K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 41

Register to win Carrie Turansky's "A Man To Trust"

We have 3 book giveaways. Scroll down and register for all of them! We're happy to have Carrie Turansky with us today talking about her book, "A Man To Trust." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Carrie, read on!


Title: A Man To Trust
Publisher: It's published by Love Inspired

Cover blurb: After years spent helping run her family's Christian bookstore, it's time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream a chance. But can she trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming…too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of – marriage. Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie is questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all.

1) How did this story come to you?
This story is the second in the Bayside Treasure Series. I wanted to tell Ross Peterson's story. He was the best friend of the hero in the Seeking His Love. I also love music and thought the heroine's dream of playing her flute professionally would be interesting to readers.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
A Man To Trust was contracted over a year ago as part of the series and it's the third book I've written for Love Inspired.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have a pet rabbit named Mercy who is a very cuddly and an ideal pet. I lived in Hawaii for eight years after we were first married and learned to do praise Hula and make flower leis. I wrote my first book when I was twelve, titled Passport to Paris.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just turned in my fourth Love Inspired novel, Snowflake Sweethearts. It comes out in late November 2012. I am working on some historical ideas now…just starting out with those.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks very much for this chance to connect with readers and friends!

6) Where can fans find you on the Internet?
I'm on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and also have a website: http://www.carrieturansky.com/. I offer an email newsletter every other month and the signup is on my website.

Lessons from the Open Road

A couple of years ago, the idea of writing a devotional about the lessons I learned while riding a motorcycle came to me. I jotted down notes for weeks, hoping to come up with enough lessons to take the reader through a month. Lessons from the Open Road ended with 33 lessons, each followed by Scripture and prayer.

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes learning new things is hard. Just when I thought I'd mastered the parking lot where I was learning to ride my little Yamaha Virago starter bike, I pulled out, forgot to hit the brake, did an Evel Knievel, and jumped a short concrete wall, landing in some trees. My poor little bike limped home with a hole in the crankcase the size of a quarter. J-B Weld to the rescue!

I'm stubborn, too stubborn to quit. After I recovered from the sore neck that resulted from my stunt, I climbed back on the old iron horse. Eventually, I graduated from the parking lot and hit the streets. When I'd learned to ride well enough to satisfy hubby, he bought himself a new Harley and I inherited his anniversary edition Harley Davidson Sportster. And, when I graduated with my masters degree, you'd never guess what I wanted. Yep, a new bike. I became the proud owner of a Screamin Eagle V-Rod (picture attached.)

All good things must eventually come to an end. I enjoyed my days on the road, but found another passion. Writing. I work a full-time job and since there's only so much time in the day, I have to choose what's most important to me. The bike had to go. Occasionally, I miss it, but for the most part, I'd rather be writing. I'm hoping the devotions in Lessons from the Open Road will minister to your heart as much as writing them did to mine.

Lessons from the Open Road is currently available in ebook format and will be coming soon in print. I had planned to list it at no cost, but Amazon wouldn't allow me to do so. I've listed it at the lowest price Amazon allows, 99 cents, and all proceeds will be donated to my church's building fun for the new church that's currently under construction.

Register to win 1 of 5 Lessons from the Open Road

Register to win Lessons from the Open Road. I'm giving away 5 copies. Leave me a comment for your chance to win one. If you feel inclined to purchase one, it's available right now for only 99 cents and all proceeds go to the building fund at my church!

A couple of years ago, the idea of writing a devotional about the lessons I learned while riding a motorcycle came to me. I jotted down notes for weeks, hoping to come up with enough lessons to take the reader through a month. Lessons from the Open Road ended with 33 lessons, each followed by Scripture and prayer.

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes learning new things is hard. Just when I thought I'd mastered the parking lot where I was learning to ride my little Yamaha Virago starter bike, I pulled out, forgot to hit the brake, did an Evel Knievel, and jumped a short concrete wall, landing in some trees. My poor little bike limped home with a hole in the crankcase the size of a quarter. J-B Weld to the rescue!

I'm stubborn, too stubborn to quit. After I recovered from the sore neck that resulted from my stunt, I climbed back on the old iron horse. Eventually, I graduated from the parking lot and hit the streets. When I'd learned to ride well enough to satisfy hubby, he bought himself a new Harley and I inherited his anniversary edition Harley Davidson Sportster. And, when I graduated with my masters degree, you'd never guess what I wanted. Yep, a new bike. I became the proud owner of a Screamin Eagle V-Rod (picture attached.)

All good things must eventually come to an end. I enjoyed my days on the road, but found another passion. Writing. I work a full-time job and since there's only so much time in the day, I have to choose what's most important to me. The bike had to go. Occasionally, I miss it, but for the most part, I'd rather be writing. I'm hoping the devotions in Lessons from the Open Road will minister to your heart as much as writing them did to mine.

Lessons from the Open Road is currently available in ebook format and will be coming soon in print. I had planned to list it at no cost, but Amazon wouldn't allow me to do so. I've listed it at the lowest price Amazon allows, 99 cents, and all proceeds will be donated to my church's building fun for the new church that's currently under construction.

Catherine Richmond's "Spring for Susannah"

Title: Spring for Susannah
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

1) How did this story come to you?
Spring for Susannah was inspired by a song about a mail-order bride meeting her husband for the first time. Researching the history unrolled the story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first heard the song in July 1991. Through the years I researched, learned to write, and learned to deal with rejection letters. I entered a contest, hoping for feedback, and received a contract with Thomas Nelson - how amazing is that!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was on a rifle team in high school and college. I have a pilot's license. My writing is fueled by Ghiradelli chocolate chips - they come in huge bags from Sam's Club. No, I won't say how many it takes to write a novel!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My next book, Through Rushing Water, releases in July. When the mission board sends her to a poverty-stricken Indian agency, Sophia wonders if she can do anything about the tribe's enormous problems. Then she witnesses the most important events of the 19th century.

5) Parting comments?
I love hearing from readers!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

Register to win Catherine Richmond's "Spring for Susannah"

We're happy to have Catherine Richmond with us today talking about her book, "Spring for Susannah." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Catherine, read on!


Title: Spring for Susannah
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

1) How did this story come to you?
Spring for Susannah was inspired by a song about a mail-order bride meeting her husband for the first time. Researching the history unrolled the story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first heard the song in July 1991. Through the years I researched, learned to write, and learned to deal with rejection letters. I entered a contest, hoping for feedback, and received a contract with Thomas Nelson - how amazing is that!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was on a rifle team in high school and college. I have a pilot's license. My writing is fueled by Ghiradelli chocolate chips - they come in huge bags from Sam's Club. No, I won't say how many it takes to write a novel!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My next book, Through Rushing Water, releases in July. When the mission board sends her to a poverty-stricken Indian agency, Sophia wonders if she can do anything about the tribe's enormous problems. Then she witnesses the most important events of the 19th century.

5) Parting comments?
I love hearing from readers!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

Sharon Dunn's "Broken Trust"

Title: Broken Trust
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Cover blurb: "I need you to trust me."
Impossible! Sheriff Christine Norris still remembers the heartache from the last time she gave Special Agent Wyatt Green her trust. And she certainly doesn't believe him now, when he claims some of her residents are involved in a dangerous militia. But Christine can't ignore the fact that someone who may be tied to the militia has kidnapped an innocent boy. And when she's almost killed in a fiery explosion, Christine realizes Wyatt may be the only person she can trust to protect her. Even if she's still not sure she can trust him again with her heart….

1) How did this story come to you?
Eastern Montana is one of the most interesting places to write about because if its remoteness and also there is an interesting mixture of down to earth good people and lawless people. It seemed like the perfect setting for a suspense story. Also, this book has a border collie in it. About a year ago, we got a very nervous border collie named Bart and I just wanted to include a border collie in a book. The one is Broken Trust is called Jake.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Broken Trust is my fourth book for Love Inspired Suspense. The second book I did with them, Night Prey, won a Carol Award from American Christian Fiction writers. I am enjoying writing for Love Inspired, though there has been a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to write romance since I started my writing career as a mystery writer.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
When I go to the doctor or dentist, I give myself permission to read People magazine. Not a magazine I would ever buy, but I figure if I got to sit through a dentil exam or worse, I can at least look forward to reading that magazine.

My college degree is in film production—never worked in the industry, but what I learned about story structure in scriptwriting classes help me write novels

I grew up in the country (one of six siblings) where we only had a trickle of running water. Took sponge baths as a kid.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Finishing touches on Zero Visibility(also a romantic suspense) due out in July 2012 and also in the early writing stages of another book for Love Inspired that features K-9 police dogs.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.sharondunnbooks.net/

Register to win Sharon Dunn's "Broken Trust"

We have two book giveaways this week, so be sure to check them both out! We're happy to have Sharon Dunn with us today talking about her book, "Broken Trust." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Sharon, read on!

Title: Broken Trust
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Cover blurb: "I need you to trust me."
Impossible! Sheriff Christine Norris still remembers the heartache from the last time she gave Special Agent Wyatt Green her trust. And she certainly doesn't believe him now, when he claims some of her residents are involved in a dangerous militia. But Christine can't ignore the fact that someone who may be tied to the militia has kidnapped an innocent boy. And when she's almost killed in a fiery explosion, Christine realizes Wyatt may be the only person she can trust to protect her. Even if she's still not sure she can trust him again with her heart….

1) How did this story come to you?
Eastern Montana is one of the most interesting places to write about because if its remoteness and also there is an interesting mixture of down to earth good people and lawless people. It seemed like the perfect setting for a suspense story. Also, this book has a border collie in it. About a year ago, we got a very nervous border collie named Bart and I just wanted to include a border collie in a book. The one is Broken Trust is called Jake.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Broken Trust is my fourth book for Love Inspired Suspense. The second book I did with them, Night Prey, won a Carol Award from American Christian Fiction writers. I am enjoying writing for Love Inspired, though there has been a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to write romance since I started my writing career as a mystery writer.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
When I go to the doctor or dentist, I give myself permission to read People magazine. Not a magazine I would ever buy, but I figure if I got to sit through a dentil exam or worse, I can at least look forward to reading that magazine.

My college degree is in film production—never worked in the industry, but what I learned about story structure in scriptwriting classes help me write novels

I grew up in the country (one of six siblings) where we only had a trickle of running water. Took sponge baths as a kid.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Finishing touches on Zero Visibility(also a romantic suspense) due out in July 2012 and also in the early writing stages of another book for Love Inspired that features K-9 police dogs.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.sharondunnbooks.net/

Margaret Brownley's "Dawn Comes Early"

More Love and Laughter from New York Times Bestselling Author Margaret Brownley
"Daily Reasons to Smile" Contest..."I've matched up twenty-three couples over the years and in all that time I only made one error. Although I still think the marriage would have worked had she not shot her husband." -Aunt Bessie in Dawn Comes Early

Characters from Margaret's new book will send you a reason to smile every day until April 11th. Join in the fun and you could win a book, potted cactus (the story takes place in Arizona Territory) or an iPod Nano and alarm clock docking station. To enter send an email to info@NancyBerland.com. Be sure to put "Reason to Smile" in the subject line. That's it!

Title: Dawn Comes Early (Book 1 of the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series)
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb:  Brides of Last Chance Ranch Heiress Wanted. Looking for hard-working, professional woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be single and prepared to remain so now and forever more.  Arizona Territory:1895

Her latest dime novel banned, twenty-nine-year old KATE TENNEY finds herself without a publisher or other means of support. An advertisement for a woman willing to learn the ranching business seems like the perfect solution for a displaced western writer who has no intention of getting married—ever.

Trouble begins the moment she steps foot in Arizona Territory. The west is nothing like she wrote about in her books. Not only does she have to deal with a hard-nosed ranch owner, and nefarious outlaw, but a traitorous heart. Deserted as a child by her father, grandfather and others—even God— Kate does not trust men and has no intention of falling for LUKE ADAM'S charm. She's determined to learn the ranching business and prove to the doubting ranch owner that she's up to the task—if it kills her. Her faith tested by the harsh realities of the desert, Kate battles to hold on to the one thing that promises permanence—land.

If only she could stay away from a certain handsome blacksmith and his two matchmaking aunts.

1) How did this story come to you?
The idea was inspired by a group of fifty ladies of the First Church of Millford who formed a society of old maids in 1861. Each member vowed she would not marry. Each woman paid five dollars on admission with the principal going to the one who remained unmarried the longest.

According to an article in The New York Times thirty years later all but fifteen of the original had married. I was never able to find out who won the prize—and being a romantic I sincerely hope that no one did—but where real life stops imagination takes off.

2) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers
I flunked eighth grade English and still can't diagram a sentence. I also hated history (all those dates and battles). No one would have ever guessed I would one day earn my living writing historical fiction. My office is painted Monet purple for inspiration and I'm addicted to Cadbury Easter eggs. If that's more than three it's because I can't count.

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
The second book in the series Waiting for Morning will be published January 2013. My first non-fiction book Grieving God's Way: the Path to Hope and Healing will be published in July. I'm currently working on the third book in my Last Chance series and a novella for an anthology.

4) Where can fans find you on the internet?
You can find me at http://www.margaretbrownley.com/. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you so much for letting me visit today!

Register to win Margaret Brownley's "Dawn Comes Early"

We have two book giveaways this week, so be sure to check them both out! We're happy to have Margaret Brownley with us today talking about her book, "Dawn Comes Early." Leave her a comment with your email address to register to win and if you've not done so, please place your email address in the feedburner box to the right to get weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Margaret, read on!

More Love and Laughter from New York Times Bestselling Author Margaret Brownley
"Daily Reasons to Smile" Contest..."I've matched up twenty-three couples over the years and in all that time I only made one error. Although I still think the marriage would have worked had she not shot her husband." -Aunt Bessie in Dawn Comes Early

Characters from Margaret's new book will send you a reason to smile every day until April 11th. Join in the fun and you could win a book, potted cactus (the story takes place in Arizona Territory) or an iPod Nano and alarm clock docking station. To enter send an email to info@NancyBerland.com. Be sure to put "Reason to Smile" in the subject line. That's it!

Title: Dawn Comes Early (Book 1 of the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series)
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb:  Brides of Last Chance Ranch Heiress Wanted. Looking for hard-working, professional woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be single and prepared to remain so now and forever more.  Arizona Territory:1895

Her latest dime novel banned, twenty-nine-year old KATE TENNEY finds herself without a publisher or other means of support. An advertisement for a woman willing to learn the ranching business seems like the perfect solution for a displaced western writer who has no intention of getting married—ever.

Trouble begins the moment she steps foot in Arizona Territory. The west is nothing like she wrote about in her books. Not only does she have to deal with a hard-nosed ranch owner, and nefarious outlaw, but a traitorous heart. Deserted as a child by her father, grandfather and others—even God— Kate does not trust men and has no intention of falling for LUKE ADAM'S charm. She's determined to learn the ranching business and prove to the doubting ranch owner that she's up to the task—if it kills her. Her faith tested by the harsh realities of the desert, Kate battles to hold on to the one thing that promises permanence—land.

If only she could stay away from a certain handsome blacksmith and his two matchmaking aunts.

1) How did this story come to you?
The idea was inspired by a group of fifty ladies of the First Church of Millford who formed a society of old maids in 1861. Each member vowed she would not marry. Each woman paid five dollars on admission with the principal going to the one who remained unmarried the longest.

According to an article in The New York Times thirty years later all but fifteen of the original had married. I was never able to find out who won the prize—and being a romantic I sincerely hope that no one did—but where real life stops imagination takes off.

2) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers
I flunked eighth grade English and still can't diagram a sentence. I also hated history (all those dates and battles). No one would have ever guessed I would one day earn my living writing historical fiction. My office is painted Monet purple for inspiration and I'm addicted to Cadbury Easter eggs. If that's more than three it's because I can't count.

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
The second book in the series Waiting for Morning will be published January 2013. My first non-fiction book Grieving God's Way: the Path to Hope and Healing will be published in July. I'm currently working on the third book in my Last Chance series and a novella for an anthology.

4) Where can fans find you on the internet?
You can find me at http://www.margaretbrownley.com/. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you so much for letting me visit today!

Darlene Franklin's "A Ranger's Trail"

Title: A Ranger's Trail
Publisher: River North Fiction (Moody Press)

Cover blurb: This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were killed by an angry German mob and former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance on the murders.

Suspected of cattle rustling, Let Denning's husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence. Leta prays daily that God will wreak vengeance on her enemies. Buck prays that the God of all provision will supply for the needs of the widow, her son Ricky, and her 15-year old brother, Andy. Buck lays a trap at his uncle's ranch for the suspected outlaws but the plan backfires when Andy shows up. Shots are fired and one man is down. Andy has joined the outlaw gang and is now guilty of murdering Buck's cousin.

Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance? Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace?

1) How did this story come to you?
When Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough and I brainstormed ideas for Texas Trails, we studied a timeline of Texas history for story lines that appealed to us. For me, the Mason County (Hoo Doo) War was an obvious choice—cattle rustling, range wars, feuds—plenty of drama!

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My agent (Chip MacGregor) came up with the idea of a multi-author series in a historical Texas setting. I teamed up with Susan Page Davis and Vickie McDonough. After brainstorming, we decided on the family saga format, and put together a six-book proposal. Six months later, Moody offered us a contract! A Ranger's Trail is my second book, the fourth overall, in the Texas Trails series. Cowgirl's Trail (by Susan) and End of the Trail (by Vickie) will come out in April and June. Then we will say a fond farewell to the Morgan family.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
This question always throws me, because I find myself a very boring person! One thing that surprised me recently was when I totaled all books sold (not including the Texas Trails series, I don't have those yet), more than 300,000 copies of my books have sold. Thank my losing high school football team and Jimmy Connors for my love of sports. And my favorite TV is the unscripted (lesser scripted?) reality TV. My movie-producer friend considers that hilarious.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on Calico Brides, a four novella anthology of historical romances that will come out from Barbour next year. And churning out proposals for that next contract! In addition to A Ranger's Trail, I have four more books coming out this year: A Bridge to Love has just been released as an e-book from Truly Yours. Pride's Fall is my last Heartsong title. And A Bride's Rogue in Roma, Texas and Postmark: Christmas will come out in September.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me! Check by my blog (darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com) for a weekly drawing of my older titles.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I'm on Facebook; and my website is http://www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/