Wednesday, February 27, 2013

SWEPT AWAY - Mary Connealy - One Free Book


Bio: Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita and Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge, Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.

Welcome back, Mary. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?
Wow, Lena. This is a hard question. I’ve got a book to write you know? The song that comes to mind is one of my all time favorites by Rich Mullins called “If I Stand”.

The chorus:
So if I stand let me stand on the promise That you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

I just love that, stand on His promise, fall on His grace. That’s how we should all live and how I’ve had to live, plenty of falling on His Grace in my life.

A very good choice, Mary. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?
I’ve got so many that have touched me at different times but one I love and use a lot, whether outwardly or just the attitude, in my books is Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

It just seems to me that if we could remember that, cling to that, God is with us, whom shall I fear, we would live lives of incredible peace and happiness.

What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?
Okay, you can’t tell because typing on Word documents can’t be carbon dated, but I’ve been stumped by this for a long, long time. I wish I could change a lot of things about myself. I wish I could have been a better mom, a better housekeeper, I wished I’d kept up with the sit-ups. But you know what? My kids are great, in spite of me probably rather than because of me. My house is a mess but we haven’t died of dust inhalation. The sit-ups, well, I don’t think this belly was going to go away quietly so why spend time in regrets, huh? So I’m going to say nothing. I like where I am right now and I guess I needed to do all the things I did to get to where I am.

What you said is so true for me, too. What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?
You are now speaking to an almost utterly friendless person. And most of my really good friends are authors. So, based on that, I’d say the best characteristic, if you want to stay good friend with me, is to live five states away. Apparently, up close, I wear on people.

Or maybe it’s just that writing is such a solitary endeavor and only writers really understand. I'm your friend, and I only live three states away. What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?
I was in everything. Sports, speech, music. I was one of THOSE kids who joined every group. Not saying I was any good at any of that stuff, but I had fun.

That’s probably why you’re more of a no regrets person. What is your favorite movie of all times?
FINALLY an easy question. My favorite movie of all time is While You Were Sleeping, starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. I absolutely love every second of that sweet romantic comedy.

James and I love that movie, too. Of course, we are really into Sandra Bullock movies. Tell us about why you wrote this book.
I got the idea for Swept Away while I was doing research for the Kincaid Brides Series, which is the series I just finished. I found such interesting info about Andersonville Prison and explored the lives of soldiers after they’d gotten out. No CRAZY soldiers like Seth, just regular, decent men who’d bonded in the ugliest place on earth.

I’ve read the book and absolutely loved it, and I love the cover. Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.
Swept Away
By Mary Connealy
Chapter One

October 1, 1868
The sharp crack of a cocking pistol brought Lucas Stone’s head around.

“I’ll shoot if you so much as twitch.” The deputy’s badge gleamed in the dim lantern light of the stable and his aim was true.

“What’s the problem here?” Luke straightened away from his horse, his hands spread wide and raised slightly. He hoped this didn’t count as twitching, he didn't want to give the deputy an excuse to flinch.

“Those your saddle bags?” The lawman looked at the bags Luke had just thrown onto his horse and used the gun to point at them. Not a careful man. He looked to be about twenty, and none too bright.

“They are. What’s going on?”

“I got a tip I’d find money in those bags. Money from a stagecoach robbery that happened in these parts last week. Had a man killed.”

A shiver went up Luke’s spine. He’d noticed his saddle bags were moved. He’d left them here with his horse and, since there was nothing worth stealing in them, he hadn’t thought much of someone shoving them to the side, even going through them. Now he had a bad feeling that if he opened those bags, or let the deputy open them, there’d be something tying Luke to robbery and murder.

“You got a tip?” Luke tried to stall for time as he wondered who’d tried to frame him. Only one name came to mind. Flint Greer. A man who had good reason to not want Luke to make it home alive. “From who? I’ve only been in town a few hours. Just passin’ through on my way home to Texas.”

More honestly, on his way to reclaim his home in Texas. “I just came in from far north. I have a bill of sale dated yesterday that proves I’m new to these parts.” Luke reached for the breast pocket of his brown, broadcloth shirt.

“Don’t move!” The deputy’s gun came up and his finger visibly trembled on the trigger.

“Easy.” Luke wondered how the kid could believe there was a gun hidden in Luke’s shirt pocket, but he slowly moved his hands away from his body. “You want to get the bill of sale yourself?”
Luke hoped he came within grabbing distance.

Nodding, the lawman edged toward Luke.

Luke knew plenty about being tough having grown up in north Texas, a land of stark rock canyons and roving bands of Comanche and Kiowa. That alone was enough, but he’d also spent years fighting in the War Between the States, more time living off the land after the war. And he was boiling with anger as he made his way home to avenge his father’s death. Those things combined to make him a careful, knowing man. A dangerous man.

This deputy was none of those.

Luke was close to home now and Greer, the man who'd killed his father, knew he was coming because Luke had sent a letter, with a legal document, telling Greer to get off Stone land. Greer didn’t want Luke to make it home.

Luke knew a set-up when he saw one. Which meant there was little or no chance he could talk his way out of this. Which left fighting his way out. He braced himself, determined not to hurt a lawman—at least not too bad. But once a jail house door clanked shut, Lucas expected the only way out would be as he was led to a gallows.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Seekerville Petticoats & Pistols
My Blog
My Website
My Newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryconnealy

Thank you, Mary, for visiting with us today. I know my readers will want to get a copy of Swept Away.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Swept Away (Trouble in Texas) - paperback
Swept Away (Trouble in Texas Book #1) - 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 Google +, 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

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF SWEPT AWAY. ANGEL FROM KY.

Library Lady said...

We have Mary Connealy's books in the Church Library.
I would love to win "Swept Away" to add to our collection.
Thanks!'
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Elizabeth said...

This sounds like a fabulous book. Would love to win!

pol said...

I have been seeing this book pop up here and there and can't wait to read the story. thanks for sharing today with Lena.
Mary I know your stories will always be full of adventures and this one sounds like it is full of them.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a reader and fan from Ga

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Sylvia M. said...

I'm from NC and love your books, Mary! This series will certainly be good and I'm looking forward to reading these. Besides most of your historicals, I also have your three-in-one book, Black Hills Blessing and wonder if you have considered doing any longer length contemporaries. I think they would be great!

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Nancy M said...

Hooked from the first page! I really enjoyed learning more about you also!
Nancycooks4u@gmail.com

Mary Connealy said...

Lena said: I'm your friend, and I only live three states away.

Mary replies: Yeah, but they are BIG states, Lena. :)

Mary Connealy said...

LONGER BOOKS, SYLVIA? Longer than Swept Away?
LONGER?
How much longer? You're making me nervous.

Sylvia said...

LOL! Mary, I don't mean longer books than you usually write. I just mean contemporary books that are longer than Heartsong Presents.:)

Patty said...

I love Mary's books. Most recently I read the 'Sophie's Daughter's series. Looking forward to this new one!

Patty in SC

Amy C said...

I I love Mary! She's hilarious! Which makes reading her books fun.
Amy C
VA

Anonymous said...

I would love to win Swept Away!

Katie J. from FL

Lourdes said...

Ohhhhhhh so want to win this boook!!!

Lourdes from Dix Hills New York

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great book I would love to read.

Bonnie Jean from Florida

Hannah said...

I LOVE Mary Connealy's books and would love to win!
Hannah P
CA

Wendy Newcomb said...

I love Mary's books, thank you for a chance to win her newest one!

Wendy from FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Norma S said...

Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book"Swept Away" It really sounds like a great book can't wait to read it.I like Psalm 27:1 also thank you for that Psalm our Lord is really great.I like your cover! Good interview. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio

Leauphaun said...

This had definitely been in my "to read" list!! I'm so happy to have the chance to win it!! Thanks!!

Leauphaun from BC

Mary Connealy said...

Wow, you're all so nice. Thank you so much for the kind words.
Is anyone else tired of winter???
I feel like the cold is now settled into my veins so I'm cold from the inside out. And I am SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

scottsgal said...

Historical westerns - love them! Especially Texas based westerns
thanks for the chance
Cheryl in IL

Jo said...

I enjoy reading Mary's books and this sounds like it is going to be another very enjoyable read. Thanks for the opportunity!

Blessings
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Love your books.
Tonja (Virginia)

Unknown said...

I really enjoy your stories and would love to win this book if eligable . Thanks for the great interview.

Helen from B.C. Canada

Pam K. said...

I've read most of Mary's books and am looking forward to this new series. I'd love to win a copy of Swept Away.
Thanks for the chance and the interview with Mary.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Mary Connealy said...

You know I love setting books in Texas so much that I have to FORCE myself to go elsewhere. Then, when I do, I sorta want to go back to Texas. I do love the Rocky Mountains though, the harsh landscape and weather can become drama of it's own. So I mix it up, but for now, there is Trouble in Texas

Brandi Boddie said...

Congrats on your new book release, Mary! I love the Kincaid Brothers series. Can't wait to read Swept Away!

Brandi Boddie said...

By the way, my husband would agree with you about Texas. I'm on Team Colorado, but Texas runs a good game. Plenty of beautiful scenery and things to do in the cities :-)

Abbi Hart said...

I have read all of your novels, Mary, and I can honestly say I love each and every one! I was the first in my fam to read your books but I got two of my sister's hooked and absolutely loved watching them fall in love and discussing them with each other! I can't wait to read Swept Away-it sounds so good! Fired Up and Stuck Together can't come out fast enough for me!

gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary Preston said...

I must say I like where I am right now in life too, so I get that.

I enjoyed the first page thank you.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Vera Godley said...

This would be another good book to add to our Christian school library!

Vera G.
Middle North Carolina
godleyv [at]yahoo{dot}com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read mary's latest novel

karenk...from pA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Julie H. said...

I also have Black Hills Blessings and like to read it over and over.By the way, I live in South Dakota.I think it would be great to win Swept Away.

Patsy said...

Would love to read this book.

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Katie said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Katie G.

Ginger Solomon said...

I love, love, love Mary Connealy's books.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Swept Away.

Ginger in AL

Cyndi said...

I love the humor in all of Mary's books!

Cyndi W.
Tuscaloosa, AL

Lyndie Blevins said...

I would love to have any book by Mary, While you were sleeping is one of my favorites too.

So, Mary I have to ask, do you feel closer to your imaginary friends than your human friends?

Lyndie Blevins said...

I would love to have any book by Mary, While you were sleeping is one of my favorites too.

So, Mary I have to ask, do you feel closer to your imaginary friends than your human friends?

(I got so carried away with my first response, I forgot my location, oh my!)

Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx

Rebekah said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
Deborah from PA

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

rubynreba said...

Gorgeous cove! Please enter me.
Beth from Iowa

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks Awesome!!! Please enter me in the drawing!
Thanks!!!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Melody said...

I love your style of writing and your taste in music! We were thinking of what to name our ministry when the Rich Mullins song Elijah came on and it got us to thinking that we wanted to GO OUT LIKE ELIJAH and there was our name...LIKE ELIJAH. Rich put the words together with the tune - wow....

Donna, TX

Heidi Reads... said...

Great interview! She's one of my favorite Christian authors. Thanks for sharing a giveaway!
Heidi from San Diego, CA

Bethany said...

I love ANYTHING by Mary Conneally! And I happen to know that she is a very sweet person! Just ask my mother! ;)

Bethany
Chesaning, MI

Mama Cat said...

Would love to win Swept Away - love historical novels from this time period, especially westerns! Jeanie from Phoenix

Shopgirl said...

This sounds like a fun one! I'm in MN.

Jorie said...

I must confess, I haven't read one of your books as of yet, but I've been reading quite a heap about you + your style of writing! :) Plus, I like to read the Seekerville posts each week, so I feel like I sort of know your style of writing without actually having read one of your books! Laughs. Cowboy fiction is something that I haven't picked up since I was a teen, but would love to jump dive back into! :) When I saw this on Ms. Dooley's blog, I thought, ooh boy! I best tip my hat into that contest! :)

I love *While you were Sleeping* myself, especially since each time I watch it, I'm always on pins, will she or will she not realise which brother is the better man for her to be with!? Even when you've seen it so many times, it still holds your attention! A bit like "Sleepless in Seattle", "Kate and Leopold", and "You've Got Mail"!! :) :) Classic romances that leave you guessing! Of course, I've recently discovered "In the Good Old Summertime" so it lends a different spin on "You've Got Mail"!! :)

Thank you for this lovely bookaway!

inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
//Florida

Michelle said...

I love Mary's books, she's such a good author. Please enter me

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Jackie Tessnair said...

Please enter me...Thanks...Jackie Tessnair N.C.

Rachael K said...

Since this past Christmas I finally own all Mary's novels - except this new one! They are always so much fun to read and reread.

Rachael K said...

Sorry! From Minnesota

Evie said...

I have enjoy your series. I have almost all of them. They are wonderful. Thank you for a chance to win this one.
God bless you.
Evie from Florida

Breanna said...
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Kristie said...

I have never read any Mary Connealy.. yet. I would love to try this one. I have never seen "While You Were Sleeping." 'It's kinda interesting because someone else said it was their favorite movie too. I love "The Princess Bride." I got "Out of Control" for my ereader the other day. It's on my "to-read" list. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Merry said...

I've been waiting for Swept Away, I know it will be a fun and amazing story. Please add me!
Merry in TX