Kelly Nelson's Blog, page 2
February 24, 2015
Coming Summer of 2015
My LDS contemporary romance novel Love’s Deception will release early this summer.
Catherine Lewis lost her husband to a roadside bomb in Baghdad shortly after discovering she was expecting their first child. Now seven years later she fears her chance at true happiness has slipped through her fingers.
After growing up the son of a humble Oregon farmer, Kip is driven to climb the corporate ladder of an accounting firm in California. But when his father suffers a heart attack he returns home to help with the family farm. Rescuing the beautiful cowgirl stranded on the rural road transforms his previously miserable leave of absence into one of the happiest times of his life.
Unlike Cat Kip isn’t a member of the LDS church and normally she wouldn’t give him a chance. But against her better judgment, Cat falls for him under the pretense he is a farmer. But once she realizes Kip is leading a double life, will she shut the door on that relationship for good? Or could Mr. Wrong possibly be the right one for Cat after all?
Romantic, humorous, and bittersweet—Love’s Deception is a heartwarming story of love, family, and forgiveness.
January 26, 2015
The Keeper’s Saga Now On Audiobook!
Good news for those of you who love listening to books on audio. The Keeper’s Calling and The Keeper’s Quest have been narrated by actor James Simenc. Visit Audible.com to listen to a sample of the audio. But let me tell you, it is a fun listen!
Available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Audible.com!
December 16, 2013
Blog tour and book giveaway for The Keeper’s Defiance
Welcome to the blog tour for Kelly Nelson’s third book in The Keeper’s Saga. Read more about The Keeper’s Defiance below and enter to win a signed copy!
The scream of a dragon woke me. Wide-eyed, I scrambled to my knees, searching for a place to hide. Then it dawned on me–within the clutches of the enemy, I was perfectly safe from the dragons.–Chase Harper.
When Chase found the gold counter buried in a cave, he went back in time, setting in motion events that would change the course of his life and forever alter the destiny of the new world. After he and a small group of soldiers rescue his girlfriend Ellie from the Shuylians, they are overtaken during their race for the Algonian border. Chase falls into enemy hands, leaving Ellie to fend for herself. As time passes, he is believed dead–forever lost. So when Davy, Perception’s Keeper, is charged with seeing to Ellie’s safety, will his persuasions turn her heart away from Chase?
The Keeper’s Defiance on:
Amazon
Goodreads
Kelly Nelson was raised in Utah and now resides in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband, four children, and of course lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and worked as a CPA for several years before opting to stay home and raise a family. As a young girl she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper’s Calling, Book 1 in The Keeper’s Saga.
The Keeper’s Calling (book #1) $2.99 on Amazon The Keeper’s Quest (book #2)
Kelly’s Website
Kelly on Twitter
Kelly on Goodreads
Kelly’s Amazon Page
The Keeper’s Saga Facebook Page
Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win a signed copy of The Keeper’s Defiance!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Check out the other blog tour stops:
Monday – Britney Gulbrandsen’s Blog and Bonnie Harris’ Blog
Tuesday – Laura Johnston’s Blog
Wednesday – Kylee Shield’s Blog
Thursday – Rebecca Lamoreaux’s Blog and Cami Checketts’ Blog
Friday – Donna K. Weaver’s Blog
November 20, 2013
Book 3 is done!
Click to see the cover for Book 3: KeepersDefiance_cover_new
A Dreadful Dungeon
An Epic Journey
A Lost Love
“The scream of a dragon woke me. Wide-eyed, I scrambled to my knees, searching for a place to hide. Then it dawned on me—within the clutches of the enemy, I was perfectly safe from the dragons.” ~ Chase Harper
When Chase found the gold counter buried in a cave, he went back in time, setting in motion events that would change the course of his life and forever alter the destiny of Algonia. After rescuing his girlfriend, Ellie Williams, from the Shuylians they are overtaken during their race for the Algonian border and Chase falls into enemy hands, leaving Ellie to fend for herself. As time passes, Chase is believed dead—forever lost. So when Davy, Perception’s Keeper, is charged with seeing to Ellie’s safety, will his persuasions be enough to turn her heart?
Kelly Nelson weaves a layered, complex tale that draws the reader in and provides continued intrigue. I picked this book up to read a few pages and found myself engrossed three hours later. A satisfying segment to a creative and original series. – Braden Bell, Author of the Middle School Magic series
Nelson does it again! The Keepers Defiance is a wonderful addition to a beloved series. Loveable characters, moral dilemmas, adventure and even time travel. Awesome combo for a clean, fun and engaging read! – Steve Westover, Author of A Nothing Named Silas & the Crater Lake series
August 7, 2013
What folks are saying about The Keeper’s Saga
Nothing can turn an ordinary day into a great one faster than a fan email. I simply LOVE getting them. I am so curious what other people think when they read my book, or in other words take a glimpse at my daydream. Because that’s really all it is—an elaborate daydream that I set to paper. I did have to sprinkle in a few character flaws and season it with a couple of plot twists, but nothing helps one pass the time quicker than an intriguing daydream. Don’t you think?
Here is a sampling of readers’ comments:
This post would be too long if I included everything. And unless I asked for permission, I have only included first names to keep it anonymous. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with me!
Ashley Clark went above and beyond the duty of an ordinary fan she put pencil to sketch pad and created these beautiful depictions of the main characters.
Jessica Harper
Ellie Williams
Chase Harper
Ashley’s father said, “I’m a huge fan and loved your first book. I remember an old TV series called “Voyagers” I liked when I was a kid. Your book has some similarities to it, but is much, much better with an engaging story and great characters. I can’t wait to read the next book. My daughter is almost done with book two, and my wife is done with book one and is waiting to start book two. We love all the Portland references. Actually, my daughter reads a lot of books and when she really likes characters in a book (like in the Hunger Games, etc.) she draws pictures of the characters in her sketchbook. I found these 3 sketches she had done of Chase, Ellie, and Jessica (See attached). After some coaxing, she agreed to let me send them to you.”
Darien said, “I just finished reading Keeper’s Quest. It took me a little under two weeks to read both books, and when I found out there was going to be a third book I got really excited.”
Chelsea said, “I just finished the second book. I loved it just as much as the first. I can hardly wait for your third! I’m so impatient! I’ve started recommending your books to everyone I know! I hope it helps!”
Vince said, “My wife met you in a Costco (she was displaying humus for Garden Fresh) and bought your first two books for my daughter Sara. Sara and I both read the Keeper’s Calling and just started the Quest. You are a very talented writer and I’m confident you have a brilliant writing career in front of you. The challenge you face is getting the word out, as I know your work will propel you once it starts to spread. I would love to see this saga turned into a movie. Word of mouth is powerful advertising and we’ll be spreading it in our geography here in Georgia. Good luck and PLEASE let me know when your next book is released, as I’ll be anxiously waiting.”
Sandra said, “It was nice seeing you again at the signing! I just finished reading The Keeper’s Quest, after just picking it up two days ago. I was on the edge of my seat while reading. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the saga! Can’t wait to see what adventures Chase has ahead of him! Such talent! I’d love to see these turned into a movie!”
Chelsea said, “I decided last night that I would pick up your book. About 3 pages into it, I was like “This is an early teen book. No way I’m going to get into this.” But I did Kelly, I read your entire book in one night, I passed out for about 3 hours, woke back up and read again until I absolutely could no longer keep my eyes open and had finished the book. I just wanted to let you know with your little “Hope you enjoy” message, that I did enjoy and that at some point I will be buying your others. Smiles.”
“My name is Blake. My grandma went into Costco about 2 weeks ago & bought your book “The Keeper’s Calling” & got it signed saying, “Blake, I hope you enjoy” How could I not enjoy it? It was seriously the best book I’ve ever read! I love everything about it. The charterers, everything that happens, & the love story part. I cannot wait to get “The Keeper’s Quest” I haven’t read what happens in that book but I am 100% sure it will be great just like this one!”
“My name is Sage and I live in Portland, Oregon. I am 12 years old. My parents went shopping at Costco and found your book. I just finished it today and it was the best book I have ever read. I’m not a very big reader but I read for six hours in one day. I usually read about one hour tops. We are going to get the sequel today, and I am looking forward to reading it for hours at a time! Thank you for making such an amazingly written book!”
Amy said, “I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much I LOVED reading The Keepers Calling! I can’t believe what a creative, well written story it was! I loved the characters! You are amazing, and I can’t wait until your next book comes out!”
Brenda said, “I just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I can’t wait to read of their next escapades and I really appreciate your insight as to why having our futures revealed to us spoils the present. To be fully present in each and every moment in our glory and our vulnerabilities is truly the gift.”
Aravind said, “Although I finished your book a few months ago, the story is still vivid in my mind and I would like to commend you on how well it is written. I can gladly say that your book was a much-needed relaxer from the world of over hyped, mass produced James Patterson novels and made me believe in delving into the world of new authors again. Once again I would like to congratulate you on writing such a wonderful book that I had the utmost pleasure in reading. I am extremely excited for your next book and look forward to reading it.”
Antanina said, “My father and I ran into you at the Tigard Costco not log ago. After glancing at your book and speaking with you we decided to pick up a copy of your book. It isn’t the kind of book I would normally be drawn too, but I found the concept very interesting. I sat down and began my journey with your characters. Needless to say I finished to book in one sitting. It is an easy read with very likable characters; please continue the amazing work and I hope to see many more works from you in the future.”
Thanks again for reading my book. I’ve loved having you join me in The Keeper’s Saga!
July 27, 2013
First Podcast Interview
It is always a bit nerve-wracking every time I try something for the first time, and the podcast interview I did last week was no exception. I met the very personable Nick Galieti, who reminded me of a professional radio talk-show host. He hosts the weekly Internet radio program titled The Good Word. The insightful questions he asked left me with no doubt he’d done his homework prior to the interview. As I walked out of his recording studio, I thought, “Wow! That was actually fun. I just hope I didn’t giggle too much.”
I hope you’ll take a few minutes and listen. I answer questions about Costco book signings, any real people that my characters might have been based on, and where I like to write, along with picking one word that describes my books. It takes only a few seconds to sign up for Stitcher, the online radio program. They only ask you to supply an email. So it is super easy.
Link to my interview: http://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/31414/details
Here is the link to the other interviews by on The Good Word: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/good-word/the-good-word-podcast
Hope you Enjoy!!
March 7, 2013
Enter to win a copy of The Keeper’s Quest
This is more of a news item, but I just have to share the link to my sister’s writing blog. She is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the release of Book 2 of The Keeper’s Saga. Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card & a signed copy of The Keeper’s Quest.
Click below
Lo’s Writing Blog
January 22, 2013
Deleted prologue for The Keeper’s Quest
The Keeper’s Quest
Prologue
Lightning split the night sky over Shuyle, and thunder reverberated through the energy-charged air. Lord Arbon sulked in his overstuffed chair in front of a roaring fire, savoring his foul mood instead of his food. Archidus was his younger brother—and his sworn enemy. One by one, Archidus’ Keepers had picked off Arbon’s Sniffers, rogue elves who had defected to Shuyle. Unfortunately, he had a limited supply of them at his disposal, since most elves were loyal to his brother’s pitiful cause.
On the old world, in roughly the last two hundred years, Lord Arbon had lost three Sniffers to the Keepers’ deadly blades. The most recent had left him seething. Balcombe had nearly taken a Keeper, when the Guardian stooped so low as to stab him in the back. Obviously, the Guardian had help, and Arbon suspected the Protector had come out of hiding. The counter bearing the name Protector had vanished for nearly 150 years, but all the signs indicated it had an active Keeper. Arbon tore off another chunk of venison with his teeth and mumbled, “Vengeance will be mine, brother.”
The magic flowing through Arbon’s veins endowed him with unusually long life, and he thought back over the last several centuries. As it had a thousand times before, the flashback of his mother’s death tormented him. A dozen soldiers and some priest, claiming to be an instrument in God’s holy work, had galloped into the town square and captured her. But the priest had been on the devil’s errand that day. Within minutes, they burned her at the stake for practicing witchcraft. Like the other witches at the market, she would have fled had she not been searching for her son. Arbon slammed his fist on the table. Why had he chosen that day to sneak off? His father had told him to stay with his mother. At the sound of her screams and the plume of black smoke, Arbon had run back. He watched from behind the wagon of a peddler.
His father, heartbroken and lonely, had turned to the arms of another woman. That woman gave his father a second son—Archidus. Their father favored him, perhaps because the small boy was a seer and had the right answer to every question. But for whatever reason, their father’s eyes twinkled around Archidus, yet when he looked at his elder son, the man hid his scorn behind a false smile. Although the words never crossed his father’s lips, Arbon knew he was to blame for his mother’s death, and darkness soon filled his soul.
As the oldest and most experienced of the Keepers, Arbon should have been voted Master Keeper. But at the dawn of the new world, his conniving younger brother had used his influence to sway the others and had stolen the prestigious title. Thinking of it now brought Arbon’s blood to a boil faster than a blast of energy from an angry elf.
Archidus’ fondness for the human race was a disgrace to everything magical, and their father had displayed the same foolishness. The energy expended to create a new world would’ve been put to better use destroying humankind. If Arbon had his way, in the future every human would bend his knee in deference, or pay the price.
He caressed the gold counters dangling beneath his lavish robes—Propulsion and Creation were his. He needed five more, but his efforts to obtain them had been fruitless for many years. Following the death of Creation’s Keeper, the other Keepers had entrusted their counters to humans to prevent Arbon from obtaining the devices. He had thought it a fool’s decision at the time—humans were measly creatures, after all. But the sheer number of them on the old world had made locating a Keeper challenging. Not to mention, Arbon’s magical abilities and those of his Sniffers were compromised when they traveled to the old world.
Arbon drank his wine in great gulps, hoping to douse the hot wrath welling inside him, then slammed the empty goblet on the table as a knock sounded. “Enter,” he commanded.
His closest ally, Legard, swept into the room, pausing to bow. “Milord, I’ve found it.” The Sniffer’s face was flushed, his cloak dirty and tattered from his travels.
Arbon smiled. “Yes? Do tell.”
Legard turned to close the door behind him. “I’ve located the perfect time portal—a chance to entrap two Keepers, perhaps kill a third if fortune smiles on us.”
Arbon stood and pulled out a chair for the Sniffer before pouring a generous portion of wine into an ornate goblet. “Ahh, Legard, my most loyal friend, your news is cause to celebrate! Come, sit, enjoy food and wine and tell me more.”
Three goblets of wine later, as Legard prepared to return to his quarters, Arbon said, “We must tell no one. Archidus cannot learn of our plan. Safely lock your thoughts against his prying eyes. Recruit two more Sniffers and tell them only what you must. The less they know, the better our chance for success.”
Legard bowed respectfully. “As you wish, milord.”
Archidus could decipher the intentions of others, and Arbon did not doubt his brother would be looking. But Arbon was confident this secret—like so many others in the past—would remain hidden. For both he and Legard were well acquainted with the art of deception.
December 26, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
There is much to be grateful for at this special season. Family, friends, home & hearth. It was ten years ago today that my father was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. That one emergency room visit on the day after Christmas sent our family down an unforeseen path. The road was difficult and often laced with tears, but through it all we learned to fully appreciate the gift of family. It is our relationships with each other that make us happy, not the things we surround ourselves with. There is nothing like the smirk on my brother’s face when he is about to tease me, or the sweet feel of my niece’s head resting on my shoulder, her tiny body cuddled next to mine. Before my dad died he asked us to get together often and to work together. Knowing my dad, the working together request made sense, but I did pause to contemplate this. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that although playing together is fun and one way we can renew our acquaintance, the best way to build a relationship with someone is to work with them.
This morning I went with my daughter, my sister, and two brothers-law for a jog through a winter wonderland. Three inches of snow blanketed the road and fluffy flakes swirled through the grey sky. The snow clung to my eyelashes, then melted, trickling down my face. The beauty of nature is awe-inspiring. But the warmth of a nice home and the fire flickering in the fireplace in front of me were never more welcomed.
I’m looking forward to the next year, mostly because it will bring the release of my second book, The Keeper’s Quest. Toward the end of January it should be available on Amazon and then make its debut in stores shortly thereafter. The opportunity to share my books with all of you is a miracle, an incredible opportunity, and a blessing for which I will be forever grateful.
May the new year bring you all happiness, joy, and many great books to read!
