Miralee Ferrell and Free Books!

A horse of her own would be awesome, but Kate figures that might be a long way away.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of The Outlaw Takes a Bride, by Susan Page Davis, is:

chris_davebures@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Miralee Ferrell, author of A Horse for Kate (David C Cook, March 2015.)

Miralee Ferrell is the author of The Other Daughter and four books in the Love Finds You series, which includes the award-winning novel Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, along with the best-selling novel, Blowing on Dandelions, part of the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.

She and her husband live on eleven acres in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, ride horses, take hikes, and visit with their children and grandchildren.

Miralee recently launched a new side-venture, opening her own small press to publish some of her own novels as well as helping other authors.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I’m now a publisher as well as an author! I’m pretty excited about opening my own small press. I just signed my first author to a three-book series—Kimberly Rose Johnson’s first book releases in a month. This is new territory for me, but I have a strong sales background and I’m loving it.

-- Years ago, we owned two cougars (not removed from the wild but raised in captivity). They were my husband’s project while the horses were mine.

-- I used to do a lot of oil painting—mostly scenery, and I actually sold one painting of a bull elk in a field for $300! I wish I still had time to paint, but writing takes up most of my time now.

That's very exciting about your publisher status, Miralee. As more and more of us dip our toes into the indie pool, it's good to know who already knows the way!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Horse for Kate.

A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with.

When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true.

Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad ... and figure out what’s going on with that horse.

What is it about Kate that will make your readers care about her?

Kate is spunky, fun-loving thirteen-year-old girl who is extremely loyal to her friends, and most important, she wants to do the right thing.

What have you learned about yourself as a result of your writing career?

That I actually have a degree of creativity. When I knew that God had called me to write, a friend suggested I write Christian fiction. I knew I could write short stories about real-life happenings, but I truly didn’t believe I could ever write fiction, as I didn’t feel I had the creativity to do so. Now, 12 novels later, I still question that at times, but not quite as much.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I’m reading the Mitford series again. I love the people in those books, and the way Jan Karon brought them all to life. When I’m in Mitford, I truly do feel like I’m at home.

What are you working on now?

I just finished the fourth book in my Horses and Friends series, so now I’m starting on a novella for Barbour—one of 9 authors each writing a story for a Cowboy Brides collection that will release next spring.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website and blog (where they can also sign up for my newsletter) is www.miraleeferrell.com
Twitter
Facebook fan group: Facebook

The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:







Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Have you ridden a horse or owned one, or ever wanted to? If so, what was it and what made it special. If not, do you still want to?

Thanks, Miralee, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Miralee has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, March 30. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Miralee's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.