THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book, Plus More

Welcome back, Shelley. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?God has given me so many blessings in my chosen career! I am hopeful He will continue to want me to write. I’m currently under contract for several books through 2016, so I will be busy working on new Amish novels as well as some historicals set in Texas.
Tell us a little about your family.I’ve been married for 25 years to my college sweetheart. We have two children who are now adults! Our son is named Arthur, and he lives in Colorado. My daughter, Lesley, just graduated college and recently got engaged! She lives in Kentucky. They are awesome kids and awesome people. We also have two dachshunds who keep me company during the day.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?I’m happy to say that writing has not changed my reading habits. I’ve always read several books a week and I still do. I’ve also never been a critical reader. I rarely read novels and criticize the author. If it’s a good story, I’m happy.
What are you working on right now?I’m happy to say I’m in the middle of two books. One is an Amish novel, which will be published in May or June of 2016. Another is a western historical. Hmm. Oh, I just received some revisions for another book. It’s the first book in next year’s Charm series, and it will be published in February, 2016.
What outside interests do you have?I love to travel. My love to experience new places is one of the reasons I go to so many book signings. I love seeing different places. My husband and I also love to travel for fun. We have a big trip to Europe planned for next fall. When I’m not planning places to go, I like to bake and walk and hang out with our dogs. I’m very easy to please!
How do you choose your settings for each book?I chat with my editors at Harper Collins for each series’ setting. For my historicals, I usually come up with a place and time that interests me then wait and hope that it interests them, too!
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?I can’t think of anyone famous! I would actually simply like to spend an evening with someone fun who has great stories to tell! I would love that.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?That I would be able to make a career out of it. I had so many rejections and so many books that didn’t sell well when I first started, I got very discouraged. If I had known that my hard work would one day pay off, I think I would have slept better at night! I used to spend many nights wishing I was a better writer.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?He is currently teaching me to enjoy each day more. I work hard and I plan a lot. I’m currently working on relaxing a little more every day! One of the best things I’ve learned to do is to never turn on the computer on Sundays. I love having a real day off.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?Write every day that you can, even if it’s just a page or two.Take chances. Work on projects that you aren’t sure will be successful. Send out work to agents and editors!Accept criticism. When an agent or editor or critique partner notices a way you can improve, listen. Everyone can get better at something … even writers!
Tell us about the featured book. The Proposal at Siesta Key is the story of Penny Troyer and Michael Knoxx. Michael is kind of a celebrity in the Mennonite and Amish community. Their paths cross in Pinecraft when Penny goes to hear him speak. I love these characters because while at first they seem so very different, they both have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.
I have read this book and loved it. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers. The moment Penny Troyer turned the dead bolt on the front door, she knew it was a big mistake.
No matter what her mother was doing, or where she was, she always, always heard the distinctive snap of the front door deadbolt disengaging.
Penny froze, feeling vaguely like a burglar caught red-handed, and mentally began to count to five.
She barely made it to three. 
With all the fanfare of a trio of trumpeter swans, her mother’s high-pitched call echoed down the hall. “Penny? Penny, what are you doing?”
Penny bit back an irritated retort—something she’d been doing more and more lately. “Nothing.”
“It must have been something. I am fairly positive I heard you at the door.”
God had really blessed her mother with hearing that was just too good. “I’m simply going to sit on the front porch.”
Practically before Penny had time to take another breath, her mother appeared in the entryway. Her hands clutched the sides of her apron, and concern shone in her truly beautiful periwinkle-colored eyes. “Why?”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I have a website and blog. www.shelleyshepardgray.comI’m also very active on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGrayAnd on Twitter. @ShelleySGray

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this new book with us. I'm really enjoying this series set in Pinecraft in Florida.
The Proposal at Siesta Key Five Book Giveawayhttp://bit.ly/1Hue7QK
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. - Amazon
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides 2) - Kindle

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