabbed a fistful of his shirt and pulled him to herself for a quick good luck kiss, Knox just wanted to shake his head.
He should probably hightail it out of the Tent-o’-Trouble and back to his room at the Hyatt where he could take a shower and whisk off the grime that seemed to hover in the air.
Tell us about your next book and when is it being published?The next book out is TATE, book 2 in the Montana Marshall series, out in July! I can’t wait for people to meet this amazing hero, a bodyguard who must save the woman he loves.
I will want to feature it on my blog too.
Where can my readers find you online. www.susanmaywarren.comor on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SusanMayWarrenFiction
Thank you, Susie, for sharing this new book with me and my blog readers. I’m eager for my copy to arrive.
Readers, here are links to the book. KNOX: The Montana Marshalls - an inspirational romantic suspense family series[image error] - Amazon.com

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