Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 9
October 4, 2023
LETTERS FROM MY SISTER - Valerie Fraser Luesse - One free book
Bio: Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of MissingIsaac, Almost Home, The Key to Everything,and Under the Bayou Moon. She is an award-winning magazine writerbest known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living,where she recently retired as senior travel editor. Specializing in storiesabout unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer ofthe Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section onHurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of AuburnUniversity and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with herhusband, Dave.Lettersfrom My Sister.
Aboutthe story: SistersEmmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life. As the only daughters ofa wealthy Alabama cotton farmer, they are surrounded by a close-knit family andshare a fierce bond with two Black women—Tirzah Randolph, who delivered both ofthem into the world, and her daughter, Hepsy Jordan, who runs the Bullockhousehold. But when Hepsy’s beautiful granddaughter, Lily, arrives in town, shedraws the wrong kind of attention. This sets in motion a chain of events that shakesnot only the Bullocks’ well-ordered household but the whole community.
AfterLily has a baby, Callie witnesses something that she can’t explain. But hermemory is just a haze—an image of her beloved sister, Emmy, standing by adarkened riverbank with Lily’s baby girl. As Callie tries to come to terms withwhat she deems an unthinkable act, it will take letters from her sister to reveal hidden truths leading back to a chillingSeptember night that changed them both forever.
Appealingto readers of various genres, Letters from My Sister will take bookloverson a life-altering journey they won’t soon forget.
Welcome to my blog, Valerie.Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, Letters from My Sister?Sisters Callie and Emmy have no secrets between them until amysterious accident robs one of a crucial memory and sparks troubling visionsabout the other. Only through letters they exchange while painfully separateddo the sisters reveal hidden truths leading back to a fateful springtimeday—and a chilling September night—that changed them both forever.
Letters from My Sister offers a fascinating plot. What was the inspirationbehind your novel? Three women: my maternalgrandmother, her only sister, and a Black woman named Bama, who cooked fortheir parents and ran their house. My grandmother spent a year at a healingsprings resort when she was seventeen. Her sister also took a difficult journeythat separated her from the family for a while, but I can’t explain too muchabout that without giving the story away.
My grandmother was a toughcritic of humanity! She didn’t respect many people outside her family, but sherevered Bama, who delivered some of her children and taught her critical lifeskills she would need later in life, when she faced tremendous hardship.
The plot of my story isfictional, but I was inspired by the close relationship between my grandmotherand her sister, the journeys they took, and the strong woman who became muchmore to them than their parents’ employee.
Your two femaleprotagonists, Emmy and Callie, are the privileged sisters of a wealthy cottonfarmer. Although very different, they share a strong bond. Can you please givea hint of what tested their relationship? Callie is faced with difficult questions: How much can youtrust someone you love? Will you believe what you see or what you feel?
Lily is the beautifulgranddaughter of Hepsy Jordan, who runs the Bullock household. Her appearance affectsnot only the Bullock household but the whole town. Without giving away anyspoilers, can you provide some insight on how her appearance turns the wholetown upside down? Lily upends their perception of what a woman of color“should” be. Strikingly beautiful and talented, she makes it difficult foranyone to consider her inferior, which many of the white women in the communitywant very much to do. The Black women in the community can see what’s happeningand worry for Lily, who does nothing to incite resentment from anyone; rather, it’simposed on her, born out of envy. And then Lily attracts the unwanted attentionof a man connected to the Bullock family, which sets a whole chain of events inmotion.
Letters from My Sister
has many features that readers will love—romance, suspense, history, Southerncharm. How were you able to successfully blend all of these elements? Theshort answer is that I’ve lived in the South my whole life. Remember thatfamous quote by William Faulkner? “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”I grew up in a family that loves to tell stories about the past, and we had adeep well to draw on. My maternal grandmother was born in 1893 and lived wellinto her nineties. She loved to talk about her family and the farm where shegrew up. Also, I think the South lends itself to romance. There’s amystery and great beauty in the landscape and waterways. (What’s more romanticthan wading a creek and picnicking with a handsome guy?) I had a college friendfrom New Mexico, and when he came to Alabama for the first time, he said theSouth—with all its dense woods and mountains and flowering vines and back roads—madehim nervous because he couldn’t see what was coming. That’s what I love aboutit!
In addition to a captivating and entertaining read, what doyou hope readers will gain from reading Letters from My Sister? Forme, the story is about the power of truth, faith, love, and compassion toovercome anything else—from the social mores that constrain a young woman’sself-actualization to racially driven prejudice and injustice.
You once said, “I’minspired by a particular time and place, and everything else spins off that.”In Letters from My Sister, your setting is Alabama prior to the First World War. Whatmade you choose this place and time? Because the story wasinspired by real people and a real place, I couldn’t see setting it anywherebut Alabama. This is a place I have in my heart and soul—I grew up playing inmy uncles’ cotton fields and wading in creeks with my parents and cousins. The naturalspring at my aunt Vivian’s farm wasn’t so different from Dewberry’s Dip in mystory. Alabama just felt natural to me for Callie and Emmy’s home.
As for the time, Letters from My Sister opensin 1909. That’s less than fifty years after Appomattox and less than ten yearsbefore the United States entered World War I, after which the agrarian Southbegan changing radically. So it’s a pivotal moment—or maybe I should say one ofthe pivotal moments—in Southern history and culture. Also, I just like theromance of this horseback riding, hat-wearing, house-dancing era, when peoplewrote letters instead of sending texts and the fastest way to get anywhere wasby train.
What about your ownbackground influences your writing? As I mentioned, I comefrom a storytelling family, so I’ve always been fascinated with stories andwith the past. The South itself feeds my fiction. It’s beautiful and eccentricand complicated and inspiring.
Two of my strongest “aha” moments as a writer came courtesyof Eudora Welty and Harper Lee. Welty’s “A Worn Path” and Lee’s To Kill aMockingbird made me want to write—or try to anyway. What I saw in thosestories was proof that ordinary people are a gold mine for exploring what makesus all human—and what offends our humanity. I think it was Welty who once saidthat you can find, in a family, all the great emotions that fuel fiction—love,hate, anger, compassion, envy, trust, betrayal . . . I believe that.
What are you working on next? Theworking title of my next book for Revell is Flight of the Silver Angels,and it’s about the friendship that develops between a young woman who returns hometo sort out her life and a group of senior women who have no intention ofbehaving like they’re supposed to.
I’ve always enjoyed the company of older women. One of mybest friends at Baylor was in her nineties. I traveled with my paternalgrandmother when she was in her eighties, and my maternal grandmother livedwith us when I was growing up. Women with a long history don’t belong in thebox we sometimes put them in. And they have no fear of what others might think.They have a lot to teach the rest of us.
How can readers connect with you? Ihave two Facebook pages, and I’m on Instagram. I also have a website, wherereaders can find discussion questions for my books or inquire about speaking appearances.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/valerie.luesse and https://www.facebook.com/valeriefraserluessebooks/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valerieluesse/
WEBSITE: www.valeriefraserluesse.com
Thank you for sharing Lettersfrom My Sister with my blog readers and me. I’meager to start reading my copy.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 2, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Lourdes (NY) is the winner of Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
September 29, 2023
COLD PURSUIT - Nancy Mehl - One Free Book
Bio: NancyMehl is the author of over fifty books, a Parable bestseller, as well as thewinner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne DuMaurier Award. She has also been a finalist for two Carol Awards, and theChristy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with herhusband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.Withstrong characters at the helm, Nancy Mehl’s fans know and love her for penningelectrifying romantic suspense novels filled with treacherous circumstances.Debuting an
excitingnew series following two former FBI analysts as they investigate cold cases,Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller perfect for fans of Terri Blackstock,Colleen Coble, and Irene Hannon that will keep readers up all night with ColdPursuit, book one in the Ryland& St. Clair series.
Ex-FBIprofiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong.Needing a fresh start, River moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing motherand opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner,Tony St. Clair.
They’resoon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happenedto her teenaged son who disappeared four years ago. River knows there’s almostno hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River andTony need a case, no matterhow cold it might be.
Butas they follow the boy’s trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, theyfind themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who getsin his way.
AsRiver and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerousthreat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and putting her in thepath of a man determined to put an end to her future.
Welcomeback to my blog. Please tell us a little bit about your new novel, ColdPursuit, book one in the Ryland and St. Clair series?
NancyMehl: River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are recovering from a run-in with theSalt River
Stranglerin Arizona. River has been diagnosed with PTSD, and Tony is recuperating from
beingshot while attempting to save River’s life. Not long after their encounter withthe
Strangler,River’s mother calls to ask for help. She’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.River
andTony make the decision to leave the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Virginia,and head
toSt. Louis, where River’s mother lives. River moves in with her mother, and sheand Tony
opena private detective agency. Tony is certain they can make a go of it, but Riverisn’t
convinced.They finally get a case, a mother whose only son disappeared several years ago.The
policehave given up, but River and Tony decide to help the distraught mother, eventhough
they’recertain the boy is dead. As they begin their search for the truth, they findthemselves
caughtin the crosshairs of two killers who will stop at nothing until they’re dead.
Whatinspired the idea behind a series that would center around cold cases? Is thatthe connectingelement between each novel in this series?NM:I’d never written about cold cases before and wanted to try it. Yes, the coldcases not only connectthe books, but thanks to a great idea from my editor, I’m setting all thestories in winter sothey’re not just cold, they’re very, very cold. LOL!
Yourtwo main protagonists River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are not just friends—they wereonce partners at the FBI. What kind of history do these two have?
NM:River and Tony were both part of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Analystsat the BAUare usually safe since they work behind closed doors, but a call from a friendled them to thebanks of the Salt River where the Strangler tried to end their lives. Now,besides their shared history,they must work together to recover from their traumatic encounter. Theirexperiences havebonded them in a way that most people can’t understand. In St. Louis, they areattempting tostart their lives over together. They are not just friends—they are bestfriends.
Asformer FBI analysts, River and Tony have unique job experience. What kind of researchwas required to portray these characters and their occupations?
NM:I’m blessed to have the help of a retired FBI Behavioral Analyst. The firstbook she
advisedme on was Mind Games. She’s helped me through two series now and willalso advise
meon this one. Because of her expertise, I was able to create believablecharacters while
keepingabreast of proper FBI procedures. I couldn’t have written any of these bookswithout
her.
Whatwas the most interesting thing you learned during your research for this novel?
NM:One of my main characters has a trait called synesthesia. It’s a fascinatingcondition that
causesthe senses to become jumbled. For example, some words may evoke aromas orcolors.
Mycharacter not only has this trait, but he also suffers from schizophrenia. Thetwo conditions
combineto make him a very disturbed individual who is triggered by his anger and thecolor
red.Of course, neither one of these diagnoses causes violent episodes. Thecharacter’s own
patternof thinking has led him to become dangerous to others.
Whatrole does faith play in this story?
NM:River was raised in a very religious family. Her parents were terriblylegalistic, and it
turnedher away from God. When she is about to die at the hands of the Strangler, shecries out
toHim, but after she is rescued, she once again turns her back. She deals with alot of guilt over
herdecision, and wonders if God will ever give her another chance. Tony, who is aChristian,
teachesher who God really is, and slowly but surely, she begins to see Him as Someonewho
lovesher unconditionally. Through His love, she is beginning to heal from her pastand the
traumashe’s endured.
Howis this series different from other romantic suspense novels you’ve written?
NM:This is the first novel I’ve written about retired FBI agents. Also, it’s myfirst book about
aprivate detective agency. I love learning new things, so this has been fun.
Canyou share what you’re working on next?
NM:I just wrote book two in the series, COLD THREAT, and am plotting out bookthree,
COLDVENGEANCE. These books will continue River and Tony’s story. I hope readerswill
enjoythem.
Howcan readers connect with you?
NM:Readers can reach me through my website, nancymehl.com; my blog, the Suspense
Sisters,at suspensesisters.blogspot.com; and on Facebook.
Thankyou for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I love your books.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
September 25, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Anne (NM) is the winner of The Rabbi and Mrs. Goldstein by MaryAnn Diorio.
Melissa (TN) is the winner of Countdown by Lynette Eason.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
September 20, 2023
SUMMER IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Liz Johnson - One FREE Book
BIO: LizJohnson isthe New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozennovels, including Beyond the Tides and The Last WayHome, as well as the Georgia Coast Romance and Prince Edward Island Dreamsseries. She works in marketing, makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, and daydreamsof returning to PEI. With more than adozen novels written, Liz Johnson has learned how to capture audiences with hercharming romances in captivating settings. In Summer in the Spotlight, the third installment in the PrinceEdward Island Shores series, Johnson invites readers to join her for a seasonof rebuilding, restoration, and romance.
About the story: Kelsey Ahern’s childhood was filled with performances at the VictoriaPlayhouse. She continued her stage presence as an adult until a hurricane destroyedthe building. Now, not only is she an actress without a stage, but her job asthe high school drama teacher is in jeopardy. However, there is someone who maybe able to help. Levi Ross, the facilities director at the school, has areputation for being able to fix anything—and there is more to him than meetsthe eye.
Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’tseem to find the courage to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in townand takes an interest in Kelsey, Levi realizes he needs to speak up—or lose hischance.
As Kelsey and Levi work on putting together abenefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater, they may just find thatthey have more in common than they thought and that romance can bloom inunexpected ways.
Join New York Times bestselling authorLiz Johnson as she closes out her Prince Edward Island Shores series with anothersatisfying romance.
Welcome to my blog. Can you please provide a brief summary of yournovel, Summer in the Spotlight? When a hurricane strikesPrince Edward Island, Kelsey Ahern’s beloved community theater is nearlydestroyed—putting her job as the high school drama teacher on the line too. Sheasks her shy coworker Levi Ross to help her put on a benefit show to raisemoney to rebuild the theater. But interest in the show from the island’s mostpopular weatherman brings about unexpected changes, leaving the fate of thetheater up in the air—and plenty of hearts at risk too.
Sinceshe was seven, Kelsey has been performing on the stage, an art form she lovedsharing with her late grandmother. With her parents mostly absent during herchildhood, Kelsey relied on Grandma Coletta for nearly everything. Althoughshe left the island shortly after high school, Kelsey eventually returned totake the job as the high school drama teacher, and now she’s tryingto honor her grandma’s legacy by training up the next generation of youngactors.
What is special aboutLevi Ross, one of the main characters in Summer in the Spotlight? Leviis a great guy. He’s thoughtful and compassionate, smart and funny. He’s alsoterribly shy and rarely speaks. Since his father abandoned their family when hewas fifteen, Levi has preferred to spend his time with a book rather than withanyone else. But he also reads people well and quickly takes a student underhis wing, teaching him how to use tools and rebuild old hay wagons. Hissuperpower is remembering just about everything he reads—including the scriptof the play they’re putting on.
How are Kelsey and Leviconnected? Kelsey and Levi were in the same grade growingup, and he’s always admired her from afar—too shy to tell her how he feels. Butwhen he rescues her from serious injury during the hurricane, theiracquaintance blossoms into a true friendship. As they work on the benefit showtogether, Levi realizes he’ll have to learn to speak up if he doesn’t want tomiss the chance to win her heart.
Summer in the Spotlight
highlights the theme of rebuilding. How does this theme impact thecharacters’ lives? As Levi and Kelsey work together, hebegins to see himself through her eyes, to see that he’s capable of anything hesets his mind to. Slowly, he begins to find the confidence that he’d lost as achild, rebuilding it with her encouragement.After her grandmother’sdeath, Kelsey built a wall around her heart, finding it easier to keep peopleout than risk losing someone else she loved. While she’s always believed Levican do anything, she doesn’t expect that he can tear down that wall. But withevery interaction, he becomes more and more important to her. When the showbegins to fall apart, she panics and tries to rebuild the safety wall that willkeep her from a broken heart.
What other themes or lessons are found in Summer in the Spotlight?One of my favorite themes in the book is thatwe do hard things for the people we love. Society often suggests that loveshould be easy or without cost, but true love requires true sacrifice. I lovedwatching these characters come to terms with what that sacrifice truly means intheir relationship.
This is the second seriesthat you have set on Prince Edward Island. Why did you choose this location forboth the Prince Edward Island Dreams series and the Prince Edward Island Shoresseries? I could keep writing stories set on PEI forever. Ilove it so much. The island is tiny—about 125,000 residents—and it’s cold andsnowy during the winter. But I’m constantly learning new and interesting thingsabout it that make me fall in love a little more. The first time I visited, Ithought I could see the whole island in five days. I barely scratched thesurface. And every time I try something new (lobster fishing) or discover ahidden gem (the island’s theater community), I’m inspired to write.
PEI is called the GentleIsland, and it’s earned that name. It’s one of the quietest, most peacefulplaces I’ve ever been. On my first visit, I realized that it was a place tofind healing. And what is a romance novel but two broken people searching for away to be put back together? Where better than PEI?
What was the connectingelement for all of the books in the Prince Edward Island Shores series? Thisseries is about the Ross family—three brothers whose dad left them more than adecade ago. Each brother chose to deal with that loss in his own way—lashingout in anger, running away, and turning inward. Now, years later, they’refacing the consequences of those decisions. As they meet women who challengeand inspire them, they discover that God has plans for them beyond theirfather’s legacy.
What do you love mostabout writing romance novels? The kissing scenes. If Iget stuck, my solution is usually to throw in a kiss. Okay, honestly? I lovethat romance novels are filled with hope for the could be. And I wanteach of my stories to be a reflection of the greatest love of all—the love ofGod.
Do you incorporate anyparts of your own life into your writing? Of course. Thereare parts of me in every book I write. Not exact representations—everycharacter is their own and not based on anyone I know. But I enjoy addingelements of my family history, stories from my childhood, and my loves to mystories. I also love to have my characters struggle with and find answers tospiritual lessons that I’m learning in life too.
Summer in the Spotlightfeatures a hero who loves to read, much like I do. He just has a better memorythan I do. Maybe the biggest piece of me in the book is my love of PrinceEdward Island. I have found PEI to be the most peaceful, gentle place, and Ilove that my characters have found serenity and healing there too.
How can readers connect with you? I love connecting with readers via my newsletter at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com and on Instagram and Facebook @lizjohnsonbooks.
Thank you, Liz, for sharing this new bookwith my blog readers. Through reading your PEI books, I have a strong desire tovisit there.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re readingthis on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, pleasecome to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in thedrawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
September 19, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Elly (IN) is the winner of Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble , or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.
Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
September 14, 2023
THE RABBI AND MRS. GOLDSTEIN - MaryAnn Diorio - One Free Book
Welcome back, MaryAnn. Since you’re beingpublished regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? My goalin all of my stories has been to entertain, to inspire, and, possibly, totransform my readers’ lives through a gripping story from God’s heart to theirs.It is my hope that my novels will continue to do just that. As for venues, I am planning, Lord willing, to do more personally narrated audiobooksof my stories.
What conferences will you be attending this year? Willyou be a speaker at any of them? I attended the ACFW At-HomeConference. I did not speak at this conference, although I have recentlyspoken for both ACFW and the San Gabriel Writers’ League. I will be appearingas a guest on an author panel to be held in November by Terri Gillespie’sYouTube program, “Author 2 Author.”
I would focus on a discussion of the importance of understandinggenre and tropes in fiction. Genres are often the defining factor in thepurchase of books. Readers read in their favorite genres. An author needs tounderstand her chosen genre and what is expected of her as she writes in thatparticular genre.
I would ask the following writers to be on the panel:
1. Susan May Warren
2. Lisa Jordan
3. Robin Lee Hatcher
4. Beth Vogt
5. Tina Radcliffe
6. Steven James
7. James Rubart
8. Deborah Raney
How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations? I thinkit is very important to participate in at least one writing organization for anumber of reasons:
1) To learn from more experienced authors.
2) To learn about current developments in the writing and publishing industry.
3) To cultivate friendships with other authors for mutual support. This isespecially important, I think, among Christian authors as we face the manyattacks of the enemy.
Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?I teach a Bible study in my cell group.
Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
1) Jesus without question is Number One. He transformed my life when I acceptedHim as my Savior and Lord back in 1970. He has been my Guide, my Strength, myEncourager, and my Life.
2) My father. He gave me a love of words by reading poetry to me when I was achild, by taking me to the library, and by encouraging a love of learning in mylife.
3) My mother. She was the most loving person I have known. She believed in meand told me that I could accomplish whatever dream God gave me.
4) My husband. He has been my greatest adult supporter. He greatly encouragesme in my writing and helps me practically by doing chores so I can be free towrite. He also takes care of much of the business side of my writing ministry. Hemakes me laugh continually and is my biggest cheerleader.
5) My two daughters, Lia and Gina. They have faithfully prayed for me and cheeredme on in my writing ministry. They have supported me by reading and promoting mybooks.
If you could write the inscription on your tombstone,what would it be?
She loved as Jesus loved.
Tell us about the featured book. The Rabbi and Mrs.Goldstein is the story of a 19th-century Jewish rabbi’s wife whoaccepts Yeshua as the Messiah and faces divorce, destruction, and death.
Please share the first page with us.Cape May, New Jersey, Wednesday, April 6, 1870
At the sound of shouting, Miriam Goldstein tensed, fingeredher gold wedding ring, and hurried from her office to the gift shop at theopposite side of the Cape May Jewish Culture Center. Rubbing her ring had a wayof calming her whenever she faced a trying situation.
The center occupied the first floor of a small buildingadjacent to the Beth Israel Synagogue and was an outreach of it. In addition toMiriam’s office, it housed a museum of Jewish culture, three classrooms, and agift shop to the right of the main entrance.
Her muscles tensing, she entered the gift shop.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet? Website: https://www.maryanndiorio.com
Thank you, Lena, for this wonderful opportunity!
Blessings,
MaryAnn
Thank you for sharing this book with my blog readers andme. I love your stories.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
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September 13, 2023
COUNTDOWN - Lynette Eason - One Free Book
Bio: Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestsellingauthor of Life Flight, Crossfire, and CriticalThreat, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, BlueJustice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity,and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW CarolAwards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, amongothers. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’sdegree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina withher husband. They have two adult children.In January 2022,bestselling author Lynette Eason introduced the Extreme Measure series. Eachbook in the series delivered intense, fast-paced action that focused on fourfriends who met in a juvenile delinquency center as teens and banded togetherin order to survive. Now Eason ramps up the adrenaline once again for the rivetingfinale in Countdown.
About the story: Raina Price is living life incognito. Inorder to protect herself from a dangerous stalker, she had to change her name,her identity, and her home. With the help of her friend from juvie, Raina isable to begin life anew. She has a new job as a flight paramedic that sheloves. It feels great to put her energies into saving lives. But it is hard toput aside the fact that her own life may still be in danger.
US Marshal Vincent Corelli’s job is to hunt downfugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almostkilled in front of him, he is more determined than ever to save her and to findout who is behind the nefarious act.
Together they must work to solve the mystery ofRaina’s past. But someone is determined to make sure that she doesn’t live longenough to uncover the truth. Can she trust Vincent with her past as well as herfuture?
Join Eason for a heart-stopping race against time inCountdown.
Can youplease provide a brief summary of your novel Countdown? Flight paramedic Raina Price’s past has marched back into herpresent—and it wants to kill her. A stalker who knows her well is determined tofinish what he started, and US Marshal Vince Correlli vows to protect her atall costs—even if it ends his career.
Yourfemale protagonist, Raina Price, has a secretive past. Can you please providesome insight about why she had to go into hiding? She made some lousy choices as a teenager. One of those choices ledher to juvie, where she met the other heroines in the series, but oneparticular bad choice led her to get involved with a man who was a narcissisticsociopath. With this guy threatening those she loved, her only recourse, shefelt, was to drop off the face of the planet and go into hiding.
VincentCorelli vows to protect Raina at all costs. How has his job as a US Marshalprovided him with the skill set to see this through? Well, that’s what a Marshal is trained for, right? Protecting thosewho need it? So, he simply transfers his training to Raina to keep her safe.
Countdownis the final book in the Extreme Measureseries. What is the connecting element for all the books in this series? The connecting element for all the books is the four heroines whomet in juvie as teens.
Willcharacters from previous books in the series make appearances in your newnovel? They do. I always love bringing backprevious characters and catching up with what’s going on in their lives. Thereaders enjoy it too.
No, each book can be read as a stand-alone. All threads are wrappedup in each book.
What wasthe inspiration for this series? I have alot of brainstorming buddies, but I have to give credit to my editor, AndreaDoering, for this idea. She threw out a little spark of an idea, and I managedto fan it into a flame that became the series.
Did youhave a favorite character in Countdown? I really love Raina. She was terrified on so many levels butdisplayed such courage to fight back against her abuser and stalker. Irespected her a lot and was thrilled to be able to give her a happy ending.
Countdownis set in Asheville, North Carolina. Why didyou choose this setting? Asheville, North Carolina,is one of my favorite places on earth. I love the mountains, I love small townson the outskirts of big cities, I just love it all. And I spend a lot of timethere. So, I often set my books in the mountains of North Carolina.
What doyou hope readers will gain from reading Countdown? I hope they willbe thoroughly entertained for several hours, and if something in the spiritualelement connects with them, then that’s always a wonderful thing.
How canreaders connect with you? I’m on Facebookat www.facebook.com/lynette.eason andTwitter @lynetteeason and Instagram @lynetteeason. My website is www.lynetteeason.com.
Thank you,Lynette, for sharing Countdown With my blog readers. I love every bookyou’ve written that I’ve read, and there have been a lot of them.
Readers, here’s alink to the book.
Leave a commentfor a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void whereprohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering thegiveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entererin accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The onlynotification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads,Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blogto leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s alink: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
September 12, 2023
WINNERS
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Sharon (SC) is the winner of Tangled Lives by Carol McClain.
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.
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If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.
September 5, 2023
RESCUE IN THE WILDERNESS - Andrea Byrd - One Free Book
Welcome to my blog, Andrea. Tell us how much of yourself you write into yourcharacters. In a way, I think it is almost impossible not to allow some ofyour own self to slip into your characters. But often times, my femalecharacters are much more of who I wish I was or could be than who I am myself.What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Oh,this one is downright embarrassing. I met one of my favorite authors at awriter’s conference/book festival. My husband had met her and spoken with her,telling her about my books while I was attending the writer’s conference. WhenI came out, he told me about it and that she was interested in my books. Well,I had brought copies of a couple with me… so without introduction or preamble…I walked right up and handed them to her! I think I said something along thelines of, “These are for you.” I was (and still am) so embarrassed and myhusband will never let me live down that moment! Though, we have met the authoragain since then and she was still just as sweet as ever!
When did you first discover that you were a writer? Inmiddle school. In 6th and 7th grade, I had a teacher who helped transform myabsolute disdain of writing into a love of writing. I have been writing eversince.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoyreading. I am a little boring because I mainly read historical ChristianFiction. I especially prefer those set in the 1800s and WWII, but there is somerange outside of that and I read some nonfiction as well.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Sanity?Haha, I am not sure that I do!
How do you choose your characters’ names? I look forhistorically and regionally appropriate names, take names from my own ancestors,and also have the readers in my reader group help.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Outside of my marriage and my family, it would mostdefinitely be becoming a traditionally published author. This has been a dreamof mine for over half my life.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Probablya black bear. Generally quiet and reclusive with a love for nature and berries,but definitely protective of my family.
What is your favorite food? I have been going throughsome dietary changes, so it is difficult to say. But I do especially loveberries, particularly blackberries (both wild and tame).
I love berries, too. What is the problem with writingthat was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Length and complexity.This is an area in which I am still growing and learning but reading Susan MayWarren’s The Story Equation was really pivotal for me. That bookcontained some wonderful information on how to dive deeper with my stories andcharacters.
Tell us about the featured book. William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, notwith the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumedthe solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky eachyear. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in atavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winnerof the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption willnot allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs. Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illnessher entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her toa lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimatebetrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes hertrust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at herdoor. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would bewithin her grasp—freedom.
In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin thedifficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But canthey overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life Godcreated them for?
Please give us the first page of the book.
November 11, 1779—ABINGDON, VA
Every fiber of William’s being fought his presence in theroom. His wandering feet itched to feel the soft, uneven terrain of a narrowgame trail. His body craved fresh, untainted air and endless expanses of land,free of the confines of human society. Instead, his moccasin-covered footbounced nervously on a hard wooden floor as he willed himself to remain seatedamong the sweaty, unwashed men as they imbibed spirits.
From his place in the corner of the tavern, he watched theroom from under the brim of the leather hat that never left his head. Just ason the trail, his hazel eyes were ever scanning for danger. The crowd wasunusually raucous—undoubtedly due to the sudden arrival of crisp fall air. Themuscle across the top of William’s shoulders rippled, and the hair on the back ofhis neck stood up, as
How can readers find you on the Internet? The best placeto find me is on Facebook in my reader group, The Reader’s Nest.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing this book with my blog readers.I know they will love it.
Readers,here’s a link to the book.
Leavea comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow theseinstructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at leastthe state or territory or country if outside North America. (Commentscontaining links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Voidwhere prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf ofthe enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaininglocal/federal/international laws.
Theonly notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure tocheck back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks fromthe posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, X(formerly Twitter), Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave yourcomment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
