Thursday, December 22, 2011

HAILEE - Penny Zeller - Free Book


Welcome, Penny. 
Hello, Lena. It’s great to be here!

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I have been praying about where God would lead me next in my writing ministry. My passion is to continue impacting lives for Christ through my novels. As far as what I see on the horizon, I have a couple other series of books that I have started that I am looking forward to seeing them to completion.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Lon, for 19 years (we married really young!) and we have two elementary-aged daughters.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
With deadlines, I have less time to read. However, I still do find time to read and have read some wonderful novels by fellow Christian authors lately. I have been an avid reader since the time I could read, and I consider reading a relaxing and enjoyable pastime.

What are you working on right now?
I am working on a series that takes place just after the Civil War. I have completed the first novel and am working on the second.

What outside interests do you have?
I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy volleyball, hiking, camping canoeing, bicycling, and gardening.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
I’ve always enjoyed learning about the 1800s, and I have long been intrigued by the beauty and history of the State of Montana, so I was excited to set a series in that state. My family and I visit Montana regularly and one year traveled throughout the entire state and stopped at a ghost town, which gave me a lot of inspiration for my series. The other series of books I am working on take place in other states and I have learned so much about their histories while writing those books as well.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Definitely Jesus. I would love to sit in His Presence and learn all I could from Him. I would also thank Him continually for what He did for me.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
How much time was going to be spent in marketing and promoting those novels! As the saying goes…the hardest part starts after the book is published!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
The Lord is teaching me more than ever to rely on Him in all circumstances. He has also placed it in my heart to desire to be completely in His will in my writing ministry and to be sensitive and open to His leading.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Wow, Lena. This is a great question! I would say the most important thing authors can do is to pray and give their writing career to the Lord. Secondly, I would say to put others first and to be an encourager of other writers. And not only an encourager to other writers, but also an encourager to your readers. Connect with them and let them know you appreciate them. Third, I would say it’s critical to build an online presence in order to promote your book. This can be done a variety of ways, including a website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Shoutlife, and LinkedIn.

Tell us about the featured book.
Here is the blurb from Hailee:  For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Please give us the first page of the book.
July 1893
Cincinnati, Ohio

Hailee Annigan removed the discolored sheet of paper from the community board in the train depot. Time and weather had faded the poster, so the message was barely readable, but she had memorized the words:

Looking for Philip and Reuben Annigan.
If you have any information, kindly respond to:
Hailee Annigan
c/o Dot Pangbourn’s Boardinghouse
West Eberlee Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

She crumpled the paper in her hand and stuffed it into her purse. In its place, she posted the notice she’d written that morning, then stepped back to make sure it would be conspicuous to people passing by or preparing to board a train.

Looking for Philip and Reuben Annigan.
If you have any information, kindly respond to:
Hailee Annigan
c/o Pine Haven School
Pine Haven, Montana

For the past several years, she had replaced the posting every month, two times in order
to alter the address where she could be located if someone knew of her brothers’ whereabouts.

Hailee swallowed hard to hold back her tears. She didn’t want to leave Cincinnati and diminish her chances of ever finding her younger brothers. However, she knew that a change in location would do her heart good, and that she was following God’s prompting to fulfill the dream she’d had in her heart since she was a young girl.
Excerpt from pages one and two of Hailee by Penny Zeller, © 2011, with permission of the publisher, Whitaker House (www.whitakerhouse.com).

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect with my readers at
My website www.pennyzeller.com,
My blog, A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,

Thank you, Lena, for graciously hosting me on your blog. I appreciate your continued encouragement and mentoring of other writers.


I've loved featuring you and your books, Penny.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Hailee (Montana Skies V3)

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

41 comments:

Susan H said...

This sounds like a great book! Beautiful cover!

I'm from Texas.

Penny Zeller said...

Thank you for your compliments about "Hailee," Susan! I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Patty said...

It would be so sad to be seperated from loved ones like that... I would love to read Hailee's story.

Patty in SC

Wendy Newcomb said...

Would really like to win this book, it sounds really good. Thank you.

I live in FL

wfnren at aol dot com

Unknown said...

sounds wonderful....North Georgia usa

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Patty~
I agree, it would be sad to be separated from loved ones. Hailee really struggled with that and wonders if she will ever see her brothers again. Thank you so much for stopping by Lena's blog!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi wfnren ~ Thank you for stopping by and for your kind compliment about "Hailee." Have a fantastic week!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Lyonslady ~ I think one of my favorite things about being Lena's guest is seeing the variety of states represented in the comments. I hope you have a wonderful North Georgia Christmas!

Jo said...

This book sounds wonderful. Would love to read it. Please enter me!

Blessings,
Jo In Southern Arizona

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mary Preston said...

I'm looking forward to reading HAILEE. She has so many obstacles to overcome.

Merry Christmas


Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

apple blossom said...

Thanks for the chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

i read your novel - Kadie and absolutely LOVED it, Penny. Looking forward to this one. ever need a reviewer? Is the picture of you current, and is your husband much older than you? (just wondering, Penny, you needn't answer)

mitzi_wanham at yahoo dot com

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Linda Cacaci said...

It aouunds like a great read! Please enter me in the drawing.
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Jo ~ Thank you for your enthusiasm about reading "Hailee." I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Linda ~ Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog! It is an honor to be here. Have a great weekend!

Coolestmommy said...

Oh, this opening makes my heart hurt for Hailee already. I can't wait to see what happens in her story. Thanks for sharing!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

rubynreba said...

I'd really enjoy this book.
Beth from Iowa.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Merry Christmas!!!

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks interesting!!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Rebecca said...

Hailee sounds like she's doing all she can under the circumstances. Keeping the faith is always a tough one. Would love to read her story and see how it turns out for her.

I'm from NC.

Alicia said...

This book Looks very interesting!
Ali from Ny
Alibaby374@gmail.com

Joanna Richmond said...

sounds very interesting I would Love to read it thanks for the chance to win this book thanks
Joanna Richmond,
Blanch NC

Katie said...

Sounds great!!! The horses on the front of the cover are gorgeous!

I'm from NC. God bless!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Marybelle ~ It's awesome to see someone from Australia! I hope you have an awesome week.

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Apple Blossom ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." Have a Happy New Year!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Apple Blossom ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." Have a Happy New Year!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Marianne~ First of all, thank you so much for your kind words about "Kaydie." I am honored and thrilled that you enjoyed reading it! Yes, my publishing company does need reviewers from time to time for my books. (Feel free to contact me through my website if you are interested :)

In answer to your question, yes, the picture of me is actually current. It was taken right before "McKenzie" was released last year in September 2010. Also, yes, my husband is a little bit older than me. :)

Have a Happy New Year, Marianne!

A.Jones said...

Sounds like a sweet romance, please enter me in this giveaway!

I live in New York

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Sharon! Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog and for sharing your excitement about reading "Hailee." God bless you!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Linda C. ~ Thank you for leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Robyn ~ I love the name in your email address - "coolest mommy." Awesome! Have a great day :)

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Beth ~ It's great to see you here. Thank you for stopping by!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Abigail! I hope you had a Merry Christmas too! And may the Lord bless you in 2012!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Sarah ~ I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Rebecca ~ So true, Hailee is doing all she can do under the circumstances. But how will it all end? Will her newfound faith be strong enough to endure whatever life throws her way?

I hope you have a fantastic New Year!

Penny Zeller said...

Hi Ali ~ Thank you for your enthusiasm about "Hailee." I really appreciate it! Have a blessed day. :)

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Joanna ~ Thank you also for your enthusiasm about reading "Hailee." I hope you have a blessed New Year!

Penny Zeller said...

Hello Aizess ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." I'm excited to see who is chosen as the winner!