Tuesday, January 19, 2010

THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTER - Colleen Coble - Free Book


So good to have you back, Colleen. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

People ask that all the time! I have a strong sense of justice. I need to see right prevail against wrong. I grew up on Nancy Drew and love mysteries! It’s just the way my brain works.

And I love the way your brain works. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day my granddaughter was born! I had given up hope of ever being a grammy. I adore children and lived for the day I’d hold a grandchild, but as the years went by, I realized it wasn’t going to happen. Or so I thought. I cried and cried the first time I held Alexa.

I've felt that way with each grandchild and my great grandson. How has being published changed your life?

It’s made me much more confident because I’m so sure of my purpose.

What are you reading right now?

You don’t really want to know. Oh, you do? Well, right beside me I have a Sears Catalog from 1897 and a book on interiors from the Gilded Age. Can you tell I’m doing research for my next Mercy Falls historical romantic mystery? I just finished Harlan Coben’s latest also.

I often use my 1897 Sears Catalog and my 1895 Montgomery Wards one, too, so I totally understand. What is your current work in progress?

I just turned in substantive edits on The Lightkeeper’s Bride, and I’m about to plunge into a new story. But I need a plot. And characters! I’d planned to do a contemporary next but the buzz has been so good on The Lightkeeper’s Daughter that my editor asked me to switch gears.

I'll have to put the Bride one on my schedule, too, when you let me know the pub date. What would be your dream vacation?

Hawaii with all my family! Preferably Kauai on the south side.

James and I are still hoping to go to Hawaii someday. How do you choose your settings for each book?

It has to be a place that speaks to me personally. There needs to be some element of danger to it, some sense of isolation that I can use to the story’s advantage.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My husband. He’s the best, most supportive husband ever!

Where would we be without those wonderful husbands? What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Traveling. Love, love, love it. Preferably to a place that involves sand and water. I would love to visit Australia someday!

Australia is also on my wish list. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

When I’m in the middle of a book, I think it’s total garbage. I have to force myself to press on and finish the work. Then I get to do the fun stuff--edit!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Attend the American Christian Christian Writers conference. It’s the single best thing you can do for your budding career. You’ll meet editors, agents, and writers who become lifelong friends and supporters.


Tell us about the featured book?

Addie Sullivan has grown up on the northern coast of California with her parents in a lighthouse. One day an injured stranger arrives and everything changes when she discovers someone has paid the lightkeeper to pretend she was his daughter. She wants to know her real family, the wealthy Eatons, so she goes to the house as a governess for a little boy. In that fabulous mansion, she’s set to find the love of her life if she can manage to discover the truth about her past.

I love, love, love your cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

The ship’s deck rolled under his feet, and he widened his stance to protect his balance and the toddler in his arms. Where was she? He’d been from one end of the steamer to the other. Laura was nowhere to be found. He shifted the sleeping child and eyed the black clouds hovering low on the horizon. A lighthouse winked in the darkening seascape. The wind whipped the waves into a frenzy and tore at the masts. The boat fell into a trough and the stern rose as the bow tipped. He grabbed at the railing for support. A rumble came to his ears. Thunder? Deck hands rushed by him, and he caught the faint stench of smoke.

“Fire!” a man shouted. “There’s been an explosion!”

He turned to see smoke pouring from the hold. People milled on the deck, and crewmen rushed to lower the lifeboat. Stay calm. He’d find Laura and the three of them would escape the floundering ship.

He grabbed the arm of a passing crewman and shouted over the howling wind. “The pretty woman with the red hair in a pompadour. Have you seen her?”

“She’s gone. Left first thing this morning before we left the dock. This ship is going down, mate. Get on the lifeboat now!” The man jerked his arm away.

He watched the crewman rush to help panicking passengers into the lifeboat. Gone. How could she leave without a word? Laura would never leave her child. Other people streamed by him on their way to safety, but he stood rooted to the deck until the little girl in his arms whimpered.

“Mama,” she said. “Papa.”

He glanced into her eyes, so like her mother’s. “We must get you to shore,” he said. His purpose found, he strode to the lifeboat. Wide-eyed passengers crammed every seat. Some had other people on their laps. There was no room. Not for him.

Great! Can hardly wait to reade the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.colleencoble.com/ , and my blog is http://www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com/

Thanks for some very fun questions, Lena!

And thank you for sharing this story with us. . .and for letting us get to know you better.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you'll be helping support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

39 comments:

Sarah R said...

Looks like a great book. Can't wait to read it! Please enter me in the drawing.

Gail said...

Sounds great! I can't wait to find out what happens next! I'd love to read it.

Gail
bookwurm70 at gmail dot com

mariska said...

I'm Intrigued. it sounds so good ! count me in please : )

Mary said...

Colleen's books are always on the top of my list. The Lightkeeper's Daughter sounds terrific, add me please!

Deborah M said...

I've heard Colleen's name many times, but have not read anything of hers yet. I would like to start so please sign me up.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Sandee61 said...

Great interview and I'd love to read Colleen's book. It looks really good, and such a lovely cover.
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you!

Blessings,
Sandee

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Colleen Coble said...

Isn't that cover fabulous? And I heard from the mother of the model on the cover. They're Christians too and such a darling family!

Anonymous said...

Love Nancy Drew and want to go to Hawaii too. Beautiful cover art. Thanks! Diane

Mark said...

I really enjoy Colleen Coble's books - enter me please

judyg54 said...

So glad to see this book up for review. Was wanting to read it soon, so thanks for the chance to win it!
judyg(at)juno(dot)com

Casey said...

Sounds like a good book. :) Please enter me.

Kim said...

This sounds wonderful! Please enter me!

kd at thegospelhiway dot org

Laney4 said...

Great "hook"! Sounds like my kind of book. My heart was beating faster as I read the first page.
Thanks for a great interview and a lovely giveaway.

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me:) I really like the front cover one this one!! It looks great:) Very feminine. Thanks!!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cami Checketts said...

It is a lovely cover and an even nicer excerpt. I would love to be entered in the drawing - camichecketts(at)yahoo(dot)com

I awarded your blog the, One Lovely Blog Award - http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html

Warmest,
Cami

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a great story, one I would enjoy reading. I enjoyed the interview.

Katy said...

I've seen some great reviews of this and would love to win a copy! :)

Megan said...

I love the cover too - thanks Lena!

Megan

Roanna said...

I would like to be entered for this giveaway. Thanks so much!

ohiobuckeye91[at]gmail[dot]com

Aimee said...

Sounds wonderful. The cover is lovely & the excerpt really makes me want to read the rest of this book. Please count me in. Thanks!

Cynthia A. Lovely said...

Please enter my name to win a free
copy of Collen's new book. What a beautiful cover shot!
-clovely

apple blossom said...

Oh, please enter me for this book drawing. Thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] cm

Wendy said...

I love Colleen's books. Thanks for the chance to win.

Linda said...

I love Colleen's books. This sounds like another good read. Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

A J Hawke said...

THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Colleen Coble sounds like another good read from this wonderful author. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessngs on you both,
A J Hawke

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

I love Colleen Coble's books, and this one looks fabulous! Please enter me!

Anna W.

Michelle said...

Sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for entering me!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Please don't enter me ~ I just had to drop in to say that I absolutely loved Colleen's newest release! It's a wonderful, fast-paced book, and I can't wait for the next one.

Good Luck to everyone!

Anonymous said...

Please enter me. I love her books.Been waiting for this one.Blessings
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

Carla said...

Please sign me up. Thanks.

Marla said...

I love Colleen's books. Plesae enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Joanna Mallory said...

Ooh, enter me too please!

Jen U. said...

Please enter me. This sounds great!
~Jen Unsell

Carole said...

I will read almost any book that has a lighthouse on the cover and cannot wait to get my hands on Colleen's book! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of The Lightkeeper's Daughter.

Cíntia Mara said...

Wow! The book starts with emotion. Love it!

Please, enter me i nyour draw.

God bless you.

Emma said...

Great interview. The Lightkeeper's Daughter sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thank you.

Coolestmommy said...

Thanks for letting us enter to win.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Rose McCauley said...

I love Colleen's writing and love the cover, so sign me up. please. thanks!

Ashley E said...

I already want to read more! Please enter me in the contest.