Wednesday, October 23, 2013

HEART FAILURE - Richard L Mabry, MD - One Free Book

Bio: Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of six published novels of medical suspense. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year. His novel, Lethal Remedy, won a 2012 Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. His medical thriller, Stress Test (Thomas Nelson), garnered rave reviews from Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. Richard’s latest novel, Heart Failure, was released on October 15.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?
The story is a product of two things—an article I read and the question Alton Gansky taught me to ask—“What if…?” I read an article about a man in the Witness Protection Program (which I learned is really called the Witness Security Program, or WITSEC for short). Then I began to wonder—what if the man fell in love? Would he tell his intended about his past, or try to keep it a secret? What if something happened that forced his hand and made him tell about his past? What would her response be? I wrestled with all that for a while, but eventually came up with Heart Failure.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Since most of the Christian fiction I read is in the genre of thrillers and suspense, the invitation list is going to lean heavily toward those authors, with no disrespect to all the others out there. I’d invite Jim Rubart and Harry Kraus because I know they’d keep the conversation lively, even if they were just talking with each other. Then I’d ask James Scott Bell and Brandilyn Collins, because I’m certain they’d have a lot to say about the continuing changes in the publishing paradigm. Finally, I’d ask the two ladies who comprise the trio we’ve dubbed The Medical Musketeers, Candace Calvert and Jordyn Redwood, because, sooner or later, conversation at all the dinner parties I attend includes a medical question, and maybe one of them would answer it and give me a rest.

And I’d want to be a fly on the wall, so I could listen in. What about the guest list for a party of six non-authors? Who would you invite and why?
I’d start with my pastor, Chuck Swindoll. I suspect that Chuck could fill the entire evening with anecdotes, his laughter is infectious, and with him there I wouldn’t have to do grace before the meal myself. Then I’d include my friend/golf partner/attorney Jerry Gilmore, because he and his wife, Janie, must know most of the people in the world. We could spend much of the night just playing “three degrees of separation” with them. I’d want to invite pitching legend Nolan Ryan, not only to regale us with baseball stories, but to give us the inside scoop on the Texas Rangers. And, if I could get him, I’d ask professional golfer Phil Mickelson to join us and perhaps tell us how he manages to maintain his clean-cut image as a family man when so many professional athletes are no longer role models. My wife, Kay, would have to be there, of course, since she’s actually the glue that keeps me together in social situations—she’s gracious, thoughtful, and the perfect hostess.

With this one, maybe I could be part of the wait staff who could listen in. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
Just as in sports, where a player is only as good as his last game, an author is only as good as his or her last book. I was fortunate enough to have my first four books published by Abingdon Press, but those four books involved three separate contracts. After that I got a three-book contract from Thomas Nelson. But when that expires, I’ll need to come up with additional ideas, put them in the form of a proposal, and see if I can get yet another contract. So at present, I’m working on what would be my eighth novel. Right now it’s difficult for me to make myself write when there’s no guarantee of publication. But that’s what writers have to do—even multi-published ones.

Yes, and in the current publishing climate a lot of good, multi-published authors are in the same place. Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the back cover copy for Heart Failure.
When her fiancé’s dangerous secrets turn her world upside-down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own safety and the man she loves—and thought she knew.

Dr. Carrie Markham’s heart was broken by the death of her husband two years ago. Now, just as her medical practice is taking off, her fresh engagement to paralegal Adam Davidson seems almost too good to be true . . . until a drive-by shooting leaves Carrie on the floor of his car with glass falling around her.

When he confesses that Adam isn’t his real name and that he fled the witness protection program, Carrie is left with an impossible choice: should she abandon the fiancé she isn’t sure she really knows, or accept his claim of innocence and help him fight back against this faceless menace?

Please give us an excerpt from the book.
This is the end of the first scene in the book:
…Carrie found the garage remote on her key ring and raised the door. When they were inside the house, with the garage door closed, she took a seat on the living room sofa. Adam went through the small house, drawing drapes, closing blinds, and making sure all the doors and windows were locked.

Finally, he returned to where Carrie waited. He started to sit beside her on the sofa, apparently thought better of it, and sank into a chair. “I’ve wrestled with this all the way home. I thought I was finally safe, but maybe I’m not. I know what I’m going to tell you may change things between us, but you deserve an explanation.”

That was the understatement of the year. Thirty minutes ago, she and Adam were a newly engaged couple, winding down an enjoyable evening. By now they should be feeding each other ice cream like two lovebirds, talking seriously and making plans about their future together. But instead… “Yes,” she said, “you owe me an explanation, a big one. So explain.”

“Let me say this first. What I’m about to tell you started long before I met you. My life has changed in the past eight months. I’m different, and it’s because of you. I’m …” Adam leaned toward her. He clenched and unclenched his fists. “To begin with, Adam Davidson isn’t my real name.”

My book just arrived this week. I will start reading it today. Can’t wait. How can readers find you on the Internet?
They can learn more about me at my website, and read my blog posts twice a week. I’m on Twitter and have a Facebook Fan Page. I’m also on Goodreads, although I don’t make it there as often as I probably should.

Thank you, Richard, for sharing this new book with us. You know that both my husband and I love reading your medical suspense novels.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Heart Failure - Christianbook.com
Heart Failure - Amazon.com
Heart Failure - 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, Linkedin, 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

51 comments:

Britney Adams said...

Ooohh! I can't wait to find out who Adam really is! Thank you for a great interview and the opportunity to win HEART FAILURE!

Britney Adams, TX

Jean said...

Oh my goodness! This sounds like a book I need to read!

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

~ Brandilyn Collins said...

Doc, I'd go to dinner with you anytime. :]

Godsgapeach said...

Loved your Prescription for Trouble series, can't wait to dig in to this new book!

Keri Eason
Valdosta, GA

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks to everyone for your comments--and Brandilyn, appreciate your dropping by.
Lena, I'm grateful to you for hosting me.

Unknown said...

Would love to win a copy.
Iris in Nebraska

Trinity Rose said...

Love Richard L. Mabry books.
Would love to win.
Trinity Rose from OH

Diane said...

Since Brandilyn Collins endorses this author, I can't wait to read it!!
Diane from Kentucky

Jim Rubart said...

Wow, I'm honored, Doc! Let's get that dinner going!

Anonymous said...

I love reading "new" authors! I would love to win this book!

Stephanie
Fort Polk, LA

Unknown said...

Dinner?
I'm buying! I wish I had more time to sit and pick the minds of like-minded brothers like you. Your book looks great. Can't wait to give it a read!

Harry Kraus said...

Oops, didn't mean to be unknown...it's Harry Kraus! Let me try this again...

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks, all, for your comments. And Brandilyn, Jim, and Harry--let's get that dinner party going. Maybe at ACFW next year?

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

What fun to have all these other well-known suspense writers to read my blog. Thanks, Doc.

southsidelady said...

Eager to start reading your books. Anyone recommended by Brandilyn Collins is an author I want to read!

Pat
Georgia

Sonya said...

I love Dr. Mabry's books!
Sonya
Louisiana

Amy C said...

I am SO looking forward to reading this book!
Amy C
VA

Linda Kish said...

It's been a while since I've enjoyed one of Dr, Mabry's books. I'd love to win this one.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I have read your "Prescription for Trouble series and I truly enjoyed them! Would love to win a copy of "Heart Failure" to read on my Kindle!

Debbie G. from Washington

Melanie Backus said...

Lena, I have read about this book and it sounds like my kind of book. I know I would love it! Thank you for the great post.

Melanie Backus, TX

Mary Preston said...

I am yet to read a DR. Mabry book, but I have heard great things.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Judy said...

This book is one I MUST read! Thanks for this giveaway.

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Kandra said...

Interesting interview and excerpt! Sign me up!

Kandra in OK

Patty said...

Sounds very intense and intriguing! Would love to read this book.

Patty in SC

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

What an exciting book to win.
I am a huge fan of Dr. Mabrys' books that I would love to win this one.
He always has such a balance of suspense in his books.

I live in Canada.

Vera Godley said...

Dr. Mabry's books are so good and right on target. I reviewed Stress Test and hope to read Heart Failure as well. Please enter my name in the contest "hat."

I live in middle-North Carolina

Mama Cat said...

Thank you for a great interview - I would love to read this! And would also want to be a fly on the wall if Dr Mabry were to host that party for authors! Thanks for the opportunity to win!! Jeanie in Phoenix

Library Lady said...

We have Richard's books in the church library.
I would love to win this one to add to our collection.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Library Lady said...

Oops! I live in Florida.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Holly Magnuson said...

HollyMag321 from SoCal! I've loved Richard's other books and would love a chance to read this one!
Blessings to you both!

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks, all. I love the comments--I wish all of you could win the book. I appreciate your stopping by.

Nathanael Richmond said...

Looks interesting!
Enter me.
Nathanael
Blanch, NC

sm said...

I enjoy medical thrillers. I am an RN. Would love to win your book. sharon, CA

J Smith said...

I enjoyed reading about your pick of 6 non-authors to hang out with...sounds like an interesting group. I would like to read Heart Failure. pudy68[at]gamil[dot]com

Abigail Mitchell said...

Please enter me! :)

Blanch, N.C.

Jackie Smith said...

Please enter me.....love his books!!!
Jackie Smith from GA

jacsmi75[at]gmail[dot]com

Melanie said...

Great interview! I can't wait to read Heart Failure - it sounds SO good! Loved the excerpt. :)

Melanie ~ IL
Frequentreader19 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love all of Richard's books. Actually his "Code Blue "was the first medical suspense I ever read. I quickly became a fan of that genre. Thanks, Richard.
I'm from south eastern Pa.

Richard Mabry said...

I know it gets repetitious, but I truly do appreciate each of you stopping by and leaving comments, especially the ones that say how great my books are. I wish I could bottle all those up and go back to them the next time I get a poor review on Amazon. (Of course, those generally start out with "I didn't know this book was Christian.")

Jan H said...

I love a good suspense story. I am very interested to see how this story unfolds. It is not exactly easy for a doctor to give up their practice. What sent Adam into the witness protection program. I hope I win. :) I am in West Texas

journeystojoy.net said...

I'm new to Dr. Mabry's books and would love a chance to win one of his.

I'm from the southwestern corner of Michigan's lower peninsula and tucked away from most of Michigan's other ACFW writers - LOVE the connection these blogs and the Main loop give us as writers.
Congratulations, Dr. Mabry on another release!

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Melissa Oldaker said...

Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!

Melissa O from NC

Lourdes said...

Ok what is his real name? LOL so looking forward to reading this book. Great interview, would love to win.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

J Smith said...

What a dope I am! I forgot to mention that I live in Fitchburg, MA. [It wouldn't let me just edit my post, so sorry for the double-up!] pudy68[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Redwood's Medical Edge said...

I'm so happy to be part of the dinner party. We'd just have to make sure our medical talk doesn't get too graphic as to upset your other guests!

I'd love to chat with all those other authors, too. I'm a big fan of each you mentioned.

Ruth Kephart said...

I absolutely love your books. I am from Pennsylvania and have read a good number of them. So glad to be entered here to win Heart Failure!

Ruth Kephart said...

I guess I needed to leave an email. hootowlrn@windstream.net

Sorry for the double post, but again, I am a big fan of your work!

Brandie Mcnemar said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Merry said...

The storyline for Heart Failure sounds terrific. Please include me in the drawing, thanks.
Merry in MN