Ane Mulligan, January Releases, and Free Books!

A mail-order bride, a town overrun with tourists, and illegal art. How on earth will Claire and Chapel Springs survive?

Before we address today's featured book, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Be Still...and Let Your Nail Polish Dry, by Kristin Billerbeck, Andrea Boeshaar, Sandra D. Bricker, Gwen Ford Faulkenberry, Diann Hunt, Loree Lough, Debby Mayne, Cynthia Ruchti, and myself, is:

stacey_dale@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you for your address today and we'll get your book right out to you.

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 author Ane Mulligan, author of the Southern women's novel, Chapel Springs Survival (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, December 2015).

Ane Mulligan writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups.

A novelist and playwright, Ane is the President of Players Guild@Sugar Hill, a new community theater and president of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket.

She resides in Sugar Hill, Georgia, with her artist husband, chef son, and a dog of Biblical proportion.

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

-- As disorganized as I am, being a right-brained creative, I’m actually a good organizer. If only I could apply that to my office.

-- I love rainy days. They put me in a wonderful creative place. Don't ask me why, though. I have no idea, since I love sunny days, too.

-- I love to cook; I just hate to think up a dinner menu. I’ve been married longer than I am old (I’ll leave it to you to figure that out) and I’m over thinking up what to fix for dinner. My characters and stories take up that part of my brain. So tell me what to make and I’ll happily fix it.

I've become a bit of a Pinterest addict because of that last one, Ane. So many good ideas out there!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Chapel Springs Survival.

Claire Bennett's Operation Marriage Revival succeeded and life is good. That is until the mayor's brother blabs a secret: Claire's nineteen-year-old son has married a Brazilian mail order bride. When Claire tries to welcome her, she's ridiculed, rebuffed, and rejected. Loving this girl is like hugging a prickly cactus.

Lydia Smith is happily living alone and running her spa—then the widow on the hill becomes a blushing bride. Then her groom's adult son moves in—on everything.

From the first sighting of a country music star in The Painted Loon, Chapel Springs is inundated with stargazers, causing residents to flee the area. When her best friends put their house on the market, Claire is forced to do something or lose the closest thing to a sister she’s got. With her son's future at stake and the town's problems to solve, it's Claire's who needs a guardian angel.

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

Claire is a loyal friend who tries to do the right thing. Unfortunately, she often sticks her foot in her mouth because she speaks without any forethought. She also moves without thinking first, which has gotten her into a few pickles. She loves God but gets frustrated when He doesn’t tell her what He’s doing. (Sound like us?)

Sadly, yes!

Since I wrote an endorsement for this novel, I'll include it here:

In her entertaining follow-up to Chapel Springs Revival, Ane Mulligan brings us back into Claire Bennett's ever-bustling life. There are enough challenges and conflicts here to keep Claire constantly on her toes, and you'll love her for her vulnerability and strong perseverance against withering odds. Claire may not always get it right, but she tries so hard, you just know she and Chapel Springs are sure to survive.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

If you ever saw Baby Boom with Diane Keaton, then you saw a good model for Claire. Things just happened to her, but in the end, she triumphs. I loved her movies from the late 80s (Baby Boom) and early 90s (Father of the Bride). She seemed to fit my vision of Claire.

For the others, I chose photos from magazines and not actors. I’m not sure who I’d choose for the others.

In the same vein, if your novel were made into a film, what’s one song you’d love to feature in it?

You Make Me Feel So Young . If your readers read the first book in this series, Chapel Springs Revival, they’ll have seen Claire and her best friend, Patsy, revive their marriages. Claire isn’t ready to be old. She doesn't’ feel old. And with her marriage back on a firm foundation, she’s so in love with her husband.

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

Summer at Hideaway Key , by Barbara Davis. I love beach books, as you know, Trish, from your Beach Dreams and Sunset Beach. I wish I could write them, but so far, all mine take place in north Georgia. Anyway, Summer at Hideaway Key drew me into its setting, and she threw in a couple of twists I never saw coming. I love it when an author can do that.

What are you working on now?

The fourth book in the Chapel Springs series, Life in Chapel Springs. The third book, Home to Chapel Springs released in May of 2015.










Where else can readers find you online?

You can find me at my website, or on Novel Rocket, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The book can be purchased online via the following buttons:









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

What is your favorite setting for a book?

Thanks, Ane, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel.

Readers, Ane has offered to give an signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, January 11. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Ane's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, 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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE.

As you scroll down to leave your answer to Ane's question, take a look at some of the excellent Inspirational fiction being released in January!

Contemporary Romance:

Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander -- Sparks fly when a woman purchases her abandoned family home from the infuriating man who let it fall into ruin. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing])

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Penny Cartwright blames Trevor Reynolds, a Nashville fame-chaser, for her brother's death. Can she let go of resentment and open her heart to love? After an accident kills his young drummer, Trevor goes to Kings Meadow to keep a promise—and perhaps to discover what truly matters in this life. Thrown together by circumstances, Penny and Trevor must learn to give and receive forgiveness. And if they do, perhaps something beautiful can rise from the ashes of heartbreak. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Historical Romance:

A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin -- When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna's long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit ... including her heart? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection by Angela Bell, Angela Breidenbach, Lisa Carter, Mary Connealy, Rebecca Jepson, Amy Lillard, Gina Welborn, Kathleen Y'Barbo, and Rose Ross Zediker -- Come along on a romantic journey jam-packed with all the angst of marriages founded upon practical choices as well as coercion. Meet nine couples who barely know each other before they find themselves suddenly married to please family, to stem the tide of gossip, to save the land and joined for life. But can love grow when duty comes before romance? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Calico Spy by Margaret Brownley -- Someone is killing off the Harvey Girls and undercover Pinkerton detective Katie Madison hopes to find the killer before the killer finds her-or before she burns down the restaurant trying. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

With This Ring? by Mary Connealy, Melissa Jagears, Regina Jennings, and Karen Witemeyer -- Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives. Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

The Bounty Hunter's Redemption by Janet Dean -- Recently widowed Carly Richards is shocked when a bounty hunter declares her seamstress shop belongs to his sister. But Nate Sergeant has proof-the deed her lawless husband gambled away without her knowledge. Now Carly must fight for her home and her son's future. Nate's faced the meanest outlaws in the land—but this petite, strong-willed seamstress may be his greatest challenge. He's determined his sister will have the property that's legally hers. But as Nate and Carly battle for ownership, Nate realizes there's something he's overlooked—the hope of building a family with Carly and her adorable son. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Austen in Austin, Volume 1 by Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Debra E. Marvin, and Gina Welborn -- Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love--Jane Austen style. Volume 1 includes: If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor. Romantic Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice. One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career. Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions. (Historical Romance from Whitefire Publishing)

All That Glitters by Lisa J. Flickinger -- When the world listens only to the call of gold, redemption and love become scarce treasures. Leaving behind her family and a dying father, Ginny Connor follows the cunning Logan Harris up North to strike it rich. Her sister Vivian follows to “rescue” her, and they are both led into the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush. Meanwhile, Ben McCormack leaves his farm to retrieve his intended bride from a rowdy tent town on the Alaskan coastline. Ben's path inadvertently entwines with Vivian's and he finds his heart tugging him in a different direction. Danger and disappointment plague all their journeys to the far North. (Historical Romance from Ambassador International)

A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason -- Irish lass Maggie Montgomery visits her brother in America secretly hoping to find her fortune and love. While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man whom she thinks is a stable hand. Her brother demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary, who he says was recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her heart listen. Adam plans to make amends and earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with Maggie Montgomery, however, was never in his plans. Despite everyone's effort to keep them apart, the two develop a bond nothing can break--but has Adam truly changed, or will the sins of his past prove too much for Maggie to overcome? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Compromised Identity by Jodie Bailey -- Staff sergeant Jessica Dylan catches a female soldier stealing her laptop—and almost pays with her life. But a blue-eyed mystery man rushes to her aid just in time, and Jessica learns the handsome army staff sergeant has been investigating her. Sean Turner believes a ring of cyberterrorists who've been attacking military bases are now specifically targeting Jessica. And he's determined to figure out why. When an attempt is made on Jessica's life, Sean vows to stop the hackers. Yet the heart-scarred solider is set on keeping an emotional distance…especially when they discover what the terrorists are really after. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Lethal Action by Rachel Dylan -- New York attorney Hope Finch is used to high-stakes litigation, but when she's sent to what she thought was a small, sleepy town in Georgia, she is unprepared for threats on her life and career. FBI Special Agent Gabe Marino is assigned to protect the big city lawyer visiting his hometown of Maxwell, Georgia. As Gabe investigates the illegal activity linked to Hope's client, he tries to caution her, but she ignores his warnings-until it's her life that's in jeopardy. Hope and Gabe race against the clock to uncover the true threat, but time is running out on them both. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon -- After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive. FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game—or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing])

Happy reading!