Tuesday, August 02, 2011

LOVE FINDS A HOME - Wanda Brunstetter - Free Book

Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write Amish-themed and historical novels because they take me to a simpler way of life, where I feel joy and a sense of peace.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I married my husband, Richard.

How has being published changed your life?
Besides the thrill of seeing my books in print, it’s always a joy to hear from readers who tell me that something they have read in one of my books has changed their life in a positive way. Also, being published has given me an opportunity to visit many other areas outside my home state.

What are you reading right now?
Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews.

What is your current work in progress?
I’m currently working on a stand-alone Amish-themed novel, and also a new Amish-themed children’s book.

What would be your dream vacation?
A trip to any of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is one of my favorite places to vacation.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Whenever I visit a new area, a feeling will often come over me that this is a place where I should set a new book or series. Sometimes it’s because of something I see or hear, but often it’s just a “feeling” or “need.”

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Nicolas Sparks. I spent several minutes with him earlier this year, when we were both signing our books at the Southern Kentucky Bookfest, but I would certainly enjoy spending more time with him, to learn more about his life as a best-selling author of so many wonderful books.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I enjoy gardening, photography, and ventriloquism. I also like to look for shells and agates whenever we are on the beach.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
The first draft is usually the most difficult, but I work my way slowly through it, one chapter at a time. Having an outline helps, but often as I get into the story, my characters take me to places I didn’t expect.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Know what you write about, and know it well. I spend many hours researching my books, and I always write about places I have visited and have come to know well. I also make sure I have plenty of contacts in those areas, so that when I’m at home writing the book, I’ll have someone to ask questions of who actually lives in the area of the book’s setting.

Tell us about the featured book.
Love Finds a Home is a compilation of three of my earlier historical novellas that are now out of print. The first story, Daddy’s Girl, is set in 1879 and is about a young woman who’s a gambler’s daughter. Story two is called, Dear Teacher, and it’s set in 1890. It’s about a young woman who teaches school in a small town along the Lehigh Canal in Pennsylvania. The third story, called, Twice Loved, is set in 1945, and it’s about a young World War II widow who loses her job and needs to find a way to support herself and her young daughter.

Please give us the first page of the book.

DADDY’S GIRL

Chapter 1
August 1879

“All aboard!” The conductor’s cry pulled Glenna Moore to her feet. She glanced down at her father, slouched on the wooden bench outside the train station in Central City, Nebraska. His head was supported only by the unyielding plank wall, and his mouth hung slightly open.

Glenna bent down and gave his shoulder a good shake. “Wake up, Daddy. The train’s here, and we’ve got to go now.”

Her father groaned and swiped one hand across his unruly goatee. “Leave me alone, girl. I wanna sleep.”

Glenna dropped back onto the bench with a heavy sigh, making no effort to conceal her disgust. “You can sleep all you want once we’re on the train.” She poked him in the ribs with a bony elbow. “You don’t want to be thrown in jail, do you?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is:   www.wandabrunstetter.com

Thank you, Wanda, for dropping by my blog.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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 4 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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

31 comments:

Wencl said...

I'm thinking my wife would like this. Andrew from IN.

Kristie said...

Your book sounds great. It's my dream to go to Hawaii too. Alaska was amazing. Quite possibly the best vacation ever. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Coolestmommy said...

Fell in love with Wanda's stories through the Rachel Yoder series. I'd love to read a 'grown up' novel of hers, too.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Coolestmommy said...

Forgot to leave state: NE

Anonymous said...

I enjoy the simpler times, too, which is why I read so many Amish and historical books like Mrs. Brunstetter writes. Thank you for a chance to win.
Blessings,
Kelly in Virginia

butterfly1 said...

Love Wanda's books! I'm from Georgia. tracyebishop@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Love Wanda as an author. She's one great versatile author. Thanks for the post, Lena and Wanda, and for the awesome giveaway. I've been wanting this one. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Judy said...

I started reading Wanda's books way back when. In fact she was the second author I discovered in Amish fiction. I have read nearly everyone of her books. I have met Wanda twice at book signings around our area. I'd love to have a chance to chit chat with her again. I would love to win a copy of "Love Finds A Home". Blessings!

Judy K from Indiana

scottsgal said...

the hawaiian islands are one of my favorite vacation destinations as well. Sounds like a wonderful book
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Anonymous said...

Big fan of Wanda's. Please sign me up. The cover is stunning, by the way! Congrats!


Salena
Texas

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Rebecca said...

This looks like an amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance to win.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sheila Deeth said...

I like the opening. I'd like to visit Hawaii one day. Or Alaska.

Jo said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Nancye said...

I love Wanda's books! She is such a talented writer. I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Charlotte Kay said...

I just LOVE Wanda's books and would feel very privileged to win this book!

Charlotte Kay
Ohio

Wendy said...

I love Wanda's books. Thanks for offering this one.
Wendy
Buffalo, MN

Diana Flowers said...

I would love to win Wanda's book! Love that cover! Thanks!


dianalflowers@aol.com

South Carolina

apple blossom said...

Oh, I love Wanda's books. I'd these three books sound wonderful. thanks for a chance to win

I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Patsy said...

I'm a big fan of Wanda's writing! Love her books! Would love to read Love Finda a Home.

From - Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Krista said...

Sounds like a wonderful book. Please enter me.

Krista from Gresham, OR

JJ said...

Ventriloquism! Wow! ;) Thanks gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

sarahw said...

i enjoy reading wanda's books and this looks like a really good read.
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com, from MN

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower gfc and a subscriber I posted this to my blog: http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/08/christian-writers-world-characters-who.html

dancealert at aol dot com

peachykath said...

I find that I read Amish novels for the same reason that you write them. I love reading about a simpler life and sometimes wonder what it would be like to live in that kind of a community. Please enter me in the drawing for this book. Thank you.

Katherine from Northern California

holdenj said...

All three short stories sound great! I enjoyed Wanda's interview as well. Thanks!
Julie in MN

Roanna said...

I have met Wanda Brunstetter twice, and she is a very sweet lady. I would like to be entered.

Thank you!
Roanna from Ohio

Ms. Mona said...

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE YOUR BOOKS WANDA AND YOUR CHILDREN BOOKS ALSO...WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS ONE...Thanks, Ms. Mona/Ohio

wmmahaney said...

I love reading Wanda Brunstetter's books. They are some of my favorites. Thanks for the wonderful interview. I know have another set of her books that I have to find and read.
Wendy in Michigan

lauriehere.com said...

Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Laurie Carlson

Courtney said...

This sounds like a great book!! Thanks!

Courtney from WA state