Friday, February 03, 2012

FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN - Allie Pleiter, Free Book


Author Bio:
An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction.  The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework.  Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois.  The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing.  Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?
I spoke with several Fire Departments and Fire Marshals in order to get the details correct.  I also had great fun getting to know the people and places of Galena, Illinois, which is the town that inspired Gordon Falls.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?
I always list my full speaking schedule on alliepleiter.com, but I’m especially excited to be speaking at NOLA Written in the Stars conference in Shreveport LA in March.  It will be my first time at that event.  April is packed full with appearances at the RT Convention in Chicago, Barbara Vey’s Reader Appreciation luncheon in Wisconsin, The Southern Kentucky Book Fest in Bowling Green, and the Spring Fling Writers Conference in Chicago.

f you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
It’s January in Chicago...I’d go anyplace warm in a heartbeat right now!  Between my daughter going to college in Charleston and my next book being set in Columbia, South Carolina is high on my list at the moment.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
Write.  Craft classes are good, books can be useful, writers groups can be supportive, conferences are good investments, but NOTHING replaces sitting down to write.  Nothing.  Everything else stems from mastering that discipline.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])
Well, in my case it would definitely be a knitting cruise.  I’d invite all the knitting authors I’ll be interviewing on my knitting blog this year (a brand new feature at DestiKNITions I’m wildly excited about), some of my favorite pattern designers, and maybe a couple of knitting movie stars for excitement (does anyone know if Hugh Jackman wants to learn to knit?).  We’d cruise to Australia--because I’ve always wanted to go (for reasons other than just Hugh Jackman spotting)--and then to New Zealand, England, and Ireland for fabulous yarn purchases.  Oh, and yes, there would be an onboard barrista (or twelve) and an excellent chocolatier.  So, any cruise companies out there listening who’d like to take this on?

I would sign up for the cruise in a minute. I am a knitting author, you know. Tell us about the featured book?
Falling for the Fireman is the first book in what will be a series set around the Gordon Falls Volunteer Fire Department.  Just like my popular Bluegrass Series, I’ve created a small town with a cast of the quirky types of characters readers have come to expect in my books.  Falling for the Fireman brings together a sunny disposition Mom fighting for her son’s recovery from a fire with a grumpy fire marshal.  Like all good love stories, Jeannie and Chad dislike each other for all the reasons they’re perfect for each other.  Throw in a lot of chocolate and a lovable dog, and that about covers all the fun.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Jeannie Nelworth had the faucet handle in a death grip.  It wasn't that the women's bathroom of The Stew Pot restaurant was a tense place, she just hadn't expected her nerve to go out from under her quite so completely tonight.  Somewhere between picking up name tags and the Merchant Association's first agenda item, she'd had to bolt into the ladies room to pull herself together.  She found the bright red wallpaper amusing before, but now it felt loud and suffocating.

Abby Reed was predictably right behind her.  A best friend can usually see through faked calm, and Abby was as intuitive as they come.
  
“I’m okay,” Jeannie lied the moment Abby pushed into the tiny room.
"You are not okay.”  Abby reached behind and threw the door’s small deadbolt Jeannie had forgotten to latch. “I told Mary Hunnington not to ask you about postponing tonight's presentation, that you'd say 'go ahead' when you shouldn't have."

"I like being at these dinners," Jeanie forced a cheery tone, pulling her hand off the fixture to fuss with her long brown hair that didn't need fussing.  It was true; normally, she did enjoy the monthly gathering of businesspeople in town.  The many shopkeepers, hotel owners, and restauranteurs that made up Gordon Falls were her family.  Even the tourists were part of her life here.  That’s why her sweet shop was loved...before.

"Besides,” she continued, “Nicky'd never forgive me for ruining his monthly video-game sleepover.  Much as it kills me, that eighth-grade tornado loves a night away from his mom."

Abby sighed and gave her the look half the other merchants had.  She knew her colleagues cared for her, only now their warm but pitying looks made her feel simultaneously welcome and on display.  "Really, there isn't a soul here who would have blamed you if you missed this one.  You're the last person who needs to hear tips on holiday lighting and fire safety." 

Why bother waiting?  Another thirty days wouldn't change the fact that her candy store and home had burned down a few weeks ago.  "If I stayed home, what would that solve?"  To stay home was admitting defeat, and Jeannie liked to think of herself as the kind of woman who gave no quarter to tragedies like that.  “Okay, it’s hard” she admitted, but even those three words felt too big, “but God is bigger than a burned building.”

“It’s not just a building, it was your home.  And the home you had with Nicky.  The home you had with Henry, God rest his soul.  God is big, but that’s huge.” 

Where can we find you on the Internet?
You can visit my website at www.alliepleiter.com  or my knitting blog at www.destiKNITions.blogspot.com

Thank you, Allie, for dropping by today.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Falling for the Fireman (Love Inspired) - paperback
Falling for the Fireman (Love Inspired) - Kindle


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

33 comments:

Jo said...

It looks like I am the first one to sign here. I really enjoyed the interview, Allie. I learned how to knit as a kid and haven't done anything since my kids were very small. Funny but just yesterday I was telling hubby that I am wanting to get a knitting loom and try my hand at that.

This sounds like it is going to be a good series. Thank you for the opportunity of entering me.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Allie Pleiter said...

Jo-
I'm saving trying a knitting loom for the horrid day I injur a hand or arm...break my leg and I'll only view it as more time to sit and knit. Break my hand or arm, and i will be in a full blown panic!

Katie said...

Sounds amazing! Please enter me. I'm from NC.
Katie G.

Unknown said...

i enjoyed the interesting interview/post. i find it interesting how many authors knit! i don't but my Mom does, and since she is teaching my cousins 3 granddaughters,(ages 12 - 7) i might pick it up again this winter, too. Thanks for the opportunity to win Falling For The Fireman

Marianne from El Mirage, Arizona

mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

Good interview.
The first page drew me in. I want to read more : )

Anonymous said...

Awesome interview. This sounds like a good book. I would be blessed to win. I just love the cover.
Angela from KY

Allie Pleiter said...

Katie- glad you like it!
Marianne - that's why I'm looking forward to featuring knitting authors on my blog
Patricia - I'm delighted the first page drew you in like that
Angela - I'll be in Bowling Green at the Book Fest in April...come by and say hello if you're nearby

scottsgal said...

Well since hubby is a FF and paramedic I think this is a must read for me now
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

A.Jones said...

Please enter me in this giveaway. It seems like this is a fun book with quirky/lovable characters. Those two elements usually make a great book!

I live in New York

Lourdes said...

It's funny I took up Knitting years ago, but didn't stick with it. I can knit a scarf but don't know how to end it LOL. I can crochet well though.

Love the book would love to win.

Lourdes in Huntington, NY

rubynreba said...

Loved the interview and the book looks very good!
Beth from Iowa

Lane Hill House said...

I would like to read this story! I am sewing my second quilt and love ***s! My first quilt was a California King for our guest bed. The rest will be Queen size!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Lane Hill House said...

Forgot! I live in the Ozarks in Missouri near the Mark Twain National Forest
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Mary Preston said...

Hello from Australia. You must come & visit. We also have some truly amazing wools here & millions of sheep to keep the supplies up. I love to knit. It's relaxing & productive.

FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN is already on my wish list.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Merry said...

Ah, your cruise sounds delightful... any cruise would be wonderful this time of year! Thanks for the peek at Falling For the Fireman.
Merry in TX

Patsy said...

Oh my goodness, I dont' know how to knit, but I have made a couple of things on a knitting loom. I do love to crochet though.

This book sounds really good. I'm a volunteer firefighter so I enjoy reading anything written about firefighters.

From South MS
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

holdenj said...

I enjoyed Allie's comments! Thanks for the chance to win!
Julie in MN

Joanna Richmond said...

It looks and sounds very interesting I would Love to read it enter me in the drawing Thanks
Joanna Richmond
Blanch NC

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.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks interesting!
I love Allie's books! Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Bethany said...

This sounds like an interesting book. I'd love to be entered! I'm in Ohio :)

cbus.blogger(at)gmail(dot)com

Riki's Grandma said...

Sounds like a book I would love to read....thanks Riki's Grandma/Oh

Bakersdozen said...

As an avid coffee drinker and chocoholic myself, I would love to read this book. By the way, I was just given some knitting looms that I am anxious to try. I live in S. CA.

Kandra said...

Sounds so interesting! Thanks for entering me.
Kandra from Tennessee

Coolestmommy said...

Wow--you write, you knit, you speak---what do you NOT do?!?! :-)

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

apple blossom said...

love the love inspired books
thanks for the chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Allie Pleiter said...

Marybelle- Thanks for the invitation! LI has many fans i Australia, so maybe one of these years I'll take you up on your offer :)
Abagail- thanks for the kind words
Bakers dozen - sounds like we should meet for coffee
Robyn - what don't I do? I don't clean, I don't shut cabinet doors, I don't keep the weight off, and I don't sweat the small stuff :)

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

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

Unknown said...

Oooh. I love Allie's books. Please enter me!

Krista in Oregon

Rebecca said...

This sounds like a great story, and I love the Love Inspired books. Please enter me too!
Rebecca in BC

Nancee said...

This book looks great! I'd love to win a copy.

Nancee
Grand Rapids, Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Please enter me...Thanks...Jackie from N.C. jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

Wildflower said...

I live in MA. This book sound wonderful and exciting.
wildflowers386 (at) yahoo (dot) com